CGS228

Fed funds to help Oregon salmon

in the long-term viability of Oregon’s coastal communities.”

Wyden

investment builds on several projects he has supported, including a $2.5 million grant in 2022 to replace larger culverts on five rivers in the Tillamook Bay basin to increase salmon and other fish habitat.

“This federal investment is going to go a long way in making sure the salmon, which are so central to our

culture and economies here in Oregon, recover from the population decline we have seen year after year,” Wyden said. “We have much more work to do, but these actions will help build on the past successful projects such as restoring

Party purpose

with a Awards Banquet set for March 2

Cottage

The 74th Annual Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet is set for March 2 at the Cottage Grove Armory located at 626 E Washington Avenue in Cottage Grove.

Doors open for the banquet at 5 p.m. Happy Hour is from 5 p.m. to 6. p.m. The banquet dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The three main award categories are;

• Business of the Year

• Nonprofit of the Year

• First Citizen of the Year

“This is a chance for us to celebrate our community,”

Cottage Grove Chamber President Cameron Reiten said. “We have many good people who do outstanding work in Cottage Grove. So, the awards banquet is an opportunity for our chamber, and our community, to recognize those who step up, who make a big difference in our city, and who make Cottage Grove the special place that it is.”

Chamber background

The number one goal at the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce it to create a strong local

spawning grounds, establishing a Salmon Superhighway, and easing stress on migration routes.”

“The health of communities across Oregon goes hand-in-hand with the health of our state’s waterways, fish habitats, and in-

frastructure,” Merkley. said “These federal investments will support initiatives to help strengthen natural infrastructure and reconnect fish habitats and migration routes—initiatives critical to boosting salmon recovery efforts and investing

“More than ever, the health of Oregon’s salmon populations is tied to the health of ocean food webs,” said Dr. Francis Chan, Director of the Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies (CIMERS) at Oregon State University. “With new science that we can advance with this award, we can paint a much fuller picture of the ocean conditions that our salmon are facing, and identify opportunities to make recovery efforts throughout their life cycles as productive as possible.”

Specific Oregon examples include:

• Cooperative Institute at Oregon State University (CIMERS): $1,319,000

See SALMON page 2

economy, according to a statement on the chamber’s website “Our Mission is to promote economic vitality through advocacy and collaboration with its members and the larger community,” the statement reads.

The chamber lists the following goals:

Focus on Member Recruitment and Retention

Provide Value Proposition to Members

Information

The Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce is located at 836 E. Main Street in Cottage Grove. To reach the office,call 541-942-2411.

Create Organizational Health and Sustainability

Define Chamber’s Role in Tourism

The Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors consists of five officers and up to 10 directors.

Director seats have two-year term limits to ensure a regular rotation of energy and perspective from within our membership. Positions are open to chamber members and elections take place in the fall each year.

Up to $1.7 billion may be available for housing, addiction

JULIA SHUMWAY

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon lawmakers will have hundreds of millions of dollars to spend over the next year after another positive economic forecast released Wednesday morning.

Lawmakers were

eagerly anticipating the forecast, which came three days into the 35day legislative session, as they fine-tune plans to spur housing production, boost homeless shelters and expand addiction treatment.

The forecast projects an ending balance of $1.66 billion in June

2025 based on current figures, or $1.34 billion assuming a transfer to the state’s rainy day fund.

Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, the Portland Democrat who co-chairs the budgetwriting Joint Ways and Means Committee, told the Capital Chronicle via text Wednesday that she was still parsing the

numbers to determine just how much lawmakers can afford to spend in the current legislative session. There are plenty of demands for that money.

Gov. Tina Kotek is seeking $500 million to spur housing production and help the state meet her goal of building 36,000 homes annually,

nearly double the number it’s built in recent years. Her plan will have its first public hearing on Thursday. She also wants another $100 million for homelessness, including $65 million to keep existing shelters operating and $35 million for rent

See FUNDS page 2

Officers, dispatcher added to PD roster

CINDY WEELDREYER Sentinel Community Reporter

The swearing-in of two new patrol officers, a new captain and the introduction of a new dispatcher highlighted the Feb. 12 city council meeting. Captain Shawn Marsh swore in the police department’s three newest additions and introduced Shanice Roselle, a new dispatcher.

Officer Matthew Callahan has 24 years of law enforcement experience. He previously served with the Phoenix, Ariz. police department and seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Officer Bradly May worked seven years as a Corrections Deputy in the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. He continues his 14-years of service in the Oregon Army National Guard.

New Administrative Captain Randy Soulard has a law enforcement career spanning 29 years. He recently retired from the El Cajon, Calif. police department.

Police Chief Cory Chase said, “I am excited to bring on new members of the police department who are committed to serving the community of Cottage Grove. These wonderful people fit well with our current team and are committed to supporting our goals and objectives as we move forward as an agency.”

Much of the meeting focused on the impact’s of last month’s ice storm. City Public Works and Development Director Faye Stewart provided a detailed report on operations during the storm and ongoing recovery efforts.

He reported the City lost power on Saturday, Jan 13 at 6 p.m. The outage lasted six days before power was restored to most facilities at 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan 18. Power to the water treatment plan was restored on Jan 22. For six days, city staff kept the streets open so emergency responders and police officers could respond to calls for service.

Backup generators for City Hall and the water system only have the capacity to run for 24-hours before they must be refilled. Stewart praised Welt & Welt, the local commercial fuel supplier, and dedicated city staff that kept the generators operating until it was safe to get fuel from the City’s supplier in Eugene.

Another challenge was providing an emergency shelter for un-housed individuals and those needing to charge cell

See MEETING page 2

Courtesy photo

The funding is designed to help a Salmon Superhighway to restore spawning grounds.

Courtesy photo

The 2023 Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet.

JEREMY C. RUARK

Grove Sentinel

WHO WE ARE

Chamber president shares insight for Cottage Grove’s future

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Cameron Reiten has his ears to the community.

Reiten spends his mornings talking with community members about what’s happening in Cottage Grove; the issues, the challenges, and the rewards that are impacting our city.

In a one-on-one interview with the Sentinel, Reiten shares his insight as the KNND Radio talk show host and the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce President.

Challenges

Reiten said local businesses and other community members are concerned about the city’s transportation system, lack of affordable housing, employee retention, and other issues.

“Clearly substance abuse and crime that comes with along that is one of the issues,” he said. “All of the issues surrounding the lack of affordable housing certainly all the issues surrounding the lack of affordable housing. Also we hear It has all been difficult to find people to fill a lot of the job openings that there are here.”

Reiten said the Cottage Grove City Council has ben taking positive steps to address street concerns.

