The Cottage Grove City Council has adopted the city’s 2026–27 operating budget on a 5–2 vote, with Councilors Dana Merryday and Jim Settelmeyer opposed. Both objected to the council majority’s refusal to transfer additional money from the Housing Development Assistance Fund to support library staffing.
• Final adopted Total City Budget:
$40 320 137
• Final adopted General Fund:
$10,550,338
During the Monday night, June 22 public meeting, the council also allocated Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Community Promotion funds as follows:
• Bohemia Mining Days – $10,000
• Community Sharing – $3 000
• Family Relief Nursery – $2 000
• South Lane Wheels – $10 000
• Rural Tourism Projects
– $10,000
• Eugene Symphony Concert – $5 000
• Downtown Cottage Grove
– $15,000
Cottage Grove Public Works
Director Faye Stewart briefed the council on several city-owned properties, including the four-phase Cleveland Street public/private housing development project with Hayden Homes, remaining lots in the Highway 99 Industrial Park, plans to sell the former Highway 99 homeless shelter site, and continued city use of the Douglas Street property next the city shops.Interim Cottage Grove Finance Director Eric Kytola delivered the third quarter budget report, noting that the city has closed $1 139 million of last year’s $1 7 million deficit, reducing the gap to $588 589. He said additional revenues and expenditures are still expected before year end. It was noted that in the current fiscal year the city-owned Middlefield Golf Course revenue is just under $1 million.
The council awarded a bid to move forward with the Lincoln Middle School Path – Phase I contract. ODOT’s Community Pathways Program covers 80% of the $339,184 project cost. The remaining funds will come from the city’s bicycle and footpath, storm drainage and street capital funds.
Councilor Greg Ervin presented a draft letter to Gov. Tina Kotek’s Prosperity Council, which was approved with minor edits.
The letter thanked Kotek for recognizing the need to examine the factors contributing to the declining attractiveness of Oregon’s business climate, and for establishing the Prosperity Council to advise her on strategies that can strengthen prosperity for Oregonians in the years ahead.
The council’s letter shares the city’s perspective on the barriers it has identified to the city’s local prosperity. The perspectives include land use, forest management, infrastructure, regulatory and taxation environment, homelessness and mental illness.
CINDY WEELDREYER
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The adaptive theatre troupe
Creative Chaos presented its newest play, A Chaotic Christmas Carol, in the Woodard Pavilion at the W. O. E. Fairgrounds, June 19 and 20, before an enthusiastic and
audience. Creative Chaos is more than a theater
It is a creative home for individuals with disabilities, a place where friendships form, confidence grows and every person is invited to step into the spotlight, both on stage and in life.
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Carmen Dowell and her longtime friend Monica Venice launched Creative Chaos in 2016, building the nonprofit around their shared dream of a stage where everyone could belong. Their friendship began in childhood at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where Dowell worked in the nursery and Venice, who has Down syndrome, loved helping her care for the babies. The two became lifelong friends.
A 1991 graduate of Cottage Grove High School, Dowell grew up in Cottage Grove, discovering her creativity in middle school. She later became active in South Lane Special Olympics, where she met her husband, Bill. Her years volunteering backstage at Cottage Theatre introduced Venice to the world of props, cues and backstage magic. When Venice auditioned for a non-speaking role and was not selected, she was heartbroken. Dowell was determined to change that.
Janet Rust, one of Cottage Theatre’s directors, offered a solution: if Dowell would stage manage, Venice could have a simple part. Venice’s debut drew proud family members from across the country to support her. Special Olympics
athletes, who watched a dress rehearsal of the play, told Dowell they wanted to be in a play too.
That’s when Dowell and Venice decided to start their own troupe. Their first production, “What Makes a Play”, was performed at the Opal Center’s black box theater, and they never looked back.
A CHRISTMAS PLAY IN JUNE
In a recent interview on KNND’s Beeper talk show, Dowell explained why the troupe staged a Christmas play in June. The production had been planned for last December, with rehearsals and publicity already complete, when Dowell’s son became ill in Florida and she had to leave suddenly to care for him.
“When I returned they kept asking me when we were going to do the play,” she said. “So we decided we could do a play about Christmas in June and we called it “A Chaotic Christmas Carol.”
She said the decision reflects the way Creative Chaos operates.
“Everything we do is driven by the actors,” Dowell said. “When the actor playing Tiny Timmy announced he wanted to wear reindeer antlers, I tried to explain that Tiny Tim traditionally does not have antlers. He said, ‘But I want to wear them,’” Dowell recalled. “Everything we do is driven by the actors,” Dowell said. “When the actor playing Tiny Timmy announced he wanted to wear reindeer antlers, I tried to explain that Tiny Tim traditionally does not have antlers.” He said, “But I want to wear them,” Dowell recalled. “So I smiled at him and said, “Ok, Tiny Timmy is going to wear antlers in our play.”
A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE CONTRIBUTES
Actors do more than perform. They help create every part of the production — writing scenes, building props, painting sets and shaping the story. The process is collaborative and designed to give each person a voice.
Natasha Cosmos said her favorite part is simple. “My friends. I love my
friends,” she said. “I do like Creative Chaos. They give good snacks too.”
Shane O’Brien enjoys working behind the scenes. “My dad has a 3D printer and I like making things with him,” he said. “For this play we needed a turkey… Then we needed bread, so I helped him make four pieces.”
Michael Wilson said the program has helped him grow. “Having a leader like Carmen in an atmosphere of acceptance allows for a comfort in oneself, which opens me up to trying new things and having new experiences, like being in a play.”
Dowell remembers Wilson’s early days well. “In the first play, I thought Mike was nonverbal. He never spoke, so he played a tree,” she said. “Day one of our second play, he walked up to me and said, ‘I do not want to be a tree.’ He has grown so much.” For Venice, dance is always the highlight. “My favorite memory is
Library to begin new fiscal year with reduced budget
CINDY WEELDREYER
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The Cottage Grove Public Library begins a new fiscal year this week with reduced funding and a smaller staff, prompting changes in how the department will operate starting July 1
During public comment at the June 22 Cottage Grove City Council meeting, resident Audrey Malan told the Council that Head Librarian Natasha Chitow had resigned effective June 30, the final day of the fiscal year.
Malan told the Council, “I received word today that the head librarian has resigned effective the end of this fiscal year, June 30. And while we are sorry to see her go and appreciate the good work she did for us, including building the Children’s Library, getting us through COVID and doing a fabulous history on our library, [her resignation] can possibly keep three of the remaining staff and ensure two staff members are in the library during operational hours.”
The Sentinel contacted Malan to confirm the source of her information and to Chitow for confirmation. Neither had responded before press time.
When asked for comment on Malan’s statement, Cottage Grove City Manager Mike Sauerwein said
the city does not comment on personnel matters. He confirmed that the adopted 2026-27 budget supports 1 7 full time equivalent library staff positions, a reduction from prior years. Sauerwein said the City is working within the staffing levels approved by the Budget Committee and City Council to continue library operations.
CALL FOR A VOLUNTEER
COORDINATOR
Also during the council’s public comment period June 22, Friends of the Library President Bruce Kelsh and resident Andrew Elliott urged the city to fund a volunteer coordinator to recruit, train and integrate volunteers at the library. Both said
the position could also support other departments that rely on volunteer help.
