The Cottage Grove entinel
The CoTTage grove entinel
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Lincoln Middle School and Cottage
weather
JEREMY
CINDY WEELDREYER
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The Christmas season will shine bright in Cottage Grove with a wide variety of holiday activities designed to please locals and visitors of all ages on December 7.
Crews began developing the smaller homeless camp site this week on the vacant lot at 12th Street.
joining the elves at the Armory to meet children and hear their wishes.
following the Aug. 22 closure and cleanup of the 12th Street and Douglas Street homeless camps. During the transition, the adjacent Lulu Dog Park at 12th Street has been used as a homeless camp site with hours from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.
Events include numerous Santa sightings, the lighting of the community tree, Christmas carols in All America City Square, bazaars, a community concert, a 5K walk/ run, and more.
The Cottage Grove Area Cham-
“None of us have ever managed
reestablish it as a dog park. Specific costs of that cleanup and establishing the smaller homeless camp at 12th Street were not immediately available.
‘Incoherent, rambling’ man hiding in bathroom arrested
C. RUARK
ber of Commerce, Downtown Cottage Grove and the City of Cottage Grove coordinated with local organizations to present the annual community-wide “Kickoff to Christmas” events on the first Saturday in December. The Chamber also sponsors a seasonlong downtown window decorating contest.
The Historic Downtown District hosts numerous activities from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 7. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus arrive at Trailhead Park at 5:40 p.m. and light the community tree before
CINDY WEELDREYER
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The new mini homeless camp will include the same restrictions as the former larger camps.
Cottage Grove city leaders face significant budget challenges in 2025 requiring thoughtful discussion of how current city assets will be funded in the future.
“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.”
This is part one of a six-part series describing the history and management of City-owned assets: the Historic Downtown District (12/4), the Library/ Community Center (12/11), the Armory (12/18), Bohemia Park (12/24), the Skatepark (12/31), and Middlefield Golf Course (1/8).
In 2012, community leaders, beaming with civic pride, gathered under the new archway that announces the entrance to Cottage Grove’s National Historic District, 23 years after it was designated. The boundaries are five blocks of Main Street between River Road to the west, Ninth Street to the east, Whiteaker Avenue on the north and Washington Avenue on the south.
In All America City Square, at 7th and Main Street, local churches serve free soup and hot apple cider, and the City of Cottage Grove provides cookies. Christmas carols will be sung by the Cottage Grove High School Choir and participants can purchase raffle tickets to win a decorated tree.
Cottage Grove Area Chamber
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
“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.
closed their doors.
ECONOMIC TRANSITION
Details have been released following an unusual incident in Cottage Grove’s Historic District. South Lane 9-1-1 received reports at approximately 12:50 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, of a male at 321 East Main Street who had climbed a fire escape ladder, broke a window, and entered an unoccupied building on the second story.
no statistics on how many people have visited the district since its designation, anecdotally, staff at The Bookmine say out-of-town visitors stop in nearly every day.
/ COTTAGE
from the Village Green Resort in Cottage Grove. See more photos with this story at cgsentinel.com.
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.
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.
It was a rough economic transition for Grovers beginning in the 1980’s. Changes in federal timber policies eliminated a significant number of wood products-related jobs. Within a decade, the once thriving, economically independent timber town transformed into a bedroom community for the Eugene/Springfield area and attracted retiring Baby Boomers to relocate here.
Federal and state planning grants assisted rural timber communities through this significant economic disruption. City officials and business owners strategized that getting their vintage downtown listed on the National Record of Historic Places would place familiar brown signs on the freeway and motivate visitors to stop and see it.
The Cottage Grove Historical Society published the application information into a booklet that provides an accurate record of Cottage Grove history from 1879-1941.
Grovers gather to remember Village Green Resort
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
“When officers arrived at the scene they tried to establish communication with the suspect who was later identified as 53-year-old Cottage Grove resident William “Bill” J. Dyche,” Cottage Grove Police Department (CGPD) Chief Cory Chase said. “Dyche was incoherent and rambling and officers struggled to maintain communication with him. Dyche was refusing to obey
See ARREST, Page 6
“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.”
As more residents commuted to the metro area to work, local shopping habits changed. Slowly, the mom-and-pop businesses that sold clothes, shoes, jewelry, hardware, stationery, retail meats and those that provided services such as barbershops, shoe repair and financial services quietly
The late Marcia Allen (19232019), recognized as “Cottage Grove Historian Extraordinaire” by the Lane County Historical Society, and city planner David Voss led the effort. This dynamic duo effectively used their networking and research skills to complete the application.
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.
THROUGH THE LENS
the way” during the construction project.
In his summary of the district’s significance, Voss wrote, “The Main Street Commercial Historic District of Cottage Grove is the most intact collection of early twentieth century commercial and government buildings that remain in Lane County, Oregon. It has been the primary commercial center of the South Lane County region since its creation.
during the early twentieth century. Its buildings have housed most of the merchants, craftspeople, professionals, business offices, public entertainment, meeting halls, city government, lodging, transport and travel facilities continuously since before the turn of the century.
“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.”
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
It is often very difficult for family members of the firefighters to understand what emotions there are, and that many firefighters don’t express their emotions, according to Dill.
Kris Woodard’s introductory remarks included personal memories he made through the lens of a 12-year-old who was often “in
On January 28, 1994, Downtown Cottage Grove was entered into the National Register prompting freeway signs to appear and garnering mentions in travel guides. While there are
He said he was given an important job of opening the boxes delivered to the guest rooms and recalled how cool he felt driving the orange golf cart around the property for assigned errands. Years later, another special memory was seeing the famous football player, O.J. Simpson, running on one of the resort’s paths.
Collectively, the district ensemble clearly reflects the historic pattern of development that occurred in the community as it evolved from a village to a city
To the delight of those gathered, Kris’ brother, Casey Woodard,
The City of Cottage Grove’s Comprehensive Plan includes a historic preservation plan. It outlines goals and policies for historic resource preservation and the processes for creating and amending the program “to protect historic resources, such as buildings, structures, objects, sites that have a significant relationship to events or conditions of the human past.”
Currently, the Cottage Grove City Council annually allocates $10,000 for historical preserva-
“We ask the family members to try to understand the cultural,” he said. “Be direct. Challenge with compassion when something doesn’t look right or doesn’t sound right, and do an internal size up, which we ask the firefighters to do as well,” he said.” Internal size up means asking why am I acting this way, and why am I feeling this way? The best thing we can do is
CINDY WEELDREYER
GROVE SENTINEL
Cottage
Cindy Weeldreyer / Cottage Grove Sentinel Lincoln Lowry and Bransen Yoss with Brad the Giant Elf enjoy a moment during the 2023 Cottage Grove Christmas events.
Cindy Weeldreyer / Cottage Grove Sentinel
The
Grove High School Choirs braved the cold wet
to sing at the 2023 Cottage Grove Christmas events.
JEREMY
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Jeremy C. Ruark / Cottage Grove Sentinel Police arrested 53-year-old Cottage Grove resident William “Bill” J. Dyche following the standoff.
See DOWNTOWN, Page 6
Courtesy photo
Community leaders gathered in 2012 beneath the Cottage Grove Historic District archway for a photo.
Child exploitation investigation results in one
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
An investigation by the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, focusing on child exploitation has led to one arrest.
Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of N. Moss Street. in Lowell at approximately 9 a.m. Nov. 25.
