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The Cottage grove entinel

In a league of their own

Library celebrates community with love of reading

C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel

It is housed inside a former Safeway grocery building, and in some ways the Cottage Grove Library offers a familyfriendly “shopping” experience.

In the following conversation, The Sentinel talks with Head Librarian Natasha Chitow for an inside look at the facility, and how it is a key element of the livability of our community.

The Sentinel: From your vantage point, what sets the Cottage Grove Library apart from other libraries in the area?

Natasha Chitow: The Cottage Grove Public Library is in a building shared with other service providers, so we’re able to connect and collaborate more easily with our building neighbors: the Community Center, Senior Center, Genealogy Library, South Valley Athletics, and Senior & Disabled Services.

Having the varied resources within our building at 700 E. Gibbs Avenue means that we can directly work with these organizations when planning programs and seeking engagement within the larger Cottage Grove community.

The Sentinel: What role do you believe the Cottage Grove Library serves to enhance the livability of our community?

Chitow: Our mission is “Celebrating the community through the love of reading, lifelong learning, and community

connections.” When we think about that mission, it is through the view of the library as a public good that enhances the “pursuit of happiness” part of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” within our community.

The 2020 census statistics mention that, within the city limits, more than 17% of residents are at or below the poverty line, and that’s something we keep in mind when providing items and services. We provide a wide variety of services to meet our community’s needs, including a seed lending library, workshops, special guest presentations, technology access and assistance. This is in addition to having a robust library collection of books, DVDs, games, ukuleles, and other items.

We also provide a “traders” collection of uncataloged books for those who live outside of city limits and cannot afford to pay for an out of area card.

The Sentinel: Have you found that the public’s attention with social media has adversely impacted attendance at the library?

Chitow: I would disagree that social media has an adverse effect on library use; many of our most regular library users are regular social media users and often seek out information about library programs and services through social media and

SPECIAL REPORT

The future of getting from here to there

CINDY WEELDREYER

Grove Sentinel

What will transportation look like in South Lane County in 2050?

Will we have safe and reliable automated vehicles that connect commuters and shoppers who live in outlying communities, such as the Row River Valley, Mosby Creek Watershed, London and Lorane, to a multimodal transportation hub to get them where they need to go more efficiently?

Will there be a regularly scheduled shuttle that connects Creswell and Cottage Grove?

How can future transportation services attract visitors from around the world to enjoy all the natural beauty and amenities our region offers?

Don Nordin is a longtime local transportation advocate and visionary.

In the 1990s, he was a founder of the Friends of LTD advocacy group that successfully established a Lane Transit District (LTD) service that connects Cottage Grove and Creswell to the Eugene/Springfield metro area. He later served six years on the LTD budget committee and eight years on the board.

REBOOTING

Believing the time was right to reboot regional planning efforts, Nordin invited a variety of stakeholders to an April 10 roundtable discussion on the future of transportation in South Lane County. Representatives from Lane Transit District, South Lane Wheels, the Lane Council of Governments, the Oregon Dept. of Transportation, the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce,

Travel Lane County, past and current elected and appointed officials from the Cities of Cottage Grove and Creswell and State Representative Charlie Conrad attended the afternoon meeting. In 2021, the City of Cottage Grove hired Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) transportation planners to convene stakeholders to develop its Transportation Development Plan. South Lane Wheels funded a University of Oregon student to develop a concept for a transportation hub that was presented to the City Council. Multimodal hubs join all modes of transportation— automobiles, public transit, bicycles, and pedestrians—into a convenient hub. This setup makes it easier for commuters to use multiple modes.

“A hub would be a good place to aggregate the transportation options we have now,” Nordin said. “Then we can explore what we could have in South Lane County that would justify increasing the frequency of LTD busses serving Cottage Grove and Creswell. We need to persuade ODOT to move the Cottage Grove mobility hub from its Tier 3 to Tier 2 funding priorities.” THE

JEREMY

Sitting protesters block I-5 in Eugene

JEREMY C. RUARK

Cottage Grove Sentinel

Dozens of people were arrested following a protest that shut down a portion of Interstate Five (I-5) at Eugene Monday, April 15. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers responded at around 10 a.m. to I-5 southbound at milepost 194 in Eugene to reports of protesters blocking the interstate. The protesters, representing Free Palestine Eugene, reportedly had walked onto the freeway and sat down in the lanes of traffic.

Protesters blocked all southbound traffic lanes near the Barlow Bridge.

“Throughout the incident, demonstrators were given continuous lawful orders to disperse before dozens of people were arrested for disorderly conduct,” OSP said in a release. “At least one individual was discovered to be in possession of a firearm.”

OSP and other law enforcement agents arrested 52 people for disorderly conduct. Two individuals were additionally charged with conspiracy and Theft 2. All suspects were taken in custody to the Lane County Jail in Eugene. Six vehicles were towed from the scene. “The incident required a significant law enforcement response,” according to OSP. That included:

•Eugene Police Department – 31 officers; 1 transport van

•Springfield Police Department – 22 officers; 1 transport van

• Lane County Sheriff’s Office – 20 deputies; 2 jail

vans

• Oregon State Police –48 troopers

• Oregon Department of Transportation Incident Response – 6 personnel

•Springfield Fire Department and Eugene Fire Department

Traffic was stopped for about 45 minutes. Southbound lanes were eventually opened; however, law enforcement remained while observers continued to gather along the highway.

“Oregon State Police supports an individual’s right to lawfully protest and express concerns over world events,” OSP said.

“However, today’s actions put Oregon’s motorists in danger as well as the protestors who blocked the roadway.”

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24

Mostly Cloudy - High 65°/Low 43°

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

Showers - High 58°/Low 46°

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Showers - High 59°/Low 46°

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

A.M. Showers - High 64°/Low 45°

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

Showers - High 56°/Low 42°

MONDAY, APRIL 29

Showers - High 55°/Low 40°

TUESDAY, APRIL 30

Showers - High 59°/Low 40°

If

Courtesy from Clara Ferrer-Perry

Demonstrators can be seen sitting on Interstate 5 near Eugene on Monday, April 15.

