the U.S. Post Office location. Those at the Hell No to Dismantling the Postal Service rally held signs that read, Keep Postal Service Public, U.S. Mail Not for Sale, and Hands Off Our Postal Service.
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
“I am concerned that privatizing the post office is going to close post offices particularly in rural areas,” Cottage Grove resident Jessica Bittner said as she stood at the rally.
Public works crews are in the process of establishing a new smaller homeless camp site at the vacant lot on 12th Street in Cottage Grove.
“We need to call it a public service and support it through taxes.”
Cottage Grove City Manager
City Council deliberates stronger nuisance ordinance
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.
“Our whole federal system is under threat for failing to follow the rule of law,” said another protester, who declined to give his name.
Organizers of the local rally held Sunday afternoon, March 23, handed out a flyer that stated: “Any effort to privatize or restructure USPS is a direct threat to millions of households and businesses, especially in rural America.”
Postal Service.
“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.”
The flyer said the protests held across the nation are to protect the jobs of 640,000 USPS employees, including 73 000 veterans.
The Cottage Grove rally was organized by the Blackberry Pie Society in response to the significant changes being made to federal institutions in the past two months under President Donald Trump’s administration.
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.
Jeremy C. Ruark / Cottage Grove Sentinel (Bottom) Citizens gathered near the post office in Cottage Grove holding signs protesting against the dismantling, restructuring, or privatizing the U.S. Postal Service.
The protest in Cottage Grove coincided with a similar rally and march held in Portland to support postal workers. Sentinel reporter Cindy Weeldreyer contributed to this story.
The new mini homeless camp will include the same restrictions as the former larger camps.
“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.”
“Cottage Grove will follow state law as we understand it,” Sauerwein said. “That is what we are doing. To change that is up to the legislature. The city of Cottage Grove has no plans to do any kind of a shelter beyond what we are
‘Caution - Rough Roads Ahead’ ODOT states in highway report
Oregon’s highway system is facing ongoing challenges as the condition of many roads continues to decline, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation’s 2024 Pavement Condition Report.
The report highlights that while 87% of Oregon’s 18,000 lane miles of pavement are still in fair or better condition, the quality of roads is slipping, with the percentage of “good” pavement reaching its lowest point since 2001
CINDY WEELDREYER
For The Cottage Grove Sentinel
and underlying base materials can become excessively damaged and complete replacement (e.g. reconstruction) becomes necessary and can cost six to ten times higher, or even more. Timely maintenance and preservation are by far the most efficient way to preserve the investment, ODOT officials state in the report.
Cottage Grove City officials describe a proposed nuisance ordinance as “another tool in the toolbox” to address chronic nuisance properties.
The mental health impact facing Oregon’s wildland firefighters
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
During the Cottage Grove City Council’s February meeting, residents of the Sunrise Ridge neighborhood made their voices loud and clear in opposing Community Sharing’s request to create a temporary warming shelter at its location at 1445 Birch Avenue.
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).
The residents’ testimonies described unpleasant encounters with homeless individuals that made them fearful and frustrated with garbage left behind. They cited the long vacant former hospital property and Community Sharing as locations that bring homeless people into their neighborhood.
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.”
Behavioral Impact
According to Dill, firefighters often don’t recognize the behavioral impact of their work.
After the nonprofit’s request for the donation of 13 city-owned pallet shelters was denied, at the end of the meeting, Mayor Candace Solesbee said she has had conversations with the mayor of The Dalles about how well its nuisance ordinance is working. For discussion purposes, she requested staff provide a copy of the 1998 ordinance to review with the city attorney.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
“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.”
Dill added that while firefighters are on the front lines battling the wildfires, one of the biggest challenges they face is the unknown.
The Dalles ordinance outlines 11 statutory offenses in state law. It states, “It is a public nuisance for any person in charge of property to permit, or any person to cause to exist, any place or business where patrons, employees, residents, guests, visitors, or occupants engage in a pattern of behavior in a neighborhood that involves three or more instances of the commission of any of the listed offenses.”
The report points to a significant decline in the number of roads classified as in “good” condition. Over the past decade, the amount of pavement rated as good has decreased, and without adequate maintenance, many roads in fair condition are at risk of deteriorating into poor condition within the next few years.
helped us meet many of our future bookstore customers,” Birdy said.
In 1975, when Birdy Hoelzle and her sister Gail opened The Bookmine they were familiar with The Village Green.
ODOT’s goal is to preserve the condition of Oregon’s highways through regular maintenance.
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.
In the past 20 years, ODOT has managed to maintain a paving cycle of about 25 years. However, this is set to dramatically increase to a 500year cycle by 2030. This will limit the ability to repair and preserve many roads, particularly non-interstate routes, which will see fewer repairs moving forward.
Grovers gather to remember Village Green Resort
She shared a humorous memory they made in the formal Iron Maiden Dining Room that drew laughter from the crowd.
BACKGROUND
“As roads age, maintenance needs become more complex and costly,” ODOT states in a release. “Timely maintenance, such as resurfacing and crack sealing, are the most effective way to prevent roads from further deterioration and to extend their service life.”
“It was a wonderful place to work and, being new in town, it
“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.”
Pavements are load-carrying structures that degrade over time due to the cumulative effects of traffic, weather, and material aging. To keep them properly maintained and out of poor condition, they must be resurfaced or rehabilitated at periodic intervals.
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.
THROUGH THE LENS
Typical ranges of service life are 10 to 30 years for asphalt-surfaced pavements and 40 to 60 years for concrete pavements. When pavements are resurfaced at or before the end of their service life, degradation is typically confined to the surfacing only and theb pavement’s foundation and base layers remain protected.
the way” during the construction project.