Elliott told the Council, “Having attended all of the budgetary discussions this year there is unanimous support that the library needs volunteers. It will take some dedicated work to do this. The 2026-27 library staff may be overwhelmed just trying to maintain basic library functions. I propose you allocate a onetime expense of a minimum $25,000 to hire a volunteer coordinator who would be employed to direct the recruitment, training and integration of volunteers at the library.”
Kelsh added, “To have a well-run volunteer program that meets the
necessary legal standards to protect the city and the volunteers needs careful development. The coming fiscal year can be an important one in transitioning to new models of services in many departments.”
MAY 19 BUDGET
COMMITTEE ACTION
At its final meeting on May 19, the Cottage Grove Budget Committee approved transfers totaling $50 000 within the proposed 2026-27 budget to increase funding for library personnel. The committee also recommended that the library be open four days a week in the coming fiscal year. The transfers included $25,000 from the library’s materials and services budget, $17 000 from the City Manager’s materials and services budget, and $8 000 from a City Council travel and food fund.
The funding adjustment followed public support for the library at a city-held town hall and during rallies conducted by library supporters held outside city hall over the past few months.
COUNCIL DEBATES BUT DOES NOT APPROVE ADDITIONAL TRANSFER
At the June 22 council meeting, Councilor Dana Merryday moved, and Councilor Jim Settelmeyer
Cindy Weeldreyer / Cottage Grove Sentinel
The full 14-member cast makes its final call with Santa
Cindy Weeldreyer / Cottage Grove Sentinel
A CLOSER LOOK
Striking head on business door leads to arrest
The following is from the Cottage grove Police Department’s Weekly Update:
- Officers were called to 7’s Deli after a male subject intentionally struck his head against the business’ front door, damaging a metal bracket. The individual was located nearby and reportedly displayed signs of narcotics impairment and erratic behavior. After refusing commands and charging toward an officer, he was taken into custody following a brief struggle and lodged at Lane County Jail on charges including Criminal Mischief II, Disorderly Conduct II, Resisting Arrest, and Escape III.
- A report was taken regarding a window that had been shot out with a BB gun sometime within the previous two weeks. The damage occurred during the same timeframe as three other incidents involving a suspect allegedly shooting BB guns at people and property. The case has been linked to those investigations and remains active.
- Officers also responded to a crash near Taylor Avenue
and South 4th Street. During the investigation, the driver displayed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and bloodshot, watery eyes. After consenting to field sobriety tests, she was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. Further testing showed a blood alcohol content of 0 26% (over three times the legal limit). She was cited for DUII (ORS 813 010), Reckless Driving (ORS 811 140), Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Driving Privileges (ORS 807 010), Driving Uninsured (ORS 806 010), and Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device (ORS 811 265).
- Officers responded to a disturbance near South River Road and Highway 99. During the investigation, officers contacted a female on the railroad tracks and discovered she had two outstanding Cottage Grove Municipal Court warrants for Reckless Endangering and Criminal Trespass I. She was cited and released without incident.
- Officers responded to 700 East Gibbs Avenue, the
Cottage Grove Public Library, for a reported trespass in progress. The male was contacted on library property and found to be in violation of an active lifetime letter of trespass. The male stated he believed the trespass was only valid for 90 days; however, library staff confirmed the trespass had been in effect since it was originally issued and remained valid. He was cited in lieu of custody for criminal trespass II and issued summons to appear in court. During the investigation, he was also found to have five valid warrants for his arrest through the Eugene Police Department. All five warrants were for failure to appear on criminal trespass II charges. The male subject was taken into custody without incident, transported to Lane County Adult Corrections, and lodged on the outstanding warrants.
- During a patrol check at the 12th Street Camp, officers contacted a male subject with an active Eugene Municipal Court warrant. He was arrested and transported to Lane County Jail without incident.
POLICE BLOTTER
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, JUNE 15
00:13: Barking dog, 1200 block Bryant Ave.
05:00: Alarm, 500 block E. Main St.
08:23: Abandoned vehicle, 800 block Pierce Ave.
09:28: Theft, 600 block S. 5th St.
10:19: Agency assist, 100 block S. 6th St.
10:28: Abandoned vehicle, 200 block S. 11th St.
10:39: Theft, 400 block E. Main St.
12:23: Suspicious subject, 900 block S. River Rd.
13:03: Abandoned vehicle, 10th/Adams
14:01: Juvenile trouble, 1000 block S. 1st St.
16:43: Found property, 1100 block E. Main St.
17:55: Mental subject, 200 block Palmer Ave.
20:33: Trespass, 900 block Row River Rd.
20:56: Disturbance, 1700 block Bryant Ave.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
01:26: Prowler, 1000 block W. Main St.
02:29: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
08:57: Death investigation, 1700 block Hwy 99
10:17: Theft, 1500 block Village Dr.
11:20: Abandoned vehicle, 100 block Palmer Ave.
12:00: Agency assist, 1500 block Village Dr.
15:55: Fraud, 700 block Row River Rd.
16:55: Disturbance, 78000 block Layng Rd.
18:43: Trespass, 700 block Hwy 99
22:12: Barking dog, 200 block S. River Rd.
22:50: Agency assist, 1300 block Birch Ave.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
03:12: Suspicious subject, 1300 block S. River Rd.
08:23: Suspicious condition, 400 block S. 10th St.
13:16: Fire, Sears/ Cedar Park
14:56: Trespass, 900 block Row River Rd.
15:06: Suspicious condition, 1600 block Samuel Dr.
03:10: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St. 07:38: Barking dog, 1300 block W. Main St. 09:10: Warrant service, 700 block E. Gibbs Ave. 10:01: Harassment, 800 block W. Main St. 11:45: Disturbance, 9th/Gibbs
11:49: Suspicious condition, 1400 block N. Douglas St. 11:51: Theft, 900 block Row River Rd.
12:05: Trespass, 700 block Hwy 99
14:20: Harassment, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
14:34: Motor vehicle crash, 32000 block Latham Rd. 14:36: Abandoned vehicle, 600 block S. 2nd St. 16:57: Illegal camping, Hwy 99/River Rd. 17:23: DUII, Taylor/4th 20:56: Animal info, 200 block S. River Rd. 21:21: Suspicious vehicle, 1100 block Chamberlain Ave. 21:31: Vicious dog, 13th/Adams 21:47: Alarm, 1400 block Gateway Blvd
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
01:00: Motor vehicle crash, Row River Rd/ Gateway Blvd. 06:13: Juvenile trouble, Main/10th 07:15: Juvenile trouble, Main/12th 10:01: Warrant service, 1300 block Hwy 99 11:34: Disturbance, 1300 block Hwy 99 11:46: Criminal mischief, 100 block N. 8th St.
Missing elderly woman found deceased
At about 1:30 p.m. on June 22, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office was notified
Marjorie Ann Gray’s vehicle was located in the Mosby Creek Area, east of Cottage Grove. Her vehicle was found by people working in the area. Gray had been listed as missing since June 17
Lane County Sheriff’s deputies and Search & Rescue (SAR) personnel
responded. Gray’s vehicle had become stuck in the trees at the end of a gravel logging road, more than ten miles behind a private gate. SAR volunteers deployed ground crews and were aided by an OSP search canine. Gray was found deceased several hundred yards from her vehicle in steep terrain.
14:09: Agency assist, Row River Rd/Sears 14:47: Dog at large, Tyler/10th
17:13: Fire, Main/S Ct.
