City to use drones for park mapping
If you pass by Cottage Grove’s Coiner Park, or North Regional Park May 30, look up.
Students from Lane Community College (LCC) are partnering with the City of Cottage Grove in a drone mapping project from approximately 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Another such project is scheduled for June 13 at the park. The drone flights are scheduled for Coiner Park and North Regional Park.
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) can provide high-resolution imagery, plant health analysis using multi-spectral bands of light, and 3D models, according to a release from the City of Cottage Grove.
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel 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.
Solomon Singer is the Director of the LCC Drone Program.
“We teach students how to build drones. How to fly drones and how to do projects in the community with drones,” Singer said.
Cottage Grove City Manager
HOW THE PROJECT WORKS
The Cottage Grove parks projects begin with a sight analysis.
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.
“We evaluate any hazardous in the area, or any kind of bird paths, any kind of obstacles and structures. and make a site plan for the flights,” he said. “Students are then assigned to different teams, and they fly drones that they build from sketch. The drones collect imagery of the park trees, and we also will be collecting plant health analysis data.”
points of light that can’t be seen with the human eye.
The mental health impact facing Oregon’s wildland firefighters
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Oregon’s wildfire season is expected to continue through this month, but the mental scares and impact of the season on the fire fighters 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).
According to Solomon, the plant health analysis is important because it allows the students to see different
“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.”
“It allows us to determine the health of the plant and at this time of the year for peak growth, so this helps determine if the trees have any diseases or if there are any nutrient problems,” he said. “It’s very hard
The new mini homeless camp will include the same restrictions as the former larger camps.
to see that without using these special wave lengths. We make computer color-coded maps out of that for plant health.”
Solomon said it’s likely the student teams also will be making three dimensional models with multiple photos from the drones.
“The drones are very safe and very quiet, and we actually fly up about 300 feet,” he said. “When the drones land we collect the images and photos and place them in software that produces the models.
Dill established the FBHA in 2010 following Hurricane Katrina. He was than a Battalion Chief for a fire department in northwest Chicago.
currently doing, which is providing a location for folks to spend the night from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.”
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.
The 2025 school year is almost over and local seniors are getting ready for graduation.
The Sentinel reached out to Cottage Grove Acting Principal Chris Wells for his insight into this year’s important student milestone.
The Sentinel: What day, what time, and where is the graduation?
Chris Wells: June 7th, 2 p.m. on the on the high school varsity field, 1375 S River Road.
The Sentinel: How many seniors are expected to graduate?
Wells: 142
The Sentinel: Could you summarize how has the school and district worked to help students effectively qualify for graduation?
“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
Sauerwein and other city officials have told the Sentinel, that there are no additional plans to offer any other long-term sheltering for the homeless.
“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 sui cides across America.”
Local schools schedule graduation ceremonies
“Cottage Grove will follow state law as we understand it,”
Read previous coverage about the homelessness challenges in Cottage Grove and follow new developments at cgsemtinel.com
Behavioral Impact
Grovers gather to remember Village Green Resort
CINDY WEELDREYER
For The Cottage Grove Sentinel
Wells: It isn’t just about qualifying for graduation; it’s about taking on their future head on. CGHS has provided seniors with different pathways to their futures, be it with advance placement classes that award college credit or one of our 8 CTE (career technical education) pathways that not only had them working hands-on but also giving them avenues to internships and opportunities in career-ready fields.
“IT ISN’T JUST ABOUT QUALIFYING FOR GRADUATION; IT’S ABOUT TAKING ON THEIR FUTURE HEAD ON.”
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.
CHRIS WELLS, COTTAGE GROVE HIGH SCHOOL ACTING PRINCIPAL
“It was a wonderful place to work and, being new in town, it
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.
The Sentinel: From your vantage point, what challenges did the seniors face this year, and how did they navigate through those challenges.
Wells: We’re in the midst of an ever-changing world where technology is integrated into
“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.”
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
everything they do, which could be a benefit or a hindrance. These students know more about today’s tech, how to effectively use it to be more productive, but at the same time, this is a generation of students that can’t get away from the negativity that exists online, it follows them home. Likewise, this was the class that entered high school as the world was coming to grips with a pandemic while they were in middle school, a really important developmental point in their lives. All that considered, this is has been a great class, full
Kris Woodard’s introductory remarks included personal memories he made through the lens of a 12-year-old who was often “in
the way” during the construction project.
of empathetic and socially-minded young adults who are bound to not only make a difference in their own lives, but in the world and people around them.
OTHER GRADUATIONS
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 Cottage Grove Al Kenndey High School graduation is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 7, at the school at 79980 Delight Valley School Road in Cottage Grove. The Creswell High School graduation ceremonies are schedule for 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 6 at the school, 33390 Nibliock Lane in Creswell.
To the delight of those gathered, Kris’ brother, Casey Woodard,
According to Dill, firefighters often don’t recognize the behavioral impact of their work.
“We become cultural brain washed,” 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.
“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.
First, it was campaign signs sprouting with spring flowers, then enthusiastic sign waving at busy intersections, and now with ballots cast, the voters have spoken in the four spirited races for the South Lane School District Board of Directors. As of 11 p.m. on election night May 20, two races were determined and two are still too close to call. For the Position 1 open seat, retired schoolteacher Diane Hicks prevailed over farmer and homemaker Rayla Campbell by 450 votes. For Position 4, the challenger, businessman Chris Holloman, unseated longtime board member, realtor Sherry Duerst-Higgins by 207 votes. TWO RACES TOO CLOSE TO CALL At press time, Positions 5 and 7 are too close to call. According to Lane County Elections, a candidate must garner 51-percent of votes to be declared the winner. The next release of results will be Wednesday, May 21 at 5 p.m. It is anticipated those additional votes will provide the required 51-percent in the two close races. The election results will be certified on June 16
“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.”
POSITION 5 With only 21 votes between them, Tony Lefler, the Brad’s Chevrolet Service Manager, had a narrow lead over incumbent Colleen Valley, a student and local business owner
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.
POSITION 7
Incumbent Jeff Gowing, a former Cottage Grove Mayor and retired millworker, was trailing by 22 votes behind challenger Bill Parsons, a local businessman.
