CGS72

JEREMY C. RUARK

Cottage Grove Sentinel

Council approves 2025-2026 budget

CINDY WEELDREYER Cottage Grove Sentinel

After months of discussion and deliberation among members of the Cottage Grove City Council, the city’s budget committee, city staff, and with citizens in a town hall meeting, the city council has adopted the Cottage Grove 2025-26 operating budget.

Ward 2 Councilor Randell

Election results certified, Taddei resigns

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

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.

CINDY WEELDREYER Cottage Grove Sentinel

Lammerman voted no and Mayor Candace Solesbee was absent, producing a 5-1 vote during the city council’s June 23 meeting.

Crews began developing the smaller homeless camp site this week on the vacant lot at 12th Street.

For four councilors, it was their first foray into the challenging municipal budget process, and several shared their frustration with it.

Lammerman stated he was “not a fan of the proposed budget or the process and would not approve it.” He said, “The lack of fiscal audits in the past three years demonstrates a lack of fiscal accountability.”

City Manager Mike Sauerwein said, “We haven’t been letting grass grow under our feet and all three audits will be done by the end of the next fiscal year.”

haven’t seen anything yet on how to lower costs.”

facing Oregon’s

The South Lane School District leadership will look much different this fall with a new superintendent and three new board members.

There were four seats to fill on the South Lane School Board in the May 20 special election. The two candidates for each position conducted spirited campaigns.

“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.”

BUDGET COMMITTEE DIRECTIVE

Lammerman noted another reason for his unwillingness to approve the budget.

The new mini homeless camp will include the same restrictions as the former larger camps.

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.

On election night, voters selected retired Bohemia Elementary teacher Diane Hicks to fill the Position 2 chair, vacated by three-term veteran Taylor Wilhour, who decided not to seek a fourth term. Business owner Chris Holloman upset local realtor Sherry Duerst-Higgins, a 30+ year board veteran, to win the Position 4 seat.

Two races were determined by razor thin margins.

Position 5 Incumbent Colleen Valley, a business owner, was reelected to a second four-year term by 17 votes over challenger Tony Lefler, the service manager at a local car dealership.

The Position 7 contest, between incumbent Jeff Gowing and challenger Bill Parsons, was so close that state law required an automatic recount. The outcome resulted in Parsons squeaking by Gowing with a two-vote lead to complete the remaining two years of that term.

In April 2024, the board appointed Gowing to fill the vacant seat until the May 20 election.

TADDEI RESIGNS

“The budget committee recognized there is a shortfall in the 2025-26 proposed budget and directed the Council and City Manager to find ways to reduce next year’s budget by $500,000. I

“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.”

Sauerwein read the budget committee’s motion that recommended the council direct the City Manager to bring an agenda item to the first council meeting of the 2025-26 fiscal year to discuss how to reduce the 16-percent gap in the budget between the expenditures and revenue over the next three years with the first year seeing a gap reduction of at least one-third.

to bring that requested agenda item to the July 14 council meeting. I am wholeheartedly behind it and city staff has already begun the process internally of looking at ways we can reduce that gap over the course of this next year.”

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.

In response to Lammerman’s comment Sauerwein said, “As we’ve discussed at the last two council meetings, city staff intends

“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

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

In public financing, most of the general fund is replenished each fall after Lane County collects the annual property taxes and distributes it to the respective taxing districts. It is often characterized as the government’s “checkbook” that provides elected officials with the greatest flexibility to deliver community services and address unexpected

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.

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).

expenditures, such as the January 2024 ice storm.

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

“I saw our brothers and sisters struggle from the devastation that they saw, so I went back and got my degree and became a licensed counselor,” he said. “We started tracking EMS and firefighter suicides across America.”

In Cottage Grove, police operations and library services take the biggest bite out of the general fund pie. In budget committee hearings, citizens passionately advocated for a fully-funded and professional police department. They also touted the short- and long-term benefits public libraries provide to children and adults and how they are a valuable investment in maintaining a community’s quality of life now and in the future.

Behavioral Impact

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

“We become cultural brainwashed,” Dill said. “Whether it’s structural or wildland fires. So, we are meant to believe we are supposed to act strong, brave, be help, don’t ask for help, and we don’t want to look weak and not ask for help.”

Genealogical Society celebrates 50 years of connecting families

Dill added that while firefighters are on the front lines battling the wildfires, one of the biggest challenges they face is the unknown.

CINDY WEELDREYER Cottage Grove Sentinel

The Cottage Grove Community Center’s Shepherd Room transformed into a one-stop shop for those hunting for their ancestors or seeking to preserve memories, photos and treasured heirlooms.

Grovers gather to

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.

At the final meeting of the current school board, June 23, Duane Taddei made a surprise announcement. He said due to changes in his work schedule, he needed to resign from his position, which has two years remaining of its four year term.

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.

The Union Pacific train engineer explained that earlier this year his company announced a major change in the use of its Eugene rail yard. To remain in Lane County, in a different position, Taddei would no longer have the schedule flexibility he needed to attend board meetings.

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

Page 6

helped us meet many of our future bookstore customers,” Birdy said.

She shared a humorous memory they made in the formal Iron Maiden Dining Room that drew laughter from the crowd.

A steady stream of curious individuals came and went during the all-afternoon event that featured experts on discovering and preserving family history. Participants learned about tools and resources to begin or continue their genealogical adventures. There were experts who demonstrated how to use the Historic Oregon Newspapers Project, Photo and Art Restoration Techniques, Preservation of historical artifacts, Family Search Websites, Scots-Irish Surnames and Migration, Maps and Land Records, Military Service Records, and representatives of genealogical organizations, such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mayflower Society, and the Oregon Lewis and Clark Chapter. The event also included the sale of new and used books on genealogy. EVENT PURPOSE

remember Village Green Resort

“My sister and I were budding feminists at the time and were quite shocked by the sexism practiced in the dining room,” she said. “The menu given to a woman had no prices on it and foot pillows were provided so ladies’ uncomfortable shoes could be removed while dining. It was a very different era.”