17:30: Disorderly subject, 300 block Hwy 99
19:01: Harassment, 1600 block Samuel Dr. 19:21: Firearm purchase denial, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
19:32: Disturbance, 32000 block Rachel Rd.
19:43: Agency assist, 76000 block Mosby Cr.
20:04: Suspicious condition, 100 block Crestview Ter
22:40: Suspicious condition, 1000 block Cedar Ct.
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
06:43: Suspicious vehicle, 900 block Row River Rd.
07:08: Found property, 5th/Madison
11:06: Criminal mischief, 100 block Thornton Ln.
14:18: Harassment, 100 block Sweet Ln.
15:34: Abandoned vehicle, 1200 block S. River Rd.
17:50: Found dog, 600 block S. 7th St. 21:22: Reckless driving, 1100 block Pennoyer Ave.
23:17: Disturbance, 1500 block E. Main St. 23:34: Suspicious subject, 100 block N. 9th St.
This case is still being investigated, but there is no indication of any crime at this time.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lorane community members who came out to assist in the search.
JEREMY C, RUARK
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Eleven local artists from Cottage Grove are entered in the 2026 Cottage Grove Suitcase Art Show.
All competing for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place with cash and gift prizes for the winners. Cottage Grove Mayor Candace Solesbee will pick the Mayor’s Certificate Award, Cottage Grove Chief of Police Cory Chase will select the Chief of Police Award and the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce will pick their favorite suitcase art.
The theme of the show is centered around scenes
Cottage Grove Suitcase Art Show
from Cottage Grove and Lane County.
The decorated and painted suitcase art will be displayed at Schweitzer’s Work and Western Wear, 730 E. Main Street in Cottage Grove, from June 26 until July 22
The store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. This is the 3rd year for the suitcase art show which is a prelude to Bohemia Mining Days event. Al the artwork suitcase art can be purchased by contacting the artists directly, according to the show coordinator Glenda Wiffler.
This year the art contest was open to the age of 16 and older with no entry fee.
“There was one student that entered the show with her mother. Several of the artists had never entered an art show but were eager to try painting a suitcase, art box, trunk or tote just to see if they could. Others have painted and been in various art shows,” Wiffler said. “We received a total of $150 to be divided with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, place winners. “
The sponsors of the art show include Len Blackstone Windermere Real Estate, Homestead Furniture, Slabtown Coffee, The Flower
Basket,
For more information contact Glenda Wiffler at 458 275 9119
Courtesy photo
The decorated and painted suitcase art will be displayed at Schweitzer’s Work and Western Wear, 730 E. Main Street in Cottage Grove, from June 26 until July 22.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Dyrol Burleson Trail
honor local legend and record-breaking mile runner, Dyrol Burleson, with a named-running trail and historical kiosk.
City and School officials will join legendary Cottage grove High School Swim Coach Bud Taylor and members of the community at 11 a.m. July 7, for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly installed Dyrol Burleson Kiosk. The event will take place along the Dyrol Burleson Trail just north of the Cottage Grove High School on the riverside of River Road. Public parking is available at the north end of the Cottage Grove High School parking lot. The trail was created through a city proclamation by Mayor Candace Solesbee on August 25
2025
The kiosk was a joint project of Alice Christianson, graphic designer and historian, Dana Merryday researcher, Alan Schwake master woodworker and builder, and funded by The Woodard Family Foundation. The three panels focus on the phases of his running career, Cottage Grove High School, University of Oregon, and two appearances at the
Olympics representing team USA.
It was long a dream of Coach Taylor to do something to promote the example and methodology of Dyrol Burleson as an inspiration to local youth. Burleson was a local product, born in Saginaw, who used grit, goal setting, hard work, and the supportive environment of a small town to achieve his successes., according to Cottage Grove City Councilor Dana Merryday.
“Bud saw Burley, as did many locals, running along roads as part of his training and wanted to do something to acknowledge and commemorate this to encourage Cottage Grove youth to strive to be their own best,” Merryday said.
“Young Bud Taylor himself was inspired by the example of Burleson, who was a few years ahead of him in high school and was coached by another force in the history of Cottage Grove Athletics, Wally “Chick” Ciochetti.”
All three men are honored inducted into the Cottage Grove HS Athletics Hall of Fame. Merryday also provide the following high points of Dyrol Burleson’s running career: Sitting in the CGHS library Burleson saw the newly minted Sports Illustrated magazine with Roger Bannister on the cover after running the
world’s first sub 4 mile (Janurary 3 1955 issue), and Dyrol set a goal to run the mile and appear on a SI Cover. Spoiler alert, he did so twice.
Burleson broke the national High School mile record by 3 seconds in 1958 His CGHS 1500M record still stands.
Burleson was offered the first full ride track scholarship under legendary Coach Bill BowermanBurley was so grateful that he pledged to never lose a race for UO or Bowerman, and he never did.
Dyrol ran the first sub 4 minute mile at Hayward Field and was the 2nd time an American to do so. While at UO he broke several world records including the 2 mile relay which he is most proud of (The records he made with a team as opposed to his individual records).
Additionally, he competed in the 1960 Rome and 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and was inducted into both the Cottage Grove High School Athletics Hall of Fame and the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. The proclamation named a portion of his training route as the “Dyrol Burleson Trail.” Coach Bud Taylor accepted the award on Burleson’s behalf.
“Just as Coach Taylor inspired you to be your best so did Dyrol and
Ribbon Cutting
Blacketts Paper Trail, Pleasant View Farms, and Schweitzer’s Work and Western Wear.
Blackberry Food Cooperative (BFC)
Chick inspire Bud to be who he is and to honor his wish to inspire local youth
we have come together to create a living memorial to these men,” Merryday said.
Cindy Weeldreyer / Cottage Grove Sentinel
This is the newly installed Dyrol Burleson Kiosk located along the Dyrol Burleson Trail.
Patricia “Patty” Joan Cutts Arp
March 11, 1943 - June 14, 2026
Patricia “Patty” Joan Cutts Arp, 83, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, following complications from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Jim, and with her dogs PJ and Shadow, whom she loved unconditionally. Patty had many dogs throughout her life, but PJ and Shadow were pretty special in the hearts of both her and Jim.
Patty was born on March 11, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, to Robert Cutts Jr. and Mildred Irene Maranvill Cutts Brown. In 1946, the family moved to Cottage Grove, Oregon, where Patty would spend the bulk of her life. She graduated from Cottage Grove High School in 1961 and married James M. Arp on December 30, 1961, in Reno, Nevada.
Cottage Grove was at the center of Patty’s life. She raised her family there, supported Jim throughout their marriage, and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
As the mother of three swimmers, she became an enthusiastic supporter and volunteer with the Cottage Grove swim team, helping wherever she was needed—
Donate
cooking breakfasts, driving, coordinating timers, and cheering on the swimmers. She treasured the many camping trips and cabin adventures shared with family and friends, and she built lifelong friendships along the way. Above all, Patty will be remembered for her laughter, which seemed to be heard everywhere she went.
Patty was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Mildred, her beloved husband, Jim, and her brother, Joe Bennett.
She is survived by her brothers, David Cutts and wife Shirley, and Gary Bennett; her daughter, Denise Whittle and husband John of Tennessee; her son, Robert Arp and wife Lisa of Oregon; and her son, James H. Arp and wife Ann of Oregon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, James Whittle and wife Chandra of Nevada, Ben Arp and wife Hannah of Washington, Lena and husband Robby Henry, Katherine Arp, John Arp, and James W. Arp; and by her great-granddaughter, Gwendolyn Henry.
