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Debate continues

Proposed HB 4002 Lawmakers look to rework Measure 110 tackles addiction crisis Sentinel Editor

By RODNEY HARWOOD

STAFF REPORT

J

ay Dow has seen both sides of the scenario.

His drug-induced lifestyle took him to a dark place, all the way to the streets where he was homeless for three years.

Family stopped talking to him, wanting nothing more to do with the lies and the deception often associated with a life spiraling out of control. As he can attest, “Bottom is where you stop digging and I wasn’t there yet,” he said thinking back on that moment 11 years ago.

“After a few years of relapsing and recovery, being at the crossroads and going to jail. My family cut me out of their lives,” he said.

“I was in jail for having just robbed my buddy’s house. I went to rehab thinking once I get my 30-day sober certificate I could get in front of the judge, and hopefully get probation.

“I had no intentions of getting clean and sober. I

T

Getty Image The discussion continues over Measure 110 pertaining to a bill passed in 2020 that framed “treatment over incarceration” for drug offenders. Both sides of the aisle are currently in a debate about finding a better response to a measure that made drug use a penalty-free behavior, in effect encouraging it. was just trying not to go to prison. But after being

around sober alcoholics and recovery environment it drug addicts in a 12-step gives you a chance - at any

moment you can experience See DEBATE page 2A

Chamber report brings a sense of normalcy

By RODNEY HARWOOD

Sentinel Editor

T

TODAY’S EDITION

he Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce Annual Report at the Elks Lodge Thursday was one of the first signs of normalcy as the city climbs out from under the Winter Ice Storm that paralyzed the region with power outages and tree damage.

Businesses and restaurants have been open for a little over a week, but the gathering of civic and business leaders was pretty fair indicator things are on the mend as the community moves forward.

Guest speaker and former interim city manager Faye Stewart had the one-liner of the day. “Here I thought bringing the new city manager on board was going to be a simple hand off,” the Public Works Director said to a ripple of laughter from an audience of over 100.

It was anything but simple, but new Cottage Grove City Manager Mike Sauerwein was among those who helped usher in the 2024 chamber of commerce board of directors. Ceremonies included a State of the Chamber address by Tiffanie Williams.

Newly elected board chairman Cameron Reiten welcomed the opportunity to serve and lead an outstanding group of business leaders.

“One of the things you can take away from what I have to say today is, ‘I work for you,’” he said. “Whether you have a brick-and-mortar business

Obituaries — A4 Opinion — A4 Sports — B1 & B6 Classifieds — B2-3

downtown or run an online business out of your house, I’m here to serve you over the next year.”

The afternoon was filled with information about what the city endured with the power outages and tree damage that left the streets feeling like battle ground rather than a vibrant business district. Mayor Candace Solesbee touched on the community outreach that was nothing short of amazing in her estimation, considering the falling trees and fallen power lines and other assorted amounts of damage.

“I was amazed with the amount of people that were city hall day and night to help us with cots and sheets Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel and food. A lot of the people that City Manager Mike Sauerwein, right, had the chance to meet were staying at the shelter helped with business leaders at the Cottage Grove Chamber of Comout,” she said. “A lot of the people merce 2023 Annual Report at the Elks Lodge Thursday. at the chamber were absolutely amazing. the streets through fair and equitable “Cascade Home Center was right use of funding. The objective is to there. People donated gas so we could research and recommend a steady help anyone in need with their genersource of funding. The goal, Stewart ator. The restaurants were giving away said, is to support the level quality of free food to our community. The Red 70 in the Street Pavement Condition Cross was great. People really came Index for the arterial and collector together during this crisis.” roads.

Stewart outlined Cottage Grove Stewart indicated The Main Street Street Improvement plan that is revitalization project construction currently underway. The Street documents are at 30% completion Improvement committee includes from Branch Engineering. The goal city councilors, community members is to be out for bids in spring of 2024, exploring ways to get the various with completion late 2024 or early street improvements funded in the 2025. most cost-effective way possible.

Cameron Reiten The vision, he said, is to improve

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here are no easy answers to the rising fentanyl overdose-related deaths or the detrimental effects the crisis is having on community safety and the quality of life across the state.

The monster is loose and it’s not going away anytime soon. Before fentanyl there was meth amphetamine, before that OxyContin, then crack cocaine, free base cocaine, LSD, not to mention heroin has been around for centuries.

Drug addiction has always been deadly, but with the advanced synthetic versions it has escalated to astronomical heights with an even deadly force in recent years.

“Oregon’s cities have little authority under Measure 110 to intervene to protect the lives of our residents suffering from addiction or address the community safety and livability issues that stem from rampant drug abuse,” Hermiston Mayor Dave Drotzmann, President of the League of Oregon Cities, said in a press release. “The co-chair proposal released today has good components, but still requires cities to rely on a county or non-profit to provide deflection services before we can act -that’s not acceptable.”

The League of Oregon Cities has put together a comprehensive approach to addressing Oregon’s Addiction and Community Liability Crisis, House Bill 4002, stating it will only be meaningfully addressed if all parties to the solution coordinate closely and have the necessary resources to effectively engage.

Last fall, Oregon’s chiefs of police, sheriffs, district attorneys and city leaders outlined a roadmap to assist the Legislature in addressing Oregon’s extreme addiction crisis, the release said.

“The details of this proposal will be very important, and while there are a few of the elements of the law enforcement framework included, like recriminalizing possession of a small number of serious drugs, a C-MisdeSee CRISIS page 2A

Cottage Grove Sentinel Follow us for the latest news: 2 Sections | 12 Pages @CGSentinel Copyright 2023 CGSentinel.com

URGENT: AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM (ACP) ENDING SOON This notice provides essential information for current and potential ACP participants.

ACP funds ($14.2 billion) expected to deplete by April 2024. The FCC is initiating the program’s wind-down.

Key Dates: • Feb 7, 2024: Deadline for ACP applications (11:59 PM ET).

• Feb 8, 2024: Closure of new enrollments.

• April 2024: Estimated end of ACP funding.

Action for Eligible Households: • Apply ASAP: Before Feb 7, 2024, at GetInternet.gov.

• Current Participants: Benefits continue until funds run out.

Monitor emails and visit official websites for updates.

Important Contacts: ACP Support: 877-384-2575 • More Info: www.AffordableConnectivity.gov, www.fcc.gov/acp

2A | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 / COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL

Recent Increase of wire theft in county Staff Report

or logos.

According to Oregon There has been an increase Revised Statute 164.055, any in reports of wire theft from level of theft “committed durutility companies in the area, ing a…catastrophe or other as well as thefts of tools and emergency in an area affected equipment, according to the by the…catastrophe or other Lane County Sheriff ’s Office. emergency” becomes Theft in As a result, it hampers the First Degree, a Class C Felefforts to restore power and ony. Due to high metal prices, communication services wire theft can easily become throughout the county. It Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, a Class B Felony. also raises the costs of these Additionally, anyone who repairs, as they are forced to accepts material “having replace stolen materials and good reason to know” that tools.

The department asks people it was stolen, commits Theft

by Receiving. This includes to be vigilant for suspicious activity around repair sites, the scrap metal businesses if they are out of compliance with department emphasized in a press release. Legitimate work- ORS 165.118, according to the ers will be wearing appropriate release.

If you see suspicious activsafety equipment, flagging ity, please immediately report if they are impeding the roadway, and driving vehicles to the Lane County Sheriff ’s marked with their contractor Office at 541-682-4150, option or power company numbers 1.

CRISIS from page 1A meanor is insufficient,” said Umatilla County District Attorney Dan Primus, President of the Oregon District Attorneys Association.

“In addition, limiting communities’ ability to charge this crime only if they have a qualifying deflection program is not a statewide solution. Unnecessarily complicating a C-Misdemeanor on the front end and back end threatens to strip all benefits of any recriminalization. Law enforcement needs clear, meaningful, and simple solutions

DEBATE from page 1A the truth about yourself.

They told me ‘You need to stop using your mom.’ ‘You need to grow up and start taking this seriously and make some changes in your life.’”

It’s not always the case, you have to want to stop … stay stopped, make the necessary lifestyle changes, he said. But he is taking full advantage of his second-lease on life to carry the message and help others find the path of recovery.

