New details are emerging concerning the multi-million-dollar Main Street Reconstruction Project.
The Cottage Grove City Council selected Wildish Jan. 27, as the contractor to conduct the multi-million-dollar renovation project. The Wildish bid was $5,155,532 00
The Sentinel reached out to Cottage Grove Public Works and Development Director Faye Stewart for the latest information.
C. RUARK
JEREMY
The Sentinel: What is the timeline for the project? When will it begin, where, and what specific
Public
MAIN STREET MEETING
Cottage Grove City Manager
5:30 p.m. Feb. 11
Cottage Grove City Hall
400 E Main St.
work will be done first?
Mike Sauerwein said the city is behind its original Oct. 1 timeline is establishing the camp, following the Aug. 22 closure and cleanup of the 12th Street and Douglas Street homeless camps. During the transition, the adjacent Lulu Dog Park at 12th Street has been used as a homeless camp site with hours from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.
Stewart: Wildish plans to begin mobilization on February 17, by fencing a portion of the city parking lot between Shampoo Dolls and Stacy’s Covered Bridge Restaurant.
Courtesy from the City of Cottage Grove
(Top) This is an aerial view of the Main Street project phasing, traffic control, and material and equipment staging area.
facing Oregon’s wildland firefighters
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
Girls Divisions with the most pins in the least amount of time.
“None of us have ever managed a homeless camp before, so we knew that date was a bit aspirational,” Sauerwein said. “We are hoping that this week we will be able to make the transition. Our goal was to provide folks with a safe and secure place to spend the night and that’s what we are doing.”
(Bottom) Portions of Cottage Grove’s Main Street are broken and pose challenges to pedestrians and drivers.
On February 24 they will begin installing the new waterline on the south side of Main Street beginning at 8th street and work to the west.
This work is scheduled to take 2 to 3 weeks to complete. Once completed they will start installation of the new storm drainage line. They anticipate completing this work by April 14
Sauerwein said city staff was cleaning up the Lulu Dog Park to reestablish it as a dog park. Specific costs of that cleanup and establishing the smaller homeless camp at 12th Street were not immediately available.
Once the lines are installed, they will begin removal of the sidewalks and street on the south side of Main Street. This work will be done in 2 phases and be completed in July.
Once completed they will begin the work on the northside of Main Street just like the southside in two phases.
The new mini homeless camp will include the same restrictions as the former larger camps.
The Sentinel: Could you provide us the range of the projects expected with the reconstruction of Main Street?
Stewart: Everything will be rebuilt and replaced between the buildings on each side of the street.
“The same rules will apply,” Sauwrwein said. “The camp will be available from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and the rules will be enforced through our contracting company, One Security of Eugene to help us during this transition period. They are a very experienced homeless camp management company.”
Trump order freezing federal funds triggers Oregon lawsuit
OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE
Oregon is suing the Trump administration after it abruptly froze many federal payments, leaving state agencies unable to access reimbursements for Medicaid and child care programs and sending state officials scrambling to determine the total effect.
Oregon’s wildfire season is expected to continue through this month, but the mental scares and impact of the season on the firefighters who battle blazes in Lane County and across the state, and their families, may last a lifetime, according to Jeff Dill, the founder of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA).
duty to protect Americans,” Kotek said.
Department of Early Learning and Care also couldn’t log in to payment management systems. Nor could the Department of Justice access a federal portal to seek reimbursements for child support enforcement — the federal government reimburses states for twothirds of those costs.
Oregonians for programs that they rely on, day in and day out.”
Kotek said Oregonians who receive health care coverage from the Oregon Health Plan and parents with children in Head Start or subsidized child care programs should continue as usual while the state government works to restore reimbursements.
Cottage Grove’s 7-year-old wrestling champion
Dill established the FBHA in 2010 following Hurricane Katrina. He was than a Battalion Chief for a fire department in northwest Chicago.
“I saw our brothers and sisters struggle from the devastation that they saw, so I went back and got my degree and became a licensed counselor,” he said. “We started tracking EMS and firefighter suicides across America.”
BehavioralImpact
Seven-year-old Nayelli Romero of Cottage Grove likes to wrestle, and she is on a mission.
According to Dill, firefighters often don’t recognize the behavioral impact of their work.
“We become cultural brainwashed,” Dill said. “Whether it’s structural or wildland fires. So, we are meant to believe we are supposed to act strong, brave, be help, don’t ask for help, and we don’t want to look weak and not ask for help.”
The Harrison Elementary student hopes to one day compete in the Olympics and then to become a wrestling coach.
Nayelli has returned from Fort Wayne Indiana after competing Jan. 25 in the KIDS USA Nationals Wrestling Championship. She became the National Champion in her division in the 8U GIRLS 50lbs Division and was awarded the Outstanding Wrestler For all 8U Girls Divisions with the most pins in the least amount of time.
Dill added that while firefighters are on the front lines battling the wildfires, one of the biggest challenges they face is the unknown.
“It’s how rapidly theses fires can move, and the unknown is where is it going to end? Where will this fire go to and how long will it last? And that is a struggle,” he said.
Nayelli’s father, Jose, said after seeing her brother wrestle for the Cottage Grove Mat Club, she wanted to try it, as long as she got to have a pink outfit to wrestle in.
CINDY WEELDREYER
For The Cottage Grove Sentinel
Gov. Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield, both Democrats, announced the suit during a brief press conference Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 28. Rayfield plans to file it with all Democratic attorneys general across the country following a Trump administration memo directing all federal agencies to “temporarily pause” awarding or disbursing any federal funding that could be impacted by a host of recent executive orders by 2 p.m. Pacific time Tuesday.
In 1975, when Birdy Hoelzle and her sister Gail opened The Bookmine they were familiar with The Village Green. Their father traveled a lot and often brought its matchboxes home as keepsakes for his girls. The sisters were in their 20’s when they opened the Main Street bookstore and, to enhance their income, worked as waitresses at the resort.
“It was a wonderful place to work and, being new in town, it
“When federal funds that are meant to serve the most vulnerable are suspended or unavailable, that has an impact on Oregonians and it’s a dereliction of the federal government’s
State agencies are still figuring out which grant programs could be affected by the order. Before former President Joe Biden left office, Kotek and members of Oregon’s congressional delegation pushed him to quickly disburse grants that had been approved by Congress. State budgets rely heavily on federal funding: In Oregon, they make up about 30% of the two-year budget — nearly $40 billion — with certain big-ticket programs, like Medicaid, receiving the biggest chunks of the funding. It’s unclear how much of that funding could be affected by Trump’s memo.
helped us meet many of our future bookstore customers,” Birdy said. She shared a humorous memory they made in the formal Iron Maiden Dining Room that drew laughter from the crowd.
But some state agencies and nonprofit providers experienced immediate impacts on Tuesday, Kotek said.
The Trump administration’s memo ordering a federal funding freeze said it wouldn’t affect funding for Head Start, which sends about $70 million a year to Oregon to provide preschool to nearly 10,000 kids in the state under the age of 5. Trump’s press secretary evaded questions about Medicaid, telling White House reporters she would provide a full list later.
Grovers gather to remember Village Green Resort
Nearly 50 people attended the Cottage Grove Historical Society’s “Farewell to the Village Green” at the Community Center, Saturday, Sept. 21. The internationally famous resort was created by Walter A. Woodard (W.A.) and his son, Carlton. Some members of the family attended and shared personal memories.
the way” during the construction project.