LIFE IN COTTAGE GROVE LIFESTYLES

The “High Rise,” as it is commonly known, is owned by Homes for Good, the Lane County Housing Authority. It was built at the intersection of Main Street and River Road in 1968.

The historic Dr. Snapp House was located on that property at the time the county purchased it. The Victorian-era house was built for the wife of one of Cottage Grove’s early doctors in 1886. Plans were to destroy it in a “burn-tolearn” exercise. Members of the Prospectors and Gold Diggers Club rescued it by paying Lane County one dollar and moving it to its current location at 360 S. River Road between Silk Creek and Prospector’s Park.

The five-story building offers 60, one-bedroom units. Currently, 71 seniors and persons with disabilities call it home.

The Resident Council is active in planning social activities and its Garden Club brightens up the property with flowers and grows food for its residents.

BRIEFLY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WEEKLY EVENTS

Cottage Grove/Creswell

Alcoholic Anonymous

MONDAY 7 a.m.-8 a.m.

Upon Awakening

The Cottage Events Venue

2915 Row River Rd

6 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Cottage Group

The Cottage Events Venue

2915 Row River Rd

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 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. Sixth Street

SATURDAY 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Candlelight Group

Cottage Grove Community Center

700 Gibbs St

SUNDAY 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

New Beginnings Group

Cottage Grove Community Center 700 Gibbs St

On Monday, April 15, Scouts, parents, friends, relations, and foremost families gathered for a historic Eagle Court of Honor.

Two Scouts were presented the highest rank possible as a youth, that of Eagle Scout. Concerning families there was an interesting occurrence of synchronicity at the ceremony. Talan Schweitzer and Hailey Fergason, who had their Eagle Medals awarded at the Court, were siblings to those who received their Eagles at the last Eagle Court not quite a year ago. The Schweitzer/Fergason families have been scouting together since Cub days. Talan and his older brother went through Cub Scouts with Hailey’s brother, and she often participated in scout activities and was also a girl scout, but could not register as a member of the B.S.A. program until after 2019. As the rules changed Hailey organized a group of girls to form a sister unit to Troop 140, which by scout policy, was considered a separate unit, Troop 4140. In practice the two units functioned as one which was a boon for families who were coming with their daughters to scout meetings anyway. Now the girls could fully participate if they wanted to, going on camping trips and earning rank advancement.

Talan Schweitzer joined Cub Scouts in 2013, advancing through the program until reaching its zenith, Weblos, earning the Arrow of Light, before crossing over into Scout Troop 140 sponsored by the Calvin Funk Post of the American Legion. Active with other scouts that had followed similar paths, he progressed steadily through scouting ranks earning a total of 40 Merit Badges by the time he completed the requirements for his Eagle badge.

He has actively participated in Camporees, Klondike Derbies, Rendezvous, Summer camps, and many other scout activities while serving in various leadership positions, including Senior Patrol leader. To complete the Eagle rank, the candidate must plan, organize, and direct a large scale service project that will benefit some aspect of the community. Talan selected an

improvement of the American Legion’s grounds and installing a retired flag depository. When the scale of the project became larger than anticipated, he evaluated, made adjustments and returned with the many volunteers necessary to complete the project, demonstrating resourcefulness and resilience.

Hailey Fegason, who is the first ever young woman from Cottage Grove to earn the Eagle Scout Award, did so while still 14 and has demonstrated leadership for the 4140 Girl Unit for its entire existence as their Senior Patrol Leader. She has shown to be resolute in pursuing scouting activities, serving as a counselor in training at the Melakwa summer camp, becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow, and being an active participant in all troop activities. For her Eagle project Hailey organized a Youth Triathlon that raised money for swimming lessons and attracted about 40 participants and 50 volunteers.

The new Eagle scouts were recognized for earning two 50 Miler awards, and each were awarded Bronze, Gold, and Silver Palms for earning additional merit badges over the required number for Eagle. The audience at the First Presbyterian Church included many former Eagle Scouts from Troop 140, several former Scoutmasters, and proud family members from both of these new Eagle Scouts as well as the larger group of Eagle families who have flown off to take their place in the world, taking with them what the Scout Program taught them.

Scanning the old Sentinel issues, the first Eagle Scouts from Cottage Grove mentioned in print were Llewellyn Rex and Howard Taylor who traveled to Eugene to face their Eagle Examinations in May of 1929. It is interesting to see that with this historic first Cottage Grove female Eagle, history is continually being rewritten, and yet somehow stays the same. Both Fergason and Schweitzer had to go to Eugene for their Board of Reviews to become Eagle Scouts.

As the new Eagle Scouts raised their hands to the scout sign and repeated the Eagle pledge, former Eagles stood and provided witness to the newest members of a very select group, Cottage Grove Eagles.

Cindy Weeldreyer / The Sentinel

DANA MERRYDAY Sentinel Guest Article

Courtesy photo from Christie Johnson

Newly minted Eagle Scouts Hailey Fergason (left) and Talan Schweitzer (right) repeat the Eagle pledge at the recent Court of Honor celebrating their achievement

Biden approves major disaster declaration for Oregon

JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel

President Joe Biden has approved Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s request for a federal major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Act on behalf of the State of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

“I am grateful to President Biden for answering our call for help following the January ice and wind emergency and to our federal delegation for amplifying this critical need,” Kotek said in a release April 14. “This opportunity for federal assistance will make a significant difference across communities that are still grappling with significant damage from the storm.” The now a pproved d eclaration follows the January weather emergency and will provide supplemental grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program to state, tribal, local governments and certain private nonprofits for costs incurred for responding and recovering from the event.

Approval of the declaration will unleash recovery and relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the state, tribe, local governments and certain nonprofits in the

11 counties affected by the storm.