Nearly 50 people attended the Cottage Grove Historical Society’s “Farewell to the Village Green” at the Community Center, Saturday, Sept. 21. The internationally famous resort was created by Walter A. Woodard (W.A.) and his son, Carlton. Some members of the family attended and shared personal memories.

THROUGH THE LENS

the way” during the construction project.

city plans from the 19th and 20th centuries.

“It’s how rapidly theses fires can move, and the unknown is where is it going to end? Where will this fire go to and how long will it last? And that is a struggle,” he said. “So, when you are fighting that fire, you’re trying to do your best to stop it, and yet the wind kicks up at 60 miles an hour and it drags it further and further behind them. That aspect of the unknown is very difficult in wildland fires. The firefighters have that stress and anxiety, and that struggle to protect is a very difficult challenge for the wildland firefighters.”

“For both local and family history these maps are fantastic,” Dunn said. “Most people I talked to were curious to learn more about the family-owned properties and businesses their ancestors once owned.”

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

Local lovers of family and local history came together in 1975 and created the Cottage Grove Genealogical Society (CGGS). The June 11 event had multiple purposes: celebrating the Society’s 50th anniversary, creating greater community awareness of the organization, recruiting new society members, assisting current family researchers and inspiring new ones.

He said he was given an important job of opening the boxes delivered to the guest rooms and recalled how cool he felt driving the orange golf cart around the property for assigned errands. Years later, another special memory was seeing the famous football player, O.J. Simpson, running on one of the resort’s paths.

Bert Dunn’s specialty area is historic maps. He started out as a genealogist and soon discovered his passion for maps. There are two kinds of maps he uses for historical purposes: Metsker and Sanborn. Seattle-based Metsker Maps sell maps, globes, guidebooks, reproductions & travel accessories. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps are detailed

To the delight of those gathered, Kris’ brother, Casey Woodard,

CGGS Treasurer Pam Swires joined the society three years ago. She specializes the techniques of preserving textiles, documents and family heirloom items. She said she values her family’s legacy and is now the keeper of an extensive family history. She hopes one of her grandnieces or a grandnephews will eventually share her passion and continue the passing on the information and heirlooms.

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.

“One of the best ways to engage young people in the significance of their family’s treasures is to carefully pack and preserve them in specialty containers designed to protect whatever type of item it is,” Swires said. “Most importantly, each item must be accompanied by a detailed description of its family significance.”

“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

See SOCIETY, Page 6

Multi vehicle traffic crash claims one, injures four others

the vehicle operators had died from injuries sustained in the crash. The preliminary investigation indicated a white Chevrolet Silverado dually pickup, operated by 46-year-old Sheldon Bryce Moore of Creswell, was traveling southbound on Highway 99 near milepost 10 when it slowed to negotiate a turn. A southbound blue Mazda Tribute, operated by 35-year-old Joseph M. Peters of Cottage Grove,

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

00:12: Suspicious vehicle, 1200 block Hwy 99

00:33: Theft, 700 block E. Gibbs Ave.

01:41: Motor vehicle crash, 1400 block W. Main St.

01:53: Suspicious vehicle, 900 block Row River Rd.

05:14: Disorderly subject, 100 block N. 6th St.

08:15: Suspicious vehicle, 1300 block Girard Ave.

09:35: Found dog, 1500 block E. Main St.

10:13: Disorderly subject, 400 block N. 10th St.

10:19: Fire, 100 block S.

16th St.

10:48: Animal info, 1500 block S. 8th St.

11:36: Disturbance, 1600 block S. 12th St.

14:20: Motor vehicle crash, 900 block Row River Rd.

14:26: Animal info, 100 block S. 10th St.

16:27: Disturbance, 3200 block Row River Rd.

18:45: Found dog, 1000 block Taylor Ave.

19:36: Mental subject, 600 block N. 10th St.

20:25: Disturbance, 500 block E. Madison Ave.

20:50: Disturbance, 2100 block N. Douglas St.

SUNDAY, JUNE 15

02:18: Suspicious vehicle, 500 block Gateway Blvd.

04:59: Alarm, 100 block Hwy 99

07:25: Warrant service, 10th/Quincy

07:53: Warrant service, 200 block N. 12th St.

rear-ended a white Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by 35-year-old Tenielle Lynette Long-Piccolo of Cottage Grove, which was directly behind the Chevrolet Silverado.

The Mazda then veered into the northbound lane and collided with a white Ford F-350 pickup, operated by 34-year-old Marcelo Analco Garcia of Eugene, which was towing a dump trailer loaded with dirt and rocks.

The operator of the Mazda (Peters) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. OSP was later notified that Peters died from his injuries on June 20, 2025

The operator of the Chevrolet Tahoe (Long-Piccolo), a female juvenile (14), and a second female juvenile (9) were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

POLICE BLOTTER

The operator of the Ford F-350 (Analco Garcia) had reported minor injuries but was not transported.

The operator of the Chevrolet Silverado (Moore) was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. As of June 26, the crash remained under investigation. The Cottage Grove Police Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted OSP at the crash site.

09:02: Found property, 900 block Row River Rd.

13:15: Theft, 900 block W. Main St.

14:34: Wanted subject, 300 block Gateway Blvd.