“Your services are safe today,” she said. “If you need medical care under the Oregon Health Plan, please keep your appointments. Please keep your care. If you’re a Head Start parent, your Head Start will be there tomorrow.”
“So, when you are fighting that fire, you’re trying to do your best to stop it, and yet the wind kicks up at 60 miles an hour and it drags it further and further behind them. That aspect of the unknown is very difficult in wildland fires. The firefighters have that stress and anxiety, and that struggle to protect is a very difficult challenge for the wildland firefighters.”
“She just took off ever since,” Jose said. “She wanted to compete, and she just kept going at a high level of wrestling. She’s been doing pretty good. We’ve traveled a lot this year to different tournaments.”
Nayelli won a world championship during competition at Reno, Nevada last year.
“My sister and I were budding feminists at the time and were quite shocked by the sexism practiced in the dining room,” she said. “The menu given to a woman had no prices on it and foot pillows were provided so ladies’ uncomfortable shoes could be removed while dining. It was a very different era.”
The Oregon Health Authority couldn’t access a Medicaid portal that allows states to enter costs for reimbursements. Preschool providers who receive funds through Head Start for low-income children and the state
“What we’re hearing from the White House is not what we’re experiencing on the ground,” Rayfield said. “We’re hearing that things aren’t going to be impacted, but the fact on the ground is that these portals are shut down, preventing us from getting access to these critical funds that are important to all
THROUGH
THELENS
Kris Woodard’s introductory remarks included personal memories he made through the lens of a 12-year-old who was often “in
He said he was given an important job of opening the boxes delivered to the guest rooms and recalled how cool he felt driving the orange golf cart around the property for assigned errands. Years later, another special memory was seeing the famous football player, O.J. Simpson, running on one of the resort’s paths.
The announcement to federal agencies stirred questions and worry and was on the top of Kotek’s mind as she met Tuesday morning with city officials and staff as part of the League of Oregon Cities’ annual lobbying day — an event that already focused on how cities and the state have been hurt
To the delight of those gathered, Kris’ brother, Casey Woodard,
It is often very difficult for family members of the firefighters to understand what emotions there are, and that many firefighters don’t express their emotions, according to Dill.
Jose said Nayelli’s participation in the sport is helping her gain essential life skills.
“She is just really focused,” he said. “She is really motivated, and it drives her to proceed. She has high hopes and high dreams and pretty good goals. To be that young and to be driven to reach her dreams is unbelievable.”
Nayelli has embraced the sport.
“We ask the family members to try to understand the cultural,” he said. “Be direct. Challenge with compassion when something doesn’t look right or doesn’t sound right, and do an internal size up, which we ask the firefighters to do as well,” he said.” Internal size up means asking why am I acting this way, and why am I feeling this way? The best thing we can do is
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
Courtesy photo In her latest competition, Nayelli Romero became the National Champion in her division in the 8U GIRLS 50lbs Division and was awarded the Outstanding Wrestler For all 8U
Click It or Ticket Campaign uses federal funds for local effort
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has funded a high visibility seat belt enforcement event began Jan. 27 and runs through Feb. 9 Law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon will use federally funded enforcement hours to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws including a law passed in 2017 increasing safety for children under age two. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly. The requirements better protect the child’s head, neck, and spine from potential crash injuries. This is because a rear-facing seat spreads crash forces evenly across the seat and child’s body while also limiting forward or sideways
motion of the head, according to a release from the Eugene Police Department. The following information is from ODOT:
•Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) crash data for 2022 shows lack of safety belt or child restraint use was a factor in 31% or 108 of a total 346 motor vehicle occupant fatalities in Oregon.
• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages one through twelve years old. In 2022 1 697 children under twelve were injured in Oregon traffic crashes, 16 percent were reported not using a child restraint system. It is estimated that car seats may increase crash survival by 71% for infants under one year old and by up to 59% for toddlers aged one to four. Booster seats may reduce the chance of nonfatal injury among four to eight
year olds by 45% compared to safety belts used alone.
• Of the 25 420 passenger vehicle occupants killed in the United States in 2022, 50% were not wearing seat belts.
• In 2017 an Oregon law was passed requiring children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly.
• The 2017 law, which extends the rear-facing requirement from the previous age one to age two, will better protect the child’s head, neck, and spine from potential crash injuries. This is because a rear-facing seat spreads crash forces evenly across the seat and child’s body while also limiting forward or sideways motion of the head.
• Seat belts are the best defense against impaired,
The campaign is designed to educate the public about
seat laws including a law passed in 2017 increasing
age two.
aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being completely
and
ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly.
• For help selecting or installing child car seats, consult the seat manufacturer’s instructions, your vehicle
Search and rescue prompts travel warning
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
First responders are urging anyone driving into Oregon’s higher elevations to be prepared for winter conditions.
The advisory follows a search and rescue in nearby Linn County where an Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife trooper encountered a vehicle on the shoulder of Highway 20 near milepost 68 and quickly determined
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, JANUARY 20
01:34: Criminal mischief, 1700 block Hwy 99
02:08: Alarm, 2000 block Getty Circle
02:56: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
09:33: Paper service, 800 block S. 2nd St.
09:49: Disorderly subject, 200 block N. 12th St.
10:38: Suspicious vehicle, 15th/Main
12:29: Abandoned vehicle, 100 block Palmer Ave.
12:35: Fire, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
17:57: Suspicious condition, R/Bryant
18:17: Suspicious condition, 200 block South R St.
the person associated with the vehicle was lost and in distress.
The 30-year-old female had left her vehicle for unknown reasons and walked up a nearby U.S. Forest Service road.
Linn County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue and an OSP Fish and Wildlife K-9 team responded to assist in the search. K-9 Scout tracked the individual and finally located her about a mile from the vehicle. Troopers
02:10: Prowler, 100 block Village Dr.
08:50: Business check, 500 block E. Main St.
09:42: Dog at large, 900 block Arthur Ave.
10:28: Dog at large, Bryant/M
11:04: Found property
11:22: Welfare check, 200 block Quincy Ave.
12:04: Dog at large, 900 block Arthur Ave.
13:06: Abandoned vehicle, 1700 block Harvey Rd.
13:26: Vicious dog, 1000 block Taylor Ave.
13:29: Info, 200 block N. 12th St.
14:15: Abandoned vehicle, 100 block E. Jefferson Ave.
14:30: Fire, 1600 block S. 9th St.
14:59: Info, 200 block N. 12th St.
15:22: Welfare check, 1400 block W. Harrison Ave.
15:27: Info, 200 block N. 12th St.
15:47: Suspicious condition, 1500 block S. 4th St.
16:12: Fire, N. River Rd/ Main
16:14: Juvenile, 1300 block S. River Rd.
16:44: Illegal dumping, 200 block Palmer Ave.
17:04: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
17:45: Juvenile, 1300 block S. 4th St.
19:41: Repo, 100 block North I St.
21:02: Fire, 1200 block S. River Rd.
21:43: Business check, 1200 block S. River Rd.
21:49: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
remained with the woman, built a fire, and provided food and emergency blankets until search and rescue members arrived with a snowcat to transport her back to the highway.
Medics from the Sweet Home Fire Department then transported the individual to an area hospital for medical evaluation.
While the rescue was underway, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office received
POLICE BLOTTER
22:02: Bike stop, 5th/ Quincy
23:17: Trespass, 200 block Gateway Blvd.