“We have a backlog of street repair projects, around $30 million.,” he said. “We are both excited and apprehensive because the city has a grant to overall the main streets in our historic downtown. The main street area is our crown jewell. We have a lot to be proud of, but our main street shows its age. It has a really high crown, steep gutters and big curbs. We’ve had some trees that have caused safety issues along the sidewalks.”

The grant, according to Reiten, will make a major difference.

“When the construction is all done, we’ll have nice shiny new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) main street,” he said. “Construction now is the challenge. There is concern about access to some of the businesses, especially the ones that front the street, will be limited. We are working with the city to make sure the businesses survive and we don’t lose them during the construction.”

Chamber outreach

The chamber also offers specific projects to assist local businesses on other issues all year long.

“We do breakfast clubs to bring different speakers in to educate business operators,” Reiten said. “We

“There is a lot of reasons for hope and optimism. We have lots of opportunity for folks.”

- Cameron Reiten, Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce President

have our Business After Hours each month that offers superb networking opportunities.”

Retina pointed out that the chamber is also very active with tourism through a member committee that is focusing on reaching people out of the araa.

“We are promoting the covered bridges, the wineries, and the beauty of our area.” he said. “Our emphasizes is on local events to bring the community together, like our concerts in the park, and our Halloween and Christmas events.

Cottage Grove has partnered with Travel Lane County to promote the city.

“So we can bring as many folks to our town a we can,” Reiten said. “We get the most economic dollars from bringing people to town from far enough away that they can spend the night here.”

That offers opportunities for local businesses as visitors stay at local lodging facilities, eat at local restaurants and visit at local stores and shops, according to Reiten.

Keeping local voters educated about ballot measures and candidates is also part of the chamber’s outreach. Thought its legislative committee, the chamber offers what Reiten calls impartial candidates forums during local election seasons. The forums provide community engagement in the city council races as well as for the East Lane seat on the Lane County Board of Commissioners.

“Since I’m with the radio station, we have actually teamed up with past Sentinel editors so the events were co-moderated by the local media,” he said. “While organized by the chamber, the events have traditionally been co-sponsored by the CG 912 Project and Blackberry Pie Society, two local political groups on opposite sides of the fence.”

Reiten said the forums are public and open to the community.

“Essentially our aim has always been to give all candidates equal

BRIEFLY

Gem Faire coming in March

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access the platform, ask everyone the same questions, and let the voters decide,” he said.

Statewide challenge impacts

As the Oregon Legislature works to find solutions to the state’s homelessness and drug crisis, Reiten remains optimistic that the statewide solutions will benefit Cottage Grove.

“We are all hoping that we can come to a solution, both on the local level and the state level, that will be best for everybody,” he said. “A solution not just for our business community, but for those unhoused folks and that solution will get them whatever services they need to better themselves.”

Looking ahead Reiten said he believes Cottage Grove’s economic viability and livability moving forward will include in-migration.

“We are just the right size for people that don’t want to live in the metro area,” he said. “They want a small town feel, so they come to Cottage Grove. We are in a very good position. We don’t what to grow so much that we lose that small town character that makes Cottage Grove the unique town that it is. There is a lot of reasons for hope and optimism. We have lots of opportunity for folks.”

Background Reiten has lived in Cottage Grove since 1994 after his parents moved from the family from North Dakota. At age 16, Reiten became a high school intern at KNND in 2003. He brought the station in 2013. He is the station general manager and hosts the morning talk show.

KNND Radio is located at 717 E Main Street in Cottage Grove. The station may be reached by calling 541.942.2468.

Who We Are is a frequent presentation by the Cottage Grove Sentinel that highlights the positive impact of the people in our community.

info@gemfaire.com.

Ecosystem restoration funding

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a total of $4.4 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be coming to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oregon Office to support eight ecosystem restoration projects around the state over the next several years. These projects build on proven programs and partnerships to protect wildlife and natural resources, while creating good-paying jobs to strengthen local communities.

The $41 million investment — allocated by the Bureau of Land Managemen — through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for ecosystem restoration.

SALMON from page 1

to study ocean conditions modeling, measure marine predation, and assess climate impacts on marine food webs.

• Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians: $2.7 Million for Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund to help support habitat restoration, research, and

MEETING from page 1

phones and operate lifesaving medical equipment. The Community Center does not have a generator so City Hall was used for a week until the Red Cross opened a shelter at the Community Center on Jan 20 and closed it on Jan. 29.

The ice storm heavily damaged trees throughout the City. Stewart assigned City Arborist Chris Senters to monitor the work of 13 private tree trimming companies contracted to clean-up the immense amount of debris created by the storm. Stewart reported City crews began removing storm debris on Jan 29 and, as of Feb. 9, removed 302 loads of brush and 141 loads of wood chips. As of Feb 12, approximately 50 percent of streets and right-of-ways were cleared.

A free dump site in Bohemia Park’s south parking lot has now grown into a nearly three-story tall pile nicknamed “Mount Brushmore”. Stewart encouraged residents to continue using the dump site. For those that can’t, Public Works crews will conduct curbside removal of storm debris into the month of March. Specific information about curbside pickup is available on the city website.

Some residents are unhappy with what they perceive as a heavy-handed response of contracted tree companies to cut down healthy street trees located under power lines. Stewart said 20 unhappy property owners had contacted him.

He explained the city code requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not interfere with pedestrians or traffic. Letters were sent to property owners not in compliance with this code and only tenpercent complied. His office stopped enforcement at that time so there was excessive growth that resulted in the heavy tree damage. He said the difficulty in bringing trees into compliance is conflicting analysis between a property owner’s arborist and the city arborist in how trees should be trimmed or removed.

monitoring of Pacific salmon.

Additional funding is allocated to projects that will benefit Oregon salmon populations and recovery efforts.

These investments by NOAA from the Inflation Reduction Act amount to a total investment of $42 million to address issues with salmon populations and restoration.

The ice storm walloped the city-owned Middlefield Golf Course with 50-percent of its trees damaged. The course will be closed until the debris is removed.

Stewart said he talked with residents who have lived here for more than 70 years and told him there has never been an ice storm as severe as this one.

“As is true for any weather-related emergency, we learn how to improve our processes to be better prepared for future storms,” Stewart said. “Having extra generator fuel is essential to continue lengthy emergency operations.”

Another improvement is to prepare the community center to be a more effective emergency shelter. The council unanimously passed a resolution to apply to Lane County for federal support to pay for a backup generator, a heating and ventilation upgrade, a seismic analysis, a solar energy study and needed supplies to better equip the community center for future use as a shelter.

Stewart concluded his report praising all the Council members, city staff, community volunteers and nonprofit organizations that assisted residents in weathering the storm.

