The Cottage Grove entinel
Fire captain arrested for allegedly luring a minor
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
A South Lane County Fire & Rescue captain faces criminal charges including luring a child.
The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 54-year-old Darron Leslie Houck of Cottage Grove, Nov. 14 during an undercover operation. Houck was indicted by the Hood River County Grand Jury Nov. 12. He was arraigned in Hood River Nov. 15. His next court date is 10 a.m. Nov. 26. According to court records, Houck sought sexual contact
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
from an officer posing as a child. The court indictment states that the incident happened in September 2024. The communications were an “explicit verbal description of sexual conduct,” according to the indictment.
Houck faces charges that include Luring a Minor and Official Misconduct 1.
Houck had been a South Lane Fire & Rescue employee for 17 years. The following is a statement from South Lane Fire & Rescue Chief John Wooten:
The District staff and personnel are shocked and deeply
disturbed by the arrest of Mr. Houck.
Given the charges brought against him in Hood River County, Mr. Houck has been relieved of duty and placed on unpaid administrative leave.
We are cooperating with the investigation and given this is an ongoing investigation it is inappropriate for us to provide further comment at this time.
John Wooten Fire Chief
Detectives believe there may be more victims. Anyone with additional information about
Crews began developing the smaller homeless
this individual is asked to call the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 541-387-7077.
Hood River Sheriff’s Office investigators said they regularly conduct undercover operations, both full-scale stings and dayto-day chats, targeting child predators.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the Milwaukee Police Department, the Hood River Police Department, The Dalles Police Department, the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office, assisted with the undercover operation that resulted in Houck’s arrest and indictment.
facing Oregon’s wildland firefighters
Residential program closing
CINDY WEELDREYER Cottage Grove Sentinel
For 36 years, the big white house behind the “umbrella trees” on West Main Street has been home to Cottage Grove residents with severe and persistent mental illness.
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
today.” Canino added that his staff remains steadfast in its commitment to the mental health of the South Lane community, and they are working with the state and housing partners for a smooth transition for BRC residents.
STAFFING SHORTAGES
Make a Plan campaign launched
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
“None of us have ever managed a homeless camp before, so we knew that date was a bit aspirational,” Sauerwein said. “We are hoping that this week we will be able to make the transition. Our goal was to provide folks with a safe and secure place to spend the night and that’s what we are doing.”
A collaborative group of individuals, organizations and governmental agencies are working as the Safe Lane Transportation Coalition to reduce fatalities and severe injury crashes in Lane County.
Sauerwein said city staff was cleaning up the Lulu Dog Park to reestablish it as a dog park. Specific costs of that cleanup and establishing the smaller homeless camp at 12th Street were not immediately available.
The coalition utilizes the strengths and resources of its members’ organizations to establish transportation safety policies, programs and practices. The Safe Lane Transportation Coalition adopts a harm reduction approach and implements strategies that address speed reduction, DUII prevention, and traffic safety education and outreach.
“THE AVERAGE PERSON DOESN’T BELIEVE THAT THE THREAT OF A FATAL OR LIFE-ALTERING DUII CRASH APPLIES TO THEM.”
For more than three decades, South Lane Mental Health (SLMH) has garnered respect, both near and far, for its innovative strategies to best serve clients in a rural setting. One of its innovations is the Bohemia Residential Community (BRC).
way, the coalition is encouraging Lane County residents to celebrate the holidays safely by making a plan before drinking alcohol or consuming other intoxicants that can impair driving.
The new mini homeless camp will include the same restrictions as the former larger camps.
“The same rules will apply,” Sauwrwein said. “The camp will be available from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and the rules will be enforced through our contracting company, One Security of Eugene to help us during this transition period. They are a very experienced homeless camp management company.”
“If you plan to consume alcohol or cannabis, make a plan beforehand,” Pfefferle said.
“Schedule a cab or rideshare, designate a sober driver or take public transportation. If transportation options are limited, consider spending the night with a trusted friend or family member.”
SHIFTING COMMUNITY PERCEPTION
The Safe Lane Transportation Coalition is working to shift community perception to help people understand that it is not acceptable nor safe to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as part of a county-wide public awareness campaign that’s kicking off this month. “Make A Plan” is the central message of the campaign.
Sauerwein and other city officials have told the Sentinel, that there are no additional plans to offer any other long-term sheltering for the homeless.
aged to share the “Make A Plan” campaign on their social media channels by accessing an online digital toolkit found at SafeLaneCoalition.org/Sober. Campaign collateral, like drink coasters, are being distributed and made available to restaurants and bars, as well.
DUII FACTS
• Crashes from DUII are 100% preventable.
“Cottage Grove will follow state law as we understand it,” Sauerwein said. “That is what we are doing. To change that is up to the legislature. The city of Cottage Grove has no plans to do any kind of a shelter beyond what we are
• The most recent five-year rolling data (2018-2022) shows that, on average, four impaired driving-related fatalities occur annually in the central Lane County metropolitan area, while an additional nine impaired driving fatalities occur in more rural areas of Lane County— that’s 13 lives that could have been spared by planning ahead for a ride.
• According to current cannabis laws in Oregon, it is legal to possess and use cannabis. However, it is still illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of cannabis.
currently doing, which is providing a location for folks to spend the night from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.”
Read previous coverage about the homelessness challenges in Cottage Grove and follow new developments at cgsemtinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
The BRC is a unique, hybrid program that bridged an adult foster home with a residential treatment home offering housing, medication management, therapy, case management, and direct support with daily living skills. This hybrid model is no longer accepted by the state and, to continue receiving state funding to serve its residents, the agency must transition into a foster home or become a residential treatment home.
SLMH Executive Director Alison Canino said staff feel that changing the BRC to fit either option would not align with agency values or mission, and they would not be able to maintain the same level of quality clinical care under a different system.
“This program has been staffed by an amazing team of professionals who have shown up during storms and global pandemics to provide 24/7 care for our residents,” Canino said.
Matchbooks from the Village Green Resort in Cottage Grove. See more photos with this story at cgsentinel.com.
There are a multitude of reasons for the mental health professional shortage, and rural areas often feel the deficit most, according to Canino.
Oregon’s wildfire season is expected to continue through this month, but the mental scares and impact of the season on the firefighters who battle blazes in Lane County and across the state, and their families, may last a lifetime, according to Jeff Dill, the founder of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). Dill established the FBHA in 2010 following Hurricane Katrina. He was than a Battalion Chief for a fire department in northwest Chicago.
“I saw our brothers and sisters struggle from the devastation that they saw, so I went back and got my degree and became a licensed counselor,” he said. “We started tracking EMS and firefighter suicides across America.”
Behavioral Impact
According to Dill, firefighters often don’t recognize the behavioral impact of their work.
The reasons for the shortage include the higher level of stress and acuity of client mental health needs within the community mental health environment, the ease of moving into private practice or group practice which allows therapists to be more selective of their clients and hours, the high rates of burnout across the community mental health field, and the difficulty in competing with community mental health agencies in metro areas that do not require the same commute.