“The suspect, 25-yearold D’Angelo Ke’Shawn Ford, was contacted in his vehicle at a separate location and arrested,” LCSO Sgt. Tim Wallace said. “A firearm was found concealed in the vehicle.” Ford was lodged at the Lane County Jail on the following charges:
arrest
Courtesy photo “This arrest is part of an ongoing effort by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable members of our community,” LCSO Sgt. Tim Wallace said.
• 2 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree • 2 counts of Encourag -
ing Child Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree • Unlawful Possession of Firearms
“This arrest is part of an ongoing effort by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable members of our community,” Wallace said. “The investigation is ongoing.”
The LCSO received assistance during this investigation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Springfield Police Department, Oregon State Police, Cottage Grove Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Justice, according to Wallace.
A deputy assigned to Creswell attempted a traffic stop as the vehicle passed through the area at over 90 miles per hour.
Pursuit ends near Cottage Grove
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
An Oregon City man faces multiple criminal charges following a pursuit and arrest that ends near Cottage Grove.
Just before midnight on Nov. 24, a Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) deputy observed a gray 2007 Dodge pickup driving south on I-5 from Goshen at a high rate of speed.
A deputy assigned to
Creswell attempted a traffic stop as the vehicle passed through the area at over 90 miles per hour, and a pursuit ensued, according to a LCSO Facebook post.
The deputy deployed his patrol car’s MobileSpike system, which began a controlled deflation of a tire on the pickup to slow its speed.
The driver, 49-year-old Jack Daniel Bates, of Oregon City, pulled over after exiting the freeway onto
Saginaw Road. “The deputies observed signs of impairment,” the Facebook post states. “After investigating, Bates was arrested.”
Bates was lodged at the Lane County Jail for the following charges:
• DUI
• Driving While Suspended - Felony
• Attempt to Elude by Vehicle
Pacific Power warns customers about billing scams
One of Oregon’s largest power companies has issued a billing scam warning to customers. Pacific Power is encouraging customers to be vigilant about fraudulent communications from scammers posing as utility representatives.
This activity tends to increase during this time of year, the utility officials state in a public advisory issued Nov. 25.
In the advisory, Pacific Power said customers can
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 18
00:21: Suspicious vehicle, 7th/Whiteaker
01:25: Welfare check, 1700 block S. 5th St.
03:31: Business check, 900 block E. Main St. 05:55: Fire, 100 block E. Harrison Ave.
08:20: Illegal camping, 200 block N. 12th St.
08:28: Abandoned vehicle, Q/Main
09:35: Hit and run, Latham/99
11:42: Trespass, 100 block N. 9th St.
12:33: Suspicious vehicle, 1400 block Cottonwood Pl.
12:46: Wanted subject, 700 block E. Gibbs Ave.
13:03: Welfare check, 700 block E. Main St.
13:21: Suspicious vehicle, 7th/Whiteaker
14:09: Disorderly subject, 1300 block Birch Ave.
15:12: Hit and run, Gateway Blvd/Oswald West
16:38: Welfare check, 200 block S. 3rd St.
21:07: Business check, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
21:52: Disorderly subject, 1300 block E. Main St.
22:43: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
protect themselves from these types of schemes by being aware of the following facts: Scammers will often tell you that your service is scheduled to be interrupted in the next 30-60 minutes.
Fact: Pacific Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection of service the same day.
Fraudsters may ask you to purchase a prepaid card and tell them the card information over the phone.
Fact: Pacific Power does not ask customers to make
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
06:14: Barking dog, 1900 block Neva Ct.
08:17: Illegal camping, 200 block N. 12th St.
09:30: Fraud, 900 block Row River Rd.
10:42: Paper service, 700 block S. 6th St.
11:02: Animal info, 600 block Arthur Ave.
11:18: Citizen assist, S. 5th/Madison
11:34: Business check, 1600 block E. Main St.
11:43: Business check, 1500 block E. Main St.
12:05: Abandoned vehicle, 1100 block N. 16th St.
14:17: Order violation, 300 block N. 9th St.
14:53: Burglary, 200 block Quincy Ave.
15:25: Theft, N. 8th/Main
15:36: Stolen vehicle, 500 block Gateway Blvd.
15:53: Disorderly subject, 800 block E. Main St.
16:52: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St. 19:24: Motor vehicle crash, Hwy 99/Sweet Ln.
19:47: Suspicious condition, 400 block North J. St.
23:39: Fraud, 1100 block E. Chadwick Ave.
23:47: Trespass, 1000 block Adams Ave.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
00:39: Motor vehicle crash, 76000 block London Rd.
02:22: Info, 100 block E. Jefferson Ave.
09:19: Motor vehicle crash, 1500 block S. 4th St.
09:29: Agency assist, 77000 block Hwy 99
09:56: Info, 100 block E. Jefferson Ave.
10:08: Motor vehicle crash, 1500 block S. 4th St.
payments by purchasing a prepaid card. You and other customers can always choose how you would like to make your payments.
Be suspicious of anyone who approaches you by phone, email, text or in person and demanding onthe-spot payment.
Fact: Pacific Power will not demand immediate payment for damaged or
Courtesy photo
broken electrical equipment or any other service.
If you receive one of these calls, ask the caller to state your account number and compare it with the number listed on your bill.
Fact: Pacific Power customer service employees will always have your correct account number.
Scammers increasingly have used text messages
POLICE BLOTTER
10:10: Business check, 300 block Hwy 99
10:34: Info, 1500 block S. 4th St.
10:41: Illegal camping, 200 block N. 12th St.
10:47: Vicious dog, 1000 block Hillside Dr.
10:51: Harassment, 800
block E. Main St.
11:46: Dog at large, 1500 block E. Main St.
12:24: Civil, 1500 block Anthony Ave.
12:52: Dog at large, 400 block E. Main St.
16:27: Trespass, 100
block North P St.
16:29: Death investigation, 1300 block Monroe Ave.
17:27: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
19:26: Suspicious vehicle, 77000 block S. 6th St.
21:43: Suspicious vehicle, 1300 block S. River Rd.
22:23: Business check, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
22:33: Fire, 37000 block Row River Rd.
22:36: Motor vehicle crash, 76000 block London Rd.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
00:18: Suspicious subject, 1300 block S. River Rd.
00:39: Suspicious vehicle, 1700 block E. Main St.
00:52: Suspicious vehicle, 1500 block S. 4th St. 04:09: Suspicious vehicle, 1300 block E. Main St.
08:05: Abandoned vehicle, 8th/Monroe
09:37: Fire, S. 8th/Johnson
10:55: Suspicious vehicle, 19th/Harvey
11:53: Trespass, 500 block Landess Rd.
12:12: Found dog, Main/99
12:22: Citizen assist, S. 16th/Gateway
12:24: Disorderly subject, 100 block S. 10th St.
12:48: Suspicious condition,2700 block Mosby Creek Rd.
12:48: Suspicious subject, 1000 block E. Madison Ave.
13:16: Suspicious vehicle, 1400 block Parks Rd.
13:36: Alarm, 500 block E. Whiteaker Ave.
15:35: Warrant service, 900 block Row River Rd. 16:02: Abandoned vehicle, Madison/12th
17:46: Agency assist, 700 block S. 14th St.
20:12: Disturbance, 1500 block Anthony Ave.