Dow is the owner/operator of Sober Music Co.: Songs for the Soul. He has performed at the Oregon Hazelden Betty Ford Center in Newberg, 25 miles southwest of Portland and is currently hosting Zoom Alcoholics Anonymous meetings every Friday night from his base of operations in Phoenix, Ariz. He has several prison and rehabilitation clinic clients in Arizona, where he plays his recovery-based music and tells his story from the streets to 11 years of sobriety and his sober lifestyle that offered him a way out.

“I sing about addiction, and I talk about recovery,” said Dow, who also has a real estate license. “I’m in front of thousands of newcomers every year and I always talk about the years before I got sober.

“Since I’m a one-man band, I write and sing my own songs. My songs are a lot about Step One and admitting I’m powerless and how my life had become unmanageable. What I do is write songs that allow alcoholics and drug addicts to feel their feelings and get honest about addiction … get honest about their lives.”

His music and prison

Cottage Police Department adds experienced officer to its ranks

By RODNEY HARWOOD

Sentinel Editor

The Cottage Grove Police Department added a veteran law enforcement officer to its ranks, bringing with him a background in patrol, investigations, tactical operations, training, and internal affairs.

Randy Soulard joined the force just after the first of the year in the role of Administrative Captain.

“As we continue working on a number of projects in the department, Captain Soulard will be instrumental in helping us navigate the challenges ahead,” Chief Cory Chase said. “In his role with us he will oversee the South Lane 911 Center, Records, Evidence, Training, Professional Standards, and

to this crisis. The framework released today is a good starting point but is not there yet.”

The release states the coalition understands the complexity of the issue and appreciates the work of Co-Chairs Senator Lieber and Representative Kropf as legislative session approaches.

“While we generally support the co-chair’s proposed plan on HB 4002, we find the low- level C-Misdemeanor penalty and the requirement for officers to offer a deflection program instead of arrest to be a complex and re-

and rehabilitation center presentations are available on TikTok and YouTube.

Where thousands of drug addicts and alcoholics haven’t reached the jumping off point with their disease, Dow is taking his second-chance back to the place where it all started.

He lives by the Alcoholics Anonymous motto, “You have to give it away to keep it,” meaning sharing the way out is how he maintains his own recovery, he said.

He’ll continue to work with the Hazelden Betty Ford Center and the various prison and rehab center clients in Arizona. His own story is that he never intended to get or stay sober, but one day he heard what he needed to hear to start making the necessary transformation of character changes it takes to live a sober lifestyle.

With drug addiction in America spiraling out of control and escalating to new heights, the discussion continues over Measure 110 continues pertaining to a bill passed in 2020 that framed “treatment over incarceration” for drug offenders.

Dow is one success story in a sea of discouraging results to answers to what is going on in Oregon.

Both sides of the aisle are currently in a debate about finding a better response to a measure that made drug use a penalty-free behavior, in effect encouraging it.

In the coming weeks, Democratic lawmakers, who hold the majority in the Legislature, plan to release detailed proposals to address drug addiction for the short, 35-day session, which starts Feb. 5.

House Republicans want to make possession of small

Captain Randy Soulard Investigations.”

Soulard retired from the El Cajon Police Department in Southern California in 2023 where he worked his way up the ranks before retiring as a Lieutenant.

“I’ve also worked for a Sheriff ’s Office in a large county in South Florida,” Soulard said. “During my

source-intensive approach that we are unable to support,” said Crook County Sheriff John Gautney, President of the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association.

“The proposal outlined today lacks the necessary incentives for individuals struggling with addiction to actively seek help and places our law enforcement officers in the challenging position of engaging without the tools necessary to be effective,” McMinnville Police Chief Matt Scales, President of the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, said.

amounts of fentanyl, heroin and meth a class A misdemeanor, which carries up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $6,250. Under their bill, users could avoid jail time with mandatory addiction treatment. The bill also would impose a similar misdemeanor penalty for public drug use.

House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich issued a statement in response to House Democrats unveiling a proposal that fails to fix Measure 110.

“Clearly Democrats in the legislature haven’t walked the streets to see the crisis Measure 110 has caused,” Helfrich said. “The Republican bill restores accountability, ushers addicts into treatment, and makes our streets clean and safe again – none of which will be achieved with the majority’s proposal.

“While people suffer, the majority party ignores Oregonians’ calls for bipartisan action, choosing instead to pander to radical special interests with a bill that solves nothing.”

Dow of course is neither politician nor legislator, but an advocate for recovery for those willing to be rigorously honest, he said.

“I don’t think drugs should be decriminalized, but I think recovery needs to be an option,” he said, carefully weighing his words. “The American Medical Association recognizes alcoholism and drug addiction as a deadly disease, just like cancer.

“My take on the whole thing is that the system doesn’t get people sober.

You cannot arrest drug addiction out the drug addict anymore than you can punish the disease out of a cancer patient. You can’t punish a drug addict into

career, I have been a Detective and Detective Sergeant, a 15-year member of the SWAT team, manager of the Forensic Laboratory, Internal Affairs and PIO, and managed the Traffic Unit and Training Division, and started the department’s Drone Unit.

“I have connections to Cottage Grove and the surrounding area and have visited family here for many years. So, I’m energized to be a part of the process of increasing transparency between the department and the community, strengthening our relationships with them, and providing the highest level of service possible.”

He began his law enforcement career in 1994 after completing the police acad-

One portion of the coalition’s 11-part proposal suggests reclassifying Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS) from an E- Violation to an A-Misdemeanor.

“We can restore Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS) to an A-Misdemeanor and present new post-BM 110 modifications that reflect the desire for treatment intervention,” Scales said. “This should include diversion eligibility and dismissal of a charge upon successful completion of the one-year diversion and any required treatment, taking the DUII approach.

getting sober. You have to treat the addiction.”

The failure of prior penalties for drug use does not mean that all penalties should be removed, he said, but treatment should be the penalty for drug use, rather than incarceration.

Oregon voters passed Measure 110 in 2020, decriminalizing possession of small amounts of hard drugs and puts a share of cannabis revenue into addiction programs and services.

It didn’t take long for the criticism to build. Measure 110 supporters are urging Oregonians to give the measure a chance to succeed as programs begin.

Others are saying changes to the law are necessary to address public drug use and allow police to intervene.

And others still want Measure 110 repealed entirely.

Cottage Grove Chief of Police Cory Chase said Measure 110 restricts how his department enforces the law.

“Measure 110, as written, has been a failure,” he said.

“Previous to 110, possession of hard drugs was a felony. I think that what they’re trying to do right now is to recriminalize hard drugs at a misdemeanor level for a measure of accountability. Also, to criminalize the use of drugs in public and I am in support of both of those.”

Democratic potential ideas include a proposal that would also allow misdemeanors for drug possession with smaller potential penalties than those proposed by the Republicans.

The Democratic proposal would make possession a class C misdemeanor, which carries a possible jail sentence up to 30 days.

That proposal, which

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emy in Southern California.

His experience is expected to enhance and maintain the level of law enforcement in Cottage Grove.

“The Department is in the beginning stages of tremendous growth I believe the community needs and deserves from our police force,” he said. “I look forward to working closely with Chief Chase and supporting his efforts to move the department forward, and I am proud to be a part of his management team.

“I am also very excited to support the outstanding men and women of the Police Department and to assist with recruiting and hiring efforts with the goal of bringing the Department up to full staffing in the near future.”

“In addition, unlike DUII diversion, drug PCS related cases should be eligible for multiple diversion entrances. The current E-violation for possession of a controlled substance is infective and fails to connect persons struggling with severe addiction to the treatment they need. An A-Misdemeanor with diversion will compel those struggling with addiction to enter treatment without turning to an approach that focuses on incarceration.”

Contributed Jay Dow has been sober for over 11 years. He is the owner/operator of Sober Music Co. - Songs for the soul and has performed at the Oregon Hazelden Betty Ford Center in Newberg. could change during the upcoming legislative session, would give people an opportunity to avoid the misdemeanor charge if they talked to a provider about treatment and other services. If they decline treatment, the charge will go to court. They could still get the case discharged before trial if they entered a program.

“There is absolutely fentanyl and other hard drugs in Cottage Grove,” Chase said. “It’s not at the level you would see in a large city like Portland, but it’s here. So, having some sort of a tool like the criminalization of those drugs would hold people accountable.