“We become cultural brainwashed,” Dill said. “Whether it’s structural or wildland fires. So, we are meant to believe we are supposed to act strong, brave, be help, don’t ask for help, and we don’t want to look weak and not ask for help.”
Dill added that while firefighters are on the front lines battling the wildfires, one of the biggest challenges they face is the unknown.
“It’s how rapidly theses fires can move, and the unknown is where is it going to end? Where will this fire go to and how long will it last? And that is a struggle,” he said.
DREW PFEFFERLE, SAFE LANE TRANSPORTATION COALITION COORDINATOR
CINDY WEELDREYER
For The Cottage Grove Sentinel
In 1975, when Birdy Hoelzle and her sister Gail opened The Bookmine they were familiar with The Village Green.
Their father traveled a lot and often brought its matchboxes home as keepsakes for his girls. The sisters were in their 20’s when they opened the Main Street bookstore and, to enhance their income, worked as waitresses at the resort.
“It was a wonderful place to work and, being new in town, it
“The average person doesn’t believe that the threat of a fatal or life-altering DUII crash applies to them,” Safe Lane Transportation Coalition Coordinator Drew Pfefferle said. “Most people believe that they can have a couple of drinks or use cannabis and drive safe and unharmed, and we know that’s not true. We want people to proactively think through their plans every time they might consume alcohol or drugs.” As the holidays get under-
“We’re hoping to capture people’s attention with catchy, memorable messaging, coupled with eye-catching, artistic images that look and feel local to Lane County,” Pfefferle said.
SLMH currently has four unfilled therapist positions. The adult Outpatient Therapy program has a waiting list that takes two-to-four weeks to schedule an intake appointment. The youth therapy program waitlist is closed until the agency moves through its current waitlist and hopefully can accept new youth clients by February 2025. Telehealth options allow the agency to serve more clients, but the technology is not always reliable and is not appropriate for the more intensive services.
Grovers gather to remember Village Green Resort
helped us meet many of our future bookstore customers,” Birdy said. She shared a humorous memory they made in the formal Iron Maiden Dining Room that drew laughter from the crowd.
“We want to normalize making the choice not to drive, ride a bike, or walk in the roadway if alcohol or drugs have been consumed.”
• An elevated blood alcohol level, no matter how sober someone feels, can have a real impact on their ability to perform tasks that require concentration, such as driving. And the more someone drinks, the harder it is for them to judge their level of intoxication.
“South Lane Mental Health leadership is incredibly grateful to past and present members of our Bohemia Residential Community for going above and beyond for our residents these past 36 years. Their hard work and dedication set the tone for the spirit and culture of the South Lane Mental Health that stands
“So, when you are fighting that fire, you’re trying to do your best to stop it, and yet the wind kicks up at 60 miles an hour and it drags it further and further behind them. That aspect of the unknown is very difficult in wildland fires. The firefighters have that stress and anxiety, and that struggle to protect is a very difficult challenge for the wildland firefighters.”
“Four vacant positions may not seem like much, but every clinician is needed when there are steady waitlists and limited options elsewhere,” Canino said. “We have intentions to create more positions, specifically See PROGRAM, Page 6
the way” during the construction project.
“My sister and I were budding feminists at the time and were quite shocked by the sexism practiced in the dining room,” she said. “The menu given to a woman had no prices on it and foot pillows were provided so ladies’ uncomfortable shoes could be removed while dining. It was a very different era.”
The coalition is working with local radio stations and outdoor advertising companies to share the campaign throughout Lane County, spanning from Florence to Oakridge. Public agencies, nonprofits, media, and businesses, such as alcohol and cannabis distributors, are also encour-
Nearly 50 people attended the Cottage Grove Historical Society’s “Farewell to the Village Green” at the Community Center, Saturday, Sept. 21. The internationally famous resort was created by Walter A. Woodard (W.A.) and his son, Carlton. Some members of the family attended and shared personal memories.
• Adjusting for population, Oregon has the third highest percentage of fatal accidents caused by drunk driving in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2022). Nearly 45% of all motor vehicle-related fatalities in Oregon involve alcohol.
THROUGH THE LENS
Kris Woodard’s introductory remarks included personal memories he made through the lens of a 12-year-old who was often “in
See more information at www. SafeLaneCoalition.org.
It is often very difficult for family members of the firefighters to understand what emotions there are, and that many firefighters don’t way? The best thing we can do is
Kris’ brother, Casey Woodard,
CINDY WEELDREYER / COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL
PHOTO JEREMY C. RUARK / COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL
Courtesy photo
Colorful visuals such as this, are part of the Safe Lane Transportation Coalition’s public awareness campaign. See more photos with this story at cgsentinel.com
Courtesy photo
The South Lane Mental Health logo.
Courtesy photo from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office Darron Leslie Houck.
Lost hunter, missing dog rescued
A 58-year-old Eugene hunter has been rescued after becoming lost in the Hills Creek Dam area of Lane County. Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (SAR) responded to the area above Hills Creek Dam at approximately 4 p.m. Nov. 11, for the overdue hunter with medical issues.
The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.
All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.
For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Cottage Grove Police
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
04:43: Business check, American Market
07:56: Harassment, 500 block N. River Rd.
12:01: Disturbance, 80000 block Hwy 99
12:43: Suspicious vehicle, 1500 block E. Main St.
12:58: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
13:11: Welfare check, 2500 block E. Main St.
13:53: Info, 1500 block Hwy 99
15:00: Criminal mischief, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
16:37: Civil, 100 block Crestview Terrace
16:47: Welfare check, 34000 block Row River Rd.
21:28: Welfare check, 600 block E. Jefferson Ave.
22:26: Disturbance, 2400 block E. Whiteaker Ave.
23:59: Juvenile, 500 block Gateway Blvd.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
00:25: Suspicious subject, 90 block Row River Rd.
02:16: Business check, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
03:34: Disorderly subject, 700 block Row River Rd.
“He was a with a partner but when he didn’t show up at a designated area to meet, his partner called for help.” LCSO Sgt. Tim Wallace said, adding that the missing hunter was prepared for the weather but not to stay overnight.
04:26: Motor vehicle crash, 99/Tate
07:14: Business check, 1500 block E. Main St.
07:31: Info, 1500 block S. 4th St.
08:37: Dog at large, W. Main/R St.
09:59: Hit and run, 900 block Row River Rd.
10:07: Criminal mischief, 1300 block E. Main St.
10:22: Abandoned vehicle, Pennoyer/99
11:34: Vehicle impound, 900 block Row River Rd.
12:24: Animal info, 300 block E. Monroe Ave.
13:34: Abandoned vehicle, N. J/Chestnut
13:41: Abandoned vehicle, S. 8th/Pierce
13:50: Vehicle impound, 1200 block S. 8th St 14:18: Vehicle impound, S. 8th/Pierce
14:39: Animal info, 300 block E. Madison Ave.
14:52: Paper service, 1100 block Pennoyer Ave.
