CGS522

The Cottage grove entinel

Community-wide pertussis outbreak declared

JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel

Lane County Public Health (LCPH) has declared a community-wide pertussis outbreak due to a surge in cases surpassing typical community, regional, or seasonal expectations.

In the last seven days, the number of presumptive and confirmed cases has doubled, putting the total number of cases at nearly 40, with more awaiting lab results.

While some of the cases are linked, there are sporadic cases scattered throughout the area indicating community spread.

So far in 2024, there have been 120 cases statewide in Oregon, as compared to 17 at this time last year. LCPH emphasizes the urgency for the community to implement

precautionary measures to mitigate further spread of this highly contagious respiratory infection.

“We are seeing a number of cases in very young children and at-risk populations,” LCPH Deputy Health Officer, Dr. Lisandra Guzman said. “Their health depends on our actions, so now is the time to do everything we can to protect them.”

HEIGHTEN CONCERN

Lane County Public Information Officer Jason Davis said the outbreak is widespread.

“We do see a seasonal increase of cases among children each year,” he said. “What we typically don’t

See PERTUSSIS on Page 6

Historic St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on the corner of West Main and M Streets was constructed by Seventh-day Adventists in 1902 and has served local Episcopalians since 1949. See more photos with this story at cgsentinel.com.

Proposed job cuts could save

JEREMY C. RUARK

Cottage Grove Sentinel

Cottage Grove City

Manager Michael Sauerwein is proposing a new spending plan with approximately $1.1 million cut from existing services.

The proposed 202425 city’s General Fund Budget of $12,647,155 is $767,895 more compared to the 2023-24 budget of $11,879,280. While no service or department additions are planned, the following city positions are not included in the proposed 2024-25 Budget.

• Assistant City Manager

• Resources Payroll Assistant

• Maintenance Worker 1 (Parks)

• Permit and Code Enforcement Specialist

“The City had budgeted a $3.3 million cash carryover at the beginning of this year,” Sauerwein said. “The actual cash carryover was $2.2 million, so we had $1.1 million that we had to makeup to be able to balance this year’s budget. The positions that are proposed to be eliminated are part of that balancing the budget process.”

“We will spend the next year really going through our budget because we want to avoid this sort of thing happening again.

Michael Sauerwein, Cottage Grove City Manager

Also under Sauerwein’s proposed budget, the city’s community development and public works departments have been restructured and the city will not provide a 3.9% cost of living increase for the unrepresented employees of the city’s management team.

“This was a bit of a difficult lift, to be able to balance this year’s budget, but that’s how we did it,” he said.

The representative employees, represented by three different bargaining unit, are receiving the cost of living increase as

FAST FACTS

Call 911 immediately if you or your child is:

• Struggling to breathe

• Turning blue or purple

Practice good hygiene

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Immediately throw away used tissues away.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Stay home when you are sick

75 years of

Local Episcopalians celebrate milestone in church history

CINDY WEELDREYER Cottage Grove Sentinel

On May 5, the familiar sound of its church bell pealed from the steeple of the iconic late 19th century-era church as it does every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. On that special day, it gathered Episcopalians to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on West Main Street in Cottage Grove.

INSIDE THE CHURCH

Candles flickered from gold candlesticks on the altar as current and past members and guests sat on red cushions in the wooden pews of the small historic sanctuary. Clothed in a traditional white robe, Vicar Lawrence Crumb, led the celebratory service commemorating the milestone in their church history.

Traditional church music was a central part of the service. Organist Julian Berend Gildea, joined by violinist Jo Mabry, blended the vintage reed organ’s rich tones with the sweet strains of a violin for congregational singing. A musical highlight was the emotional depth of the University of Oregon School of Music student violinist’s interpretation of the enchanting Meditation selection of the opera Thaïs, by Jules Massenet. Crumb read a congratulatory letter from members of the Cottage Grove First Presbyterian congregation. His remarks on a New Testament passage in the Bible focused

$1.1M

indicated by their labor contracts.

The city council recently adopted a list of fee increases the city charges to help sustain current services and under the city’s five-year sewer and water plan, residents will also feel the pinch of the budget with an annual fee increase.

“For a family of four, using about 5,000 gallons of water a month, that will be an increase of $8.62 a month,” he said.

If the city council agrees with his one-year budget proposal, Sauerwein said it is likely he will take

over projects that have been coordinated by the assistant city manager. He describes the proposed city budget as, “slim and hold the course.”

When asked by The Sentinel if the city would be looking for additional revenue sources, Sauerwein said, “No, not particularly.”

“We will spend the next year really going through our budget because we want to avoid this sort of thing happening again,” he said. “I think we will probably be pretty flat

Cindy Weeldreyer / The Sentinel

City police honored

CINDY WEELDREYER

Cottage Grove Sentinel

Cottage Grove Mayor Candace Solesbee presented a proclamation to Police Chief Cory Chase commending the police department for its commitment to serve and protect the community. The department was recognized May 12-18 as part of national Police Week.

Solesbee encouraged citizens to observe Peace Officers Memorial Day Wednesday, May 15, designed to honor officers who lost their lives or became disabled in the performance of their duties.

The police chief and police department were honored during the May 13 Cottage

APRIL 28

01:13:  Disturbance, 200 block S. 6th St.

03:58:  Theft, 100 block S. 10th St.

11:04:  Suspicious condition

11:11:  Disturbance, 100 block N. N St.

12:00:  Abandoned vehicle, N/Ash

Grove City Council meeting.

FLAGS LOWERED

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff immediately pursuant to a Presidential Proclamation in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Flags were to be flown at half-staff from until sunset on May 15.

“Our law enforcement public safety professionals are confronted head on with the most complicated parts of humanity, only to stand in the face of it and offer help,” Kotek said.

12:39:  Vehicle crash, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.

13:52:  Alarm, 100 block Hwy 99

13:52:  Suspicious subject, 600 block E. Main St.

13:54:  Found property

14:16:  Lost property, 700 block Village Dr. 15:59:  Traffic hazard, 500 block Quincy Ave.

17:30:  Disturbance, 200 block South N St.