14:59: Wanted subject, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.

15:24: Welfare check, 1300 block Birch Ave.

15:55: Barking dog, 500 block Taylor Ave.

16:49: Unlawful entry into motor vehicle, 8000 block Davisson Rd.

18:53: Welfare check, 600 block S. 14th St.

19:09: Disturbance, 32000 block Latham Rd.

20:35: Disturbance, 500 block E. Main St.

MONDAY, JUNE 16

08:01: Fraud, 1100 block Tyler Ave.

09:32: Fraud, 800 block W. Main St.

10:54: Disturbance, 200 block N. 12th St.

11:45: Hit and run, 1000

block S. 10th St.

12:16: Welfare check, 1700 block Hwy 99

13:02: Abandoned vehicle, Washington/Gateway

13:52: Disorderly subject, 1100 block E. Main St.

15:47: Suspicious vehicle,

400 block Landess Rd.

16:41: Warrant service,

400 block E. Main St.

17:42: Trespass, 500 block Fillmore Ave.

18:53: Abandoned vehicle, 2nd/Jefferson

19:01: Disturbance, 22nd/ Whiteaker

19:37: Wanted subject,

500 block E. Madison Ave.

19:41: Found dog, 8th/

Arthur

19:47: Criminal mischief,

500 block E. Madison Ave.

19:58: Assault, 500 block E. Madison Ave.

21:09: Disturbance, River Rd/Holly

21:24: Warrant service,

400 block Main St.

21:27: Illegal camping, River Rd/99

22:04: Warrant service, River Rd/99

TUESDAY, JUNE 17

01:54: Warrant service,

400 block E. Main St.

03:16: Suspicious subject,

300 block E. Monroe Ave.

09:01: Suspicious vehicle, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

09:45: Vehicle impound, 400 block S. 16th St.

10:23: Welfare check, 100 block Tyler Ave.

10:25: Agency assist, 900 block Row River Rd.

12:14: Abandoned vehicle, 1700 block Harvey Rd.

12:20: Fire, 77000 block S. 6th St.

13:18: Vehicle impound, 1500 block E. Chamberlain Ave.

14:40: Harassment, 100 block S. 21st St.

15:59: Disturbance, 200 block Davidson Ave.

16:25: Fire, 77000 block S. 6th St.

19:22: Disturbance, 300 block Talamena Dr.

20:54: Disturbance, 33000 block Row River Rd.

21:18: Suspicious condition, 1900 block W. Harrison Ave.

22:10: Warrant service, 500 block Madison Ave.

22:29: Warrant service, 1000 block E. Main St. 23:55: Criminal mischief, 500 block Gateway Blvd.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

06:36: Trespass, 1200 block E. Main St.

06:42: Welfare check, 1500 block E. Main St.

07:54: Missing person, 16th/Harvey

08:05: Theft, 400 block N. 14th St.

08:30: Disorderly subject, 100 block N. 14th St.

08:52: Order violation, 1500 block Red Hills Pl.

09:37: Trespass, 800 block S. 1st St.

09:45: Alarm, 1300 block Gateway Blvd.

10:20: Found drugs, 1300 block E. Main St.

11:01: Vehicle impound, 900 block Row River Rd.

12:32: Theft, 100 block Gateway Blvd.

12:50: Vehicle impound, 1500 block E. Chamberlain Ave.

14:57: Wanted subject, 400 block E. Main St.

15:10: Citizen assist, Umpqua Forest

15:43: Welfare check, 1100 block Hwy 99

16:09: Disturbance, Main/ Whiteaker

16:55: Motor vehicle crash, 600 block Row River Rd.

18:15: Welfare check, 1400 block S. 7th St.

18:49: Fire, 35000 block Row River Rd.

22:23: Alarm, 1200 block Main St.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

04:32: Assault, 100 block N. 6th St.

07:10: Hit and run, 700 block E. Main St.

07:32: Repo, 1600 block Hwy 99

07:51: Found dog, 77000 block S. 6th St.

08:13: Disorderly subject, 200 block N. 12th St.

08:30: Missing person, 1400 block S. 7th St.

09:23: Warrant service, 400 block Main St.

11:14: Theft, 600 block E. Washington Ave.

11:55: Dog at large, 800

block N. 10th St.

13:15: Warrant service, 400 block E. Main St.

16:34: Burglary, 200 block Gateway Blvd.

18:40: Reckless driving, 78000 block Mosby Creek Rd.

20:30: Criminal mischief, 800 block Row River Rd.

23:16: Welfare check, 1500 block Gateway Blvd.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

00:19: Juvenile trouble, 2500 block E. Main St.

00:38: Juvenile trouble, 100 block S. 10th St.

02:31: Fire, 100 block Hwy 99

08:01: Stolen vehicle, 1700 block Bryant Ave.

08:01: Fire, 1600 block Samuel Dr.

08:18: Hit and run, 1500 block E. Main St.

08:34: Hit and run, 800 block Row River Rd.

08:52: Fire, 75000 block Wicks Rd.

11:17: Theft, 1300 block Ash Ave.

12:02: Fire, 31000 block CG Lorane Rd.

12:56: Wanted subject, 2200 block Cemetery Rd.

17:35: Dog at large, Lane/ Thayer

18:36: Wanted subject, 500 block E. Madison Ave.

18:41: Repo, 700 block N. 11th St.

19:09: Abandoned vehicle, 1st/Van Buren

19:22: Wanted subject, 900 block W. Main St.

20:38: Welfare check, 900 block Kristen Way

22:12: Suicidal subject, 700 block 3rd St.