POSITION 2: Diane Hicks After many years of service, Taylor Wilhour did not seek reelection. Diane Hicks and Rayla Campbell squared off to campaign for the open position. Hicks said she believes her 30 years as a classroom teacher at Bohemia
“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
PHOTO JEREMY C. RUARK / COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
JEREMY C. RUARK Grove Sentinel
CINDY WEELDREYER Cottage Grove Sentinel
Courtesy photo Lane Community College students demonstrate the drone flying projects
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The 2024 CGHS seniors celebrated their graduation with the traditional cap toss at the end of their graduation ceremony held outdoors at the high school.
Diane Hicks
Chris Holloman
New online tool offers county deflection program stats
SUBMITTED
BY LANE COUNTY
Lane County’s Deflection Program now offers a new way for Lane County residents to see how the program is doing: an online data dashboard.
“It is really important to everyone who works on the program to be open about how it’s working for our community,” Lane County Deflection Program Coordinator Clint Riley said. “We have been pleased with the partnership among law enforcement agencies, our peer navigators, and the treatment providers – we’re getting a chance to help people get on a better path and change their lives for the better.”
The new dashboard, which is updated once per day if
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, MAY 12
01:48: Suspicious subject, 1200 block N. River Rd.
02:00: Suspicious vehicle, 100 block S. 1th St.
02:22: Suspicious vehicle, 1500 block Gateway Blvd
08:25: Business check, 1200 block Hwy 99
10:29: Business check, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
12:16: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
12:18: Found dog, 1200 block W. Main St.
13:57: Dog release, 100 block North L St.
15:10: Theft, 400 block N. Douglas St.
16:31: Citizen assist, 1200 block S. 4th St.
16:35: Trespass, 1500 block Village Dr.
16:42: Trespass, 1200 block E. Main St.
18:39: Disturbance, 1500 block Village Dr.
TUESDAY, MAY 13
01:34: Suspicious subject, 700 block E. Main St.
02:15: Dog at large, 6th/ Grant
02:46: Citizen assist, 100 block S. 6th St.
05:46: Fire, 200 block N. 12th St.
07:45: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
09:10: Abandoned vehicle, 1600 block E. Grover Ave.
09:32: Abandoned vehicle, Main/22nd
09:42: Disorderly subject, 1200 block Hwy 99
10:05: Theft, 400 block Quincy Ave.
10:40: Found property, 100 block S. 10th St.
new information is available, tracks the total number of program participants, successful program completions, referrals by agency and ZIP code, and other demographics.
“The dashboard is designed to provide the community a nearly real-time update on the Lane County Deflections Program’s efforts to reduce substance abuse in our communities and to disclose the County’s use of precious taxpayer dollars with transparency,” Lane County District Attorney Chris Parosa said.
In Lane County, if a person is eligible for deflection and has indicated interest, the responding officer has the option to call on a peer navigator to connect with the person.
The peer navigator will enroll them in the program, which includes case management and tracking. If the deflection program is successfully completed, the charges will not be filed. If the program is not completed, the charges may be filed, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
In Lane County, people may be eligible for deflection on the following charges if drug use is suspected as a contributing element:
• Unlawful possession of any criminal-level controlled substance
• Criminal Trespass 2
• Disorderly Conduct 2
• Criminal Mischief 3
• Theft 3
• Interfering with a police officer
The new dashboard, which is updated once per day if new information is available, tracks the total number of program participants, successful program completions, referrals by agency and ZIP code, and other demographics.
• Use of a controlled substance on public transit or trains
• Frequenting a place where controlled substances are used
11:33: Repo, 1500 block Bryant Ave.
12:50: Disorderly subject, 100 block S. 10th St.
13:30: Theft, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
14:02: Found dog, 100 block South R St.
14:54: Welfare check, 100 block E. Harrison Ave.
15:02: Child abuse, Quincy Ave.
15:14: Criminal mischief, 3200 block Row River Rd.
15:54: Harassment, 500 block Landess Rd.
16:29: Agency assist, 1500 block E. Main St.
19:36: Business check, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
21:50: Suspicious condition, 14th/Harvey
22:25: Nuisance, 600 block Johnson Ave.
23:54: Suspicious vehicle, N. River Rd./Bennett Crk
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
01:43: Business check, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
01:58: Business check, 1200 block E. Main St.
02:19: Illegal camping, 1100 block E. Main St.
05:58: Suspicious vehicle, 300 block N. Douglas St.
06:37: Alarm, 200 block Gateway Blvd.
08:33: Suspicious subject, Crestview Ter/ Whiteaker Ave.
08:59: Agency assist, 100 block Village Dr.
09:49: Hit and run, 1500 block E. Main St.
10:01: Criminal mischief, 200 block N. 12th St.
12:36: Trespass, 400 block E. Main St.
13:08: Agency assist, Exit 174 SB-off ramp
14:16: Fire, 77000 block London Rd.
15:06: ATL DUII, 1500 block E. Main St.
15:47: Warrant service, 1200 block Hwy 99
16:25: Found drugs, 900 block Row River Rd.
16:41: Disorderly subject, 1300 block E. Main St.
16:51: Fire, 1200 block S. 13th St.
Those who are involved in a non-deflection-eligible investigation, have previous domestic violence or sex crime convictions, those who may be a danger to the peer navigators, or those with
18:31: Welfare check, 190 block W. Harrison Ave.
18:36: Abandoned vehicle, 500 block S. 16th St.
19:27: Warrant service, 200 block N. 12th St.
19:53: Theft, 200 block Gateway Blvd.
20:09: Suspicious subject, 1500 block E. Main St.
20:46: Suspicious vehicle, 700 block S. 7th St.
20:54: Suspicious subject, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
22:18: Suspicious subject, 700 block Row River Rd.
22:20: Warrant service, 100 block N. 9th St.
23:17: Alarm, 1100 block Hwy 99
23:24: Harassment, 1300 block Gateway Blvd.
THURSDAY, MAY 15
02:55: Suspicious vehicle, 1700 block E. Main St.
03:29: Business check, 900 block E. Main St.