23:34: Disturbance, 400 block E. Main St.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
00:18: Motor vehicle theft, 1200 block Hwy 99
10:39: Warrant service, 1300 block Birch Ave.
11:59: Order violation, 400 block E. Main St.
13:52: Vehicle impound, 32000 block Rachel Rd.
14:31: Info, 700 block
South R St.
17:12: Disturbance, 76000 block London Rd.
17:33: Fire, 500 block Adams Ave.
18:08: Theft, 500 block E. Madison Ave.
18:33: Suspicious vehicle, 800 block E. Main St.
19:09: Disturbance, 800 block Gateway Blvd.
19:54: Motor vehicle crash, E. Main/5th
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23
01:28: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
03:44: Missing person, 200 block Cherry Ct.
09:00: Theft, 500 block E. Madison Ave.
09:59: Illegal camping, 200 block N. 12th St.
12:42: Harassment, 100 block North K St.
12:57: Abandoned vehicle, E. Washington/17th
13:10: Theft, 200 block
Gateway Blvd.
14:45: Juvenile, 1500
block S. 4th St.
14:49: Overdose, 1500
block E. Main St.
two additional calls from motorists stranded on forest roads in the snow.
“This is a good reminder for motorists to always have a plan and adequate equipment if traveling or recreating in the snow.” Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan said. “Always let a friend or family member know your destination and carry a cell phone or rescue beacon. It’s always a good idea to keep your car winter ready with safety items such as
22:50: Suspicious vehicle, 1300 block S. River Rd.
23:09: Dog at large, 22nd/ Main
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24
02:19: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
03:56: Vicious dog, 500 block Hwy 99
04:02: Nuisance, 700 block South R St.
06:34: Suspicious vehicle, 700 block E. Whiteaker Ave.
08:22: Abandoned vehicle, 400 block Quincy Ave.
09:33: Dog at large, 100 block S. 5th St.
10:03: Info, 700 block South R St.
10:43: Citizen assist, 1600 block Samuel Dr. 11:28: Fraud, 900 block Row River Rd.
12:28: Abandoned vehicle, 300 block S. 12th St.
12:29: Traffic hazard, Main/15th
12:49: Illegal camping, 200 block N. 12th St.
13:15: Agency assist, CG Lorane Rd/R
14:02: Disorderly subject, 400 block E. Main St.
14:14: Suspicious condition, 200 block E. Jefferson Ave.
extra blankets or warm clothing, extra food and water, a first aid kit, and other survival items.”
“Winter weather can be unpredictable, and conditions can change quickly,
Oregon State Police Captain Kyle Kennedy said. “This rescue was a great team effort and we are grateful this individual was quickly located and transported to safety.”
14:16: Criminal mischief, 1000 block Ostrander Ln. 16:08: Abandoned vehicle, 800 block W. Main St. 16:31: Criminal mischief, 100 block N. 10th
Cottage Groove Books & Records opens for business
Cottage Grove’s Historic District is sporting new businesses with the operators hopeful they will help the city evolve into a destination for visitors.
Greg Ingold and his wife have purchased the former bookstore at 637 E Main Street from owner Betsy Hartzel. The new store is called Cottage Groove Books & Records.
“We decided it was a cute play on the name Cottage Grove and the fact we were trying to make it a little more funkier, featuring some music,” Ingold said. “It’s a small collection. We’ve tried to appeal to a wide audience and hopefully it will expand as we buy people’s collections, and we order new as well.
The music ranges from the Beatles and Rolling Stones, early blues, to Taylor Swift.
The inside the store has also changed slightly.
“We still feature books,” Ingold said. “We tried to make more room. More space. It is a beautiful building, and we wanted to create more light, let the beauty of the building shine through, and make it a little more
navigable for customers to be able to find things.”
Ingold said as the city of Cottage Grove invests in the downtown, and new businesses come in, it will become more user friendly, more attractive, and more of a destination point.
“Because there aren’t many places around that have these four or five type of turn-of-the-century brick buildings,” he said. “So, we hope to be part of that, and even though there will be growing pains due to the Main Street reconstruction, we think that at the end of the construction it will become more user friendly, and it will become a destination point.”
He said the love of reading and that there aren’t many independent bookstores around led him to open the store.
“There aren’t too many gathering places, and we are still maintaining the Bread Club meetings here,” he said. The Bread Club began years ago when there was a bakery adjacent to the store, offering a community gather spot.
“That will continue because a lot of the people in the community really value that club,” he said. “It’s also a chance to continue to
contribute to the community in a way. To give them a nice place to gather.”
Ingold is a former cook, massage therapist and forest service wilderness ranger. His wife is a health care provide for Peace Health in Cottage Grove. One the couple’s two sons will work at the store as well.
“The timing to purchase the store was just right,” he said. “My wife has always wanted a business. Right now, it’s just us operating the store.”
Cottage Groove Books & Records is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Next week, The Sentinel visits the White Rabbit, a boutique shop offering a variety of items. Read that story in the Feb. 12 editions of The Sentinel.
Jeremy C. Ruark / Cottage grove Sentinel (Top) View of Cottage Groove Books & Records from the store’s loft.
(Bottom) Posters showing vintage record albums line the walls at the store.
Budget realities at city hall show shortfall
CINDY WEELDREYER
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The estimated beginning fund balance for the current city budget was short $309 659, so city staff has made adjustments to address the difference, Cottage grove City Manager Mike Sauerwein said during the Jan. 27 Cottage Grove City Council meeting.
Those adjustments are to not fill vacant positions, reorganize city staff and scrutinize purchasing decisions. The anticipated $5 8 million property tax revenue collected in November is now in the bank minus 5 6-percent that is still to come.
City staff is doing well managing the current 2024-25 budget as moves into its second half of the fiscal year, according to Sauerwein. The city’s budget planning cycle begins in March and April. At that time an estimate is made regarding what the cash carryover will be on July 1
Sauerwein said his rule of thumb in budget planning is three percent of property taxes will be uncollected. There are still revenues coming in along with other taxes and fees such as liquor/cigarette, franchise fees, land use permits, facility rentals.
“The General Fund department budgets are where we expect them to be at this time of the year,” he said. “If you look at the property tax revenue ($5 8M) and the combined police and library services budgets ($5 4M) pretty much our entire property tax revenue just covers those two general fund services. This is why at the upcoming retreat we need to talk about long-term sustainable funding for these two programs going forward. There is a lot more to be funded out of the General Fund than police and library services.”
He reported the revenue from the water, storm drain and wastewater (which includes the golf course) utility funds are where they expect them to be. He highlighted, beyond its primary function as a storm drain utility, the golf course
revenue is doing surprisingly well given the biggest revenue months are in April, May and June.
Public Works Director Faye Stewart said he estimated clean-up costs from the January 2024 ice storm to be $3 6M and anticipates the FEMA reimbursement check will cover 75-percent of that amount, which has yet to be received.
The Community Development and Public Works Departments provided highlights of activities and projects completed in the first half of the fiscal year.
CLEVELAND
STREET CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT AWARDED
Public Works Director Faye Stewart explained this contract is part of the City’s 61-acre Sparrow Project. Staff applied for and received $3 million from the Oregon Legislature earmarked to pay for residential infrastructure development to develop the 35 acres of residential zoned land south of town. The Council awarded $2 052 998 to Babb Construction to extend water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, and build streets and sidewalks in the planned
residential development. For the remaining amount of the legislative grant, Branch Engineering is designing a package sewer lift station the city can purchase and will allow the extension of the new utility infrastructure to other platted streets in the planned residential subdivision.