Over the last 20+ years, Pavement funding has been relatively flat at around $100 million per year, with supplemental funds adding another $20 to $40 million per year, according to the ODOT report’s executive summary.
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 Dalles ordinance also requires the Police Chief to document a “pattern of behavior in the neighborhood” where one or more patrons, employees, residents, guests, visitors, or occupants of the place or the business has been arrested or issued a citation for violation of three or more of any of the statutory offenses that occur over any 12-month period at the place or the business or within 300 feet of it.
“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. “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.”
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.
Kris Woodard’s introductory remarks included personal memories he made through the lens of a 12-year-old who was often “in
However, if resurfacing is delayed for too long, the pavement structure
To the delight of those gathered, Kris’ brother, Casey Woodard,
“With this investment, ODOT accomplished an average paving cycle of 25 years with pavement conditions holding steady, although we still weren’t able to get to the worst roads or the most expensive projects,” ODOT officials state in the executive summary.
Once the Police Chief designates a nuisance property, the owner is given 14 days to propose a course of action that the police chief agrees will stop the prohibitive actions. If an owner fails to respond to the legal notice or if the agreed upon course of action fails, the City may initiate litigation against the property owner. It allows the City Attorney to take legal action to close the property or impose civil penalties against any or all of the persons in charge of the property. Prior to going to trial, if the property owners agree to stop
“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
Cottage Grove and follow new developments at cgsemtinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
JEREMY C. RUARK
CINDY WEELDREYER
Courtesy photo from Greg Lee (Top) Local citizens rallied along Main Street in support of the U.S.
Courtesy from ODOT
The outlook for state highway pavement is “caution - rough roads ahead,” the executive summary states. See the Highway Condition by Region graph with this story at cgsentinel. com.
Flood scam alert issued by Department of Emergency Management
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
As Cottage Grove and other cities across the state grapple with the aftermath of devastating flooding, the Oregon Department of Emergency (OEM) management is warning of scams associated with the flooding.
The OEM is urging residents to remain cautious and informed to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes, particularly those involving online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe.
The EOM is warning that scammers may exploit the generosity of Oregonians by creating fake fundraising campaigns or misrepresenting their intentions.
“Scam attempts can come via phone calls, mail, email, text, or in-person visits,” the OEM states in a release.
To help protect yourself and your donations, OEM officials recommend that you double check your charitable donations.
• Verify the campaign’s authenticity: Only donate to fundraisers created by individuals or organizations you know and trust. Look for detailed and transparent information about how the
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, MARCH 17
04:35: Citizen assist, 500 block Grant Ave.
08:54: Abandoned vehicle, E. Chamberlain/N. 11th St.
funds will be used. Verify fundraisers’ legitimacy on the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable page of registered organizations.
• Check for secure websites: Ensure the fundraising platform uses a secure connection (look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser). Avoid clicking on suspicious links shared via email or social media.
• Be cautious about personal information: Do not share sensitive details like Social Security numbers or financial information with unverified individuals or groups.
• Monitor for identity theft: Regularly check your credit report for any accounts or changes you do not recognize. If you suspect identity theft, file a complaint at IdentyTheft. gov. If you think your identity has been compromised, freeze your accounts.
• Report suspicious activity or fraud: If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-877877-9392 or visit www. oregonconsumer.gov
• Protect your donations from charity scams:
09:27: Theft, 900 block Row River Rd.
09:38: Fraud, 500 block Creswood Dr.
10:19: Suspicious condition, 100 block Hwy 99
10:49: Citizen assist, 1300 block S. River Rd.
12:03: Dog at large, 200 block Cherry Ct.
13:26: Theft, Geer/11th
13:38: Child abuse, 1300 block Birch Ave.
16:10: Theft, 900 block W. Main St.
16:23: Welfare check, 100 block N. 22nd St.
16:51: Found dog, Lord/ Lane
17:14: Disorderly subject, 1100 block W. Main St.
Avoid cash donations; use checks or credit cards for security. Look for transparent fund usage plans. Sign up for scam alerts from the Oregon Department of Justice Scam Alert Network.
As residents begin recovery efforts, fraudulent contractors may target those needing home repairs or cleanup services. OEM urges residents to avoid contractor scams for cleanup and repairs.
• Research contractors thoroughly: Verify that the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. Check for reviews, references, and ratings through trusted sources such as the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
• Get written estimates: Obtain multiple estimates for the work and ensure they’re detailed and in writing. Be cautious of contractors who demand large upfront payments or offer unusually low prices.
• Avoid high-pressure sales tactics: Don’t rush into signing contracts or agreeing to services. Take your time to make informed decisions.
• Never pay in cash: Use checks or credit cards, as
these payment methods provide a paper trail and added security.
o Beware of door-to-door solicitors: Scammers often approach residents with unsolicited offers. Always verify their legitimacy and credentials before proceeding.
The OEM also suggests these key fraud prevention reminders:
• Public aid is free: There are no costs to apply for assistance or participate in inspections.
POLICE BLOTTER
17:36: Abandoned vehicle, 5th/Washington
18:26: Wanted subject, 200 block N. 12th St.
18:42: Warrant service, 900 block Row River Rd.
19:22: Illegal parking, 10th/Harrison
20:24: Disorderly subject, 800 block S. 3rd St.
20:27: Warrant service, 900 block Row River Rd.
19:22: Illegal parking, 10th/Harrison
20:24: Disorderly subject, 800 block S. 3rd St.