“There has to be a level of accountability that goes along with it to uphold a

sense of responsibility in our community. The thing about rehab is that they have to want to change.

If we make an arrest and there’s some criminal changes involved, maybe they’re given supervised probation as part of that.

The conditions are things that can start them on the path to the realization they have to make a change or there is a better way to a life without drugs.”

Has Oregon put decriminalization ahead of treatment?

The debate will continue, but a legislative committee was formed to address gaps and fallout from the 3-yearold law. The committee is expected to develop policy recommendations for the Legislature to take up in 2024.

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Red Cross sets up in Community Center

overnight as they waited for power to be restored.

The Red Cross got Southwest Oregon involved providing meals Chapter Executive Director to people at the city hall Carisa Hettich sat in the location. As the power Shepherd Room at Cottage outage moved into its Grove Community Center second week, it took over where the regional Red emergency operations at Cross has set up its emerthe Community Center, gency operations to help 700 Gibbs, when city power locals with the lingering was restored, providing effects of the 2024 Ice Storm three meals a day along that knocked out power on with showers.

Jan. 13.

“Our over-night acPacific Power restored commodations are co-ed. power to much of Cottage We’ve had around 20 Grove, certain pockets as people staying the night. early as Jan. 17. But sections The population changes of the city and county night-by-night. Some peoremain without power as ple are coming in during Emerald People’s Utility the day time for the meals District (EPUD), which also and to figure what kind of provides services to South resources are available here.

Lane County, and Lane “Red Cross does a lot Electric worked to restore of disaster relief, wildfire, power to its customers. winter storms, things like During the initial stages what is happening now. But Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel of the power outage, Cotwe have a lot of other serA guest at the American Red Cross shelter at the Cottage Grove Community Center checks his email. tage Grove City Hall served vices. Right now, we have The location at 700 Gibbs is providing shelter and a place to charge electronic equipment during the as a warming shelter, runsix or seven volunteers power outage still lingering throughout the area. ning its emergency genera- working 12-hour shifts. tor, giving people a 24-hour Some of them are without the community center once wide.” refuge for a place to stay power themselves.” power was restored to the The Red Cross is working warm, charge electronic The city provided transpublic library and commu- with the Southern Baptist equipment, and even stay portation from city hall to nity center.

Disaster Relief Kitchen of “We had about 40-45 Creswell, which is providpeople here until the power ing meals. Tuckers Cupcame on (Jan. 18). The next board of Cottage Grove has day Red Cross came in and come through with dog served meals and started food. setting up at the commuIt has been a team effort nity center,” assistant city with volunteers, city staff, manager Jake Boone said. the American Red Cross, “We provided a bus to donations and people help get people over there pulling together to help Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel and provided a shower neighbors and strangers Shiella May Troyo and Allen Puderbaugh were trailer. Red Cross will stay alike during times of need two of seven American Red Cross volunteers for as long as necessary, and particular hardship for working 12-hour shifts at the Cottage Grove until power is restored city- people.

Community Center shelter.

By RODNEY HARWOOD

Sentinel Editor

Road conditions, flight delays impact Red Cross blood transport ever since.

The Red Cross has been providing meals three meals a day The American Red Cross along with showers and overnight took over relief operations at shelter as part of its emergency the Cottage Grove Community operations at the Community Center, helping with the state Center. of emergency declared after The Red Cross shelters, feeds Ice Storm 2024 left thousands and provides comfort to victims without power for over a week of disasters, as well as supplying and people throughout the city about 40% of the nation’s blood. seeking refuge.

It is the primary blood supplier to An initial warm weather shelter 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon. was established at city hall until Southwest Oregon Chapter power was restored at 700 Gibbs, Executive Director Carisa Hettich where the Red Cross set up in said the Red Cross is experiencthe Shepherd Room. Several ing the lowest number of people people needing a place to stay giving blood in 20 years. and a place to charge electronic “We’re going through a equipment have been using it

By RODNEY HARWOOD

Sentinel Editor

national shortage, and it hasn’t helped with the weather storm,” she said. “One thing we are asking people to do is to donate blood. They can go to the Red Cross website, type in their zip code and find a blood drive near them.

“We were in a shortage last year, so you can imagine how bad it is now with all the relief work we’ve been doing. When fewer people donate blood, any disruption to blood donations – like recent weather systems – can have a huge effect on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion.”

The national blood supply

remains at critically low levels.

Blood drives have been cancelled in nearly every state, as a result, nearly 15,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected this month alone.

In addition to dangerous road conditions, many the Red Cross has dealt with flight and shipping delays, Hettich said. Snow, ice and extreme temperatures have made it tougher to move vital blood products across the network, affecting deliveries to hospitals in some locations.

New Blood Donor Rewards program Since announcing an emergency blood shortage earlier this

month, thousands of donors across the country have answered the call to help. In appreciation for all those who take the time to help save lives, the Red Cross launched an all-new Blood Donor Rewards program.

Donors automatically started earning points on Jan. 1, 2024, and can redeem points any time of year to receive e-gift cards or save them to redeem and claim an exclusive Red Cross merchandise item in the next calendar year. Doners can receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email for donations in February.

For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Rewards.

2024 Music Hall of Fame college scholarship applications available Staff Report The Oregon Music Hall of Fame is taking applications for its college scholarship program. The deadline of March 20.

Each applicant should be studying music and graduating spring 2024 from an Oregon High School and continuing to college in the fall of 2024 with a major or minor in music.

The OMHF strives to inspire the continuing higher musical education by offering assistance with college expenses, so that these music students may aspire to a higher level of

performance and success in their field of interest.

The six total scholarship amounts rose from $1,000 to $2,500 in 2023, including a special winner who will major in music education.

In addition, Oregon Music Hall of Fame is pleased to announce a new scholarship program, Gloria Johnson Scholarship for women studying Broadcasting, Teaching, Performance, Music Industry degrees.

The $2,500 annual scholarship program is open to all women attending Oregon colleges and universities seeking a post graduate degree in these fields.

2023 winners include: Erin Shogren (Euphonium, Trombone, French

Maya Hausman (Flute/ Piccolo, and Clarinet), Cleveland HS Portland attending Stanford.

Horn, & Piano), Westview HS attending Oregon State University.

Samuel Banton (Saxophone), McNary HS, Keizer attending University of Oregon.

Matthew Chan (Viola), Oregon Episcopal HS attending Stanford.

Daniel Huang (Viola) South Eugene HS, Eugene, to University of Oregon.

Aiden Wilson (Euphonium, teaching scholarship) McNary HS, Keizer, attending OSU. Lucy Ferguson (Voice, Women In Music) Cleveland HS, Portland, attending University of Puget Sound.

Additional scholarship partners include Teevin Brothers, Willamette Week, Five Star Guitar, Youth Music Proj-

ect, Oregon Music News, KNRK/94.7 FM, Cedar House Printing, Taft Van Stricklin, Holler Fund (David and Kathy Brooks), Gloria Johnson Scholarship (Bill Johnson) and Friends of Dave Busacker.

An application form is available at: https://www. omhof.org/wp-content/ uploads/2024/01/OMHOFScholarship-Form-2024fillable.pdf Women in Music Scholarship: https://www.omhof. org/music-education-scholarships/ For further information contact: info@omhof.org

Federal ACP program helps families get broadband Staff Report The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit is providing 23+million a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households.

WASHINGTON, January 11, 2024— The FCC released the wind-down order stating the Affordable Connectivity Program will stop accepting new applications and enroll-

ments on February 7, 2024.

Consumers must be approved and enrolled with a service provider 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 7 to receive the ACP benefit.

Urging households to enroll before the end date barring congressional action to extend the ACP funds.

Oregon Institute For A

Better Way and Community System Navigators local nonprofit organizations in Oregon serving communities nationwide. We are working with organizations and agencies to assess the needs of the community and bring awareness of resources. We are here to help.

Act now. The ACP enrollment

access will freeze February 7.

11:59 p.m. ET Come see us and find out if you qualify. Call (541)5101873 or visit our office 10am to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to enroll. 335 HWY 99 S Suite B. Cottage Grove or visit Getinternet.gov for more information.

