Creswell to receive $1 million for wastewater treatment facility
CRESWELL – Gov. Tina Kotek signed SB 1530 on April 17 which allocated money from the general fund to various cities and programs throughout the state. One line item was to allocate $1 million “to the City of Creswell for wastewater treatment facility upgrades and connections to a regional treatment facility.”
This bill’s passing comes just a week after the governor issued notice of potential vetoes within the bill, which had noted Creswell’s funding allocations as a potential line item veto. After that announcement, Kotek said she received “adequate information to have confidence in signing” SB 1530.
According to city manager Michelle Amberg, the City will use the funds to complete the next items on its list from the Department of Environmental Quality. She said Creswell will hire a consultant, clean the wastewater lines, send a camera down the lines, analyze the video, and slip seal any damages that are identified.
Lane County partners with local child care provider
As part of its efforts to attract and keep a talented workforce, Lane County is partnering with local childcare provider Tip Tap Grow to help its employees access childcare.
“We are one of many areas in Oregon considered a childcare desert,” said Lane County Chief Human Resources Officer Alana Holmes. “When we surveyed our employees last year, hundreds shared their concerns about being able to obtain childcare. This new partnership will not only support our employees and help Lane County remain an employer of choice, but also supports a growing local business.”
The partnership will allow County employees to be prioritized for up to 50 new spots at Tip Tap Grow for children between 6 weeks old and 6 years old. County employees will be responsible for paying the same tuition rates as other parents. Any of the 50 spots not used by a County employee will be available to the public.
In order to help Tip Tap Grow expand and offer these new placements, Lane County is providing an investment of $25,000 in the business. Tip Tap Grow celebrated with a ribbon cutting this past weekend and will open on May 1.
Wildish, SRDC help bring hearing loop project to life
When Travel Lane County receives its national award in June from the Hearing Loss Association of America, it can point to the Wildish Theater and the Springfield Renaissance Development Corporation as models of how to bring a project to life.
The SRDC, the Wildish, and Travel Lane County teamed up to bring hearing loop technology to 40 spots throughout the county, with many more to come. Travel Lane County will receive the 2024 Get in the Hearing Loop Award in Phoenix at the HLAA 2024 Convention from June 26-29.
Theater president Kelly Mason said he’s excited to have the new hearing loops installed and thanked the SRDC for raising the funds that made the installation possible.
“The Wildish is happy to be a destination that focuses on accessibility. The Theater couldn’t be more grateful for community partners that have a shared vision of inclusion and excellence and a commitment to making the Wildish a place that everyone can enjoy,” Mason said in a press release..
“The Wildish Community Theater is well-known for its high-quality acoustics,” SRDC president Mike Eyster said. “The hearing loop will make the theater much more accessible to even more patrons.”
The fund-raising efforts were led by Joe Leahy and Bob Duey, who raised the necessary funds in just a few weeks. The commitment of community members adds to the quality of the Wildish experience.
Vet center finds Pleasant new home
PLEASANT HILL – The Community Vet Center has moved from Eugene at 470 State Hwy 99 N. to Pleasant Hill at 84920 Ridgeway Rd. It is a nonprofit which coins itself “Not for profit. For love.” Its mission is to provide high-quality care to all animals regardless of income.
“We have a lot in store that we would like to provide for the community,” said Brooke Taliaferro, practice manager.
The vet offers prices on a sliding scale based on annual income, and Taliaferro said it is known for only charging about 1/3 of the average price for dentals. It offers vaccines, exams, and preventative care for animals. Soon, the Community Vet Center will be offering spays and neuters. Call 458-215-8208 to schedule appointments or learn more about what donations the center is accepting.
