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Ashlin Sanderson

Ashlin Sanderson is the City & Community reporter for The Chronicle. She joined the team in December 2024 as a Catalyst reporter through the University of Oregon. A Cottage Grove native, Ashlin enjoys immersing herself in the communities she grew up in and around. She spends her free time outdoors with her family and friends.

Dancing, reading kick off library series

SPRINGFIELD – Last Wednesday, the Springfield Public Library and History Museum launched the 2026 Summer Reading Program with a free, multicultural event featuring Tahitian dance and storytelling by Anavai O Te Ora. The traditional dance of Tahiti, ‘Ori Tahiti, was…

Balancing act: Creswell passes 2026-27 budget

CRESWELL – While neighboring cities grapple with having to make deep budget cuts to their services and operations, the City of Creswell – which has earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 10 consecutive years –…

Committee approves Willamalane $37M budget

SPRINGFIELD – Last week, committee members approved a $37 million budget for Willamalane Park and Recreation District to be sent forward to the board of directors. On June 16, district staff explained department budgets and presented a balanced budget to…

CG residents oppose 100-foot cell tower

COTTAGE GROVE – Last Wednesday, the idea of a 100-foot cell tower was floated before the Cottage Grove Planning Commission during a public hearing and raised community concerns. The application was submitted on April 21 by Smartlink LLC, and the…

Springfield approves $155M budget

SPRINGFIELD – After months of debate, robust public testimony, and difficult conversations, the Springfield City Council approved the city’s 2026-27 budget during a meeting earlier this week in an effort to address the City’s $4.5 million budget shortfall. As part…

SPS budget cuts key programs, staffing

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Public Schools Board of Education adopted a budget last Monday that includes reductions to the district’s Dual Immersion Program and over 30 job cuts in addition to the district’s mid-year layoffs. Like many other districts across Oregon,…