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The Cottage Grove Police Department has welcomed a second four-legged officer to its ranks with the official swearing in of K9 Sabrina.

JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel

Metro Creative Connection

The study will assess whether harmful algae blooms in Dorena Lake—located upstream from the Row River Water Treatment Plant—are allowing cyanotoxins to enter the municipal water system.

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.

Cottage Grove City Manager

The super-friendly, one-year-old black lab-golden retriever mix is trained as a comfort canine and is the second dog donated to the department by the nonprofit organization Working Dogs Oregon. Sabrina’s role is not enforcement or detection, but emotional support. She will assist officers during high-stress calls, provide comfort to crime victims, and help de-escalate tense situations. Her presence also supports officer wellness, a growing focus in law enforcement agencies across the country.

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.

To ensure a smooth transition she began visiting the department earlier this year as part of her training and began living here in June. With the final contract with Working Dogs Oregon (WDO) signed and the transition complete, it was time for the formal swearing-in ceremony at the Oct 13. Cottage Grove City Council meeting.

Police Chief Cory Chase administered the oath of office with a smile, as Sabrina enthusiastically wiggled in the spotlight and gave Chase her paw in acceptance of her new job.

“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.”

Based in Portland, WDO specializes in placing therapy-trained dogs with law enforcement and first responder agencies. The group covers the cost of training and placement, allowing departments to integrate comfort canines without straining local budgets.

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.

WDO was founded around 2012 by Executive Director Darin Campbell after his wife, Jennifer, experienced difficulties obtaining a service dog. Initially focused on public education, the organization

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.”

taught businesses, schools, and community groups about service animals, therapy dogs, emotional support animals, and relevant laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act. They also developed a program to help veterans train their own service dogs. Over time, WDO’s mission expanded to include providing police and military working dogs.

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.

“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

The Campbells have donated K9s to police departments, veterans, and fire departments across Oregon. Dogs come to them in a variety of ways—most often from other nonprofit organizations or as puppies from breeders. They offer these dogs to any police department that wants one, at no charge, and Campbell said they currently have a list of requests.

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 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).

currently doing, which is providing a location for folks to spend the night from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.”

“We train our dogs to interact with officers and department staff to promote wellness, spread goodwill in the community, comfort crime victims, and just to bring down the temperature of any situation and make people smile,” Campbell said.

Read previous coverage about the homelessness challenges in Cottage Grove and follow new developments at cgsemtinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.

Community party planned to celebrate Main Street Revitalization

C. RUARK

Cottage Grove’s $5 million Main Street Revitalization Project is expected to be completed by the end of this year and a ribbon cutting and community party is planned to celebrate.

CINDY WEELDREYER

For The Cottage Grove Sentinel

In 1975, when Birdy Hoelzle and her sister Gail opened The Bookmine they were familiar with The Village Green.

The multi-million-dollar project is designed to improve the street, sidewalks, pedestrian crossing areas, lighting, and landscaping along the busy route in the city’s Historic District. The city’s project contractor, Wildish, began the work in February.

Cottage Grove Project Coordinator Shauna Neigh said the project is ahead of its original schedule.

helped us meet many of our future bookstore customers,” Birdy said. ory they made in the formal Iron Maiden Dining Room that drew laughter from the crowd.

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.

“We’ve been fortunate with favorable weather conditions and minimal unexpected issues, which

“It was a wonderful place to work and, being new in town, it

6

Grovers gather to remember Village Green Resort

Wildish crews continue working on the Main Street

Historic District.

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.”

Kris Woodard’s introductory remarks included personal memories he made through the lens of a 12-year-old who was often “in property for assigned errands. Years

O.J. Simpson, running on one of the resort’s paths. To the delight of those gathered, Kris’ brother, Casey Woodard,

Cottage Grove will use a $125,000 grant from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to fund a feasibility study examining potential cyanotoxin contamination in the city’s drinking water supply.

“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

Dill established the FBHA in 2010 following Hurricane Katrina. He was than a Battalion Chief for a fire department in northwest Chicago.

The study will assess whether harmful algae blooms in Dorena Lake—located upstream from the Row River Water Treatment Plant— are allowing cyanotoxins to enter the municipal water system. The grant, awarded through OHA’s Drinking Water Source Protection Program, will cover engineering services provided by West Yost Engineering.

According to Dill, firefighters often don’t recognize the behavioral impact of their work.

Cottage Grove Public Works Director Faye Stewart said the study is a proactive step to ensure longterm water safety. Although there has not been evidence of any toxins he said the City needs to be ready to take corrective measures.

Sabrina is a graduate of WDO’s Raising Heroes Program and follows City to use $125K grant to study

“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.

“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.

Dorena Lake has been identified by the state as a high-risk source for harmful algal blooms. The Row River, which flows directly from the lake, serves as the intake point for the city’s water treatment facility. While no cyanotoxins have been detected in recent years, the feasibility study will evaluate treatment options, infrastructure needs, and long-term mitigation strategies.

At its Oct. 13 meeting, the Cottage Grove City Council unanimously approved the task order with West Yost Engineering, which was to begin work immediately. The study will include sampling, modeling, and a review of treatment technologies capable of removing cyanotoxins from surface water sources.

“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.”

Stewart noted that the city’s 2015 Drinking Water Protection Plan is due for an update.

“This study will help us revise our plan and prepare for future challenges,” Stewart said.

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.

In addition to algal blooms, the city’s watershed has faced other environmental pressures. Wildfire ash in 2020 caused membrane filter clogging at the treatment plant, and a 2019 DEQ assessment identified more than 40 potential contaminant sources in the watershed—including 15 high-risk sites in sensitive areas.