18:42:  Disturbance, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

19:23:  Business check, 1200 block E. Main St.

19:01:  Vehicle repo, 1100 block Geer Ave..

21:01:  Warrant Service, 400 block E. Main St.

MAY 6

00:43: Shots fired, 2300 block E. Whiteaker Ave.

08:21: Criminal mischief, 1700 block S. 8th St.

08:40: Business check, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

09:22: Missing person, 1500 block E. Main St.

09:32: Motor vehicle crash, 6th/S. Douglas St.

10:02: Illegal parking, 1800 block S. 8th St.

12:31: Business check, 1200 block Hwy 99

14:50: Illegal parking, 1400 block S. 4th St.

14:58: Illegal parking, 1000 block Hillside Dr.

15:04: Abandoned vehicle, 1100 block S. 10th St.

17:39: Dog at large, 200 block N. 12th St.

19:05: DUII, 1300 block E. Main St.

19:53: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.

20:34: Harassment, 700 block S. 8th St.

20:40: Disturbance, 600 block S. 7th St.

21:05: Child abuse, 100 block N. 16th St.

MAY 7

02:39: Theft, 800 block E. Whiteaker Ave.

05:36: Illegal parking, 300 block N. 10th St.

07:53: Found property, Landess/Shields

08:26: Animal neglect, 2000 block E. Main St.

09:25: Found dog, 300 block Hwy 99

09:26: Dog at large, 400 block Monroe Ave.

10:29: Citizen assist, 400 block E. Main St.

10:36: Order violation, 1600 block Main St.

11:25: Dog at large, 1000 block E. Main St.

12:19: Animal information, 900 block Row River Rd.

12:32: Business check, 1200 block Hwy 99

13:17: Hit and run, 1300 block Gateway Blvd.

13:56: Agency assist, 800 block S. River Rd.

14:05: Welfare check, 900 block S. 6th st.

15:08: Abandoned vehicle, 100 block N. I St.

15:56: Harassment, 900 block Blue Sky Dr.

15:58: Criminal mischief, 700 block E. Main St.

16:47: Trespass, 800 block Gateway Blvd.

17:47: Illegal parking, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

19:17: Nuisance, 1600 block Pritchett Pl.

19:46: Vicious dog, 1300 block S. River Rd.

20:04: Harassment, 1300 block S. River Rd.

22:30: Suspicious condition, 1800 block Clark Ave.

23:11: Suspicious vehicle, 900 block Row River Rd.

MAY 8

03:12: Alarm, 2000 block Getty Cir.

03:59: Alarm, 2000 block Row River Rd.

07:27: Trespass, 900 block S. 4th St.

08:14: Found dog, 1200 block E. Main St.

09:16: Disturbance, 100 block S. 6th St.

10:08: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.

POLICE BLOTTER

11:14: Business check, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

11:36: Illegal parking, 700 block E. Main St.

11:48: Property found, 100 block S. 21st St.

12:50: Dog at large, 99/Sweet

13:02: Animal neglect, 900 block Row River Rd.

13:20: Trespass, 1400 block Daugherty Ave.

14:22: Theft, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

14:30: Vehicle theft, 900 block Row Rive Rd.

16:52: Dog at large, 400 block Adams Ave.

17:26: Disorderly subject, 200 block N. 12th St.

17:31: Welfare check, 700 block Row River Rd.

18:01: Disturbance, 200 block N. 12th St.

17:31: Welfare check, 700 block Row River Rd.

18:01: Disturbance, 200 block N. 12th St.

20:29: Warrant service, R/Jason Lee

21:07: Welfare check, 1500 block E. main St.

23:13: Trespass, 1600 block Gateway Blvd.

May 9

01:01: Suspicious subject, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.

02:00: Suspicious vehicle, 1200 block E. Main St.

02:20: Warrant service, 100 block N. 9th St.

03:20: Business check, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.

03:23: Warrant service, 400 block Main St.

05:48: Suspicious vehicle, 500 block S. 3rd St.

07:04: Criminal mischief, 100 block Village Dr.

08:15: Fraud, 100 block Riverwalk Pl.

08:48: Citizen assist, 400 block Main St.

09:05: Alarm, 400 block N. 14th St.

09:34: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.

09:35: Illegal parking, 100 block S. R St.

10:10: Business check, 800 block W. Main St.

10:27: Found property, 2000 block E. Main St.

11:37: Business check, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

11:59: Criminal mischief, 2000 block S. 8th St.

12:23: Disturbance, 7th/Whiteaker

12:25: Theft, 100 block S. 21st St.

12:34: Dog at large, 1500 block Main St.

12:38: Alarm, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

12:57: Welfare check, 1300 block Pennoyer Ave.

13:21: dog at large, 1000 block Grover Ave.

13:33: Traffic hazard, Adams/99

14:19: Illegal parking, 1900 block S. 6th St.

14:44: Welfare check, 700 block Blue Jay Lp.

15:26: Suspicious condition, 1500 block Main St.

15:27: Agency assist, 200 block N. 12th St.

17:06: Welfare check, 1300 block W. Main St.

17:27: Suspicious condition, 3000 block Row River Rd.

18:34: Disturbance, 700 block E. Main St.

19:56: Alarm, 900 block Holly Ave.

20:24: Harassment, 800 block N. 16th St.

22:32: Disorderly subject, 400 block E. Main St.

MAY 10

01:44: Child neglect, Taylor Pl.

02:54: Business check, 1200 block Hwy 99

02:59: Suspicious vehicle, 1500 block E. Main St.

06:24: Vicious dog, 1500 block E. Main St.

06:30: Warrant service, 400 block Main St.

07:27: Illegal camping, 200 block N. 12th St.

11:00: Possible animal neglect, 900 block Row River Rd.

13:34: Abandoned vehicle, 800 block E. Monroe Ave.

13:43: Theft, 100 block S. 10th St.

13:57: Disorderly subject, 400 block N. Douglas St.

14:26: Alarm, 1300 block S. River Rd.

15:07: Possible animal neglect, 900 block Row River Rd.

16:32: Theft, 900 block Row River Rd.

