Slabtown BMX organizers
pedal through permit planning process
CINDY WEELDREYER
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The thrill of competitive bicycle motocross (BMX) racing and the strong camaraderie among racing families created Cottage Grove’s original BMX track in 1984.
Against the backdrop of First Lady Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” national campaign to win America’s War on Drugs, city leaders and the business community saw the track as a positive alternative to give local youth a reason to say no to drugs.
HISTORY
Track promoters created a nonprofit organization in 1982 and entered into a long-term lease agreement with the City of Cottage Grove to build a BMX track on the southeast portion of city-owned property that is known today as the Row River Nature Park.
One of the most enthusiastic members of the original group was Todd Kephart. Tragically, the 16-year-old died in a car accident in August 1983. When the ribbon was cut to open the track, in July 1984, the teen was honored for his passion for the sport. One year after opening, the Todd Kephart Memorial BMX Track hosted its first Governor’s Cup race that drew 250 riders.
In a 2016 Sentinel story, Bruce DeLong described his track design as the most aggressive in the area at that time, which helped riders of all ages prepare for national competition.
He said, “The track produced a lot of skilled riders and birthed some very serious careers.” Slabtown BMX organizers were deeply saddened by DeLong’s death earlier this year.
For decades, the track was a second home to most riders and fostered close relationships among families with children. Mike Kelley and his family were actively involved in using and maintaining
the facility. In 1994, five-year-old Colton, began racing with his dad and sister, Whitney. When the popularity of the sport waned more than a decade ago the use of the track diminished. Racing fees pay for track maintenance and with fewer races the track conditions became hazardous. The lease agreement with the City required the nonprofit organization to maintain the track and its structures. In 2016, it was determined to be
“We are dedicated to making this track operational, regardless of how long it takes. We are very grateful for the generous community support we’ve received to make our dream a reality.”
Mike Kelley, Slabtown BMX
BMX cont. on page 4
Smashed windows connect community
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
A window breaking spree in Cottage Grove’s Old Town District has brought the community together to help the impacted businesses. Following the Aug. 21 early morning incident in which a suspect allegedly smashed several store front business windows along Main Street, a community donation drive was launched by the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce to help the business owners pay for the window repairs.
impacted by the vandalism spree.
“Right over $6,000 was raised from donations and from a couple of big companies in our community, Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce President Cameron Reiten said. The Chamber is in the process of distributing the donations to each business
“That donation fund is also going to be matched by the City of Cottage Grove through the city’s historic facade fund,” Reiten said.
The businesses impacted by the vandalism can use their own chosen company for the repairs, according to Reiten.
“A lot of us have chosen to use a company called Off
Grid Grazing of Cottage Grove because here in Cottage Grove we really believe in supporting our own and Off Grid Glazing is a local company that also generously agreed to pretty drastically reduce their labor costs for those businesses that were effected.”
Reiten said he expects to get new windows for his radio station, KNND, before the month ended Reiten said the window
vandalism has connected the community.
“Not only as Chamber president, but as the owner of one of the businesses that was effected, I am deeply humbled and grateful for the support of the community, which really just rallied around us and helped us out financially but also for the ones who helped clean up and buy the plywood to temporarily board up the windows and
who just stepped up wherever there was a need.” Reiten called the help, “a special hallmark of Cottage Grove.
“When there’s challenge and hard times, people in the community really step up,” he said. “I am deeply grateful.”
Read the original story about the vandalism posted online with this story at cgsentinel.com
Cottage Grove High School principal placed on leave
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Cottage Grove High School Principal Kevin Herington has been placed on administrative leave following misdemeanor charges. According to court records, Herington plead not guilty Sept. 3 to Assault 4th Degree and Menacing charges in Lane Country Court. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 10 for a review of the case by attorneys.
Specific details about
what led to the charges were not immediately available. South Lane School District Interim Superintendent Brian McCasline released the following statement to the community Sept. 12.
Dear CGHS Community, As we start this new school year, I want to inform you that Principal Kevin Herington has been placed on paid administrative leave due to personal circumstances. During his absence, Assistant Principal Chris Wells will be serving as
acting principal to ensure a smooth continuation of our school’s operations. Our focus remains on maintaining a calm, safe, and supportive environment for all students. We do not have additional information to share at this time. Should any further updates become available, we will communicate them promptly. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Sincerely, Brian McCasline Interim
Superintendent
Subject dies during local dispute
Coffee With a Cop
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
A community engagement project by the Cottage Grove Police Department (CGPD) called, Coffee With a Cop, resumes Oct. 18.
CGPD has hosted a Coffee With A Cop event for many years, with a couple year break during the COVID pandemic and during the police department rebuilding, according to Cottage Grove Police Department Administrative Assistant Brooke Crow.
“We started the community engagement event back up October 2023, a month after Chief Chase started at CGPD,” Crow said. “It is a great time for community members to come and chat with Chief Chase, captains, officers, and staff members”
The Oct. 18 session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at POUR 818 in Cottage Grove’s Old Town District. It will be the CGPD’s third Coffee With A Cop since
Chase has been with the department, with the goal to host one such public session each quarter.
“The range of discussion varies but most of the conversations have been getting to know one another and sharing the vision for the police department,” Crow said. “Questions and topics are guided by those guests who attend. We are there to enjoy a cup (or two) of coffee and visit with community members who take time out of their busy days to attend.”
Crow said the Coffee with a Cop sessions are an important engagement between the CGPD and the community.
“Community engagement such as this is important to the transparency your police department wants to bring the City of Cottage Grove,” she said. “We are there to discuss various topics with community members, often times those members have been longtime residents of Cottage Grove. We enjoy listening to their stories and answering their questions.”
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) reports one man died following a dispute and stabbing on Row River Road at Cottage Grove.
At approximately 1 a.m. Sept. 16, Cottage Grove Police Department (CGPD) officers responded to a to a dispute in the 2900 block of Row River Road.
“Upon arrival, they found a male who had been stabbed,” LCSO Sgt. Tim Wallace said. “South Lane Fire quickly responded, but the male died from his
injuries at the location.”
Several Lane County Sheriff’s deputies also responded to the call to assist in the investigation.
Wallace said that investigators believe the dispute and stabbing was an isolated incident. The suspect has not been located as of the afternoon of Sept. 19. Specific information about the suspect and the relationship between the two, was not immediately available.
Wallace said at CGPD’s request, LCSO detectives have taken lead on the investigation.
On Sept. 19, LCSO
revealed the identity of the victim identified as Emilio Jimenez-Perez, 22, of Guatemala. His next of kin have been notified, according to a release from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.
