FRIDAY. FEB, 14 ■ Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission, 7:30 a.m. at Springfield City Hall, 225 5th St. ■ Springfield 2nd Friday Art Walk, 5-7 at Springfield City Hall. 225 5th St. TUESDAY, FEB. 18 ■ Springfield City Council Work Session, 6 p.m., 225 5th St. ■ Springfield City Council Executive[Read More…]
City & Government
Springfield Police Chief resigning
SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Police Chief Andrew Shearer announced his resignation on Feb. 12, effective March 14, 2025. “Over the past four years, he has worked to enhance SPD’s community trust, operational effectiveness, and internal culture, leaving a lasting impact on the department,” stated Elyse Ditzel, the public information officer for[Read More…]
A Capitol experience for Springfield, Creswell, & Cottage Grove leadership
SALEM – On Jan. 28, hundreds of community leaders, including leaders from Springfield, Creswell, and Cottage Grove, flocked to Salem for City Day at the Capitol. The event, led by the League of Oregon Cities (LOC), allows statewide officials and legislators to promote advocacy and progress through informative briefings[Read More…]
Springfield State of the City outlines ‘Our Way Forward’ in 2025
SPRINGFIELD – From the lively musical stylings of the Springfield High School Jazz Band to enthusiastic pre-event conversation amongst attendees, the Wildish Theater in Springfield was abuzz on Jan. 30 for 2025’s State of the City Address. Mayor Sean VanGordon presented a comprehensive list of Springfield’s 2024 highlights and challenges[Read More…]
Back from the blaze: Lane County firefighters return home from California
Following a two-week mobilization to Southern California to assist with the wildfire response – the largest out-of-state deployment in Oregon history – the state’s 21 strike teams arrived home last week, including two from Lane County. Oregon strike teams battled the Palisades and Eaton fires near Los Angeles, including Eugene-Springfield[Read More…]
Celebrating Dr. King’s legacy: Springfield hosts parade, student contest
SPRINGFIELD – On Jan. 20, a crowd of community members braved the nearly-freezing weather to march in solidarity with warm hearts under one theme: Peace equals justice. “We’re going to stand shoulder to shoulder, we’re going to lean on each other, we’re going to lean into our community,” said Kori[Read More…]
EWEB ice storm tally set to exceed $11 million
EWEB’s reconstruction costs from the January 2024 ice storm are set to exceed $11 million. The storm, which lasted from January 13 to 16, caused significant damage, resulting in $9.4 million in initial cleanup expenses, including equipment replacements and labor. An additional $2 to $3 million will be allocated for[Read More…]
Harbick gets state rep assignments
Representative Darin Harbick on Jan. 13 was sworn into office as the District 12 State Rep. Harbick’s assignments for the upcoming 83rd legislative session include the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care, the House Committee on Education, and the Vice Chair of the House Committee on Higher Education[Read More…]
Creswell City Council reconvenes with new faces, priorities
CRESWELL – Councilors Mark Kremer, Joan Morris, Clark Kent, and Mayor Nick Smith were sworn into office on Jan. 13. Smith, councilor-turned-mayor, manages Roberts Supply Co. in Springfield. “I saw a need for a conservative voice on the council and decided to get involved. I wanted to do something, not[Read More…]
Cottage Grove City Council sworn in, praises good work by the community
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[Read More…]