COTTAGE GROVE – Each year, January brings an influx of new goals, routines, and, in the case of Cottage Grove City Council, new faces.
At its meeting on Jan. 13, the city council candidates were sworn in, and incumbent Greg Ervin (Ward 4) was unanimously appointed council president.
While Ervin was initially apprehensive about stepping into a council president role he previously held in the name of giving another councilor a chance, Councilor Dana Merryday encouraged him to think differently.

“I really appreciate his ability to lead a meeting in a fair and even-handed manner and express a good understanding of the role as a facilitator,” Merryday said.
Mayor Candace Solesbee and councilors Christine Hyink (Ward 1), Randell Lammerman (Ward 2), Ervin, and Darrel Wilson (At-Large) were sworn in. Jim Settlemeyer (At-Large) tuned in remotely and will be sworn in at an upcoming city council meeting.
“I am excited to take on the role of your mayor, working alongside a committed team of community volunteers who will act as your council,” Solesbee said. “Together, we will not only tackle the challenges that lie ahead but also find ways to celebrate our successes.”

“To both the returning and new councilors, while this will be one of the most challenging volunteer roles you’ve ever taken on, it is my hope that it will also be rewarding. I encourage all of us to support one another and learn from our experiences,” Solesbee said.



Recognizing residents’ contributions
At the meeting, Solesbee highlighted the impact of Bill Whiteman, 86, a former city councilor and mayor who died on Dec. 13.
From the JCs and the Chamber of Commerce to the Lemati Gang and Bohemia Mining Days Committee, to name a few, Whiteman cemented himself as a valuable contributor to the place he called home.
Solesbee also presented the Mayoral Citizen Award to Don Williams, a longtime friend of Whiteman.
Williams is an avid volunteer, consistently seeking new recruits to join organizations like the Rotary Club of Cottage Grove and the Chamber of Commerce. Solesbee shouted out his commitment to championing causes, including maintaining a hospital in Cottage Grove and keeping Bohemia Mining Days alive.
“Tonight, we celebrate the ‘cowboy’ of our town and honor a truly remarkable individual–because, let’s face it, they just don’t make them like Don anymore,” Solesbee said.
Williams said he seeks to provide additional support for the team in 2025.
“I would love to spend time with you, developing programs, working with you, and giving you a call, and saying, ‘Mayor, I need help. Can you point me in the right direction?” Williams said. “All these mayors before, that’s exactly what I did over the years. I just appreciate what you’re doing, and I appreciate the award.”
The Mayoral Business Award recipients were Toni and Randy Dietz of Oba Ramen and Dietz Deli, and Denton Bell, Walmart store manager.
The Dietzes received glowing remarks for providing candlelight dining and free meals during the ice storm. They also supported a rising restaurant in Cottage Grove, with Oba Ramen as a temporary kitchen for an aspiring business owner.

“Toni and Randy are not only fantastic business owners but also truly dedicated to making Cottage Grove a better place for all. Let’s celebrate their wonderful contributions,” Solesbee said.
Solesbee also spotlighted the tireless efforts of the city’s local Walmart during the ice storm.
“I was fortunate to connect with management – Mario, Brandon, and Denton – who immediately understood the gravity of our needs. They instructed me to return to my office, compile a list of necessary supplies, and assured me they would handle the rest,” Solesbee said.
Walmart donated a truckload of supplies, including water, food, sanitary products, and a gift card.
This article was updated Jan. 24 at 1:12 p.m. to properly identify Denton Bell and Randy Dietz in the photo captions.