“Detectives are still actively working this case and no further information will be released at this time,” the LCSO release states.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Lane County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 541-6824141 and reference case #24-4987.
The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. Cottage Grove Police
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
06:21: Illegal camping, 1300 block E. Main St.
06:32: Alarm, 1000 block South 1st St. 07:51: Found property, 1100 block E. Main St.
8:05: Welfare check, 900 block Row River Rd.
08:07: Hit and run, 300 block Hwy 99
08:21: Unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, 900 block Row River Rd.
09:00: Abandoned vehicle, 300 block Adams Ave.
09:44: Trespass, 900 block Row River Rd.
10:04: Paper service, 200 block N. 10th St.
10:12: Paper service, 200 block N. Lane St.
10:53: Trespass, 1100 block Villard Ave.
11:53: Fraud, 600 block E. Jefferson Ave.
11:57: Welfare check, 1300 block E. Main St. 13:22: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
13:24: Citizen assist, 1500 block W. Harrison Ave.
14:01: Vehicle impound, 100 block Thomas Ln.
14:41: Motor vehicle crash, 1500 block Village Dr. 14:57: Disturbance, 100 block N. 14th St.
15:00: Abandoned vehicle, 1400 block E. Harrison Ave.
18:01: Business check, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
18:10: Found property, 1300 block E. Main St.
19:16: Stolen vehicle, 1700 block S. 5th St.
19:47: Welfare check, 1200 block Hwy 99
20:25: Wanted subject, 400 block E. Main St.
21:42: Trespass, 200 block S. 6th St.
21:59: Citizen assist, 1300 block e. Main St.
23:16: Suspicious condition, 900 block Row River Rd.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
04:03: Warrant service, 900 block E. Main St.
07:49: Order violation, 400 block S. 1st St.
08:04: School patrol, 700 block South R. St.
08:12: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
08:28: Suspicious subject, Main/Q St.
08:55: Disturbance, 300 block S. River Rd.
09:41: Illegal camping, 1000 block E. Main St.
10:25: Suspicious condition, 1100 block Thayer Ave.
10:27: Info, 900 block South T Court
10:40: Disturbance, 2700 block Row River Rd.
11:09: Business check, 1200 block Hwy 99
12:45: Illegal camping, 100 block S. River Rd.
13:00: Vicious dog, 1600 block South 6th St.
13:12: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
13:32: Assault, 900 block W. Main St.
14:29: Abandoned vehicle, Main/Q St.
15:28: Found dog, 900 block Row River Rd.
15:41: Suspicious condition, 1500 block E. Chamberlain Ave.
16:13: Trespass, 900 block Row River Rd.
16:36: Found dog, 10th/Main
16:55: Disturbance, 700 block N. River Rd.
18:31: Suspicious condition, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
19:38: Business check, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
19:41: Suspicious vehicle, 3200 block Row River Rd.
19:57: Suspicious condition, 400 block E. Main St.
20:32: Found dog, 1400 block Parks Rd.
20:43: Suspicious condition, 400 block N. 14th St.
20:57: Abandoned vehicle, 1700 block Harvey Rd.
21:20: Animal info, 2nd/Harrison
22:02: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
01:15: Suspicious subject, 1500 block E. Main St.
01:22: Illegal camping, 1000 block E. Main St.
01:43: Suspicious subject, 400 block E. Main St.
03:24: Suspicious vehicle, 1300 block E. Main St.
03:27: Suspicious condition, 600 block E. Gibbs Ave.
08:23: Harassment, 500 block Fillmore Ave.
08:28: Suspicious condition, 800 block S. 10th St.
08:44: Dog at large, Emerson/99
08:51: Found drugs, 1200 block E. Main St.
09:01:
C. Ruark / Cottage Grove Sentinel
Courtesy photo from CGPD
This photo shows the gathering of Coffee with a Cop in February in Cottage Grove.
Cottage Theatre to share
Oregon’s newest Poet Laureate to offer free poetry workshop
STAFF REPORT
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Oregon’s Poet Laureate
Ellen Waterston is scheduled to make her visit
Cottage Grove Sept. 30. She is scheduled to con-
duct an afternoon writing workshop and will offer an evening public reading of her writing. Both events are hosted by the First Presbyterian Church at 216 S. Third Street. Waterston is expected to share her experience and passion for writing with participants in the free writing workshop from 3-5 p.m. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, send email to friendsofcglibrary@ gmail.com. At 7 p.m., the high desert poet and author will offer a public reading of her works at the Presbyterian Church. The Cultural Trust funds the Oregon Poet Laureate Program, which is administered by Oregon Human-
Church Craft Fair
SUBMITTED
A Craft Fair is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 27 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28, at the Delight Valley Church of Christ, 33087 Saginaw Road in Cottage Grove. Vendors are welcome. No fee. For more information, call 541-942-7711
ities. The Oregon Poet Laureate fosters the art of poetry, encourages literacy and learning, addresses central issues relating to humanities and heritage, and reflects on public life in Oregon.
Waterston is the third poet laureate to visit Cottage Grove this year at the invitation of the Friends of the Cottage Grove Library. Sponsors of this visit include the Cottage Grove Community Foundation, Oregon Humanities, and Oregon Cultural Trust.
The Bend resident grew up in New England before marring and moving to the
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The Cottage Theatre is in line to receive
$7,407 as its share of $1,378,696 in funding from the Oregon Arts Commission.
“The Oregon Arts Commission have been running this support grant program for many years,” Cottage Theatre Executive Director Susan Goes said. “The intention is to provide a steady source of unrestricted support to help stabilize the arts organizations. We have received funds from this program for at least a decade.”
Since the funding is unrestricted, Cottage Theatre can use the money for whatever is needed.
“Because it is unrestricted, it will go to non-glamours things, paying for electricity, water and utilities,” Goes said. “Typically, ticket sales only cover about 60% of our annual costs, so we depend on contributed income to balance out budget each year. The bulk of that contributed income comes from individual donations that we are fortunate to receive and grants, like the Oregon Arts Commission grant program.”
Goes became the theatre executive director in 2007 and said hard work and determination has helped sustain the theatre for 42 years.
“We are fortunate to have a really supportive community of theatre lovers
that step up to the plate and buy tickets and make donations. It’s really a collective effort that allow us to make it through those 42 years.”
The arts awards will be distributed to 181 Oregon arts organizations through the Oregon Arts Commission’s Operating Support Program for fiscal year 2025.