16:22: Found drugs, 1000 block E. Main St. 16:55: DUII ATL, 100 block N. 9th St. 17:16: Business check, 700 block E. Gibbs Ave. 17:39: Juvenile, 1200 block S. River Rd.
18:56: Harassment, 300 block E. Monroe Ave.
19:15: Animal info, 900 block W. Main St.
21:16: Child abuse, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
01:07: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
02:40: Suspicious condition, 700 block N. 9th St.
03:20: Alarm, 100 block S. 5th St. 04:31: Illegal camping,
“After several hours of searching, SAR personnel located the hunter and provided initial medical care,” Wallace said. “He was hypodermic and transported by ambulance to an area hospital.”
The hunter’s dog, an older Rhodesian Ridgeback named Sedona, had been missing following
the rescue, despite several follow up searches by concerned SAR volunteers, family members, and friends.
Wallace said anyone heading into the rugged outdoor areas of Lane County needs to be well prepared for weather conditions.
“If you are going out, be
POLICE BLOTTER
1000 block E. Main St.
08:11: Illegal camping, 200 block N. 12th St.
10:40: Trespass, 900
block Row River Rd.
11:02: Info, 1500 block S. 4th St.
11:17: Welfare check,
100 block Hwy 99
11:53: Paper service, 700 block S. 6th St.
13:58: Info, 300 block S. 10th St.
15:03: Business check, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
15:16: Suspicious subject, E. Madison/10th
15:40: Illegal camping, E. Main/N. River Rd.
17:41: Fire, S. River Rd/99
17:56: Welfare check, Row River Rd/ I5 on ramp
18:21: DUII ATL, Hwy 99/N. River Rd.
18:27: Motor vehicle crash, Hwy 99/N. River Rd.
19:09: Theft, 100 block North P St.
19:29: Burglary, 2000 block Hwy 99
19:32: Harassment, 2000 block Hwy 99
20:49: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
23:35: Theft, 600 block S. 5th St.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
00:41: Trespass, 1000 block N. 9th St.
03:36: Suspicious subject, 200 block Pond Turtle Way
04:32: Citizen assist, 900 block Row River Rd.
04:58: Disorderly subject, Coiner Park
05:28: Disorderly subject, N. River Rd/Hwy 99
06:55: Trespass, 1500 block Village Dr.
07:40: Illegal camping, 300 block S. River Rd.
08:40: Trespass, 900 block Row River Rd.
11:34: Warrant service, 100 block N. 9th St.
11:45: Motor vehicle crash, N. River Rd/Woodson
12:28: Found dog, 3000 block Row River Rd.
12:53: Fire, 9th/Grover
13:25: Citizen assist, 2000 block Hwy 99
15:19: Death investigation, 500 block Grant Ave.
15:46: Abandoned vehicle, 300 block S. 10th St.
16:36: Info, 37000 block Row River Rd.
17:36: Found dog, Gateway area
18:01: Animal info, 100 block E. Harrison Ave.
18:18: Stolen vehicle, 400 block E. Main St.
18:45: Business check, Chevron
19:30: Suicide, 77000 block S. 6th St.
20:52: Theft, 40 block E. Main St.
22:13: Business check, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
01:06: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
07:42: Order violation, 32000 block Picknell St.
08:35: Alarm, 1300 block Gateway Blvd.
08:58: Suspicious vehicle, 1200 block Hwy 99
09:19: Suspicious condition, 1600 block S. 8th St. 10:35: Suspicious vehicle, 3200 block Row River Rd.
12:12: Business check, 1400 block E main St.
12:34: Wanted subject, 1500 block E. Main St.
15:46: Theft, 1400 block W. Main St.
16:19: Harassment, 1400
prepared to stay overnight,” Wallace cautioned.
“At the high elevations it gets colder overnight, and the weather can become an issue.”
Wallace also advised that the Hills Creek Dam area can be challenging for visitors.
“The area is very rugged. It is very steep terrain with very winding roads and its pretty essay to get lost in that area,” Wallace said.
block E. Quincy Ave.
16:28: Abandoned vehicle, 100 block Village Dr.
16:44: Stolen vehicle recovery, 77000 block McDole Rd.
16:58: Found dog, 700 block Hwy 99
18:15: Suspicious condition, 22nd/Whiteaker
20:02: Juvenile, 77000 block S. 6th St.
20:25: Welfare check, 300 block S. 5th St.
20:51: Suspicious subject, 500 block Taylor Ave.
21:34: Suspicious subject, 300 block E. Main St.
22:04: Trespass, 700 block Hwy 99
22:17: Motor vehicle crash, Garoutte/Shoreview
23:32: Disturbance, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
23:55: Hit and run, 1200 block S. 4th St.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
00:10: Disturbance, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
01:15: Business check, American Market
07:24: Suspicious vehicle, Harvey/19th 10:15: Abandoned vehicle, E. Main/ N. 22nd 10:27: Welfare check, 900 block Row River Rd.
11:34: Suspicious condition, 1000 block S. 10th St. 11:59: Stolen vehicle, 2400 block E. Main St. 16:56: Civil, 1500 Block Hwy 99
18:20: Disturbance, 1200 block Adams Ave.
18:59: Business check,
The missing dog, Sedona, and her owner were reunited Friday morning, Nov. 15, after Sedona was found by campers in the area, according to a report from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.
Chevron 21:58: Suspicious vehicle, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
01:31: Juvenile, 400 block Main St.
02:04: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
02:23: Person stop, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
03:25: Business check, American Market
09:15: Suspicious vehicle, 100 block Gateway Blvd. 09:38: Welfare check, 1400 block Cottonwood Pl. 11:13: Suspicious condition, 400 block E. Main St. 11:57: Illegal camping, 1300 block E. Main St. 12:00: Wanted subject, 100 block Taylor Pl. 13:52:
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
Courtesy photo from the LCSO
The rescue crew provided medical care to the lost hunter before he was transported to an area hospital
Courtesy photo from the LCSO
The hunter’s dog, an older Rhodesian Ridgeback named Sedona, had been missing after the incident, but was later found and reunited with its owner.
Vital Villages supports single-parents and their children
CINDY WEELDREYER
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Most will agree that parenting is one of life’s greatest challenges.
For single parents, navigating the complexities of life can be overwhelming at times as they juggle the demands of work, household and parenting responsibilities.
For some, these daily challenges are complicated by the scars of personal trauma – loss, domestic violence, abandonment or economic hardship. Collectively, it can be burdensome for a single parent and can lead to feelings of overwhelming stress and isolation.
Randi Ross grew up in Cottage Grove from the age of 13 and graduated from Cottage Grove High School. She walked many miles in a single parent’s shoes raising her four daughters. As a survivor of childhood molestation and domestic abuse, Ross carries the weight of her experiences and the pain of a mother who witnessed her children endure the devastating impacts of abuse. To turn her childhood and adult trauma into meaningful action, in 2022, she earned a Master’s degree in prevention science from the University of Oregon.