Councilors also gave kudos to those who provided assistance to residents, and to local businesses that helped keep the City operating throughout the emergency.

In other Council business:

City Manager Mike Sauerwine said he began his new job on the day the power was restored and was very impressed with the community response to the once-in-a-lifetime emergency event. He noted the council chamber sound system must be improved and will bring a proposal to include in the 2024-25 budget. He wants to coordinate councilors’ schedules so all can attend a work session on homelessness facilitated by St. Vincent de Paul and for a Council retreat to promote greater unit, trust and respect.

New Cottage Grove St. Vincent de Paul store opens soon

CINDY WEELDREYER

Sentinel Community Reporter

With rising inflation, more people are shopping in thrift stores for items they need instead of purchasing them new at retail stores and on the internet.

For months, local thrift store shoppers have watched the construction of the new St. Vinnie’s retail store on Row River Road and eagerly await its opening. The new store marks St. Vinnie’s return to “The Grove,” having formerly operated a store here from 1986-2000.

As of press time the date for the grand opening next month has not been set.

St. Vincent de Paul Communications Manager Joel Gorthy said St. Vinnie’s staff is as eager as the shoppers to see the nonprofit’s southernmost store open.

“We don’t have a confirmed grand-opening date set just yet, pending final permanent occupancy clearance; however, the targeted opening is early spring, early-to midMarch,” Gorthy said. “We will be ready to announce an opening date very soon, now that temporary occupancy has been granted. Our team just got the keys to the building and is embarking on final interior setup, fine-tuning of the building’s systems, and bringing in inventory.”

Local resident Keri Warren is one of many eager shoppers-to-be in the new store.

“St. Vinnie’s offers reasonable prices and always helps people in need in our community,” Warren said. “I found an antique stand that was like my Momma’s one that broke. It reminds me of how much she loved that table my Grandma gave her. I’m so happy

there’s gonna be a store in Cottage Grove now.”

Each of St. Vinnie’s stores offer a wide range of items such as clothing for men, women and children, toys, movies and music, pet supplies, jewelry, indoor and outdoor furniture, housewares, appliances, knickknacks, home furnishings, and lots of books.

The Cottage Grove store is the organization’s first new location since 2022 and will be the 14th in St. Vinnie’s Oregon network and the seventh outside of the Eugene-Springfield area. The store will be the flagship of its modernization efforts and sets a new standard of what purpose-built St. Vinnie’s stores can be. It features a new point-of-sale system, digital monitors and a floor plan designed with shoppers’ comfort in mind.

Gorthy said the building’s floor plan includes 15,495 square feet of retail space with 4,230 square feet for materials sorting and storage. Projections call for a staff of about 15 employees. The total project development costs for the new store are approximately $4.8 million.

St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County (SVdP) is the largest nonprofit social-services agency in the county. With faith-inspired beginnings, the community service organization now assists more than 35,000 people annually with life-stabilizing resources. It also employs more than 650 full-time staff and has stakeholders at every level of the communities it serves.

Jeannie Handsaker is a disabled senior and one of the un-housed people St. Vinnie’s helped transition into permanent housing a decade ago.

“I moved into my new apartment and had nothing

to furnish it with,” Handsaker said. “My boyfriend and I slept on the floor until I got a St. Vinnie’s voucher that provided the basic necessities, like a bed and chairs to sit on.

The agency’s roots go back 70 years when it first began offering social service programs and providing supportive resources for individuals, children and families who live in poverty and/or homelessness.

SVdP operates more than 1,600 units of affordable housing and multiple dayand-night shelter programs for families and individuals experiencing homelessness. It manages the Eagan Warming Centers in the Eugene-Springfield area on freezing nights. It also offers low-barrier employment and administers many programs that foster long-term stability. Annually, waste-based businesses generate revenue for social services and divert millions of pounds of reusable mate-

PRIORITIZING RELIABILITY AND SERVING CUSTOMERS

Pacific Power remains dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, affordable power now and for years to come. We recognize the impact that price increases have on our customers. As we make needed investments in our system and navigate economic trends, we will continue to take measures to keep our rates low and to capture savings for our customers.

On February 14, 2024, Pacific Power filed a general rate case in Oregon, requesting an overall rate change of $322.3 million, or 17.9%, to become effective January 1, 2025. The company’s requested change will be reviewed by the Oregon Public Utility Commission and if approved, the expected impact on the average monthly bill for an average residential customer using 950 kilowatt-hours per month would be $30.66 per month. When combined with the proposed decrease in net power costs in the company’s Transition Adjustment Mechanism, the proposed overall change would be a net increase of $304.1 million, or 16.9%.

The primary reason for this filing is to support our efforts to provide resilient, safe, reliable electric service for our customers and communities in the face of extreme weather impacts, including capital investments for transmission and renewable resources, increased insurance costs due to wildfire risk, and vegetation management related costs.

Customers can visit PacificPower.net/Wattsmart for energy- and money-saving tips and information. Energy Trust of Oregon also offers energy efficiency programs and information to Oregon residents and businesses. Contact Energy Trust of Oregon at energytrust.org or 1-866-368-7878 for more information. Pacific Power also offers an Oregon Low-Income Discount Program to income qualifying customers. Program enrollment is available online, by phone, or paper application.

Copies of Pacific Power’s rate request application are available at our main office, located at 825 NE Multnomah Street, Portland, Oregon 97232 and on our website at pacificpower.net/rates. Customers may contact Pacific Power for additional information about the filing by mail to Pacific Power’s main office at the address above, or by calling 1-888-221-7070. TDD/TTY users can call the National Relay Service or 1-888-221-7070. Para un representante que habla español, llame al 1-888-225-2611.

Requests to receive notice of the time and place of any hearing on this application may be directed to the Public Utility Commission of Oregon at 201 High Street SE, Suite 100, Salem, Oregon 97301-3398 or by calling 1-800-522-2404.

The purpose of this announcement is to provide our customers with general information regarding the company’s price increase application and the expected effect on customers. Calculations and statements contained in this notice are not binding on the Public Utility Commission of Oregon.

rials from landfills.

For decades, SVdP has cultivated deep roots of goodwill in Cottage Grove.

Its original store was in the Gateway Shopping Center and operated from 1986-1994. SVdP purchased and rehabilitated the historic building on the northwest corner of Sixth and Main Street in 1994. The project created the 12-unit Omer Apartments upstairs for individuals and couples at or below 50-percent of area median income and moved its retail store there. The ground-level store closed in 2000 because it proved too small to serve the community well as a storefront.

Other local investments are two low-income housing projects on the north and south end of town.