“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

Police conduct arrest following stabbing

On October 12, just before midnight, Cottage Grove Police officers and Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to multiple 911 calls regarding a stabbing that had just occurred in the area 502 East Madison Avenue in Cottage Grove. It was reported that an adult male who was identified as 26-year-old Fernando Rodas Martin had allegedly stabbed and assaulted a female victim who was known to him. The female victim was transported to the hospital by friends prior to the officers arriving on scene. She was treated at the hospital for her injuries and released, according to

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, OCT. 6

04:19: Warrant service, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

08:08: Disturbance, 200 block N. 12th St.

08:52: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.

09:11: Found dog, N. River Rd/Hwy 99

09:33: Assault, 500 block Grant Ave.

10:46: Theft, 900 block Row River Rd.

11:35: Barking dog, 1500 block Carobelle Ct.

12:37: Agency assist, 500 block Landess Rd.

a release from the Cottage Grove Police.

Upon arrival, the officers discovered evidence of the stabbing; however, the suspect had fled before officers arrived. A search for the suspect ensued and it was determined that he later returned to an apartment at the 502 East Madison Apartment complex.

Cottage Grove Police officers along with Lane County Sheriff’s deputies were able to take Rodas Martin into custody without further incident.

Fernando Rodas Martin, of Cottage Grove, was arrested at the scene and later transported to the Lane County

13:33: Burglary, 100 block South M St.

13:51: Criminal mischief, 200 block Gateway Blvd.

14:16: Disturbance, 100 block S. 17th St.

14:55: Animal info, 900 block Row River Rd.

15:09: Suicidal subject, 100 block S. 3rd St.

16:35: Abandoned vehicle, Hillside/Samuel

18:34: Order violation, 100 block S. 10th St.

21:31: Disturbance, 1300 block E. Main St.

21:41: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.

22:58: Citizen assist, 1500 block E. Main St.

TUESDAY, OCT. 7

00:44: Suspicious vehicle, 200 block N. 12th St. 02:28: Suspicious vehicle, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.

07:01: Fire, I5 NB 170

07:17: Theft, 100 block Village Dr.

07:50: Disorderly subject, 1300 block E. Main St.

Jail where he was lodged on the following listed charges as well as a warrant for violating a previous release agreement.

• Unlawful Use of a Weapon

• Menacing

• Criminal Trespass in the First Degree

• Criminal Mischief in the First Degre

The investigation was ongoing as of Oct. 13

“The Cottage Grove Police Department would like to thank the Lane County Sheriff’s deputies for their assistance in resolving this matter peacefully,” the release states.

11:36: Abandoned vehicle, 1400 block Hudson Ave.

12:01: Animal info, 900 block Row River Rd.

12:19: Theft, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

12:26: Illegal parking, 16th/Gibbs

13:18: Dog at large, 400 block N. 14th St.

16:15: Order violation, 100 block Sweet Ln.

17:00: Suspicious condition, 400 block N. 14th St.

18:14: Agency assist, Mosby Cr Rd/Pitcher Ln.

20:12: Found dog, 8th/ Arthur

20:12: Burglary, 100 block Quincy Ave.

21:32: Mental subject, 1400 block Daugherty Ave.

22:53: Welfare check, 1100 block E. Chamberlain Ave.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8

00:46: Theft, 100 block Blair Ct.

01:56: Prowler, 600 block Birch Ave.

06:27: Alarm, 100 block Hwy 99

07:55: Info, 200 block N. 12th St.

08:14: Trespass, 400 block Quincy Ave.

08:32: Juvenile trouble, 1000 block Taylor Ave.

11:02: Abandoned vehicle, 700 block E. Gibbs Ave.

11:31: Criminal mischief, 1300 block S. 8th St.

11:42: Suspicious condition, 2000 block Hwy 99

12:08: Trespass, 200 block Gateway Blvd.

12:54: Theft, 2500 block Mosby Crk Rd.

13:40: Theft, 900 block Row River Rd.

14:07: Disturbance, 37000 block Row River Rd.

14:54: Theft, Main/ River Rd.

15:44: Trespass, 400 block Quincy Ave.

15:57: Suspicious condition, 1100 block E. Main St.

16:12: Warrant service, 900 block E. Gibbs Ave.

17:41: Suspicious condition, S. River Rd/Harrison Ave.

18:19: Welfare check, 1600 block E. Grover Ave.

18:49: Vicious dog, 700 block N. 10th St.

21:10: Found dog, Monroe/13th

21:53: Trespass, 200 block Cherry Ct.

22:08: Disturbance, I5 MP 175

THURSDAY, OCT. 9

00:50: Theft, 200 block N. 12th St.

09:30: Welfare check, 1300 block Ash Ave.

10:23: Illegal parking, 200 block Hwy 99

12:55: Theft, 500 block S. 16th St.

15:56: Assault, 1500 block Taylor Ave.

16:44: Fraud, 1400 block Edison Ave.

17:02: Fire, 200 block North K St.

19:56: Juvenile problem, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

21:04: Trespass, 76000 block London Rd.

FRIDAY, OCT. 10

00:02: Agency assist, 200 block Quincy Ave.

01:28: Suicidal subject, 400 block S. 3rd St.

02:10: Suicidal subject, 900 block E. Main St.

02:51: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.

08:36: Welfare check, Hillside/Red Hills

10:16: Mental subject, 900 block E. Main St.

11:01: Disturbance, 200 block N. 12th St.

11:18: Trespass, 600 block E. Main St.

11:24: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St. 12:02: Found property, 1100 block S. 2nd St.

12:21: Disturbance, 100 block North J St.

12:53: Suspicious vehicle, 600 block S. 5th St.

13:59: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St. 14:38: Disturbance, 800 block Gateway Blvd.

15:56: Suspicious subject, 300 block N. 8th St. 16:46: Fire, 100 block Iowa St.

19:03: Disturbance, Jefferson/2nd

22:03: Suspicious subject, 500 block Hwy 99

22:10: Suspicious vehicle, 100 block S. 10th St.

22:22: Juvenile trouble, 1300 block S. River Rd. 22:35: Suspicious condition, 1300 block S. River Rd.