ACCOMMODATION OF UNHOUSED ON SUBFREEZING NIGHTS
Several individuals spoke during public comment expressing concern there is a lack of accommodation for unhoused individuals. A
request was made to move some pallet shelters from the mothballed Highway 99 shelter to the Dawn-toDusk camp. It was noted Community Sharing is working with the Eagan Warming Centers to operate an emergency warming shelter this winter at its Birch Avenue location. With subfreezing nights still ahead, volunteers are needed to operate the overnight shelter.
LOBBYING TRIP TO SALEM
Mayor Solesbee said she would lead a delegation attending the League of Oregon Cities’ City Day at the Capitol on Jan 28. She said it was an important opportunity to speak directly with legislators and staff about the significant challenges rural cities face with inadequate state funding.
“I personally feel, in a lot of ways, our state has abandoned us and I want to communicate that to them on behalf of our citizens,” Solesbee said.
The Sentinel accompanied the city delegation to the Oregon Legislature. Read details of what we learned in the Feb. 12 editions of The Sentinel.
Cindy Weeldreyer / Cottage Grove sentinel
The Cottage Grove City Council is beginning review of the city’s budget.
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
Kathy Mary Goplen
February 26, 1942 - January 17, 2025
Kathy Mary Goplen, born Kathleen Mary Maier on February 26, 1942, in Killdeer, North Dakota, peacefully departed from this world on January 17, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of Mary and Stanley Maier. Kathy’s journey through life was filled with love, compassion, and an unwavering appreciation for the beauty of mother nature.
Growing up, Kathy’s family relocated to Wichita, Kansas, later returning to North Dakota before embarking on a new chapter in Butte, Montana. Kathy has two brothers, Dick and Bob Maiers.
The Maier family became members of St. Patrick’s Church and school. In 1954, they moved to St. Ann’s parish, where Kathy continued her education finishing at Girls Central High School. She made many lifelong friendships in Butte which she enjoyed until the very end.
Kathy’s marriage to Herb Allen, 19641974, took them to Anaheim, CA where she spent 29 years. Kathy’s career in the medical industry brought her great satisfaction and so many friends and acquaintances. Her final six years were spent in Jerome, Idaho with her son, Chris.
Throughout her life, Kathy’s love for flowers and animals remained a constant source of joy and inspiration. Her garden was a vibrant tapestry of colors, a reflection of her nurturing spirit and appreciation for the many pleasures of life. Kathy’s home
Gordon Robert Bissell, 61, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away on January 04, 2025. Arrangements are in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium, Cemetery.
Carey II, Keylth, age 56, of Eugene, died on January 13, 2025. Arrangements made by Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium and Cemetery. If any information
was a haven for various pets, each one cherished as a beloved member of the family.
In addition to her loving legacy, Kathy Mary Goplen leaves behind a cherished family who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. She is survived by her only child, Chris M. Allen (Carolyn) of Jerome; and five stepdaughters, Melinda Bunn (Bill), Lisa Belmonte, Kristin GoplenHowes (Jerry), Nira Goplen-Barry (Don), and Greta Goplen. Kathy’s kind spirit will continue to guide and inspire them.
As Kathy reunites with her beloved mother and father in a warm embrace and the anticipation of joining her true love, Otto Ray Goplen, 1974 - 2011, we pray it brings comfort and solace to those she leaves behind.
As we say our goodbyes, let us remember Kathy Mary Goplen for the beautiful soul she was, a woman who found peace and joy in the beauty of mother nature, her love for dogs, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Kathy’s Life be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave, Jerome Idaho. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your local animal shelter would be appreciated. Memories and condolences may be shared on Kathy’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary. com.
Death Notices
is known about this person, please contact Sunset Hills Funeral Home.
Donn Charles Ellingson 74 of Eugene, Oregon, passed away on January 16 2025 Arrangements are in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
Arthur August Koivisto 79, of Eugene, Oregon,
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
Willo Dene Wilson of Creswell, Oregon, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 7, 2025. She was born on October 26, 1936, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, to Roy and Dorothy Lyon.
A proud graduate of Cottage Grove High School in 1954, Willo Dene went on to earn her degree from the University of Oregon in 1958. That same year, she married Roger Wilson, beginning a partnership filled with love and shared endeavors. The couple settled in Creswell in 1963 and en- joyed 38 years of marriage until Roger’s passing on January 27, 1997.
Willo Dene dedicated her career to education, teaching at Creswell Junior High (now Creswell Middle School) for 28 years before retiring. Renowned for her firm yet compassionate teaching style, she inspired countless students over the years. Her passion for English and History was evident in her work, and she was a trailblazer in incorporating computers into the classroom, showcasing her innovative approach to learning.
Beyond her professional life, Willo Dene and Roger owned Willowglen Kennels, where they bred, trained, and showed
passed away on January 24, 2025. Arrangements are in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
Kellie Lynn Krueger 45 of Eugene Oregon, passed away on January 14, 2025 Arrangements are in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
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
Trinity Lutheran Church 6th and Quincy 541-942-2373
Vacancy Pastor: Herb Percy Sunday School and Adult Education 9:15 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Comm. Kitchen Free Meal Tuesday 5:15 p.m. to 6:5 p.m. TLC Groups tlccg.com
United Methodist Church 334 Washington 541-942-3033 Worship 10am umcgrove.org
CRESWELL:
Creswell Presbyterian Church
75 S 4th S • 541-895-3419
Rev. Seth Wheeler
Adult Sunday School 9:15am Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am website www.creswellpres.org
Walker Union Church & Cemetery
32904 England Rd, Creswell, OR (541) 649-1800 Pastor: Randy Wood Sunday Service at 11:00 AM Everyone is welcome! Follow us on our Facebook page: WalkerChurchOregon Our Worship Directory is a
If your congregation would like to be a part of this directory, contact us today!
championship Shetland Sheepdogs. She also cherished attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, crafting handmade greeting cards and stamping projects, reading, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her brother Lance Lyon and his wife Mary Lyon of Canby; her sister Sanda Lyon of Eugene; her daughter Elena Connelly and son-in-law Ron Connelly of Creswell; her son James Wilson and daughter-in-law Loreta Wilson of Creswell; her grandchildren CJ Connelly and wife Maria, Devin Wilson, and Emma Connelly; as well as two greatgrandchildren.
Willo Dene will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to education, her creative talents, and the deep love she shared with those around her. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
Please join us in an open house celebration of life honoring Willo Dene on Saturday, March 22, from 1 pm to 4 pm at Creswell Community Center, 99 S First St, Creswell, OR
Oregon sees decline of 3,700 jobs
A key Oregon economic indicator illustrates a slowdown in job growth across the state.
Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 3,700 jobs in December, following a revised increase of 3 700 jobs in November, according to the latest Oregon Employment Department report GAINS AND LOSSES
December’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1 900 jobs) and government (+700). Declines were\ largest in leisure and hospitality (-1,900 jobs); manufacturing (-1 800); financial activities (-1,000); and retail trade (-900).
Health care and social assistance continued its rapid, consistent pace of hiring, adding 18,100 jobs, or 6 2%, in the past 12 months.
Jeremy C. Ruark / Country Media, Inc.
The Oregon Employment Department reports 2,084,954 employed and 92,561 unemployed in December.
Within this industry, social assistance added the most jobs, gaining 9,200 jobs, or 12 2%, since December 2023. The three health care industries each added between 3 300 and 4 400 jobs during that time.