BACKGROUND

The declaration includes Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Multnomah, Sherman, Tillamook and Wasco Counties and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians that experienced downed trees and limbs, which damaged or destroyed overhead utility poles and lines, resulting in power, communication, and internet outages; powerrelated impacts to roadways and wastewater treatment facilities, impacts to travel and the ability to conduct

emergency responses; costs associated with emergency response; and mass sheltering for medically fragile, older adults and isolated persons without power.

Seventeen Oregonians lost their lives to the storm. At the peak of power outage impacts, more than 238,900 Oregonians were without power, and some areas were without power for more than 13 days.

Oregon’s Department of Emergency Management estimates the storm caused $48 million in infrastructure damage and cost more than 1,350 businesses $165 million in lost revenue and wages.

and

other local service is fee-based depending on the distance between a rider’s pick-up and drop-off location. She described the Cottage Grove Connector as an on-demand “Uberish” service that is highly subsidized by state and federal funds and that its popularity is breaking all records. Riders use a phone app or call the dispatcher to schedule daily rides without a reservation. The phone app informs riders when the bus will arrive and they pay a fare when they board. The service uses software to calculate the most effective way to serve the requested

rides in the queue. “In my transportation career, I can say the Mobility on Demand service (CG Connector) has been the best gift to Cottage Grove,” Linoz said.

PANDEMIC RECOVERY

LTD Planner Tom Schwetz said the regional transportation organization is finally starting to recover from the constriction of service caused by the pandemic. It is now hiring new drivers to restore some of the service that was reduced. He also noted ridership on Bus 98 has not yet returned to prepandemic levels and they are hopeful it will. Determining the best strategies to serve the most people in the future will take many partner organizations. They must work together to

LIBRARY from Page 1

other internet based communications.

We do, however, also try to make sure that people hear about our programs via analog resources, such as printed calendars, advertising in newsletters, and posters displayed in the windows of community organizations and businesses.

The Sentinel: In our previous conversation, you mentioned outreach efforts that the library has in place. Could you list a summary of how you and your staff are engaging the community?

Chitow: Outreach can happen just about anywhere outside of the library, but our most focused efforts tend to be when we’re invited to have a table or booth at community events. This means that we’ve visited schools during family nights, shared information about the library at various events at the Armory and have created pop-up library services at Bohemia Park. I’ve also presented about library services with service organizations operating in town. The biggest joy of working in a smaller population is that we all get known in the community as friendly folks who are one of many that are dedicated to making Cottage Grove a better place to live.

The Sentinel: What technology adopted at your library over the past few years do you believe has made a significant enhancement and in what way?

share the responsibility of creating and maintaining a “transportation ecosystem” that involves multiple forms of transportation. Schwetz said, “It will take many partners to build that ecosystem and I think South Lane County would be the perfect “laboratory” to try different solutions to help people connect to LTD service. The Cottage Grove Connector is an example of rural transportation that can be a model to leverage additional service based on its success. We are excited about the prospects of these partnerships.”

E-BIKE CORRIDOR

ODOT Region 2 Manager Vidal Francis said discussions are underway to create an “e-bike corridor” between Corvallis and Cottage Grove.

“I’m just learning about these discussions,” Francis said. “And, if that plan moves forward, having an (intermodal) hub in Cottage Grove would be magnificent.”

MASS TRANSIT DIFFICULTY

Creswell City Councilor Shelly Clark said her constituents tell her using mass transit in Creswell is very difficult. “We have two LTD bus stops that are very close to each other; so if you miss the bus at one you’ll likely miss it at the other one,” Clark said. “To get to essential services such as grocery stores and medical appointments you must leave Creswell and go to Cottage Grove or Springfield. Getting to places in the metro area

means you have to ride a bus for a very long time.”

It was noted ODOT just concluded its virtual open house to get public feedback on its plan to improve Hwy. 99 between Main Street and Harrison Avenue for cyclists and pedestrians. Linoz said the City of Cottage Grove is updating its bike and pedestrian plan. LCOG Transportation Manager

Kelly Cark said the grant deadline for state transit funds is approaching.

The planning group’s next meeting will identify key South Lane County projects and opportunities that fit the grant criteria and address the most important un-served needs.

“I had higher expectations for attendance,” Nordin said. “But I think the issues were covered and we made a good start in developing a community conversation about enhanced transportation options.” Follow developments online at cgsentinel and in the

• Saturday 10a.m.-4p.m.

The Sentinel: Could you give us a summary of the upcoming programs and events at the library.

Chitow: This past Friday, April 19, we are showed An Oregon Story: saving our beaches, farmland, and more. The documentary covers the legacy of land use planning and conservation policies that are helping keep our state’s public lands environmentally sustainable for the future.

Chitow: I think the biggest impact that we’ve had related to technology is setting up an email address* where patrons and the public can request books, ask reference questions, set up curbside pickup, get a bag of library materials curated to their interests, and set up library cards to use an ebook and audiobook service called Libby. While our physical building is limited in size, electronic collections can expand beyond the library and be accessed anywhere a phone, tablet, or computer can connect to the internet.*holds@ cottagegrove.org is an email that is sent to all staff so we can respond to patrons regardless of who is working that day.

We have a number of regular programs for all ages, including Summer

Reading, which starts June 19 this year. This year’s summer reading theme is “Read, Renew, Repeat” and we have a wide variety of special guests who will be presenting about the different ways that sustainability exists within our lives and region. These special guests include BRING Recycling, The Audubon Society, Cascades Raptor Center, The UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History, and more!

The Sentinel: What are the hours and days of operation of the library?

Chitow: Our library operating hours are:

• Monday and Tuesday 11a.m.-7p.m.

• Wednesday through Friday 10a.m.-6p.m.

We close for the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, American Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. The Sentinel: Is there a cost to obtain a library card? Chitow: If a person lives or owns real estate within the Cottage Grove city limits, their library card is paid for through city taxes. Anyone outside of city limits

The Sentinel

The powerful storms left downed trees and powerless causing widespread power outages in Cottage grove and across Lane County.

Courtesy photo

The Cottage Grove Library conducts

PeaceHealth nurses vote to authorize strike

PeaceHealth executives since Feb. 2023 including six sessions with a federal mediator.. according to the ONA.