Arrangements are in the care of Andreason’s Cremation & Burial Service.
Strong El Niño’ forecasted for Pacific NW
ALEX BAUMHARDT
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Warming temperatures at the equator could paradoxically bring the Northwest a wet fall and high winter snowpack, according to climatologists.
The West is in for “one of the strongest El Niños we’ve had,” Larry O’Neill, Oregon’s state climatologist, said Monday. The ocean and atmospheric weather pattern that occurs every few years and touches all parts of the West typically brings with it warmer and drier temperatures from August through winter, but during a super El Niño — of which there have been only three since 1980 — it does the opposite, bringing greater rain and mountain snowpack.
“The very strong ones don’t follow the typical rule of thumb,” O’Neill said following an online drought and climate outlook meeting hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
That could be great for many drought-stricken parts of Oregon and the region, where heat, record low snowpack, depleted reservoirs and low stream levels have caused Gov. Tina Kotek to declare a drought emergency in nearly half the state’s counties. In April, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide drought emergency for the fourth year in a row, and that
same month Idaho Gov. Brad Little declared a statewide drought emergency for the first time in 25 years.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration earlier this month said El Niño conditions had formed in the Pacific, with a 63% chance of a “very strong” El Niño peaking by the end of the year.
But, O’Neill also cautioned, recent El Niño events and its counterpart La Niña — typically associated with colder temperatures and snow — have become far more unpredictable under rising global temperatures.
“In the last couple years, the La Niñas haven’t really been acting like they usually did. This past year, for instance, we had a weak La Niña, which is supposed to give us a good snow pack, and yet we ended up with our worst snow pack in our recorded history,” he said. “So where exactly this El Niño goes is pretty uncertain.”
If it’s weaker than expected, drought could continue through the winter and spring, exacerbating already low snowpack and water levels. If it is a “very strong” El Niño, depleted reservoirs and mountain snow banks could be refilled and formed, O’Neill said.
Another byproduct of a strong El Niño worth tracking over what’s predicted to be
a tough wildfire year: more lightning. O’Neill and his colleagues have been studying decades of lightning patterns in Oregon during El Niño and La Niña events and found that in eastern Oregon there’s a slightly higher prevalence of lightning during an El Niño period.
Record heat Taken together, August through November of 2025 was the record warmest on average across the Northwest in more than 130 years of recordkeeping. NASA scientists, using NOAA records of global average temperatures dating back to 1880, found that November was the thirdwarmest on Earth, behind only 2023 and 2024 This October to May was the second warmest on record for Oregon and Idaho, and the third warmest for Washington. May temperatures across the region were about 4 5 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, and nearly 5 degrees above normal in Oregon. And in the last 60 days, Washington experienced its third warmest June and July on record, Oregon its fifth and Idaho its 15th warmest start to summer.
There’s a 50% to 70% chance that the region will continue to see above normal temperatures from July to September, scientists at the NOAA meeting said.
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Oregon lawmakers
MIA MALDONADO Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon lawmakers upset about persistently poor education outcomes for many students voted against several of Gov. Tina Kotek’s new appointments to the commission that determines the resources needed to create a system of high-quality schools.
The protest votes against three nominees to the state’s Quality Education Commission weren’t because the candidates weren’t qualified, lawmakers said. Rather, they criticized the effectiveness of the commission, hinting at the need for major reform in the 2027 legislative session.
The nominees were among 145 Kotek nominees the Senate confirmed on Wednesday to a slate of councils, boards and commissions.
Most appointments were speedily approved by the Democratic majority, with nearly no debate. Republicans, however, voted against every single appointment in protest of what they
described as a lack of transparency and time to vet the candidates.
Senators voted separately on the Quality Education Commission, which drew the most controversy in a 16-12 vote. Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, joined all Republicans in voting against confirming Albany Public Schools teacher Dana Lovejoy, Salem-Keizer educator Tyler Scialo-Lakeberg and Coos Bay School District superintendent Gary Roberts.
“The question before us isn’t whether these are good people, it’s about process,” Sollman said as she began debate by criticizing the commission’s role in the state’s education cost model.
She and Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham, earlier this year unsuccessfully led an attempt to overhaul the state’s education cost model. That effort contributed to her May primary loss: The Oregon Education Association gave her opponent and union member Myrna Muñoz more than $75,000, much of it in the form of paid canvassing.
“I do not believe that these appointments, through the positions they hold, will build the Quality Education Commission Oregon needs to generate the data, the rigor and the analysis our school
funding decisions deserve,” Sollman said.
Oregon’s 27-yearold Quality Education Commission has 11 members and is charged with researching best education practices and determining how much money is needed to meet state education goals, including a 90% graduation rate statewide. The commission presents its findings, known as the Quality Education Model, to the education appropriation committee and governor every two years to guide budget decisions.
But lawmakers recently began questioning if that framework is working. The Oregon Legislature allocated $11 4 billion for schools during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, and yet recent national test scores show Oregon elementary and middle school students rank among the bottom of states in math and reading.
The Oregon Department of Education allocates money to school districts using a separate distribution formula that relies in part on U.S. Census Bureau data estimates to calculate how many students come from families living in poverty, despite state data often showing numbers much higher than the Census Bureau estimates. Oregon is the only state to follow
this method, the Oregonian reported.
The formula undercounts the true number of students experiencing poverty, school superintendents say,, which means districts who serve more of those students aren’t receiving the funding needed to support them.
Several Republican lawmakers agreed with Sollman.
“It should not be hard to get this right,” said Sen. Noah Robinson, R-Cave Junction. “We continually kick the problem down the road. We’re planning to eventually have a plan to fix the problem, and we need more urgency. Our students are being educated now. They’re not going to benefit from something that’s done in 10 years or even five years from now.”
Senators with teaching backgrounds spoke in favor of the appointments while also recognizing the need to reform the cost model. That includes Sen. Lew Frederick, a Portland Democrat and chair of the Senate interim education committee.
“We are all looking at some significant changes, I believe, in the Quality Education Model,” he said.
“I am optimistic and encouraged by the fact that we have folks in this body who want to make a difference, and I think these three candidates will actually attempt to do just that.”
Sen. Courtney Neron Misslin, D-Wilsonville, said the appointees are capable of interacting with research data that can help improve Oregon’s education system.
“While I am in full support of modernizing our processes around cost modeling, we must do it in partnership with people doing the work,” she said. “The professional judgment we need to include at the quality education table is that of educators.”
Fully accessible school bus for students with significant disabilities
Circle of Friends School has secured federal Section 5310 transportation funding through the Lane Transit District (LTD), bringing the organization one step closer to purchasing a fully accessible school bus designed to serve students with significant disabilities.
The funding has been unanimously approved by the LTD Board of Directors following recommendations from the LTD STIF Advisory Committee. The award includes $179,209 in federal funding toward the purchase of an accessible vehicle that will support student transportation to educational, recreational, cultural, and community-based learning opportunities throughout Lane County.
For Circle of Friends, the award represents far more than a transportation project.
“This is about access, independence, and belonging,” Circle of Friends Executive Director Michael Aguilar said. “Our students deserve the same opportunities as any other child to learn in their community, visit libraries and museums, volunteer, explore future career interests, and participate in the world around them. For many of our students, transportation has been one of the greatest barriers to those experiences. This investment helps remove that barrier.”