23:02: Disturbance, 500 block E. Madison Ave.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

00:22: Suspicious condition, 1700 block Main St.

08:29: Suspicious

Illegal camping,

Warrant service,

DUII, Madison/5th 21:26: Harassment, 900 block W. Main St. 21:28: Agency assist, 1300 block S. 7th St. 22:47: Barking dog, 500 block Landess Rd. 23:52: Suspicious condition, 200 block bluebird St.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

04:37: Warrant service, 400 block Main St. 07:36: Suspicious condition, 900 block E. Main St. 11:14: Suicidal subject, 1400 block Daugherty Ave. 11:21: Disorderly subject, 100 block S. 10th St. 12:01: Suspicious vehicle, 800 block E. Whiteaker Ave. 12:43: Alarm, 200 block Columbia Ct.

17:51: Suspicious condition, 500 block E. Madison Ave. 19:58: Theft, 900 block Row River Rd.

20:09: Overdose, 200 block N. 12th St. 20:18: Trespass, 900 block Row River Rd.

20:29: Warrant Service, 400 block E. Main St. 20:42: Criminal mischief, 100 block Gateway Blvd. 21:05: Trespass, 200 block N. 10th St. 22:17: Wanted subject, 2200 block Cemetery Rd.

Bohemia Mining Days Festival Countdown

CINDY WEELDREYER

Cottage Grove Sentinel

THEME: “Striking Gold: A Legacy Reignited”

Only 15 days left before “Bohemia City” appears in Coiner Park, July 17-19. Here are some ways to enhance participation in the 66th Annual Bohemia Mining Days. Visit the Spirit of BMD website for all the details: www.spiritofbmd.com

Theme: “Striking Gold: A Legacy Reignited” COSTUME AND BEARD CONTESTS

Now is the time to thread your needle or buy an Old West-era costume and for men to grow a mustache or beard and compete in these popular contests. Whether you compete or not it costumes add to the ambiance and spirit of the gold mining boomtown of Bohemia City in the late 1800s.

LIL MR. AND LIL MISS BOHEMIA CITY CONTEST

This adorable contest returns this year for ages three to 10-years-old. No

Pre-registration required for this fun event contestants just come dressed as a pioneer or miner near the gazebo on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. For more information visit the website.

GRAND MINERS PARADE

Courtesy photo

Spirit of BMD is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, July 17-19, at Coiner Park in Cottage Grove.

Everyone loves a parade – especially Grovers of all ages! Since 1959, the Saturday morning parade has showcased community organizations, businesses, sports teams, Cottage Grove High School’s Spirited Class Reunions, Rodeo Courts, Pets, Veterans, and some really cool vehicles. Seems like half the town is in the parade and the other half is watching it. Now is the time to register your entry. The parade route is unchanged: 10th Street to Main Street to Gateway Blvd. and it steps off at 10 a.m.

VOLUNTEER It takes many hands and hearts to produce Cottage

Grove’s largest event of the year. There are numerous ways to help ensure The Grove’s signature event is successful and runs smoothly behind the scenes and meet new people. All volunteers are fed, hydrated and receive some BMD swag.

DONATE

As reported in the Sentinel’s June 25 issue, the Bohemia Mining Days Celebration is now one of multiple projects under the administrative umbrella of the year-round Spirit of BMD (SBMD) nonprofit organization. Every dollar helps keep Cottage Grove unique and colorful history alive for future generations to connect

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

COTTAGE GROVE

HISTORIC DISTRICT

Businesses are open during the Main Street Revitalization construction. Keep shopping in Historic Downtown Cottage Grove and get stamps. Turn the stamps in at the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce at 836 E Main Street for a chance to win $500 in local gift cards each week until construction is finished. Details at https://www. cgchamber.com/shoplocal/ or call 541-942-2411

JULY 3-5

Cottage Grove Speedway Fast Cars & Freedom Cup includes modifiers, Limited/305 Sprints. Sportmods, and Kiefer Compacts. Fireworks display the night of July 4. Boat races and Ralph Bloom Memorial Sported Race July 5. Visit the Cottage Grove Speedway Facebook for ticket and race

details. The Cottage Grove Speedway is located at 2150 N Douglas Avenue in Cottage Grove. For more information, call 541-942-7561

JULY 4

Creswell Fourth of July Celebration. Festivities begin in Holt Park with an early morning breakfast and following a community parade. A new event this year includes the Creswell Rodeo. Gates will open at 1 p.m. with the rodeo events beginning at 3 p.m. Fireworks display at Creswell High School. Rodeo tickets are $10 per person. Children 2 and younger free Tickets available at Farmlands Market and Country Farms and Ranch Supplies in Creswell.

JULY 11-12

Cottage Grove Rodeo. The 75th annual rodeo presented by Brad’s Chevrolet at the Cottage Grove Riding Club,

with and fulfills the SBMD mission: Explore History, Experience Community, Preserve the Legacy.

OLD WEST WALLS UPDATE

For the first time in nearly 30 years organizers are not renting the familiar Old West façade walls. Thanks to a generous partnership with Cascade Home Center, (supplying materials), and Kyle Kishen Construction (putting the panels together), the Spirit of BMD nonprofit will now own them and keep them in a shipping container the City of Cottage Grove will store at its Public Works facility. Special thanks to this year’s presenting sponsors: Woodard Family Foundation, Starfire Lumber, and the City of Cottage Grove for their generous support in making this year’s festival possible.

RESOURCES

• Visit www.spiritofbmd. com for event details, signups, and updates.

Follow along for behindthe-scenes previews and festival fun:

• Facebook: Spirit of BMD | Instagram: @spiritofbmd | TikTok: @spirit.of.bmd | YouTube: Spirit of BMD

Grove.