Services in Lane County have voted to authorize an open-ended strike against PeaceHealth.

The action is to protest PeaceHealth’s unlawful unfair labor practices (ULPs) and reach a fair contract agreement that improves community healthcare, according to the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).

The ONA represents more than 90 frontline nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. Nurses’ latest strike vote was held April 12 - April 16. “Our community’s health care is eroding under our feet.” said Jo Turner, ONA Bargaining Unit Chair and nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services.

“PeaceHealth has cut our birth center, our sleep clinic, our home infusion services and our hospital. Now they are degrading the high quality home health and hospice services vulnerable patients rely on. Our community’s health care is in danger of disappearing completely if we don’t stand up and fight back.”

According to Turner, the strike isn’t just about wages, benefits and ULPs.

“It’s about demanding dignity and respect for our community from a health system that consistently puts profits over people. Anyone who’s tried to get healthcare lately can see that patients are suffering. Local nurses are running ourselves ragged trying to give our community the care it deserves but PeaceHealth executives have their heads stuck in the sand in Vancouver. It’s unbelievable that multimillionaire executives at a multibillion dollar company have turned their back on their mission to serve and care for our community. Your nurses are fighting to hold PeaceHealth’s corporate executives accountable.”

Local home health and hospice nurses have endured 45+ contract bargaining sessions with

Nurses led a limitedduration strike on Feb. 10-24 to protect community health and safety, increase recruitment and retention, secure equitable pay and address the staffing crisis at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services, arelease from the ONA states.

“Upon ending their limited duration strike and returning to mediation, PeaceHealth executives continued demanding nurses accept nearly 5% lower pay than PeaceHealth pays hospital nurses in Eugene/ Springfield and hospital and home care nurses in Florence–despite both groups of home care nurses sharing managers and staff meetings and regularly caring for the same patients,” the release reads. “PeaceHealth’s continued disrespect towards local nurses and their patients is driving nurses to leave–threatening our community’s health and exacerbating the care shortage.”

“Since PeaceHealth let nurses’ contract expire last year, more than a quarter of home care nurses have quit. Another one-third of nurses plan to leave this year if PeaceHealth continues shortchanging patients and providers,” Turner stated.

“I voted yes to strike because I feel it is important for me to advocate for myself, my colleagues and my community. We deserve equal pay for equal work and our community needs a robust home care services team that can provide the care it needs. This fight is bigger than just myself and I am committed to standing firm against corporate greed,” said Cathy Smith, ONA member and nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. In a series of unfair labor practice charges, PeaceHealth is accused of waging a campaign of interference, intimidation

See NURSES on Page 6

TERA HURST Sentinel Guest Column

TERA HURST

Recently, a man stood outside the Portland central city library holding a sign that read “please pray for me.” He was on his fourth day of detoxing off of fentanyl. Trying to get sober while cold, alone and living on the streets was becoming increasingly more difficult for him, and he had written the sign as a last plea for some kind of divine intervention.

That intervention came in the form of outreach workers who were on the street that day as part of a pilot project with Measure 110 providers and the Portland Police Bureau’s central city neighborhood response team, the Central NRT Bike Squad. He told them how desperately he wanted to stop using fentanyl, but he felt himself slipping. The team is made up of compassionate recovery peers, people who are also in recovery. Thanks to their quick work, within just a few hours this man was safe indoors, getting basic survival needs met while the outreach team successfully secured a spot for him at a local treatment program.

They got him connected with medication-assisted treatment to ease symptoms of withdrawal and an emergency shelter bed at a recovery house.

Here in Oregon, where

VIEWPOINT

treatment access is limited, the man’s story has a good end to it. But if Oregon officials ever hope to truly provide hope and recovery to individuals and communities, we can’t count on serendipity alone.

Our organization, Oregon Health Justice Recovery Alliance, was part of the coalition that opposed passage of House Bill 4002, which recriminalized addiction in Oregon, returned our state to the failed war on drugs, is predicted to lead to disproportionate arrests among Black and brown people and will require additional public defenders who are already in short supply. This bill was crafted by law enforcement for law enforcement and left out important community voices. However, it was clear in the debate on the measure that even the most conservative voices called for treatment, not jail, as voters intended with Measure 110 as the most effective path.

Let’s hold them to that.

Under HB 4002, 23 counties have committed to setting up deflection programs so that when police encounter someone using drugs, there is a better option than arresting them. Recriminalization starts on Sept. 1 of this year, but there are no requirements for counties to set up deflection programs by then, and it would be impossible to do so on such a short timeline in most cases. When these programs are set up, we must ensure that all deflection programs are culturally and linguistically

appropriate, emphasizing community-based organizations over law enforcement.

That’s the model we are using for a pilot project in Portland, where more than 50% of the peer support outreach workers identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color, and nearly a quarter of them speak Spanish. The project has been going since December, and we have learned some important lessons that counties could use in setting up their deflection programs.

The most important lesson is that police are not social workers and are not outreach workers, nor do they want to be. In our project, if police are the point of first contact with an individual using drugs publicly, they immediately refer people who are receptive to assistance to a central command center of outreach workers who show up within minutes, then the police back away.

We have learned that heavy police presence is a detriment to getting people connected to services.

Lesson two is that contact with peer support specialists – not threat of arrest or jail – is the most important factor in getting people connected to recovery services. Lesson three is that there must be detox and withdrawal management services available immediately for people who are ready to go into detox. Unfortunately, Oregon’s severe lack of these services will severely hinder the success of deflection programs for the foreseeable future. When services are available, we get results. In just nine pilot events, providers have successfully connected with 145 individuals. Thanks to providers working together to pool resources and secure beds in advance of each pilot shift, we’ve been able to connect 66 people with same-day services.