The future vehicle will be uniquely suited to the needs of Circle of Friends students and is expected to accommodate up to ten wheelchair positions, allowing students with significant mobility
needs to travel safely and comfortably together.
Before the vote, Circle of Friends Board Chair Courtney Leonard addressed the LTD Board and shared the perspective of a parent raising a child with disabilities.
“As the stepparent of a daughter who uses a wheelchair, I know firsthand that transportation is never as simple as getting in a car and going,” Leonard said. “For many families, transportation becomes the factor that determines whether participation in school and community enrichment is possible at all.”
Leonard emphasized that meaningful learning extends beyond classroom walls and that community participation is essential to helping students build communication skills, independence, confidence, and relationships.
“For many of our students, transportation is not just about mobility,” Leonard said. “It is about belonging.”
The approval was supported by families who attended the LTD Board meeting to advocate on behalf of their children and share the importance of accessible transportation for students with disabilities.
Circle of Friends currently serves students with complex physical, medical, communication, and educational support needs. The school provides highly individualized instruction, nursing oversight, therapy collaboration, and community-based learning opportunities designed to help students build meaningful lives within their communities.
Federal Section 5310
funding requires a local funding match. While LTD will provide $179 209 toward the purchase, Circle of Friends must raise approximately $31,828 to complete the project. The organization has launched a community fundraising effort to help secure the remaining funds needed to bring the vehicle into service.
“This accomplishment belongs to our families, our staff, our Board of Directors, and the broader community that continues to believe in a future where disability is not overlooked but embraced,”
Aguilar said. “The Belonging Bus will help our students access experiences that many people take for granted, and we cannot wait to see where it takes them.”
For more information about Circle of Friends or to support the Belonging Bus campaign, visit the organization’s website or contact Michael Aguilar at michael@coforegon.org.
About Circle of Friends Circle of Friends’ mission is to advance equitable access to education, mental health, community, and opportunity for youth with disabilities and for those who love them. Based in Cottage Grove, Oregon, Circle of Friends operates a specialized school serving students with complex disabilities and is expanding services to support youth and families throughout Lane County. Guided by the belief that Every Person Has Value, Circle of Friends works to build a world where disability is not overlooked but embraced.
RANDY STAPILUS
Oregon Capital Chronicle
My wife volunteered for years in dog rescue efforts around the region, and her experiences made clear to me that Oregon’s animal cruelty and mistreatment laws were inadequate and needed strengthening.
So when Initiative Petition 28, billed as doing something like that, pulled the mass of signatures needed for ballot status, it sounded welcome.
Then I read proposed law and descriptions — especially from the advocates themselves — of what it would actually do. Even its backers acknowledge it’s unlikely to pass (once word of the details spreads more widely). If it actually did — and were fully enforced — it would unleash economic and social chaos in Oregon beyond any previous piece of legislation. And it would be intended as a template for any other states so foolish as to follow suit.
Republicans have lined up against it, as in gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan’s statement on X that “Banning hunting, fishing, and basic animal husbandry would kill thousands of jobs and threaten our food supply at a time when we can least afford it.
Republicans may well try to tie the initiative to Democrats, though there’s been strong opposition there too. One example is Gov. Tina Kotek, who said: “I know tribal leaders, family farmers and ranchers and Oregonians across the state who care deeply about protecting our land, waters and wildlife. This petition does nothing to help that, and it risks criminalizing common agricultural practices that are critical to Oregon’s economy.”
What’s more notable here is what the advocates themselves say.
IP 28 applies to “any nonhuman mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian or fish,” though insects would be excluded, so swatting a mosquito would remain legal. It does ban any injury to the covered species, the main exception being that humans still would be allowed to act in self-defense.
The group said specifically that “we are focused specifically on criminalizing the practice of killing animals.”
It said the initiative “would prohibit the intentional injury and killing of animals, as well as the forced breeding of animals.” However, IP28 adds a rehabilitation program as an alternative to other criminal penalties. In lieu of a misdemeanor, anyone convicted of animal cruelty could choose to complete supervised community service hours at an animal care facility as well as relinquish ownership of any animals for either five or 15 years, depending on the severity of the conviction.”
The list of animal-related actions to be criminalized would be extensive. Fishing and hunting would be illegal and criminal, and that would apply to longstanding agreements with Indian tribes in the state: “There would not be a cultural or religious exemption for injuring, killing, or sexually violating an animal.”
Production of meat products (where any vertebrate is involved) in the state would be prohibited. The group said “a rancher would likely no longer have a reason to raise cattle. … We would encourage ranchers to transition to an alternative agriculture practice.”
Easy for them to say, as they did: “A determined soul will always manage.”
Use of slaughterhouses and of animals in medical experiments (which in some cases are critical for advancing medical care) would be not
just subject to regulation but banned outright. You have a mouse or rat infestation in your house? The advocates say “live catch mouse traps” still would be available to you, but most other approaches to combatting the rodents, including anything that might kill them, would not. Your core response — and this approach evidently would be the operative rule for pest control businesses (any that survived) as well — apparently would be “locating the spaces where mice may enter our home or business and blocking the passageway.”
People would still be able to own pets, the advocates noted. But clearly the rules surrounding pet ownership would change considerably. The impacts of this measure, were it to become law, would affect the daily lives of nearly everyone in Oregon. It would wipe out whole categories of industries. It would lead quickly to social chaos — no too extreme a description. Its scope would be breathtaking. I would have suspected all this as being exaggeration by opponents were it not for the descriptions that come straight from the issue’s advocates. It seems an example of what happens when an initially sound idea — avoiding cruelty to animals — is pushed too far and too fast. It may set back that cause by many years. As a matter of politics, Republicans are on solid ground in opposing the initiative. Democrats will need to act visibly and aggressively against it to ensure they’re not handcuffed to it, since to many non-Democrats IP 28 easily could sound like the kind of thing an extremist Democrat might conceive.
Courtey photo
The award includes $179,209 in federal funding toward the purchase of an accessible vehicle that will support student transportation to educational, recreational, cultural, and community-based learning opportunities throughout Lane County.
Camping Hiking
Northwest
From Page 4
Low flow
“So not only did we start with below normal snow pack overall, but that snow pack has melted faster than normal as well,” said Karin Bumbaco, Washington’s deputy state climatologist. Snow in Idaho, western Montana, the Washington Cascades and Snake River
Basin melted two to five weeks earlier than normal, and in parts of the Oregon Cascades, mountain snowpack melted two months earlier than normal, Bumbaco said. In Oregon, this means water reservoirs in Prineville and the Crooked River Basin and Crescent Lake in the Deschutes River Basin are expected to be low or very low by autumn. Crescent Lake is on track to end the season at its lowest
level since the drought of the early ’90s, Bumbaco said.
In southern Oregon, some irrigation districts have curtailed junior water rights. In the Klamath Basin, the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency will pay farmers to stop irrigating and leave fields idle to reduce the risk of water shortages. Oregon is breaking the most records for low streamflow in the region,
and it’s expected to get worse in eastern Oregon and southern Idaho during the next four months, according to Bumbaco.
Low power
That’s a problem for the region’s hydropower system, according to Vince Tidwell and Natalie Voisin of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Between 2003 and 2020, the region lost about 300 million megawatt hours of electricity generation from drought alone,
Tidwell said, costing the sector about $28 billion.