In 2003, Corey Commons opened offering 21-units on South 8th Street. The 11 two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom units are designed to serve cou-

St. Vinnie’s Impact

35,000+ People served

306,000 Meals served

2,490 Unhoused adults sheltered

20,956,379 Pounds of waste diverted from the landfill

ples and families.

In 2017, SVdP acquired the blighted Saginaw Mobile Home Park, north of town, then made extensive renovations to preserve it as a crucial source of affordable housing in rural Lane County.

In December 2023, Deputy Director Bethany Cartledge became the agency’s Executive Director. Her mentor, Terry McDonald, stepped down from the position after 39 years to serve as Emeritus Director. Cartledge says St. Vinnie’s has a deep commitment to the people of Cottage Grove and wants to continue new investments here.

“I am proud of St. Vincent de Paul’s long history of preserving and building affordable housing in rural Lane County, including Cottage Grove,” Cartledge said. “Our new retail store reflects our commitment to investing in this community through full-time employment and career opportunities, waste diversion and reuse, and affordable, quality merchandise made available through our retail operations in the area.” She added, “I am looking forward to expanding our work in Cottage Grove, as adding opportunities within rural communities is an important part of what we do.”

Cindy Weeldreyer

Workers put the finishing touches on the new St. Vinnie’s store scheduled to open next month.

PUBLIC

cords of the above-entitled court, the personal representative or

the attorney for the personal representative, Greg Veralrud, 975 Oak St., Suite 798, Eugene, OR 97401, telephone (541) 3453333. Dated and first published: February 28, 2024. /s/ Brandi R. Walker Personal Representative. Publication Dates: February 28, March 6 & 13, 2024.

AUCTION NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will hold a Public Auction on March 7, 2024 At 11:00 a.m. at: Simply Storage, 79177 North River Road, Cottage Grove, OR 97424. The personal property heretofore stored with the undersigned by:

T19- Shawn Creasap

A06- Adam McDaniel

U11- Shannon Dahlenberg

Publication Dates: February 28 & March 6, 2024.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LANE In the Matter of the Estate of: COLLEEN

ELIZABETH STONE, Deceased.

Case No. 23PB11013 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Matthew Todd Stone has been appointed Personal Representative. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present them, with proper vouchers, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below, to the Personal Representative at 711 Country Club Road, Suite 200, Eugene, Oregon 97401, or they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain additional information from the records of the Personal Representative, the Court, or the attorney for the Personal Representative, K.C. Huffman. Dated and first published: February 28, 2024. PERSONAL REP-

RESENTATIVE: Matthew Todd

Stone 2667 Viewmont Avenue

Springfield, OR 97477 541-7260420 ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL

REPRESENTATIVE: K.C. Huffman, OSB No. 002854 Bromley Newton LLP 711 Country Club Road, Suite 200 Eugene, Oregon 97401 541-343-4700 541-343-4713 Fax kc@bromleynewton.com. Publication Date: February 28, 2024.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CLAIMS against the estate of LYLA MAE HORAT of Florence, Oregon, Lane County Circuit Court Case No. 24PB00930, are required to be presented, with proper vouchers, to the Personal Representative, SABRINA HORAT at 16541 Winchester Club Drive, Meadow Vista, CA 95722, within four (4) months from February 14, 2024, the date of first publication, or such claims may be barred. Any person whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the court records, the Personal Representative or the attorney for the Personal Representative, Daniel T. Garner, 625 Highway 101, PMB 350, Florence, OR 97439.

Publication dates: February 14, 21 and 28, 2024.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Kimberly Jo Colter has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the Estate of Judith Elaine Kraus, deceased, in Lane County Circuit Court Case No. 24PB01208. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby g required to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below to the personal representative c/o Hamilton W. Budge, Jr., P.O. Box 10567, Eugene, OR 97440, or the claims may be barred.

All persons whose rights may be

affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative.

Date of first publication: 2/21/24. Kimberly Jo Colter, Personal Representative c/o Hamilton W. Budge, Jr., Attorney at Law P.O. Box 10567 Eugene, OR 9744

Publication Date: February 21, 28, March 6, 2024.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO INTERESTED PER-

SONS: Probate proceedings in the Estate of Howard William Lear, deceased, are now pending in the Circuit Court for Lane County, Oregon, Case No. 24PB01044. Jacqueline Fosback of Oregon Advocates LLC has been appointed as personal representative of Decedent. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present them, in due form, within four months after the date of first publication of this Notice.

The date of first publication of this Notice is

INFORMATION

Office Hours: Monday to Friday

Phone: 541-649-1616

Sales: 541-649-1618

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.

1498

Mar

TAURUS

Apr

Powering

GEMINI

May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, there are always two sides to every story, so resist the urge to weigh in on a situation between friends right now. Get all of the information first and then stay neutral.

CANCER

Jun 22/Jul 22

Listen to someone’s feelings when they come to you and try to vent, Cancer. Exhibit some patience and help this person work through his or her issues.

LEO Jul 23/Aug 23

A great opportunity is coming down the pike, Leo. You will have to get your timing correct to maximize its impact on your life. Organize all of the elements you can control.

VIRGO Aug 24/Sept 22

Advice from a loved one prompts you to reevaluate your plans for the coming weeks, Vir- go. Step away from the situation to see how things might work.

LIBRA Sept 23/Oct 23

It is important to take the reins this week, Libra, particularly if you want to get noticed by those in positions of power. You need to be your own best advocate.

SCORPIO Oct 24/Nov 22

Sometimes the hardest thing to do in a situation is to stay si- lent when you don’t agree with things, Scorpio. Keep in mind that others may not be ready to hear your advice.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23/Dec 21

Take ownership of any mistakes you have made and learn from them this week, Sagittarius. That is the only way you can grow as a person and make a difference in others’ lives.

CAPRICORN Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, are you ready to accept the consequences of your actions? If you go out on your own path when others are warning against it, you will need to confront the consequences on your own.

AQUARIUS Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you may be ready to make a big move in your life, but others may not be there with you just yet. You need to find the timing that works for as many as possible.

CHECK OUT OUR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Tribes ink agreement on co-stewardship of forest lands

The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) and the Siuslaw National Forest are pleased to announce the signing of a Programmatic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Tribal co-stewardship on Siuslaw National Forest lands. This agreement emphasizes the shared goals of the Tribe and the Forest Service regarding the use and management of natural and cultural resources on the forest, while acknowledging the unique management expertise of the Tribe gained though millennia of stewarding these lands. It addresses the need for proactive stewardship to promote the ecological health, diversity, and resiliency of the forest.