SATURDAY, OCT. 11

02:48: Suspicious vehicle, 100 block S. 10th St.

02:52: Suspicious subject, Monroe/10th

03:10: Found dog, 22nd/ Main

05:18: Disturbance, 500 block Landess Rd.

06:04: Suspicious condition, 900 block Olson Pl.

06:13: Mental subject, 600 block N. 9th St.

06:14: Agency assist, Milepost 171

07:20: Welfare check, 200 block Quincy Ave.

12:09: Wanted subject, 900 block E. Main St.

12:19: Disorderly subject, 200 block N. 12th St.

16:29: Disturbance, 200 block N. 9th St.

18:05: Juvenile trouble, 77000 block Hwy 99

19:17: Welfare check, 2200 block Ibsen Ave.

21:20: Disturbance, 100 block S. 10th St.

21:50: Disorderly subject, 200 block N. 12th St.

22:34: Agency assist, 500 block Grant Ave.

22:53: Disturbance, 300 block North L St.

23:27: Disturbance, 800 block S. 1st St.

SUNDAY, OCT. 12

00:31: Disturbance, 800 block S. 1st St.

00:44: Barking dog, 100 block North J St.

03:08: Reckless driving, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.

07:45: Dog at large, 700 block South R St. 08:35: Alarm, 900 block S. 6th St.

10:15: Motor vehicle crash, Main/16th 11:13: Disorderly subject, 800 block S. 6th St. 19:59: Suspicious subject, 900 block Row River Rd.

20:46: Harassment, 500 block Grant Ave.

22:27: Order violation, 500 block N. River Rd.

23:02: Warrant service, 200 block N. 12th St. 23:47: Stabbing, 500 block E. Madison Ave.

Council Oks traffic control changes at

Cottage Grove Sentinel

Traffic control changes have been approved by the Cottage Grove City Council designed to improve safety at residential intersections, including one that sparked extended discussion at the council’s Oct. 13 meeting due to its impact on funeral processions.

CEMETERY ROAD

STOP SIGNS

The first change involves the intersection of Cemetery Road and Ash Avenue, on the west side of town, where no traffic signs are currently posted. Engineer

Damien Gilbert of Branch Engineering reviewed traffic patterns and recommended to the city council a series of improvements to address safety concerns, particularly the volume of vehicles entering from Ash Avenue. Gilbert’s recommendations include installing a stop sign with an “Except Right Turn” provision on the westbound lane of Cemetery Road, a stop sign and “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” plaque on the eastbound lane, and two temporary “New Traffic Pattern Ahead” signs to be placed for two weeks.

During the Oct. 13 meeting, Public Works Director Faye Stewart said the changes will clarify turning movements and reduce the risk of collisions.

The council weighed the written testimony of Grove Cemetery owner Marc Lund regarding the proposed change’s impact on funeral processions with the daily inconveniencing of residents who live in the adjacent subdivision and use Cemetery Road to access West Main Street.

Fir Grove Cemetery is located at the end of Cemetery Road. Lund submitted a letter to the city council expressing his concern that additional stop signs could disrupt the flow and dignity of funeral processions traveling to the cemetery.

“I have a vested interest in ensuring safe and efficient access for all who travel this route—especially during funeral processions, which require a respectful and uninterrupted flow of traffic,” Lund wrote in his letter.

While acknowledging safety concerns and his own near-collision at the intersection, Lund advocated for a simpler solution: installing a yield sign on Ash Avenue

with a “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” plaque. He argued this would clarify right-ofway, reduce signage costs, and preserve the solemnity of funeral traffic.

Councilors expressed appreciation for Lund’s input but ultimately, in a 3-2 vote, sided with the traffic engineer’s recommendation, citing the volume of residential traffic serving a subdivision of approximately 50 homes.

NEW FOUR-WAY STOP

APPROVED

The second approved traffic control change converts the intersection of South Sixth Street and Adams Avenue from a two-way stop to a four-way stop. The change was prompted by citizen concerns, the number of accidents, and supported by a formal engineering review conducted by Gilbert.

Gilbert’s memorandum identified poor visibility and limited sight distance for vehicles entering the intersection from Adams Avenue heading east across Sixth Street. In addition to the visibility issues, the intersection has recorded six accidents between 2009 and 2017

In the discussion, Councilor Randell Lammerman noted from

personal experience that overgrown vegetation on the property on the southwest corner of the intersection was a major deterrent to seeing cars traveling north on Sixth Street. In response to his question, staff said they have issued multiple compliance letters to that property owner in the past.

Other councilors agreed that vehicles parked on the southbound side of Sixth

Lake

p.m. at the Cottage Grove Public Library, 700 E. Gibbs Ave. Youth 11-18 are welcome to socialize and play games. Table Tennis. From 4-6 p.m. Community Center Reception Hall, 700 E. Gibbs Ave. Tables, paddles, and balls provided.

Cottage Theatre: Guys & Dolls. Starts at 7:30 p.m. 700 Village Dr. Adults, $29 and Youth 18 and younger, $15 Monotronic. 8 p.m. Axe and Fiddle, 657 E. Main St. LA indy rock band, Cover $5

OCTOBER 24

Oregon Aviation Museum. Open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2475 Jim Wright Way.

OLPH Catholic Church All Seasons Bazaar. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1025 N. 19th St. Features handmade crafts, cookies, jams & jellies,

books, quilt raffle, homemade soup and desserts lunch. Take-out option. Gift Baskets and Silent Auction. Penny’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze. Open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saginaw Vineyard. 80247 Delight Valley School Rd. Fun for the whole family every weekend in October. Pick your pumpkin and find your way out of the corn maze. The venue also features a farm animal petting zoo, bounce house, Saginaw Smash Burgers, beer and wine available for purchase. Admission: $7/person | Wine Club Members $5, includes up to 3 guests. Storytime. Begins at 11:30 a.m. Cottage Grove Public Library, 700 E. Gibbs Ave. All ages welcome.

season.