And despite peak demand for electricity in the region growing by 4 6% since last summer, energy availability has increased by only 1 5%, Voisin said.
“If there was a perfect storm of extreme events, then there is an elevated risk that there could be an energy shortfall,” she said.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle. com/2026/06/23/
seconded, a motion to transfer $50 000 from the remaining $83,000 in the Housing Assistance Fund into the library budget to develop a volunteer program. The motion did not pass.
Councilor Greg Ervin said he would not support the
transfer because there were “too many unknowns in the future” and he preferred to approve only the amounts already included in the resolution.
Merryday told the Council, “Up until now, we’ve given some token amounts and cobbled money from other funds. We’ve kinda cannibalized the library’s materials and services budget but we haven’t really clarified
there is enough to support a functioning staff to operate the library going forward. It feels like the cake was baked before we got there and nothing has caused the needle to move. Moving $50 000 from the housing fund would provide a cushion and give the city manager the tools needed to restructure the department.”
Settelmeyer added that the motion would also “send a
C
haos From Page 1
when we were tap dancing to Singing in the Rain,” she said. “I got to wear a yellow jacket and an umbrella just like the movie.”
Ian Miller is an original member and has been in every production. Dowell said his creative mind has come up with some of the “theme” plays we do. He is currently
PM to 5 PM Saturdays or by appointment
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message to the library supporters that they have been heard” and would help build goodwill.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY REACTION
Friends of the Library
President Bruce Kelsh thanked the community for its advocacy during the budget process.
“The steadfast support for the library was impressive,” Kelsh told the Sentinel.
writing and will be directing their play “The River. The Railroad. The Fishing hole.” at Bohemia Mining Days on Friday from 2-3 p.m.
PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE
Parents see the transformation too. Mitzi Hanenkrat, mother of first time performer Chantell Lemon, said her daughter has become “more outgoing and participates in group activities more.”
Dowell added, “Her smile is contagious. Chantell was the first one to memorize her lines, her actions. I hope we have more people who want to join when they see her on stage having fun.”
Becky Venice, Monica’s mother, said Carmen’s influence has shaped the lives of special needs individuals in
“That support will be important as the library moves into a new phase of utilizing volunteers as well as staff to provide library services to our community.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
With the fiscal year ending June 30, the City will begin implementing the reduced staffing model approved in the 2026-27 budget. Sauerwein said the
ways that go far beyond the stage.
“Carmen is a very active and loving individual. Her longtime involvement in Special Olympics and Creative Chaos has done more for our special needs population than anyone I have ever known who does not have a child with disabilities. She has made life so much fun for Monica and so many others,” Venice said.
THE TROUPE
Actors: Jill Vaverka, Mystic Debery, Monica Venice, Elaine Coffman, Chantell Lemon, Loren Goodman, Shane O’Brien, Kendall Theil, Ian Miller, Natasha Cosper, Mike Wilson, Rich Coutinh, Carmen and Bill Dowell
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.
As a matter of election, IP 28 would be lucky to get the super-minority vote the transportation funding package got in the primary election — if voters learn the details. But any issue reaching the ballot has to be taken seriously. One good thing the advocates did was to make that relatively easy. https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/06/11/ oregon-anti-animal-crueltyinitiative-sounded-like-a-goodidea-until-learning-details/ Oregon
City intends to maintain library operations within the adopted staffing levels, though details about hours and services have not yet been announced. The Sentinel will continue to follow developments as the transition unfolds. Follow new details online at cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel.
Dowell said every donation is transformed into opportunities, experiences and memories for the people we serve.
Funds support theatrical productions, summer performance camp, arts and crafts classes, dances, parade participation and special events. Next year, the group will launch a new puppet camp to expand creative opportunities even further.
A recent gift from the Trinity Women in Mission at the Lutheran Church will help ensure Creative Chaos can continue bringing joy, inclusion and connection to the community for years to come.
Dowell believes inclusive arts programs matter deeply.
“Creative Chaos gives everyone a chance to be seen, heard and valued,” she said. “When audiences come to our performances, they see ability instead of disability. Inclusive arts programs help build a stronger, kinder and more welcoming community where everyone has a place to shine.”
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South Valley Athletics bringing fun in the sun this summer
WILL LOHRE
State issues ‘gold bar’ scam warning
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation
Cottage Grove Sentinel
For the better part of 60 years, South Valley Athletics has made it its mission to offer fun, active, and engaging programs to youth around Cottage Grove, and this summer is no different.
(DFR) is issuing a warning to Oregon residents about the “gold bar” scam that is rapidly spreading across the nation. This scam involves fraudsters impersonating government officials who convince victims to purchase gold bars to supposedly protect their nest eggs.
human interaction is very important.”
not become the next victim of this scam.
Perkins said that these days, it seems like technology is making it easier for people to isolate themselves, and for kids, it’s crucial to have opportunities to socialize and enjoy time outside.
South Valley Athletics (SVA) Program Director Tom Perkins has been involved with the organization since 2006, and for the past few years, he’s been in his position as Program Director. SVA has been in the Cottage Grove area under one name or another since 1957, and they are always looking to provide worthwhile activities for local children and adults. In recent years, the SVA has also taken over the library’s summer programming, including summer field trips, summer clubs, and original ideas to offer more for youth in the summertime.
This scam involves contact from someone claiming to be a government official, often associated with the U.S. Department of Treasury, who convinces the victim to convert money held in financial accounts into gold bars. The fraudster claims the victim’s financial institution isn’t safe and that physical gold is the only way to protect the assets.
Once the victim agrees to convert the funds to gold, the fraudster either appears at the victim’s front door or
At a time when it feels like technology is playing an ever larger role
More generally, the scam goes like this: Victims are contacted through text, email, or phone call and told their financial accounts are at risk of being compromised for various reasons. The reasons given may include that the accounts were subject to a cyberattack or are being used for illegal activity and must be closed.
The program will run through Aug. 20. Over the course of a typical summer, Perkins said, around 500-600 kids come out to SVA at the Park.
When school is out for the summer, busy parents need to find healthy and enjoyable options for their children. That’s where SVA comes in.
This summer, the organization has brought back its SVA in the Park program. SVA in the Park happens four days a week, Monday through Thursday, from 12:303:30. On Monday and Wednesday, the event is hosted at Bohemia Park, and on Tuesday and Thursday, kids can head out to Coiner Park to join the fun.
Victims are advised to empty the account, purchase the gold bars, and then deliver the bars over to the “government official.” For those unable or unwilling to purchase the gold themselves, the fraudster will offer and even insist on making the purchase for them.
Sometimes this includes giving the “government official” remote access to the victim’s electronic devices. Victims are tricked into believing
“So, we set up in the park four days a week. We have arts and crafts. I have two adult employees that sit down there. They have
“We’re giving reassurance that there’s a place where their kids can go get out of the house, if only for a couple days or a couple hours, they’re putting those electronic devices down,” Perkins said. “They’re putting the video games down, and they’re engaging with other people. They’re being creative, they’re being active. And that’s good for healthy lifestyles.”
Law enforcement officials said the scam has already caused millions of dollars in losses to Oregon investors and others across the country.
assets. This is positively –and always – a scam.
Some of the camps SVA already had this summer included a volleyball camp, golf camp, and a cheer camp. Other upcoming opportunities include single events or recurring weekly activities.