Today, she said she is determined to raise awareness of the challenges single parents face to foster understanding, support, and prevention. Her personal experience with trauma, her compassion to help others, and her crusader’s heart formed a seed of hope that grew into the local nonprofit organization, Vital Villages (VVOR).
Last year, the Yarg Foundation watered that seed of
hope with a $13,000 grant to fulfill the organization’s noble mission of eradicating cycles of harm through relatable mentorship, secure attachments, prevention education, connecting people to resources and increasing protective factors for single parents and their children.
Other “seed waterers” include the Woodard Family Foundation, the Ford Family Foundation, Verizon, and the First Presbyterian Church’s Earth and Social Justice Committee.
Ross said VVOR is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of each family, cultivating unity in the community, and forming lifelong relationships.
Educating Grovers about the importance of creating a supportive village is at the heart of VVOR’s mission.
The nonprofit currently has four employees and 15 committed volunteers with a $270,000 annual budget. In its first 18 months of existence, it has supported 225 people. The biggest barrier is not having enough volunteers and mentors to positively connect with the youth in these single families.
BY THE NUMBERS
Single parents make up nearly 30-percent of Cottage Grove’s population.
The 2020 census revealed there are over 20 million single-parent households in the United States and 30% of Lane County is made up of single-parent households. No one should face the trials of parenthood alone, according to Ross, who added that the shame and guilt often associated with single parenthood needs to be eliminated.
“No matter what we do, or how well we do it, there is always some bill, agency, family member or
stranger to remind us of our ‘failures’. The exhaustion, depletion, and the endless mundane tasks can leave single parents feeling defeated and grasping for anyone or anything to help,” Ross said. “That’s when perpetrators weasel their way into our lives. We need more hands, more eyes and more hearts to love us and our children.”
She added, “We need someone to believe in us and cheer us on, no matter how many times we fall. Without secure attachments and being believed in, one will not transform from surviving to thriving.”
VVOR offers several programs to support single parents and their children.
*SPARKLE (Single Parent Advocacy, Reliability, Knowledge, Love and Empowerment) is a wraparound support initiative that focuses on nurturing secure attachments and meeting families where they are without judgment and shame. The program connects single parents with peer mentors, while their children are matched with mentors who provide guidance and support in a Big Brother/Big Sister format.
These mentor relationships create a collaborative team to ensure families are connected to every available resource they are eligible for with the goal of creating an individualized plan for the family that decreases stress levels, bridges gaps, removes barriers, advocates for change and shares skill sets.
*Breaking Free focuses on supporting, advocating and healing from domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Plans are to create a weekly check-in clinic and offer “self love” workshops.
*Rentable Rescuers is a service that connects a handyman or handywoman with a family to meet a specific need.
*Legal Assistance is provided by Family Law Attorney, Michael Quillin. He is a VVOR board member who has provided over 25 free legal consultations for local families in need.
VVOR SUCCESS STORY
Ross met Tim (name changed) in July 2023 after his wife left him and took the kids and refused to let him see them. He was a domestic violence victim who needed support from VVOR to navigate through his personal challenges.
“We spent many hours talking and sharing stories, praying, soul-searching, crying, and just building a strong connection,” Ross recalled. “I helped him navigate the court system as he fought to see his children. It took 14 months, but last summer, he was awarded full custody of them. They are doing fantastic and now he is working on replicating
Vital Villages in Roseburg.” CALL FOR COMMUNITY ACTION
Ross believes everyone has the power to change and having people of all ages, backgrounds, and skills offering love and mentorship to VVOR families facilitates the positive changes that are needed. She suggests five opportunities to support local single families:
1. Be a mentor in the SPARKLE or Grand Villager programs.
2. Advocate for the needs of single parents.
3. Organize events to foster a sense of belonging and support.
4. Assist with childcare, tutoring or supporting a parent who needs a break or just someone to talk to.
5. Share information about the local resources available, which can be invaluable to a struggling parent.
UPCOMING EVENTS
A fundraising sale is
planned for from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Black Friday, Nov. 29, outside the Humane Society’s This-N-That thrift store at 33 N. 8th Street in Cottage Grove.
Families are invited to the Community Angel Christmas Gift Exchange from 10 a.m. to 3 p.,m. Saturday, Dec. 21, to select free gifts for yourself or loved ones. The location has yet to be determined, and donations of items are welcomed.
Once a location is determined, the Sentinel will post the address with this story at cgsentinel.com.
“Single parents are remarkable individuals,” Ross said. “By supporting single-parent families, we not only improve individual well-being but also create a stronger, more resilient community for future generations to thrive in.”
For more information visit www.vitalvillagesor.org or call Randi Ross at 541-6000562.
Senior Meals Program celebrates GivingTuesday
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.
Lane Council of Governments Senior & Disability Services is celebrating GivingTuesday by participating in the global generosity movement on December 3.
“Our GivingTuesday campaign supports our Senior Meals Program. In Fiscal Year 2024, the Senior Meals Program served/ delivered 132,627 meals to 1,428 participants in Lane County,” a release from the Lane Council of Governments states.
Some people received
Meals on Wheels delivered to their home and others joined them at one of nine Café 60 locations.
“Both Café 60 and Meals on Wheels help our older neighbors face the challenges of aging, isolation, and lost mobility, allowing them to stay in the communities where they have established roots and feel more vibrant as their lives progress,” the release states. “Most participants live on low, fixed incomes, but loneliness, isolation, and the inability to prepare balanced meals cross economic and social boundaries.”
“Our Senior Meals Program relies on the generous donors in our community to bridge the gap between available funding and the
photo
cans Act Program Manager
Leah Chisholm said.
Community members are invited to make a taxdeductible contribution to the Senior Meals Program to help ensure that nourishing meals can be served to local older neighbors who need them.
• $20 provides two meals to a senior
• $50 provides one week of meals to a senior
• $100 provides two weeks of meals to a senior
• $250 provides one month of meals to a senior
cost of serving meals to our older neighbors. Any donations and gifts directly impact our ongoing ability to provide this essential service,” Senior & Disability Services Older Ameri-
• $500 provides two months of meals to a senior
GivingTuesday Donation Link: https://form-rendererapp.donorperfect.io/give/ senior-meals-program/
giving-tuesday-2024
Donations are accepted online and by mail. More information at https://www. lcog.org/sdslane/page/donate-senior-meals-program
People can also purchase and donate items to our Café 60 meal sites from an Amazon Wish List: https:// tinyurl.com/SMPGivingTuesdayWishlist
For more information about giving to the Senior Meals Program, call 541682-1459.
ABOUT SENIOR & DISABILITY SERVICES
Senior & Disability Services, a division of Lane Council of Governments, provides services, information, and assistance to Lane County’s older adult population, adults with physical disabilities, and their caregivers.
In Fiscal Year 2024, the Senior Meals Program served/delivered 132,627 meals to 1,428 participants in Lane County.
For more information, visit https://www.lcog.org/ sdslane, or call 541-6824038.
ABOUT
GIVINGTUESDAY
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eleven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
“Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give,” the release states. “GivingTuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity around the globe.”