Bohemia Gold Mining Museum. Open from 1-4 p.m., 308 S. 10th St. American Legion Post 32 Bingo. From 5-7 p.m. 826 W. Main St.

Elks Lodge Friday Night Community Dinner. From 5-6:30 p.m., 775 N. River Rd. Menu: Fourth Friday Fish Fry (tilapia and cod) A la carte menu – prices vary.

Weekly Pool Tournament. Starts at 7 p.m. Bohemian Tavern, 48 N. 9th St. Entry Fee: $5 and BCA Rules.

Cottage Theatre: Guys & Dolls. 7:30 p.m., 700 Village Dr.

Moon Mountain String Band. 8 p.m. Axe and Fiddle, 657 E. Main St. free admission. Bluegrass band. OCTOBER 25 South Valley Farmers Market. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cottage Grove Historic Downtown District at 7th and Main Buy goods directly from local farmers, food producers and artisans.

OLPH Catholic Church All Seasons Bazaar. From 10 a.m.-2p.m. 1025 N. 19th St. Features handmade crafts, cookies, jams and jellies, books, quilt raffle, homemade

often requires drivers not in high clearance vehicles to move into the southbound lane to check for northbound traffic.

Based on these Gilbert’s findings and council discussion, in a unanimous vote, councilors approved the conversion of the existing twoway stop on Adams Avenue to a full four-way stop.

and will be

through the

Maintenance Fund. Installation of both traffic control changes is expected to begin later this month.

Huey (Hugh) Dilbeck

3/31/1943 - 10/07/2025

Huey (Hugh) Dean Dilbeck, 82, of Juneau, Alaska and Coleman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Born on March 31, 1943, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, to Clinton and Vivian (Cox Swain) Dilbeck, Hugh spent his childhood in both Oregon and Oklahoma. During his high school years in Cottage Grove, he met the love of his life, Donna (Avery) Dilbeck. They married on March 24, 1962, and together raised three daughters.

Hugh spent his career working with automobiles—a lifelong passion—before moving to Juneau, Alaska, where he started his own Autobody Shop, Bear Body Works. For 33 years, he ran the shop with dedication, earning a reputation for quality work, generosity, and his willingness to help anyone in need.

Hugh loved many things in life, but his greatest joys were his family, classic cars, and hunting trips in McGrath with his lifelong friend, John Glass. He had a gift for turning something old into something better than new and a knack for teaching through every experience—especially his legendary driving lessons that began as soon as his kids & grandkids could walk. He

soup and desserts lunch. Take-out option. Gift Baskets Silent Auction.

Children’s Writing Workshop. From 10 a.m.Noon. Cottage Grove Community Center Shepherd Room, 700 E. Gibbs Ave. Children’s author, Robert Young, reads from some of his 28 books and leads a writing workshop for children (third grade and older). Free event sponsored by the Cottage Grove Community Foundation and Friends of Cottage Grove Library.

Penny’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze. From 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saginaw Vineyard, 80247 Delight Valley School Rd. Bohemia Gold Mining Museum. Open from 1-4 p.m., 308 S. 10th St. Mayor’s Monster Ball.

From 5:30-9:30 p.m. Cottage Grove Armory, 628 E. Washington Ave. Fundraiser for 2027 Citywide Mural Project and Animal House 50th Anniversary Celebration Tickets: $35/person. Live Music: Hot Fuzz (dance party band 1970s-current covers funk, disco, classic rock, and modern chart-toppers). Features local food, no-host bar, & surprise entertainment.

Cottage Theatre: Guys & Dolls. 7:30 p.m., 700 Village Dr. Adults.

Drive To Space. 8 p.m., Axe and Fiddle, 657 E. Main St. Progressive rock/funk band.

OCTOBER 26

Penny’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze. From

created family traditions that will continue for generations, and will be remembered for his quick wit, ever-present toothpicks, spot-on Donald Duck impersonation, and unwavering devotion to his wife.

Hugh is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; daughters Brenda Mickowski (Ted), Melinda White, and Michelle Carson (Scott); grandchildren Mason Morriss, Colt Gudgel, Bronson Cokeley, Averi Cokeley, Korrianna Baggarley (Andrew), Seth White, Chase Mitchell (Lizabeth), Joshua Carson, Abby Lynn (Boaz), Jacob Carson, Aeryn Locks, Michael Carson, and Cole Whiting; nine great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; siblings Mattie Matney; Clint Dilbeck Jr. (Beverly) and Myrl Dilbeck Sr. (Gwen); many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clinton and Vivian; siblings Henderson Swain, Jessie Swain, Kenneth Swain, Bobbie Swain, & Doyl Dilbeck.

In keeping with Hugh’s wishes, no services will be held. Those wishing to honor his memory may plant a tree in celebration of his love for nature and all things that grow or make a donation to the Chevrolet Nomad Association in his name.

1 p.m.-7 p.m., Saginaw Vineyard, 80247 Delight Valley School Rd.

Cottage Grove Museum. Open from 1-4 p.m., Corner

Birch Avenue and H St. VFW Post 3473 Bingo.

From 2-4 p m. 3160 Hillside

Dr.

Cottage Theatre: Guys & Dolls. 2:30 p.m. 700 Village

Dr.

Game Night. 6:30 p.m. Axe & Fiddle, 657 E. Main St. Hosted by Ayla.

OCTOBER 27

CG Senior Center Bingo.

12:30 p.m. Community Center, 700 E. Gibbs Ave. Senior center members only.

South Lane 4-H Club

Open House. 5:30 p.m.

W.O.E. Fairgrounds, 2 000 N. Douglas St. Opportunity for local youth and families interested in animals and leadership training to see what 4-H offers.

OCTOBER 28

Ukulele Club. 9 a.m.

Cottage Grove Public Library, 700 E. Gibbs Ave. Free for adults of all skill levels.

Oregon Aviation Museum. Open from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., 2475 Jim Wright Way.