03:52: Suspicious vehicle, Davidson/Palmer
04:00: Suspicious subject, 1100 block Hwy 99
09:22: Abandoned vehicle, Main/15th
09:33: Abandoned vehicle, 1700 block Harvey Rd.
10:22: Traffic hazard, S. River Rd/Bryant
10:35: Civil parking matter, 300 block North K St.
10:48: Suicidal subject, 31000 Lynx Hollow Rd.
11:12: Disorderly subject, 900 block Whiteaker Ave.
11:13: Dog at large, 1500 block E. Main St.
12:40: Dog release, 400 block E. Main St.
13:34: Business check, 1200 block Hwy 99
14:10: Agency assist, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
14:26: Suspicious subject, Main/5th
14:29: Agency assist, 1200 block Gateway Blvd.
15:00: Illegal camping, 1400 block N. Douglas St. 15:33: Criminal mischief, 700 block E. Main St.
15:55: Fraud, 100 block Blair Ct.
15:58: Mental subject, North K/Main
16:10: Disorderly subject, 100 block N. 6th St.
16:24: Abandoned vehicle, 1100 block E. Chamberlain Ave.
16:37: Disorderly subject, 200 block E. Harrison Ave.
18:05: Citizen assist, 400 block E. Main St.
18:42: Trespass, 900 block Birch Ave.
18:53: Welfare check, Main/River Rd
19:50: Warrant service, 1th/Adams
20:26: Harassment, 100 block N. 6th St.
20:47: Disorderly subject, 900 block Cooper Ave.
21:15: Mental subject, 400 block E. Main St.
21:33: Disturbance, 32000 block Rachel Rd.
22:18: Disturbance, 900 block Arthur Ave.
22:59: Warrant service, 200 block N. 12th St.
23:30: Disturbance, 900 block Arthur Ave.
23:52: Disturbance, 32000 block Rachel Rd.
FRIDAY, MAY 16
00:50: Citizen assist, 900 block Arthur Ave.
03:04: Citizen assist, 400 block E. Main St.
05:47: Motor vehicle crash, I5 SB 170
06:25: Warrant service, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
08:29: Traffic hazard, 1300 block Birch Ave.
09:06: Welfare check, 900 block Row River Rd.
09:21: Order violation, 500 block Landess Rd.
11:17: Disorderly subject, 1000 block E. Main St.
13:02: Citizen assist, 100 block N. 6th St.
13:12: Found drugs, Landess/Madison
13:36: Disorderly subject, 1300 block E. Main St.
14:36: Abandoned vehicle, 100 block N. 16th St.
14:59: Disorderly subject, 1500 block E. Main St.
15:06: Dog at large, 900 block W. Main St.
15:13: Trespass, 1300 block S. 4th St.
15:16: Abandoned vehicle, Holly/River Rd.
16:21: Disorderly subject, 1400 block Daugherty Ave.
17:11: Suspicious condition, 1000 block S. 10th St.
17:41: Warrant service, 200 block N. 12th St.
18:06: Disturbance, 700 block Row River Rd.
18:17: Citizen assist, 200 block Grant Ave.
18:21: Disorderly subject, Taylor/8th
18:25: Child abuse, 1000 block Adams Ave.
19:57: Business check, 1200 block Gateway Blvd
20:36: Disturbance, 700 block Row River Rd.
20:52: Drug activity, 900 block Chestnut Ave.
21:40: Suspicious condition, 200 block N. 10th St.
severe and persistent mental illness are not eligible for deflection.
Learn more at www. LaneCountyOR.gov/ deflection.
03:43: Business check,
Disturbance, 100 block S. 3rd St. 10:47: Agency assist,
Business check,
block E. Main St. 22:01: Illegal camping, 14th/Main 22:10: Trespass, 1200 block Hwy 99 23:41: Suspicious vehicle, 1300 block E. Main St.
SUNDAY, MAY 18
00:04: Illegal camping, Bikepath
00:18: Illegal camping, 100 block N. 7th St.
01:21: Business check, American Market
02:28: Suspicious vehicle, 500 block E. Madison Ave.
02:47: Welfare check, 1400 block Daugherty Ave.
10:33: Alarm, 1300 block S. River Rd.
11:24: Suspicious condition, 400 block E. Main St.
11:40: Found dog, Q/ Main
12:13: Wanted subject, 900 block Row River Rd.
12:30: Order violation, Row River Rd/Palmer
12:56: Nuisance, 1300 block Birch Ave.
13:11: Suspicious subject, M/Cottonwood
14:29: Disorderly subject, 900 block Row River Rd.
14:33: Welfare check, 900 block Arthur Ave.
15:27: Illegal camping, 100 block S. 10th St.
15:37: Disturbance, 400 block S. 16th St.
18:17: Juvenile trouble, 1000 block Taylor Ave.
Transform your bath with a walk-in tub
22:28: Suspicious vehicle, 100 block S. 10th St.
23:30: Suspicious condition, 700 block Hwy 99
SATURDAY, MAY 17
00:38: Child abuse, Anthony Ct.
00:51: Found drugs, 700 block E. Gibbs Ave.
03:31: Alarm, 800 block E. Washington Ave.
18:31: Dog release, 400 block N. 14th St. 18:39: Warrant service, Woodson/9th
20:39: Theft, 1700 block Hwy 99
21:11: Business check, 900 block E. Main St. 23:27: Suspicious vehicle, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
Courtesy from Lane County
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
The City of Cottage Grove will hold its 9th annual Emergency Preparedness Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 2 at Coiner Park.
Various organizations from around the area have booths and demonstrations, and the city hosts raffles and prize giveaways during the event.
“We are humbly asking you to either participate as a vendor, or donate to either the raffle or giveaway,” Cottage Grove Associate Planner Leni Crow said in a release. “This is a great opportunity to highlight your business or organization, as well as help the community.” Party in the Park will provide free food and offer a children’s entertainment area that will have additional games, prizes, and a bounce house.
“We are expecting to have another great turn out of both children and adults, and we want this event to be educational and fun for all ages,” Crow said. “Last year, we had a turnout of over 2 500 individuals!”