December’s growth in government also capped off a year of strong performance. Its 7 000-job gain (+2 3%) was the second fastest growth over the year.
Leisure and hospitality cut 3 200 jobs in the past
two months. It employed 204 000 in December, which was 3,000 below its average during January 2023 through October 2024
Cutbacks of 1,500 jobs within semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing contributed most of the December employment reductions in manufacturing. Over the year, manufacturing dropped 2,500 jobs (-1 3%). Several durable goods manufacturing industries have shed jobs in the past 12 months: wood product manufacturing (-500 jobs, or -2 2%); machinery manufacturing (-300 jobs, or -2 2%); and transportation equipment manufacturing (-600 jobs, or -5 3%).
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4 1% in December and 4 0%, as revised, in November. The rate has consistently remained between 4 0% and 4 2% since October 2023
The U.S. unemployment rate was 4 1% in December and 4 2% in November.
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
NEWS & VIEWS
GUEST COLUMN
JUAN CARLOIS
Sentinel Guest Column
For Oregonians, this tax season ushers in a profound change in how we file our taxes. Since the advent of electronic filing, we have needed to pay a middle-man — usually a big corporation — just to carry out our civic duty to pay taxes. No longer.
This year, Oregonians will have access to Direct File. This online tool will allow some 640 000 Oregonians to easily prepare and file their returns directly with the IRS — for free. The launch of Direct File marks the start of a better way of doing taxes, one that cuts out the middleman. So use Direct File if you can. The arrival of Direct File has been a long time coming, the culmination of more than two decades of efforts to put the public interest ahead of those of, mainly, one big corporation. In 2002 as more people opted to file taxes electronically, the Bush administration floated the idea of creating “an easy, nocost option for taxpayers to file their tax return online.”
But such talk from the White House triggered alarm bells at Intuit, maker of TurboTax.
The company, which reaps billions every year from tax filers, launched “a sophisticated, sometimes covert war to prevent the government” from creating its own tax filing software, ProPublica detailed in a lengthy investigation. Its tactics in this war have included aggressive lobbying and big campaign contributions. They have also included cutting a deal with the government to provide some tax filers a free filing option and then reneging on that deal.
But in a major win for ordinary folks, the IRS — equipped with new resources after years of shrinking budgets — finally developed its own tax filing tool. Last year the agency tested Direct File in 12 states. The reviews by users were overwhelmingly positive.
This tax filing season, Direct File has expanded to
13 more states, including Oregon. Since beginning on January 27, hundreds of thousands of Oregonians are now able to use this free IRS tool. Currently, Direct File does not work for those who itemize their tax deductions or who have business income to report. To see if you are eligible, you can visit directfile.irs.gov.
Once users submit their federal return using Direct File, the system will direct them to Oregon’s own Direct File system, launched last year. Because the two systems are synced, users won’t have to re-enter their information from the federal return.
Besides synching with Oregon Direct File, this year’s version of Direct File has additional functionality, compared to the initial product tested last year. This year, the tool will pre-populate personal information and certain figures from a filer’s W-2 These kinds of improvements point to a future where many more users are able to use Direct File, and where tax filing becomes easier and easier. The benefits of Direct File go beyond sparing users from having to spend money just to pay their taxes. In eliminating the complexity and cost of filing taxes, Direct File removes a key obstacle preventing people from claiming tax credits designed to help families make ends meet. Tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit are an excellent way to make families more secure, but they
only work if families actually claim the credit by filing a tax return.
Intuit has not taken Direct File lying down. It has been spending more money than ever lobbying Congress to kill the public tax filing tool.
Doing Intuit’s bidding, a group of House Republicans issued a letter in December calling on the incoming Trump administration to pull the plug on Direct File.
Fortunately, it looks like Direct File will remain in place for the time being.
That was the message from Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.
Asked point-blank by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden about the future of Direct File, Bessent said, “I will commit that for this tax season, Direct File will be operative.”
The threat to Direct File may have eased in the short term, but you can be sure that Intuit won’t stop trying to preserve its massive cash cow. The best way Oregonians can push back against efforts to derail Direct File is to use the tool.
For too long, Oregonians have had to go through a middle-man to file taxes. But now, Direct File has arrived, providing a better way to file taxes.
Juan Carlos is the Oregon Center for Public Policy’s Communications Director. He may be reached at 971-279-4732
Beds for (sub) Freezing Nights (BFN) began in 2009 to provide a warm place to sleep when the average night temperature dipped below 29 degrees. Thanks to the help of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, the First Presbyterian Church, and over 50 volunteers, guests had a warm place to sleep.
From 2009 to 2019, BFN opened its doors an average of 16 nights a season (high of 26) welcoming an average of 6 guests a night (high of 18).
And then COVID hit.
For the 2020-2022 seasons, BFN was not necessary thanks to the work of the city, providing pallet shelters, space and electricity, and to Community Sharing who managed and operated the site.
Following COVID, for the 2022-2023 season, BFN resumed their mission at the two churches, but only a few guests were helped. It was discovered that guests did not want to forsake their campsites to go to BFN from fear that their gear and supplies would be stolen.
Last year, with the city offering camping spots, and Carry it Forward providing a program using the pallet shelters at the Hwy 99 site, BFN went on pause.
This past summer, the BFN Board began discussing reactivating the warming shelter program. There were three unknowns.
1) Due to the beginning of the 7 p.m – 7 a.m city camping site, was there a continuing need for BFN?
2) Could BFN find a designated site that would not require the setting up and taking down of the cots each night of activation?
3) Could BFN recruit enough volunteers?
Courtesy photo Beds for Freezing Nights has been a community all volunteer group that provided a warm place to sleep on the cold winter nights for those in need.
The Board realized that it would not know the answer to question # 1 unless they activated. So, a search for a designated site began.
The city offered the 99 site, pending Council approval, but the BFN Board found it would be difficult to supervise. OLPH offered its fellowship hall once again, but, after recruiting efforts, not enough people volunteered to allow BFN to operate safely this winter.
Due to these challenges, BFN made the decision to initially continue to be on pause for this season as it explores other options of helping those in need on the coldest nights of the year.
With less community involvement, BFN has now decided to close its doors for good.
Current BFN Board
Chair Johanna Zee honored the founding BFN members for their contribution to helping those in need during a critical time: Ken Boone, Lezlee Craven, Fred and Lise Colgan, Cindy Slaymaker, Tara Salusso, Cindy Weeldreyer, and Steven Greer.
Zee also thanked subsequent board members, volunteers, and contributors who he said selflessly gave of their time and resources.
“And much appreciation to the City for their generous offer, and use of their space during COVID, and to the contributing churches,” Zee said. “It was truly a community effort.”
“As BFN dissolves, we want to support other community groups that are doing their part in supporting the homeless, at risk youth and families,” Current BFN Board Secretary and Communications Director Jim Markus said. “We will be awarding two local organizations in the coming months, who we feel exemplify a shared mission.”
Markus said BFN also is donating the remaining supplies to the city to be used for emergency shelters as needed, and that the city has made some of those supplies available to Community Sharing to support its attempt to provide those in need with a warm place to sleep on the coldest of nights. McDonalds Gift cards, often handed out after a night of activation, have also been donated to Community Sharing.
During our recent colder days, Beds for Freezing Nights has collaborated with Community Strong Cottage Grove to distribute needed warming supplies to the community’s unhoused neighbors.