If we don’t hold our elected leaders to their “treatment first” approach, the waiting room HB 4002 creates for people struggling with addiction, literally, will be a jail cell. The vast majority of Oregonians believe that addiction is a health care issue — and they’re right. Now all stakeholders working on this issue must come together to turn this collective belief into our shared reality. Tera

Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment rises by 1,400

STAFF REPORT

Cottage Grove Sentinel

Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1,400 jobs in March, following a revised gain of 2,800 jobs in February, according to the Oregon Employment Department (OED).

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.2% in both February and March. The rate’s rise from a record low of 3.4% in May 2023 is a sign of a loosening labor market. Another indicator of a loosening labor market was the rise in the number of Oregonians employed part time for economic reasons, which rose to 73,000 in March from a low of 48,200 in September 2022, the OED reported.

March’s gains were largest in professional and business services(+2,400 jobs); government(+1,000); and wholesale trade(+600). Monthly declines were largest in construction(-2,300 jobs); retail trade(-600); and manufacturing(-600). Hiring trends diverged during the first three months of the year.

Courtesy photo from Kevin Mealy, ONA. ONA nurses and supporters on the strike line at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services in February 2024.

‘Significant, concerning’ increase in high school game ejections

JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel

The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) has launched a statewide review of what is being described as a significant and concerning increase of athlete ejections from high school sporting events. The OSAA delegate

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Recycling Association (LCGRA) believe the Lane County Commissioners are moving too fast and haven’t done an adequate amount of due diligence to mitigate potential financial risks and negative impacts the facility will have on customers and ratepayers.

EPUD Board Chair

Charles Kimball said it is not too late for the Lane County Commissioners to rethink their Dec 5 decision.

“We recognize the allure of such a futuristic project, Kimball said. “We also know there are inherent financial and operational risks with constructing a ‘first-of-its-kind-in-theworld’ waste processing facility.”

He notes that Lane County has the highest curbside recycling rate in Oregon and solid waste haulers’ fees are the lowest in the state. EPUD officials say upgrading the utility’s existing methane capture facility will allow the County to meet and exceed its climate goals for much less money than the proposed IMERF project. The captured methane will generate electricity that can be accessed during a natural disaster when the regional power grid goes down, which is not possible with the IMERF.

Kimball added, “For cost savings and community benefit reasons, we are asking the Commissioners to “double-down” instead on the existing Lane CountyEPUD partnership.”

LANDFILL METHANE PROJECT JOINT VENTURE HISTORY

In 1983, Lane County voters created the Emerald People’s Utility District (EPUD) which now

NURSES from Page 5

and threats against nurses for exercising their rights; refusing to meet and bargain in good faith; and threatening to terminate health insurance for home care nurses and their families.

assembly was to begin the review during an April 8 meeting. According to the OSAA, the number of ejections has hit an all time high in boys soccer and football this season.

OSAA Executive Director Peter Weber said the ejections have been based on player behavior. “In Boys Soccer, 182 of the 198 ejections were for

serves more than 50,000 citizens. In this same era, environmental concerns about the methane gas escaping the landfill motivated Lane County to issue a request-forproposals to control these emissions.

The County selected EPUD as its partner to pursue an innovative project to generate electricity from landfill gas. Both parties enthusiastically entered this win-win long-term agreement to create the first power plant of its kind on the West Coast.

EPUD officials say the 30-year-old project has been “a resounding success.” They credit the utility’s investment of tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure and maintenance at the landfill facility as the reason.

EPUD General Manager

Kyle Roadman says in the past three decades their facility captured the greenhouse gas equivalent of roughly 200,000 gasoline vehicles driven for one year and generated 800-million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy to serve its Lane County customers.

LACK OF COUNTY/EPUD COMMUNICATION IN PROJECT PLANNING

Lane County and EPUD officials strongly disagree on the level of EPUD involvement in the decisionmaking process.

Public Works Director

Dan Hurley told the Sentinel the utility was not excluded from IMERF planning. He provided the Sentinel with a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022. It specifically states that Lane County, EPUD and Northwest Natural will: “Evaluate the impact of a new co-

PeaceHealth also faces serious allegations from workers about its failure to properly care for local home health and hospice patients during a previous strike including missed care, cancellations, hospital readmissions and scab workers quitting. The community has rallied around its nurses over the past few months as patients, healthcare providers, elected officials, and community allies have joined strike lines and pickets and contacted PeaceHealth executives to show their support for local nurses. “Nurses providing home care and hospice care are among the most important members of our health care workforce, serving on the frontlines of care for many of the most vulnerable and fragile people in our community. Their work allows patients to live in their homes with dignity while their medical needs are being addressed—and their work also allows patients and their families

bench misconduct, entering the field during a fight, language, serious foul play, taunting, violent conduct or second caution. 16 ejections were for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity,” he said.

According to Weber, the reasons for ejections can vary by sport based on the playing rules specific to that activity.

located solid waste digester facility at the Landfill, and consider designing the interconnection to accommodate additional gas from such a facility”.

“The County and EPUD staff has had multiple planning meetings where this project was discussed,” Hurley said. “We cannot speak to how communication within their organization functions.”

“As the MOU states, we were supposed to evaluate the impact of a digester together,” Roadman explained. “In reality, we were told repeatedly by County staff that they were looking into it but the project did not pencil out and there was little to no chance it would move forward. We were never offered the opportunity to weigh in as to the merits or the financial impact on EPUD.”

Roadman added, “County staff did however give us explicit advice on how we might kill the project by offering public comment, indicating there was internal disagreement within their team. Mr. Hurley would know this had he ever bothered to show up to any of these meetings.”

EPUD KEY CONCERNS

There are four major reasons EPUD is asking the County Commissioners to do additional due diligence before proceeding with its IMERF project with BHS.

1. EPUD’s landfill gas collection system is getting results. In recent years, the utility has doubled its investment at the landfill, leading to record levels of methane gas being captured. Last year, the EPUD Board of Directors voted to directed staff to pursue an estimated $25-$30 million full plant rebuild, including

to face the end-of-life process with that same level of care and dignity.

