COTTAGE GROVE – As winter settles into communities throughout the Willamette Valley, ending a year that has brought challenges like no other, it’s the arts and humanities programs that continue to provide needed connection and healing. Local organizations that deliver theater, music and art have…

The raging fires moved swiftly and intensely. Wildfires destroyed parts of Lane County, threatened others, and delayed the start of school as thousands of Oregonians were evacuated. Those who fled to safety were in shock from the loss of their homesteads, their pets, their missing…

Photos: Two women counter-protesting the “Black Lives Matter” rally include “White Power” messaging on a sweatshirt; the July 4 parade included an equestrian team; and Creswell’s City Hall was the scene of protesters. When Covid guidelines that were issued by the governor’s office kept the…

Springfield Public Schools graduated 644 students and hosted a staggered ceremonial approach. Gateway High School graduated 39; Springfield High School graduated 292; Academy for Arts and Academics graduated 47; and Thurston High School graduated 266 students. Over the course of two weeks, graduates were called…

Former Creswell mayor Richard Zettervall/CHRONICLE FILE PHOTO CRESWELL – It was a term cut short for former Creswell mayor Richard Zettervall in 2020 after he resigned in September amid adversarial community reactions to an equity resolution he and city councilors were discussing. He had three…

The Year 2020 has culminated into an historic year – from a global pandemic, to calls for social justice and equity in our local cities, to destruction by wildfires on the outskirts of town.  The pandemic effectively shut down much of the southern Willamette Valley…

The pandemic was felt across the southern Willamette Valley, and while cases and deaths were not as high as other regions, the economic impact was real.  Two of four partners, David Barclay, left, and master brewer Nate Sampson, inside Covered Bridge Brewing Group. Johnny Saldana…

Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of a two-part series on “other” Cottage Groves across the country. Cottage Grove, Minn., has its brand on street signs and water towers throughout the town. The Wisconsin Grove has become a bit of a Rugby mecca. The nonprofit…

CHS senior Jenessa Mallory with mom Lori Leavitt shared their stories of overcoming obstacles to make the best of a tough year. Jenessa Co-Valedictorian; her mom helps lead the Bulldogs athletics boosters.  A Pleasant Hill grad holds a bouquet of flowers After schools shut down…