20:31: Fire, Lynx Hollow/99
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
02:25: Suspicious condition, 900 block W. Main St. 03:30: Suspicious vehicle, 1400 block N. Douglas St. 04:21: Intoxicated subject, 1500 block Gateway Blvd. 04:47: Person stop, 1000 block E. Main St. 08:40: Disorderly subject, 1300 block E. Main St. 10:05: Info, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
10:28: Info, 500 block S. River Rd.
10:33: Juvenile, Hillside/ Taylor
16:53: Disorderly subject, 10th/Main
18:19: Business check, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
18:27: Vicious dog, 400 block S. 3rd St.
18:45: Harassment, 900 block Row River Rd.
19:38: Suspicious subject, 900 block Row River Rd.
22:15: Suspicious condition, 200 block S. 6th St. 22:27: Alarm, 800 block E. Main St.
as a means of targeting victims.
Fact: Pacific Power will not demand payment via text message. Pacific Power encourages customers to set up their online billing profile at Pay My Bill (pacificpower.net) where they can pay bills and review statements.
“Scammers may use a sophisticated deceptive tactic that makes it appear to caller ID systems that the call is coming from Pacific Power when it is not. Hang up and call Customer Service directly,” the advisory states. “Remember, if you
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
00:45: Suspicious subject, 800 block N. Douglas St.
00:50: Disorderly subject, 300 block E. Main St.
04:26: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
06:54: Suspicious vehicle, 3rd/Quincy
07:49: Suspicious vehicle, 1700 block Hwy 99
08:51: Wanted subject, 500 block N. Douglas St. 11:17: Motor vehicle crash, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
11:32: Wanted subject, 700 block South 1st St.
12:47: Suspicious vehicle, 2100 block Ash Ave. 14:09: Suspicious vehicle, 1500 block E. Main St.
14:25: Business check, 1000 block Hwy 99
14:37: Fraud, 1600 block Ash Ave.
15:26: Illegal camping, 1000 block E. Main St. 16:21: Warrant service, 700 block E. Main St. 17:36: Citizen assist, 800 block S. 6th St. 18:16: Theft, 200 block Gateway Blvd.
18:27: Hit and run, 500 block E. Madison Ave.
20::01: Abandoned vehicle, 8th/Johnson
20:21: Info, 900 block Row River Rd.
20:36: Suspicious condition, 400 block E. Main St. 20:47: Disturbance, 6th/ Main
22:16: Welfare check, 1100 block E. Main St. 23:31: Alarm, 100 block Hwy 99
23:50: Info, Harrison/ River Rd.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24
00:37: Hit and run, 1500
still have concerns about the legitimacy of a call, you can always call the Pacific Power published customer service number, 1-888-2217070.”
Pacific Power asks customers to report information about any scam calls received, including the phone number the person is calling from and any information that may help to track down the fraudsters.
Pacific Power serves 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California, including customers in Lane Counbty.
block E. Madison Ave.
05:47: Illegal camping, Harrison/River Rd.
07:18: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
07:31: Wanted subject, S. 6th/Picknell
07:47: Abandoned vehicle, S. 8th/Taylor
10:47: Burglary, 100 block S. 5th St.
11:09: Welfare check, 800 block W. Main St.
11:27: Fire, 300 block Gateway Blvd.
13:25: Abandoned vehicle, E. Washington/S. Gateway Blvd.
13:47: Business check, 1200 block Hwy 99
14:06: Suspicious vehicle, 1600 block Gateway Blvd.
14:25: Suspicious vehicle, 3000 block Row River Rd. 15:15: Suicidal subject, 100 block Andrew Dr. 15:29: Motor vehicle crash, Mosby Cr. Rd/Quaglia
15:55: Welfare check, 5th/ Washington 16:59: Fire, 34000 block Elliott Ln.
17:40: Disturbance, 400 block E. Main St. 17:57: Menacing, 1500 block Harvey Ln. 18:12: Mental, 1000 block Hwy 99
18:19: Trespass, 100 block N. 19th St. 18:29: Stolen vehicle, 900 block E. Main St.
18:48: Agency assist, 1200 block Birch Ave. 19:03: Stolen vehicle, 77000 block S. 6th St.
19:51: Agency assist, 1200 block Birch Ave.
20:07: Suspicious condition, 1500 block Hwy 99 20:43: Alarm, 1700 block E. Main St. 23:06: Disorderly subject, 700 block E. Main St. n The Northwest’s Finest Gardening
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
Jeremy C. Ruark / Cottage grove Sentinel
Winter Farmers Markets connect community
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The South Valley Farmers Winter Markets have returned to the Cottage Grove Armory.
The markets have been held in Cottage Grove since 2016. The nonprofit market operations are overseen by a volunteer board of directors.
The Winter Markets moved into the armory approximately four years ago.
South Valley Farmers Market Operations Man-
ager Tassia Fahsbender said the winter markets offer a variety of arts and crafts and food.
“We have a lot of handgrifted gifts that are available,” she said. “There’s pottery and art prints, candles, honey, and specialty goods, such as baked goods and there will be lots of fresh produce as well.”
Fahsbender said the markets offer a community connect.
“I hear from people all the time who said they
come just to see everyone,” she said. “People really appreciate their farmers, people who grow their food.
The Farmers Markets are a wonderful way for people to connect with the people who grow their food.”
Live music and projects for children, such as crafts and reading, are also offered at the winter markets.
Food access and supporting small business is very important to everyone in the community, according to Fahsbender.
“By supporting out local makers and farmers we build a stronger economy and more secure food chain,” she said.
The Farmers Market projects operate on an approximately a $140,000 annual budget funded through grants, donations, and partnerships.
The Winter Markets opened Nov. 23 and will be open again Dec. 7 and Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cottage Grove
Creswell Light Parade, holiday events
STAFF REPORT
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Registration for the Creswell Winter Lights Parade is now open.
The Winter Lights event is described by organizers as a fun-filled, familyfriendly celebration. Join Creswell residents and others from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14 for a magical evening filled with festive
cheer and dazzling lights. “Whether you’re a float enthusiast, a local group, or just looking to spread some holiday joy, we want you to be a part of this wonderful celebration,” a release from the event organizers states. “Don’t miss your chance to shine—Let’s make this parade unforgettable! Register today.”
For more details and to
sign up, visit the Creswell Chamber of Commerce website.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
The local holiday market is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. featuring unique gifts and treats located in the Community Center.
The Creswell Bulldog Market will also be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Community Center featuring Student entrepreneurs and products made from the CTE program of Creswell High School.
Santa will be at the
community center at 99 South 1st Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., ready to meet all the kids. Photographers will be set-up to take pictures of your kids or family with Santa if you would like.
The Creswell Library will host crafts and storytime with Mrs. Claus from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The event organizers said as the day continues, the streets in Creswell will come alive with musical entertainment leading up to the festive parade of lights at 5 p.m.
PERFORMANCE TIMES AND LOCATIONS
Oregon Tuba Ensemble In front of the Creswell Library under the tent 1 - 2 p.m.
Creswell Middle School
Choir
In the Fire Bay
3 - 3:30 p.m.
Creswell Community Singers
In the Fire Bay 3:30 - 3:45 p.m.
Creswell Community Singers- Middle School
Choir
Inside the Fire Bay 3:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
The Light Parade begins at 5 p.m. and runs down Oregon Ave from Creswell Middle School at 7th Street through 1st Street.