20:27: Warrant service, 100 block W. 5th St.
21:03: Disturbance, 200 block N. 12th St.
21:21: Abandoned vehicle, 700 block N. 9th St.
21:26: Agency assist, 1500 block Red Hills Pl.
22:37: Trespass, 200 block S. 11th St.
23:02: Agency assist, London/Whites Creek Rd.
TUESDAY, MARCH 19
00:18: Drug Activity, 600 block S. 5th St.
00:28: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
04:05: Suspicious vehicle, 800 block E. Whiteaker Ave.
17:40: Suspicious vehicle, 700 block E. Gibbs Ave.
17:40: Suspicious condition, Hwy 99/S River Rd.
• Verify government workers: Government workers always carry identification badges and never ask for or accept money.
• If something feels off, trust your instincts: Contact law enforcement to confirm the validity of claims.
• Follow trusted Information sources: Stay tuned to local media and official social media for reliable updates on the disaster and fraud prevention tips.
OEM officials said they are committed to supporting
18:11: Illegal camping, 1700 block Belmont Ave.
18:39: Dog release, 400 block N. 14th St.
20:41: Suspicious vehicle, 1100 block Hwy 99
21:09: Welfare check, 1500 block E. Main St. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19
00:40: Disturbance, 100 block N. 16th St.
07:46: Welfare check, N. Lane/Thayer
08:23: Juvenile problem, 1600 block E. Grover Ave.
10:10: Abandoned vehicle, Benjamin/8th 10:24: Abandoned vehicle, 1000 block E. Jackson Ave.
10:46: Found property, 400 block N. 14th St.
11:20: Info, 400 block Adams Ave.
11:58: Illegal dumping, 1700 block N. Lane St.
12:06: Harassment, Hwy 99/Main
13:37: Motor vehicle crash, 80000 block Davisson Rd.
14:22: Theft, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
14:27: Disorderly subject, 80000 block Hwy 99
15:00: Welfare check, 100 block S. 6th St.
16:49: Abandoned vehicle, 100 block N. 16th St.
17:42: Hit and run, 900 block E. Main St.
17:59: Warrant service, 200 block N. 12th St. 20:21: Illegal camping, 1700 block Belmont Ave.
22:17: Warrant service, E. Whiteaker/6th THURSDAY, MARCH 20
00:38: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St. 01:28: Motor vehicle crash, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
02:03: Trespass, 200 block Gateway Blvd.
02:28: Trespass, 1500 block E. Main St.
02:36: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
10:05: Order violation, 200 block Pond Turtle Way
10:10: Juvenile problem, 1500 block S. 4th St.
13:57: Agency assist, 188 SB
13:59: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St. 14:16: Illegal parking, 3200 block Row River Rd.
disaster survivors and preventing fraudulent activities that hinder recovery efforts by working together to protect communities, ensure donations reach those in need, and safeguard survivors from fraud and identity theft.
For more information about disaster recovery in your area contact your local Office of Emergency Management. If you have questions or concerns about any donation requests you have received, contact your local law enforcement.
14:59: Juvenile problem, 1300 block S. River Rd.
15:30: Child abuse, 800 block S. 7th St.
17:51: Abandoned vehicle, 16th St.
17:53: Warrant service, 1000 block E. Main St. 19:08: Warrant service, 800 block S. 1st St.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21
02:05: Citizen assist, 9th/Whiteaker
02:09: Suspicious vehicle, Quincy/6th
04:06: Suspicious subject, 400 block N. 14th St. 04:25: Suspicious vehicle, 300 block Hwy 99
09:20: Trespass, 200 block Gateway Blvd.
10:31: Disorderly juvenile, 700 block South R St.
12:45: Sex crime, 1000 block Hillside Dr. 15:41: Vicious dog, 1100 block W. Main St.
15:58: Disorderly subject, 1500 block Village Dr. 16:21: Disturbance, 700 block Hwy 99
17:33: Alarm, 500 block Hwy 99
18:21: Hit and run, 400 block N. 9th St. 20:56: Disturbance, 100 block S. 21st St.
SATURDAY, MARCH 22
00:29: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
00:48: Suspicious vehicle, 100 block S. 10th St. 02:47: Nuisance, 200 block N. Gateway Blvd.
07:59: Agency assist, 1600 block Curry Ave.
08:46: Warrant service, 200 block N. 12th St.
10:48: Welfare check, 300 block N. Lane St. 12:33: Illegal parking, 3200 block Row River Rd.
12:50: Citizen assist, 400 block E. Main St.
13:28: Welfare check, Main/8th
13:44: Order violation, 31000 block Lynx Hollow Rd.
14:00: Fire, 1200 block Hwy 99
14:16: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
15:23: Warrant service, 100 block S. 16th St. 15:30: Citizen assist, 1600 block Daugherty Ave.
Courtesy from Nancy Ryan
Residents of Riverstone Mobile Home Park at Cottage Grove were forced to shelter in place during the March 15-16 flooding.
Chamber 2024 Business of the Year Award: 5
CINDY WEELDREYER
by the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce to receive its Business of the Year Award.
Danny and Candace were born and grew up in Cottage Grove. Danny has lived all 65 years of his life in The Grove. Candace moved away briefly then returned home to stay.
The Sentinel: What is the history of 5 Flying Monkeys?
Candace and Danny
Solesbee: We love whimsical fun names (Candace named her styling salon Shampoo Dolls) and we love the Wizard of Oz story. We have five children between us and my daughter who died in 2003 had the number 5 as her sports number. Her number was retired at the high school after her death. So, the number 5 is special to us, and who doesn’t like monkeys… especially flying ones.