17:00: Suspicious condition, 800 block E. Main St.

18:25: Possible animal neglect, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

18:39: Business check, 1200 block Main St.

20:06: Disorderly subject, 800 block Row River Rd.

22:23: Barking dog, 100 block S St.

MAY 11

03:27: Barking dog, 1700 block E. Washington Ave.

06:29: Barking dog, 1100 block E. Washington Ave.

08:55: Disturbance, 300 block N. Douglas St.

09:51: Illegal camping, 100 block S. 10th St.

10:06: Abandoned vehicle, 200 block S. 10th St.

10:17: Found dog, 600 block S. R St. 13:13: Harassment, 400 block Main St.

13:50: Agency assist, 30000 block Row River Rd.

16:37: Vehicle crash, 900 block Row River Rd.

17:08: Barking dog, 2000 block S. 8th St.

17:42: Suspicious vehicle, 800 block S. 10th St.

17:50: Found property, 100 block S. 10th St. 18:06: Business check, 1200 block Gateway Blvd. 19:11: Agency assist, 600 block E. Main St.

19:25: Traffic hazard, 1000 block S. 4th St.

20:51: Warrant service, 400 block Main St.

21:48: Suspicious condition, 400 block Main St. 22:14: Welfare check, 200 block N. 12th St.

22:30: Suspicious vehicle, 2200 block Cemetery Rd.

23:37: Found dog, 900 block W. Main St MAY 12

00:54: Warrant service, 400 block Main St.

01:33: Disorderly subject, 800 block S. 6th St.

09:01: Vehicle crash, 1200 block Main St. 10:00: Loud noise complaint, 700 block E. Main St. 10:39: Disturbance, 700 block Hwy 99

12:41: Missing person, 1600 block Grover Ave. 13:13: Welfare check, 600 block Row River Rd.

13:16: Barking dog, 1200 block E. 13th Ave.

13:55: Vehicle crash, 1200 block Hwy 99

14:22: Trespass, 700 block Row River Rd.

14:35: Found dog, 300 block N. L St. 15:22: Suspicious condition, 2000 block Cemetery Rd.

16:36: Traffic hazard, 500 block E. Main St.

17:15: Theft, 1200 block Hwy 99

17:31: Possible animal neglect, 900 block Row River Rd.

17:39: Welfare check, 200 block South N St. 17:56: Assault, 1000 block Taylor Ave.

Cindy Weeldreyer / The Sentinel

Cottage Grove Mayor Candace Solesbee presented the proclamation to Police Chief Cory Chase during the city council meeting May 13.

LIFESTYLES

Unique acting troupe makes dreams come true

CINDY WEELDREYER

Cottage Grove Sentinel

The first thing you notice in a Creative Chaos performance is the actors’ joy and excitement to be on a performance stage.

It is a rare opportunity for individuals with intellectual abilities, especially for those who are essentially nonverbal, to work together with a director and fellow actors to write a script and entertainingly convey a story to an audience.

Creative Chaos Director Carmen Dowell is wellknown in the community for her passion to serve her friends with intellectual challenges. Dowell, her husband Bill, and stepdaughter, Claire Sylvain, are longtime organizers and coaches for South Lane County Special Olympics. The bonds of love and trust forged in fun with the Special Olympians formed a solid foundation to teach them theatre performance skills.

In 1985, Carmen and Monica Venice began a lifelong friendship at their church. Two decades later, Dowell began a formal mentoring relationship with Venice, who was born with Down’s Syndrome.

For all of her life, Venice has been a strong, independent woman and a trailblazer in Cottage Grove demonstrating that her disability doesn’t have to limit her dreams.

Of the duo’s many fun adventures together, one was making props for Cottage Theatre productions. Venice watched with pride when

her friend and mentor appeared on stage and aspired to be an actor also.

Dowell recalled the unpleasant experience she had when she tried to help Venice achieve her dream to be on a stage.

“There were auditions for an upcoming play that had a female character who was disabled and only had one word to say. I thought it would be a perfect part for her,” Dowell said. “Surprisingly, I was asked to leave the theatre because the director wouldn’t put her in the play and I was told I should never have brought her to the audition.”

Dowell shared the story with a good friend and fellow actor. Two years later, he encouraged her to pitch the idea of creating a troupe of disabled actors to the director of the Opal Center for Arts and Education. The concept was enthusiastically embraced and Creative Chaos (CC) was born in 2017. Venice’s dream was soon realized as she beamed on stage in the spotlight tap dancing to her favorite song in the musical, “Chicago”.

Serving as the director of actors with a wide-range of abilities and attention spans is both challenging

and rewarding.

“On the first day of practice, I sat the actors down and gave them each a word to memorize,” Dowell said. “They came back the second week and still knew the word they were given. I was happily surprised and had an “Ah Ha” moment realizing this was really going to work!”

Dowell said her greatest joys have been watching the actors grow through the years. As their confidence increased, they began providing more input for their next show. She is grateful for the committed volunteers who work behind-the-scenes and contribute to Creative Chaos’ ongoing success.

The CC Director’s greatest challenge has been to learn how her actors learn. Since everyone learns differently, she developed a 10-step technique to teach people with disabilities how to act. Another significant challenge is trying to give each one their time to shine.

She explained, “Everyone wants my full attention for themselves – so I had to learn how to spread the love. There are some true divas in our group.”

After its first three

annual productions, a global pandemic couldn’t crush the indomitable spirit of the close-knit troupe.

During COVID, in 2020, the actors participated in a puppet-making workshop and presented “A Christmas Spectacular” in 2021. They returned to the stage with annual plays in 2022 and 2023.

The most recent performance, “A Black Box Production”, on May 3-4, offered uplifting performances of beloved childhood songs. The exuberant 11-person cast took the audience on a heartfelt journey down memory lane, where the songs of the past echoed with the promise of a brighter future. One skit denounced bullying and discrimination of disabled individuals.

Actors in the production were: Elaine Coffman, Natasha Cosper, Mystic Debery, Mecca DeSimas, Loren Goodman, Mari Macaulay, Ian Miller, Cedar Panella, Jill Vaverka, Monica Venice and Mike Wilson. It was noted Monica, Ian and Natasha have been every CC’s play.