Musical entertainment is in downtown Creswell on Oregon Ave and First Street at the Creswell Fire Station and the library parking lot. The Holiday Market in the Community Center on the corner of 1st and C Streets
For more information, contact the Creswell Chamber of Commerce at 541-895-4398.
Interfaith concert Dec. 7
As part of the Cottage Grove Community-wide Christmas Kickoff Celebration, South Lane Concerts (SLC) presents its third concert for 2024 at 4 p.m. Dec 7 at Cottage Grove High School.
The interfaith concert is free and open to the public. It features a combination of contemporary worship and traditional Christmas songs. As a fundraiser, the Cottage Grove High School Culinary Arts Students will offer refreshments for sale.
The nonprofit’s volunteers produce three annual faith-based concerts: Easter, Summertime and Christmas.
SLC’s goal is to share the gospel of Christ
through music and encourage people of all ages to join in. The concerts are designed to bring hope and unity to the communities in South Lane County.
SLC coordinator Christi Fields said the group provides three faith-based concerts annual, at Easter, during the summer, and at Christmas. The first concert was Palm Sunday at Delight Valley Church of Christ. The summer event was at Bohemia Park, and the Cottage Grove High School administrators allowed her group to rent the cafetorium for the Christmas concert.
“Our goal is to bring the churches together while also inviting the community members from the surrounding area,” she said. “We hope to have
the different churches, or musicians contribute their talent that have interest in participating for one of the annual events. This gives us an opportunity to get together outside of our church homes. Pastors can help lead worship or they can relax while worshiping with others. We invite people to volunteer for future events. Whether it’s to be prayer partners or come down if you need prayer.”
Fields said the high school connection is a benefit.
“We want to offer different youth groups a chance to fundraise for themselves,” she said. “This gives us the opportunity to bring some light, hope and joy into the community. Hopefully it will also encourage commu-
nity members to be more engaged working with the schools.”
According to Fields, the concerts bring ‘hope and unity’ to those attending.
“I believe in the scripture and its importance to invite Christian’s together, singing praises and worshiping the Lord,” she said. “We are all “the body of Christ” even if we may have different beliefs or views, we all agree Jesus is the way.”
Winter Concert
4 P.M. SATURDAY, DEC. 7 COTTAGE GROVE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
Armory, 628 E. Washington Avenue. The spring, summer, and fall markets operate from May through October.
Jeremy C. Ruark / Cottage Grove Sentinel
The Winter Markets are held inside the Cottage Grove Armory, 628 E. Washington Avenue.
Jeremy C. Ruark / Cottage Grove Sentinel Local artists display their work at the Winter Markets.
Jeremy C. Ruark / Cottage Grove Sentinel
A variety of candles and other crafts are on display at the Winter Markets.
Jeremy C. Ruark / Cottage Grove Sentinel Hats can also be found at the Cottage grove Winter Markets.
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Hunger rates in Oregon are on the upswing
LYNNE
TERRY Oregon Capital Chronicle
Hunger rates plummeted in Oregon in the years leading up to the pandemic, but then COVID hit and during the following two years, the number of Oregonians struggling to put food on the table rose, a recently released Oregon State University study found.
People lost their jobs and their sources of income shrank, creating thousands more malnourished Oregonians.
In 2023, nearly 13% of state residents — about 530,000 individuals — suffered from “food insecurity” in Oregon, according to a just-released Oregon State University analysis that looks at people’s inability to get enough food on the table in a predictable manner.
That rate is lower than in the years following the Great Recession, but about two points higher than 2020, marking an increase of about 65,000 more people facing food insecurity during 2021 to 2023.
Renters, people who live alone, those with a lower education, rural residents and minority communities along with adults up to age 64 are more likely to face food insecurity.
With persistent food insecurity issues in Oregon, dozens of organizations like the Oregon Food Bank have stepped up their efforts to tackle the problem, partly in Washington D.C. More than 40 groups recently sent a letter to Oregon’s U.S. senators and representatives, urging them to oppose any reduction in food aid.
The groups are worried about the farm bill, a fiveyear program that covers agricultural subsidies, crop insurance and food aid like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP helps 680,000 Oregonians a year buy food to feed their families. The five-year farm bill expired last September and Congress has still not passed a new bill.
“Many Oregonians need these resources now more than ever,” Sarah
Weber-Ogden, co-executive director of Partners for a Hunger-free Oregon, told the Capital Chronicle. “We need Congress to understand that these programs can’t withstand any reduction in funding or reach — they’re too essential.”
The Agriculture Committee in the Republicancontrolled House passed a farm bill that would cut $30 billion from nutritional programs while a version introduced in the U.S. Senate would protect food aid. Neither is likely to make it to the finish line before the next Republican-dominated Congress is in session.
HISTORICALLY HIGH RATES
Advocates say a cut in SNAP benefits, which are paid by the federal government, would particularly hurt Oregon.
Historically, Oregon has often had higher food insecurity rates than the rest of the country, something that has puzzled researchers, said Mark Edwards, an Oregon State University professor and lead researcher on the study. He pointed to the 1990s when the economy was booming, a time when presumably rates would be down.
But they weren’t, soaring above the U.S. average.
Edwards said the state experienced a big influx of people at the time and that prices rose, creating wider disparities among various groups of people.
“The fraction of people who were struggling in terms of paying rent was high in Oregon compared to a lot of states,” Edwards said. “So from early on,
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
we’ve been thinking a lot about the role of housing and housing costs.”
Renters, who are subject to the whims of the marketplace, are the most at risk. Oregon law limits yearover-year rent increases to the lesser of 10% or 7% plus inflation, but that law doesn’t apply to buildings constructed in the past 15 years.
During the 2021 to 2023 period covered by the analysis, researchers found that nearly 23% of renters experienced food insecurity compared with nearly 7% of homeowners. Renters generally face higher poverty rates than homeowners and have traditionally had higher rates of food insecurity, the analysis shows. Edwards said he wasn’t surprised by that high rate, saying it could have been even higher without pandemic-era eviction protections and expanded federal food benefits.
“The safety net during COVID really did keep the problem from getting as bad as it could have been,” Edwards said.
But those protections are now gone.
The analysis says it remains to be seen how the priority put on building more housing, especially affordable homes, by Gov. Tina Kotek and the Legislature, with its allocation this year of nearly $380 million for housing, will affect food insecurity rates. Edwards said there’s no magic bullet for reducing hunger in a significant way, especially in a short period of time.
“It’s a hard thing to do to address in one budget,” Edwards said.
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
It will take months and maybe years for the money to make an impact, and the high cost of housing is not the only factor at play in food insecurity. The analysis shows that people without a high school education face the highest rates of food insecurity and that they’re going up, with nearly one-third of those without a diploma facing hunger from 2021 to 2023 compared to 17% for those with an associate’s degree and more than 6% for those with a bachelor’s.
Those who live alone — both men and women — experience higher rates of food insecurity than couples, but single mothers face the highest rates when looking at household composition: 28% in 2021 to 2023 compared with 15% for single women or 17% for single men.
HIGH RATES IN RURAL OREGON
The analysis also found that rural residents experience higher rates of food insecurity than their urban counterparts — 21% compared with 12%. Although many people in the countryside have gardens and grow their own food, the vast majority of rural residents shop at grocery stores, Edwards said.