By giving these nurses our full support, we are in turn supporting those in our community who urgently need this type of care,” said Oregon House Speaker and Eugene resident Julie Fahey in a letter to PeaceHealth executives earlier this month. “These frontline workers deserve financial stability and safe working conditions, which will also protect their vulnerable patients. Our community deserves nothing less.”

The nurses’ strike vote authorizes the bargaining team to call a strike. If a strike is called, ONA said it

“Language, taunting, violent conduct, etc. applies across activities,” he said.

“There are usually steps an official will take (yellow card in soccer prior to a red card ejection, etc.) but some situations warrant an immediate ejection.”

When asked by the Leader if the number of ejections at Lincoln County high schools were at high

new engines, gas treatment equipment and electrical infrastructure designed to increase gas recovery and electricity output.

2. The IMERF project negatively impacts EPUD. The utility officials say a 20-30-percent reduction in methane gas flow, diverted to the IMERF, equates to a loss of more than $20 million in electrical generation over a 20year period. Future losses make the utility’s planned multi-million dollar capital improvement project no longer a solid financial investment and it will likely continue to capture on-site methane gas with its legacy system.

3. The two projects would be duplicative and suboptimal for both parties. EPUD staff believes operating the two facilities in tandem reduces the scale needed to optimally process county waste. Board Chair Kimball said, “The County’s failure to honor the fundamental intent of the Memorandum of Understanding we signed August 2023 is central to our objections to the IMERF. A 20-30-percent reduction in landfill gas supply means a higher cost of power for our customers. We don’t believe it makes sense to spend public dollars on two separate gas collection projects when we have a proven model and stand ready to optimize it further.”

4. Exporting Natural Gas vs Local Electricity Generation

EPUD officials believe the long-term benefits of how methane gas is captured and used plays a major role in the direction Lane County is going. The power EPUD generates at the landfill directly benefits the local community through lower utility rates and

will provide the community and PeaceHealth with a 10-day notice to allow PeaceHealth executives adequate time to connect patients to alternate care options or to join us at the table and reach a fair agreement.

The next mediation session is scheduled for April 24.

“The nurse bargaining team intends to work towards a positive resolution but will call for a strike if they believe it is necessary to move PeaceHealth to meet the needs of patients, providers and our community,” the ONA release states.

rates, he responded by stating, “I took a cursory glance at some figures … and didn’t see anything that stood out.”

Still, because the OSAA is concerned about any ejections, the review by the OSAA’s Delegate Assembly will look at a range of options in adding new player penalties or school sanctions to decrease the competitive behavior and/or disputes that lead to the ejections.

greater resiliency. EPUD’s planned reinvestment in its Short Mountain facility would create a full-scale microgrid that could provide emergency power in the event a natural disaster takes down the regional power grid.

The IMERF system feeds an anaerobic digester that turns food waste and other methane-producing material into renewable natural gas (RNG). EPUD officials acknowledge RNG can be a worthwhile pursuit, yet say it provides none of the local benefits that EPUD’s power plant does. “RNG is simply inserted into a wholesale natural gas pipeline, where it can be distributed to any number of far-off states across the country,” Roadman said.

“Practically speaking, RNG benefits fossil fuel companies that have come under increasing political pressure. Since when did Lane County decide this was good policy?”

SOUTH LANE EPUD BOARD MEMBERS RESPONDS

Ron Davis, a long-time EPUD Board Member, represents South Lane County’s interests. He believes the County’s project makes no sense.

“We have over 30 years of history partnering with Lane County,” Davis said. “We’ve paid them royalties to reduce landfill emissions while benefitting our local customers. Now, rather than working with us to expand on this proven model, the County is placing a $150 million bet on unproven technology. Rather than benefit Lane County residents, this will increase dump rates for the next three years and put money in the pockets of a couple of multi-national corporations

“The Delegate Assembly is discussing potential ideas and suggestions in their caucus discussion groups by classification,” Weber said. “Ejection policies are actually included in Executive Board policies

See OUT on Page 10

and far off fossil fuel interests. Also, the private corporation could walk away and leave us with millions of dollars of debt. It makes no sense.”

Lane County Public Works Director Dan Hurley told the Sentinel BHS supplies equipment for facilities around the world. He said several BHS facilities in California are much larger and use similar equipment. The local facility will use the company’s most advanced equipment.”

EPUD officials believe expanding landfill gas recovery is the best path forward.

With its gas recovery system functioning at a high level it provides a solid foundation on which to create greater efficiency. The ratepayer-owned utility wants to make further investments to reach bestin-class recovery levels at a fraction of the cost of the IMERF system to meet Lane County’s climate goals and keep the energy benefits local.

Next week: Lane County Garbage and Recycling Association (LCGRA) explains why it has sent Lane County a notice of intent to sue alleging the IMERF contract provisions violate state and local laws and put taxpayers at risk of an illegal corporate bailout. For more information about additional EPUD concerns with the IMERF project contact Board Member Ron Davis at ron. davis@epud.org or call General Manager Kyle Roadman at 541-746-1583.

1. LITERATURE: What are the names of the four sisters in "Little Women"?

2. U.S. STATES: Which northeastern state has a desert?

3. MOVIES: Which long-running movie series features the character Legolas?

4. ANATOMY: What does the lacrimal gland produce?

5. GEOGRAPHY: Ellesmere Island belongs to which nation?

6. SCIENCE: Which of the human senses is most closely related to memory?

7. LANGUAGE: What does the Latin phrase "ad meliora" mean?

8. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom features a mom named Rainbow Johnson?

9. THEATER: Who wrote the play "A Little Night Music"?

10. MUSIC: Which alternative rock band went by the name of The Warlocks before becoming famous? © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

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 that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. 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. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Dated: 3/14/2024 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112

97477 8. RIGHT TO REINSTATE. The right exists under ORS 86.778 to have this foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Deed of Trust reinstated by paying the entire amount then due, together with costs, trustee’s fees and attorney fees, and by curing any other default complained of in this notice of default, at any time that is not later than five days before the date last set for the sale. NOTICE REGARDING POTENTIAL HAZARDS Without limiting the Successor Trustee’s disclaimer of representation or warranties, Oregon law requires the Successor Trustee to state in this notice that some

referred to as the “creditor”) and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. This debt is owed to the creditor in the amount described in the notice. Under some circumstances, you may receive more than one copy of this notice. Unless you dispute

missed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale.