BACKGROUND
Cottage Grove’s Emergency Preparedness Fair was launched in 2015 in
To participate this year, contact Cottage Grove Associate Planner Leni Crow, at 541-942-8568 or 541-942-3340, or email at Lcrow@cottagegrove.org.
Donations may be dropped off at Cottage Grove City Hall, located at 4 00 E Main Street in Cottage Grove. Deadline is July 18.
an effort to prepare the community to effectively react and recover from any potential disasters in the area.
“Our goal is to provide the Fair’s attendees with the necessary knowledge and tools to survive in an emergency,” Crow said. “With the ice storm still in our minds, we are sure that you can relate.”
Anyone interested in participating as a a vendor at the event, or if you’d like to donate an item for the
raffle, Crow said the city is we looking for items that are geared towards emergency preparedness or resiliency, even a gift card would be appreciated.
“If neither will work this year but you want to be involved next year, please send me an email so I can add your contact information to our master list,” Crow said.
Those interested in participating at the Fair this year
should contact Crow, at 541942-8568 or 541-942-3340 or email at Lcrow@cottagegrove.org
If you’d prefer to donate, you may call, email, or text Crow and arrangements will be made to will pick up your donation. Donations may also be dropped off at Cottage grove City Hall, located at 400 E. Main St, Cottage Grove. Deadline is July 18
THROUGH JUNE 12
Seed to Supper LCC Course” Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at LCC Cottage Grove Center, 1275 S. River Road. A free 6-week class offered by OSU Extension, Lane County Master Gardeners and Lane Community College to teach novice gardeners to grow nutritious food on a limited budget. Outdoor garden activities accompany class time. Participants get a gardening book, seeds, and other goodies as available. Pre-registration is required, and seats are limited. To register: call 541-344-5859 or email chrisha.favors@ oregonstate.edu or register in person at LCC CG Center.
MAY 30-31
Storybook Theatre (SBT) Dorena School Production at 6 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at 37131 Row River Road. Play to be announced. SBT is designed to provide a safe and nurturing space for young people to build confidence, cultivate creativity and discover their unique voice through the magic of theater.
MAY 31 Hospital Auxiliary Fashion Show at 2 p.m. at the Cottage Grove Armory, 628 E. Washington Avenue. Enjoy a fun afternoon of fashion and food. Tickets $25, which includes show and appetizers. Fashions provided By Carol Reeves and The Flower Basket. Catering by Sheilagh & Wine by Saginaw Vineyard (available for purchase).
Basket Raffle and Silent Auctions. Tickets available at The Flower Basket, Auxiliary Members and CG Hospital front desk. Proceeds used to provide needed medical equipment and supplies for the hospital and clinic.
JUNE 16
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is proud to announce the return of its annual Veteran Benefit Expo, the state’s largest veteran resource event, at the Salem Armory Auditorium, 2310 17th Street NE in Salem This marks the first in-person Expo since 2019 and will also feature a special 80th Anniversary Celebration of ODVA beginning at 10 a.m. Space is limited, but there are still openings for state or local organizations who provide
Oregon bill, headed to governor, sets homeownership goals by 2030
MAYA LALDONADO
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Saying homeownership is crucial to building wealth and stability, Oregon lawmakers want more than 30 000 more Oregonians to own homes by 2025
The Oregon Senate on Tuesday in a 23-6 vote passed House Bill 2698 which would create a state goal to increase homeownership rates to 65% by 2030 – followed by an additional 1 65% for the next five, 10 and 15 years. It also mandates the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department create a dashboard tracking progress on homeownership rates across the state that include race and ethnicity data.
That’s to ensure Oregon is working toward closing homeownership gaps between different racial and ethnicity groups, bill sponsor Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem, said on the Senate floor. Census data analyzed by the Oregon Employment Department shows that while 67% of white Oregonians and 62% of Asian Oregonians own their
homes, only 30% of Black Oregonians, 47% of Hispanic Oregonians and 51% of Native American Oregonians are homeowners.
Latest available data shows 63 4% of Oregonians own their homes, and the state ranks 39th in the nation for homeownership, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Neighboring Washington, California and Nevada have lower rates, while Idaho is higher.
Decades of declining housing construction, a rising population and stagnant wages — particularly in the mid-2000s — contributed to Oregon’s current housing crisis. Oregon has 242 000 lowincome households, yet only 113,000 housing units are
affordable and available to them, according to data from the housing and community services department.
“Home ownership is a priority for the majority of Oregonians,” Patterson said. “It’s a time-tested means of building generational wealth and promoting long term economic stability for Oregonians and the communities we share.”
While the bill doesn’t address all issues related to housing, she said setting goals is an important step to guide policy.
The bill already passed the House in a 42-8 vote. Now that it’s passed both chambers, it is headed to Gov. Tina
See OREGON, Page 6
direct benefits to veterans and who are interested in being an exhibitor at this year’s Expo. Registration is free but is subject to approval by ODVA based on space and other considerations. To register, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/ orvetexpo25vendors.
Metro Creative Connection
Laurence Elwood Golding
January 22, 1935 - March 19, 2025
Laurence Elwood Golding, affectionately known as Laurie to his friends and family, peacefully passed away at age 90 on March 19, 2025, in Cottage Grove, OR. Born to the late Robert and Hattie Golding on January 22, 1935, in Safford, AZ, Laurie’s vibrant journey through life was marked by kindness, dedication, and a passionate contribution to his community.
Laurie’s journey led him to find his lifelong partner, Ellie Golding, and they were united in marriage on June 9th, 1956, in Gresham, Oregon. He is survived by his beloved wife Ellie Golding, his sister Bobette Hawley of Ventura, CA, his son Robert Golding of Cottage Grove, OR, son-in-law Michael Beier of Cedar City, UT, three grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter Deborah Lynn
Beier and one dearly missed grandchild.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Laurie worked as a high school teacher and then dedicated many years to driving a chip truck in the wood products industry. His strong faith and commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were central throughout his life as were his passions for hunting, fishing, welding, and farming.