Ranging from $3,300 to $20,000, the unrestricted awards are available to nonprofit arts organizations with annual budgets of more than $150,000. The Arts Commission determines awards based on the number of applications and available grant funds.
“Operating support is crucial to organizations as these funds can be used at their discretion to sustain artistic programming,” Arts Commission Chair Subashini Ganesan-Forbes said. “Grant recipients (and their peers) also see this grant as a sign of our trust in their vision, capacity and importance to the Oregon arts ecosystem.”
There are 25 organizations new to the program this year, as the number of eligible organizations has grown, according to the Arts Commission.
For more information about Cottage Theatre, visit cottagetheatre.org.
ranching West with her husband. She is a celebrated poet/writer, teacher and speaker. Much of her award-winning poetry and prose is inspired by the remote reaches of southeastern Oregon’s Outback. Her most recent title, “Walking the High Desert,” received this review: “Woven out of her own remarkable stories, her trek becomes as insightful search for how we might all get along, here and elsewhere, in a perilously shifting world.”
In addition to her success as an award-winning
author, Waterston founded the for-profit Writing Ranch and two literary arts nonprofits: The Nature of Words and the Waterston Desert Writing Prize. She has instructed creative writing at undergraduate and graduate levels. She received her B.A. from Harvard University and M.A. in Archeology from the University of Madagascar.
Gov. Tina Kotek named her as Oregon’s 11th Poet Laureate in August to succeed Anis Mojgani,
who held the post since 2020. Kotek said Waterston stands out for her commitment to community engagement.
“Her focus on bringing different ways of living and different parts of the state together, and her notable ability to describe the moments, places and people that make Oregon, Oregon,” Kotek said. “I’m eager to see how she applies her talents in the literary arts to serving the state as Oregon’s 11th Poet Laureate.”
THURSDAY,
Illegal camping, 100 block S. River Rd.
09:48: Abandoned vehicle, Main/Q St.
09:53: Citizen assist, 1300 block E. Main St.
10:11: Business check, 1200 block Hwy 99
10:40: Trespass, 200 block S. 22nd St.
10:50: Theft, 400 block N. River Rd.
11:59: Disturbance, 77000 block Delight Valley School Rd.
12:53: Found property, 400 block E. Main St. 12:57: Trespass, 900 block Row River Rd.
13:36: Agency assist, 200 block S. 22nd St.
13:56: Illegal camping, 3300 block Row River Rd.
14:07: Motor vehicle crash, Quincy/5th St.
15:23: Abandoned vehicle, 700 block E. Gibbs Ave.
17:10: Welfare check, 900 block Row River Rd.
17:31: Welfare check, 1100 block Lord Ave.
17:40: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
18:52: Stolen vehicle recovery, 400 block E. Main St.
19:14: Alarm, 100 block Hwy 99
19:40: Assault, 1400 block Daugherty Ave.
20:26: Hit and run, 400 block Quincy Ave.
21:27: Alarm, 2000 block Getty Circle
21:52: Suspicious condition, 1400 block E. Main St. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
00:39: Suspicious subject, 200 block Gateway Blvd.
01:21: Welfare check, 900 block E. Main St.
03:29: Alarm, 3300 block Row River Rd.
03:53: Suspicious subject, 700 block E. Main St.
06:39: Animal info, 4th/Taylor
07:30: Disorderly subject, 1300 block S. River Rd.
07:59: Disturbance, 800 block N. 16th St.
11:16: Wanted subject, 100 block Thornton Ln.
11:43: Suspicious vehicle, 11th/Chamberlain
13:30: Warrant service, 1000 block E. Main St.
13:48: Harassment, 600 block S. 7th St.
14:16: Info, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
15:27: Trespass, 1500 block E. Main St.
16:08: Attempt to locate, 900 block Row River Rd.
16:27: Info, Lulu Dog Park
16:40: Suspicious vehicle, 1500 block E. Main St.
17:07: Disorderly subject, 3200 block Row River Rd.
17:40: Assault, 3200 block Row River Rd.
17:56: Alarm, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
19:22: Business check, 900 block E. Main St. 20:21: Welfare check, 300 block E. Monroe Ave. 21:56: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St. 22:35: Suspicious subject, 100 block S. 10th St.
22:45: Assault, 100 block N. 9th St.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
05:11: Illegal camping, 400 block E. Main St. 06:33: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St. 06:46: Suspicious
15:40: Alarm, 2000 block Getty Circle
16:18: Animal info, 2200 block Hwy 99
17:29: Shots fired, 700 block N. 9th St.
18:00: Disturbance, 900 block E. Main St.
20:13: Suspicious condition, 400 block E. Main St.
20:41: Disturbance, 100 block N. K St. 21:03: Disturbance, 300 block N. 16th St.
21:19: Hit and run, 600 block Arthur Ave.
22:02: Trespass, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
00:44: Nuisance, 600 block E. Washington Ave.
00:51: Welfare check, 100 block N. 9th St.
01:45: Welfare check, 700 block N. River Rd. 06:42: Warrant service, 100 block S. 17th St. 07:32: Sex, 200 block South M St.
08:37: Business check, 1500 block E. Main St. 11:23: Welfare check, 800 block S. 6th St.
11:38: Disturbance, 77000 block Hwy 99
12:01: Alarm, 100 block Hwy 99
12:41: Info, 100 block North H St. 14:42: Runaway juvenile, 400 block E. Main St. 15:05: Suspicious condition, 2100 block Getty Circle
16:08: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
16:18: Citizen assist, 400 block E. Main St.
16:54: Disorderly subject, 100 block S. 10th St. 17:42: Dog at large, 79000 block Hwy 99
17:45: Assault, 200 block E. Harrison Ave.
18:19: Alarm, 100 block Hwy 99
18:29: Found drugs, 100 block Crestview Terrace
18:34: Business check, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
18:46: Hit and run, 1100 block S. 8th St.
19:03: Juvenile, 100 block S. 10th St.
19:22: Suspicious condition, 400 block E. Main St.
19:39: Juvenile, 100 block North H St.
21:21: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
23:36: Disturbance, 700 block Hwy 99
Slabtown BMX From Page 1
abandoned, and it was removed. REOPENING CHALLENGE
Since its closure, there have been several unsuccessful attempts to reopen it. Then, three years ago, Slabtown BMX organizers emerged from the pandemic with a renewed passion to re-open the racetrack. They’ve held many fundraisers, applied for grants, submitted planning permits and solicited donations from the community to realize their shared dream.
Fueled by happy memories and a desire to re-energize the local BMX community, the Kelley family has eagerly accepted the challenge to work with others to provide the strong leadership necessary to make it a reality.