77958 Highway 99 South in Cottage Grove. Gates open at 3 p.m. Jr. Barrel Racer qualifiers at 4 p.m. Mutton Busters, Calf Riders, and Steer riders at 5 p.m. Main event at 7 p.m. includes Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Roping events, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and veterans, $8 kids, children under 5 years old free.

JULY 27

The Emerald Valley Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association Annual Family Event and Fundraiser at the Cascadian Bowman, 91714 Poodle Creek Road in Noti. For more information or a registration form, email emeraldvalleyoha@gmail.com or call Kelli Hilsendager at 623-670-6701

Barbara “Bobbie” Louise Schaaf

Feb. 5, 1947 – May 26, 2025

It is with deep love and cherished memories that we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara “Bobbie” Louise Schaaf, at the age of 78, on May 26, 2025, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, surrounded by loved ones. Born in New Madrid, Missouri, on February 5, 1947, to parents Omer and Frankie Arnold, Bobbie was a strong, loyal, energetic, and caring person who you could always count on.

Bobbie married Richard Lee Schaaf on August 4, 1967. Together they raised three children: Rachelle Schaaf of Medford, Ryan Schaaf of Cottage Grove, and the late Raleigh (RJ) Jason Schaaf of Cottage Grove.

Bobbie grew up in the Redwoods of Northern California and went to South Fork High School in Miranda, CA. After she came to Oregon in the late 1960’s, Bobbie embarked on her career journey as a keypunch operator at Lane County. Her quick and entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when she and Richard owned and operated a local Western store, fostering a strong connection with their community. Further reflecting her versatility, Bobbie was very sharp and committed to her work, excelling in various administrative roles until her retirement.

While raising her children, Bobbie was involved in their school and extracurricular activities. She was an active volunteer with the Cottage Grove High ski club, Cottage Grove BMX track, and an equestrian drill

Arrangements

team. Bobbie loved growing beautiful plants and was a gifted needleworker, crocheting warm and wonderful gifts for her friends and family. She was a loving and committed mother, grandma, and great grandma, and a treasured friend to many. Throughout her life, Bobbie maintained close relationships with a group of her childhood friends, whom she cherished deeply. She never met a stranger and had friends of all ages and walks of life. Bobbie opened her heart and home to many over the years, embracing them and loving them (and their children) as though they were family.

Bobbie was a fierce advocate, with a strong sense of community, social justice, and fairness. She regularly attended school board and city hall meetings because she was passionate about ensuring the town she loved was a safe and beautiful place for all of us.

Bobbie is survived by her husband Richard Schaaf, her sister Ellen Barnett of Medford, OR, daughter Rachelle Schaaf of Medford, OR, son Ryan Schaaf of Cottage Grove, her grandchildren—Tyson, Alexx, Mina, Carleigh, Timothy, James, Hope, Seth, Maclane, Tommy, Holly, and Savanna—and her great-grandchildren—Deakin, Jaisen, Parker Jo, Ruby, Delphina, and Ocean Lilly, and the many more she loved as her own!

Arrangements are in the care of SmithLund-Mills Funeral Chapel.

Karen Lee (Viken) Dulley

July 11, 1948 - May 17, 2025

Karen Lee (Viken) Dulley, 76, of Creswell, Oregon passed on May 17, 2025. Born on July 11, 1948, in Eugene, Oregon, to the late Milton Viken and Nancy (Brailsford) Solomon, Karen’s life was a rich tapestry of dedication to family, joy in everyday pleasures, and a career marked by friendly service.

After graduation from Cottage Grove High School. She married Gary Lee Dulley on November 23, 1965, in Reno, Nevada. Together, they cultivated a partnership that spanned 58 years until Gary’s passing. Her roles as a mother, sister, and matriarch were threads of gold. She was a beloved mother to Lisa (Dulley) Swindell and Karlia (Dulley) Gingrich; a cherished sister to Nancy (Viken) Bradford; an adored grandmother to seven grandchildren; and a proud greatgrandmother to twelve great-grandchildren.

Year” award by Realvest Corporation, acknowledging the couple’s dedication and excellence. Before her celebrated career alongside her husband, Karen graced various establishments as a florist and welcoming receptionist. Yet, her truest vocation was that of a homemaker, where her skills as a phenomenal cook and nurturing mother flourished.

Karen’s interests painted a portrait of a woman who found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. Whether reading a book, savoring the ocean air during beach visits, nurturing her garden, or celebrating a win at the casino slot machines. Her love for her family knew no bounds, and her presence at family gatherings was both a comfort and a joy.

Karen’s professional journey was marked by a commitment to excellence, which she demonstrated alongside Gary as they managed apartment complexes. Her talents in customer service and administration were celebrated with the “Managers of the

Though Karen’s absence leaves a profound void, the love and memories she nurtured will continue to blossom in the hearts of her family. Her essence, marked by her loving, kind, and friendly nature, will forever be cherished and remembered. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.

Christopher Winslow

Christopher “Chris” Blaine Winslow, 66 passed away on April 25, 2025, in Springfield, Oregon, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family. He was born on July 5, 1958, in Springfield, to John B. and Judith “Banti” (Robinson) Winslow.

Chris’s journey through life was shared for 45 beautiful years with his beloved wife, Linda Sue (Allen) Winslow, whom he wed on January 19, 1980, in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Their partnership was filled with loving support, shared dreams, and the joyous bustle of raising a family. Chris’s enduring legacy continues through his devoted wife, his caring mother Banti Winslow, his cherished children, daughter Carrie and Brandon Garner, daughter Kimberly Winslow, and son Steven and Kayla Winslow, as well as the light of his life, his five grandchildren. His brother, Kent Winslow, will also hold dearly the spirit and memories of Chris.