He doesn’t know exactly why rural folks in Oregon have faced a higher risk of food insecurity, but said it could be a combination of factors. They might not have easy access to state and federal benefits or might not have wanted to use them out of fear of being seen to need SNAP benefits, for example, or
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
experiencing a stigma of going to a church food pantry.
Also during the pandemic, people were told to stay at home, which might have kept them away from food pantries, Edwards said.
But the curious thing is that Oregon is an outlier in having higher food insecurity rates in rural areas.
“It didn’t happen all over the country,” Edwards said. “We’re still trying to figure out if there was something really unique about Oregon’s rural places that made it especially vulnerable.”
With the next legislative session around the corner, Oregon’s Hunger Task Force, which includes lawmakers, agency staff, advocates and people who’ve struggled with hunger, is working on a “roadmap” to address the state’s high food insecurity rates. The document, which is still in the works, will be presented to lawmakers during their three days of meetings next month, said Jacki Ward
Kehrwald, the communications lead for the nonprofit Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon.
The document maps out three main principles — ensuring that food is affordable, easily accessible and culturally appropriate — and details a path forward that would bring together all facets related to hunger that need to work together to bring down food insecurity rates, said Weber-Ogden of Partners for a Hunger-free Oregon.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle. com/2024/11/25/hungerrates-in-oregon-are-on-theupswing/ 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.
OBITUARIES & DEATH NOTICES
Jack Edward Hawley
November 8, 1940 - November 13, 2024
Jack Edward Hawley, 84, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away on November 13, 2024. Jack was born November 8, 1940, to George and Elsie (Bowley) Hawley in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and Range Management from the University of Wyoming. He married Erika Eva Reh on November 28, 1970, in Cheyenne, Wyoming and later divorced. Jack joined the United States Navy and served as a Radioman 3rd class Petty Officer. Jack met the love of his life and partner, Bobbie Kalbfleisch. They celebrated 30 plus years together until her passing in April 2021. Prior to Jack’s retirement he spent 28 years with Bohemia/ Willamette Industries, Laminated Beam plant in Saginaw, Oregon. He enjoyed the outdoors immensely, walking, hiking, biking, camping, and gardening. Jack enjoyed frequenting bakeries and donut shops. Most of all Jack loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and friends. He is survived by his son Bob Hawley of Albany, OR; son Eric Hamer of Folsom, CA; daughter Cindy (Jack) Hall of Salem, OR; son Joe (Stacie) Hawley of Eugene, OR; son Jim (Devine) Hawley of Springfield, OR; son Mike (Stacey) Hawley of Springfield, OR; 8 grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren. There was a private family inurnment held at Fir Grove Cemetery with military honors. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel.
James Becknell
James Becknell, 63, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away on November 22,
2024. Arrangements are being cared for by Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
Pre-Planning makes matters easier for those you love.
Pre-Planning allows you to provide guidance to your family after your death.
Pre-Planning allows you to control potential expenses of a funeral and disposition.
Pre-Planning provides an advanced opportunity to assemble life data.
Created with Datawrapper Chart: Lynne Terry, Oregon Capital ChronicleSource: Mark Edwards, Oregon State University Policy Analysis Lab.
Getty Images A relatively high rate of Oregonians historically have struggled to get enough to eat.
NEWS & VIEWS
Oregon likely faces battle with next Trump administration
any federal regulation under
During the just-concluded campaign for attorney general, Republican Will Lathrop dodged a question about whether he supported his party’s presidential candidate by saying he was “laser focused” on public safety issues in Oregon and not on national politics. National issues, he suggested, were not a major part of the job for an Oregon attorney general.
He was wrong. What’s become obvious in the days since the election of Donald Trump as president is that the line between Oregon’s and national issues could be erased, and that courtrooms — and specifically those likely to be frequented by Oregon’s attorney general — will be a primary battleground over the broader subjects of safety and security.
Oregon’s next Democratic attorney general, Dan Rayfield, reflected as much immediately after his race was called. In some of his first remarks post-election, he said, “In light of this week’s election, our work to defend Oregon’s values and the rule of law against national attacks will be front and center like never before. As the last line of defense for the rights and freedoms of Oregonians, we will be prepared to stand firm against the unconstitutional and unlawful threats President-elect Trump promised on the campaign trail.” Oregon statewide officials overall have been less strident than those in some other blue states with their responses to the incoming federal administration, but their comments have included warnings that offensive federal policies wouldn’t go unchallenged.
Gov. Tina Kotek, for example, said, “While I seek to work with the incoming administration, I will not stand idly by as abortion access, environmental standards, civil liberties or other priorities come under attack from national partisan politics.”
Rayfield seems likely to ask the Oregon Legislature in coming weeks for more money to do battle with the Trump administration. And he’s likely to get it. That would mirror most of the blue state attorneys general. Washington state, for example, situated much like Oregon, also has just elected a new AG with the incumbent, Bob Ferguson, a veteran of many battles with the prior Trump administration, moving up to governor.
A number of CaliforniaOregon-Washington legal initiatives may be on the way.
Rob Bonta, California’s attorney general, said, “If Trump attacks your rights, I’ll be there.”
Washington’s incoming AG, Nick Brown, remarked that, “We will be prepared for whatever comes and do everything in our power to defend the rights of Washingtonians, the people of this great state, and to make sure that when there is an illegal action, that we look very closely to see if we can bring a case.”
Where might the battles be located?
You can start with some of the topics Trump emphasized in his campaign. Oregon’s protections for immigrants and transgender people are two likely targets. Education policy may shift dramatically, since there’s discussion of eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, though its reach is not as broad as some critics appear to think. The Affordable Care Act is again, as during the first Trump term, very much at risk.
Trump’s discussion of election fraud has faded since his win, but Oregon’s vote-by-mail process may become a target anyway.
But the meaningful list of battlefields is much longer.
In 2017 the Trump administration proposed to decrease the size of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, which had been expanded by President Barack Obama. The effort failed. But the effort did not happen because Trump
made a personal push for it; the proposal came from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. In all presidencies, many administration proposals come from officials other than the president, and the list of those initiatives could be extensive.
Taken together, many changes in environmental rules and management could happen.
On the campaign trail, Trump indicated that California’s water woes could be solved by draining water from the Columbia River: “So you have millions of gallons of water pouring down from the north with the snow caps in Canada and all pouring down. And they have essentially a very large faucet. And you turn the faucet and it takes one day to turn it. It’s massive.”
This may have been nonsensical, but if Trump did decide to follow up, the legal battles over water could be heated.
Different approaches to policy, even when not outright or obvious reversals, could matter. Native American tribes have expressed concern about this, noting unwelcome changes in policy during the first Trump administration.
Policy clashes are likely, too, in areas like housing, where the state has begun efforts to ease housing shortages and pricing — but the next Trump administration is likely to push very different approaches.
The battle begins on Jan. 20. It will not end quickly.
Randy Stapilus writes commentaries for the Oregon Capital Chronicle. https://oregoncapitalchronicle. com/2024/11/22/oregonlikely-faces-battle-withnext-trump-administration/ 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.
Governor calls for special session to cover wildfire season costs
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she is using her constitutional authority to call a special session of the Oregon Legislature, to begin on Thursday, December 12, for lawmakers to appropriate funds to pay for the historic 2024 wildfire season.