Kelley serves as the group’s president, his (now all-grown-up) son Colton is the Track Operator, Colton’s wife, Courtney, serves as the nonprofit’s board secretary and liaison with the City. Other members of the leadership team are: Assistant Operator Brandon Meier, Tech Coordinator Mike Freel, Events Coordinator Jess Corbett, and Juli Timperlay is an
at-large board member. The determined group meets monthly to guide the organization and keep the momentum going.
Navigating the planning permit process has been a challenge. They are grateful to City Planner Eric Mongan for guiding them through the procedural maze of submitting planning applications, paying fees, and appearing at planning commission meetings. The last big planning jump to start moving dirt is approval of their erosion control plan.
“All of our permits have been approved except for the erosion control permit, Kelley said. “We hope to get that approval in the next few weeks and then we can start moving dirt.”
The new track has a smaller footprint to address floodplain issues with the nearby Row River. They need 4,000 cubic yards of dirt to build a new racecourse. Black Rock Construction is working on the Village Green redevelopment project. It has donated 2,000 yards of dirt to begin construction in October with another 2,000 yards expected after that project is complete.
Slabtown BMX is affiliated with USA BMX. A track designer for the national association, who builds tracks around the
country, will guide the construction of the new facility so it can once again become a sanctioned track.
For local riders the closest one is in Eugene. With the erosion control permit in hand, the designer will begin building the base layer of the new track – the berms and turns and starting hill – with the dirt they have. Kelley said Papé Machinery will provide the equipment to make that happen.
The facility will be supervised by board members and other local volunteers. Riders pay an annual membership fee to USA BMX that allows them to collect points and race at sanctioned tracks throughout the United States. Track maintenance will be paid for with riders’ fees for each race.
FUNDRAISING GOAL
The fundraising goal to reopen the track is $200,000. Thus far they have received $10,000 from the City of Cottage Grove and a $35,000 matching grant from the Yarg Foundation. The group has participated in numerous fundraising events: car washes, the Chamber music concerts, bike raffles, holiday gift wrapping, and Mother’s Day flower baskets at
Shady Oaks. “The Yarg Foundation has been beyond helpful to us,” Kelley said. “They took a chance on us early on and we wouldn’t be where we are now without its support.”
Other big-ticket items needed are large metal storage boxes, a registration booth, parking lot gravel, security fencing, ADA accessible accommodations, chemical toilets, and a starting gate for races. They received a donated bleacher frame that needs wood to create spectator seating. Kelley said the group is highly motivated to re-establish another professional racetrack in Cottage Grove. They hope to have all the pieces in place to be operational by next summer.
“It is our hope that we can provide a fun and safe place for kids to ride,” he said. “We are dedicated to making this track operational, regardless of how long it takes. We are very grateful for the generous community support we’ve received to make our dream a reality.”
For more information, or to donate, send an email to: slabtownbmx@gmail.com.
Follow this developing story online at cgsentinel,com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
Emergency manager stresses Get Ready for disaster aftermath
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
September has been established as National Preparedness Month.
“Disasters and emergencies can happen anywhere, and without warning,” according to Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon said. “In Oregon, we deal with wildfires, floods, heat domes, ice and snowstorms. Then there is the ever-present threat of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. It’s important for everyone to know what
to do, and how to care for one another.”
NEW TOOL KIT
To help empower community members to prepare together, the OEM is launching a brand-new Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit. The digital version of the kit is available at Oregon. gov/OEM and is offered in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Vietnamese, with American Sign Language videos expected to be released soon.
“Personal preparedness is the cornerstone of resilient communities and influences how quickly we recover”
Tiffany Brown, Lane County Emergency Manager
“This new community-based initiative is designed to help individuals, and their communities prepare for emergencies and practice their skills as a group.”
McMahon said. “We encourage people to work through the Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit, and when possible, come together to practice their skills and share resources.”
DEATH NOTICES
John Richard Bourland, 75, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away September 15, 2024. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
James Franklin Kahn, 68, of Eugene Oregon, passed away on September 17th, 2024. Arrangements in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
Freddy Lee, 64, of Eugene Oregon, passed away September 15, 2024. Arrangements in the care
of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
Ralph Patridge, 76, of Eugene Oregon, passed away on September 14, 2024. Arrangements in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
Leonard Michael Rhodes, 73, of Veneta Oregon, passed away on September 12th, 2024. Arrangements are in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
“By working together, these communities can enhance their collective resilience and ensure everyone is equipped to handle emergencies,” she said. A great opportunity for community practice, according to McMahon, is to participate in the first ever Great Oregon Camp-In the weekend after the Great
McMahon said the Be 2 Weeks Ready program is designed to foster a culture of preparedness within established groups such as faithbased organizations, neighborhood associations, local 4-H clubs, schools, and workplaces.
NEWS & VIEWS
Don’t exempt tips from taxes Strengthen the EITC instead
JUAN CARLOS ORDÓÑEZ
Sentinel Gust Column
Sadly, bad tax policy ideas can be contagious.
The latest virus sprang from the Trump presidential campaign, then hopped on to the Harris campaign, and then landed here in Oregon. Mimicking the proposals by the presidential candidates, Oregon State Senator Dick Anderson recently took the initial step to introduce legislation that would exempt tips from state income taxes.
Exempting tips from taxes would make our income tax system less fair while opening the door to yet more gaming of the system by the rich and powerful. That’s why it’s important to inoculate the public and policymakers against this bad idea and offer instead a real solution for what ails working Oregonians.
The unfairness of exempting tips from taxation stems from the fact that it gives preferential treatment to the income earned by one type of worker, putting other workers at a disadvantage.
Consider the following scenario. Sally, a single parent raising a child, works as a bartender. In a year, she makes $20,000 in wages and $25,000 in tips, for a total of $45,000 in income. Maria is also a single parent raising one child, and she works as a nursing assistant. All of her income for the year, also $45,000, is in the form of wages. If tips were exempted from state income taxes, only $20,000 of Sally’s income would count toward taxes, compared to all of Maria’s income.
Congress shall make no
There is no policy or moral reason to treat bartenders differently than nursing assistants, retail store workers, or any other kind of worker. There’s no good reason to treat Uber drivers, who earn tips, differently than Amazon drivers, who don’t.
es is not the only problem with the policy. Enacting it would also create yet another tax loophole the rich would seek to exploit.
If income from tips were no longer taxable, you’d soon have hedge fund managers, lawyers, and other well-paid professionals trying to reclassify their fees as “tips.” CEOs and stock brokers would soon start earning tips rather than bonuses.