Trinity Lutheran Church Free Community Dinner. From 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Seventh & Quincy Avenue. Take-Out Only.

Coast Fork Brewing Trivia Night. From 6-8 p.m. 106 S. 6th St Up to 7 players on a team.

OCTOBER 30

The Remnants Window (Alt-folk and jazz) and Sweet Treats (PDX singer/ songwriter). 8 p.m. Axe and Fiddle. 657 E. Main St. $5 cover.

OCTOBER 31

Cottage Grove Public Library Movie. 3 p.m. Shepherd Room, 700 E. Gibbs Ave. Free Admission. Beetlejuice [1988/PG/92min]

Plot: A ghostly couple enlists the help of the wild spirit Beetlejuice to scare off the new family living in their home—only to find he’s more trouble than he’s worth.

Cottage Grove Halloween Trick-or-Treat. From 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Cottage Grove Historic Downtown District. Local businesses along Main Street participate by handing out treats, and the whole downtown transforms into a festive, family-friendly haunt zone.

Cottage Grove Public Market Halloween Celebration, From 3:30 p.m.-8 p.m. 926 E. Main St. “Let the Ghoul Times Roll” Live Music from Stone Hart’s Household Ghosts, food trucks, costume contest, ice cream, beer and wine and prizes. Haunted House: Not too scary from 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Very scary from 6:30p.m. -8 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church Trunk-or-Treat. From 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Sixth and Quincy All are welcome.

Art Walk. From 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Cottage Grove Historic Downtown District. Free community event showcasing local artists, live music, and extended hours at participating businesses.

Axe’s Halloween Bash w/ DJ Alex Bradley. 9 p.m. Free admission. Features dance music, costume contest, themed drink and food specials.

Stanley ‘Stan’ Sherman Cooper

Stanley “Stan” Sherman Cooper, 89, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away peacefully September 28, 2025. Born on May 10, 1936, in Cottage Grove, to William W. and Margaret A. (Dunne) Cooper. Stan was a proud graduate of Cottage Grove High School, class of 1954, and went on to refine his natural mechanical talents at Oregon Technical Institute. His skill and dedication led him to a fulfilling career as a machinist and mechanic, with accomplishments spanning from employment with Boeing in Seattle to a loyal 25-year tenure at Wildish Sand and Gravel, from which he retired in 1996. While working for Wildish, he was a proud Steward of Teamsters Union.

Stan celebrated 65 years of marriage with his beloved wife Patricia. In their early years together, they enjoyed

May 10 1936 - Sept. 28, 2025

square and round dancing. They shared a love for motorcycles. Stan and Pat’s adventures on the open road covering cross-country trips would forever symbolize their journey through life together, until her passing in March.

As an avid motorcyclist his entire life and his membership with the Retreads Motorcycle Club was more than a hobby.

An amazing machinist and mechanic, Stan was admired

for his ability to build or fix anything.

Stan never missed the annual summer family reunions, cherishing the moments spent with loved ones. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Stan is survived by his daughter Kellye Cooper of Cottage Grove, OR; daughter Erin Mathews of Springfield, OR; brother Gary Cooper of Cottage Grove, OR; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Patricia, son Tim Cooper, grandson Garrett Deardorff, and great-granddaughter Abigail Pruitt. There will be a memorial service held on November 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Living Faith Assembly 467 S. 10th St. Cottage Grove, OR. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

City plans leaf sweeps

The Cottage Grove Public Works Department is scheduled to collect residential leaves from city streets, with only one pass through each neighborhood, during the following three dates:

• October 27

• November 17

• December 1

If you want your leaves collected the department staff is asking that you:

• Pile leaves on the street surface near the gutter or edge of the road if no gutter. Please keep the gutter, ditches and street grates free of leaves.

• Pile leaves so they do not block bike or traffic lanes.

• Do not put leaves in plastic bags.

Debris such as branches, shrub pruning, rocks, metal, lawn clippings and leaves in plastic bags will not be picked up, according to a release from the public works department. Leaf pickup is done with a leaf vacuum and front-end loader and dump trucks, because of this, leaf piles that are under or very close to parked cars will not be picked up.

To make sure that leaves are picked up during the scheduled collection times, residents should pile them in the street, in the curbside

To make sure that leaves are picked up during the scheduled collection times, residents should pile them in the street, in the curbside parking area before each scheduled pickup period.

parking area before each scheduled pickup period.

“Do not place leaves in the street where curbside parking does not exist such as East Main Street, Gateway Blvd. and North 9th Street, on dead end streets or on private streets,” the releases states.

Depending on the amount of leaves on the streets, maintenance crews may make unscheduled pickups in some areas. However, after December 8, property owners will be responsible for the removal of leaves.

“In order to minimize the time that leaf piles are in the street affecting parking and drainage, leaves are to be put out on the weekend

immediately prior to the pickup date,” the release states.

Property owners are responsible for any hazard they create by placing leaves in the streets. Care should be taken that leaves do not create a hazard for bicyclists or motorists or restrict street drainage.

Leaves collected as part of this program are available for residents to mulch beds etc. If you would like to pickup some of the mulch materials, or need more information about the pickup program, contact the Cottage Grove Public Works Department at 541-767-4100, or email: publicworks@cottagegrove.org Metro

Federal SNAP changes in Oregon

STAFF REPORT

Cottage Grove Sentinel

The Sentinel is closely following the federal government mandated changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits program in Oregon and the local impact. See previous coverage online at cgsentinel.com. The following advisory with new details has been issued by the Oregon Department of Hunam Services (ODHS).

ODHS began mailing notices Oct. 15 2025, to people in Oregon who applied for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits between July 4 through Sept. 30 2025 and whose food benefits will change or end due to new federal changes from the U.S. Congress and the President.

During the next 10 months, ODHS will use the new H.R.1 laws when SNAP benefits are updated. These changes are required by federal law and will affect more than 313 000 people currently receiving SNAP in Oregon.