It has already caused millions of dollars in losses to Oregon investors and others across the country.
One of the most refreshing is Kona Ice in the Park on Aug. 20, where the first 150 kids to get there will get free snow cones! That
“It is troubling that these criminals are using fear and a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into making devastating financial deci
in everyday life, Perkins explained why participation in outdoor programs is so crucial for young people.
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.
17:36: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
17:56: Trespass, 1100 block Hwy 99
18:21: Illegal parking, 600 block Johnson Ave.
block W. Main St. 1400
: Criminal mischief, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
07:49: Warrant service, E. Main/N. River Rd.
during the concerts in the park, which he said, “is really popular.” While the parents watch the show, the kids can pop over and hit a volleyball or kick a soccer ball around.
accept positions as a driver or courier from these scammers.
password and instructed to give assets to a person who provides them with the password. This is always a scam.
pickleball camp in July, and a basketball camp in August. Registration and information for those camps are available at www.southvalleyathletics. org.
On Thursdays, Jun. 25 through Aug. 20, the Community Center is the place to be for kids, with a free chess club from 1:303:30 p.m., and free improv from 4-5 p.m.
As an additional precaution, DFR emphasizes that government officials will never contact you and demand payment using gold bars. To stay safe: Be cautious of someone contacting you and claiming to be a government official. The imposter scam was the most common scam reported to the Federal Trade Commission in 2024. Government officials will never threaten you or demand that you make a payment using cryptocurrency, gift
To wrap up the week, there are Friday Field Trips. Those run from Jun. 26 through Aug. 21, and registration is available online. Parents drop off their kids at the Community Center around 8:30, and the trips usually last until 2:30 p.m.
The return time also pairs well with the Friday movies that are hosted by the library. Perkins usually sticks around for the films and said any are welcome to join him.
Never click on suspicious links or respond to unsolicited messages. If you receive an email or text from an unknown sender (even if the details appear accurate), do not respond, and do not click on any links or attachments found in that email. You could unknowingly download malicious software.
While much of the programming is focused on the youth, Perkins said SVA is working on bringing more activities for older age groups. One such event they’ll have this year is the SVA’s Golf Fundraiser Aug. 23 at Hidden Valley Golf Course.
Never give out your personal and financial information. Do not share personal and financial information
“We’ll have food carts, music, we’ll have some raffles. It’s not a tournament; it’s just a fundraiser. It’s a fun, themed golf fundraiser,” Perkins said. “This will be our second year doing that fundraiser. And we had a lot of fun last year; we’re hoping to make it ramp it up and make it a little bit bigger this year.”
Last year, there were about 30 people, as well as the SVA’s volunteers.
SVA will also have a presence at the Spirit of the Bohemia Mining Days.
Lemati or Slabtown. Then, how they do in the tournament, if they participate, they get points, and there are points for the winners, and that goes towards who wins the Lemati/Slabtown Feud at the Spirit of the Bohemia Mining Days.”
It’s a fun way to engage with some of the area’s history and partner with the tradition of Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days.
employment offers. Research a company thoroughly before unusual activity. DFR cautions Oregonians to remain cautious and informed. Contact local law enforcement to report this scam. You can also contact DFR to report suspected fraud, inappropriate securities business practices, or to obtain consumer information. Free investor education and fraud prevention materials are available at dfr.oregon.gov or by calling one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888877-4894 (toll-free) or dfr. financialserviceshelp@dcbs. oregon.gov.
While the SVA is just one of the great organizations helping get the youth active in Cottage Grove, Perkins said it wouldn’t be possible without the organization’s volunteers or board members. Keeping participation steady and growing is one of their goals, and part of that is increasing community involvement, whether through volunteering or attending the organization’s events.
As a volunteer organization, SVA’s success is fueled by people coming out to give their time to the community.
19:10: Suspicious subject, 1300 block S. River Rd.
MONDAY, SEPT. 22
01:57: Agency assist, 6th/I5
03:00: Menace, 38000 block Row River Rd.
Cottage Grove Police
sports equipment. We set up a soccer field. We set up a volleyball net. We have football, Frisbees,” Perkins said. “You can feel good about sending kids to the park, knowing that there are people there that will be able to kind of keep an eye on them.”
19:18: Trespass, 1100 block Hwy 99
TUESDAY, SEPT. 23
08:53: Theft, 900 block N. Douglas St.
10:29: Disturbance, 900 block W. Main St.
10:39: Suspicious subject, 100 block N. 6th St.
“It’s really easy to let [electronics] take over. They’re very addictive for one, they’re designed to keep you engaged with them. They’re like programs to just feed you, just little tidbits of what you love and what you like, just to keep you engaged with them. So, it’s really important that we have these opportunities for kids to shut those things off, put them aside, get out, and get exercise,” Perkins said. “Healthy, active lifestyles are very important, and then also the aspect of making friends and
10:43: Disturbance, 78000 block Bigelow Way
01:14: Fire, 200 block N. 12th St.
04:28: Warrant service, 900 block Row River Rd.
06:34: Fire, 200 block N. 12th St.
While the SVA employees are not “babysitters,” Perkins said SVA at the Park offers a safe place for kids to hang out with other children from around the area. At a recent SVA park event, they had about 25 kids out at Bohemia Park, coloring, painting rocks, and playing volleyball and soccer.
07:44: Theft, 100 block North L St.
07:52: Shots fired, 700 block Hwy 99
That time in the park offers parents some peace of mind, and it offers the kids a chance to get out.
08:49: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
tion, 1200 St.
event will be hosted at Coiner Park. Perkins said that Coiner Park is a great venue because of the tennis and basketball courts.
08:38: Fraud, 900 block N. Douglas St.
Some of the field trip destinations include the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Wildlife Safari, the Eugene Science Center, the Raptor Center, Splash, and the Cottage Grove Christian Camp. On field trip days, SVA provides breakfast and lunch.
One of the hit weekly options is the weekly bowling at Cottage Bowl.
08:48: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
09:18: Illegal camping, 700 block E. Main St.
Starting Jun. 30, SVA holds a bowling event on Tuesdays starting at 2 p.m.
CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT. 257
09:25: Welfare check, 1500 block E. Chamberlain Ave.
More local destinations include Singing Creek Farm and London Springs Farm.
DIVAS ON A DIME #12345_20260629 FOR RELEASE JUNE 29, 2026
By Patti Diamond
09:57: Suspicious vehicle, R/Fairview
The first 25 kids to arrive get to bowl for free, which includes shoe rental and two games. Perkins provides the snacks.
“On those ones, we go to the farms in the morning, and then in the afternoon, we go out, and we swim at Dorena Lake and Cottage Grove Lakes,” Perkins said.
PHOTO CREDIT: www.JasonCoblentz.com
21:08: Theft, 1000 block Tyler Ave.
10:07: Criminal mischief, 200 block N. 12th St.
10:23: Warrant service, 200 block N. 12th St.
In addition to the SVA at the Park, on Wednesdays, Perkins sets up volleyball and soccer
10:47: Suspicious subject, 99/Main
In addition to standing weekly activities, SVA will also be hosting a day camp in late July, a
21:39: Welfare check, 900 block N. Douglas St. 22:05: Suicidal subject, 1400 block Daugherty Ave.
10:50: Suspicious vehicle, 200
Woodson/River Rd.