Learn more at, https:// www.givingtuesday.org/
Courtesy photo from Randi Ross
Vital Villages Founder Randi Ross is described as a tireless champion of single parents and seeks greater community involvement to support them.
Courtesy photo from Vital Villages
Vital Villages provided a Pumpkin Decorating activity during the Halloween Trick-or-Treat event last month. Pictured are Rachel Jouett, Elana Connor, Cassandra Ligon, Randy Andre, Nicole Nunn, Karsyn and Kinley Ross.
Shelia Allyne Barrong
October 13, 1932 - November 10, 2024
Shelia Allyne Barrong of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024, at the age of 92.
Shelia is survived by her siblings, sister, Jacqueline Buskirk and brother, Allyn “Pookie” Markham, both of Cottage Grove; children, daughter Rachel (Aaron) Aazzerah of Damascus and son, John (Andrea) Barrong of Cottage Grove; grandchildren, Samuel “Hank” Barrong and Michael Aazzerah.
Shelia was born on October 13, 1932, in Cottage Grove, Oregon to Samuel and Victoria Markham. She graduated from Cottage Grove High School in 1950 and went on to work at Riverside Medical and the old Cottage Grove Hospital as an x-ray and lab technician. Shelia married Wallace “Wally” Barrong in 1972, and they welcomed two children, Rachel and John. Shelia later became the
grandmother of two boys, who were the light of her life.
Shelia was known for her award-winning embroidery, expansive vegetable and flower gardens, and passionate piano playing. She was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing for Sunday services at the Baptist church in Cottage Grove. She honored many elders of the community playing at their memorials and her piano brought joy to residents of local nursing homes for years. Shelia also supported a number of women diagnosed with breast cancer through her local cancer survivor group, as she was a 30-year cancer survivor herself. At her request, a service will not be held. Shelia will be placed at Fir Grove Cemetery in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. http:// donate.cancer.org/
Ernest L. Owen Sr.
April 23, 1937 - November 2, 2024
Ernest L. Owen Sr., age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday November 2, 2024 at OHSU in Portland, Oregon. Ernie was born in Cottage Grove, Oregon on April 23, 1937 to Robert and Zora Owen. He graduated from Cottage Grove High School and later from 160 Driving Academy, formally IRRT Truck Driving School in Creswell, Oregon. Ernie was married to Ramona “Kay” King on August 13, 1960. They were married 46 years before her passing in 2006. Ernie worked for Bohemia Lumber Company as a forklift operator for 34 years, then Schneider National Trucking until retirement in 2000. Ernie was then able to do what he loved, spending time with his family. He was able to do his two favorite things, tent camping and fishing, a love he passed down to his kids. Every summer he looked forward to everyone taking off for one week, if possible,
Jennifer L. Tatum
Jennifer L. Tatum, 41, of Eugene Oregon, passed away on November 1st, 2024. Arrangements are in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
Edward Carlson
doing nothing but spending time with his family. His favorite place to go was South Twin Lakes near La Pine, Oregon. He loved spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids. His eyes would light up when any of his family would come to visit, he truly loved life and enjoying everything he could. Ernie had the ability to let people know he loved and cherished them without having to do or say anything. Ernie is survived by his three children, Ernest L. Owen Jr. and his wife Edith, along with his two daughters, Judith “Judy” Owen and Carline Thweatt. He is also survived by 8 grandkids and 18 great grandkids. The family is planning a Celebration of Life with the time and date still to be decided. There will be a celebration of life January 5, 2025 at 2:00PM at the Cottage Grove Elks Lodge. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel.
Gov. Kotek vows to ‘protect Oregon values’ as state
JULIA SHUMWAY
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon has added to its emergency supply of the abortion drug mifepristone, Gov. Tina Kotek announced Monday, Nov. 18, but most of the state’s plans to respond to a second Trump administration are still up in the air.
While other Democratic governors have been vocal about their plans to respond to President-elect Donald Trump’s policies, Kotek has kept a low profile for the nearly two weeks since Election Day. She sent a written statement about election results and recorded video versions of that statement in English and Spanish, but Monday, after a ribboncutting ceremony for a new homeless shelter in Beaverton, was the first time she took questions from reporters since before the election.
“What I can tell people is, I’m going to protect our values,” Kotek said. “I’m going to stand up for what we need here in the state. I’m going to focus on our top priorities, and we will see what comes from the new administration. But I know that we can come together and protect what we love in our state no matter what happens at the national level.”
stockpiles abortion drug
incentives. Kotek said there’s no need for a special session in Oregon, noting that the state’s Legislature will begin its January session before Trump takes office and before lawmakers in other states gavel in. She’s in close contact with other governors — particularly a group of female governors — and said she has been getting advice from them.
he plans to do it, but what I will say is we have always stood up for the residents of Oregon, and that includes our immigrant communities, and we’re trying to understand what more we need to do to do that. And we don’t have that all worked out yet, but we will.”
Ronald L. Lees
Ronald L. Lees, 67, of Cottage Grove passed away November 14, 2024. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills
Edward Carlson, 70, of Eugene Oregon, passed away on November 9th, 2024. Arrangements are in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
COTTAGE GROVE:
6th & Gibbs Church of Christ
195 N. 6th St. • 541-942-3822
10:00am
Christian Education: Pre-K through 5th Tim Baker, Senior Minister www.6thandgibbs.com
Cottage Grove Bible Church 1200 East Quincy Avenue
541-942-4771
Pastor:Ron Harris
Worship 11am Sunday School:9:45am AWANA age 3-8th Grade, Wednesdays Sept-May, 6:30pm www.cgbible.org
Cottage Grove Faith Center 33761 Row River Rd. 541-942-4851
Lead Pastor: Kevin Pruett
www.cg4.tv Full Childrenʼs Ministry available Services: 10:00am
Delight Valley Church of Christ
33087 Saginaw Rd. East
541-942-7711 • Pastor: Bob Friend
Two Services: 9am - Classic in the Chapel 10:30am - Contemporary in the Auditorium
Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
Michal Allen Fleming
Michal Allen Fleming, 45, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away November 15, 2024. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
Hope Fellowship United Pentecostal Church
100 S. Gateway Blvd. 541-942-2061
Pastor: Dave Bragg Worship: 11:00am Sunday Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday www.hopefellowshipupc.com “FINDING HOPE IN YOUR LIFE”
Living Faith Assembly 467 S. 10th St. • 541-942-2612 Worship Services Sundays: 9a & 11a Youth Worship Sundays: 11a (all ages welcome) Mondays: 5:30p (6th-12th grades)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Philip Benizi Catholic Churches 1025. N. 19th St. 541-942-3420 Father John J. Boyle
Holy Mass: Saturday Vigil – 5:30 pm Sunday – 10:30 am For weekday and Holy Day of Obligation schedule see website OLPHCG.net
Confession: 4 PM to 5 PM Saturdays or by appointment
St. Philip Benizi, Creswell 552 Holbrook Lane Sunday 8 am
St. Andrews Episcopal Church 1301 W. Main • 541-767-9050
Rev. Lawrence Crumb
“Scripture, Tradition, Reason”
Worship: Sunday 10:30am All Welcome
Seventh-day Adventist Church 820 South 10th Street
541-942-5213
Pastor: James D. Boram
Bible Study: Saturday, 9:15 am
Worship Service: Saturday, 10:40 Mid-week Service: Wednesday, 1:00
California Gov. Gavin Newsom called a special session to “Trump-proof” the state and allocate more funding for lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s actions. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced last week they’d create a new group, called Governors Safeguarding Democracy, for Democratic states to coordinate efforts to oppose Trump but Kotek has not joined. Newsom and Pritzker have frequently been named as possible presidential contenders in 2028, while Kotek has stressed that her focus is on the state — especially working on her top priority of housing, which she addressed in the Legislature by passing first-in-the-nation zoning reforms and as governor by shepherding hundreds of millions of dollars for shelters and homebuilding
Trinity Lutheran Church 6th and Quincy 541-942-2373
Vacancy Pastor: Herb Percy Sunday School and Adult Education 9:15 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Comm. Kitchen Free Meal Tuesday 5:15 p.m. to 6:5 p.m. TLC Groups tlccg.com
United Methodist Church 334 Washington 541-942-3033 Worship 10am umcgrove.org
CRESWELL:
Creswell Presbyterian Church 75 S 4th S • 541-895-3419 Rev. Seth Wheeler Adult Sunday School 9:15am Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am website www.creswellpres.org
Walker Union Church & Cemetery
32904 England Rd, Creswell, OR (541) 649-1800
“Look, we don’t know what’s coming,” Kotek said. “There’s a lot of rhetoric. We got to see what’s actually being proposed. But we’re not waiting. We’re also trying to understand, are our laws strong enough in the environmental area, when it comes to reproductive health care, when it comes to immigration? We’re looking at all those things, but until we know exactly what the new administration is proposing, it’s a little difficult.”
