SPRINGFIELD – Springfield City Council at its April 11 meeting approved a change in its emergency shelter code to allow religious and social institutions to be used as a safe space to park for people in need.  The code changes the references of “churches” to “religious or social institutions” for outdoor[Read More…]

SPRINGFIELD – The City of Springfield is scheduled for mediation before a federal judge on April 18 for a potential settlement of the lawsuit stemming from the Thurston protest in July of 2020. In preparation for the mediation, at Monday’s Springfield City Council meeting, council unanimously authorized city manager Nancy[Read More…]

SPRINGFIELD – Street repair efforts funded by general obligation bond 20-296 are two years ahead of schedule with the final project set for completion this year, according to City staff.  In 2021, four projects were completed including Olympic Street, Mohawk Boulevard, 42nd Street, and Thurston Road/Highbanks Road, with one more[Read More…]

CHRONICLE PHOTO – An illuminated Springfield Police sign inside the department. SPRINGFIELD — Questioning transparency of the process, nearly a dozen Springfield residents at this week’s City Council meeting cited their concerns, disappointment, and sense of betrayal in how the City came to its decision of hiring its newest police[Read More…]

ERIN TIERNEY/THE CHRONICLE – Springfield Chamber’s longtime executive director Vonnie Mikkelsen stands in the entryway of the newly remodeled, freshly painted Chamber office at 101 S. A St. The redesigned space will allow for better workflow and collaboration efforts, and now offers a more inviting space for community gatherings. Before[Read More…]

ERIN TIERNEY/THE CHRONICLE – Springfield Economic Development Agency this week gave the OK for the city manager to pursue the purchase of 1.99 acres of Glenwood property, including this one at 4102 Franklin Boulevard. GLENWOOD — Springfield Economic Development Agency hopes to refine the Glenwood area one tax lot at[Read More…]

IFYOUGO: What: Parent Café When: Thursday, Feb. 24, 6-8 p.m. Where: Meets virtually More info: Visit tinyurl.com/FebruaryParentCafé to register by Monday, Feb. 21.   *** SPRINGFIELD — A program at Springfield Public Schools is embracing parents as their own experts by creating an inclusive space to explore the fortes and obstacles[Read More…]

A stock image of a drone SPRINGFIELD – City Council this week considered the implementation of drone usage as a means to strengthen the methods of 21st century policing in Springfield.  It’s a topic that both Springfield councilors and police officers are already foreshadowing as controversial, especially as it relates to[Read More…]

Damien Pitts, in his UO campus office, says his childhood in the Deep South and experience traveling the globe while serving in the U.S. Army has helped him appreciate diverse cultures. BRADLEY COOK/FLASHBOX STUDIO Editor’s Note: This profile of Springfield City Councilor Damien Pitts was written by freelance journalist and[Read More…]

The Glenwood area is attracting new development. EMMA ROUTLEY/FILE PHOTO GLENWOOD – The Springfield Economic Development Agency this week selected a team to develop its nine acres of Glenwood riverfront property.  City staff will enter into an exclusive negotiation agreement with developers Edlen and Co. and deChase Miksis, giving the[Read More…]