History shows that such shenanigans are what you get when you treat one type of income differently than another. Case in point is the infamous carried interest tax loophole. It allows private equity and hedge fund managers to reclassify their wages as investment (capital gains) income, which is subject to a much lower tax rate, resulting in a massive tax break for some of the wealthiest people in the nation.
The Senator from Lincoln City is right to stress the need for “policies that put money back in the pockets of those who need it most,” but creating opportunities for the rich to game the tax system is not the way to do it. Nor is giving preferential treatment to one slice of workers over others.
“Slice,” by the way, is the right description for the share of workers who would benefit from exempting tips from taxes. Nationally, only about 2.5% of workers earn tips, and many of them earn incomes so low that they don’t pay income taxes. So not only would exempting tips from taxation introduce a new inequity into the system, it would do little to address the widespread economic insecurity that afflicts Oregonians.
is clear: boost Oregon’s Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit designed to put more money in the pockets of low- and moderate-income workers. Because it’s refundable, the EITC helps workers who don’t otherwise owe income taxes, unlike the tip tax exemption.
As good a policy as the Earned Income Tax Credit is, there is room for improvement. Among states with an Earned Income Tax Credit, Oregon’s credit is small, standing at just 9% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (it’s 12% for families with children under 3 years of age).
Another shortcoming is the fact the credit excludes childless workers younger than 25 or older than 65, even if their incomes are low enough that they otherwise would qualify for the credit — as if these workers don’t have bills to pay and basic needs to meet. Increasing the size of the credit and expanding it to currently excluded workers ought to be a top priority for lawmakers.
Helping Oregonians struggling to make ends meet should be one of the highest priorities for lawmakers, but exempting tips from taxation is a misguided proposal. If the goal is to improve the economic security of cash-strapped families, then strengthen the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Possible open meetings law violations over CleanLane trigger investigation
The Oregon Ethics Commission has opened an investigation into possible public meetings law violation by the Lane County Board of Commissioners.
open an investigation that is expected to end in a formal determination that a legal violation occurred and warning Lane County against further violations of public meeting laws.
Oregon Government Ethics Commission Executive Director Susan V. Myers confirms to The Sentinel that the state commission approved opening the investigation during its Sept. 13 meeting, following a complaint filed by the Lane County Garbage and Recycling Association (LCGRA) on May 22, 2024.
“This continues a long pattern of legal and deceptive issues related to the IMERF/CleanLane project,” Pelroy said. “We will continue to advocate for transparency and accountability related to this boondoggle. Raising garbage prices is a regressive tax that hurts us all.”
lic meetings law seriously and strives to meet both the letter and intent of those laws. We are appreciative of OGEC’s guidance in helping us improve the way in which we share information about non-public – or executive – sessions of the Board of County Commissioners.
President Joseph Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20500
The obvious unfairness of exempting tips from tax-
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414 TTY/TDD: 202-456-6213 www.whitehouse.gov
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek 900 Court St., Suite 254 Salem, Ore. 97301-4047 503-378-4582 www.oregon.gov/gov
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden
A better approach is to help all workers struggling to make ends meet, regardless of whether they work in restaurants, nursing homes, or wherever. And the most effective way of accomplishing that
U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle (4th Dist.) 202-225-6416 www.hoyle.house.gov
PUZZLE ANSWERS
202-224-5244 | 541-431-0229 www.wyden.senate.gov
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley 202-224-3753 | 541-465-6750 www.merkley.senate.gov
State Sen. Dick Anderson (Dist. 5) 503-986-1705 Email: Sen.DickAnderson@ oregonlegislature.gov
State Rep. Cedric Hayden (Dist. 7) 503-986-1407 rep.cedrichayden@ state.or.us Lane County Dist. 5 Commissioner Heather Buch 541-682-4203 Heather.Buch@lane countyorg. gov
SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL
DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS Joe Warren — jwarren@countrymedia.net
DIRECTOR OF REVENUE Frank Perea II — fperea@countrymedia.net
EDITOR Jeremy C. Ruark — jruark@countrymedia.net
Cottage Grove Sentinel
1498 E. Main Street, STE 104 • PO Box 35 Cottage Grove, OR 97424 Phone: 541-649-1616 www.cgsentinel.com
According to LCGRA spokesman Jake Pelroy, the Ethics Commission unanimously found a substantial objective basis for believing that the Lane County Commission have violated public meeting laws related to the executive session that occurred on March 20, 2024, to discuss the IMERF/CleanLane project.
The facility is described by opponents as a massive new $178,000,000 waste sorting facility to be built at Goshen that will be funded through increased garbage rates.
Pelroy states in a release that the Oregon Government Ethics Commission unanimously voted to
Pelroy’s release states, “The OGEC staff report determined that “There appears to be a substantial objective basis in this case to believe the Board violated Public Meetings Law by failing to identify the specific statutory provisions for the executive sessions held on March 13th and March 20th,” and that “The effect of the violation is that it fails to provide adequate notice to members of the public.”
Pages 12-13. OGEC unanimously adopted the staff recommendation to open an investigation.”
The following is a statement released by Lane County Public Information Officer Devon Ashbridge concerning the Oregon Ethics Commission decision.
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) plays an important role in helping to better define elements of public meetings law.
The meetings referenced in the complaint to OGEC were noticed in the same manner Lane County has been noticing public meetings, including executive sessions, for many years. Once notified of a concern regarding our historical practice of not including a description and detailed statutory citation of the topics to be discussed in executive session in meeting notices, we were able to quickly update our process to include better information and fully comply with current public meetings laws.
Anyone interested in receiving email copies of upcoming Board of County Commissioners meeting agendas can sign up at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/ notifications.
RESOURCES
THE FIRST AMENDMENT
View the Oregon Government Ethics Meeting September 13, 2024, linked with this story, see previous coverage of the proposed CleanLane project, including our three-part special report, and follow new developments at cgsentinel. com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
Lane County takes pub-
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
WHERE TO COMMENT
President Joseph Biden
The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 TTY/TDD: 202-456-6213 www.whitehouse.gov
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek 900 Court St., Suite 254 Salem, Ore. 97301-4047 503-378-4582 www.oregon.gov/gov
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden 202-224-5244 | 541-431-0229 www.wyden.senate.gov
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley 202-224-3753 | 541-465-6750 www.merkley.senate.gov
U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle (4th Dist.) 202-225-6416 www.hoyle.house.gov
State Sen. Dick Anderson (Dist. 5) 503-986-1705
Juan Carlos Ordóñez is the Communications Director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy (ocpp.org).