PROTECTING IMMIGRANTS
She said she and other state leaders are still trying to understand how best they can protect immigrants living in Oregon from the mass deportations promised by Trump’s campaign. An estimated 120,000 people living in Oregon lack documents proving legal residency.
The state has one of the nation’s strongest sanctuary laws prohibiting police from cooperating with federal officials to enforce immigration laws.
“President Trump and his campaign said a lot of things,” Kotek said. “What I know is we don’t know what he plans to do or how
Kotek added that she’s working with the Biden administration to make sure Oregon receives the millions in funding it has been awarded for transportation projects from the federal government before Trump takes office Jan. 20. On Monday, Nov. 18, she announced that the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Health & Science University have expanded the three-year supply of mifepristone she directed them to obtain in April 2023. That drug, along with misoprostol, can be used to terminate pregnancies and manage miscarriages.
Oregon’s prior stockpile was set to expire in September 2025. OHSU secured a new supply last week that won’t expire until September 2028.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/11/18/ gov-kotek-vows-to-protectoregon-values-as-state-stockpiles-abortion-drug/
Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@ oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
Debysingh, R.Ph.
Julia Shumway / Oregon Capital Chronicle
Gov. Tina Kotek promised to protect Oregon values during her first press conference after the Nov. 5 election.
NEWS & VIEWS
E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots sold in Oregon, other states
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials in several states, including Oregon, are investigating a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O121.
The CDC said the infections linked to multiple brands of recalled organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms. Carrots on store shelves right now are likely not affected but may be in people’s homes. If you have any recalled carrots in your home, throw them out or return them to the store.
On November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms recalled multiples sizes and brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots, according to the CDC. These products are likely no longer in stores for sale but may still be in your home.
BABY ORGANIC CARROTS
Best-if-used-by dates ranging from 9/11/2024 to 11/12/2024
Brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry.
WHOLE ORGANIC CARROTS
Were available for
3 days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION:
• Not peeing much
• Dry mouth and throat
• Feeling dizzy when standing up
SYMPTOMS OF E. COLI
purchase in stores approximately from Aug. 14, 2024 through Oct. 23, 2024.
No best-if-used-by-dates are on the bags of organic whole carrots.
Brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Do not eat any recalled bagged organic carrots. Check your refrigerators or freezers for recalled carrots and throw them away.
Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled organic carrots using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Call your healthcare provider if you have severe E. coli symptoms:
• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
• Diarrhea for more than
• Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
• Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria.
• Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.
• Some people may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and would need to be hospitalized.
For more information about E. coli, see the About Escherichia coli Infection page.
Fast Fact
RECALLED ORGANIC CARROTS CASES: 39 HOSPITALIZATIONS: 15 DEATHS: 1 STATES: 18 FROM THE CDC AS OF NOV. 18
Oregon gains 1,700 jobs, stronger growth than expected
Jeremy C. Ruark / Country Media, Inc.
The Oregon Employment Department reports 85,899 unemployed and 2,115,563 employed in October
JEREMY C. RUARK County Media, Inc.
Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment gained 1,700 jobs in October, following a revised increase of 900 jobs in September, according to the Oregon Employment Department. The department’s monthly unemployment report is a key indicator of Oregon’s economic strength.
GAINS AND LOSSES
October’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+2,400 jobs); government (+1,700); and financial activities (+1,200). Declines were largest in professional and business services
(-2,400 jobs); manufacturing (-1,200); and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-1,000). In the past 12 months, health care and social assistance (+16,900 jobs, or 5.8%) grew rapidly, while government (+7,000 jobs, or 2.3%) added the second most jobs. In that time, only three major industries declined by 1,000 jobs or more: retail trade (-3,700 jobs, or - 1.8%); construction (-2,000 jobs, or -1.7%); and manufacturing (-1,000 jobs, or -0.5%).
JOB GROWTH
Quarterly revisions indicate stronger job growth during the first half of 2024 than previously estimated. This put nonfarm payroll employment levels
The CoTTage grove
nearly 10,000 above previous estimates for June and subsequent months.
Upward revisions during these months were largest in professional and business services (revised upward by 6,400 jobs); retail trade (+2,000 jobs); and private educational services (+1,600). The largest downward revision was in real estate and rental and leasing, which came in 800 jobs lower than previously estimated during June through August.
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.0% in both September and October and has consistently remained between 4.0% and 4.2% since October 2023.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in both September and October.
Raising awareness for Alzheimer’s
PAUL WELCH Sentinel Guest Column
As we recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in November, it’s a timely reminder to consider how we can protect and support brain health throughout life. Alzheimer’s disease currently affects over 6 million Americans and is among the top causes of death in the United States. With no known cure, it is essential to explore and embrace strategies that might reduce the risk of developing the disease and to support those living with Alzheimer’s.
FACTORS
Lifestyle factors play a central role in brain health. Physical activity, a hearthealthy diet, and consistent cognitive engagement have all shown promise in reducing Alzheimer’s risk. Regular exercise can improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation, both of which are crucial for long-term cognitive health. Likewise, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help support brain function, protect against oxidative stress, and improve overall well-being.