Laurie was known for being humble, spirited, and exceptionally kind, touching the lives of many with his warmth and generosity. Laurie will always be remembered as a faith-filled, spirited, and kind man who touched the hearts of all who knew him. He is interred at Stansbury Park Cemetery in Tooele, UT. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel.
Geneva Ann Bridges
March 4, 1934 - May 12, 2025
Geneva Ann Bridges passed away peacefully from natural causes on May 12, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on March 4, 1934, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Fred W. and Louise A. (Hawes) Snyder. Geneva was a heartwarming presence in the lives of all who knew her
She found her soulmate in James H. Bridges, marrying him on September 3, 1960, in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Together, they embarked on a remarkable journey of 65 years, filled with love and shared adventures. She leaves behind her loving husband, James, her adored children, Marie and her husband Kevin Willoughby, sons James “Alan” and his wife Julia Bridges, and John Bridges. She preceded in death by her 2 brothers.
Elementary School, nurturing young minds with patience and care. While she excelled in this role, Geneva’s true vocation was that of a homemaker, a testament to her undying commitment to her family.
She was an avid reader and a skilled seamstress. Nonetheless, traveling with her beloved husband was what truly brought her joy. Together, they explored the world, from the shores of Australia to the historic landscapes of New England, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with an unforgettable trip to Europe. She will be dearly missed by her family.
Eleanor (Ellie) L. Palmer
May, 1932 - April, 2025
Eleanor (Ellie) L. Palmer passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on April 19, 2025, at age 93 at her home in Cottage Grove, Oregon.
Born May 1932 in Wolf Creek, Oregon to loving parents Leonard and Pearl (Moine) Webber.
She graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1950, then attended Oregon State University where she met and married Darrell L Palmer.
They were both from Oregon pioneering families and were married 51 years until he passed in 2005. She is survived by their children Sherri Palmer and Jeff Palmer (wife Nancy) and her adopted family Darrell Stepper, Carmen Stepper, Shelby Stepper, and Mckenzie & Tegan Settelmeyer. She married Robert Woolcott in 2008 who passed in 2019.
Ellie and Darrell raised their 2 children on Bainbridge Island, WA where he was a forester for 30 years and she worked as a bookkeeper and antique shop owner.
In 1997 they moved back to Cottage Grove
where they planted the first commercial dwarf apple tree farm in Oregon. Together they established the Cottage Grove farmer’s market in 1999.
Ellie loved God, family and friends foremost. Always willing to lend a hand without being asked. She was an involved member of Riverside Church of God. She loved volunteering, gardening, camping and had a heart for helping animals. She invested in people and God’s kingdom in countless ways.
Ellie did everything beautifully. She could make anyone laugh and feel cared about. Her generous heart and quick wit will be greatly missed. Her legacy will live on. There will be a celebration of life at Riverside Church of God 1255 S River Rd at 2:00 Saturday May 31st. Please make any memorial donations to our local animal organizations or Riverside Church of God. Arrangements are in the care of SmithLund-Mills Funeral Chapel.
Notices
Debate over CleanLane project still simmering
Her early years saw Geneva contributing to her community as a teacher’s aide at Drain
There will be a funeral service held Friday, May 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Burial will be at Rest-Haven Memorial Park in Eugene, Oregon.
Why Pre-Plan?
The debate over the development of a multimillion-dollar resource recovery project at Goshen is far from over. The latest developments involve state legislation.
Just weeks after Lane County’s controversial CleanLane Resource Recovery Facility (formerly IMERF) was decisively rejected by Lane County Land Use Hearings Officer Joe Turner, because the project’s zoning strictly forbids it, Lane County is now attempting an unprecedented legislative maneuver: House Bill 3971, according to a release from the Lane County Garbage and Recycling Association (LCGRA).
HB 3971 would compel every county in the Willamette Valley to automatically approve any application for any garbage dump so long as it includes some equipment for “mixed waste processing, sorting lines for processing comingled recycling and an anaerobic digester” to make gas in certain zones where such uses are otherwise explicitly prohibited, the release states.
“This bill bypasses essential public hearings, ignores severe adverse impacts on local communities and sensitive environments, and strips away crucial safeguards designed to protect neighborhoods and waterways,” LCGRA President Jake Pelroy said.
“Supersiting legislation like HB 3971 is highly unusual—and deeply troubling—in Oregon, where everyone is expected to play by the same consistent land use rules,” Wendie Kellington, the attorney who represents Goshen residents and LCGRA said. “This bill disrespects decades of carefully crafted land use and environmental protections for Goshen, forcibly transforms explicitly banned activities into mandatory approvals, and harshly punishes citizens brave enough to defend their communities and the environment by imposing attorney fees against any citizen who dares to try to enforce Oregon’s land use laws.”
The Sentinel reached out to Lane County for a response and received the following from Lane
County Public Information Officer Devon Ashbridge:
“The CleanLane project is a public-private partnership that will bring 21st Century technology to help overcome the current challenges facing our aging solid waste disposal system by capturing more recyclables, reducing landfill waste, and reducing greenhouse gases released into our environment.
“Unfortunately, our 20th Century land use zoning codes did not anticipate such technology. House Bill 3971 would allow for 21st Century solid waste processing technology, like CleanLane, to be sited on publicly owned property zoned for industrial or public facility uses and located outside of urban areas.
“The bill would not bypass any other required approvals, such as environmental permitting.”
Read a series of Sentinel Special Reports about this proposed project with this story at cgsentinel.com and follow developments in the print editions of The Sentinel.
Courtesy photo
This is a conceptual drawing of the proposed technologically advanced waste processing facility for Lane County.
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
NEWS & VIEWS
Metro Creative Connection
These declining rates raise the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in schools, particularly in communities with lower immunization coverage, according to the OHA .
Record-high vaccine exemptions reported
JEREMY C. RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
A record 9 7% of kindergartners claimed nonmedical exemptions from Oregon’s school vaccination requirements for the 2024-2025 school year, the highest rate ever recorded in the state, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
The increase continues an upward trend from 8 8% in 2024, when Oregon had the fourth-highest nonmedical exemption rate in the United States, behind Idaho, Alaska and Utah, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National data for the current school year are not yet available.