“While BFN wishes it could have done more, we remain thankful for the season of care that we were able to offer our guests on the coldest of winter nights,” said Steve Nisewander, logistics coordinator, board vice president, and avid volunteer for many years.
20% Not often
by reduced federal funding for infrastructure.
She told city leaders she was frustrated by the federal government’s lack of clarity, and that she was doing everything she could to figure out what was going on.
“I’m a little frustrated this morning because I’m hearing we’ve got money streams being gummed up and actually stopped,” Kotek said. “That does not help anybody. I just want you to know we’re on the case, and we are trying to figure it out, because as the folks in the local communities providing the services, you need to know what’s going on, and we’re going to do everything we can to figure that out.”
Frozen funds have
broad range
Medicaid serves 1 3 million low-income Oregonians and the federal government pays for about two-thirds of that budget. That funding is vital to ensure that people get treatment when they need it, including for cancer treatment, surgeries, chronic health problems, addiction and mental health services.
Many other programs in Oregon rely on federal money. According to a list posted by Sen. Ron Wyden’s office, a freeze could touch people across the state and in many areas of life, from public safety and addiction treatment to suicide prevention, veterans care, schools, small businesses and tribes.
Rayfield said he was deeply concerned about impacts across the board, including federally qualified health centers, which provide care for low-income Oregonians, regardless of their
ability to pay or whether they have insurance.
The community health centers work across the state, from urban Portland to rural communities with migrant farmworkers.
“Not getting this funding could mean that some individuals and families in Oregon won’t have access to basic medical services, like doctor screenings and chronic disease management and early interventions,” Rayfield said. “That is because a freeze in funding would force these centers to reduce hours, cut staff or even close locations, particularly in rural areas.”
It could also affect legal aid, according to Disability Rights Oregon, which provides legal assistance to people with disabilities, foster children and people in the Oregon State Hospital.
“This is a cruel attack on some of our most vulnerable Americans,” said Jake Cornett, the organization’s executive director and CEO. “We’re going to do everything within our power to make sure this freeze doesn’t impact our services in the near term, but we may be forced to reduce services if the funding pause persists.”
The affected funding includes federal grants and programs meant to collaborate with states and tribes on wildfire prevention, home hardening and community wildfire resilience, and grants providing financial assistance to firefighters. Karl Koenig, president of the Oregon State Fire Fighters Council, said he was very concerned about the pauses in federal funding.
“As the Oregon Fire Service returns from our deployment in California we cannot fathom any suspension or elimination of any of the numerous grant programs you listed,” Koenig
7th will be 4 way stops, the sidewalks will be widened from 9 5’ to 12’, etc.
The Sentinel: What is the estimated duration of the reconstruction, when is it expected to be completed?
sidewalks, concrete street, benches, trash receptacles, trees, add planters, new street
water fountains, drip watering system for hanging
event power
tree lighting, new
and
banner
for
the street, sparkling
along main street 4’ wide and at the intersections, each insertion will be level with the sidewalks creating a raised intersection, the south portion of 7th street from Main south to the alley will be level with intersection and adjoining sidewalks to create the event/festival area next to All America Square Park, the intersections of 5th, 6th, and
Stewart: Wildish is anticipating having the project completed by the end of 2024. There may be some small punch list items to complete in early 2025
The Sentinel: How is the city alerting local businesses and visitors about where the work will be conducted, what will be done, when, and what travel options are in place?
Stewart: Communication is vital. City Manager Mike Sauerwein spoke to the CG Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Jan. 23, sharing details of the project and answered questions regarding impacts, timing, etc.
said. “We are reaching out to our Congress members to get a sense of what is going to happen moving forward.”
About 14% of Oregon’s annual education budget comes from the federal government, amounting to more than $1 billion each year.
That includes more than $160 million from the U.S. Department of Education under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. The money supports staff and programs for the more than 80 000 students with special needs in the state’s 197 school districts.
At a news conference to discuss high school graduation data Tuesday, Oregon Department of Education Director Charlene Williams said the agency is trying to understand possible impacts.
“We’re doing what everyone else is doing in terms of really trying to make sense of everything and get people good information around next steps,” she said. “So, as we know more, we’ll share.”
In September, the federal education agency announced it would send Oregon more than $11 million to help support reading instruction, and potentially more than $50 million by 2035
A list of affected programs published by Politico also includes incentives and research and development grants under the CHIPS Act, a bipartisan 2022 law intended to grow the semiconductor industry. Shortly before Biden left office, his administration announced that Oregon State University, HP in Corvallis and Analog Devices in Beaverton would receive a combined $203 million in CHIPS Act funding. It wasn’t immediately clear Tuesday whether that funding, or hundreds of millions in previously announced CHIPS awards to
There will be a property owner/business owner meeting on February 11 5:30 at City Hall. Notice will be hand delivered this upcoming week.
We will be sending out regular newsletters regarding project updates, text messages, emails, Friday Updates, and Construction Corner updates on the city website. There will be regular if not daily visits by Shauna Neigh, Mike Sauerwien, and myself checking in with property owners and businesses to insure everything is going as planned and address any issues and or concerns.
The Wildish project manager will be onsite to communicate with business and owners throughout the project.
Oregon companies, will be affected.
The Nonprofit Association of Oregon sent out an email Tuesday afternoon advising any nonprofits in the state that have federal funding to request a drawdown before 5 p.m. Eastern time. They said they expect the federal pause to last 30 to 60 days.
“There is significant uncertainty about how broad this order extends. Regardless of its reach, we are certain this action will effectively halt many billions of dollars in federal grants and loans to organizations across the country and appear to leave many other federal payments in jeopardy — including grants and loans issued to charitable nonprofits, research bodies, community projects, and more in Oregon,” association officials wrote in the email.
The National Council of Nonprofits, of which the Nonprofit Association of Oregon is a member, sued in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Tuesday to block the White House Office of Management and Budget from pausing all federal agency grants and loans. Congressional delegation responds Officials from the Oregon Health Authority and departments of human services, education, environmental quality, agriculture, forestry and transportation did not immediately respond to requests for details about specific cuts or deferred to Kotek’s office.
But some Democratic members of Oregon’s congressional delegation were quick to react:
“Chaos is not leadership,” Wyden said. “Ransacking resources from Oregonians counting on federal support for local law enforcement, schools, small businesses, firefighters,
the traffic control. City staff will work with businesses to reroute deliveries that are impacted by the closures.
The Sentinel: What has been done so far in preparing to help businesses remain open and to help customers get to and from the businesses in the work zone?
Stewart: City staff is beginning the outreach now that we understand how the business, owners, and residential tenants may be impacted by the project.
Under Wildish’s proposal they anticipate the sidewalk/ store entrance closure to be 2 to 4 hours during demolition and 1 to 2 days for pouring the new sidewalk.
veterans and more hurts each and every community I am honored to represent. My team and I are working overtime right now to hold this lawless administration accountable for trampling the Constitution and make sure that everyone depending on these funds aren’t left in the cold.”
Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, also the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, said Trump’s order is unconstitutional and will ripple through local communities.
“The President is not a king, and the laws Congress passes are not suggestions,” Merkley said. “The Trump administration must follow the law and immediately reverse this shameful order. Federal funds are the foundations for our schools, hospitals, and law enforcement and fire departments.”
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said Trump’s move will shut down essential services for Oregonians across a range of areas.
“Federal funding, including grant funding, gives Oregonians and Americans better opportunities and better access to quality health care, housing, education, infrastructure, scientific advancements and much more,” Bonamici said. “This will harm families, workers, and the economy, and in some cases cost lives. I will do everything I can to get this funding restored.”