4A | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 / COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL

OPINION

Oregon’s tax system is fundamentally unfair, but fixable

By JUAN CARLOS ORDONEZ

Oregon Capital Chronicle If you were designing a tax system from scratch, who would you tax at a higher rate: a low-income family struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table, or a rich family making way more money than they spend?

For moral and practical reasons, it’s long been recognized that a fair tax system is one that asks proportionately more of the rich than the poor — a progressive system.

Sadly, Oregon fails this basic test of tax fairness and common sense. It’s time to set things right.

A recent report makes plain the fundamental unfairness in Oregon’s tax structure. The Washington, D.C.-based Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy examined the progressivity of state taxes across the country. For each state, it added up all state and local taxes: personal and corporate income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, excise taxes such as gasoline and cigarette taxes, and more. It then calculated the effective tax rate — the share of pre-tax income

paid in taxes — for different income groups.

The report found that, on average, taxes in Oregon take up about 12% of the income of the lowest-earning Oregonians, compared to 9.7% of the income of those in the middle, and 10.4% of the income of the richest 1%. Oregon’s “overall system tilts regressive,” the report pointed out.

Oregon is far from having the worst tax structure in the country. That badge of shame belongs to Florida. Indeed, Oregon compares favorably to most other states, having the 10th least regressive tax system among all states and the District of Columbia.

Nevertheless, we can’t escape the fact that Oregon’s tax system weighs most heavily on families living paycheck to paycheck. It’s an upside-down tax system that fails the basic test of fairness and worsens the economic struggles of many families in our state.

It’s long overdue for Oregon to right this wrong. To do so, the Oregon Legislature needs to address taxes on both ends of the income ladder. It needs to cut taxes on the poor and raise taxes on the rich.

much more than those in the middle. One way to do so is to establish a Millionaire’s Tax — a new tax bracket for those who make more than $1 million in a year.

Taxing the very rich not only helps flip the tax system right-side up, but also responds to the vast inequality that has built up over the past four-plus decades. Extreme economic inequality is undermining our nation in countless ways, not least in harming our health and shortening our lives. Today’s vast inequality is in part the result of decades of tax cuts favoring the rich, so taxing the rich is essential to restore balance.

Finally, a new Millionaire’s Tax would raise a significant amount of revenue that would help pay for better schools, more affordable child care, more housing, or other essential needs. This, in turn, would improve the overall quality of life in our state.

In sum, the bad news is that Oregon’s tax system remains fundamentally unfair, asking more of the poor than of the rich. The good news is we know how to fix it.

There is a tried and true way to target a tax cut for low-paid families: boosting the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC is a refundable tax credit for families getting by on low wages. This tax credit, which has long enjoyed bipartisan support, exists both at the state and federal level.

While Oregon already has in place an Earned Income Tax Credit, it’s small, set at just 9% of the federal EITC (or 12% for families with young children). States with actually progressive tax systems tend to have much bigger income tax credits. Vermont and New Jersey, for instance, have EITCs that are 38% and 40% of the federal credit, respectively.

A big boost to the Oregon tax credit EITC would help correct the state’s Oregon’s flawed tax structure by lowering the taxes of those who earn the least. More importantly, it would help struggling families make ends meet.

On the other end of the income ladder, Oregon should raise taxes on the very rich, who currently pay a lower effective tax rate than the poor and not

THE FIRST AMENDMENT

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

WHERE TO COMMENT President Joseph Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 TTY/TDD: 202-456-6213 www.whitehouse.gov Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek 900 Court St., Suite 254 Salem, Ore. 97301-4047 503-378-4582 www.oregon.gov/gov U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden 202-224-5244 | 541-431-0229 www.wyden.senate.gov

U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle (4th Dist.)

202-225-6416 www.hoyle.house.gov State Sen. Dick Anderson (Dist. 5) 503-986-1705 Email: Sen.DickAnderson@ oregonlegislature.gov State Rep. Cedric Hayden (Dist. 7) 503-986-1407 rep.cedrichayden@ state.or.us

Lane County Dist. 5 Commissioner Heather Buch 541-682-4203 U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley Heather.Buch@lane 202-224-3753 | 541-465-6750 countyorg.gov www.merkley.senate.gov

Cottage Grove Sentinel Editorial Rodney Harwood, Editor... Ext. 1216 cgsentineleditor@countrymedia.net Customer Service Shiloh Glaspell, Front Office Manager...... Ext. 0 cgsentinelofficemanager@countrymedia.net

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Hoyle weighs in on effects of winter storms in Oregon

By Steve Card Country Media U.S. Congresswoman Val Hoyle (D-Ore., 4th District) traveled to Oregon recently, intending to hold a number of gatherings with her constituents.

But those plans were altered after the state was hit with extreme snow and ice conditions that caused considerable damage in many locations and shut down power to thousands of Oregonians.

Hoyle was still able to connect with people in her district, but it became more of an evaluation of the current crisis, during which she touched base with city employees, county employees, public safety officers and neighbors helping neighbors.

“This was a very, very strange storm. We had these sort of micro-climates,” Hoyle said during a sit-down interview with the Lincoln County Leader in Newport on Jan. 23.

“We were just talking to (Lincoln County) Sheriff Landers, and he was saying that in southern Lincoln County, they weren’t aware of how bad things were in northern Lincoln County, where the ice hit harder.”

In Lane County, she said, the ice storm was devastating in some areas, with inches of ice accumulating.

“In Cottage Grove, they ran out of power at the hospital because there was no way to get gas (for generators). “In Eugene, they got less than an inch of ice, but in east Springfield, 80 percent of the trees were damaged.” And at the Springfield hospital, “We had 120 people in the waiting room who couldn’t get back home, couldn’t leave, there weren’t enough beds,” she said.

Many people are prepared to cope with a loss of power lasting perhaps two or three days, but some areas hit by the recent storms were without power for a week or more, leaving many with no source of heat in the sub-freezing temperatures. Hoyle said she tried to facilitate aid to hard-hit areas in her district, and she added that steps need to be taken to help mitigate the impact of future events like this.

“Number one, we made sure working with our local elected officials to alert the governor, because the Portland metro area also got hit,” she said. “Sometimes what we find is that when there’s an event in the Portland metro area,

the downstate areas are not on their radar, and there’s lots of people there.

“In terms of resiliency,” added Hoyle, “we want to make sure that generators are available. One of the things we were talking about, both here in Lincoln County and in Lane County, was that we had assisted living facilities that didn’t have back-up generators.” She and other legislators will be looking at what they can do to channel federal funds to the state, which could be in the form of community project appropriations that each congressperson and senator get to select each year. “So for 2024-25, how can we help invest in public safety, communications,” she said.

Another major issue is the disaster response that is channeled through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“Sometimes the federal government can be overly bureaucratic. One of my first bills that I signed on to was to make FEMA a cabinet-level office,” Hoyle said. “Right now, it’s under Homeland Security because it used to be we’d have natural disasters that would happen every once in a while.” But now, major storms are occurring around the country on what seems to be an ongoing basis. “I think (FEMA response) needs to be directed by the president at the cabinet level. With the climate crisis, with climate change, we are seeing much more extreme weather. We’ve seen it with snow. We’ve seen it with ice. We’ve seen it with wildfires. We need to be more prepared.

“The other thing about FEMA is that they are so careful to make sure that nobody takes money from the federal government inappropriately that they put huge burdens on people who have just lost their homes … it is a very difficult bureaucratic process,” added Hoyle. “So we are going to work with senators Merkley and Wyden and these communities to help make sure they can access the resources that they need.”

With the power outages, there were families who lost thousands of dollars worth of food that they are going to have to replace.

“We can replace SNAP benefits, and the governor has declared state of emergencies,” Hoyle said. “So it really goes from local, to state, to federal govern-

ment for this kind of help and assistance where the federal government will be able to pay for 75 to 90 percent of the cleanup. And that is going to be very important.”

Thoughts on the political scene In the current political arena, things are heating up as things move closer to this year’s general election.

Hoyle was asked for her take on how well she thinks Congress is functioning these days.

“I have to say it’s bizarre because day-to-day basis, on all of my bills that have been passed, they have been bipartisan. And I work very well with my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, on non-partisan issues.”