In a video tribute, Dowell dedicated the production to Venice, who was the inspiration that

made CC a reality. This was the group’s last play for an undetermined period of time so its director can take a much needed break.

“In the past two years a lot of things have happened in my personal life that I don’t think I’ve been able to process,” Dowell said. “It’s time for me to do some self-care so I can come back and be 100%. I want to regroup and rebuild. I know there are more actors out there and I’m hoping to find them. We will continue to do small stuff like our camps and activities. I do have a lot planned for our future, including becoming a 501c3 nonprofit organization.”

At the end of the opening night performance on May 3, several actors shared their reasons for participating in the unique acting troupe.

Elaine Kauffman said she loves being part of CC because she likes the friends she’s made and her teacher, Carmen. Lynne Troxel, Elaine’s sister, said the experience has been a happy one for their family. Loren Goodman said the thing he loves most about CC is the camaraderie they have with each other and he enjoys acting and making people happy. Cedar Panella said she enjoys the fun and creativity of producing the plays.

Dowell said she’s grateful for all the community support CC has had in the past eight years. Her next big dream is to create a Creative Chaos Clubhouse.

“It would be wonderful if there was a safe place for our population to hang out, have arts and craft days, game days, and just be with their peers,” she said. “So if anyone has a spare building in town or a house they are not using, please contact me.”

Carmen Dowell and her Creative Chaos actors are proof that anything is possible when you dare to dream, you give everything you’ve got to make that dream a reality, and you find ways to have fun along the way.

Cindy Weeldreyer / The Sentinel

The actors on stage.

on the importance of love and unity and he related it to the impact St. Andrew’s has had on individuals and the community in the past 75 years.

Noting the Easter season readings in the first epistle of John focused on the concept of love he said, “It is not romantic love but the love that comes from the Holy Spirit and wills the good of another, even above one’s own good. It is offered as a love that binds the church together and gives it its unity.”

He added, “During the past 75 years, St. Andrew’s has received this love and has given it, both to its own members and to the community. It’s the love that has held it together at times when its future seemed in question. It’s the love that enables it to look with confidence to the future, although not knowing what that future will be.”

CHURCH HISTORY

Episcopalians met for their first local worship service in 1947. Two years later, they established a mission church and purchased the building on the corner of West Main and M Streets, which was built by Seventh-day Adventists in 1902. By mid-century, the Adventists outgrew their original church building and sold it to support the growth of Cottage Grove’s newest church denomination.

In the past 75 years, the congregation has been served by more than a dozen vicars. The first one, Evan Williams, served churches in Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove and Drain for two years, from 1951-53. Longtime priest Father Clarence Abbott served as vicar for six years from 1959-65 and was well-known in the community for his passion for social work. In 2009,

Eugene resident Lawrence Crumb retired from his career as a University of Oregon librarian. The parttime priest was appointed as vicar of the Cottage Grove church and followed in Abbott’s footsteps being actively involved in community activities.

VISION AND PURPOSE

Members describe their church as a friendly Christian community that welcomes others to join in their worship and service to God. Their emphasis is on learning and understanding the Bible and following the example

“St. Andrew’s feels like home.

Al Simpson, parisoner

of Jesus and his followers. Their vision is “to make an impact for God in Cottage Grove by helping people understand the enriching messages of eternal hope given to us by Jesus Christ through His words and deeds.”

MEMBER COMMENTS

A luncheon following the communion service provided the opportunity for current and former members to mingle and converse and view historical displays that charted the milestones of the past 75 years.

Hal Hurst and his wife Mary Margaret moved to Cottage Grove in 2016 when he retired from a career in the aerospace industry. The Hursts attended a San Diego Episcopal church where they married. Mary Margaret is the current senior warden and carries out administrative duties for the local congregation.

“It’s a folksy congregation of nice and friendly people,” Hal said. “Father Crumb is well-educated and is very committed to serving Cottage Grove. I especially like the church rituals because they are familiar and comforting to me.”

Alexis Simpson’s family joined the church when they moved to town in 1958 and she was confirmed as a church member in 1959. Her father, Al Simpson, is best remembered as a Cottage Grove High School football coach and she is a proud member of the Lion Class of 1968.

The former member said she was inspired as a teen by the compassion of Father Abbott and recalled that every Christmas Eve he took presents to the inmates at the city jail.

“St. Andrew’s feels like home,” Simpson said. “I’ve always loved this place and want my ashes to be buried in the memorial garden next to the church.”

CELEBRATION

Crumb has used his connections with the University’s School of Music to benefit the church and the community. Since 2009, he has organized four community concerts at the church: the Oregon Bach Collegium, two performances by the UO Chamber Choir and, to cap off the church’s 75th anniversary celebration, he invited the legendary Eugene Gleemen to perform an afternoon concert of popular Broadway show tunes.

“The Eugene Gleemen concert was our church’s contribution to the community and was attended by over 50 people, mostly nonmembers,” Crumb said.

“St. Andrew’s appreciates its numerous contacts with the community and looks forward to many more.”

Why Pre-Plan?

Pre-Planning makes matters easier for those you love.

Pre-Planning allows you to provide guidance to your family after your death.

Pre-Planning allows you to control potential expenses of a funeral and disposition.

Pre-Planning provides an advanced opportunity to assemble life data.

DEATH NOTICES

Ernest Bourquin

Ernest Eugene Bourquin, 71, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away on May 1, 2024. Arrangements in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.

Betty Stromsoe

Betty Lee Stromsoe, 99, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, passed away on May 8, 2024. Arrangements in the care of Smith-LundMills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

NEWS & VIEWS

THIS THING CALLED LIFE

Human, yeah - but first we are animal

MICHELLE PIERSON

YOUNG Sentinel Guest Column

The world will be a lot better place when we realize we are human, but first we are animal.

MICHELLE PIERSON YOUNG

Sure, congratulations to us that we have beautiful brains with prefrontal cortexes and the proper mechanics for complex communication and to top it off we created indoor plumbing. We really are something special in the animal kingdom. Also, we are animals. The differences between human practices in mating and living arrangements and those of naked mole rats, are hardly distinguishable.