A record 1.9 million acres burned this wildfire season, far exceeding the state’s 10-year average of 640,000 acres per season and incurring costs upwards of $350 million. While over half of the costs will eventually be covered by disaster relief funds from the federal government, the state needs to pay its bills as expeditiously as possible.
“The unprecedented 2024 wildfire season required all of us to work together to protect life, land, and property, and that spirit of cooperation must continue in order to meet our fiscal responsibilities,” Kotek said. “I am grateful to legislative leaders for coming to consensus that our best course of action is to ensure the state’s fire season costs are addressed and bills paid by the end of the calendar year.”
Kotek is asking the Legislature to release a combined total of $218 million to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to address all costs for the season assumed to date. This includes meeting the state’s financial obliga-
tions to small, medium, and large contractors who worked tirelessly to protect and support Oregonians for more than five months.
“Fighting wildfires of the magnitude we saw this season required a tremendous level of resources that even wildfire experts couldn’t foresee,” Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene & Veneta) said. “Now, as we approach the end of the year and the holiday season, we need to make good on our commitments and pay our bills so that the contractors who fought fires in Oregon can be made whole. Convening now will enable us to do so, and to chart a bipartisan path forward to address our state’s most pressing needs.”
Wildfires this season destroyed at least 42 homes and 132 other structures, and caused severe disruptions and damage to transportation facilities, utility infrastructure, and natural resource economies.
In July, Kotek declared a State of Emergency in response to the threat of wildfire and invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act a state record 17 times to mobilize structural firefighting resources coordinated by OSFM to local communities and thousands of wildland firefighting personnel and resources coordinated by ODF.
Oregon House Republican Leader Christine Drazan released a statement following Gov. Kotek’s announcement. With news that the Ore-
gon Department of Forestry was insolvent, and riddled with ongoing bureaucratic dysfunction which left it unable to pay staff or outstanding invoices without loans, House Republicans pursued bi-partisan cooperation to address the state’s duty to pay workers who risked their lives on the fire lines.
“We remain committed to fixing what’s broken in Oregon. The Governor has responded to closed-door calls for a special session with her announcement today. Good for her. While we have had zero communications from the Governor on this monumental challenge, we are glad to hear she is willing to allow the legislature to work cooperatively to fix her insolvent agency’s problems, for the first time in the press. Evidently, the Governor will be communicating via press release rather than a phone call. That is her prerogative.
“Despite this bizarre approach to leadership, Republicans welcome the opportunity to solve this problem by ensuring the people who work to protect Oregon communities during wildfire season are paid for their service,” Drazan (R-Canby) said. “This bi-partisan legislative call for a special session will immediately address those compensation needs—many of which are months in arrears.”
Follow developments online at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
RANDY SYAPILUS Oregon Capital Chronicle
Getty Images
Oregon’s battles against
the next Donald Trump administration are likely to play out in court.
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
Courtesy photo
A series of wildfires burned across the state, including the 25,000-acre Lane 1 Wildfire in remote rugged Lane County.
Christmas
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
of Commerce Executive Director Georgia Haskell said she is pleased with how the community is so engaged in ushering in the holiday season.
“The Cottage Grove Christmas Kickoff is truly a magical celebration that embodies the spirit of our small town,” Haskell said.
“I love seeing the Chamber of Commerce, the city, small businesses, and so many dedicated volunteers come together to create something so special. From a tree lighting with Mr. and Mrs. Claus while the high school choir sings carols, the churches serving amazing soups and hot drinks, to a day full of activities around town, every moment feels like a testament to our community spirit. My favorite part is seeing
Downtown
Historic Downtown District draws history lovers to town
From Page 1
tion grants (ranging from $500-$3,500) to successful applicants who own buildings within the district. Each applicant must match the amount at a 1:1 ratio and complete the work by June the following year. Past projects include the restoration of neon signs, repainting historic murals, window repair, brick & mortar repair, stucco repair, restoration studies, and new awnings.
The City Council created a seven-member Historical Preservation Commission (HPC) to review applications for alteration or destruction of recognized historic landmarks. For the Downtown Historic District, the Commission provides guardrails to ensure the design and plans of the building exteriors meet the criteria required to maintain the national designation. The commissioners meet as needed and assist planning staff in preparing
A rrest
‘Incoherent, rambling’ man hiding in bathroom arrested
From Page A1
commands from the officers and remained inside the building.”
everyone come together and share in the joy of the season.”
Below is a description of each event:
Free Breakfast with Santa at the Firehouse, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., 233 E. Harrison Ave.
Santa invites kids to come share items on their wish list and enjoy a free hot breakfast of pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, coffee, juice and hot cocoa.
Jingle Rush 5K Run/ Walk, 9 a.m., CGHS Track, 1275 S. River Rd. (Free Kids Events at 8:30 a.m.)
Register at South Valley Athletic Office at Community Center, 700 E. Gibbs Ave. or online at www. runCGrun.com
Packet Pick Up: Friday, 12/6 between 6:30-8 p.m. | Saturday 12/7 at CG High School from 7:458:45 a.m. Info: Call Jim at 541.968.2392. Fees: Adult $35 or ($30 no shirt) | Youth (18 & younger) $10 ($5 no shirt) Proceeds benefit CGHS
an annual historic preservation workplan.
Members of the HPC are William Christiansen, Rick Hazeltine, Patti Kinney, Steve Kleiner, Debra Monsive and Chester Turner.
Appointed in 2020, Steve Kleiner currently chairs the Commission. He relocated here from Colorado and purchased a house built in 1903 in the Historic Northwest Neighborhood. He is a craftsman with a background in woodworking and historic preservation techniques and materials.
Kleiner said the Commission’s main goal is to ensure alterations follow the City’s development code to preserve the historical significance of the property.
“When we review applications from historic property owners, we want to ensure their planned changes are accurate and esthetically pleasing to continue attracting visitors to town,” Kleiner said. “Historical preservation has economic benefits, and we want Cottage Grove to continue to be a destination for history-loving visitors to come and spend their money.”
Debra Monsive is a researcher of family and local history and actively involved in multiple
Due to the inability to maintain effective communication with Dyche and the police officer’s knowledge of his past violent behavior, Chase said additional resources were requested to assist the Cottage Grove Police Department.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Eugene Police Department all responded by sending additional law enforcement officers to the scene to help
Winter Community Concert, Saturday, 4-6 p.m., CG High School Cafetorium, 1375 S. River Rd. South Lane Concerts presents this free faithbased worship and celebration of Christ’s birth.
Coloring Contest, Photos with Olaf & The Grinch, Raffle for two Grinchthemed gift packages.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland, 5-9 p.m., Cottage Grove Speedway, 2150 N. Douglas Ave. (Open nightly Dec 13-31)
Key Club, Community Tree of Joy & healthy community activities
Prospectors & Gold
Diggers Club Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 360 South River Rd. Tour the historic Dr. Snapp House that showcases early medical practices in Cottage Grove. Shop for unique holiday gifts and take home fresh-baked goodies.
CresswellChronicle (Weekly)6weeks+1 bonusweek Eachadruns1x
Photos with Santa from 10 am-2pm. The bazaar continues on Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cottage Grove Christmas Kickoff Bazaar & Season of Giving Fundraiser, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., CG Armory 628 E. Washington Ave. Shop locally
Starting:Oct17 Ending:Nov.30
with handcrafted holiday vendors. Photos with Santa, Baked Goods, Gift Wrapping, Raffle Baskets, Reptiles Meet & Greet, Elephant Ears, Smash Burgers Food Truck & Coffee Truck Winter Clothing Drive – Donate new or gently used items for kids and adults. The bazaar continues on Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
CoosBay 13weekstotalineach
South Valley Farmers Winter Market, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Armory, 628 E. Washington Ave. Features farm fresh produce and artisan goods directly from the farmers and producers. Wide variety of items for unique holiday gift-giving.