The Sentinel: Describe the business and how many people are involved.
Candace and Danny Solesbee: When the previous owner of Victoriana’s wanted to sell the building and move away we were very disappointed and decided to buy it to keep it going. It is run more like a co-op with vendors renting a space and all of us work together to source and supply the store with
unique items. We work hard to provide something for everyone, from antiques to collectables, jewelry, clothing, household items, and decorations. We currently have 20 vendors who love what they do and love the thrill of the hunt for items that need a new home.
The Sentinel: Describe what makes you proud to be a Grover.
Candace and Danny Solesbee: Both of us are third generation Grovers
and have roots that run deep here. We love the historical aspects of this community and, after getting married, we committed ourselves to doing all we can to keep that heritage alive and well in our hometown. We spend a lot of time in the Bohemia mountains and stay involved in the workings of this amazing community.
The Sentinel: How do you feel about winning the award?
Soup served up for all
Candace and Danny Solesbee: We feel so blessed and appreciative to have been chosen by the Chamber of Commerce. It’s a great honor to be added to the long list of businesses that work so hard to meet the needs in this community.
Look for Chamber of Commerce Award Winner profiles at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
JEREMY C. Ruark / Cottage Grove Sentinel
Danny and Candace Solesbee with their award in front of the couple’s 5 Flying Monkeys business on Main Street in Cottage Grove’s Historic District.
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Courtesy photo from Greg Lee
Debbie Lavios serves the Split Pea with Ham soup to Cameron Reiten and Duane Taddei during the event.
Sandra Rice
Obituary for a Cherished Woman of Strength and Grace
07/28/49 - 03/23/2025
On March 23, 2025, the world lost a truly remarkable woman, Sandra Louise Rice, who passed away at the age of 75. Born on July 28, 1949, she lived a life full of love, strength, and resilience — a woman whose spirit was as enduring as it was inspiring. She was the beloved wife of Douglas Rice of Oakland, Oregon. Together, they shared a beautiful life and partnership after being married on August 27, 1983, in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Their love was a shining example of devotion and companionship. Along with their many memories, Sandra and Doug shared a special bond with their beloved dog, Iris, who brought them both joy and comfort. She was a loving mother to Brenda and her husband Rob Frazier of Hermiston, Scott Wolfard of Oakland, Oregon, and Tracy and his wife Kristie Wolfard of Florence, Oregon. She also leaves behind three grandsons — Cody, Danny, and Dylan — and three greatgrandchildren, all of whom she adored. She was a strong, spirited woman who loved the outdoors, camping, and gathering with family to laugh at every opportunity. She found peace in nature and joy in time spent
APRIL - JUNE
Cottage Grove Historical Society monthly presentations ay 10 a.m. third Saturdays at the Cottage Grove Community Center, 700 E. Gibbs Ave. Free, hour-long presentations feature aspects of CG history and surrounding communities. Upcoming topics: April 19: Kalapuya History presented by David Lewis, May 17: The Bookmine, 50th anniversary Celebration, June 21: Slabtown History
APRIL - DECEMBER
Cottage Theatre 2025
Upcoming Plays: Mary Poppins April 4-27, Nevermore: The Imaginary Life & Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe June 6-22, The Tempest Aug 8-24, Guys & Dolls Oct 3-16 and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Dec 5-21. Single ticket prices: Adults, $29 & Youth 18 and younger, $15
with those she loved most. A true fighter, she bravely battled and beat breast cancer, facing it with the same grit and determination she brought to every challenge in life. She was a tough cookie with a heart full of love and a soul that always sought out the bright side, no matter the circumstances. Her positive outlook was contagious, and she taught those around her the value of resilience, gratitude, and embracing the simple moments. She leaves behind her loving sisters — Josephine Anderson of Cottage Grove, Sheryl Brown of Oakland, Oregon, and Sue Collins of Springfield, Oregon — who will miss her dearly. She also leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and unwavering love — a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. At her request, her family will gather for a celebration of life this summer at Wilson Creek in Cottage Grove, Oregon — a place dear to her heart where the cherished memory of her marriage proposal took place. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors or gather with loved ones — just as she would have wanted.
Robert J Murtaugh
Robert J Murtaugh born to Joseph and Gertie Murtaugh on 12/30/30, in Hastings, MN. He died peacefully at home on 3/7/25. Bob was one of seven brothers. Donald, Tom and Jerry predeceased. John, Bill and Pete are his survivors. Bob joined the Air Force at age 17 and spent 22 years there. He married Sara Strauch in 1956. They had two children Rob (deceased), and Susan (husband Steve). He is survived by his wife,
Batson 71, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away on March 22, 2025
Arrangements are in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
Joshua Ivan Driscol 47, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away on March 17, 2025
Arrangements are in the care of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Crematorium & Cemetery.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Mary Poppins adult tickets are $35. For more information or to purchase tickets contact www. cottagetheatre.org or call the box office at 541-942-8001
APRIL 5
Family Relief Nursery Annual Spring Gala, Saturday, 5 p.m. Doors Open. Program begins at 6 pm. at the Cottage grove Armory. “Growing Brighter Futures” is the theme of this year’s fundraising dinner. Activities include silent and live auctions, a dessert dash, heads or tails, and a gift from the heart. The agency provides support and education that strengthens local families and prevents child abuse. To register: visit https://auctria.events/ FamilyReliefNurserySpringGala
APRIL 11
Cottage Grove High School Lion Pride Pageant, 7-9 p.m. at the school’s Cafetorium, 1375 S. River Road. Annual fundraiser
for the Children’s Miracle Network supporting Riverbend Hospital’s NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit. A fun evening of music, skits and a celebration for the competing teams that culminates in a crowning ceremony.