Mating for life, making a nest to raise little ones, differentiating one’s home from the other homes with those “special touches”. We think we’re so domesticated, but we are subject to the same rules as those who haven’t figured out how to harness electricity.

A problem with forgetting we are biological meat bags first, and sophisticates second, is that we imagine we “know” things and that in the knowing, we will act from an elevated level.

The facts are far more stark. When we feel sick, our sympathetic nervous system kicks in, just like our animal brethren, and we become less tolerant, short tempered. We may even, in our lack of awareness, imagine

the discomfort we are feeling is based on other people’s actions, and not the internal call to “be careful” because we are sick.

The big brained mammals we are, we can interpret meaning better in complex circumstances than our cousins might. But the limit lies in imagining we already know what’s going on, not taking into consideration our own biology, our environment, our various histories and that other people’s experiences may be different and valid.

We’ll be a far more impressive species, and more importantly, far more effective, when we pause before we act and practice curiosity over judgment or knowing and ponder, “Hmmm... I wonder.”

It is in imagining we don’t know, that we have the opportunity to understand the world at a deeper level. Perhaps it is the most elevated thing of all to know we are much like our mammal cousins and in knowing we have these similarities, we are then able to respond more effectively. We are able to entertain different beliefs and perspectives from a place of curiosity and kindness. Some we may even adopt.

Changing my opinion isn’t called wishy-washy, it’s called learning and adapting. That learning and adapting is some of the best work we do as humans. Carry on!

Michelle Pierson Young is a Lincoln City life coach. She may be reached at Michelleatplay.com.

4,900 jobs added in April

STAFF REPORT

Cottage Grove Sentinel

Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 4,900 jobs in April, following a revised gain of 2,600 jobs in March. April’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,700 jobs); construction (+1,500); and manufacturing (+900). Monthly declines were largest in professional and business services (-1,100 jobs). Over the past two years,health care and social assistance continued to add jobs at a rapid, consistent pace. The sector grew by 16,600 jobs, or 5.9%, since April 2023 following a gain of 13,900 jobs, or 5.2%,between April 2022 and April 2023. Within the broader sector, social assistance accelerated its expansion in recent months, as it added 4,800 jobs during the past five months. The three component industries within health care each expanded rapidly over the past 12 months:nursing and residential care facilities(+3,300jobs) ;hospitals(+2,900);and ambulatory healthcare services(+2,800). Government, which added 9,400 jobs, or 3.1%, since April 2023,was the only other major sector growing quickly in the past 12 months. The unemployment rate was 4.2%. Since October 2021, the unemployment rate has stayed between3.4% and4.2%, averaging 3.9%.

Lack of staff,

VIEWPOINT

unsafe conditions threaten Oregon’s behavioral health workforce

PORTER CLEMENTS

Oregon Capital Chronicle Sentinel Guest Column

Every year about this time, Oregon labor unions honor colleagues who have lost their lives on the job.

PORTER CLEMENTS

This year is especially poignant for members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or Oregon AFSCME, with the death late last year of Haley Rogers, a 26-year-old mental health worker. She was stabbed to death on the job by a resident while working an overnight shift alone at a 10-bed behavioral health treatment facility in Gresham. Her death was preventable, and we must ensure that nothing like it happens again.

There are issues both specific to this worksite and systemwide that must be addressed. The company was not following basic safety protocols. Knives were not adequately stored, people were working alone, workers were not provided tools such as walkie talkies and the facility lacked enough security cameras, according to an Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation that occurred before her death.

The company was fined, but it was too late. Her family and our community needlessly lost a dedicated, kind and compassionate

soul who should be with us today.

Oregon’s mental health crisis means that too many people have not had access to adequate and appropriate care, through no fault of their own, and too many mental health professionals on the front lines shoulder the burden of decades of underinvestment.

Professionals like Haley go into this work because they care deeply about providing Oregonians with the care they need to maximize their potential but things cannot go on this way. The state cannot hope to recruit and retain a desperately needed workforce if people are not safe on the job.

Since that horrible night, raising the alarm about the risks of working alone in understaffed and unsafe workplaces has taken on new urgency for Oregon’s behavioral health workforce and our union. Haley’s experience of working in unsafe and alarming conditions is common, not unique.

This past legislative session, AFSCME

behavioral health workers shared their stories with lawmakers about what they are facing on the job. They report working in isolation and without adequate staffing, basic training or protocols.

Behavioral health case workers report having to walk to home visits alone, never knowing what they will face when they knock on the door in the remotest parts of the state where there is no cell coverage and it can take between 45 minutes to an hour to respond to

calls. Behavioral health professionals are often left on their own to manage as best they can in incredibly high-stress, high-risk and high-stakes situations.

Oregon’s broken mental health system is well-known and welldocumented. Instead of access to early interventions, people struggle to find care as their conditions escalate and once they get care, it can often be in a facility that is understaffed and unlikely to have culturally specific care for those who need it.

Lack of staffing is also causing serious harm to Oregon’s youth. While hundreds wait for care, there are nearly 100 beds for people under 17 sitting empty because of lack of staffing. Families are finding themselves left with no other option than to send their children out of state for care, which makes a difficult situation even more painful and disrupts family bonds.

Building new beds and new facilities is part of the solution. Increasing the number of workers in the pipeline is part of the answer. But neither of them alone can solve the problem. Oregon will never solve the mental health crisis that is impacting so many families until we ensure that the treatment people receive is adequate and safe for those who need it and for those who deliver it.

Last session, at the urging of Oregon AFSCME members, state lawmakers created a Task Force on Improving the Safety of Behavioral

Health Workers with recommendations to be passed in the 2025 Legislature. We also advocated and gained substantial investments in a union and employer apprenticeship program that will allow both current and prospective behavioral health workers to earn advanced credentials without having to invest the time or money into an advanced degree and even receive payment or financial assistance for basic needs while they are in the program. This innovative approach brings in new federal dollars to help expand the worker pipeline in our state by hundreds of people. As we remember and honor Haley and all who lost their lives on the job this year, we will continue to fight for the safety of all workers and working families across Oregon.