U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum said the decision threatens Oregonians’ ability to pay for groceries, rent and education.
“There’s uncertainty about which programs will and will not be impacted and which bills Americans will and will not be able to pay,” Bynum said in a statement. “This is irresponsible, unproductive, and exactly what Americans have said they want to see less of in Washington.”
hope that no businesses will be closed, and we can facilitate access throughout the project.
Main Street parking on one side of the street will still be allowed and side street parking will be maintained. Business patrons will still have access to park and visit businesses. City staff have been working on events and treasure hunts to bring people downtown to the business during the construction. Keep an eye out as information on the events come out.
The city will also be working with the Chamber and Downtown Cottage Grove to promote other ways of drawing people downtown.
U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter said Trump’s order is cruel and creates uncertainty and confusion for people.
“This is a great betrayal of Oregonian who have planned around these programs and funding,” Dexter said. “Trump’s chaos is wreaking havoc on our communities and nation by upending our ability to rely on federal programs that serve so many.” And U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas condemned Trump’s move as an “illegal theft” of taxpayer dollars.
“With the stroke of his pen, President Trump is ordering an unprecedented steal that will take critical resources away from our police, firefighters, veterans, growers, and working families here in Oregon and across the country,” she said. “Oregonians will immediately feel the effects of Trump’s steal at a time when most folks are already struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table.” The Trump administration on Wednesday, Jan. 29, rescinded the memo.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/01/29/dc/ trump-spending-freeze-memothat-provoked-confusionchaos-rescinded/ https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/01/28/ oregon-officials-scramblingto-respond-to-trump-orderfreezing-many-federal-funds/ 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.
people that are missed. I encourage everyone to call myself or City Hall to get the information. Getting the information from the source is better than second hand. Lastly it is important to listen, honor what is heard, and strive to address everyone’s concerns when possible.
The Sentinel: Is the City providing any regular communication on its website to give the public the latest details about this project and contact information for those who may have questions or concerns?
From February to April during construction there will be one way traffic from east to west. It will be reopened at the end of the work day and weekends to two way traffic. Once the street and sidewalk construction begins, the one way traffic from east to west will be in place until the sidewalks and street work have been completed. There will be signage and traffic plans distributed to explain
This work will be coordinated with each business and property owner and it is our hope that the work can be completed when the business is closed. Secondary access to the residents living along Main Street will allow 24-hour access during the needed sidewalk closures.
The city has paved the backlot alley ways to improve access and remove tripping and fall concerns. We are working on adding exterior lighting to the locations that will need the alley access into the buildings. It is the City’s
The Sentinel: What are the challenging factors involved with this project and how will the city successfully navigate through those challenges?
Stewart: One of the challenges in any project is the unknown. What will be found when the work begins? There is over 100 year’s time and changes buried under the street and sidewalks, what will we find that was missed in design and research?
Another is communication.
We strive to communicate and get the information out but it seems there are always
Stewart: Yes, here is the link to the city website, Construction Corner | Cottage Grove Oregon. My email is pwdirector@cottagegrove. org and my phone number is 541-767-4120
The Sentinel: Feel free to add any other comments you might have.
Stewart: This has been 15 plus years in the making and it is exciting to see the project get underway.
Follow developments online at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
Classified
LADD CONSTRUCTION, LLC
New or remodel, decks, siding, windows, doors, shops, fences. 541-913-1541 ccb# 239015
CGS 25-103
TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TS NO.:
24-70686 Reference is made to that certain Deed of Trust (hereinafter referred as the Trust Deed) made by
TONY L GALUSHA as Grantor to FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE CO, as trustee, in favor of COUNTRYWIDE BANK, FSB, as Beneficiary, dated 2/15/2008, recorded 3/5/2008, as Instrument No. 2008-012205, in mortgage records of Lane County, Oregon covering the following described real property situated in said County and State, to-wit: BEGINNING AT A POINT
19.0 CHAINS AND 98 LINKS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE WILLIAM G. SIMPSON DONATION LAND CLAIM NO. 55, IN TOWNSHIP 17 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST OF THE WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN; RUNNING THENCE SOUTH 5.0 CHAINS EAST 4.0 CHAINS, NORTH 5.0 CHAINS, WEST 4.0 CHAINS TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING IN SECTION 24 AND 25, TOWNSHIP 17 SOUTH, RANGE 6 WEST OF THE WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, IN LANE COUNTY, OREGON. EXCEPT THEREFROM THAT PART WHICH LIES WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE WILLIAM SIMPSON DONATION LAND CLAIM NO. 55, IN SAID TOWNSHIP AND RANGE IN LANE COUNTY, OREGON. SITUATE IN THE COUNTY OF LANE, STATE OF OREGON. The street address or other common designation, if any for the real property described above is purported to be: 88837 FAULHABER RD ELMIRA, OREGON 97437-9714 The Tax Assessor’s Account ID for the Real Property is purported to be: 0514743 /17-06-25-20-00800 Both the beneficiary and the trustee, ZBS Law, LLP have elected to foreclose the above referenced Trust Deed and sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by the Trust Deed and a Notice of Default and Election to Sell has been recorded pursuant to ORS 86.752(3). All right, title, and interest in the said described property which the grantors had, or had power to convey, at the time of execution of the Trust Deed, together with any interest the grantors or their successors in interest acquired after execution of
the Trust Deed shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder for cash to satisfy the obligations secured by the Trust Deed and the expenses of sale, including the compensation of the trustee as provided by law, and the reasonable fees of trustee’s attorneys. The default for which the foreclosure is made is: The monthly installment of principal and interest which became due on 5/1/2024, late charges, and all subsequent monthly installments of principal and interest. You are responsible to pay all payments and charges due under the terms and conditions of the loan documents which come due subsequent to the date of this notice, including, but not limited to, foreclosure trustee fees and costs, advances and late charges. Furthermore, as a condition to bring your account in good standing, you must provide the undersigned with written proof that you are not in default on any senior encumbrance and provide proof of insurance. Nothing in this notice should be construed as a waiver of any fees owing to the beneficiary under the deed of trust, pursuant to the terms and provisions of the loan documents. The amount required to cure the default in payments to date is calculated as follows: From: 5/1/2024 Total of past due payments: $4,196.22 Late Charges: $81.50 Additional charges (Taxes, Insurance, Corporate Advances, Other Fees): $606.00 Trustee’s Fees and Costs: $2,130.00 Total necessary to cure: $7,013.72 Please note the amounts stated herein are subject to confirmation and review and are likely to change during the next 30 days. Please contact the successor trustee ZBS Law, LLP, to obtain a “reinstatement’ and or “payoff’ quote prior to remitting funds.& emsp; By reason of said default the beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by the Trust Deed due and payable. The amount required to discharge this lien in its entirety to date is: $73,143.00Said sale shall be held at the hour of 11:00 AM on 4/4/2025 in accord with the standard of time established by ORS 187.110, and pursuant to ORS 86.771(7) shall occur at the following designated place: At the front entrance of the Courthouse, 125 East 8th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401 Other than as shown of record, neither the said beneficiary nor the said trustee have any actual
notice of any person having or claiming to have any lien upon or interest in the real property hereinabove described subsequent to the interest of the trustee in the Trust Deed, or of any successor(s) in interest to the grantors or of any lessee or other person in possession of or occupying the property, except: NONE Notice is further given that any person named in ORS 86.778 has the right, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale, to have this foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred) and by curing any other default complained of herein that is capable of being cured by tendering the performance required under the obligations) of the Trust Deed, and in addition to paying said sums or tendering the performance necessary to cure the default, by paying all costs and expenses actually incurred in enforcing the obligation and Trust Deed, together with the trustee’s and attorney’s fees not exceeding the amounts provided by ORS 86.778. The mailing address of the trustee is: ZBS Law, LLP 5 Centerpointe Dr., Suite 400 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 (503) 946-6558 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 & lsquo; beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. 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. Dated: 11/19/2024 ZBS Law, LLP By: Amber L. Labrecque, Esq., OSB#094593 ZBS Law, LLP Authorized to sign on behalf of the trustee A-4829594 01/15/2025, 01/22/2025, 01/29/2025, 02/05/2025
CGS 25-105
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will hold a Public Auction on Feb.10th, 2025, at 11:00AM at Simply Storage 79177 North River Rd. Cottage Grove, OR 97424. The personal property heretofore stored with the undersigned by: A06 - Adam McDaniel, A27 - Terissa Richardson, S07 - Terissa Richardson, A33 - Jen Hoch, T13 - Jackson Simmons, V14 Summer Tracy. Date of first publication Jan. 29th, 2025..