But although things may seem “normal” on the dayto-day basis, “then we go to the floor, and the small minority of extremists … the people who want to break government, they have a

disproportionate amount of control in Congress because Republicans are afraid to break the party line. For me, I’m going to vote for whatever I think is best for my district. I show up, and I fight for this district. I’m proud of the things we’ve gotten done.”

Hoyle said, “I have just been focused on doing my job, getting out there and meeting people in the community. Getting out there and making sure that every part of this district feels like they’re represented. These are real difficult times in the world, in our local communities, and the hyper-polarization that we are seeing means that we are not seeing each other as people.”

Over the past year, Hoyle’s office worked with 624 constituent families in solving their problems.

“And we’ve responded to over 30,000 letters. We had 1,259 constituent meetings in the last year throughout this district,” she added.

www.southlanefire.org

John Babbitt, 69, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away on January 20, 2024. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

Harriett “Gwen” Roner, 84, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, passed away on January 17, 2024. A service will be held on Saturday, February 3rd at 11:00am at the Cottage Grove Elks Lodge. Arrangements in the care of Smith-LundMills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

Wendy Roxanne Pebler, 68, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, passed away on January 20, 2024. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

Juanita Elaine Bridler, 87, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, passed away on January 11, 2024. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

Esther Lucille (Lou) Westlake born October 3, 1935 passed away January 6, 2024, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She is now at home with the Lord in heaven.

She will be buried at Lane Memorial Cemetery and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Kenneth Deane Mathis, 88, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, passed away on January 21, 2024. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

Obituaries online:

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6A | WEDNESDAY JANUARY 31, 2024 / COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL

Cottage Grove may not collaborate with federal immigration agencies Staff Report After a nearly year-long lawsuit brought by two Lane County community organizations, the Circuit Court of Lane County entered a judgment that the City of Cottage Grove may no longer illegally collaborate with federal immigration agencies and cannot violate Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act (SPA).

Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act is one of the strongest laws in the nation to protect all members of our community, and the recent court order strengthens the law by prohibiting future violations.

“This is a victory for community safety, dignity, and building trust with local law enforcement,” said Jess Campbell, Executive

Director of ROP. Campbell acknowledged a recent transformation of the Cottage Grove Police Department in the wake of the lawsuit, citing new leadership, new officers, and a new attitude toward upholding the Sanctuary Promise Act. She urged other communities to review their local policies, engage in conversations with their local law enforcement, and report violations to ROP. “We believe Cottage Grove’s policies concerning how the local police interact with federal immigration enforcement authorities are now consistent with the SPA,” said Amy Scott of the Oregon Law Center, which represented the plaintiffs.

Rural Organizing Project (ROP) and Com-

munity Alliance of Lane County (CALC) applauded the result as they came to an agreement with the City of Cottage Grove on a court order that ensures the provisions of the SPA will be upheld. The lawsuit concluded on Wednesday, January 24th after the city admitted that the Cottage Grove Police Department’s former policies, practices, and customs broke the law.

The City of Cottage Grove and the Cottage Grove Police Department have since rewritten their law enforcement policy relating to immigration and interacting with federal immigration officials so that it follows state laws.

Under the court order, the police department must stop all prohibited collaboration with federal immigration enforcement

agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It also states that the department must train city employees, including members of the police department, on how to use the new policy. The revised policy is a good-faith effort to increase the effectiveness of the department in protecting and serving the entire community and recognizing the dignity of all persons, regardless of their national origin or immigration status.

The Oregon Legislature passed the Sanctuary Promise Act in 2021, thanks to the hard work of community leaders, including rural human dignity groups and allied organizations. The law expanded upon Oregon’s 1987 Sanctuary Law so that no government or law

enforcement agency can assist federal immigration enforcement without a warrant from a federal judge.

CALC, who was also a plaintiff in the lawsuit, echoes the call for other communities to review their local and county policies about the Sanctuary Promise Act and adopt similar changes to Cottage Grove’s policy.

ROP and CALC decided to bring this lawsuit when long-time residents of Cottage Grove raised concerns over increasing police harassment of immigrants and violations of the SPA. ROP, which is headquartered in Cottage Grove, asserted that these practices eroded community trust in police, tore families apart, and illegally diverted local resources to

assist federal officials when those resources could be used in Cottage Grove for improving local services and infrastructure.

“We want to underscore the importance of reviewing county and city policing policies when it comes to immigration and asking sheriffs and police chiefs to explain how they are following the Sanctuary Promise Act,” said ROP’s Campbell. “In Cottage Grove, once we filed the lawsuit, immigrant families we work with reported a noticeable change, including less fear as people went about their daily lives and fewer incidents of police harassment.”

More information and resources available to families impacted by detention and deportation can be found at www.rop.org.

3 Free Produce & More, 1-3pm, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 820 S. 10th Garden Meeting, 5:307pm, Coast Fork Brewing, 106 S. 6th St. 4 Dorena Grange, 6pm, Meeting, 34360 Row River Rd.

• WEDNESDAY 1 Coast Fork Kiwanis Club, Noon, (meeting location alternates between CG & Creswell email sueordonez@gmail.com) Acoustic Jam with Gregg Biller, 6:30-8:30pm, Coast Fork Brewing, 106 S. 6th St 2 Food For Lane County Mobile Pantry, 3:305:30pm, 7th & Whiteaker NAMI Family Support Group, 6-7:30pm, Community Center Reception Hall, 700 E. Gibbs Ave. City Planning Commission, 7:30pm, City Hall Council Chamber, 400 E. Main St.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Around the Grove [Updated January 2024] ■ Weekly Events Cottage Grove/Creswell Alcoholic Anonymous Monday 7 a.m.-8 a.m.

Upon Awakening The Cottage Events Venue 2915 Row River Rd Monday 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Cottage Group The Cottage Events Venue 2915 Row River Rd Monday 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Step and Tradition Study Creswell 380 kings Row Tuesday 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Men’s Stag Meeting Cottage Grove Community Center 700 Gibbs St

Wednesday 7p.m.-8 p.m.

Wednesday Beginner’s Group The Cottage Events Venue 2915 Row River Rd Thursday 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Rush Hour Cottage Grove Community Center 700 Gibbs St Thursday 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Women of the Grove The Cottage Events Venue 2915 Row River Rd Friday 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Cottage Grove Gratitude Group Calvary Baptist Church 77873 S. 6th Street Saturday 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Candlelight Group Cottage Grove Commu-

■ Monthly Events

nity Center 700 Gibbs St Sunday 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

New Beginnings Group Cottage Grove Community Center 700 Gibbs St

• MONDAY Feb. 12 - School Board, 5:30pm, District Service Center, 455 Adams Ave. Feb. 12 - City Council, 7pm, City Hall Council Chamber, 400 E. Main St.

• TUESDAY 1 Library History Pub, 5-7pm, Axe & Fiddle, 657 E. Main St. 2 Tuesday Trivia with Heather, 6:30-8:30pm, Coast Fork Brewing, 106 S. 6th St. Dementia Support Group, 6:30-7:30pm at Magnolia Gardens Senior Living, 1425 Daugherty Ave. Poetry Night, 7:30-10pm, The Cottage Events Venue, 2915 Row Rv Rd 4 Coast Fork Willamette Watershed Council Science Pub, 5-7pm, Axe & Fiddle, 657 E. Main St.

• THURSDAY 1 Cottage Grove Lions Club, Noon, Stacy’s Covered Bridge Restaurant, 401 E. Main St. 2 South Lane Fire & Rescue Board, 7pm, Harrison Avenue Station (Feb, May, Nov in Creswell)

Early Childhood Hub of Lane County to Develop plan for improving outcomes for children Staff Report The Early Childhood Hub of Lane County has just been chosen to design a community blueprint for improving the success of young children, through a partnership with Oregon Health and Education Collaborative Upstream Initiative.

It is one of five communities proposing plans that could be implemented statewide. The initiative is designed around one simple question: “If anything were possible, what would it take to ensure that every child, family, and community has an equitable opportunity to succeed?”

OHEC’s Upstream Initiative is thus asking local communities to propose systemic solutions to support children’s in the first 1000 days of life – from conception to about age two. Research and data strongly demonstrate that this is the time period in which communities can make the most impact to influence intergenerational change.