Sweepers Association.

Associations such as the OCSA Oregon Chimney Sweeps Association serving as a member and President, NCSG National Chimney Sweep Guild, and AOPA Air Craft Owners and Pilots Association recognized Chris’s passion and expertise within his field.

Chris’s love extended beyond his family and career to a diverse array of hobbies that captured his adventurous spirit. He was an enthusiast of car and motorcycle restoration—a pastime reflecting his attention to detail and appreciation for bygone craftsmanship. Snowmobiling, riding ATVs of all sorts, and motorhome trips with his wife were

Upon graduating from high school, Chris served honorably in the National Guard, an experience that honed his sense of responsibility. A true craftsman at heart, he was a heavy equipment operator and logger until he established Ye Old Town Sweep in 1983. Fully dedicating himself to the small business, he thrived as its driving force for over four decades while also leading peers as the president of the Oregon Chimney

Voices of the Comunity

Thanks to Cottage Grove medics

Cottage Grove Medics were quick to respond to my stress situation. They helped me with my wife with Alzheimer’s disease who fall on the floor.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

My wife and I thank you.

It is sad I cannot remember their names. I am very grateful for their service. It shows they enjoy their job in their attitude, compassion, patient care and foremost listening to us.

Jose Rodriguez Combat Medic SFC ANG Retired Cottage Grove

Workforce needs in health care, social assistance

OREGON EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT

Sentinel Guest Article

Health care and social assistance is a large and steadily growing sector of Oregon’s economy.

Although overall job growth slowed recently in Oregon, gains have accelerated in the health care and social assistance sector.

• In 2024, Oregon employers added 5 700 jobs (+0 3%) to nonfarm payrolls. By comparison, private health care and social assistance added 16,100 jobs (+5 7%) from 2023 to 2024, to reach an alltime high of 301,000 jobs.

• From 2001 to 2024, total nonfarm employment in Oregon grew by 24%. At the same time, private health care and social assistance grew by 92%.

Private health care and social assistance employers reported the largest number of job openings among all sectors of Oregon’s economy for most of the past 12 years. As job growth has accelerated, so has the sector’s share of all job vacancies in Oregon.

• Prior to the pandemic recession, health care and social assistance generally accounted for one out of every five private-sector job openings.

• In 2024, the sector’s share rose to nearly one-third (32%) of all job vacancies.

Private health care and social assistance had an average of 18,200 job openings at any given time during the year.

• Personal care aides and registered nurses had the

largest number of health care job openings in 2024. They also had the largest number of vacancies reported by employers as difficult to fill.

Health care and social assistance will also lead future job growth in Oregon. Total employment is expected to grow by 170,000 jobs (or 8%) between 2023 and 2033

Health care and social assistance is projected to grow by 13%, adding 37,000 jobs.

• One out of every five new jobs added in Oregon by 2033 will be in health care and social assistance.

• Seven of the 15 fastestgrowing occupations in Oregon over the decade are related to health care. They include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical health and services managers, veterinarians, and veterinary assistants and technicians.

Employers will also need to replace workers who retire, otherwise leave the labor force, or make major occupational changes away from health care and social assistance. Adding these replacement job openings to projected growth, health care and social assistance will average nearly 38 000 total job openings each year through 2033

Growth expectations in future years could be hindered by increasing retirements, or an insufficient pipeline of workers into the sector.

More details are available in the full report at QualityInfo.org. A podcast version of the report is also available on the OED YouTube page.

Oregon needs to stop the flow of illegal guns — and we know how to do

DABIEL WEBSTER Oregon Capital Chronicle

If Oregon wants to make lasting progress in reducing gun violence and the devastating ripple effects, the state must address a largely overlooked but crucial driver: the unchecked flow of firearms from licensed gun dealers to the illegal market.

I’ve spent over 30 years studying the causes and consequences of gun violence and one thing is clear: The way we regulate or fail to regulate gun dealers has a clear impact on gun crime. A growing number of states are doing what Oregon has yet to do — require state-level licensing and oversight of firearm dealers. When firearm dealers are not regulated and have insufficient oversight, gun traffickers — including criminals both in the US and abroad — exploit these gaps by identifying licensed gun dealers who will sell them large quantities of guns.

Licensed gun dealers (Federal Firearm Licensees or FFLs) are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. But the bureau has been underfunded for decades and cannot meet its mandate to promote gun dealers’ compliance with federal firearm laws.

The bureau has had a policy goal of inspecting every gun dealer at least once every three years. In reality, it missed nearly half of its inspection targets between 2018 and 2020 during the first Trump administration. Less than 0 5% of gun dealers with documented law violations had their licenses revoked during Trump’s first administration.

During former President Joe Biden’s Zero Tolerance policy for noncompliance with federal gun laws, the number of gun dealer license revocations tripled. Now, Trump has reversed Biden’s attention to firearm dealers’ compliance and weakened the ATF’s capacity and its commitment to carry out its mission of ensuring that firearm

dealers are not funneling large quantities of guns to criminals and traffickers.

This is not just a bureaucratic failure. It impacts public safety with life-and-death consequences. In 2023, the firearms bureau traced over 4 700 guns recovered from criminal suspects and crime scenes in Oregon. Three out of every four of these Oregon crime guns originated from sales by Oregon gun dealers.

Nearly 700 of these guns turned up in crime within a year of retail sale. Such short intervals between a firearm’s sale and its involvement in crime is an indicator of illegal sales, negligence or illegal activity by employees that diligent, law-abiding gun dealers can stop.