APRIL 25-26
The Bookmine 50th Anniversary Celebration, Friday Art Walk 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. -5 p.m. at 702 E. Main Street in the Cottage Grove Historic District. Celebration of this milestone for Cottage Grove’s oldest bookstore and community gathering place.
APRIL 26
Free Compost Giveaway, from 12 p.m to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Center for Rural Livelihoods, 80574 Hazelton Road. Presented by Lane County and Center for Rural Livelihoods. Also available after May 3 at Community Sharing.
16:00: Welfare check, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
18:30: Business check, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
21:06: Suspicious subject, 300 block Hwy 99
21:31: Suspicious vehicle, 2700 block
23:12: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
23:21: Suspicious subject, 8th/Whiteaker SUNDAY, MARCH 23
02:16: DUII, River Rd/ Main
Cottage Grove Humane Society “Pins for Pets” Fundraiser, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Cottage Bowl, 740 Row River Road. Inaugural Cosmic Bowl and “Caught in the Act’ Karaoke
05:21: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
07:23: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
08:26: Dog at large, 2500 block E. Main St.
09:54: Hit and run, 200 block N. 16th St.
12:45: Suspicious condition, 3300 block Row River Rd
12:54: Disorderly subject, River Rd/99
13:02: Agency assist, Exit 174 NB Off-ramp
13:15: Fire, Gettings Creek Rest Area
13:53: Alarm, 100 block Village Dr.
14:59: Disorderly subject, 3200 block Row River Rd.
with Jared. Standard prices for games and shoe rental. Bring your family and friends, bowl a few games, sing a few songs and help raise funds to support pets in our community.
15:07: Suspicious condition, 17th/Madison
15:12: Animal info, 200 block Cherry Ct.
16:48: Disabled vehicle, Harrison/99
17:52: Suicidal subject, 500 block N. River Rd.
21:55: Nuisance, 800 block Arthur Ave.
21:57: Motor vehicle crash, 6th/Grant
22:26: Suspicious vehicle, Bohemia Park
22:29: Alarm, 2000 block Getty Circle
22:48: Suspicious vehicle, 100 block Hwy 99
23:48: Juvenile problem, 3300 block Row River Rd.
Kenneth
Sandra Jane Strom 74, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away March 20, 2025
Arrangements are in the care of Smith-LundMills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
Marvin Krush, 79, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away March 15th, 2025. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday March 29th, 2025, 11:00am at St. Thomas More UO Newman Center, Eugene, OR.
Jeremy C. Ruark / Cottage Grove Sentinel Trees all around Cottage Grove are blossoming out as spring arrives.
NEWS & VIEWS
Job losses, unemployment rate rises
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
The statewide unemployment rate was 4 5% in February and 4 4% in January, after rising gradually over the past year from 4 1% in February 2024, according to the Oregon Employment Department.
Oregon’s 4 5% unemployment rate was the highest since August 2021, when the rate was 4 7%, and slightly higher than during the three years prior to the COVID recession that started in 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4 1% in February and 4 0% in January.
GAINS AND LOSSES
In February, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 100 jobs, following a revised gain of 3 500 jobs in January. February’s gains were largest in professional and business services (+1 700 jobs); information (+700); manufacturing (+600); and government (+500). Declines were largest in construction (-2 200 jobs); private educational services (-900); and financial activities (-700).
DOWNWARD TRAJECTORY
Two industries within professional and business services bumped up hiring in February. Professional and technical services added 1 300 jobs on top of adding 1,100 in January. This followed a gradual downtrend of 1,500 jobs during the prior 22 months. Meanwhile, administrative and waste services added 400 jobs in February; however, despite the one-month gain, this industry was on a choppy downward trajectory during much of the past two years, having cut 5 600 jobs since its all-time high of 106,600 in March 2022
Payroll employment grew slowly over the past 12 months, adding 18,500 jobs, or 0 9%, in that time. Job gains were strongest in health care and social assistance (+14 000 jobs, or 4 8%) and government (+8 700 jobs, or 2 8%). Meanwhile, manufacturing shed the most jobs of the major industries (-6,000 jobs, or -3 2%). Construction (-1 800 jobs, or -1 5%) and retail trade (-1,800 jobs, or -0 9%) each declined substantially since February 2024
Fisheries and groundwater: A tale of two resources
WILLIAM JAEGER Oregon Capital Chronicle
Among renewable natural resources, ocean fisheries and groundwater aquifers are arguably the most difficult to manage.
They are also very similar: both are hidden below the surface; both are highly variable and uncertain; both are typically exploited by many users in different locations; and both support people’s livelihoods directly and indirectly, and benefit other stakeholders, species, and ecosystems.
Both resources also have a history of failures. As fishery exploitation around the world exceeded sustainable levels, fish populations crashed. The North Atlantic cod fishery and UK groundfish fisheries collapsed in the 1970s and ‘80s, and Pacific salmon, South American whitefish, and others experienced comparable fates.
Similarly, groundwater has declined around the world for decades, including in the U.S. high plains, southern coastal plain, and parts of Oregon.
Overextraction of groundwater has led to high pumping costs, seawater intrusion, land subsidence, streamflow depletion, dry wells, and degradation of groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
Studies and experiences from many countries identify three key design principles for managing these resources: 1) cap total resource use; 2) allocate the total among resource users; and 3) allow managers to adjust the cap as needed. These design principles have been effective, particularly in fisheries using Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) systems or “catch shares.”