Porter Clements is president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFSCME Local 1790 and a bilingual outreach and enrollment specialist at Outside In, a Portland-based health care and social services agency that works with homeless youth.

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@ oregoncapitalchronicle. com.

Goose Train mural fundraiser set for June 6 at Coast Fork Brewing

A fundraiser for a mural in Bohemia Park to memorialize “The Goose,” Cottage Grove’s once famous excursion steam train, is set for 6 p.m., June 6 at Coast Fork Brewing, 106 S. Sixth St. The event includes raffles of memorabilia,

several other items and the Concept Drawing by the mural artist, Heather Endicott. The guest speaker is steam engine

expert Martin Hansen. For more information to www.cghistory.org or call Debra Monsive at 541942-9371.

City Council discusses vacant building registration

CINDY WEELDREYER

Cottage Grove Sentinel

The Cottage Grove City Council is reviewing a proposal to create a vacant property registration ordinance. The ordinance would require owners to clean up and maintain their vacant properties or pay a fee.

In a previous discussion, the Council directed staff to find examples of how other cities are addressing vacant downtown buildings. During the May 13 public session, Cottage Grove City Manager Mike Sauerwine outlined a City of Veneta ordinance that requires registration and maintenance of vacant commercial and residential buildings.

The Veneta ordinance includes associated fees for vacant property owners who are compliant and not compliant with the adopted maintenance and security requirements.

Sauerwine noted the Veneta ordinance

BUDGET from Page 1

is primarily used for residential properties rather than commercial properties but is a good starting point for a discussion. He said he would contact the Chamber of Commerce and downtown business owners for feedback since they are directly affected.

“This is definitely an issue other cities have dealt with and I think this is a good model to begin the discussion,” he said.

In the discussion, councilors recognized the challenge of balancing private property rights with the need to better address the safety and negative economic impacts vacant and unmaintained property create. It was noted that there are buildings in the Historic Downtown District and in other commercial areas have been vacant for more than a decade. The council members favored an ordinance that creates incentives rather than punitive measures for property owners.

(financially) except for our increase in property tax revenue. That from one year to the next is less than $200,000. I think its about $190,000 more this year than last year.”

The proposed budget provides a fiscally responsible sustainable plan to meet the City’s future needs, according to Sauerwein.

“It is important for residents to voice their concerns at the public budget

PERTUSSIS from Page 1

see, and we are seeing this year, are more cases in adults. So it has definitely spread from school age children into the adult population.”

Davis added that pertussis is highly contagious and has a much higher reproductive rate than COVID.

“One pertussis case will cause 16 new cases,” he said. “So that is potential growth and that is one of the reasons we see outbreaks happen so suddenly with pertussis, whereas with COVID it takes months.”

COVID IMPACT

According to Davis, ever since the COVID pandemic the vaccination rate has declined significantly.

“We are seeing more and more exceptions being claimed and that puts us at risk,” he said. “When we see our vaccination

Public Works and Development Director Faye Stewart said potential tenants have had issues with the condition of vacant downtown buildings because their business plan did not pencil out in those locations. He suggested a potential urban renewal district with a loan program that could bridge the gap for projects having trouble obtaining traditional financing to occupy a vacant property. He said the upcoming improvements to Main Street will make downtown more attractive to potential tenants.

“There are a lot of things (the city) needs to improve,” Stewart said.

“I want you to understand there are people looking at these (vacant) buildings and it isn’t just that the property owners are sitting on them.”

Souerwine said the next steps are to combine councilors’ comments and feedback from the business community and

meetings,” he added.

The city budget committee met May 14 and May 16 to consider Sauerwein’s proposed spending plan. The agenda included approving the Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25, authorizing the City’s Permanent Tax Rate, and recommending adoption to the City Council.

THE PROCESS

The City of Cottage Grove follows

rate in school age children drop by two or three percent, that has significant ramifications and impacts our ability to stave off these outbreaks.” Davis said since the pandemic, the exception rates have increase.

“We’ve always had about six percent of our school age children seek philosophical or medical exceptions but after the pandemic we saw the number of exceptions increase,” he said. “We believe that suggest mistrust of the vaccine coming out of the COVID vaccine. We’ve also seeing that in certain information circles, that vaccines are unsafe and some sort of ploy to buy into a program or an effort to mistrust the government.”

To overcome the misinformation challenge and slow the outbreak spread, Davis said the county is launching campaigns and community conversations to help the

property owners then ask the city attorney to provide multiple options on what direction to go.

STREET FUNDING UPDATE

Stewart provided an update on staff efforts to pursue various street funding options.

The options include a November ballot measure to increase the local gas tax, discussions with Lane County about creating a Transportation Service Maintenance District that requires state legislative approval, a Local Improvement District for specific roads, a general obligation bond (as Eugene and Springfield have done) and a creating a Transportation Utility Fee.

PRIDE MONTH PROCLAMATION

Councilor Chalice Savage moved and Councilor Alex Dreher seconded a motion to

write a proclamation acknowledging June as Pride Month. The motion passed on a 5-2 vote with Mayor Solesbee and Councilor Ervin voting no.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Comments were primarily focused on homeless problems and opposition to the proposed vacant property ordinance.

PUBLIC HEARINGS/ ORDINANCES

The Council took the following actions:

• Declared a house at 79030 Thornton Lane, originally part of the Middlefield Golf Course acquisition, as surplus property and sold the three bedroom house to Sharkey Properties, LLC for $325,000.

• Declared as surplus property an unaddressed industrial zoned parcel in the City’s Industrial Park near the intersection of Sweet Lane and South R Street and sold it to Ernest Olson, Jr. for $632,164. The property was purchased in 2019 to extend the R Street rightof-way into the Industrial Park with the intention of being sold for industrial purposes. Olson plans to put portable storage units on the property.

the budget process as required by state law, according to the city’s website. The proposed budget is presented to the Budget Committee. The Budget Committee consists of 14 people, seven City Council members and seven members of the public appointed by the Council to the committee.