Repeatcycle2x=12 weeks. Runad1againon13th week.
Stained Glass & Candlelight, 6-7:30 p.m., Cottage Grove Museum, corner of Birch Avenue & H Street Step back in time and explore local history in this unique octagonal building that was the original 19th century Catholic Church. At 6:30 p.m., enjoy a guided tour of the former church’s stained-glass windows and learn about the families that sacrificially purchased them. Light refreshments will be served. There are two other community events happening in town on Dec. 7:
Starting:Oct.17 Ending:MidJan.
Olaf & The Grinch at Cascade Home Center, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 40 S. 5th St. Features free hot chocolate, coffee and cookies, Letters to Santa &
Features tens of thousands of lights and decorations, menus offer dinner, snacks, desserts, loaded hot chocolate, apple cider bar, warming fires, s’mores to roast, adult beverages, and more! Santa appears nightly between 4-8 p.m. to hear children’s wishes. Daily Ticket Prices: Ages 3-13 - $5 | Ages 14+ - $10 | Family Pass (2 Adults and 4 Kids) - $25 Seasonal Passes are also available. The event is designed to host holiday parties for families and businesses. For more info: www.cottagegrovespeedway.com
CottageGrove 13weekstotalineach Repeatcycle2x=12 weeks. Runad1againon13th week.
Starting:Oct.17
For more information about the holiday events, contact the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce at 541-942-2411.
Ending:MidJan.
history-related organizations. She has done extensive research into Cottage Grove’s past and created a significant collection of historic photos. She was appointed to the HPC in 2021 and has weighed in on a dozen grant applications in the downtown district.
“We rewrote the application so it would encourage more property owners to apply for a matching grant to improve their buildings,” Monsive said. “Eric (former city planner) was able to have the unused grant money roll into a trust fund that could be used the next year.”
Kleiner and Monsive say more coordination is needed when approving changes in the historic downtown district. For example, the HPC was not involved in the approval that allowed the former Hot Spot café owner to use bright colors that are not in compliance with the district’s historic preservation criteria.
In response to readers’ curiosity about the renovation work happening at 303 E. Main Street (across from City Hall), The Sentinel contacted Shaun Hyland, the Springfield contractor who owns it. He said he purchased the building as
resolve the incident.
A Sheriff’s Department K9 and a Eugene Police Department drone team assisted in securing the scene and resolving the standoff, according to Chase.
“After over an hour of failed communications and negotiations officers made their way into the building where they located Dyche hiding in a bathroom,” Chase said. “Once the officers contacted Dyche a struggle ensued; however,
an investment property. Once the building has a more attractive external appearance, he plans to lease it to tenants next year.
The topic of empty Main Street buildings and the deterioration of the once colorful “Filmer Park” mural is frequently discussed on social media. The mural was painted decades ago by Art Guild members to camouflage the two weedfilled empty lots created by a fire in 1989.
In January, construction of the Main Street Revitalization Plan gets underway. Although the historic preservation development code only applies to buildings, Public Works Director Faye Stewart said the new design for the street and sidewalks will complement the historical aesthetics.
“We have worked hard with our architectural engineer to incorporate periodappropriate furnishings, light poles, etc.,” Stewart said. “I hope when the construction is complete the new street, sidewalks, and furnishings will give a historic feel and experience for our community and visitors.”
Follow this special series online at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
officers were able to safely take Dyche into custody.”
Once Dyche was in custody he was evaluated at the scene by medics with South Lane Fire and Rescue before being transported and lodged in the Lane County Jail on the following charges:
• Burglary in the Second Degree
• Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
• Resisting Arrest
From Page 1 Cottage Grove Sentinel Holiday decorations light up the path at the Walking in a Winter Wonderland presentation at the Cottage Grove Speedway.
Classified
LADD CONSTRUCTION, LLC New or remodel, decks, siding, windows, doors, shops, fenc- es. 541-913-1541 ccb# 239015
Attention Crafters! Spring Fair! March 28-30 at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Our 48th year! Booths available for quality crafts. For info send SASE to Spring Fair 2025 PO Box 22 Dillard OR 97432 or innerspacefamily@gmail.com
AVENUE; THENCE NORTH 89° 30’ WEST 81.96 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING IN SAID SECTION, TOWNSHIP AND RANGE IN LANE COUNTY, OREGON. The street address or other common designation, if any for the real property described above is purported to be: 3920 ROYAL AVE EUGENE, OREGON 97402 The Tax Assessor’s Account ID for the Real Property is purported to be: 170427210750010456572
CGS 24-3031
TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TSNO.: 24-70258 Reference is made to that certain Deed of Trust (hereinafter referred as the Trust Deed) made by VON E LAINE AND MONICA RIGGS as Grantor to FIRST AMERICAN, as trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for MORTGAGE EXPRESS, LLC., beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, as Beneficiary, dated 2/6/2023, recorded 2/14/2023, as Instrument No. 2023- 003714, in mortgage records of Lane County, Oregon covering the following described real property situated in said County and State, to-wit: BEGINNING AT A POINT 490 FEET SOUTH 89° 30’ EAST OF A POINT 30 FEET SOUTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST ONE-QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST
FEET TO
RHOADS PLAT; THENCE ALONG RHOADS PLAT SOUTH 89° 20’ EAST 80.53; THENCE NORTH 0° 05’ EAST 122.75 FEET TO THE SOUTH LINE OF ROYAL
Both the beneficiary and the trustee, ZBS Law, LLP have elected to foreclose the above referenced Trust Deed and sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by the Trust Deed and a Notice of Default and Election to Sell has been recorded pursuant to ORS 86.752(3). All right, title, and interest in the said described property which the grantors had, or had power to convey, at the time of execution of the Trust Deed, together with any interest the grantors or their successors in interest acquired after execution of the Trust Deed shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder for cash to satisfy the obligations secured by the Trust Deed and the expenses of sale, including the compensation of the trustee as provided by law, and the reasonable fees of trustee’s attorneys. The default for which the foreclosure is made is: The monthly installment of principal and interest which became due on 2/1/2024, late charges, and all subsequent monthly installments of principal and interest. You are responsible to pay all payments and charges due under the terms and conditions of the loan documents which come due subsequent to the date of this notice, including, but not limited to, foreclosure trustee fees and costs, advances and late charges. Furthermore, as a condition to bring your account in good standing, you must provide the undersigned with written proof that you are not in default on any senior encumbrance and provide proof of insurance. Nothing in this notice should be construed as a waiver of any fees owing to the beneficiary under the deed of trust, pursuant to the terms and provisions of the loan documents.The amount required to cure the default in payments to date is calculated as follows: From: 2/1/2024 Total of past due payments: $19,263.15 Late Charges: $692.76 Additional charges (Taxes, Insurance, Corporate Advances, Other Fees): $720.38 Trustee’s Fees and Costs: $1,757.33 Total necessary to cure: $22,433.62
Please note the amounts stated herein are subject to confirmation and review and are likely to change during the next 30 days. Please contact the successor trustee ZBS Law, LLP, to obtain a “reinstatement’ and or “pay-
off’ quote prior to remitting funds. By reason of said default the beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by the Trust Deed due and payable. The amount required to discharge this lien in its entirety to date is: $313,430.78 Said sale shall be held at the hour of 1:00 PM on 2/12/2025 in accord with the standard of time established by ORS 187.110, and pursuant to ORS 86.771(7) shall occur at the following designated place: Front Entrance to the Lane County Courthouse, 125 East 8th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401 Other than as shown of record, neither the said beneficiary nor the said trustee have any actual notice of any person having or claiming to have any lien upon or interest in the real property hereinabove described subsequent to the interest of the trustee in the Trust Deed, or of any successor(s) in interest to the grantors or of any lessee or other person in possession of or occupying the property, except: NONE Notice is further given that any person named in ORS 86.778 has the right, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale, to have this foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred) and by curing any other default complained of herein that is capable of being cured by tendering the performance required under the obligation(s) of the Trust Deed, and in addition to paying said sums or tendering the performance necessary to cure the default, by paying all costs and expenses actually incurred in enforcing the obligation and Trust Deed, together with the trustee’s and attorney’s fees not exceeding the amounts provided by ORS 86.778. The mailing address of the trustee is: ZBS Law, LLP 5 Centerpointe Dr., Suite 400 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 (503) 946-6558 In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “grantor” includes any successor in interest to the grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said trust deed, the words “trustee” and ‘beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Without limiting the trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of
Deadline for all classified and legal ads is the Wednesday one week prior to to the following Wednesday Publication date. Ads received after Wednesday 5:00 p.m. will not appear until two weeks after submission date.