“The lands that we now know as the Siuslaw National Forest have been stewarded by Tribal People since time immemorial,” said Brad Kneaper, Tribal Council Chair for the CTCLUSI. “For thousands

of years we practiced a holistic approach to stewardship that provided for clean air and water, resilient and diverse forests, robust salmon runs, bountiful deer and elk, and an abundance of the plants that we used for food and medicine. We stewarded a forest that provided for the local human community, and also provided for all of our plant and animal relatives with whom we share these lands. This agreement will allow us to begin returning some of these stewardship practices to the landscape.”

“The MOU provides a framework for the future implementation of activities that would meet both parties’ goals of restoring Siuslaw National Forest lands,” said Siuslaw National Forest Supervisor Rebecca Brooke. “It also establishes an intergovernmental relationship between the Tribe and the Forest that will provide opportunities for increased Tribal involvement in the planning

“The lands that we now know as the Siuslaw National Forest have been stewarded by Tribal People since time immemorial.”

- Brad Kneaper, Tribal Council Chair

and implementation of sustainable forest stewardship activities.”

The MOU outlines a comprehensive set of forest management goals that include improving and protecting the health and resiliency of forest ecosys-

tems; promoting cultural resources of importance to Tribal people; providing a diversity of habitat for fish and wildlife species; protecting air and water quality; and providing economic opportunities for local communities.

DEATH NOTICES

Herman ‘Fred’ Meier Loretta ‘Grace’ Parkerson

Herman “Fred” Frederick Meier, 59, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away February 12, 2024. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

Loretta “Grace” Parkerson, 87, of Creswell, Oregon passed away February 20, 2024. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

Lucia “Lu” Ann Ordway

January 9, 1945 - January 19, 2024

Lucia “Lu” Ann Ordway, 79 of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away January 19, 2024. Lu was born January 9, 1945 in Artesia, California to parents George and Betty (McQuillin) Wimer. She graduated from Mayfair High School. Lu married Gary Ordway August 22, 1964. She worked as an educational assistant and worked in accounts payable at South Lane School District. She enjoyed quilting, oil painting, baseball, and watching her son’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Lu is survived by her husband Gary of 59 years, son Jeff (Angela) Ordway of Philomath,

FUNDS from page 1

“It’s harder than ever for Oregonians to afford to live here, which is why we must take bold action on affordable housing,” Kotek said in a statement following the revenue forecast. “I look forward to working with legislators this session to make progress for Oregonians.”

Steiner said Monday lawmakers need to come up with a minimum of $78 million for a low-income child care program that instituted a waitlist last fall, while advocates say the true cost may be as high as $221 million.

Lawmakers working on expanding addiction treatment services haven’t yet shared how much they hope to spend, but

OR; son Kirk (Julie) Ordway of Gresham, OR; grandsons Josh and Christian Ordway of Gresham, OR; grandson Cameron Ordway of Corvallis, OR; granddaughter Terra (Nick) Marler of Sweet Home, OR; sister Candace (Gary) Hartman of Cottage Grove, OR; and brother Steve Wimer. She is preceded in death by her parents George and Betty Wimer and brother Greg Wimer. A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Church of Christ 6th and Gibbs. Arrangements are in the care of SmithLund-Mills Funeral Chapel.

growing those services will easily reach tens of millions of dollars, if not more. Just one aspect of the multifaceted plan, expanding transitional housing for people in recovery, carries a tentative price tag of $30 million.

Legislative leaders responded to the forecast with bipartisan cries for using the available money to spur housing and address addiction, though Republicans raised alarms about stagnant population growth. Oregon’s finances are stable now, but the state’s economy relies on new workers moving to Oregon as older workers retire.

“Republicans and Democrats are united in our commitment to increase housing supply

and homelessness supports, helping families and individuals struggling with addiction and investing in Oregon’s future,” House Speaker Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, said in a statement. “This stable forecast coupled with a decade of good budgeting gives us the certainty and resources we need to invest in the priorities Oregonians care about most.”

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence.

Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@ oregoncapitalchronicle. com.

The MOU anticipates that these goals will be achieved through the use of traditional stewardship practices such as the use of cultural fire as well as contemporary management practices such as selective harvest and mechanical fuels treatment.

In addition to recognizing the value that people can provide to the forest through active stewardship, the MOU also recognizes the important values that the forest can provide for people. Towards that end, the MOU emphasizes a need to explore market-based solutions for hazardous fuel reduction, promotes the generation of renewable energy using forest biomass, and seeks economic opportunities for local economically depressed areas. The MOU also recognizes the need to sustain the economic vitality of the existing forest products industry, and to provide for the ecologically sustainable use of timber

and other commercial forest products while also supporting non-commercial cultural uses. The MOU highlights the commitment of both the Siuslaw National Forest and the Tribe to promoting a holistic, balanced, and sustainable approach to co-stewardship.

“Our goal is to restore an Indigenous approach to stewardship on the Siuslaw National Forest,” said Colin Beck, the Tribe’s Director of Forest Management.

“Indigenous People have always recognized that humans are a part of this landscape, and that humans play a crucial role in stewarding for a diverse and resilient landscape that meets the needs of humans as well as all of the other diverse species that call this place home. By entering into this MOU, the Forest Service is recognizing the value of this Indigenous approach and recognizing that there is a need to restore proactive stewardship to the landscape.”

U.S. Postal Service focusing on expensive products no one wants

DAVID WILLIAMS InsideSources.com

The Postal Service has experienced better days. America’s mail carrier recently raised the price of a first-class Forever stamp from 66 cents to 68 cents, its fifth price hike in two years. Instead of getting better service or safer deliveries for these higher prices, consumers can continue to expect chronic mail delays, brazen thefts and taxpayer bailouts.

While the agency trots out an array of excuses for its poor performance, it’s clear that its priorities are misplaced. A case in point is the “Connect Local” service, which is supposed to handle small-business deliveries efficiently but is instead hemorrhaging cash.

The agency must end its money-losing programs and focus on delivering for Americans.

According to the service, Connect Local mail “allows businesses to send documents

locally (to recipients in the same delivery unit) same day or next day … target mailers include law firms, real estate firms, medical offices, and event organizers.” The program was first rolled out in a market test in 2022, and it was quickly apparent that it would be costly.

Even though in its 2022 Annual Compliance Report (released in January 2023), the Postal Service deemed initial market test results “encouraging,” costs exceeded revenues more than tenfold.

That is not encouraging at all. The agency also cautioned that it “does not have a method for estimating the quality of service” for its experimental products despite the apparent importance of gauging effectiveness.

Despite these red flags, the Connect Local program continued for an additional year. The service recently released its 2023 Annual Compliance Report, which contained the same disappointing results for the beleaguered “experimental” program. Costs were 37 percent higher than revenues, while volume

remained stubbornly low (at 10,000 sales) despite the program being rolled out in all 50 states.

