Copy of Community Newsletter for May 29

Community Newsletter

Our news, other views, and things to do:
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What’s happening in our community:

Class Acts: Graduation magazine publications
Coming this week! The Chronicle’s 2025 Graduation Magazine, Class Acts, will be included for free with every Chronicle newspaper next week, June 19th.
23 Apr 2025
Class Acts: Graduation magazine publications
Coming this week! The Chronicle’s 2025 Graduation Magazine, Class Acts, will be included for free with every Chronicle newspaper next week, June 19th.
23 Apr 2025
Upcoming blood drives in Springfield, Eugene
Chronicle news service The Oregon Wildfire season and the Atlantic Hurricane season are underway now. Summer can mean an increased threat of severe storms, wildfires, and extreme heat, and the…
11 Jun 2025
Upcoming blood drives in Springfield, Eugene
Chronicle news service The Oregon Wildfire season and the Atlantic Hurricane season are underway now. Summer can mean an increased threat of severe storms, wildfires, and extreme heat, and the…
11 Jun 2025
Three Rivers awards grants to 26 Lane-based nonprofits
The Three Rivers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Three Rivers Casino Resort, awarded $720,000 in grants in 2025 to 60 organizations throughout Oregon, with over $270,000 allocated to 26…
11 Jun 2025
Three Rivers awards grants to 26 Lane-based nonprofits
The Three Rivers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Three Rivers Casino Resort, awarded $720,000 in grants in 2025 to 60 organizations throughout Oregon, with over $270,000 allocated to 26…
11 Jun 2025
Mill Street constriction forces ‘Light of Liberty’ into hiatus
SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Utility Board announced today that due to major construction on Mill Street, the utility will not be holding this year’s Light of Liberty Celebration. SUB, in coordination…
12 Jun 2025
Mill Street constriction forces ‘Light of Liberty’ into hiatus
SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Utility Board announced today that due to major construction on Mill Street, the utility will not be holding this year’s Light of Liberty Celebration. SUB, in coordination…
12 Jun 2025
Letter to the Editor: Congratulations on career growth, ownership stake in newspaper
Dear Editor: Congratulations (Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller) on your advancement in the world of journalism, being a business partner! I have watched your career grow from the time you first went to…
12 Jun 2025
Letter to the Editor: Congratulations on career growth, ownership stake in newspaper
Dear Editor: Congratulations (Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller) on your advancement in the world of journalism, being a business partner! I have watched your career grow from the time you first went to…
12 Jun 2025

In case you missed it…

Pupke, 101, leaves behind lasting legacy in Cottage Grove

Pupke family photos

COTTAGE GROVE – On May 16, 2025, Ronald Irving Pupke passed away at the age of 101, leaving behind a lifetime of accomplishments and joining his beloved co-conspirator, “Sim.” Together, they shared 68 years of marriage and a loving family.

The Pupkes had been residents of Cottage Grove since 1953, when Ron was recruited by Jesse Fassold, a fellow Marine and the South Lane School District superintendent, to take over as the physical education teacher at Jefferson Jr. High School. Ron and Sim met initially while enrolled in summer school at the University of Oregon, where they were both pursuing degrees in physical education for teaching. They often enjoyed going out for ice cream after class.

The Pupkes truly exemplified teamwork in every aspect of their lives. They enjoyed dancing – still able to do the fast polka at the age of 85 – traveling, attending music festivals, and making friendships. They were active members of the First Presbyterian Church and the Elks.

From a young age, Pupke cultivated a passion for math and sports, which led him to pursue a career teaching both subjects. He applied his skills while serving on school finance committees and held financial positions, including those of elder and deacon, at the Presbyterian Church.

Read it here