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
Classified
LADD CONSTRUCTION, LLC
New or remodel, decks, siding, windows, doors, shops, fences. 541-913-1541 ccb#
239015
CGS24-3015
NOTICE OF URBAN FORESTRY
COMMITTEE VACANCY The City of Cottage Grove Urban Forestry Committee has one vacancy to fill on this volunteer body for a term that expires December 31, 2026. The Committee members are appointed by the City Council. The Urban Forestry Committee meets once a month on Wednesday afternoons. People interested in applying for this position need to complete a Volunteer Appointment Application available at the Community Development Department at City Hall or online at www. cottagegrove.org. The deadline for receiving applications is October 31, 2024 by 5 p.m. For further information
please contact the Community Development Department at 541-942-5501.
CGS24-3014 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Anthony Maio has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of MARY CAROL MAIO, deceased, Lane County Circuit Court Case No. 24PB07861. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them within four months from the date of the first publication of this Notice to the Personal Representative at Willamette NW Law Firm, LLC, 735 W. 7th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402, or they may be barred. Any person whose rights may be affected by these proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative or from the Personal Representative’s attorney. DATED and published: September 25, 2024. /s/ Anthony Maio, Personal Representative.
INFORMATION
Phone: 541-649-1616
Address: 1498 E. Main St. Ste 104 Cottage Grove, OR 97424
ADJUSTMENTS:
If your advertisement appears incorrectly, notify us immediately. We will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Such responsibility is limited to correct insertion of advertisement. No information on the classified pages will be released prior to pub lication.
Ads are in Area Code (541) unless otherwise indicated in ad
COTTAGE GROVE: 6th & Gibbs Church of Christ 195 N. 6th St. • 541-942-3822 10:00am Christian Education: Pre-K through 5th Tim Baker, Senior Minister www.6thandgibbs.com
Cottage Grove Bible Church 1200 East Quincy Avenue 541-942-4771 Pastor:Ron Harris Worship 11am Sunday School:9:45am AWANA age 3-8th Grade, Wednesdays Sept-May, 6:30pm www.cgbible.org
Cottage Grove Faith Center 33761 Row River Rd. 541-942-4851 Lead Pastor: Kevin Pruett www.cg4.tv Full Childrenʼs Ministry available Services: 10:00am
Hope Fellowship United Pentecostal Church
Delight Valley Church of Christ 33087 Saginaw Rd. East 541-942-7711 • Pastor: Bob Friend
Two Services: 9am - Classic in the Chapel 10:30am - Contemporary in the Auditorium
100 S. Gateway Blvd. 541-942-2061 Pastor: Dave Bragg Worship: 11:00am Sunday Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday www.hopefellowshipupc.com “FINDING HOPE IN YOUR LIFE”
Living Faith Assembly 467 S. 10th St. • 541-942-2612 Worship Services Sundays: 9a & 11a
Youth Worship Sundays: 11a (all ages welcome) Mondays: 5:30p (6th-12th grades)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Philip Benizi Catholic Churches 1025. N. 19th St. 541-942-3420 Father John J. Boyle
Holy Mass: Saturday Vigil – 5:30 pm Sunday – 10:30 am For weekday and Holy Day of Obligation schedule see website OLPHCG.net
Confession: 4 PM to 5 PM Saturdays or by appointment St. Philip Benizi, Creswell 552 Holbrook Lane Sunday 8 am
St. Andrews Episcopal Church 1301 W. Main • 541-767-9050 Rev. Lawrence Crumb “Scripture, Tradition, Reason” Worship: Sunday 10:30am All Welcome
Seventh-day Adventist Church 820 South 10th Street 541-942-5213 Pastor: James D. Boram Bible Study: Saturday, 9:15 am Worship Service: Saturday, 10:40 Mid-week Service: Wednesday, 1:00
SPIRIT OF BMD CELEBRATION COMMUNITY
THANK YOU’S!
Message from Spirit of BMD
Celebration Coordinator Matthew Hewlett
Spirit of BMD was an incredible success, made possible by the hard work, dedication, and community spirit of everyone involved. It was truly a combined effort of individuals willing to serve their community.
Organizing the festival in just six weeks was an extraordinary feat, and I couldn’t be prouder of how our team and volunteers responded to every challenge that came our way.
The complexities of planning and executing a festival of this scale typically require months of preparation, and while we pulled it off this time, it’s important to recognize that this kind of rapid turnaround isn’t sustainable on a regular basis. Our vendors were incredibly understanding and flexible, showing up with amazing energy despite the short notice. Their willingness to adapt, support the event, and bring their best, really brought the festival to life and gave it the homegrown feel Bohemia Mining Days has been known for over the last 65 years.
From our entertainers to our parade participants, everyone came together to create an atmosphere that was not just fun but inspiring! The parade lasted 45 minutes. We had a full schedule of bands and performances that energized the entire festival over the two days. It’s the kind of response and community spirit that makes all the effort worthwhile.
Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days is dedicated to not just putting on the festival for 2025 but also making continuous efforts to better the community. This past year, we had an incredible team whose dedication doesn’t stop here—it carries on into 2025 and beyond. However, it’s critical that we find new faces willing to help continue and expand the festival for years to come. We need fresh energy and new ideas to keep this tradition alive and thriving. I am so proud of our team and the entire community for coming together and making our heritage event of the year one that was so well received. The great vibes and sense of togetherness were palpable, and it was truly a testament to what we can achieve when we come together.
As we look toward our 66th annual celebration, I encourage you to consider volunteering and joining us on this adventure. Together, we can continue to celebrate our shared history, honor our community’s spirit, and make each year better than the last. Let’s keep this tradition alive and make the next Bohemia Mining Days a reflection of all that we can achieve together.
Production Team Members: Heartfelt thanks to the experienced past production team members who returned on short notice and slid back into their familiar roles and were joined by several new enthusiastic volunteers.
Celebration & Entertainment Coordinator: Matthew Hewlett
Assistant Coordinator
Web Designer/Security Coordinator
Jeremy Ferguson
Administrative Coordinator Brandy Smith
Bohemia City Saloon Coordinator: Stacy Solomon | Financial Coordinator: Linda Oxley | Logistics Coordinator: Ken Lile Fundraising/Publicity Coordinator: Cindy Weeldreyer | Kid Zone Coordinators: Tara Blount & Enya Combs
Parking Coordinator: Dylan Mann | Sanitation Coordinator: Aaron Kitterman | Volunteer Coordinator: Sylvia Kitterman Vendor Coordinator: Cathy Simmons | Parade Co-Coordinators: Drew Perini, Joelie Saunders & Brandy Smith
Production Team Advisors: Jake Boone, Hailie Ferguson, Sharon Jean, Karen Munsell, Jimmy Schaper & Don Williams
It takes many hands and hearts working together to produce Cottage Grove’s largest event of the year. Our community is blessed by the generosity of the following individuals, organizations and businesses for donating their time, talent, and treasure to ensure the success of the Spirit of BMD Celebration.