Staying mentally and so-
cially active is another key factor. Research has shown that regularly challenging the brain — whether through learning, reading, or social activities — can build “cognitive reserve,” the brain’s ability to adapt and compensate in response to changes. Playing games, whether traditional board games or digital puzzles, can be one enjoyable and effective way to engage the brain. Such activities can enhance memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, all of which are affected as Alzheimer’s progresses.
Studies published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia have suggested that seniors who participate in mental challenges may experience slower cognitive decline, particularly when these activities are done with others.
BROADER STRATEGY
Yet, games are just one piece of the broader strategy to protect brain health.
Social interaction itself has been linked to lower risks of cognitive impairment. Whether through volunteering, joining clubs, or simply maintaining friendships, these connections offer emotional support and mental stimulation. Physi-
cal and social activities, combined with a balanced diet and regular checkups, can help create a robust foundation for lifelong brain health. This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month let’s advocate for a holistic approach to prevention — one that incorporates physical, mental, and social elements to support cognitive health. While there are no guaranteed ways to prevent Alzheimer’s, developing a proactive plan with your provider can foster resilience and well-being. Raising awareness about these habits can encourage more people to protect their cognitive health and provide hope for a future where Alzheimer’s disease has less impact on our communities.
Paul Welch, MD, is the Adventist Health Chief Medical Officer. As a board-certified medical provider with decades of experience in both care and leadership, he provides strategies for all clinical practice settings to provide the best experience and outcomes for all patients in the communities that Adventist Health Tillamook serves.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
Letters to the editor should be at most 350 words. The Cottage Grove Sentinel reserves the right to edit, condense, or reject any letter to the editor. Letters published in the Cottage Grove Sentinel will also be published online. For verification purposes, letters to the editor and guest columns must include your first and last name, city or town or residence, and phone number. Letters endorsing candidates or campaign issues must be received no later than ten days before an election. Letters written by candidates will not be accepted. Letters to the editor should be the author’s work. We strongly discourage and will attempt to weed out form letters, letters mailed to other news outlets, or letters written and edited by a third party, including but not limited to political parties. We try to restrict the printing of one submission per author per month. We do not publish anonymous letters, personal attacks, personal complaints, poetry, consumer complaints, or letters written in bad taste.
Courtesy from Wikipedia The CDC said the infections are linked to multiple brands of recalled organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms.
South Lane Mental Health closes residential program
youth-focused
positions, in July 2025. The SLMH leadership team is committed to reducing its therapist turnover and is closing 2024 with one of the lowest turnover rates since 2019.”
The agency’s leadership is addressing the shortage by updating its compensation package and investing more resources into its intern program. A travel stipend for master’s level students this year allowed them to work alongside experienced SLMH clinical staff to complete their counseling or social work requirements. Full-time job offers were made to 6 of the 10 interns so all four therapist vacancies will be filled in January.
SHORTAGE NOT LIMITED TO THERAPISTS
Skills trainers, peer support specialists, case
managers, and residential foster home staff play a vital role in the community mental health landscape and without them it can have a serious impact on the type of services SLMH offers and the programs it can support, according to Canino.
“The power behind the community mental health model is being able to offer our clients a robust team of professionals to support them in their healing or recovery journey,” Canino said. “This shortage is one of the reasons we made the decision to close the BRC. Residential foster home staff are particularly challenging to hire and they take more time to train because of the complexities of the position. Only changes at the state level around regulations governing these positions, as well as increases in reimbursement rates, can address some of these barriers.”
FUNDING CHALLENGES
The majority of South Lane Mental Health’s revenue, which funds its facilities and staff, comes from fee-for-service (or billed services), specifically Medicaid or the Or-
egon Health Plan (OHP). Reimbursement rates are set by the state and federal government. Increases to OHP rates in 2023 had a substantial impact and supported SLMH’s efforts to update its compensation package for all staff.
“Since 2020, we’ve seen an increase in the intensity of our clients’ mental health needs and fewer resources have become available to support them with housing and stability,” Canino said. “As a result, we are grateful for the rate increases but it is only a drop in the bucket when you consider the context that we are all working within. We continue to work with our partners to create payment options that reflect the scale of the effort and support our staff provides to our clients.”
The public (grant) funding landscape is changing. The focus is less about stability and infrastructure and more about expansion into new programs.
“While SLMH is committed to developing programs that reflect the needs of our South Lane community, we are still working on stabilizing our workforce and infrastructure since the COVID
pandemic ended and in response to the nationwide behavioral health workforce shortage that we still feel,” Canino said. “It’s a challenge to think about large expansion programs when we are trying to stabilize our core programming.”
As a result of this changing landscape, grant funding from the federal government, state, and local governments, as well as private funders, is becoming more restrictive and often is not a reliable option to fund wages and
Oregon school attendance inches up and ninth graders on track to graduate, new data reveals
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Following steep declines in school attendance in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, Oregon students are slowly beginning to show up more regularly to class and a growing number of ninth graders are on track to graduate on time.
The number of Oregon kids regularly attending classes is not back to prepandemic levels yet, but new data from the Oregon Department of Education shows that during the 2023-24 school year, regular attendance increased by nearly 4 percentage points from the previous year. For elementary school students, regular attendance increased by almost 7 percentage points. About 76% of the 197 school districts in Oregon saw higher attendance last year from the previous year, according to the data.
Marginal gains have also been made in the rate of ninth graders who are on track to graduate within four years. Nearly 85% of last year’s ninth graders
are on track to graduate by 2027, about 1 point above pre-pandemic rates and the second highest rate ever recorded in the state. That represents about 500 more freshmen this year who are on track to graduate.
Charlene Williams, director of the Oregon Department of Education, said the data is a good sign but that more improvements are needed. “We must continue our focus on maintaining high expectations, providing opportunities for our students to succeed, and supporting our schools and educators,” Williams said in a statement. More than 550,000 students attend kindergarten through 12th grade in Oregon. Overall, about 66% of Oregon students had at least a 90% attendance rate during the 2023-24 school year while an average of about one-third missed at least 16 days out of 160 or more days. During the 2018-19 pre-pandemic school year, about 80% of students attended class at least 90% of the year. Students who attend at least 90% of the time are
considered to have regular attendance.
The data was released as part of the Oregon Department of Education’s At-AGlance Profiles of districts, which combine state assessment test scores with other district and school health measures, such as the number of experienced teachers, school mental health staff and librarians in buildings.
The latest results from statewide assessment tests in English language arts, math and science show that across subjects, grades and districts, students are still about 10 percentage points behind pre-pandemic achievement levels. In the state’s 10 largest districts – responsible for educating about 40% of Oregon’s K-12 student body – students have slipped further behind in English language arts and science, partly because of missed classes.
The gains in attendance last year follow a concerted effort by schools and the state to get students back into classrooms full time. Some districts have conducted public information campaigns over the last year, rewarding students for getting to class with gift cards and meals, collecting better data on absenteeism and deploying school staff to visit students and their families at home to make the point that school attendance should be taken seriously, according to state education officials.