CGS 25-109
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kimberly M. Fitzgerald has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of ANITA L. SULLIVAN, deceased, Lane County Circuit Court Case No. 25PB00756. 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: 02/05/2025. /s/ Kimberly M. Fitzgerald, Personal Representative
CGS 25-110
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Katharina Lee Erickson has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of CLEMENT HERBERT HOWELL, deceased, Lane County Circuit Court Case No. 25PB00733. 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
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: 02/05/2025. /s/ Katharina Lee Erickson, Personal Representative
Chamber celebrates 2024 accomplishments, looks ahead to 2025
Business operators, city leaders, and others took a moment to look back and look ahead during the celebration of the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce.
The gathering occurred during the Chamber’s annual luncheon Thursday, Jan. 23 at the Elks Lodge.
During the event, new officers were installed, a review the organization’s 2024 accomplishments was conducted, and a detailed presentation was given on the soon-to-begin Main Street Improvement project.
The Chamber’s mission is “to promote economic vitality through advocacy and collaboration with its members and the larger community.”
President Cameron Reiten presided over the noontime meeting at the Cottage Grove Elks Lodge. In his “State of the Chamber” address he proudly highlighted for the 58 lunchtime attendees the successful events offered to Chamber members and the community in 2024 that fulfilled that mission.
“I’m so proud to be a part of this vital organization,” Reiten said. “We have 250 members with a 90-percent membership retention rate. We welcomed 34 new members in 2024, I think that’s quite impressive.”
The Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of educational, promotional and networking opportunities throughout the year.
NETWORKING EVENTS
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Last year the Chamber hosted a city council candidates forum, moderated by the Cottage Grove Sentinel Editor Jeremy Ruark and KNND Radio General Manager Cameron Reiten that drew 70 in attendance and 50 online. The everyother-month Breakfast Club featured guest speakers with useful topical information on current trends that benefit businesses.
BUSINESS
SUPPORT EVENTS
During last January’s historic ice storm Executive Director Georgia Haskell was in the office serving as a clearing house of emergency information to support local businesses. She also led an effort to financially assist nine small business owners with replacing their expensive
The monthly Business After Hours, hosted by different businesses, saw steady growth in attendance on the third Thursdays. Last summer the Chamber partnered with the Cottage Grove Speedway to showcase member businesses to hundreds of spectators. Two new networking events were introduced in 2024: a spring bowling tournament and a summer golf tournament.
windows that were vandalized. In partnership with the Woodard Family Foundation, the City of Cottage Grove, Lane Community College, Small Business Development Center, and the Regional Accelerator Innovation Network (RAIN), the Chamber offered a Business Plan Challenge.
The Challenge attracted 21 entrepreneurs with 12 making a pitch for funding to begin or expand a local business. A total of $25 000 in cash and prizes were awarded.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
It was a full year of producing crowd-pleasing community events. Attendance doubled last year at the 11 summer Concerts in Bohemia Park. Thousands of trickor-treaters scored lots of candy during the Main Street Halloween Trick or Treat event.
On the first Saturday in December the Chamber partnered with other organizations, businesses (and Santa Claus) to promote Christmas in Cottage Grove activities all over town that included
the community tree lighting ceremony. Last year’s annual Chamber Banquet & Awards Ceremony drew 240 attendees to the Armory and presented four community and business awards.
INSTALLATION OF 2025
MEMBERS
BOARD
Mayor Candace Solesbee ceremonially installed the new and continuing members of the board of directors. They are:
Cottage Grove City Manager Mike Sauerwein was the guest speaker and provided a presentation illustrating how the construction project will be staged to minimize as much as possible the disruption to downtown businesses.
Reiten told the group, “Helping our downtown businesses navigate through the big changes that are coming will be one of our main endeavors this year. We will continue to be a conveyor of information with the forums and by providing visitor information. We will also continue to offer our popular community events.” The Cottage Grove Chamber office is located at 836 E Main Street in Cottage Grove and may be reached at 541-942-2411
Officials warn SNAP users to prevent fraud
LYNNE TERRY Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregonians who receive supplemental federal food benefits need to be more vigilant than ever against fraud, officials say: If their monthly benefits are stolen, they’ll be gone for good. In the past, the federal government replaced benefits lost to fraud, but that policy changed late last year. The federal government is no longer
Champion
From Page 1
replacing stolen benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. That could mean a total loss of tens of thousands of dollars in SNAP benefits in Oregon, primarily through “skimming,” according to officials from Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. That happens when a device is inserted into a credit card reader and steals financial information when the card is run through the reader.
Only a small minority lose their benefits this way. Oregon has nearly 447,000 households receiving SNAP benefits. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 20, nearly 200 households had their benefits stolen, losing $77 000 in food aid.
The average household receives $310 in SNAP benefits, which are not meant to foot an entire food bill, but the money is often crucial for those who need it.
She also likes to play soccer and work out. Away from the wrestling mat and soccer field, Nayvelli said she enjoys camping with her family.
“I like to go to tournaments and hang out with my teammates,” she said. “Preparing to get ready for the competition is challenging, so i I work hard in practice.”
Who We Are is a Sentinel feature highlighting the people in our community.
Jake Sunderland, press secretary for the Oregon Department of Human Services, said SNAP users should take several precautions to protect themselves from fraud:
Only manage your account through the ebtEDGE website or mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Freeze your card right away after each use and unfreeze it before you make purchases and block purchases made outside of
The federal government, which oversees food aid, is no longer reimbursing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Oregon or online through Cardholder.ebtEDGE.com.
Keep your PIN secret and cover the keypad when you enter it.
Check your account activity regularly and cancel your
card immediately if you see purchases you didn’t make.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/briefs/officials-warnsnap-users-to-prevent-fraud/ 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.
Cindy Weeldreyer / Cottage Grove Sentinel Chamber of Commerce President Camron Reiten presented
State
the Chamber message to nearly 60 members during
Cindy Weeldreyer / Cottage Grove Sentinel
Mayor Candace Solesbee conducted the installation of the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce 2025 Board of Directors at the Elks Lodge ceremony.
CINDY WEELDREYER
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Courtesy photo from Justin Sullivan / Getty IMAGES