BUSINESS & ORGANIZATION SPONSORS
Anne White, CPA Cetera Networks | Another Way Enterprises | B & A Auto | Best Little Printhouse | BestMed Urgent & Primary Care | Bohemia Gold Mining Museum | Bohemia Mine Owners Association | Bohemian Tavern | Bookmine | Boyce & Sons
Captain Hook Towing | Christi’s Barbershop | Coast Fork Brewery & Feed Store | Cottage Grove Elks Lodge #1904 | Cottage Grove Historical Society | Cottage Grove Lions Club | Cottage Grove Police Department | Cottage Grove Inn | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Dirt Cheap Copies | Donata Mitchell & Associates | Emerald People’s Utility District | First Presbyterian Church | Flower Basket & Gift Boutique | Gap Accounting | Garden of Ink | Geomax Inc. | Greg Lee Photography | Grocery Outlet | Homestead Furniture | Jack Sprats Café | Joe Piscopo Plumbing | KNND Radio | McCoy’s Pharmacy | Mickey’s Affordable Auto | Mitchell & Associates | Northwest Community Credit Union | Pacific Power | Pinocchio’s Pizza | Second Chance Recycling | Smith Lund Mills Funeral Chapel | South Lane Fire & Rescue | Springfield Police Department | Stacy’s Covered Bridge Restaurant | Starfire Lumber | Territorial Seed Company | Trinity Lutheran Church | USA Heating & AC | Valley Fitness | Whitewater Well Drilling | Woodard Family Foundation
SPECIAL THANKS
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Bill Whiteman | Christine Payne | Darrel Williams | Diane O’Renick
Don Strahan | Don Williams | Garland Burback | Greg Fitzgerald
Jim Downing | Tom Ellis | Tom & Julie Johns | Virginia Sherwood
Yvonne Fasold
KID ZONE SPONSORS
Arc of Lane County | Cottage Grove Public Library | Family Relief Nursery Girl Scouts Little Pioneer Preschool of Walker Church | Sixth & Gibbs Church | South Valley Athletics
Bill Oxley | Bill Simmons | Bill Whiteman | Bohemia Mine Owners Association | Bradly Shepherd | Brad Helsel Casey Woodard | Cameron Reiten | City of Cottage Grove Staff | Coast Fork Public Market | Cory Chase | Cottage Grove Jogging Club | Cottage Grove Museum | Cottage Grove Historical Society | Dave Spriggs |Debra Monsive | Ellen Hogue Emerald Valley Pickleball Club | Eugene Police Department | Event Volunteers | Faye Stewart | Frank Perea | Fred Talbot | Forest Mountain Lion | Helen Lile | Jeannie Handsaker | Jeremy Ruark | Joe Warren | Joel Reiten | Joyce Settlemeyer | Jungle Things Oregon | KNND Radio | Lane County Sheriff’s Office | Mike Cummings | Mindy Roberts Misty Berg | Prospectors & Gold Diggers Club | Ralph Weeldreyer | Sharon Anseth | South Valley Athletics | Tabitha Cooper | Terri Evans | Tim Schweitzer | Trinity Lutheran Church | Unity Committee
ENTERTAINMENT
We are especially grateful that our community-loving performers were willing to donate their time and talent for the enjoyment of all!
Clear Sound: Brad Helsel & Fred Talbot
Performers: Apis Mellifera | Perfect Flavor | David “Hawaiian Elvis” Lomond Forest Mountain Lion | The Huckleberrys | Magician Jay Frasier Jungle Things Oregon | Singing Pastor Jeff & Friends| The Winks | Windy Ridge One More Time Marching Band | The Regulars | Voices of Cedar
JEREMY
C. RUARK
Positivity, sportsmanship, resilience hallmark of girls soccer team
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The Cottage Grove High School (CGHS) girls soccer team is off and running with a 14-game season.
League play begins Oct.
1 at Marist Catholic.
The CGHS team won 5-0 Sept. 3, against Western Christian. lost 3-5 on Sept. 10 to Cascade and lost 4-5 to Crook County Sept. 17. See Sept. 19 game results at osha.org.
The Sentinel has reached out to Head Coach Sarah Leonard for insight into the new season.
The Sentinel: What do you see as the challenges ahead for your team, and how do you plan to overcome those challenges?
Sarah Leonard:
One of the challenges is
we have many players who are new to the varsity level. Adjusting to the speed of play is new for many of them. We have made speed of play and intensity a goal at practices, and I know that the experience they will gain throughout the early non-league games will help us overcome this challenge.
The Sentinel: What do you hope will be the signature style, both offensively and defensively, of your team this season?
Leonard: I see us developing a defensively strong team. One of my favorite adages is “offense scores points, and defense wins games.” It’s important to score, but we also need to make sure the
other team doesn’t. Offensively, I want us to create scoring opportunities from excellent passing.
The Sentinel: Of the schools your team is scheduled to meet this season, which will be the most challenging and why?
Leonard: Marist will be a challenge for us. They have built a strong successful program that has led them to the top the league regularly. We look forward to playing them though as we know we only get better by taking on challenges.
The Sentinel: What do you hope the students will take away from their experience this season that will help them on the
field and in their lives?
Leonard: We started the season drafting a mission statement for our girls soccer program. The mission statement is:
We, as members of the Cottage Grove girls soccer program, know that our strength lies in teamwork, where each member gives their best effort every time we set foot on the field and are accountable to the team and themselves. We see our mistakes as opportunities for improvement and build each other up in the process. We emphasize strong work ethic, positivity, sportsmanship, and resilience, knowing that these qualities lead to true success in soccer and in life. Together, we strive to
embody these values, forging a path of continuous improvement and shared achievement.
This statement was created by all members of the program and embodies what we work to uphold every time we step on the field. The values in this mission statement will undoubtedly serve the student athletes both in soccer and in life. The
and
Follow game results at osaa.org and see CGHS sports feature at
State report shows record high number of challenges
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
Libraries and schools in Oregon reported the highest number of challenges to books and other materials in 2023-24 since the State Library of Oregon began collecting data. Statistics on the past year’s materials challenges and more are available in the latest report of the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse.
The Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse (OIFC) was created in 1987 to collect information about intellectual freedom challenges at libraries and education institutions in Oregon. A challenge is any attempt to remove or restrict access to a library material, service, or program based on the objection of a person or group.
The 2024 OIFC Annual Report shows that 63 challenge incidents were reported from July 2023 to June 2024 in public libraries, schools, and colleges. In total, 151 items were challenged in
those incidents, with 127 unique titles. This year sets records for the most items and titles challenged in Oregon. The previous record was set last year with 93 titles.
“This Oregon record comes amidst a similarly record-breaking national climate of challenges,” according to a release from the State Library of Oregon. “The American Library Association (ALA) reported that 2023 saw the most attempts to censor library materials since they began collecting statistics. OIFC data is reported to the ALA and compiled in their national statistics.”
According to the State Library of Oregon, the most common reasons people submitted challenges were that they felt the materials:
• Were sexually explicit or pornographic.
• Included content about people who are two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or other identities related to sexual orientation or gender iden-
tity (2SLGBTQIA+).
• Were unsuited to the age group for whom they were intended.
• Contained profanity While most challenges were to books and other materials, 21% of official challenges were focused on library services or programs, vandalism, or entire categories of materials. These included antisemitic graffiti, challenges to all 2SLGBTQIA+ books in the library, defacement of library materials, and a Pride flag in a library window being shot with a BB gun.
State Librarian Wendy Cornelisen said a clear pattern has emerged in recent OIFC reports: incidents and challenged materials are disproportionately about, by, or center the stories of individuals who belong to an underrepresented protected class under Oregon law. In 2023-24, 87% of the items challenged told the stories of one or more underrepresented groups. 66% of challenged materials focused on 2SLGBTQIA+
people, while 22% centered Black, Indigenous, or people of color.
“Library and education staff in Oregon have once again shown that they are on the front lines of defending the intellectual freedom rights guaranteed to us all by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 8 of the Oregon Constitution,” Cornelisen said. “In the face of fierce opposition and threats, these dedicated folks continue their work to ensure that everyone no matter their background sees their own experiences reflected in their school and library collections. The State Library of Oregon is committed to supporting libraries, schools, and their staff during this continuing surge in attempts to restrict the free flow of information.”
THE PRICE OF CHALLENGES
According to the to the 2024 OIFC Annual Report, the challenges increase the workload of schools and educational institutions. Review processes can last months, especially when multiple items are challenged in a single incident. That increased workload costs the organization, as staff must be redirected from other tasks. Temporary staff may need to be found to cover duties of staff involved in reviewing challenges. An organi-
ShakeOut on October 17.
“This camp-in is the perfect time to test your skills without electricity or running water, and to inventory your emergency supplies,” she said. “If possible, camp out for a night in your living room or yard. Maybe invite your neighbors to join you. Get the community involved and practice your Be 2 Weeks Ready skills.”
LOCAL AWARENESS
Lane County’s Emergency Manager Tiffany Brown is encouraging Cottage Grove residents and those across the county to be prepared not only for disasters and emergencies, but for the after events of such incidents.
“We continually engage with partners in Creswell, Cottage Grove, and surrounding areas to see how we can work together on preparedness, mitigation, and recovery efforts,” Brown said. “Our role is to serve individual communities by supporting them in their own space or by bringing them to the table to work together with other partners.”
Brown adds that social media is a powerful tool that can be incredibly valuable during emergencies
zation also may need to pay for additional review copies of materials, hire outside consultants, or incur costs related to hosting meetings, the report states.
“The psychological effects of challenges can be even more damaging, both for those working to resolve the challenge and the people who find representation in these titles. Library, school, and college staff and volunteers are regularly labeled falsely as “pedophiles” or “groomers,” or their commitment to serving children or the public is questioned,” the report states. “In at least three instances this year, staff’s safety or livelihoods were threatened. Sadly, this is likely an undercount of such threats. This abuse can result in mental and emotional distress for staff and volunteers. And that distress can lead to job dissatisfaction, burnout, and dedicated public servants leaving libraries and schools.”
Libraries experiencing intellectual freedom chal-
because it enables rapid communication across vast audiences very quickly.
“Getting, giving and sharing critical information rapidly, especially for at-risk communities, saves lives, “Brown said. “One barrier that exists during an emergency is that social media must be effectively managed, maintained, and monitored in order to be leveraged appropriately, but especially at the onset of an emergency, an agency may not have enough staff on hand to meet the need. While social media can be a force for the greater good, it also requires users to be able to distinguish between official sources and accounts that are attempting to scam people sharing inaccurate information.”
Preparedness looks a little bit different for everyone, according to Brown.
“We recommend you start by thinking about the types of emergencies likely to impact you and how you’ll need to respond from any locations where you find yourself on a regular basis (e.g., home, work, school),” she said. Brown recommends that residents consider the three key ingredients for preparing for emergencies: One. Have a plan- where will you go and how will you reunite with your people?
lenges in Oregon are also supported by the Oregon Library Association (OLA) and the ALA, according to the release. Volunteers on OLA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee respond to and advise libraries and schools during challenges, often serving as a first point of contact. ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom provides resources and consulting to help libraries prepare for and manage attempts at censorship. The State Library of Oregon relies on the expertise of both groups in its work on the OIFC. To learn more about the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse and challenges in Oregon libraries, please visit the OIFC website at https:// libguides.osl.state.or.us/ oifc or contact Buzzy Nielsen, Program Manager for Library Support, at buzzy. nielsen@slo.oregon.gov or 971-375-3486.
Two. Gather supplies and pack a kit. With the increased severity and occurrence of weather and fire emergencies in the last decade, we encourage people to try to keep two weeks of supplies on hand. This is especially good advice for rural folks who live a significant distance from common resources and even from one another.
Three. Know where to find information from official sources.
“Personal preparedness is the cornerstone of resilient communities and influences how quickly we recover,” Brown said. “The county works daily with community partners to plan and prepare for disaster, and we know that early preparation is key to ensuring a coordinated and timely response when the bad day comes. With preparedness at the forefront, September is a good time to look closely at personal, family, and community needs related to disaster planning.”
Get started at www.ready. gov or www.LaneCountyOR.gov/prepare. You can also listen to the county’s local emergency preparedness podcast, When It Hits The Fan, online at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube or www.LaneCountyOR. gov/fan.
team’s assistant coaches are Eva Murtaugh
Rex Basting.
cgsentinel.com and
Disaster A ermath From Page 4