Weekly Clips for Dec. 25

Hyper Local Highlights

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This week’s top headlines

By Ashlin Sanderson

SPRINGFIELD – Sean VanGordon took a look back on 2025 and discussed his accomplishments as mayor, as well as some challenging aspects of the year. He highlighted the Fiscal Stability…

By Ashlin Sanderson

COTTAGE GROVE – Cottage Grove underwent some significant changes this year, like a new Main Street and Bohemia Park Splash Pad. Mayor Candace Solesbee discussed what it has been like…

By Ashlin Sanderson

CRESWELL – Creswell Mayor Nick Smith reflected on a year of notable achievements and ongoing challenges as he navigates his inaugural term, noting the importance of community development and infrastructure…

By Ashlin Sanderson

SPRINGFIELD – Willamalane partnered with The Hope Project, a non-profit organization in Lane County dedicated to quick response needs that provides any help it can. Together, the two organizations coordinated…

By Chronicle News Service

COTTAGE GROVE – The Downtown Cottage Grove window decorating contest, sponsored by Cottage Grove Art Walk, was a success, with more businesses participating than in the past, making it a…

By Ashlin Sanderson

CRESWELL – Creswell’s newest city manager shared insight into his role for 2025. Originally from Iowa, Vincent Martorello was appointed to Creswell’s position in May. He discussed some of his…




In case you missed it…

Winter nights, bright lights: ‘The Friendly City’ rolls out the welcome mat for winter events

Cottage Grove Rodeo semi truck entry in the light parade during Creswell’s 2025 winter lights event celebrating the holiday season in downtown Creswell Oregon, December 13, 2025. CRAIG STROBECK / THE CHRONICLE

CRESWELL – Christmas magic sprinkled its sparkles over the City of Creswell last Saturday when the 22nd annual Creswell Winter Lights Festival spread holiday cheer.

The Creswell Chamber of Commerce hosted the yearly event, and an estimated 500 people lined Oregon Avenue from 1st through 7th Street for the big show.

“This is probably the biggest turnout I’ve seen,” said one regular attendee.

Kids ran in and out of the street playing catch, practicing cartwheels, and laughing with friends before the parade started. Folks bundled up in layers with blankets to stay warm in the sub-50-degree weather, and neighbors watched the parade from the comfort of their porch with a small fire.

The Creswell Grange had its doors open for a vintage, craft, and bake sale. The Creswell Historical Museum was also open for folks to warm up before and after the parade. Festive tunes played on almost every street corner, either from store radios or live performances that were scattered throughout the town.