Data from the Oregon Immunization Program at OHA’s Public Health Division indicates 86 3% of kindergartners were fully vaccinated with all required immunizations for the current school year, down from 86 4% last year, marking three consecutive years of declining vaccination coverage among Oregon’s youngest students. These declining rates raise the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in schools, particularly in communities with lower immunization coverage, according to the OHA.
Oregon Immunization Program School
Immunization Coordinator Stacy de Assis Matthews stressed the critical role of high vaccination rates in protecting public health.
“An immunized community is our most effective defense against diseases such as measles,” Matthews said. “Robust vaccination coverage not only protects individual children but also safeguards those who cannot be vaccinated due to age, medical conditions, or other vulnerabilities, helping protect our communities in Oregon.”
OHA Medial Director for Communicable Diseases and Immunizations Paul Cieslak expressed alarm at the rising exemption rates.
“The increase in nonmedical exemptions weakens community immunity, creating opportunities for outbreaks of serious diseases that vaccines have nearly eradicated,” he said.
Cieslak cited CDC data reporting 1 001 measles cases in the U.S. as of May 8, 2025, with 96% among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Public Health, highlighted the importance of
sustaining and strengthening public confidence in vaccination programs.
“Vaccines have transformed public health by dramatically reducing the burden of infectious diseases, enabling children to grow up in safe environments,” Sidelinger said.
“The growing trend of nonmedical exemptions threatens to undo decades of progress and puts us all at risk. OHA is committed to providing accessible, science-based information to empower families to choose vaccination.”
Despite the rise in exemptions, Matthews emphasized that the vast majority of Oregon families continue to get childhood immunizations. For students across all grades, from kindergarten through 12th grade, 90 4% were fully vaccinated in 2025
“Parents and guardians recognize the essential role vaccines play in keeping schools and communities free from diseases like measles, polio, and pertussis,” she said. Oregon’s immunization laws help protect more than 650 000 students in schools and child care programs.
“Every child’s immunization record is checked yearly, helping ensure equitable vaccine access for all Oregon children.”
Updated kindergarten immunization and exemption rates for the 2024-2025 school year are available at Oregon Immunization Coverage. Spreadsheets detailing immunization rates for individual schools and child care facilities are also accessible, with 2025 updates to interactive maps forthcoming.
VACCINATION RESOURCES
• Information about immunization requirements in 17 languages can be found on the OHA website.
• Families seeking vaccines can contact 211 or their local health department. 211Info offers support in English and Spanish, with interpreter services in multiple languages.
• The Vaccines for Children program provides low- or no-cost immunizations for children ages 0-18 who are enrolled in Oregon Health Plan, uninsured, and/ or American Indian/Alaska Native.
Increasing awareness and education about primary prevention, public health risks and preventive health services are among actions OHA is taking as part of its 20242027 Strategic Plan.
The plan further supports expanding access to vaccines and other health resources for children, parents and families in all communities in Oregon.
Sourcing
RANDY STAPILUS
Oregon Capital Chronicle
No easy or obvious solution will resolve one of the top and less-acknowledged crises in America, the collapse of local and regional news reporting.
Whether Oregon Senate Bill 686 passes or fails, it should at least open a discussion about improving the ability of Oregonians to get the information they need to govern themselves.
The problem is obscured a little by the fact that most news outlets in the state haven’t disappeared completely, and a few new ones (the Oregon Capital Chronicle, for one example) have arisen.
Good journalism is still being done in the state, but much less comprehensively than two or three decades ago. But the newsgathering capacity is a sliver of what it was at the century’s turn, the number of journalists in newsrooms way down. Broadcasters have seen serious cutbacks too.
There’s little coverage now of local city councils, county commissions, school boards and more. Local angles on the work of legislators and state and federal officials is nearly gone.
The larger picture is of a balloon, once full, but now with its air mostly having run out.
This would be only a business problem except that it means we’re not getting the information about our government, our politics, our society, our problems and our successes as we did not long ago. That gap, and the rise of misinformation to massive levels, has become one of our great national crises.
Enter SB 686, which intends to at least provide some help. It is not a totally new idea, being a variation on similar attempts in other places (California and Canada for two), to direct public assistance toward civic journalism.
The operating idea comes from one of the (many) reasons for journalism’s economic collapse, the use of
locally-created news reports with little or no compensation in online media platforms — think here of Google and Facebook, with others as well. The idea is to force those platforms, which have been swimming in profits in recent years, to help pay for production of local news either through fees to the organizations, or by way of arbitration, or a contribution to a new Oregon Civic Information Consortium.
The bill, which at this writing seems to be progressing steadily through the legislature, has understandably drawn lots of testimony. Critics, including the social media platforms, have raised legal questions about it, and the tech giants have suggested that Oregon news reports might be restricted or even banned on places like Facebook or Google. Other questions include how much money might be involved, and exactly how it would be spent. ($122 million has been one estimate noted, but that’s not at all definitive.)
Less discussed: What results Oregon news consumers might see, provided the bill passes and survives legal challenges.
If any of the big platforms — from Facebook to Google — did decide to block Oregon news, that might send most Oregon news readers elsewhere, and maybe back in larger numbers to Oregon news sites. Many of Oregon’s newspapers and broadcasters have highly active websites that could become a boon for those companies with an additional readership push.
A shift away from the mega-platforms also might reshuffle access to news.
National news has had aggregate sites like Drudge or Memeorandum for years, and many people have used them. Oregon has some lesser-known aggregators too, such as the rightleaning Oregon Watchdog, and these might become more popular, or a new generation of them might be developed.
Suppose the platforms agreed to pay up? That’s a realistic prospect; California and Canada, after launching legislative efforts that loosely resemble Oregon’s, have extracted money from them for journalism. The platforms are understandably concerned about similar initiatives in 50 states and beyond, but the reality is they can easily afford it.
How much good would it do? In some cases, newsrooms might be beefed up somewhat, and in other places where newsgathering has collapsed, it might be reinvigorated, at least somewhat.
The upside looks good, and the downside risk doesn’t seem large.
Consider a small city in a small county whose newspaper has disappeared or has hardly any remaining presence. If two journalists were hired, with money for training and support, that could make a lot of difference, resulting in significant coverage of the area. The remaining questions would involve how to get people to check it out.