The Early Childhood Hub of Lane County was one of five organizations from across the state chosen to design a Child Success Models (CSM) blueprint. Each pilot will design their own local model; later this summer, each community’s model will be integrated to inform

policy recommendations for the 2025 legislature, to scale a blueprint that can be replicated statewide.

The other four Design Pilots are the Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub, the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub, Yamhill Community Care and KairosPDX in Multnomah County. Each will receive $65,000 grant to support their work.

Gov. John Kitzhaber, chair of the OHEC board, visited the Early Childhood Hub on January 12, with OHEC’s Executive Director Chelsea King to talk with local early learning and healthcare providers involved in this effort.

“Ensuring that every child, family, and community has

an equitable opportunity to succeed means striking at the conditions of injustice that exist before conception, during pregnancy, and during the first few years of life,” Gov. Kitzhaber shared. “This demands a holistic approach that recognizes children exist in an ecosystem that includes their family and their community—and that the earlier we can intervene, the more successful we will be.”

Over the next eight months, the Early Childhood Hub of Lane County will work directly with local partners and community members to create a blueprint for a Child Success Model specific to Lane County.

The blueprint will ensure

services, supports, interventions, and protective factors reach each child during the first 1000 days of life, prepare children and families to successfully enter the education system, and then provide community support to ensure educational and health needs are met. Ideally, these efforts would be coordinated through a community-based entity that can reach far upstream, identify the factors that threaten the success of a child, and prevent them before they begin.

“We were also excited about [this project] because of the idea of getting to the root causes to the extent possible...” said Judy Newman, strategic advisor for the Early

Childhood Hub and local early learning advocate. “How can we really meaningfully make this work? How do we fund prevention? How do we get at this sooner? We’re partnering here with the hope of changing some policies and access issues… After we figure out what it is we want to do, whatever it is has to be fluid, it has to be flexible, it has to be easy to access. And that’s no small order, because our systems are so siloed and dependent on eligibility. …

We really need to figure out ways to change that. And so, I like to think about it as instead of changing the system, it’s building a system. Because there really is not a system at this level.”

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SPORTS Wednesday, January 31, 2024

1B

Junction ends Cottage Grove win streak at six

By KYLE McGOWEN Sentinel Sports It’s been a big turnaround for the Cottage Grove girls’ program.

The Lady Lions only won four games all of last year.

They rode a six-game winning streak into their Sky-Em League opener at home against Junction City. The win streak was snapped with a 51-35 loss to the Lady Tigers, but they reached 11-4 overall and continue to improve despite trying to get back in step after the ice storm that swept through the area disrupted the practice schedule.

“We talked about keeping the momentum, attitudes, and confidence that we had on that win streak. Physically we did a lot of running on Sunday and Monday, so we were back in shape. The girls practiced hard,” Lions coach Pete LeMay said. “I feel okay. I’m not happy about the week off. I think it hurt everybody.”

Cottage Grove fell behind early, trailing 14-2 at the end of the first quarter. The rust from little practice showed when they unable to hit on a field goal attempt in the first quarter.

Things got more difficult in the second quarter as Cottage Grove trailed 24-5 and couldn’t get their offense going. However, the Lions used baskets from Mariah Bailey, Jaylee Lima, and Payton Anlauf to make the score 24-13 just before halftime.

The Lions hoped to carry that momentum into the second half, but the struggles continued. Bai-

Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel Cottage Grove senior Jaylee Lima kicks the ball outside as the Junction City defense collapses during the Lady Lions SkyEm League opener. ley asserted herself aggressively in the third quarter, scoring nine points for Cottage Grove in the third quarter. But the Lions still trailed by 13 points going into the fourth and ultimately were unable to make a push for the win.

“I think we know that even

though there was a big break.

We have work that needs to be done,” Bailey said. “We have goals of wanting to win the league. It a team mentality thing, we want to win, and we want to get better and prove to people we are getting better. Our practices are competitive,

so that helps too.”

The Lady Lions look to keep the monumental improvement on track as they enter league play with a game at North Bend (Jan. 26) and another home game against Marshfield Friday.

“Everyone just wants it more,”

said Bailey. “There is a lot more team chemistry. This is most of the same people from last year. We brought up one [Makya Alsup] and we trust each other. We know our roles and we are owning our roles.”

Cottage Grove senior Danny Hernandez is blossoming into a 4A state contender

By KYLE McGOWEN

saved me from myself.

Wrestling is one of the best things that could Danny Hernandez have possibly happened has only been part of in my life.” the program for two A friend of Hernanyears, but it’s his say in dez lost their life by music that sets the tone suicide and as a result for many of the teams’ Hernandez struggled practices coach Charlie with his mental health.

Kent said.

But he credits much of “We choose music his continued growth as based off of Danny’s a person to his time on mood. What perks him the mat. up is what gets the kids “Even before that, the going. When he is going hardest part of my day strong, they are going was getting up in the strong,” Kent said. “I’m morning. But wrestling really impressed with gave me a reason to conthat guy. He’s had some tinually get up,” Hernanstruggles in his personal dez said. life and academically, “Danny is one of but he has found a way those success stories to get it done. He is a of wrestling. Even if charismatic guy and the he goes 0-2 at state, he kids love being around is one of the kids that him.”

I’m trying to reach The Lions were ranked through wrestling,” Kent inside the top 10 of the said. “The lessons he is midseason coach’s poll learning aren’t reflected and Hernandez growth by his wins and losses. as both an athlete and as The confidence that a person plays a major wrestling builds, the part in that. self-reliance, the mental “I first joined wresgrowth in wrestling is tling to lose weight something kids will see because that is somelater on in life.” thing I wanted to do, While Hernandez but I ended up finding a hadn’t wrestled since sport that I really loved,” fifth grade until last Hernandez said. “Wres- year, he has been a tling has done so much major spark in the Lions for me. Wrestling has success as a team, havSentinel Sports

ing reached the 4A state championship tournament last year, wrestling at 220 pounds.

“It was so great. It will always be one of the happier memories in my life. It felt like a family. I truly felt happy during the state trip,” Hernandez said. “I’m a dreamer, sometimes I have big dreams.

Sometimes they maybe aren’t accomplishable considering I’ve only been wrestling for two years. But that doesn’t mean I can’t continue dreaming.”

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson once said, “I’m a dreamer. I have to dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds.” That happens to be one of Hernandez favorite quotes and is something he lives by.

“I’m hoping to be regional champ and get top three at state. I’ve got big goals,” Hernandez said. “I’ve got to work harder than everybody else.”

Hernandez has developed into a leader for the program, but outside of the sport, he likes to play his guitar and work

Kyle McGowen/The Sentinel Cottage Grove senior Danny Hernandez is blossoming into a 4A state contender in the room and overcoming personal obstacles outside. in the garden.

“I like see the time that it takes to see it go from a seed to flowers.

I like growing native flowers, it’s pretty and it’s good for the environment,” Hernandez said.

Perhaps Hernandez

The Jewelry Girl

time spent gardening is reflective of his high school career and feasibly it’s his continued growth as a person that could lead him to big things in life.

“We’ve got a few who are college bound that

can wrestle in college and Danny really wants to. He’s not going to be a D1 recruit by any means but with the growth that he has had in the last two years, he has the ability to have a college career,” Kent said.

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2024— The FCC released the wind-down order stating the Affordable Connectivity Program will stop accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. Consumers must be approved and enrolled with a service provider 11:59 p.m. ET on February 7 to receive the ACP benefit. Urging households to enroll before the end date barring congressional action to extend the ACP funds.

Oregon Institute For A Better Way and Community System Navigators local non profit organizations in Oregon serving communities nationwide. We are working with organizations and agencies to assess the needs of the community and bring awareness of resources.

We are here to help. Act now.

The ACP enrollment access will freeze February 7th 2024. 11:59 p.m. ET Come see us and find out if you qualify. Call (541)5101873 or visit our office 10am to 4pm Monday through Friday to enroll. 335 HWY 99 S Suite B. Cottage Grove OR 97424 Visit Getinternet.gov for more information. Publication Date: January 31, 2024.

