COTTAGE GROVE – When discussing the expenses the January ice storm has caused the City of Cottage Grove, public works and development director Faye Stewart began by telling the council, “I’m glad you’re all sitting down.” From Jan. 13-Feb. 29, there were 4,142.75 hours logged by City staff, which Stewart[Read More…]
City & Government
Developer incentives may be a boost for Springfield housing
SPRINGFIELD — Like most Oregon cities, increasing housing inventory is a top conversation among councils — including at Springfield City Council, which met on Monday to discuss new ways to make Springfield more development-friendly, with a goal of adding more multiple-unit housing to its inventory. According to Katie Carroll, housing[Read More…]
In brief week of March 7
Creswell discusses ice storm damage, Chamber budget CRESWELL — A recent transportation update was provided at a recent Creswell City Council meeting, noting that: • The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) estimated that they suffered $2.2 million in damage from the ice storm. • Washington and Oregon have received a[Read More…]
Skills of the Trades
Su gets hands on with Springfield’s workforce SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su spent some time with a couple local organizations last Thursday to listen to personal stories, tour facilities, and take in information about the work industries here. She was accompanied by Oregon congresswoman Val Hoyle. Their[Read More…]
Grove roads high priority for ODOT
COTTAGE GROVE – The Oregon Department of Transportation continues to keep tabs on improvements needed to Cottage Grove’s roads, and this week, an ODOT official discussed the city’s slated ADA Ramp Project, which focuses largely on pedestrian safety. With improvements slated for completion this year, Jenna Berman, ODOT active transportation[Read More…]
Unparalleled treatment court rooted in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD – A fifth treatment court will soon be up and running in the Eugene-Springfield area, but it won’t be anything Springfield has seen before. The City was awarded a $900,000 grant at the beginning of the federal fiscal year, which was last October, and the Springfield Municipal Adult Rehabilitation[Read More…]
Creswell City Council: Ad hoc committee for unhoused a no
CRESWELL – After an at-times tense conversation during Creswell City Council’s Jan. 29 work session, the council decided not to create an ad hoc unhoused advisory committee. It would have been a committee of three Creswell residents – including at least one who has been unhoused – one nonresident, and[Read More…]
Change: The law of life
New Cottage Grove Police leadership paves way for rebuilding, rebranding COTTAGE GROVE – After a tumultuous couple of years — from sudden resignations and investigations finding “numerous instances of wrongdoing” of the department’s leadership — the Cottage Grove Police Department is working to regain the community’s trust, beginning first where[Read More…]
Carbon monoxide deaths spike in ice storm
Walter Cranford was a workhorse who was described as a “bright light for anybody who ever came across him.” “He didn’t ever have bad words to say, even in the most stressful situations,” said Darrell Cranford, his nephew. Walter, 44, of Cottage Grove, died on Jan. 17 during the ice[Read More…]
Power outages, tree debris dominate post-storm work
As the ice melted and a welcome thaw set over the southern Willamette Valley this week, the rising temperatures matched frustrated residents and volunteers. Lane County, Springfield, Cottage Grove, and Creswell all declared a state of emergency last week – a declaration that should speed resources and help to the[Read More…]