In the U.S. southeast, an ITQ fishery has seen profits equaling 34% of revenues versus a nearby traditionally-regulated fishery barely breaking even. Iceland and New Zealand have seen similar results. And after the U.S. west coast groundfish fishery was declared a disaster in 2002, an ITQ system was adopted, leading to a 37%
increase in profits per vessel in a decade.
Unfortunately, these three design principles have rarely been effectively applied to groundwater resources. Beginning in 1927, Oregon applied the “prior appropriation doctrine” to groundwater. This system, previously established for surface water in many western states, adjusts to shortages by allocating water based on seniority (i.e., historical first use). Junior water rights may not interfere with senior water rights’ access to their allotted water.
For surface water, interference is easily detected by examining streamflows above and below diversion points. For groundwater, interference is not directly observable, can involve many wells across large areas, and can occur gradually over decades. Thus, proving interference to a legal standard has been unachievable. The bottom line is that Oregon’s groundwater laws do not include the third design principle: managers cannot adjust the cap.
So, although the law, which requires protecting senior groundwater rights from interference, exists “on the books,” it is inoperable and routinely ignored. In its place, ad hoc and cumbersome administrative procedures have been activated where large groundwater declines occurred.
In 1959, eastern Oregon’s Cow Valley was the first basin to be designated a “critical groundwater area.” However, there, as in many other designated basins in Oregon,
groundwater levels have continued to decline.
In Oregon’s Harney Basin, widespread groundwater declines have been evident for many years, with groundwater levels declining more than 60 feet in some areas. Many senior wells, including residential and livestock wells, have gone dry due to interference – including from more junior wells [10].
The un-enforceability of the seniority system has created a crisis for the community and water resource managers: both senior and junior permit holders view their permitted water allotments as inviolable, even as groundwater levels decline.
Thus, unsurprisingly, ongoing negotiations between Harney Basin irrigators and Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) appear headed toward deferring groundwater stabilization until at least 2060 Meanwhile, environmental flows feeding the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, already lowered by more than one-third, will continue to decline.
OWRD staff have been given an impossible task, akin to driving down a winding road with bad brakes, no reverse gear, and a view mainly out the rear window. Oregon’s groundfish fisheries might have faced a similar crisis, except that ITQs provide a kind of “GPS” to navigate resource uncertainty and variability.
An even better model to point to, however, is the “riparian surface water rights” system used in the eastern U.S.
Landowners adjacent to water sources have individual rights to “reasonable use” of water, and shortages are accommodated by imposing equal proportional reductions. Were such an approach adopted in Oregon, the state’s guiding principle of “reasonably stable groundwater levels” could be accomplished with similar equal proportional reductions until groundwater levels are stabilized across hydrologically-connected areas. Changes of this magnitude would require considerable political fortitude and use of the governor’s statutory authority, but in the long run it would provide OWRD with the three design principles needed to effectively manage groundwater.
Dr. William K. Jaeger is a professor in the Department of Applied Economics, Oregon State University, and the lead author of “Advancing sustainable groundwater management with a hydro-economic system model: Investigations in the Harney Basin, Oregon.” Water Resources Research, 60(11), 2024 https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/03/19/fisheriesand-groundwater-a-tale-of-tworesources/
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.
Turning coffee grounds into food packaging
SEAN NEALON Sentinel Guest Article
Oregon State and Korea researchers have made a key advance in turning spent coffee grounds into food packaging materials that can extend the shelf life of products.
An estimated 60 million tons of spent coffee grounds are generated worldwide annually. Most end up in landfills and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. That has led researchers to study other uses for coffee grounds, such as incorporating them into biofuels, cosmetics, catalysts and composite materials, including concrete, and now food packaging materials.
Coffee grounds are challenging to work with because tightly bound lignin, a complex organic polymer in plants that makes them rigid, is difficult to break down, said Jooyeoun Jung, an assistant professor at Oregon State University.
Jung, graduate student Cecilia Hernandez-Hosaka, and other scientists from Oregon State and the Rural Development Administration in South Korea studied two pretreatment options, one using formic and acetic acid and the other using ethanol. They cooked the spent coffee grounds with the two treatment options at high temperatures.
They found that the ethanol pretreatment provided the best results, significantly lowering the unwanted impurities, producing celluloserich materials that are desirable for eco-friendly packaging materials. Once the solvent-based pretreatment was complete, the researchers pulped the grounds and used a low concentration of peracetic acid, an eco-friendlier alternative
to traditional pulping methods that use other chemicals.
The peracetic acid helps lighten the grounds and create a cellulose-rich concentrate that resembles paste or mashed potatoes. The paste can be diluted as needed and
An estimated 60 million tons of spent coffee grounds are generated worldwide annually. Most end up in landfills and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
then dried for various packaging applications.
The researchers can incorporate bioactive ingredients, which are substances found in plants and foods that can have desirable biological properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, into the packaging materials.
“We’ve shown that it’s possible to turn spent coffee grounds into biodegradable packaging products instead of throwing them out,” Jung said. “This could aid the coffee industry by turning a waste product into a valueadded, eco-friendly product.”
Still, more research is needed, Jung said. Future efforts will focus on refining
COTTAGE GROVE:
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
Holy Mass: Saturday Vigil – 5:30 pm Sunday – 10:30 am For weekday and Holy Day of Obligation schedule see website OLPHCG.net
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the mechanical processing of the cellulose material to enhance its ability to resist things such as light, moisture and oxygen.
Research will also seek to improve the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the packaging to extend food product shelf life. Ultimately, a large-scale facility will be required to process spent coffee grounds for commercial applications.