“We know how important SNAP is to families across Oregon,” ODHS Acting Deputy Director Dana Hittle said, “and co-lead of the agency’s federal response team. “We are sharing this information now so people can prepare. Any reduction in benefits makes it harder to put food on the table, and ODHS is committed to helping families adjust and find support.”

Key dates

• Oct. 15, 2025: Notices begin mailing to affected households who applied or renewed July 4 through September 30

• Nov. 1, 2025: First benefit reductions and case closures take effect.

• Through 2026: Additional changes will roll out as households renew benefits or when benefits are updated. People who will be affected Utility assistance and SNAP benefits

Households that qualified for the Full Utility Allowance (FUA) through programs like LIHEAP or Heat and Eat will see changes.

• Only households with at least one member who is 60 or older or has a disability will automatically qualify for FUA due to energy assistance.

• All households who pay heat or cooling separate from

NEWS & VIEWS

Federal government shutdown pauses employment reports

OREGON EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suspended the monthly employment and unemployment reports for the nation, states, and metropolitan areas as of Oct. 1, 2025 Oregon’s monthly jobs and unemployment rate for September are unavailable at this time, according to a release from the Oregon Employment Department. Quarterly Employment and Wages In the meantime, the Oregon Employment Department released the latest Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). The most current QCEW data provides employment trends and wages by industry through June 2025

The monthly employment numbers originally scheduled for release today would have included information for September 2025

The newest QCEW data shows that covered employment totaled 2,004,700 in the second quarter of 2025, a decline of 3,800 jobs (-0 2%) from the second quarter of 2024. The private sector lost 11,100 jobs over the year (-0 6%). The manufacturing sector lost nearly 7,400 jobs between the second quarters of 2024 and 2025 (-3 9%). Meanwhile, private health care and social assistance grew by 14,100 jobs (+4 7%) over the year. Government gained 7 300 jobs (+2 4%) over the year. Three out of four government jobs added were in local government. The latest QCEW figures show federal government dropped 400 jobs

compared with second quarter 2024

Federal Government Jobs in Oregon

Oregon had an average of 29 000 federal government jobs covered by unemployment benefits during the first half of 2025. That accounted for about 1 5% of all jobs in the state. The federal government share of all jobs was much higher in some rural counties.

The top 10 counties by share of all jobs in federal government were rural areas. More than 15% of all jobs in Sherman County were in federal government. The nextlargest shares were in Grant (9%), Harney (8%), and Lake (8%) counties.

Federal government jobs also tend to pay relatively high wages. Looking at annual average wages, jobs on federal government payrolls in Oregon paid nearly $98 500 in 2024. That was 38% higher than the average annual wage for all jobs in Oregon.

Contacts

If you have questions about the Oregon economy, contact a local Oregon Employment Department economist. Our research staff work and live across the state. We’re still at work providing quality information so employers and job seekers can make informed decisions.

The Oregon Employment Department plans to highlight the latest available local jobs news on Tuesday, Oct. 21. We will publish the latest Oregon Job Vacancy Survey report on Oct. 23, and the next update on statewide trends on Wednesday, Nov. 19. We will update our schedule of future releases as federal services return.

GUEST COLUMN

Securing stable homes for veterans in Oregon

The case for a National Center for Warrior Independence

CRISTINA JOHNSON Sentinel Guest Column

The struggle to find stable homes has tragically become a quiet crisis that takes a devastating toll on veterans throughout the country, including Oregon.

After long decades of active duty, many veterans have to deal with the burden of surging housing costs, compounded by a healthcare system that often deprives them of proper treatment for their service-related illnesses.

National statistics show that from 2010, veteran homelessness has dropped by more than half—a sign that sustained federal and local coordination can indeed yield real progress. Yet such a problem has not been entirely resolved since nearly 33 000 individuals continue to live without a permanent address. Amid this concern, the newly issued executive order announcing the establishment of a National Center for Warrior Independence is set to mark a crucial turning point. Through this program, the federal government seeks to build thousands of housing units as well as broaden access to specialized healthcare for the struggling veterans in Oregon and beyond.

The Ongoing Issue of Homeless Veterans in Oregon

Similar to other regions nationwide, Oregon likewise continues to endure the harsh reality of veteran homelessness. To date, the Beaver State has supported over 251 600 ex-military personnel; however, a significant

number still lack stable housing, despite years of targeted programs. True to this, recent data indicate that as of 2024, more than 1 100 veteran Oregonians do not have their own homes. This issue is also particularly apparent in areas like Lane County, which documented 151 homeless veterans in the same year.

Beyond housing insecurity, a significant number of former service members in Oregon face lasting health complications due to their inservice exposure to hazardous chemicals. Among the most disconcerting of these dangers was asbestos, a natural mineral commonly found in specific rock formations and soil. For most of the 20th century, this material became a cornerstone of almost all military installations—including the National Guard Armory in Cottage Grove— due to its affordability.

The Navy had historically relied on this mineral in the construction and maintenance of ships and shipyards before the mid-1970s. Unfortunately, routine asbestos exposure has long been proven to be a major risk to veterans ‘health.

Between 1999 and 2017 Oregon saw almost 4,750 asbestos-associated deaths, wherein 3,364 were linked to lung cancer, 841 to mesothelioma, and 573 to asbestosis.

Lane County alone logged 402 related fatalities. Regrettably, when veterans suffer life-threatening illnesses, they also often face steep medical costs and an inability to maintain steady work, which are usual

elements that push many toward housing instability. In this way, toxic exposure has not only claimed lives but has also quietly fueled the cycle of homelessness that persists across the veteran community in Oregon.

New Federal Program as a Crucial Aid to Homeless Oregon Veterans

The federal move to establish a National Center for Warrior Independence presents an opportunity for Oregon to finally close the gap in the commitment and delivery of veteran support. This project outlines the intent of the federal government to construct approximately 6,000 housing units in California as well as enhance access to high-quality healthcare services for homeless veterans.