NW Law Firm, LLC, 735 W. 7th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402, or they may be barred. Any person whose rights may be affected by these proceedings may obtain additional in- formation from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative or from the Personal Representative’s attorney. DATED and first published: 01/17/2024. /s/ Carole Bee- be, Personal Representative Publication Dates: 1/17, 1/24 & 1/31/2024.

fault has been recorded pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes 86.752(3); the default for which the foreclosure is made is grantor’s failure to pay when due the following sums: Monthly payments in the sum of $586.53, from April 1, 2023 plus prior accrued late charges in the amount of $60.87, plus the sum of $40.00 for advances, together with all costs, disbursements, and/or fees incurred or paid by the beneficiary and/or trustee, their employees, agents or assigns. By reason of said default the beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation that the trust deed secures immediately due and payable, said sum being the following, to-wit: $32,912.79, together with accrued interest in the sum of $990.04 through November 16, 2023, together with interest thereon at the rate of 4.25% per annum from November 17, 2023, plus prior accrued late charges in the amount of $60.87, plus the sum of $630.38 for advances, together with all costs, disbursements, and/ or fees incurred or paid by the beneficiary and/or trustee, their employees, agents or assigns.

WHEREFORE, notice hereby is given that the undersigned trustee will on April 10, 2024, at the hour of 1:00 PM PT, in accord with the standard time established by ORS 187.110, at the main entrance of the Lane County Courthouse, located at 125 East 8th Avenue, in the City of Eugene, OR, County of Lane, State of Oregon, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the grantor has or had power to convey at the time of the

_____________________ PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit is providing 23+million a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households.

WASHINGTON, January 11,

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Carole Beebe has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of BARBARA ANN FALK, deceased, Lane County Circuit Court Case No. 24PB00079. All persons having claims against the estate are re- quired to present them within four months from the date of the first publication of this No- tice to the Personal Representative at Willamette

_____________________ PUBLIC NOTICE JLF 23-128866 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE A default has occurred under the terms of a trust deed made by R. Dale Dirks, a single man, whose address is 629 North 10th Street, Cottage Grove, OR 97424 as grantor to Title Source, as Trustee, in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as named Beneficiary, dated April 2, 2013, recorded April 10, 2013, in the mortgage records of Lane County, Oregon, as Instrument No. 2013019291, Nationstar Mortgage LLC is the present Beneficiary as defined by ORS 86.705(2), as covering the following described real property: LOT 2, BLOCK 1, MANITOU PARK, AS PLATTED AND RECORDED IN VOLUME 7, PAGE 3, LANE COUNTY OREGON PLAT RECORDS, IN LANE COUNTY, OREGON. EXCEPT THEREFROM: THE NORTH 2 FEET THEREOF. COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 629 North 10th Street, Cottage Grove, OR 97424. Both the beneficiary and the trustee have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said trust deed and a notice of de-

Hope Fellowship

United Methodist Church

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”

334 Washington 541-942-3033 Worship 10am umcgrove.org

Living Faith Assembly

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

Calvary Baptist Church 77873 S 6th St • 541-942-4290 Pastor: Riley Hendricks Sunday School: 9:45am Worship: 11:00am The Journey: Sunday 5:00pm Praying Thru Life: Wednesday 6:00pm

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

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

“VICTORY” Country Church 913 S. 6th Street • 541-942-5913 Pastor: Barbara Dockery Worship Service: 10:00am Message: “WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES”

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 Pastor: Randy Wood Sunday Service at 11:00 AM Everyone is welcome!

Follow us on our Facebook page: WalkerChurchOregon

St. Andrews Episcopal Church 1301 W. Main • 541-767-9050 Rev. Lawrence Crumb “Scripture, Tradition, Reason” Worship: Sunday 10:30am All Welcome

Cottage Grove Faith Center

Seventh-day Adventist Church

33761 Row River Rd. 541-942-4851 Lead Pastor: Kevin Pruett www.cg4.tv Full Childrenʼs Ministry available Services: 10:00am

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

Delight Valley

Trinity Lutheran Church

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

6th & Quincy • 541-942-2373 Pastor: James L. Markus Sunday School & Adult Education 9:15am Sunday Worship 10:30 am Comm. Kitchen Free Meal Tue & Thur 5:00pm TLC Groups tlccg.com

Our Worship Directory is a weekly feature.

If your congregation would like to be a part of this directory, contact us today!

INFORAMATION Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Phone: 541-942-3325 Address: 1498 E. Main St. Ste 104 PO Box 35, Cottage Grove, OR 97424 DEADLINES: Legal/Public Notices & All Classified ads, One week prior, Tuesday by end of day.

ADJUSTMENTS: If your advertisement appears incorrectly, notify us immediately. We will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Such responsibility is limited to correct insertion of advertisement. No information on the classified pages will be released prior to publication.

Ads are in Area Code (541) unless otherwise indicated in ad. execution of said trust deed, together with any interest which the grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said trust deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the trustee. Notice is further given to any person named in ORS 86.778 that the right exists, at any time that is not later than five days before the date last set for the sale, to have this foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the trust deed reinstated by paying to the beneficiary of the entire amount 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 obligations or 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 trustee’s fees and attorney’s fees not exceeding the amounts provided by said ORS 86.778.

Notice is further given that reinstatement or payoff quotes requested pursuant to ORS 86.786 and ORS 86.789 must be timely communicated in a written request that complies with that statute, addressed to the trustee’s “Reinstatements/ Payoffs – ORS 86.786” either by personal de- livery or by first class, certified mail, return receipt requested, to the trustee’s address shown below. Due to potential conflicts with federal law, persons having no record legal or equitable interest in the subject property will only receive information concerning the lender’s estimated or actual bid. Lender bid information is also available at the trustee’s website, www. logs.com/Janeway_law_firm. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine

and the neuter, the singular includes the plural, the word “grantor” includes any successor in interest to the grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said trust deed, and the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Also, please be advised that pursuant to the terms stated on the Deed of Trust and Note, the beneficiary is allowed to conduct property inspections while property is in default. This shall serve as notice that the beneficiary shall be conducting property inspections on the said referenced property. 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 residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the trustee’s sale. The Fair Debt Collection Practice Act requires that we state the following: This is an attempt to collect a debt, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. If a discharge has been obtained by any party through bankruptcy proceedings: This shall not be construed to be an attempt to collect the outstanding indebtedness or hold you personally liable for the debt. Dated: 1120-2023 JANEWAY LAW FIRM, LLC, Successor Trustee 1499 SE Tech Center Place, Suite 255, Vancouver, WA 98683 www. logs.com/janeway_law_firm Telephone: (360) 260-2253 Toll- free: 1-800-970-5647 JLF 23- 128866 NPP0443787 To: COT- TAGE GROVE SENTINEL, 01/17/2024, 01/24/2024, 01/31/2024, 02/07/2024.

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3B | WEDNESDAY, JANuArY 31, 2024 | COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL / WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | 3B

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AquArius JAn 21/Feb 18

GeMini MAy 22/Jun 21

leo Jul23/AuG23

Aquarius, a kind word from you may be all that is needed to bring a smile to someone’s face. Do not underestimate the power of a kind andsimplegesture. ___________

Gemini, you may believe you have discoveredagoodthing and it could be right.

But don’t wait too long to act since this good thing has an expiration date. The clockisticking.

Something you discover about a friend thisweekcouldleave you reeling, Leo. The signs have been there for awhile and you really should haveseenitcoming.

scorPio ocT24/noV22

Youdon’tusuallylack confidence, Pisces.

But you may not want to push ahead with a project for fear of failure. You should be more adventurous and not worry toomuch. ___________

Try not to take any financial risks right now, Scorpio. If you are planning to invest, then you may want to get all of the facts before gambling too much in thestockmarket. ___________ sAGiTTArius noV23/Dec21

Something will occur this week that surprises you, Aries.

You may even wonder if it is a trick being playedonyou.Itisno trick, so buckle down foranadventure. ___________

This week you will be back to your best, Sagittarius. Things will work out, so use your positive attitude to the benefit of yourselfandothers. ___________

TAurus APr21/MAy21

cAPricorn Dec 22/JAn 20

You have pushed your mind and body quite far over the last several days, Taurus.

Now you have to slow down or pay the consequences.

Do not add anything elsetoyourlist.

cAncer Jun 22/Jul 22

VirGo AuG24/sePT22

Cancer, you might not be able to control what is happening this week, but you can control how you reacttodifferentsituations.Keepyourdistanceifanaltercation arises.