Note: Oregon Capital Chronicle Editor Julia Shumway is board treasurer of the Greater Oregon Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, which supports the bill referenced in this column. She did not participate in the editing of this item. https://oregoncapitalchronicle. com/2025/05/15/sourcingthe-news-oregon-bill-opensdiscussion-about-paying-forjournalism/
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.
Getty Images
Oregon’s media landscape continues to change, and not for the better.
Kotek’s desk where she can sign it into law, let it become law without her signature or veto it. It would take effect immediately.
Elementary School provides an important perspective to know what impacts board policies and budgetary decisions actually have in the classroom.
“I’m super excited to get started working,” Hicks said. “Board members often don’t realize the ripple effect their decisions have in our schools. It’s important to me that the board honors
Drones
From Page 1
So,sbasically what we will have is a 3D model of the park with all the trees and all the benches as well as the plant health analysis map and a normal map. We’re happy to give that the City of Cottage Grove to help with tree tracking and planning as well as the park analysis.”
The project includes a laser drone that sends invisible signals down to the ground to develop an accurate map, similar to what professional survivors use.
“The City of Cottage Grove is excited to have these students help assess the trees in these parks,” Cottage Grove city officials said in a release.
‘We don’t have a supply’: Lawmakers say more needs to be done
While most senators supported the bill, some legislators raised concerns that the state of Oregon needs to prioritize policies to increase the state’s housing supply.
A report in January showed Oregon needs to build about 29,500 more homes each
the district’s motto ‘children come first’ in its policy and budget decisions.”
She hopes the new superintendent, Todd Miller, will be a good communicator and will continue an open-door policy for all of the district’s stakeholders.
“I don’t know a lot about the new superintendent so I’m going in open-minded. I hope he is a collaborative person because I think the more collaborative the superintendent and the school board can be the healthier decisions we make for the whole district,” she added.
VALUABLE CONNECTION
Solomon said the project gives students a real-world experience, demonstrates the value of the drones by showing their good uses, and provides good-will to local communities by supporting them with such projects for free. Approximately 50 students are involved in the LCC twoyear degree drone program.
“We teach all the different hands-on skills that can be used directly in the students’ future careers,” Solomon said. “A lot of our graduates are working in high paying jobs doing the same kind of things all across the state and beyond. They get a full process.”
Solomon said the jobs can include flight testing, working for survivors, jobs in agriculture doing spray drones,
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
DELIGHT VALLEY
Church of Christ
33087 Saginaw Rd. East
541-942-7711 • Pastor: Bob Friend
Two Services: 9am - Classic in the Chapel 10:30am - Contemporary in the Auditorium
LIVING FAITH ASSEMBLY
467 S. 10th St. • 541-942-2612
Worship Services Sundays: 9a & 11a Youth Worship Sundays: 11a (all ages welcome) Mondays: 5:30p (6th-12th grades)
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
AND ST. PHILIP BENIZI CATHOLIC CHURCHES
1025. N. 19th St.
541-942-3420
Father John J. Boyle
Holy Mass: Saturday Vigil – 5:30 pm Sunday – 10:30 am For weekday and Holy Day of Obligation schedule see website OLPHCG.net
Confession: 4 PM to 5 PM Saturdays or by appointment
St. Philip Benizi, Creswell 552 Holbrook Lane Sunday 8 am
year, mostly in the Portland and Willamette Valley region, to meet the state’s housing demand.
“We can set goals, we can have dashboards… but until this state makes policy decisions to allow more supply, which means compromise with folks that don’t want to increase supply, then we are going to see this systemic
She is thankful to all the supporters who invested their time in support of her candidacy.
POSITION 4
Incumbent Sherry DuerstHiggins served on the board for more than three decades. Holloman thanked her for her lengthy commitment to volunteerism in supporting students and as an advocate for the district at the state and national levels.
“I’m happy to have the confidence of the voters,” Holloman said. “It’s a big responsibility because it involves the care and education of our kids. I don’t take
working in drone delivery for companies such as Amazon and Walmart, and also working with windmill inspection companies.
According to Solomon, the pay ranges for such jobs are from $70 000 to $120 000 annually.
“We honored to help the city of Cottage Grove,” he said. “If anyone sees other such opportunities for our free drone services and would be willing to have our students come over and fly for them, we are always looking for additional opportunities to fly, so if anyone has an idea, or they have property that needs mapping, we’d love to help.”
For more information, contact Solomon at 541-5793351, or email singers@ lanecc.edu
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: 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!
problem continue,” said Sen. Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte.
Sen. Noah Robinson, R-Cave Junction, said he supports homeownership and wants to make progress toward increasing it. However, he said he doubts dashboard and setting goals are the right way to do so.
this lightly. I feel honored people believe in me and the ideas I espoused during the campaign. I thank all the people who helped me get elected. The volunteerism was exceptional. They worked so hard I just can’t thank them enough.”
In a commentary on the election campaigns, Holloman said overall there was very little negativity except for the Blackberry Pie Society’s efforts to reelect the incumbents using political and financial support from the Lane County Democratic Party.
“I think we’re just going to spend a bunch of money publishing a tracker of where we’re hoping to go, and what we really need to do is change state laws and make it easy,” he said.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/05/21/oregonbill-headed-to-governorsets-homeownership-goalsby-2030/ Oregon
Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
“It was the first time I’ve seen campaigns of incumbent school board members funded with money outside of our district,” Holloman said. “I was stunned that the Lane County Democratic party would spend thousands of dollars on a direct mailer that was so negative. It was uncalled for and classless.”
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The school board sets policy, and the superintendent administers that policy. In general, the board governs the school district by adopting policies and working with the superintendent to implement is policies. The board approves and monitors: curriculum, the annual budget, labor contracts, personnel management, student services and district support services. The board members also work together to create a positive image of the district in the community.