The Budget Committee reviews the proposed budget and a can make changes or adjustments. When the Committee is finished it approves the budget. The

public understand that any child not up to date with their immunizations will be excluded from school.

“When the outbreak reaches a point of community spread, were we are seeing a significant outbreak outside of the school, and when we are seeing cases not linked together, than we will stop the exclusions,” he said.

“That often times helps the parents understand we are not trying to punish them for having the exception.”

Recognizing the severity of pertussis, especially for vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant people, young children, and individuals with underlying medical conditions, LCPH emphasizes the importance of getting tested at the earliest onset of symptoms, staying up to date with pertussis vaccinations, and

practicing good respiratory hygiene.

This is especially crucial for pregnant people and those in close contact with young children.

INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Pertussis, commonly called “whooping cough,” is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Pertussis can spread through the air when infected people cough or sneeze. In an unvaccinated population, one case of pertussis can cause as many as 16 new cases.

Pertussis usually starts with mild upper respiratory symptoms that can sometimes mimic seasonal allergies, the common cold, or even influenza, underscoring

• Approved staff recommendations amending sections of Section 14 of the City’s municipal code that addresses Residential Districts. Most notably, it increased the height restriction on front yard fences from four to five feet.

• Upheld the Planning Commission’s denial of Clayton Payne’s request for a zone change from residential to industrial to create 240 mini-storage units on E. Whiteaker Avenue next to the Row River Trail near Walmart because it violated multiple land use development goals.

approved budget then is presented to the City Council for review and discussion. The City Council will hold a public hearing about the budget and after the public hearing and discussion can make changes to the approved budget and then must adopt the budget prior to July 1.

Follow developments online at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.

the importance of timely testing for those individuals in close contact with a vulnerable person.

Symptoms also include prolonged coughing fits, often accompanied by a distinctive “whoop” sound during inhalation, gagging or vomiting while coughing, and exhaustion.

Complications, if left untreated, especially in infants, can be severe and include pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, and even brain damage.

In the event of a pertussis diagnosis, adherence to prescribed antibiotics and isolation from others until you are no longer infectious is crucial. Individuals can transmit the bacteria from the onset of symptoms for up to three weeks after coughing fits begin.

Davis said the county

recommends people use face masks to protect themselves from the pertussis outbreak, but that the county will not be pursuing any such mandate.

“We rely on the public trust to try to prevent the spread of this outbreak,” he said.

There are adequate supplies of the vaccines, both for children and for adults. He recommends that people call their pharmacy to check on the availability, according to Davis, who adds that the county is offering the vaccinations at its six health clinics, including the clinic in Cottage Grove.

For more information about pertussis prevention and treatment, visit www.lanecountyor.gov/

AND YOUR PETS PREPARED?

your trailer with emergency gear, 10 days of food, water, two buckets, medicines, and stress relief formula.

goat loading before an emergency, use a labeled leather harness with a minimum 10 ft. lead, and have a route planned or considered.

hooves and horns with your goats name, owner name, and contact info with a permanent in marker.

1. ANATOMY: What does the human vestibular sense do?

2. MOVIES: The phrase "As you wish" is key to which 1987 movie?

3. GEOGRAPHY: What is the largest island in the Caribbean?

4. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What are Chinese astronauts called sometimes in the West?

5. TELEVISION: Which sitcom features a character named Phoebe Buffay?

6. MEASUREMENTS: What is the square footage of an acre?

7. SCIENCE: What are the four states of matter?

8. HISTORY: Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave women the right to vote?

9. LITERATURE: Which 19th-century novel contains the line, "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship"?

10. MONEY: In the old British monetary system, how many pennies were equal to a pound?

Classified

109 - CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

LADD CONSTRUCTION, LLC New or remodel, decks, siding, windows, doors, shops, fences. 541-913-1541 ccb# 239015.

999 - PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

TS No. OR08000212-22-1-FT APN

1802062108100 | 1611035 TO No

WT0249301 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by,

RYAN A. SMITH AND MICHELLE L. SMITH, MARRIED TO EACH OTHER as Grantor to U.S. BANK TRUST

COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as Trustee, in favor of U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as Beneficiary dated as of February 29, 2016 and recorded on March 17, 2016 as Instrument No. 2016-012179 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Lane County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 1802062108100 | 1611035 LOT 184, HAYDEN GARDENS THIRD ADDITION, AS PLATTED AND RECORDED IN FILE 75, SLIDES 608, 609, 610 AND 611, LANE COUNTY OREGON PLAT RECORDS, IN LANE COUNTY, OREGON Commonly known as: 3333 OSAGE ST, SPRINGFIELD, OR 97478-2500 Both the Beneficiary, U.S. Bank National Association, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the

obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.752(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly Payment(s): 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 02/14/2018 to 03/13/2018 at $1,630.83 12 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/14/2018 to 03/13/2019 at $1,638.60 12 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/14/2019 to 03/14/2020 at $1,658.40 12 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/14/2020 to 03/13/2021 at $1,702.56 12 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/14/2021 to 03/13/2022 at $1,738.91 12 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/14/2022 to 03/13/2023 at $1,722.21 12 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/14/2023 to 02/15/2024 at $1,675.62 Total Late Charge(s): To-

tal Late Charge(s) $609.00 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $194,300.38 together with interest thereon at the rate of 4.49000% per annum from February 14, 2018 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on June 18, 2024 at the hour of 01:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, Front Entrance, Lane County Courthouse, 125 East 8th Avenue, Eugene, OR

97401 County of Lane, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given 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: February 8, 2024 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-2528300 NPP0457176 To: COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL 05/01/2024, 05/08/2024, 05/15/2024, 05/22/2024

PUBLIC NOTICE South Lane County Fire & Rescue will be holding a Budget Committee Meeting at Station 201 located at 233 E. Harrison Avenue Cottage Grove OR 97424 on Thursday May 23, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. This meeting is to review and approve the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025.

SPORTS

Three-pete

CGHS Boys Track and Field Team earns third straight Sky-Em Title

KYLE MCGOWEN

Cottage Grove Sentinel

Call it a three-pete.