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. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any.

Dated: 2/29/2024 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corpo

of Oregon Revised Statutes. There is a default by grantor or other person owing an obligation, performance of which is secured by the trust deed, or by the successor in interest, with respect to provisions therein which authorize sale in the event of such provision. The default for which foreclosure is made is grantor’s failure to pay when due the following sum: TOTAL REQUIRED TO REINSTATE: $13,347.27 TOTAL REQUIRED TO PAYOFF: $110,777.74 Because of interest, late charges, and other charges that may vary from expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the trust deed reinstated by payment to the beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, trustee’s and attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or trust deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. For Sale Information, contact COVIUS SERVICING at (877) 518-5700 or www.realtybid.com. In construing this notice, the singular includes the plural, the word “grantor” includes any successor in interest to this grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by the trust deed, and the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Pursuant to Oregon Law, this sale will not be deemed final until the Trustee’s deed has been issued by Affinia Default Services, LLC. If any irregularities are discovered within 10 days of the date of this sale, the trustee will rescind the sale, return the buyer’s money and take further action as necessary. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been dis-

SPORTS

A personal journey “

The film ‘Forest Gump’ will have been released 30 years ago this July.

The movie tells a powerful story about believing in yourself and overcoming challenges. The main character, Forest, has all kinds of obstacles in life to overcome. It happens to be Cottage Grove High School (CGHS) sophomore Ella Cardwell’s favorite movie. Cardwell has had her own journey towards believing in herself on her way to being one the strongest distance runners in 4A track and field.

“I want to be able to believe in myself a little bit more,” Cardwell said as she spoke about her future. “That’s not just a physical accomplishment that I’m trying to achieve but I had a hard time knowing that I can do better than I have. I can do hard things; coach tells me that and my parents tell me that. Sometimes I just have a hard time believing that, I just want to remember that I can.” Cardell participated in a 5K in the third grade but only really started consistently running in middle school.

“I was never interested in long distance running,” she said. “I had always loved basketball when I was younger so my parents said that ‘since it’s a one time a year thing with basketball why don’t you go ahead and do another sport like running to stay in shape?’ So, I went out for the middle school cross country team and I ended up really liking it. I don’t play basketball anymore, I just run all the time.” Lions head coach, Ricky Knutson believes that Cardwell made a major breakthrough late last spring in the Wally Ciochetti Invitational, where she set a then personal record in the 1500 with a time of 5:19.31, good for sixth place out of 22 runners. Knutson also notes her performance in the 1500 at the Sky-Em League Championships a week later, when she placed fourth with a time of 5:25.96 and then finished third in the 3000-meter race at districts with a time of 11:41.48.

“I think it was just being confident enough to run with some of the other girls. It’s intimidating coming in as a freshman and not knowing where you belong or where you should be. You’re running against some exceptional athletes,” Knutson said. “One of things we worked on last spring was having the courage to stick your nose in it a little bit and have the courage to go a little harder at the beginning of a race. I think often times distance runners are concerned about going out to fast and then fading. Having the courage to go out a little faster and stay with some of those other girls, it was just a really big break through.”

Last fall Cardwell was named first team all-league in cross country and was also on the all-state team. Now she is looking to have a big spring on the track, where she is the highest ranked girl in the state on the Lions team, tenth in the 3,000-meter. Cardwell credits her coaches and parents for her growth as a runner.

“I had a time in the 1500 that showed that I could be better in the longer distances like the 3,000, coach told me that and I kind of realized maybe I could take the next step and do the longer distances. In the district race for the 3,000 I decided to stick with girls faster than me during the race and I ended up just passing a few of them towards the end. It clicked in that race, maybe I can do better than I really think I can. Just thinking about it, mentally it played a big part,” Cardwell said.

“It was really refreshing and I had a lot more fun running when I started to see progress, I enjoyed it a lot more. I was still improving, but when I was stagnant for a while it just wasn’t as enjoyable. I like to see progress, which you’re not always going to see but it’s nice when you do. I really like being able to put in the work and then seeing it out in a race,” Cardwell continued.

Cardwell finished second with a time of

2:31.54 at the Sky-Em Junior Varsity Meet that was held on April 16 at Cottage Grove High School during the 800-meter event.

“She ran a great 800 yesterday, I think she kind of surprised herself. She wasn’t really a big fan of that even I think until yesterday, when she realized ‘hey, I’m pretty good at this too’” Knutson laughed about. “She’s really the fastest girl on our team between 400-meteres and 3,000 [meters]. She is tough in all of those events; she’s actually made it a little challenging because she’s ranked so high in the league in all three of those events that trying to figure out where to put her at the district meet in a few weeks is going to be a challenge. You want to put an athlete where they have the greatest chance for success.”

While the Cottage Grove boys’ track and

Cottage grove Special Olympics winter season ends with medals for everyone

SUBMITTED

Cottage Grove Special Olympics has finished the Basketball and Powerlifting seasons.

The 2024 Special Olympics Oregon Winter Regional Games Basketball tournament was held in Medford Saturday, March 9.

The local 3 on 3 athletes, Nick Frost, Gary Hilgendorf, Cedar Panella and William Craft took home the Gold Medal. They were coached by Ron Gernhardt and John Baker. The Cottage Grove Individual Skills athlete, Mari Macauley, earned a 2nd place, Silver Medal. Their coach, Holly Bahr, said she was very proud they did so well in their first competition.

2024 Special Olympics Oregon Winter Regional Powerlifting Competition took place at Philomath High School Saturday, April 6. This was a new event for Cottage Grove athletes,

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so any changes would likely end up going through the Board utilizing the input from the Delegate Assembly. We also are asking the same questions of statewide athletic directors at their OADA Conference.”