Between 2018 and 2022 Oregon’s gun homicide rate increased by 131 percent. While gun homicides in Oregon have declined significantly since then, the provisional rate for 2024 was still 62 percent higher than it was in 2018 Comprehensive, evidence

based strategies are needed to further this decline. This includes stronger measures to look upstream and prevent firearms from being diverted for use in crime.

In the past months, three major cartel-linked fentanyl busts in Oregon resulted in the recovery of large caches of firearms — with 48 firearms recovered in one incident. In the past few years, several high profile gang and cartel members have been prosecuted for federal firearm trafficking rings in Oregon. Federally licensed firearms dealers are often either complicit in facilitating large-volume gun trafficking or they can spot tell-tale signs of trafficking and refuse to make sales to suspected traffickers.

Here’s the good news: States have the capacity to regulate firearm dealers to ensure that they comply with state firearm laws. Fifteen states have implemented firearm dealer licensing and inspection programs and fill the enforcement gap left by an under-resourced ATF.

Research that I have conducted shows that states with strong gun dealer licensing and oversight have fewer guns that are diverted for use in crime. And other research links strong state-level gun dealer regulations with lower levels of gun homicide. Oregon now has the opportunity to take the same smart, evidence-informed approach. HB 3076 would create a state-level oversight system for gun dealers, helping ensure that those licensed to sell firearms follow the law and do not become easy targets for traffickers. It is time to align Oregon’s laws with what research and other states have made clear:

A small number of gun dealers play a key role in the flow of firearms to the illegal market, and without oversight, that flow becomes a flood. HB 3076 could reduce gun and drug trafficking and make our communities safer. Daniel Webster, ScD, MPH, is a researcher and professor at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/17/ oregon-needs-to-stop-theflow-of-illegal-guns-and-weknow-how-to-do-it/ 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.

Apartment complex rising at Village Green property

Construction is moving forward on the redevelopment of the former Village Green Resort property at Cottage Grove.

The new 121-unit Pine Springs Apartment complex is taking shape at the 36-acre site on Row River Road.

The 2-story apartment buildings will offer 2-bedroom, 2-bath units with outdoor patios and balconies, according to the Pine Springs Master Plan.

“The key planning objective is to develop an apartment complex providing needed housing for the

Society

From Page 1

Randy Schoonover stopped at the Family Search table to learn more about the familysearch.org website. He was trying to find information on his great, great, great grandmother who lived and died in England.

CGGS Member Dawn Carlile demonstrated to him how the Family Search website worked. He was impressed with the

Results

From Page 1

“I’ve been trying to make it work but I missed two meetings,” Taddei said.

“After comparing my future days off with the scheduled board meetings in August and September, I finally realized

community,” the Master Plan reads. “The apartment complex will provide additional support population for nearby commercial uses and stimulate economic development. The residential use of the property will also compliment the hotel, the smallscale commercial uses on the vacant commercial lots, and the RV Park.”

Once the apartment construction is complete, the developer, Pine Springs, LLC owner, Colin Kelley, told The Sentinel in October 2024, that he hoped there will be an interested party who will operate the downsized property and provide muchneeded motel rooms, reopen

website feature that connects a searcher with a researcher for a one-on-one virtual consultation. The researcher attempts to answer the searcher’s questions about a particular ancestor. The next day, in a Zoom meeting, they share and discuss their findings.

“I think that is fantastic and I am eager to do that,” Schoonover said.

One valuable research tool is the University of Oregon’s Digital Newspaper Program. Digital Scholarship Librarian Elizabeth Peterson provided information on

my new schedule will not allow me to be as effective as I need to be.”

He said, since there won’t be a July meeting and he wants to be available if needed this summer, his resignation date will be Aug. 13, one day before the next board meeting.

NEXT STEPS

Outgoing Board Chair

Taylor Wilhour said after the board meeting he checked the

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

the restaurants and bar, and serve as a venue for live music, meetings and special events.

The former resort’s main building and renovated guest rooms have been preserved.

Two, one-acre commercial pads are planned that Kelley said will have two retail tenants that could serve as be a mix of restaurant and merchandise.

HISTORY

The Village Green had been a long standing, fivestar destination resort in Cottage Grove that slowly aged and degraded over the years, according to Cottage Grove City Councilor Dana Merryday.

the newspapers that can be accessed from any computer.

President Debra Monsive praised the Woodard Family Foundation’s $9 000 grant to the Cottage Grove Museum to digitize issues of the Cottage Grove Sentinel from 1930 to 1957, which are now available on the UO website.

The local family foundation recently made a second $13 000 grant to digitize issues through December of 1973

She said members are also grateful to Country Media, Inc., the Sentinel’s current owner, for entrusting its

board policies on resignations and confirmed it does need to be made in writing. Once the vacancy is declared in a future board meeting, it must be advertised for 21 days. He said the August meeting is an organizational work session so a regular session would need to be added to the agenda for that purpose, according to Wilhour. He said he hopes they will do that because, otherwise, they

ST. ANDREWS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

1301 W. Main • 541-767-9050 Rev. Lawrence Crumb “Scripture, Tradition, Reason” Worship: Sunday 10:30am All Welcome

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

820 South 10th Street

541-942-5213

Pastor: James D. Boram

Bible Study: Saturday, 9:15 am Worship Service: Saturday, 10:40

Mid-week Service: Wednesday, 1:00

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 6th and Quincy 541-942-2373

Vacancy Pastor: Steven Spencer

Sunday School and Adult

Education 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Comm. Kitchen Free Meal

Tuesday 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. TLC Groups tlccg.com

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

334 Washington 541-942-3033 Worship 10am umcgrove.org

CRESWELL:

CRESWELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

75 S 4th S • 541-895-3419

Rev. Seth Wheeler

Adult Sunday School 9:15am

Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am website www.creswellpres.org

WALKER UNION CHURCH & CEMETERY

32904 England Rd, Creswell, OR (541) 649-1800

Pastor: Randy Wood Sunday Service at 11:00 AM

Everyone is welcome!