800
10:50: Dog at large, Main/S
“We’re gonna be in the parade. And then on a Saturday, I will have a little fun basketball skills competition at the Coiner Park, and it’s part of the Lemati/Slabtown Feud Games,” Perkins said. “It’s an old tradition they do at Spirit of the Bohemian Mining Days. It’s based on an old feud that went on in Cottage Grove. So if you’re from one side of Cottage Grove, you’re Slabtown, if you’re from the other side of Cottage Grove, you’re Lemati, and for the kids that come in, they say whether they’re
11:06: Agency assist, 500 block Landess Rd.
“It’s important that we have people who are willing to volunteer and give their time to these organizations because they are important for these kids,” Perkins said. “So if somebody’s wanting to volunteer, or looking for a way to have a positive impact on their community, volunteering with youth recreation and youth sports is one of the best ways you can do it because when you do this stuff, you watch the kids grow in confidence, in skill, life skills, coordination, healthy attitudes, and healthy practices.”
PHOTO CAPTION: The Dot Cake gets a red, white and blue makeover just in time for Independence Day.
21:38: Welfare check, 500 block E. Madison Ave. 22:32: Suspicious condition, 300 block Hwy 99
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27
22:12: Trespass, 300 block Hwy 99
23:27: Suspicious subject, 700 block Row River
23:28: Disorderly subject, 200 block S. 12th St.
Row River Rd.
Why
Dot
13:05: Theft, 200 block N. 9th St.
Cakes
15:31: Illegal camping, Gateway/14th
Are the Perfect Dessert for America’s 250th Birthday
16:33: Animal info, 1100 block E. Harrison Ave.
16:35: Hit and run, 1400 block Anthony Ave.
16:40: Juvenile trouble, 500 block Fillmore Ave.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 25
04:28: Disturbance, 900 block S. 6th St.
layers of cake and frosting topped with a thick blanket of colorful nonpareils. For Independence Day, I gave mine a patriotic twist by tinting the cake batter red and blue and topping each cake with nonpareils or dots. The beauty of Dot Cakes is that they’re more about fun than perfection. Use a homemade cake or a boxed mix. Make frosting or open a can. The goal is a familiar birthdaycake flavor, plenty of frosting and a festive sprinkle topping that makes people smile.
12:48: Suspicious vehicle, Row River Rd/174 NB 15:41: Disturbance, 4th/ Taylor
16:06: Fire, 34000 block Shoreview Dr. 16:37: Dog at large, 10th/Grover
it with parchment. Alternatively, use a 9 by13 cake pan. Prepare cake batter according to package directions. For thin red and blue layers, divide the batter between two bowls. Tint one bowl red and the other blue using gel food coloring. Spread the colored batters side by side in the sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes.
17:01: Illegal camping, Gateway/14th
PATRIOTIC DOT CAKES
08:06: Theft, 900 block Row River Rd.
Yield: 4 (9-ounce) cakes
02:14: Suspicious vehicle, 1500 block E. Main St.
03:56: Suicidal subject, 100 block Crestview Ter.
Alternatively, simply bake the cake according to package directions in a 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake until done and cooled completely.
17:36: Suspicious vehicle, 1300 block Elm Ave.
07:31: Abandoned vehicle, 300 block S. 5th St. 09:49: Suicidal subject, 1400 block Daugherty Ave. 11:10: Agency assist, 100 block S. 10th St.
Total Time: 40 minutes plus cooling
09:04: Found dog, Gateway Blvd/Harvey
1 white cake mix, plus ingredients called for on package Red and blue gel food coloring
09:09: Found drugs, 700 block Wilson Ave.
17:49: Welfare check, 1200 block E. Main St.
For America’s 250th birthday, I had visions of creating something historically significant. Perhaps a colonial recipe. Maybe a dessert inspired by early American kitchens. Then reality arrived carrying a deadline. Instead, I found myself making the internet’s latest obsession: The Viral Dot Cake.
17:55: Found drugs, 200 block Gateway Blvd.
20:06: Fire, Emerson/99
20:11: Business check, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.
20:38: Disturbance, 78000 block Cedar Park Rd.
17:38: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
To make the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter and marshmallow creme with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Refrigerate. This frosting firms up beautifully when cold.
18:50: Fraud, 1500 block E. Washington Ave.
1 batch frosting (recipe follows) or 1 container prepared frosting
09:10: Illegal camping, Gateway Blvd/14th
The funny thing is that the more I learned about the trend, the more appropriate it seemed. Dot Cakes aren’t fancy. They’re layers of cake, frosting and colorful sprinkles. They’re cheerful, nostalgic and designed to be shared. In a year filled with grand celebrations, perhaps that’s exactly the kind of dessert we need. Sometimes the things that bring people together are surprisingly simple. Here’s the funny part: The internet’s favorite dessert isn’t an elaborate goldleaf freckled showpiece or a complicated bakery creation requiring trips to three stores and a monastery. It’s basically birthday cake. Like the kind of cake that we remember from childhood. Colorful, affordable, nostalgic and easy to share, Dot Cake captures something we often forget: Joy doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
1 cup nonpareil sprinkles, aka dots
4 clear jars, cups or ramekins (8- to 10-ounce size)
09:26: Order violation, 100 block Sweet Ln.
19:11: Unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, 100 block Gateway Blvd.
QUICK & EASY FROSTING
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
09:29: Disorderly subject, 700 block E. Gibbs Ave.
19:19: Juvenile trouble, 1000 block Hwy 99
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 (7-ounce) container marshmallow creme
09:41 into a motor vehicle, block Gateway Blvd.
20:02: Trespass, 200 block S. River Rd.
20:09: Juvenile trouble, block E. Main St.
12:55: Abandoned vehicle, 700 block Girard Ct. 12:58: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St. 14:50: Disturbance, 1600 block Harvey Rd.
18:22: Missing person, 400 block E. Main St.
20:09: Welfare check, 1500 block E. Madison Ave.
20:19: Barking dog, 1400 block S. River Rd.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 26
: Business check, block E. Main St. : Barking dog, 600
: Criminal mischief, block Gateway Blvd.
04:33: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.
The original viral Dot Cakes are typically made in small cups or jars with
Preheat
10:44: Illegal camping, Gateway/14th
20:44: Suspicious subject, 300 block N. Lane
21:24: Intoxicated subject, 400 block N. Lane
To Assemble: Using a round cutter slightly smaller than your serving cups, cut cake rounds. Place one round in the bottom of each cup. Add a layer of frosting. Repeat with additional cake and frosting layers as desired. Finish with a smooth layer of frosting on top. Use an offset spatula to get a perfectly smooth surface. Pour sprinkles onto a plate and gently turn each cake upside down and press the tops of the cakes into the sprinkles until completely covered. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight before serving. These cakes travel beautifully, making them perfect for potlucks, picnics and Independence Day celebrations.
21:55: Suspicious condition, 300 block Kalapuya Way
SUNDAY, SEPT. 28
Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, partyplanning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime — Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on
10:58: Criminal mischief, 1300 block E. Main St. 16:10: Theft, 1400 block Daugherty Ave.
16:40: Dog at large, 1000 block Taylor Ave.
08:26: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St. 10:37: Alarm, 100 block Village Dr. 16:57: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main
Buren Ave.
Courtesy photos from Tom Perkins
Photos from some of the fun field trips and day camps that are put on by SVA.