According the Weber, finding the solution or solutions is up to everyone involved.

“Everyone involved needs to do better and remember why we have these activities in the first place,” he said. “OSAA can do better in educating schools and officials on the behavior expectations for participants, including recognizing those teams and communities that do things well.

“Officials can do better to continually educate themselves on

they were coached by Randy Mahan. Coach Mahan has many years’ experiences powerlifting and coached the athletes to an impressive first year’s results. The athletes participated in the DeadLift and Bench Press competitions. Chip Gernhardt received 2 ribbons and a 1st place gold medal for overall performance in his division. Robert Brooks and Ryan Britton both received a 2nd place Silver Medal in the bench press, a 3rd place Bronze Medal for the dead lift and a 1st place finish for their divisions. Ian Miller got 2nd place in the Deadlift and Bench Press, along with a gold medal for his division. Coach Mahan is very impressed with their first year’s performance.

If interested in becoming an athlete or volunteer go to SOOR.org/cottagegrove. The application process is completed online and is well explained.

how to utilize all of the options available to them to address contest situations before they reach the level requiring an ejection. ADs, (Athletic Directors), coaches, and parents can do better in educating students about the sportsmanship expectations when participating in high school activities and holding students/ coaches accountable

when they don’t meet those expectations.

“Students can do better in learning to control their emotions and behavior during competitions.

I t’s going to take all of us working together to make an impact moving forward.”

Follow this developing story online at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.

field team has seen its share of stars over the last several seasons, Cardwell has been leaving her mark and is a big reason why the Lions girls’ team will continue to build on its foundation for future success as a program.

“She runs all summer, in the fall, during the winter, and it carries right into the spring. That consistency makes all the difference for a distance runner,” Knutson said. “She is always awesome. She has a great attitude and she is more of a leader by example, she’s not necessarily super outspoken but at the same time she has such a great sense of humor and is just really fun to be around.”

Follow Cottage Grove High School sports online at cgsentinel and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.

PREP SPORTS ROUNDUP

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

April 13: Philomath Invite Relays

While defending state champion Philomath had a strong outing, finishing in first with 90 points, the Lions put on a strong display themselves. Cottage Grove finished in second place with 50 points as a team. With 49 points Sisters took third place, Newport’s 31 points earned them fourth, and Toledo ended the day in fifth with 12 points.  With a throw of 89’4, Makya Alsup took second place in the javelin for the Lions and Taylor Bentley’s throw of 31’8 was good for second place in the shot-put event. With a team featuring Zoey Knutson, Rylan Leach, Zyanne Bone, and Leeanna Sutherland, the Cottage Grove 4x100 shuttle hurdles team took second place with a time of 1:22.84. The Lions 4000-meter distance medley relay team of Maddison France, Gracee Kaleese, Hailey Fergason, and Ella Cardwell placed second with a time of 13:36.86.

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

April 13: Philomath Invite Relays  As a team Cottage Grove took first place with 84 points, Philomath finished in second with 60 points, Sisters came in third with 47 points, Newport placed fourth with 44 points, and Toledo finished fifth with 12 points.  Eli Williams had a big day for the Lions, finishing in first place in both the shot put and discus. Coming in at a 20’ 1.25 jump, Gavin Grogan took first place in the long jump. The Lions 4x110 shuttle hurdles team of Hayes Valley, Terran Stewart, Robert Warner, and Jayden Davis came in first place with a time of 1:13.09.

SOFTBALL

April 16: Marist 10 Cottage Grove 0 The Spartans, who are ranked fourth in the latest OSAA coaches’ poll, had just five hits. However, Marist took advantage of four Lion errors and used a six run fourth inning to propel themselves to the run rule victory. The Lions dropped to 8-7 overall and 1-5 in Sky-Em League play following the loss. Jayda Bruner and Addison Hitt each recorded a base hit for Cottage Grove. The Lions faced off with Marshfield on April 23, following The Sentinels time of press.

April 12:  Junction City 8 Cottage Grove 5 Cottage Grove used a four run fifth inning to cut into the 6-1 Tigers lead, but the Lions fell despite outhitting the Tigers 7-6. Val Aura, Jayda Bruner, and Addison Hitt each had an RBI for Cottage Grove in the loss.  Cottage Grove 5 Junction City 0: The Lions snapped a three-game losing streak behind June Thorton, who singled in the first inning, bringing home one run, and went 2-3 in game one of the doubleheader. Pitcher Emily Pacheco struck out 17 batters, allowed six hits, and zero runs.

BASEBALL

April 16: Marist 7 Cottage Grove 0: After starting the season 7-0, the Lions baseball team lost their 11th straight game. Devon Accord and Isaiah Cushman each earned a hit for Cottage Grove, who fell to 0-6 in Sky-Em League play. The Lions hosted Siuslaw/Mapleton on April 18, following The Sentinels time of press.

April 12: Junction City 12 Cottage Grove 2: An error helped put the Lions up 1-0 in the first inning of game two of the double header. However, Junction City held an 11-2 lead after the fifth inning, when they scored seven runs on six hits. Isaiah Cushman and Christian Spear each scored a run for the Lions in the loss, with Spear getting the Lions lone hit of the game.  Junction City 12 Cottage Grove 0: The Lions dropped game one of the doubleheader with the Junction City Tigers, who held a 8-0 lead after the third inning and run ruled Cottage Grove after a four run fifth inning. Devon Accord, Elijah Cushman, Tyson Seamen, and Christian Spear each had one hit for the Lions in the loss.

Courtesy photo Cottage Grove Sophomore Ella Cardwell during the Lions Track and Field season. See game results at osaa.org.

Courtesy photo

Coach Ron Gernhardt, Assistant Coach Chip Gernhardt, Nick Frost, Cedar Panella, Coach John Baker, William Craft, Gary Hilgendorf, Mari Cacauley (Individual Skills) Assistant Coach Jerry Craft.

Courtesy photo Chip Gernhardt, Coach Randy Mahan, Ryan Britton, Rob Brooks, Ian Miller.  ROB BROOKS