In its request to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to convert Connect Local to a permanent offering, the service noted that most initial costs are developmental. Revenues appear to outpace “attributable” costs such as receipt and delivery costs. However, the agency will likely have to continue to refine the program even after it becomes a permanent offering, mainly because these costs have risen since the start of the market test.

The PRC has fortunately pushed back on some of the rosy assessments, expressing concern that Connect Local might lead to a diversion from existing postal offerings that could result in lower revenue than anticipated. In response, the service has claimed that “the market test hasn’t shown huge volumes being diverted away from FirstClass Mail Flats, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express.”

However, if the program remains stuck at 10,000 sales annually, the result is

hardly a win for the Postal Service. The agency needs cost-effective programs that respond to the needs of its consumer base. Instead, the service is devoting time, manpower, and marketing resources toward programs that serve a tiny sliver of its clientele.

Unfortunately, the PRC opted in December 2023 to prolong the market test until January 2025. From now until then, the Postal Service will inevitably try to explain away lopsided program costs and rationalize low sales as temporary.

The PRC must forcefully push back on this misguided program and deliver a reality check. If the agency continues to focus on expensive and niche programs at the expense of traditional mail routes, quality will continue to suffer, and costs will continue to increase.

Connect Local should be returned to sender so the Postal Service can return to better days.

David Williams is the president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.

Measure 110 funding expands parent mentor program

A critical component of Measure 110 directed 70% of Oregon’s cannabis tax revenue to SUD treatment and recovery, making expansions in care possible for organizations such as Morrison Child & Family Services.

The group was able to hire six additional parent mentors in Multnomah, Clatsop, Clackamas and Washington counties. The additional staff has so far helped 52 more people get 1-on-1 support with substance use and navigate the child welfare system. The new mentors will allow the program to reach 84 more clients at a given time.

The parent mentor program at Morrison Child & Family Services began in 2005 and boasts 46 mentors across seven counties.

Each mentor serves 12to-14 clients and typically spends six to 12 months providing support.

Morrison parent men-

tor Matthew Porter said his clients often have a “lifetime of trauma,” and the support he provides often includes joining court hearings and family decision meetings, maintaining relationships with parents during treatment or incarceration, connecting parents with community resources such as housing and recovery options, and guiding parents through the stressors of recovery while caring for their family. He emphasized the importance of empowering the client. “We’re just meeting them where they’re at,” Porter said. “They do the work, and we’re just supporting them through it – it’s a beautiful thing to watch.”

Prior to the funding received through Measure 110, the organization’s parent mentors had to wait for a referral from a caseworker to work with a client. It was a hurdle that often de-

layed support. Now, Porter said, “there is an advantage being a mentor through Measure 110.”

In addition to getting referrals from the recovery community and community partners, now mentors can attend preliminary hearings, speak to a parent directly, and the parent can “self-refer” if they are interested.

One of Porter’s clients has been going to a group SUD recovery program for six months, and, without prompting, recently expressed interest in trying inpatient SUD treatment. Porter can connect the client with a local residential treatment facility through a “warm hand-off.”

In addition to its client-led philosophy, Morrison Child & Family Services intentionally recruits a diverse team to reflect the communities it serves. A large percentage of clients are from Black and Brown communities. The organiza-

tion matches mentors who share child welfare and SUD experience, and also share cultural backgrounds. About half of Morrison’s parent mentors are bilingual.

“Having someone who looks like them, who has gone through the system, the trust gets built faster, and that same person helping them find their voice –it’s magnetic,” said Belinda Kjensrud, peer supervisor at Morrison Child & Family Services.

For other information on the impact of Measure 110 funding, check out OHA’s blog and the Measure 110 dashboard.

If you or someone you love is looking for help with substance use, check out this link or call the Alcohol and Drug Help Line at 1-800-923-4357. You can also contact your local community mental health program for help.

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. Sen. Jeff Merkley 202-224-3753 | 541-465-6750 www.merkley.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 Heather.Buch@lane countyorg.gov

Cottage Grove Sentinel - 541-942-3325

PUBLISHER Joe Warren jwarren@countrymedia.net

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warren jwarren@countrymedia.net

DIRECTOR OF SALES Frank Perea fperea@countrymedia.net

EDITORIAL Rodney Harwood cgsentineleditor@countrymedia.net CUSTOMER SERVICE Shiloh Glaspel cgsentinelofficemanager@countrymedia.net

Cottage Grove

Local WEATHER

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

Mostly Cloudy - HIgh 44°/Low 35°

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

Showers - High 46°/Low 40°

MONDAY, MARCH 4

Showers - High 51°/Low 41°

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

Showers - High 48°/Low 39°

541-649-1616 or 541-549-1618 Andrew Grabowsky SOUTH LANE COUNTY FIRE & RESCUE Call 541-942-4493 for info. FOR EMERGENCY DIAL 911 Serving South Lane County. www.southlanefire.org

David Williams

champion The

Avery Bengtson won the 100-yard backstroke title, the first girls individual state champion in Cottage Grove High School history

KYLE MCGOWEN Cottage Grove Sentinel

Cottage Grove freshman Avery Bengtson is the first individual girls state champion in Cottage Grove High School (CGHS) swimming history. Bengtson captured the 100-yard backstroke title last Saturday night at the 4A/3A/2A/1A OSAA state swimming championships with a time of 59.65.

“I was so excited because I looked up at the clock and I had broken a minute, that was a big goal of mine. I think it’s great for my team. Hopefully more people will come out now that they see people are posting fast times, that they will get this publicity,” Bengtson said.

The state title is coming off the heels of Bengtson taking the district title in both the 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly events. Bengtson took third in the butterfly event at the state meet. Riverdale’s Sam Borus, also a freshman, took first place in the butterfly event. While finishing third is something that many student athletes would view as victory enough, Bengtson used the third-place finish to help fuel her to the backstroke championship later in the night.

“I didn’t perform the way I wanted to on the butterfly and I definitely knew I could do better. It definitely set me back for a little bit, but I took some time and I focused on my 100-back,” Bengtson said.

As just a freshman, it’s possible that Bengtson has her best days in front of her, despite already being a champion. But coming into the year, Bengtson says that had nerves.

“I didn’t really know how it would be because high school is a lot different environment than club swimming, but I was confident going in,” Bengtson said.

Bengtson also captured the school record in the 100-yard butterfly and the 100-yard free this season.