Formal implementation guidelines for such a program are expected in the coming months, yet veterans seeking information about eligibility, application procedures, and even other related services may contact the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Once fully operational, the new center promises to provide veterans with a stable and long-term safety net instead of short-term relief. But its ultimate impact will still hinge on its careful execution and the strong collaboration with local agencies. Encouragingly, ongoing measures like the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 have set a clear example of what can really be materialized when such critical factors are taken into account.

In fact, since its inception, this program has already received nearly three million claims from veterans around the country—including more than 30 300 from Oregonians. Of these, almost two million applications have been approved, and $ 6 8 billion in compensation has been distributed just in 2024 These outcomes illustrate the measurable impact that well-resourced and effectively administered initiatives can achieve. If the rollout of the National Center for Warrior Independence is aligned with the principles of accountability as well as coordination and efficiency, then it could certainly establish a standard for comprehensive veteran support.

At this point, the program can also go beyond merely reducing the number of homeless veterans—it can ensure that those who have served can restore stability, access to consistent healthcare, and live with the dignity and security they deserve after their dedicated service to the nation.

Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit whose primary mission is to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and assist them in navigating the VA claims process.

For more information, please visit our page.

has allowed the project to move forward efficiently,” she said. “Wildish has been very considerate of local businesses and is committed to completing the project quickly while ensuring a beautiful and safe downtown environment.”

Neigh said the project remains on budget.

Landscaping is slowly appearing and streetlights will be installed this winter.

“The trees and street lighting are expected to be installed by the first of December,” she said. “The remaining landscaping, including the placement of benches, trash receptacles, metal planters, and bike racks, will also occur in December.”

CGPD

in the pawprints of K9 Ripp, which WDO donated to the Cottage Grove Police Department in 2023. Ripp quickly became a beloved

Following the Main Street project, side street improvements are expected to begin, which could be an additional multi-milliondollar cost.

“City Staff is currently exploring funding opportunities for these improvements,” Neigh said. “In November, the City Council will vote on an Urban Renewal District, which could provide future funding for these projects.”

Neigh added that the city has yet to confirm a specific completion date or a specific date for the ribbon-cutting and community party.

“We will share details about this celebration as soon as they are available,” she told The Sentinel.

The following is from last Friday’s city update about the Main Street project.

Traffic will remain on the south side of Main Street for the entire project

figure in the department, especially to Officer Derek Carlton. “Serving as Ripp’s handler is the best job I’ve ever had,” Carlton said.

Ripp’s success helped pave the way for Sabrina’s arrival. While Ripp often accompanies Carlton on patrol, Sabrina will primarily live in the police station to keep the

length, from Highway 99 to the Main Street Bridge. The 5th and 7th Street intersections are open for crossing and are operating as four-way stops. Intersection at 6th and Main NORTH SIDE PROGRESS:

• Curb and gutter have been poured from 8th Street to the end of the project.

• The 8th Street bulbouts have been formed and poured.

• Sidewalks were poured on Monday, October 6, from 7th Street to 8th Street. “Sparkle” work will follow shortly.

• Sidewalk and “sparkle” work is complete between 6th and 7th Street.

6 TH TO 7 TH STREET

INTERSECTION:

• The 6th Street bulb-out and bollards have been placed.

• The intersection concrete has been poured and

24/7 staff company. However,

Department Administrator Brooke Crow admitted she and Chase occasionally take her home for the night. “My kids just love her,” Crow said.

In his presentation to the city council, Chase noted the partnership with WDO is “very cost effective,”

is currently curing. Asphalt will be nscheduled once the concrete has fully cured.

• The 6th Street intersection is planned to open in approximately two weeks. 5th TO 6th STREET

INTERSECTION:

• Sidewalk and “sparkle” work has been completed.

CITY HALL AREA:

• The sidewalk has been completed to the intersection of 5th and Main Street.

UPCOMING WORK:

• Roads are actively being prepared for the black concrete pour.

• The first pour was scheduled; weather permitting, for Tuesday, October 14. This will cover the area from the bridge to the 6th Street intersection.

• The next pour, from the 6th Street intersection to the 8th Street intersection, was tentatively scheduled for Monday, October 20

allowing the department to expand its wellness initiatives without impacting the general fund.

Wildish is working to complete as much concrete work as possible while the weather permits. Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we work to improve our downtown area. We kindly remind everyone to stay within approved areas and avoid entering zones marked with caution tape, as these restricted areas are dangerous and your health and safety are our top priority.

CAUTION URGED

Drivers are urged to exercise caution when driving through the construction zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 10 mph, and lane sizes have been decreased within the construction area.

“It is crucial to reduce speed and remain attentive to pedestrians and workers,” a release by the city of Cottage Grove states. “Please be aware that traffic violation fines are

doubled in construction zones.”

The City of Cottage Grove has partnered with the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce with a promotional stamp card. Go shopping in Historic Downtown Cottage Grove, get six stamps, and turn the card into the Chamber of Commerce, located at 836 E. Main Street, for a chance to win $500 a week in local gift cards.

Follow the downtown promotional events at the Chamber’s website and Facebook page.

Regular construction updates will be posted on the City of Cottage Grove website (cottagegrove.org), through monthly newsletters, the Friday updates and TextMyGov. See previous coverage and follow new developments online at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.

The grant-funded study will also support public education and interagency coordination, helping the city align with state and federal water safety standards.

Council members praised the initiative, citing the importance of protecting public health and staying ahead of emerging risks.

The feasibility study is expected to take several months, with findings presented to the Council in early 2026. If cyanotoxins are found to be a credible threat, the city may pursue additional funding for treatment upgrades or infrastructure improvements.

The grant does not require a local match, making it a cost-neutral investment in water safety. Stewart said the city’s in-kind contributions will include staff time and

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

coordination with West Yost Engineering.

