COTTAGE GROVE – Former mayor Bill Whiteman, a good friend, community leader, and successful businessman in South Lane County, passed away on Dec. 13, 2024. I first met Bill in the late 1970s when my family and I moved from Everett, Wash. Bill was involved with Beeper, Shop and Swap,[Read More…]
Author: Don Williams for The Chronicle
Letter to the Editor: Paying tribute to Al January
Dear Editor: My thanks to The Chronicle and editor Erin for a great article written with passion and feeling. Of course, I am referring to last weeks’ report on the life and family of Al January. Again, I emphasize the article written with feeling. It is rare today in journalism[Read More…]
LTE: Remembering Leroy Zimmerman
Dear Editor, It is with great sadness that I recognize another leading citizen of Cottage Grove’s passing, Leroy Zimmerman, editor and publisher of The Cottage Grove Sentinel in past years. He passed away in Bend, his new home, on April 10. The reasons are manifold to recognize Leroy. As[Read More…]
Letter to the Editor: Al January will be missed
Last week I learned sad news that we have lost another community leader, Al January, of Creswell. I got to know Al several years ago through the Humane Society of Cottage Grove. Later, I worked with Al regarding the carousel in the Creswell parade, as well as other civic events.[Read More…]
Riding the rails
A dog named Owney: A nod to beloved animal mascots Dear readers, thank you for supporting The Chronicle and for following the Nostalgia Corner. I am pleased to be writing again after some time away. Today’s column will be the story of a little dog named Owney, who appeared in[Read More…]
An appeal to volunteers
Dear readers: Those who have followed my writings in the past will remember I have written tributes to relatives and work associates who have gone before us. In writing these articles or tributes, I am making an effort to point out to the readers the importance of volunteerism in our[Read More…]
Summer celebrations help recall special times spent with mom, dad
There is excitement and happiness for many families who have enjoyed the now-concluded Creswell parade and Bohemia Mining Days, plus additional time at the Cottage Grove race track and WOE facility. I extend my thanks and appreciation to the Creswell Chamber of Commerce for putting on a very fine and[Read More…]
Letter to the Editor: Springfield fire chief has record of community service
To the Editor: Dear Chief Craven: My hearty congratulations on your appointment of Fire Chief. I remember when you came to the CG Department in 2002. You worked hard to educate yourself on fire science and paramedics. I notice your presentations on TV. You are extremely well-spoken and do an[Read More…]
Nostalgia Corner: Remembering, missing friends during 86th birthday celebration
Don Williams celebrated his 86th birthday on March 9, surrounded by friends at Stacy’s Covered Bridge Restaurant. Standing, from left are: Shawn Kelley, Karol Kuhn Simons, JD and Ruth Linoz, Tyson Woodard, Ralph Weeldreyer, Kris Woodard, Cameron Reiten, Celia Gowing, Jeff Gowing, Bev Kelly, Dale Pallin, Bob Martindale, Grant Johnson,[Read More…]
Old, new meet at dedication of veteran legacy therapy horse team
Retired sheriff Capt. Paul Sachet, Don Williams, past chairman, county advisory corrections committee, and retired sheriff Capt. Dan Buckwald pose in front of Penny and Pearl, two of the better-known horses that pull the wagon. PHOTO PROVIDED Karen Munsell and I had the privilege of visiting Camp Alma, which is[Read More…]