Virgo, if you are on the move this week, there is a chance that you will experience some interesting people along the way. At least one person might be a good networking contact.

Capricorn, even though you are conservative by nature, this week you are ready to take a chance of some sort.

Enjoy the journey even if the efforts do not bring you enormoussuccess.

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Start the New Year off right!

librA sePT23/ocT23 More than anything right now, this week you need to relax and unwind, Libra.

Take things at a slow pace, and spend more time at home with family then at work. ___________

Pisces Feb 19/MAr 20

Aries MAr21/APr20

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MADE ONSITE SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR HOME THE ONLY ONE-PIECE SEAMLESS DEBRIS SHEDDING GUTTER SYSTEM. SCRATCHGUARD® PAINT FINISH *Guaranteed not to clog for as long as you own your home, or we will clean your gutters for free *All participants who attend an estimated 60-90-minute in-home product consultation will receive a $50 Visa gift card. Retail value is $50. Offer sponsored by Leafguard Holdings Inc. Limit one per household. Company procures, sells, and installs seamless gutter protection. This offer is valid for homeowners over 18 years of age.

If married or involved with a life partner, both cohabitating persons must attend and complete presentation together. Participants must have a photo ID and be legally able to enter into a contract. The following persons are not eligible for this offer: employees of Company or affiliated companies or entities, their immediate family members, previous participants in a Company in-home consultation within the past 12 months and all current and former Company customers. Gift may not be extended, transferred, or substituted except that Company may substitute a gift of equal or greater value if it deems it necessary. Gift card will be mailed to the participant via first class United States Mail within 10 days of receipt of the promotion form. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount of any kind. Offer not sponsored and is subject to change without notice prior to reservation. Except in the states of MD, NY and DC, where the gift card offer is limited to $25. Offer not available in the states of CA, IN, PA and MI. Expires 1/31/24.

SP EC IA L FI NA NC IN G AVAI LA BL E

GALLERY OF SERVICES ABATEMENT

CONTRACTORS Dave’s Pump and Construction

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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 9 out of 10 organizations which offer 35 out of 37 Medicare Advantage products in your area and 6 out of 21 Medicare Supplements that are available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1–800–MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

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CHIROPRACTORS Annette Simard, D.C. Off-Grid Chiropractic

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Property Management Specialists Honesty – Reliability – Integrity Jim Downing, GRI – Principal Broker downingjim@live.com • Cell: 541-953-0325 Luke Whitten, Broker wekul@live.com • Cell: 541-556-6899 Off: 541-942-6077 • Fax: 541-942-3496 616 E. Main Street Cottage Grove, OR 97424

REAL ESTATE SUSAN BENNETT Real Estate Broker

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4B | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 / COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL

ATHLETIC SCHEDULE BOYS BASKETBALL League schedule Feb. 2 vs Marshfield, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 6 at Marist Catholic, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Junction City, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 13 vs North Bend, 7:15 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL League schedule Feb. 2 vs Marshfield, 5:45 p.m.

Feb. 6 at Marist Catholic, 5:45 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Junction City, 5:45 p.m.

Feb. 13 vs North Bend, 5:45 p.m.

BOYS WRESTLING Jan. 26-27 - Cottage Grove Invitational, 1 p.m.

GIRLS WRESTLING Jan. 26-27 - Cottage Grove Tournament, 8 a.m.

Feb. 16 - 4A-SD2 Special District 2 Southern Regionals at Cottage Grove, 9 a.m.

BOYS & GIRLS SWIMMING Feb. 2 Cottage Grove vs Marist Catholic dual, at the Aquatic Center, 4:15 p.m.

Facebook.com/CG Sentinel

Lions boys go ice cold against Tigers

By KYLE McGOWEN Sentinel Sports

The winter storm that blew through the region the previous week wasn’t the only thing that was ice cold in the Cottage Grove Sky-Em League opener at home. The Lions struggled offensively in their 57-39 loss to Junction City.

With a fairly young team, Cottage Grove has struggled with shooting for much of the season, but with the return of junior Nathin Lemon to the rotation in recent games following an injury, there is a sense for optimism despite the ongoing shooting woes.

The Lions faced the Tigers on a night where the team hadn’t practiced for much of the week because of the massive ice storm that hit the area. Cottage Grove had been scheduled to play against Marshfield and Marist the previous week, which would have been their league openers.

Those games were moved to February.

No. 4 Junction City entered the matchup as the top ranked team in the OSAA 4A rankings and it showed from the tip.

Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel Cottage Grove senior Gannon Leach (3) shoots over the outstretched hand of Junction City guard Keivon Riney (4) during the Lions Sky-Em League opener at home.

The Tigers raced out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter. After a 3-pointer from senior Gannon Leach, the Lions were able to pull within eight with 5:31 left in the second quarter. They held the Tigers scoreless over the following three minutes and it felt like

the moment for the Lions to capitalize. But Cottage Grove went into halftime trailing 29-14.

The second half was a continued battle for the Lions, as they struggled to remain competitive against a talented Junction City team.

The Lions also struggled

from the free throw line and were unable to convert on several good looks at the basket, culminating into the 39-57 loss.

Cottage Grove was scheduled to play North Bend (Jan. 26) and will host Marshfield on Friday.

County provides free storm debris collection locations Staff Report Lane County is open-

ing three locations where people can bring storm debris created by last week’s severe weather.

Private property owners can bring storm debris free of charge. Upon arrival, residents will be

asked to confirm their ZIP Code and County staff will estimate the volume of debris in cubic yards. Commercial contractors performing clean up for a fee may not use these locations.

Independent Assisted & Memory Care 55 Or Older

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“We are glad to be able to support our community by providing a place for people to bring storm debris. We will have staff on-site at each location to provide instructions and control traffic,” said Lane County Road Maintenance Manager Orin Schumacher. “We expect these sites to be busy and ask for patience and cooperation.

We’ll be as efficient as possible so people can get in and out quickly.”

People who bring garbage or other items not accepted at these sites will be turned away.

For regular household garbage or other special waste, information about transfer sites is available at www.LaneCountyOR. gov/waste.

The debris collection locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following dates: • Friday, February 2 • Saturday, February 3 • Sunday, February 4 • Friday, February 9 • Saturday, February 10 • Sunday, February 11 The sites may be open past February 11 if a high level of need still exists in outlying areas.

What to bring: • Tree limbs and branches •Trees less than 24 inches in diameter (larger trees must be cut down to 24 inches in diameter or less) • Heavy shrubbery

What not to bring: • Household garbage or recycling n Flowers, Herbs, • Building materials, & Shrubs plywood, damaged siding, etc. n Vegetable Transplants • Regular yard debris n Fruit Trees (grass, mulch, etc.)

• Rocks or earth • Tree root balls 20 Palmer Ave. n Cottage Grove n (541) 942-0510 • Materials greater than 24 inches in diameter

Finest Gardening Seed

n Flowers, Herbs, & Shrubs

n Vegetable Transplants n Fruit Trees

20 Palmer Ave. n Cottage Grove n (541) 942-0510

COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL / WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 | 5B

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6B | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 / COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL

Community weathers the storm

Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel The weight of the 2024 Ice Storm that swept through the Willamette Valley knocked down this power pole along Oregon Route 99 near Saginaw.

Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel Work crews in Saginaw started cutting and cleaning up the fallen timber along Oregon Route 99 after the 2024 Ice Storm.

Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel Coiner Park on Main Street suffered severe damage to trees throughout as a result of the ice storm that swept through Oregon, knocking out power for several days.

Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel A City of Cottage Grove worker surveys the best way to cut fallen timber as the city works to clean up after the 2024 Ice Storm that damaged several hundred trees in the region.

Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel Power Company crews were out along Oregon Route 99 near Saginaw to help restore and repair lines.

Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel City of Cottage Grove crews had a steady stream of trucks heading to the dumping site at Bohemia Park, cleaning up fallen timber across Cottage Grove. People that have tree limbs and tree debris have two sites for drop off. At the Water Treatment Plant (3300 Row River Rd) between the cement barriers or the gravel parking lot at Bohemia Park at South 8th and Monroe Street.

Rodney Harwood/The Sentinel Evidence of the tree damage in Cottage Grove was everywhere as city and private crews began cutting damaged trees and cleaning up after the ice storm that swept through Oregon last week.