New funding for Monarch butterfly, pollinator conservation
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
Monarch butterflys drift easy and free in Lane County, but the future of the monarch is uncertain.
Now, new funding may help protect the butterfly in Oregon.
Two projects designed to increase and improve western monarch butterfly and pollinator habitats in Oregon will receive $758,810 in funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)’s Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund).
The investments are part of $5.2 million in grants awarded by the NFWF’s Pollinator Fund for projects to conserve monarch butterflies and other insect pollinators in 24 states.
The projects in Oregon include:
• $458,810 for the Pollinator Partnership to support Partner Biologists in planning climate-smart voluntary conservation efforts for private working lands that benefit the monarch butterfly and other pollinators across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The project is expected to restore 100
acres, improve 500 acres, develop 80 conservation plans, reach 720 people, and host 30 events.
• $300,000 for The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to sustain their Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Kit Program that supports monarch butterfly and other pollinators on public and private lands in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregions, eastern Washington, and California. The project is expected to improve 500 acres, reach 200 people, and host 16 events.
Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced the funding Nov. 26, stating that the projects are critically needed, as the western monarch population has declined over 95%, from as many as 10 million in the 1980s, to just over 233,000 counted last winter.
These low populations are dangerous for humans, as 75 percent of the world’s flowering plants, and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce, according to a release from Wyden and Merkley.
“We’ve all experienced the moment of excitement when we spot a monarch butterfly fluttering through the air,” Merkley said. “If we allow the iconic western monarch butterfly to go extinct, we will not only lose this beautiful species, but a critical pollinator forever. Groups and communities across Oregon and across the West are stepping up to find sustainable solutions, from planting pollinatorfriendly gardens in their yards to providing resources and habitats for them. This funding, which includes the federal funding I secured, will further fuel our collective efforts to save this species before time runs out.”
Merkley secured the federal funding as Chair of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, where he said he continuously boosts conservation efforts for monarch and other pollinators.
“Monarch butterflies are crucial pollinators on the West Coast, where much of America’s food is grown,” Wyden said. “This investment will support a vital component of our food ecosystem while also helping
to preserve a species that symbolizes the rebirth and resiliency Oregonians are known for.”
“Ensuring pollinator survival means ensuring our own survival,” Merkley said.
In the release announcing the funding, Merkley said he has led a series of actions to revive the populations of western monarch and other pol-
linators, like honeybees. His efforts include hosting Monarch Butterfly Summits in partnership with the Department of the Interior, the first of which announced a $1 million investment in the NFWF Pollinator Fund and established a Pollinator Conservation Center at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Merkley also introduced and passed the bipartisan
Monarch and Pollinator Highway Act and he introduced the Pollinator Power Act, which would incentivize pollinator habitats surrounding new solar projects carried out through the Rural Energy for America Program.
Merkley also supports the MONARCH Act and the Pollinator-Friendly Plant Labeling Act, both of which are cosponsored by Wyden.
Communities urged to support children, youth
One in seven children will experience some form of abuse in their lifetime, according to national statistics.
“Abuse affects children across all geographic, social, cultural, and economic boundaries,” according to a release from Oregon Child Abuse Solutions (OCAS). “Every child in Oregon deserves to feel safe, valued, and full of hope.”
Unfortunately, for many, OCAS officials said the trauma of abuse—whether at home, in school, or within their community— shatters this sense of security. OCAS officials said they are at the forefront of ensuring every child has access to timely, high-quality, and healing-centered care through a well-coordinated response to abuse.
To address this critical issue, Oregon’s Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) network is designed to provide critical leadership and services in communities across Oregon. These centers offer safe, professional,
and welcoming spaces where children can disclose their experiences and receive trauma-informed services designed to help them heal and thrive.
NETWORK OF CHILD ADVOCATES
With a presence in all 36 counties, OCAS supports Oregon’s 24 CACs by providing essential resources, training, and partnerships. According to the release, these centers collaborate with their local multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), which include law enforcement, child welfare professionals, prosecutors, medical providers, mental health experts, and others. Children’s Advocacy Centers ensure children and families have access to the following critical services:
• Medical evaluations
• Forensic interviews
• Trauma-focused therapy
• Family advocacy
• Prevention education
As an accredited chapter of the National Children’s Alliance, OCAS ensures Oregon’s response to child
abuse reflects the latest research, training, and best practices. This collaboration enables CACs to provide equitable care across urban, rural, and frontier communities while respecting local expertise and maintaining statewide standards of excellence.
REPORT ABUSE
“Ending child abuse requires a united effort,” the release states. “Parents, caregivers, educators, and all adults who interact with children play a crucial role in recognizing and reporting signs of abuse. OCAS, in partnership with local CACs, offers training and educational resources to empower individuals to protect vulnerable children.”
“Every adult in Oregon has a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our children,” Oregon Child Abuse Solutions Executive Director Shelly Smith said. “Together, we can create a future where every child feels safe, valued, and full of hope.”
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, take immediate action:
• Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.
• Report child abuse or neglect in Oregon by calling 855-503-SAFE (7233).
• Contact local law enforcement using the non-
emergency line unless the situation is life-threatening, then call 911.
TAKE ACTION
Preventing child abuse starts with awareness and education. Learn the signs,
attend a training, and speak up. To locate a Children’s Advocacy Center near you or explore available training opportunities, visit oregoncas.org/centers/ find-a-center/. For information on child sexual abuse
prevention resources, visit Protect Our Children. “By working together, we can strengthen Oregon’s response to child abuse and help every child feel safe, valued, and full of hope,” Smith said.
Courtesy from the USFWS Pacific Southwest region The investments are part of $5.2 million in grants awarded by the NFWF’s Pollinator
Courtesy photo