“She is right in there,” Lions coach Shane Dye said when asked if Bengtson is among the greatest freshman he has ever coached. “What makes her great is her attitude and her willingness to race. She is a great competitor, that’s what her real strength is. Then you have her training,

GIRLS SWIMMING

OSAA/OnPoint 4A/3A/2A/1A Community Credit Union state championships (Tualatin Hills Recreation Center)Feb. 16 and 17: The Cottage Grove Lions girls swim team 11th out of 18 participating teams. Newport captured the girls’ state title. The Lions were led by Avery Bengtson, who won the 100-yard backstroke title with a time of 59.65. Bengtson also finished third in the 100-yard butterfly final with a time of 59.63. The girls’ 200yard medley relay team, featuring Bengtson, Hailey Fergason, Aillia Kelty and Josie Cochell finished 11th in the preliminaries round. The girls 400-yard freestyle relay team, with Kelty, Fergason, Rhianah Poetzl, and Bengtson finished in 10th in the preliminaries round.

BOYS SWIMMING

OSAA/OnPoint 4A/3A/2A/1A Community Credit Union state championships (Tualatin Hills Recreation Center) Feb. 16 and 17: The Lions boys swim team, who had just seven team members, finished 16th out of 19 teams. The Newport boys were able to take home the state championship. Cottage Grove was led by junior Hayes Valley, who finished third

“What makes her great is her attitude and her willingness to race. She is a great competitor, that’s what her real strength is. Then you have her training, she trains every day, all the time. This is the result of hard work.”

- Coach Shane Dye

she trains every day, all the time. This is the result of hard work.”

Bengtson has been swimming on her club team since she was eight years old. Swimming is a non-stop sport for those competing at the highest level. There is a season for short course, long course, regional championships, and state championships. There is a two week break in August.

“It was hard during the beginning of the season, I almost didn’t swim just trying to battle club and high school. My coaches helped me to decide what practices to do and how to manage my time to come to both to the dual meets, districts, and state,” Bengtson said. “I am focusing on club season, we have OSI senior champs in about two weeks. Then sectionals will be in March. I’m really focusing on those to nail down some final aspects of my races to hopefully improve.”

With a lot of time left in her high school career in Cottage Grove, the state champion has big dreams for her future.

“I want to swim all through high school, continuing to improve. After high school I want to swim in college, that could be anywhere. I just want swimming to be a main aspect in my life. I don’t know if I want to go pro, If I have that opportunity right after high school-I think the college experience is pretty important,” Bengtson said.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

in the 100-yard backstroke finals with a time of 54.47.4. Matthew Fergason took eighth place in the 200 individual-medley preliminaries and 11th in the boys 500yard freestyle preliminaries. Alex Hawks finished 11th in boys 100-yard backstroke preliminaries.

GIRLS WRESTLING

4A/3A/2A/1A-SD2 Special District 2 Championships Feb. 16 and 17: Madison Holder (130) of Cottage Grove finished in third place over Brooklyn Wilson of Douglas by fall at 2:34. Holder clinched a spot at the 2023-24 OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union Wrestling State Championships Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland February 22-24.

“It was a pretty good weekend for the girls,” Lions coach Charlie Kent said. “Maddy punched her state ticket by taking third after having her best tournament of the year. Man, she came out to wrestle. Alexsis (Woody) also had a good tournament by making it to the top eight in the region and Taylor (Blank), Carolyn (Reyna), Boston (Kent) and LauraLynn (Probert) wrestled tough Also heading to state are Jeffrey Conklin (120), Seazar Ibarra (126), Carter Bengtson (138), and Nathan Abrams (285) for the Cottage Grove boys’ team.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

North Bend 53 Cottage Grove 38 (SkyEm District Playoff)

Feb. 20: Following the loss Cottage Grove held a 14-12 record and a 2-6 SkyEm League record, earning them 10 more wins than they had at the conclusion of last season.

Cottage Grove 42 Junction City 41 (Sky-Em District Playoff)

Feb. 19: After losing their previous two games to the Junction City Tigers earlier this season, the Lions were able to avenge those losses with a one point victory in the Sky-Em District opening playoff game. Mariah Bailey led Cottage Grove with 17 points.

Marist 49 Cottage Grove 28

Feb. 17: The Lions trailed just 12-10 to end the first quarter, but struggled to keep pace with the Spartans. Payton Anlauf scored 11 points with three three-pointers and Bailey added 10 for Cottage Grove.

Marshfield 44 Cottage Grove 26

Feb. 15: The Lions struggled to score, with no players entering double digits.

Anlauf and Makya Alsup each scored six points for Cottage Grove in the loss. Marshfield secured the Sky-Em League regular season championship with the win.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Marist 72 Cottage Grove 43

Feb. 17: Senior Gannon leach returned to the lineup after missing significant time with a hand injury. Leach made an immediate impact for Cottage Grove, hitting three three-pointers in the first four minutes. The Lions struggled on the defensive end and fell to 8-14 overall in their final scheduled regular season game of the year.

Marshfield 74 Cottage Grove 37

Feb. 15: The Lions had a difficult time stopping Marshfield’s Luke Jackson, Joe Herbert, and Steel Carpenter on the defensive end and couldn’t get shots to fall on the offensive end.

Photo courtesy of Dustin Bengtson

Avery Bengtson had one of the greatest freshmen seasons in Cottage Grove history.

Photo courtesy of OSAA

Avery Bengtson celebrates her first place finish.

Warning issued about pet phone scam

JEREMY C. RUARK

Cottage Grove Sentinel

Pet owners in Lane County are being warned about a circulating phone scam.

Lane County Animal Services (LCAS) officials have issued a consumer alert about the fraud effort.

“The scammers are contacting pet owners who have shared information about a lost pet online or via neighborhood posters,” the LCAS states in a release.

The scammers contact the pet owners and represent themselves as “Jack Richardson” from Lane County Animal Services. “Jack Richardson” then tells the pet owner that their pet has been found but is injured and requires emergency veterinary care. Pet owners are told they must provide

“This is an especially disgusting way to take advantage of people.”

- Michael Johns, Lane County Animal Services Manager

payment via CashApp before their pet can be treated.

LCAS describes the calls as a scam and the agency’s officials state the agency would never: demand payment via CashApp or other payment app or via gift cards and money orders. Withhold emergency medical care for an animal in its care pending payment from a pet owner. Contact residents via text message without prior arrangement.

“This is an especially disgusting

way to take advantage of people,” Lane County Animal Services Manager Michael Johns said.

“We hope that any pet owners contacted this way realize it’s a scam before they make any payments. When in doubt, hang up and call us directly at 541682-3645.” Similar scams have been reported in states as far away as Georgia.

More details about the scam

• The name being used is “Jack

Richardson” from Lane County Animal Services. No such person exists.

• The number being used by the scammer is 541-623-9114.

• The CashApp account they want payment made to is $LCanimalserv and they provide reference numbers that look like this: LCAS-174752.