The Cottage Grove High School (CGHS) boys’ track and field program has owned the Sky-Em League championship for three straight seasons, the latest coming after a dominant districts weekend in North Bend. The Lions took first place with 172.5 team points, well ahead of Marshfield who finished in second place with 131 points.

“I hope that it’s consistency, I think that’s a big part of it,” Coach Ricky Knutson responded when asked what was fueling the success of the track and field program at CGHS. “Also, our staff has been pretty intact over the last number of years, I think that helps, when the kids come out they know what to expect. I hope that they know we care about them as humans first and prioritizing taking care of themselves, their school work, and putting in work each day. We don’t talk a lot about outcomes, if we are doing the right things every day at practice then the other stuff will take care of itself.”

The work paid off big for Cottage Grove. Lions freshman Micah Hanke had a big time performance at his first district meet, taking first in the 800meter final with a time of 2:02.34. Hanke finished a full five seconds ahead of the second place runner, Junctions City’s Braeden Thelander.

“The last 300 I just let everything go. Going into the 400-meter set, or the last 100 of the last lap, I remember my oppositions coaches going ‘this is where you pass him.’ So, I sped up to match, otherwise I ran one lap kind of fast at the beginning to keep my stride and then rip at the end,” Hanke said. “I thought he was on my tail fighting me for first. I heard his coach yelling ‘fight, fight, fight, this is it!’ Then I look back, I just left him. I didn’t expect

that at all.”

Carter Bengtson continued his dominant year at CGHS, taking first place at 4:12.23 in the 1500, edging out Marshfield’s Jaxson Stovall (4:13.93).

Bengtson followed it up with a first place finish in the 3000 with a time of 8:51.98.

“I went in pretty confident into the three (3000-meter race).

Knutson was talking to us, it’s not really about time, it’s about your place. We weren’t really running to PR it was just seeing if I could try out the pace I’d be running at state. It felt like a nice comfortable

race,” Bengtson said. “The 15 (1500-meter race) I was not as confident in. I went in hoping one of them would take the race out, but none of them did so I just went. If I was going to place well in the 15 I was going to have to set the pace. It worked, I paced the first couple laps, I went at 500 out and saw if I could hold on.”

The district title continues a long year of success for Bengtson, who earned first place at the cross country state championship, played in the 4A state soccer championship game, and also wrestled at state.

After having surgery in

March, Lions junior Hayes Valley has stormed back and captured the district championship in both the 110 and 300 meter hurdles. In the 300-meter duel, Valley (43.06) edged teammate Terran Stewart (43.14) for first place. In the 110-meter race, Valley finished in first place with a time of 15.33.

In the field events, Eli Williams took home second place with a throw of 15.32m, a personal best in the shot put event.

Junction City’s Kaleb Moore took home first place with a throw of 16.51m. The Lions also saw a fourth place finish from Brycen Cameron (14.29m) and a sixth place finish from Rogelio SotoCruz (13.71m). Williams went on to also finish in second place in the discus event with a throw of 46.49m (another personal best). Clayton Dewitt took fourth place at 38.91. In javelin Valley took third place (44.16m) and Williams took third (44.09m). Gavin Grogan (6.00m) earned second place in the long jump. As for the Cottage Grove girls’, the team finished in fourth place. North Bend took home the district title. The Lions were led by Makya Alsup in the javelin, taking first place with a throw of 34.91m. Ella Cardwell (2:27.92) took second place in the 800-meter and third in the 3000-meter (11:04.97). Maddison France finished fifth (5:23.44) in the 1500meter race, Emmerson Bickford (52.44) took fourth in the 300-meter hurdles, Emmerson Bickford finished in fourth place (4.39m) in the long jump, and Tayler Bentley took fourth (29.35m) in the discus event. Cottage Grove was scheduled to participate at State at Hayward Field in Eugene May 17 and 18. See results at osaa.org and follow Cottage Grove High School sports at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.

Golf Oregon License Plates could soon grace bumpers

STAFF REPORT

Cottage Grove Sentinel

The Oregon Golf Association has announced that a new “Golf Oregon” license plate could be coming to the state in celebration of the organization’s 100th anniversary.

Golf lovers are now able to purchase a voucher for the state’s first golf-themed license plate, proceeds from which will benefit the Oregon Junior Golf Fund, the foundation arm of the OGA that plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of young golfers in Oregon, according to the OGA.

Once 3,000 vouchers are sold through the OGA, the license plate will go into production.

The license plate design captures the hues of Oregon’s state flag and incorporates elements that symbolize the state’s golf courses, including a putting green and flag, undulating hills, clouds, a silhouette of an evergreen tree, and hints of the rain and sea.

“The Golf Oregon license plate will be a rare specialty plate in the state that directly supports the youth program, Oregon Junior Golf, which mission is to expand access to golf to any kid with a desire to play, regardless of skill level or economic circumstance,” the OGA states in a release. Not only does Oregon Junior Golf sponsor competitive state championships featuring the best young players in the state, but it also hosts summer and winter series events open to a wide range of skill levels,

noncompetitive “Erling Jacobsen PlayDays,” and subsidizes thousands of rounds of golf annually, according to the OGA.

In 2023, more than 2,500 children across Oregon and Southwest Washington

participated in Oregon Junior Golf programs.

The cost of the license plate will be $40 annually, in addition to Oregon DMV’s regular fees.

The Oregon Junior Golf Fund will then receive the majority of the proceeds of each license plate purchased, which will be used to expand access to Oregon Junior Golf, subsidize rounds of golf for kids across the state, and subsidize tournament registration fees.

The license plate design captures the hues of Oregon’s state flag and incorporates elements that symbolize the state’s golf courses, including a putting green and flag, undulating hills, clouds, a silhouette of an evergreen tree, and hints of the rain and sea. The

license plate’s background appears dimpled like a golf ball. For more information go to www.oga.org/golforegon-license-plate.

Courtesy photo from @tvaughn.photography

The Cottage Grove Lions boys track team poses with their newest trophy, following their third straight Sky-Em League championship.

Courtesy photo