As climate conditions shift and harmful algal blooms become more common across Oregon, Cottage Grove joins a growing number of communities taking steps to safeguard their drinking water sources.

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

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

10 a.m.

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!

To express its appreciation to the nonprofit, CGPD launched a fundraiser earlier this year selling plush replicas of Ripp for $20 each, with proceeds benefiting Working Dogs Oregon. The campaign not only raised funds but also helped educate the public about the role of canines in public safety. Comfort canines are increasingly common in police departments, schools, and hospitals, where they

help reduce anxiety, build trust, and support trauma recovery. Unlike traditional K9s trained for narcotics or patrol, therapy dogs like Sabrina are selected for their temperament and trained to remain calm in unpredictable environments.

Sabrina’s duties will include accompanying officers on calls involving children, domestic violence, or mental health crises. She will also be available to department staff as part of CGPD’s internal wellness program.

Cottage Grove City Council members praised the

initiative, noting the positive impact of Ripp’s service and the community’s enthusiastic response. The swearing-in ceremony concluded with applause and a few tail wags before heading to the City Hall lobby for her close-up photo with Campbell and Chase.

With comfort canine Sabrina now on duty, CGPD is leading the way in integrating emotional support into public safety—a quiet but powerful shift in how the department serves both its officers and the community.

Who cares about cares about public public notices?

You have the right to know what’s happening in your community.

Public notices – information local governments are obligated to provide citizens – are required to be published in local newspapers to provide a public record that’s accessible to everyone.

Public notices keep you informed about your government. But, Oregon legislators are trying to keep public notices from appearing in local newspapers. This severely impacts government transparency and, in turn, limits the public’s right to hold them accountable for their actions.

Let your state legislators know that you value being able to access notices in your newspaper and that they are worth the investment.

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Get a break on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844533-9173 today!

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Boys volleyball sanctioned as high school sport in Oregon

NATE LOWERY

OSAAtoday

The Delegate Assembly of the Oregon School Activities Association has voted in boys volleyball as an OSAAsanctioned activity.

Boys volleyball will begin its first season as a sanctioned activity in the Spring of 2026 following two years as an emerging activity. It is the first activity to join the association’s offering since girls wrestling was voted in

SNAP

From Page 4

housing will still qualify for FUA, including if energy assistance pays for part of their heat or cooling bill.

• About 29,000 households will lose FUA, reducing their benefits by an average of $58 per month.

• Roughly 9 600 households will receive notices Oct. 15 2025, about benefit

by the Delegate Assembly ahead of the 2023-24 association year.

Oregon is the 26th state to add boys volleyball as a sanctioned activity.

Boys volleyball is the first activity to be added through the OSAA’s emerging activity process. The process allows the growth of meaningful interscholastic participation opportunities for students in athletics and activities that have the potential to meet the required number

reductions beginning Nov. 1, 2025

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Starting Oct. 1 2025 ABAWD work rules expand to adults ages 18–64 without children under 14 in their SNAP group.

• People who meet an exemption do not have to meet the ABAWD work rules to get SNAP. To see a full list of exemptions, visit the SNAP Work Rules website and click on

Metro Creative Connection

Boys volleyball will begin its first season as a sanctioned activity in the Spring of 2026 following two years as an emerging activity.

“Who is exempt” under the Exemptions section.

• People who do not meet the ABAWD work rules may lose benefits after three months.

The H.R.1 rules began in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton and Hood River counties on Oct. 1 2025, and will soon expand statewide.

• About 310 000 adults will be newly evaluated for work rule requirements.

of schools participating to be considered for official sanctioning by the OSAA.

Sixty-eight varsity teams competed last spring –Central Catholic (6A), Summit (5A), Estacada (4A) and St. Mary’s, Medford (3A/2A/1A) claimed culminating event titles in May. Over the last six years, the sport has seen a 51% growth — the highest among boys sports — nationally, according to the American

If you think these rules may apply to you, don’t wait to start planning. Contact the ODHS ABAWD team at 833947-1694, email SNAP. ABAWDTeam@odhsoha. oregon.gov or visit a local ODHS office, find one near you at, odhsoffices.oregon. gov Refugees, asylees and certain other lawfully present immigrants

Some groups who previously qualified for SNAP — including refugees, asylees,

Volleyball Coaches’ Association (AVCA).

Marshfield and North Bend both fielded squads last spring, splitting their four matches. Marshfield advanced to the concluding tournament, placing eighth.

A plan book and dates for the 2026 season will be released at a later date.

Girls flag football is in the second year of a two-year emerging sport status and is eligible to be voted on at

trafficking survivors and other conditionally allowed non-citizens who have not received a lawful permanent resident status— will lose eligibility under H.R.1

• On Oct. 15, 2025, about 1,000 individuals were to begin receiving notices that their benefits will end Oct. 31 2025

• Another 2,000 people will lose eligibility during future benefit updates.

Support and resources

ODHS understands that these federal changes will affect hundreds of thousands of people in Oregon. While the state must follow federal rules, help and resources are available.

Food resources in your community:

• Visit the ODHS Food Resources website to find local programs and food support.

Older adults and people with disabilities:

• Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources.

• Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.

More resources:

the October 2026 Delegate Assembly meeting. The Oregon School Activities Association issued the decision to approve boys volleyball as an activity at the assembly’s Oct. 6 meeting.

Nate Lowery writes sports for the OSAAtoday platform of the Oregon School Activities Association. To read more about high school sports in Oregon, visit http:// www.osaa.org.

• Contact ODHS If you have questions or need help understanding these changes, contact ODHS:

• Phone: 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome

• In person: Visit a local office (find one online)

• Mail: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309

• Online: Log into your ONE Online account at benefits.oregon.gov

• Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting www.211info.org.

About SNAP in Oregon SNAP helps more than 1 in 6 Oregonians — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1 50 to $1 80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1 6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year. Even with this support, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs. ODHS officials said they are committed to making sure people in Oregon get the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.