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…]
City & Government
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…]
South Lane may soon see its own recreation district
COTTAGE GROVE – There was some forward movement for the South Lane Parks & Recreation District formation, as city council voted in favor for a resolution to nudge the district onto its next step on Jan. 8. In a proposal written on Dec. 1, 2023, the South Lane Parks &[Read More…]
In Brief: Cottage Grove City Council Roundup
COTTAGE GROVE – The chambers were lively, and at times disruptive, during this past Monday’s city council meeting on Jan. 8. Cottage Grove City Council navigated through impactful topics, switching gears effortlessly with the skill of someone who knows all their favorite television channels would wield a remote. Solesbee’s State[Read More…]
Creswell assessing resident feedback on chain grocery store, Farmlands
CRESWELL – The City has taken the ongoing conversation surrounding the citizens’ desire to have a bigger grocery store seriously by circulating a questionnaire, which closed on Dec. 18, created by consultant Marketek, Inc. The consultant group is using market research to try to “think like a grocery store” to[Read More…]
Local Roundup Briefs: Week of Jan. 4
Mill Street Reconstruction Project begins this year SPRINGFIELD – The Mill Street Reconstruction Project is planned to begin the summer of 2024 and will extend through the summer of 2025. The project will address crumbling pavement as well as challenges faced by pedestrians and bicyclists. According to the City, the Mill[Read More…]
Springfield mayor reflects on 2023
SPRINGFIELD — Rewinding the year and looking ahead to the new one, the talk of infrastructure improvements puts a glisten in mayor Sean VanGordon’s eyes. “The City’s done quite a bit of work around infrastructure this year,” he said. “When you think about modernizing, improving, and maintaining, just taking care[Read More…]
With 2023 in the rear-view mirror, mayors upbeat for year ahead
COTTAGE GROVE — A native to the city she now leads, mayor Candace Solesbee speaks openly about the pride she has for her hometown — a feeling she hopes becomes contagious under her leadership. There were some especially tough times in the Grove in 2023: investigation released in March found[Read More…]
Hats Off: Another Year Gone By
CRESWELL — A required skill of a city leader, Creswell mayor Dave Stram has spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on 2023’s impacts on the City, and now is ready to jump in feet first into the new year. Always a man who finds the silver lining — perhaps[Read More…]
In brief: Springfield housing highlights
Cornerstone Community Housing A low-income housing development at 1875 16th St. Construction will begin in January and is projected to be completed by the end of 2024 or early 2025. A waitlist for tenants will open approximately 90 days before it’s completed and ready for move-in. There will be 39 affordable[Read More…]