The researchers believe coffee grounds could be used to make different food packages, including sheets between sliced cheese, pads underneath fresh meat and pads in clamshell containers used to package strawberries.
The findings were recently published in the Journal of Food Science. Other co-authors were Yanyun Zhao of Oregon State and Bo-ram Park of the Rural Development Administration in South Korea
The Oregon State researchers have also previously studied turning other agricultural waste products, including from apples and grapes, into packaging materials. They are also currently working with hemp stalks.
Sean Nealon is a news editor at Oregon State University’s University Relations and Marketing Department. He may be reached at sean.nealon@ oregonstate.edu.
ST. ANDREWS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1301 W. Main • 541-767-9050
Rev. Lawrence Crumb
“Scripture, Tradition, Reason” Worship: Sunday 10:30am All Welcome
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 6th and Quincy 541-942-2373
Vacancy Pastor: Steven Spencer 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 6:15 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
If your congregation would like to be a part of this worship directory, contact us today!
the unlawful activity, the City may agree to give the person 10-60 days to rectify the situation.
If the court determines the property is in violation, the person in charge of the property is subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 00 per day for each day prohibited activities occur on the property. If the court authorizes city officials to physically secure the property, the owner must pay for staff costs to do this and pay the City’s court fees.
LEGAL PRESENTATION
In presenting The Dalles ordinance during the council’s March 24 meeting, Cottage grove City Attorney Carrie Conley said many Oregon cities have adopted similar nuisance ordinances with more current language and she would bring back a proposed ordinance for adoption “that makes sense for Cottage Grove.”
She added, “Idea behind it is not a hammer to be used on every offender. It is a tool in the tool belt to obtain voluntary compliance by working with a property owner. We are not going to use this against targeted properties. We’re going to try to get voluntary compliance. If this doesn’t work, we have a considerable record if it goes to court.
Conley said Cottage Grove city staff is supportive of adopting this type of ordinance that goes farther than the current one to address chronic private property offenses and would be combined into one nuisance code.
From a policy perspective, Conley said the Cottage Grove City Council needs to decide the number of offenses and the period of time required for the problem to be solved before any legal action is taken. She said 12 offenses in 90 days would be a high threshold to trigger the ordinance. Most councilors said
they would support a thriftier response.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
During public testimony, Bruce Kelsh noted The Dalles ordinance was used in court against St. Vincent de Paul for repeated violations. Kelsh expressed concern about the cost of potential litigation in a time of a budget shortfall and
“This is not to attack or target a business or nonprofit. It is another tool in the toolbox. I look at it as a good neighbor policy. It’s about behavior and not homelessness.”
Candace Solesbee, Cottage Grove
Mayor
questioned how far the city would go to enforce it.
Kelsh asked the council, “What would be the limits the city would go to in shutting down an organization? Would it close down a church offering meals to those who need them or the local food bank serving low-income citizens?
How do you establish a clear link between a charitable or nonprofit organization and behaviors that take place physically outside of that organization that create health and safety issues and who determines that?
Another citizen, Johanna Zee, said she supports the proposed ordinance and believes its intent is not litigation but an invitation for people to do better.
“When the status quo is not working we always have to reevaluate,” Zee said. “(The ordinance) is a way of stating our community expectations. I am concerned with some of the fear-based narratives out there that are really sabotaging the work we’re trying to do here to help people be accountable for their actions. I’m asking that we look at a different perspective of this ordinance. It’s not punitive but an invitation for individuals to do better.” I don’t think it is intended to be abused in any way.”
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
In the council’s lengthy and deliberative discussion, the mayor and councilors supported the creation of an ordinance that strengthens the current one.
“This defines the goal of promoting a safe, clean and orderly community and accountability for those who are not (meeting that goal),” Councilor Christine Hynk said.
Some raised concern that the ordinance would primarily impact businesses and property owners because of the inability to hold individuals accountable for their illegal activities.
“This is an inferior broken class system where if we can’t hold individuals accountable for their actions, we shift the responsibility to property owners because we can hold them accountable,” Councilor Greg Ervin said,
“This is not to attack or target a business or nonprofit. It is another tool in the toolbox,” Solesbee said. “I look at it as a good neighbor policy. It’s about behavior and not homelessness.”
OTHER
COUNCIL BUSINESS
• Representatives of Travel Lane County and the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce presented their annual reports.
• The Council approved a grant application to receive an Oregon Health Authority’s Drinking Water Protection grant.
• The City’s approved reimbursement grant from Lane County, to install a generator and air filtration system in the Community Center to serve as a Resiliency Hub in emergencies, is on hold due to the desire of President Trump’s administration to evaluate national grant programs for cost savings.
• Due to time constraints, the Police Department’s annual report was tabled until the next meeting on April 14 Follow developments online at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
Pavement funding was significantly reduced in the 21-24 STIP cycle and going forward, approved pavement funding levels for the 27-30 STIP have been reduced even more and are only $33 million per year.
“Even before considering inflationary effects, this funding level is about one-third of where it has historically been and translates to roughly one paving project per year. With funding through 2030, the equivalent paving cycle time is 160 years and after 2030 it is on a 500 year cycle, which is unsustainable,” the executive summary states.
“ODOT’s structural revenue issue is forcing the agency to dramatically pull back on our pavement maintenance and
preservation efforts,” ODOT Delivery and Operations Administrator Amy Ramsdale said. “Without additional revenue or revenue reform, the quality of Oregon’s highways will significantly decline in just a few years.”