During the 2023 legislative session, an 18-member task force was created to submit ideas for boosting student attendance that would not require legal enforcement, and Gov. Tina Kotek declared that September was “Attendance Awareness Month.”
benefits.
“We do hope we will be able to continue to rely on our grant funding partners with support for larger facilities and infrastructure support, for example, a new roof, vehicles to assist our staff in providing more community-based support, and updates to our buildings and campus,” she said.
FUNDRAISING STRATEGY
Rebooting fundraising efforts in the wake of the pandemic is underway.
SLMH Development Manager Maureen Bell said there is currently an online fundraiser to replace the roof at the agency’s primary location at 1345 Birch Ave.
“We are starting to plan more in-person fundraisers and using a quarterly newsletter to connect with past and current donors so folks can see the work we do and feel more invested in supporting SLMH,” Bell said.
More information is available at www.slmh.org.
Jeremy C. Ruark / Cottage Grove Sentinel
The free breakfast will be held at the South Lane County Fire & Rescue station, 233 Harrison Ave. in Cottage Grove.
Fire crew to provide free breakfast with Santa
Absenteeism rates in Oregon are highest in kindergarten, early elementary grades and among high school seniors, according to the state data and school districts. Education experts say absences in the younger grades can have the most impact, and research shows students who are chronically absent in preschool, kindergarten and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by third grade, making them four times more likely to drop out of high school than proficient readers.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle. com/2024/11/21/ oregon-school-attendanceinches-up-and-ninthgraders-on-track-to-graduate-new-data-reveals/
Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
STAFF REPORT
Cottage grove Sentinel
South Lane County Fire & Rescue (SLCF&R) will provide a free breakfast of pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, coffee, juice and hot cocoa at the SLFR station, located at 233 Harrison Avenue in Cottage Grove. The breakfast will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Santa will be on hand to visit with those attending the event. SLCF&R also will be accepting donations of unwrapped new toys for the Toys for Tots holiday project.
For more information, call SLCF&R at 541-9424493.
Breakfast with Santa 7 A.M., TO 11 A.M. SATURDAY, DEC. 7 233 HARRISON AVENUE COTTAGE GROVE
Courtesy photo
South Lane Mental Health is located on Birch Avenue in Cottage Grove.
JULIA SHUMWAY
‘Healthy team culture’ key for CGHS girls basketball
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The Cottage Grove High School girls basketball team has a challenging 25 game schedule this winter season.
Head Coach Pete LeMay said while it is challenging to keep the student athletes focused and motivated, there are many ways as a staff to keep student athletes engaged during a season.
“We support all our athletes by listening to needs or concerns by having regular check-ins and creating a healthy team culture with all of them,” he said. “It’s important that the team encourages one another and supports each other’s goals and the team
goals. Providing positive feedback and recognition of our athletes during practice and games. I think the more energy our coach-
ing staff can bring will be contagious in our locker room. Team bonding during the season and creating a competitive atmosphere
during practices will fuel our healthy team culture.”
LeMay said careful game planning will be important to the team this season.
“Every game we play is important,” he said. “Each game provides insight to how engaged we are, how competitive we are and how hard we practiced and prepared each week. We have a competitive non-league schedule and playing everyone in the Sky Em League three times now will bring a new level of emphasis on game planning.”
The Sentinel asked Coach LeMay what he hoped each of the student athletes will take away from their experience
Operation Winter Survival Stockpile
Metro Creative Connection
Organizers said the operation is an effort to create a stockpile through donations of clothing and other supplies that will help those in our community experiencing homelessness better brave the elements.
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Lane County Health & Human Services, in partnership with the First Christian Church have launched Operation Winter Survival Stockpile.
Organizers said the operation is an effort to create a stockpile through donations of clothing and other supplies that will help those in our community experiencing homelessness better brave the elements.
“Every winter those in our community who are without shelter are faced with life-threatening temperatures and weather,” Lane County Human Ser-
vices Program Coordinator Maria Cortez said. “These donations will be absolutely crucial to helping these community members stay warm and stay alive.”
To help kick off Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, First Christian Church is hosting a oneday donation drive event where community members can drop-off donations and enjoy refreshments from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, November 25.
After the donation drive, items can continue to be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Items can also be purchased on Amazon and sent to 1166 Oak
St., Eugene OR 97401.
The Operation’s Amazon Wish List can be found at:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/2XR33GS1ULV8Z?ref_ =wl_share
Distribution of items will be prioritized to homeless outreach providers such as CAHOOTS that come into direct contact with individuals who are unhoused and unsheltered.
Items needed for Operation Winter Survival Supply Stockpile include:
• Tents – preferably 2 person
• Blankets – preferably wool
this season that will not only help them with game skills, but also give them a good path for their lives.
“Our staff hopes that throughout each season we can be positive teachers for our student athletes. Each practice emphasizes responsibility, accountability, teamwork and focus on what we can control. You cannot prevent everything,
but you can prepare for it. All these values go beyond just the game of basketball. It applies to everything we do.”
LeMay’s assistant coaches are Alyssa Eggan, Cassidy Galindo, and Sarah Keefauver.
The
4, hosting Molalla. See game results at osaa.org.
• Rain ponchos
• Sleeping Bags
• Hand Warmers
• Socks – preferably wool
• Tarps
• Gift Cards
• Laundry Cards
• Footwear
• Thermal Underwear
• Flashlights/ Batteries
• Beanies/Warm Hats
• Gloves
• Other survival supplies
For more information about Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, contact Maria Cortez at Maria. Cortez@lanecountyor.gov
City of Cottage Grove Annual Leaf Pick-Up
October 28th, November 18th, & December 2nd, 2024
The City of Cottage Grove Public Works Department will be conducting the annual Leaf Pick-Up the weeks of October 28th, November 18th, & December 2nd, 2024. Property owners will be responsible for removing any leaves placed in the street after December 2, 2024.
All leaves must be put out BEFORE October 28, 2024 for the first pick up, BEFORE November 18, 2024 for the second pick up, and BEFORE December 2, 2024 for the third and FINAL pick up.
Residents can NOT place leaves in the street where curbside parking does not exist or in bike lanes.
This is strictly a leaf pick up; nothing other than loose leaves will be picked up. There will be a community drop-off site at the Row River Water Treatment Plant, located at 3300 Row River Road. Please look for signs pointing to the designated area. This will only be available through the end of the leaf pick up, on December 6, 2024. Please do not place any debris in this location after December 6, 2024.
If you have questions regarding the Leaf Pick-Up Program, please call the Public Works Department, at (541) 767-4100 or see our Leaf Pick-Up Brochure, located at City Hall, at 400 East Main Street, or on our website, at https://www.cottagegroveor.gov/publicworks/page/ leaf-pickup-program for additional information.
Lady Lions open the winter season Dec.
Courtesy photo
The Lady Lions open the winter season Dec. 4, hosting Molalla.
STAFF REPORT