On July 1, newly elected board members will be sworn-in, and the new superintendent will take the helm of the district. Follow developments online at cgsentinel and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
ablesministorage@gmail.com
CGS25-137
A.M. COTTAGE GROV MINI STORAGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORS 87.162 WILL OFFER FOR PUBLIC AUSCTION THE FOLLOWING UNITS FOR NON-PAYMENT OF RENT AND OTHER FEES. 1. Shannon Tennison #G-102 2. Tanya
for all
and legal ads is the Wednesday one week prior to the following Wednesday Publication date. Ads received after Wednesday 5 p.m. will not appear until two weeks later
Mental Health Awareness Month highlights support for seniors
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
When Carli Cox picks up the phone, she never knows who will be on the other end, but she knows why she’s answering. As a Crisis Intervention Specialist at Lines for Life, Cox is one of the voices providing support to people facing behavioral health challenges including loneliness.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is highlighting its partnership with Lines for Life as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.
OHA provides funding for six crisis and support lines, including the Senior Loneliness Line. The service offers older Oregonians connection and emotional support amid growing concerns about social isolation in aging populations.
The Senior Loneliness Line is unique, according to Cox.
“It functions both as a warm line for friendly
conversation and as a space for crisis support when needed,” Cox said. “We get calls from people who just want to start their day with a voice on the other end, to others who are dealing with isolation, loss, aging related issues, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.”
BY THE NUMBERS
About 15% of Oregonians are ages 65 years or older, and by 2030 that number will increase to 20%, according to the OHA. This age group is experiencing many behavioral health struggles, with one in five individuals experiencing depression at any given time.
Males ages 75 and older have the highest suicide rate of any age group and gender, The OHA states in a release.
SENIOR DEPRESSION
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), although depression is not a normal part of aging, older adults often experience challenges
Devoted to your care. peacehealth.org
related to health or changes in life circumstances. This may put them at increased risk for depression.
Approximately 4% of older adults aged 70 and over have depression.
Common symptoms of depression. People experience depression differently, so there may be symptoms that are not on this list.
• Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless often or all the time.
• Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun.
• Weight gain or loss, or changes in appetite.
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or sleeping too much.
• Feeling irritable, easily frustrated, or restless.
• Lack of energy or feeling tired.
• Feeling worthless or overly guilty.
• Trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.
funding for the
• Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself.
According to the CDC, older adults often do not seek help for depression.
• They may think their symptoms are a normal part of getting older.
• They may feel stigma or shame about feeling depressed.
• They may not understand that they could feel better with the right treatment.
The CDCD states that older adults may also face barriers to treatment, including
• Difficulty getting care because of costs, problems with transportation, or a lack of mental health services.
• Healthcare professionals may not adequately diagnose or treat depression in older adults.
• They may confuse the symptoms with physical illness, leading to underdiagnosis.
• They may not be trained to provide appropriate screening or treatment for mental health in older adults.
CRITICAL ROLE
With more than three years of experience and 4,000 crisis calls under her belt, the OHA said Cox plays a critical role in helping the aging population. Older adults often face stigma seeking mental health support, and Cox said she wants them to know that no problem is too small.
“Many seniors didn’t grow up in a time when talking about mental health was encouraged,” Cox said. “We want them to know this line is here for them—it’s safe, confidential, and there’s no need to be in crisis to call.”
The Senior Loneliness Line sees a wide range of callers, from those facing estrangement from family to those who’ve outlived loved ones. Even a single phone
call can bring meaningful change, according to Cox.
“Sometimes, you can hear a shift in someone’s voice by the end of a conversation,” Cox said. “Making that connection is so rewarding.”
RESOURCES
• If you are a senior or know someone who might benefit from the Senior Loneliness Line, call 1-800282-7035 or visit https:// seniorlonelinessline.org/.
• For other mental health needs, call, or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
If you are suicidal or in emotional distress, call or text the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to a trained counselor.
• You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
• In life-threatening situations, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Oregon overdose deaths have gone down,
MIA MALDONADO
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Overdose deaths in Oregon went down 22% in 2024, the Oregon Health Authority announced Friday, May 16
The decrease in overdose deaths follows a nationwide trend of declining overdose deaths. In 2024, there were about 80 400 drug overdose deaths in the country — 26 9% fewer than the 110 000 overdose deaths in 2023, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While strengthened substance use treatment infrastructure, naloxone distribution and education, prevention programs and changes in fentanyl supply are contributing to the decrease in overdose deaths, Oregon’s overdose deaths rates are still too high, Oregon Public Health state epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger said in a news release.
but they’re still high
While strengthened substance use treatment infrastructure, naloxone distribution and changes in the national fentanyl supply are contributing to the decrease in overdose deaths, Oregon’s overdose deaths rates are still too high, Oregon Public Health state epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger said.
Substance use and overdose deaths remain a public health crisis in Oregon. The 1,480 overdose deaths in Oregon in 2024 were still more than overdose deaths rates during the pre-pandemic years.
“We must continue to work together to keep people safe and build treatment and recovery support for people struggling with substance use disorder,” Sidelinger said.
The state of Oregon aims to decrease overdose death rates by investing in:
• Save Lives Oregon Harm Reduction Clearinghouse: This program is working to respond to the fentanyl crisis. It provides more than 360 agencies and organizations in Oregon with no-cost naloxone, infection prevention and wound care kits.
• Opioid treatment programs: There are 27 opioid treatment programs in Oregon, two medication units and four mobile units. Oregon also expanded telehealth for medications for opioid use disorder.
• Increasing residential treatment capacity: The state of Oregon is developing 260 beds dedicated to substance use disorder services and 41
beds dedicated to withdrawal management.
• Peer support systems: Under these programs, individuals in Oregon struggling with substance use receive support, guidance and encouragement from individuals who have experience with recovery.
• Behavioral Health Regional Networks: Funded through cannabis tax revenue and the Drug Treatment and Recovery Services Funds which accounted for $414 million between 2022-2025 these networks provide screening and assessment, harm reduction, housing, substance use disorder treatment and employment services. https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/briefs/ oregon-overdose-deathshave-gone-down-but-theyrestill-high/
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.
Ben Botkin / Oregon Capital Chronicle)
Metro Creative Connection
OHA provides
Senior Loneliness Line, offering older Oregonians connection and emotional support amid growing concerns about social isolation in aging populations.