How to make a report

If contacted, people are encouraged to make a report to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at www. c3.gov. The FBI maintains the Internet Crime Complaint Center and is the central hub for reporting cyber crime. If a local report is needed, people can contact their local law enforcement agency through the agency’s non-emergency phone number.

Grants available for Eugene artists, art projects, organizations

Applications are now open for

Lane Arts Council’s 2024-2025

Community Arts Grants and Artist Grant. Funded by the City of Eugene Cultural Services Division and administered by Lane Arts Council, these grant programs directly support individual artists, arts projects, and arts organizations in the Eugene area.

Three grant opportunities are open for the 2024-2025 funding cycle:

Community Arts Project Grant, Community Arts Program Grant, and Artist Grant. Applications for all grant programs are due Friday, April 19. Awards will be announced in June 2024 to fund artists, arts projects, and arts organizations for activities completed between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

Community Arts Program Grant Guidelines and application:

http://lanearts.com/community-arts-grants/

The Community Arts Program Grant provides up to $5,000 in operating support funds to Eugene’s small and mid-sized nonprofit community arts organizations. The primary goal of the Program Grant is to support nonprofit arts organizations in their strategic development and

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

The

Monday

Step

Tuesday

Men’s

Wednesday

Wednesday

organizational goal fulfillment.

The most competitive applicants are arts organizations who have arts as the core of their mission and provide public access to ongoing, sustained, artistic programming, and outreach programs or services in Eugene.

Community Arts Project Grant Guidelines and application: http://lanearts.com/community-arts-grants/

The Community Arts Project Grant provides up to $2,500 to individuals, collectives, or organizations for projects that emphasize accessibility to underserved audiences and provide arts programming that takes place in Eugene. Proposals might include exhibits, performances, festivals, workshops, events, programs, and other arts and culture projects.

The most competitive proposals demonstrate community impact and clear access to underserved and underrepresented communities whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by race, ethnicity, economics, or disability.

Artist Grant Guidelines and application: http://lanearts.com/community-arts-grants/

The Artist Grant provides up to $2,000 to support individual artists, performers, and creatives of all disciplines. Artists can apply for one of three funding areas:

• Production: To move forward a new creative endeavor that contributes to artistic development, professional growth, or accessing new career opportunities

• Development: to engage in administrative or artistic learning, skill-building, or professional development that contributes to improved business or artistic practice

• Investment: to bolster artistic business capacity through equipment or supply purchasing, staffing, or other operating expenses

Grant Information Sessions: March 6 - 8

Attend these free virtual information sessions to ask questions and learn specifics about the Artist Grant, Community Arts Program Grant, and Community Arts Project Grant. To register, visit Lane Arts Council’s website: www.lanearts.org

• Artist Grant Info Session: Wednesday, March 6th, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

• Community Arts Project Grant Info Session: Thursday, March 7, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

• Community Arts Project

Grant Info Session: Friday, March 8, noon - 1 p.m.

Lane Arts Council’s grant programs are designed to create opportunities for artists, ensure opportunities for arts engagement, cultivate a diversity of art forms, and help strengthen Eugene’s arts community. They support the growing role of the arts in the cultural, social, educational, and economic recovery of community life in Eugene.

Previous Community Arts Project Grant recipient SLUG Queens shared their gratitude regarding the grant they received: “With the help of this grant we were able to take steps to make our uniquely Eugene event more accessible. We will continue to expand on these efforts and find ways to create accessibility and representation for all our community members that make us uniquely Eugene.”

About Lane Arts Council Lane Arts Council is a nonprofit organization that works to cultivate strong and creative arts communities throughout Lane County. They provide high-quality arts experiences, engage people of all ages in arts education, and encourage artistic endeavors.

New emergency manager selected

Tiffany Brown, a leader in emergency management in Oregon, has been chosen as the County’s new emergency manager and started in her new role earlier this month.

Tiffany Brown

“We are so fortunate to have Tiffany Brown joining Lane County as the new emergency manager,” said Lane County Policy Director Stephen Adams. “She has been in the trenches of local response for many years and is well-positioned to continue to build our program here. Her vast experience in training, exercise, working with partners and the community will serve her – and our community –well.”

Brown succeeds Patence Winningham, who served as the emergency manager for four years. Brown was selected after a competitive national search. The position is responsible for planning and directing emergency management activities and projects; collaborating with partners in the government, private and non-profit sectors to conduct and coordinate countywide mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery activities; and updating and maintaining the County’s comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan.

“It is very exciting to be back in the area and humbling to have been selected for the position,” said Tiffany Brown. “The ice storm created a unique opportunity for me to hit the ground running, and in coming months, I look forward to discovering other ways that my experiences on the North Coast can benefit the residents and support our community partners in Lane County.”

Thursday

Saturday

• TUESDAY Oregon Aviation History Center, 10 am-4 pm, 2475 Jim Wright Way (near Cottage Theatre) CG High School Taco Tuesday, 11:45am-12:20pm, Riverside Church Gym, 1255 S. River Rd.

Café 60/Meals on Wheels, Noon, 700 E. Gibbs Ave.

Cottage Bowl Open Bowling, 1-9 pm, 740 Row River Road

Lutheran Church Community Dinner, 5:15-6:15 pm, 6th & Quincy Avenue Royal Rangers, (for kids) 6:30-8 pm, Living Faith Assembly, 467 S. 10th St.

• WEDNESDAY

Chair Assisted Yoga for Seniors, Wednesdays, 9-10:15am, CG Community Center, 700 E. Gibbs Ave.

Oregon Aviation History Center, 10 am-4 pm, 2475 Jim Wright Way (near Cottage Theatre)

Church of Christ Clothes Closet, 11 am-2 pm, 225 E. Whiteaker Ave.

Pinochle Group, 11:30 am-4 pm, Senior Center, 700 E. Gibbs Ave.

Café 60/Meals on Wheels, Noon, Community Center, 700 E. Gibbs Ave.

Brown served the last eight years as the emergency manager for Clatsop County. She brings a wealth of experience in local emergency management with a focus on regional preparedness, response, and mitigation related to catastrophic events – most notably the Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake. Related to her work on Cascadia preparedness, Brown has developed partnerships with state and federal military agencies that can also benefit Lane County’s coastal residents ahead of an earthquake. Prior to her role as Clatsop County’s emergency manager, Brown served as an emergency coordinator and clerk of the Board of County Commissioners there. She has also served as a 9-1-1 dispatcher. She is a graduate of the University of Oregon and holds a bachelor’s degree in English. Brown also has a master’s degree in security studies from the Center for Homeland Security Naval Postgraduate School. She is a member of the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission (OSSPAC), as well as a FEMA instructor