OTHER KEY FINDINGS
• The number of roads in poor condition has been increasing, with more expected to deteriorate in the coming years.
• Asphalt roads typically last between 10 and 30 years, while concrete roads last 40 to 60 years, depending on weather and maintenance.
• After 2027, non-interstate routes will receive little to no paving, affecting overall road quality.
The ODOT report emphasizes the importance of proactive maintenance to slow the deterioration of the state’s roads and prevent more costly repairs down the road.
While ODOT officials said the agency has managed to meet key performance goals for pavement condition in the past, the growing backlog of maintenance needs and the increasing age of the state’s roads present significant challenges in maintaining these standards in the future.
The outlook for state highway pavement is “caution - rough roads ahead,” the executive summary states. “Without a change of course, there will be rapid declines in pavement condition, resulting in diminished safety and higher vehicle repair costs for Oregonians traveling on rutted and potholed roads. Also, Oregonians will pay more to repair failing pavement than it would have cost to preserve and maintain them in a state of good repair.”
For more detailed information, visit the 2024 Pavement Condition Report on ODOT’s website.
Courtesy photo from ODOT
ODOT uses this photo illustrating the highway deterioration.
Courtesy photo from Sean Nealon, Oregon State University. Packaging material made by Oregon State University researchers using spent coffee grounds.
Fast Fact
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CGS 25-119 NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Lorane Rural Fire Protection District, Lane County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, will be held at the Fire Station at 80287 Old Lorane Road. The meeting will take place on the 10th day of April 2025 at 6:30 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comments from the public on the budget. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on April 7, 2025, at the Fire Station at 80287 Old Lorane Road, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. This meeting is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. Published April 2nd, 2025
CGS 25-120
Green Gables Mini Storage will be conducting an online lien auction for the following storage units due to non-payment. Auction will be posted at Bid13.com and will begin at 11:00am on 4/9/25 and
Priority Care
When your health can’t wait. peacehealth.org/priority-care
TRACK & FIELD
Depth for the boys, title holder for the girls
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The Cottage Grove High School girls track and field team head into the 2025 season as defending state champions. Depth will be the key this season for the boys team, according to Head Coach Ricky Knutson. Thirty-two students have turned out for the two squads. The Sentinel reached out to Coach Knutson for his insight into the new season.
The Sentinel: At this early point, what do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the teams?
Ricky Knutson: Boys team: Carter Bengtson is the defending state champion, and the boys team returns every runner from last year’s district championship team. Depth will be the biggest
Metro
underway.
strength for the boys team as we may have one of the deepest rosters in school history. We will have JV runners in our program that would be varsity and allleague in other programs.
Micah Hanke had a breakout track season last spring and will be an important contributor as a sophomore. Our biggest challenge will be to close the gap between Carter and our 2 - 5 runners.
Girls Team: The girls are also defending district champions (first time in school history) and they return a strong roster as well. Ella Cardwell (11) and Maddison France (12) are returning all-state runners. Allison Palluck (12), Hailey Fergason (10) and Carly Knutson (9) round out the top 5. A challenge for the girls team will be depth. The recent addition of Emmerson Bickford (11) who will be splitting time with the soccer team will help.
The Sentinel: What specifically areas of team building are you and your assistance coaches stressing this season and why?
Knutson: We have big goals again this season, but the focus always remains on the process each day.
If the student athletes are consistent and pay attention to details such as post run work, rest and recovery then good things will happen.
Great things take time to build whether it’s athletics, academics, or relationships.
The athletes have bought in to the concept and have been putting in work all summer to prepare for the season.
The Sentinel: What high schools do you see as the most challenging to compete against this season?
Knutson: Boys: The Newport boys are the defending state champions, and they return a bulk of their team this season.
They also return the biggest individual challenger (Finn Collison) to Carter in his quest to repeat as state champion. Philomath, Crook County and The Dalles will also return solid squads.
The boys are ranked #5 in the state in the preseason coaches poll and will need to get past at least one of those programs if they want to bring home another state
there will be a battle for second place. Junction City, Crook County, The Dalles, and Stayton are all strong teams this season. The girls are currently tied for 4th place with The Dalles in the coaches’ poll to start the season. If the girls team can make it to the state meet healthy then they have a chance to fight for the first top four finish in school history.
SCHEDULE
The CGHS girls team is scheduled to compete April 4 at the Oregon Relays at Hayward Field in Eugene.
The CGHS boys team is scheduled to compete April 15 at the Sky-Em JV Meet at Cottage Grove High School. See the CGHS boys and girls track and field season schedule at osaa.org.
Follow meet results at osaa.org and look for CGHS sport features online at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
Cottage Grove High School Sports Roundup
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
The Cottage Grove High School (CGHS) baseball team hosts Glide in non-league action April 4. The CGHS team is scheduled to play 12-league games beginning April 12, according to the OSAA schedule.
The CGHS softball team is scheduled to host Tillamook April 4. The Lady Lions have a 12-game league schedule this season beginning April 15 at North Bend.
The CGHS boys volleyball team opens its 8-game league season April 14 hosting Summit.
The CGHS girls golf ream is slated to compete at the Emerald Valley Gold Course April 7 and again April 10
See game results at osaa.org.
The CGHS boys golf team was scheduled to competed March 12 and March 13 at the Special District 2 Tournament at the Tokatee Golf Course.
See results at osha.org and follow CGHS sport team features online at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
trophy (top 4 finish). The last state trophy was in 2021 (3rd place).
Girls: Philomath is the heavy favorite to repeat as the state champion this year. After Philomath
Creative Connection
The Cottage Grove High School 2025 track and field season is