Follow us on our Facebook page: WalkerChurchOregon

If your congregation would like to be a part of this worship directory, contact us today!

historic bound copies to the Society on an indefinite loan. Feedback from society members, invited experts, and attendees was all positive. She said the group’s newly adopted motto: “Where Discoveries Happen” perfectly describes the impact of the celebratory event. “It’s been wonderful! Monsive said. “We’ve had a steady stream of people coming in and getting excited about family history. Many people took their free “Getting Started Packets” and started their research today.”

can’t begin the process until the September meeting.

“It makes sense to swear in and orient all of the new members at the same meeting,” Wilhour said. “If Duane had given notice of his intent to resign ahead of time, we could have announced and declared the vacancy tonight and interviewed applicants at the next meeting.”

He added, “As it stands, things are more complicated

Budget

From Page 1

IMPACTS TO POLICE AND LIBRARY SERVICES

Police Chief Cory Chase oversees the Cottage Grove Police Department and the South Lane 9-1-1 Center. He said his department’s 202526 budget shows an increase of $256,195. However, the Police Communications budget shows a decrease of $62 630 and the 9-1-1 budget shows a decrease of $45 695. This is mainly due to shifting 9-1-1 personnel costs back into one operations budget that increases by $147,810

Chase didn’t add back the police officer that was cut from last year’s budget but did hire a new full-time sergeant who joins the team on July 1 to supervise patrol officers. During his budget presentation Chase advocated for hiring a dedicated school resource officer position and adding a second detective but those positions are not in the new budget.

He said he is working with the city manager to research and discuss funding options to provide long-term, stable funding for the police department, while also addressing the current gap in the general fund.

“There are a number of ways to do this,” Chase said. “Mr. Sauerwein and I will do our due diligence and research before presenting options to the council at a future date.”

At press time, Head Librarian Natasha Chitow was unable to reply to the Sentinel’s inquiry about

In the last five decades, intrepid volunteers have amassed information and gained expertise to serve as skilled guides for individuals ready to begin an adventure into the past to discover the roots of their family.

Monsive believes the event increased community awareness of the resources the society offers. She hopes it encourages more people to become members. They invite members to volunteer in its library as they pursuing their own genealogy and assist others with theirs.

than they need to be. Even so, there are some really good candidates out there who expressed interest in joining the Board and I’m very hopeful that one of them will be selected. It will be very interesting to see how the new Board handles a fairly large decision right off the bat.”

The terms for the newly elected board members and the new District

specific impacts the 2025-26 budget will have on library services.

COMPREHENSIVE FEE

SCHEDULE CHANGES

During public comment, Larry Covert and Chris Holloman expressed concern and disapproval of the planned increases to the utility bills in the coming year.

Later in the meeting, following the adoption of the new budget, the comprehensive fee schedule needed adjustment to reflect fee increases approved by the budget committee and council in the 2025-26 budget. The vote to approve the fee changes passed 5-1 with Lammerman voting no.

UTILITY RATE

INCREASES

The Water System fee increased by 14-percent.

The Wastewater System fee increased by 5-percent and the Storm Drainage System fee increased by 7-percent.

Cottage Grove Public Works Director Faye Stewart explained the financial impact on an average house that utilizes 5,000 gallons of water a month with a threequarter inch meter would increase the monthly utility bill by $6 58 Stewart said the rate increases are necessary to correct a fund imbalance.

The inadequacies of data in a previous rate study and the drastic price increases in chemicals and fuel to operate the water and wastewater facilities caused the current imbalance.

The city is now using Waterworth, a financial planning software program designed to help cities optimize rate structures, plan infrastructure upgrades and achieve long-term financial stability. He believes the real-time information

• Visit the CGGS Library in the Cottage Grove Community Center at 700 E. Gibbs Ave. Library Hours are Wednesday-Friday from 1-4 p.m.

• The mailing address is P.O. Box 388, Cottage Grove, Oregon 97424

• Email: info@cggenealogy.org Phone: (541) 942-9570

• For an appointment outside of regular hours, call 541-942-9371

Superintendent Todd Miller begin on July 1 The 48-year-old Miller attended the June 23 board meeting to continue transitioning into his new job. He happily announced he and his fiancé are getting married on June 28. The Sentinel reported in its April 9 issue that the Millers plan to live in Eugene.

provided by Waterworth will allow staff to make necessary adjustments quicker throughout the year.

SEWER RATES ADJUSTED Stewart explained the need to adjust the summer sewer rates to be from midApril to mid-October to reflect the changing weather and accommodate irrigation use in April. In addition, the winter average will be calculated using water consumption from mid-November to mid-March. New residential accounts summer average will use a standard 6 000 gallons until a winter use average can be established.

“We have the Yard of the Week contest ,and with fire danger high, we want homeowners to water their lawn,” Stewart said. “He noted some property owners are mandated by a Homeowners Agreement (HOA) to maintain a green lawn or pay fines. Making this change is our attempt to adjust the summer and winter rates so we don’t negatively impact homeowners.”

IN OTHER COUNCIL BUSINESS

• Police Chief Cory Chase presented Officer Matthew Callahan with the department’s purple heart award for the serious injuries he incurred last year trying to apprehend a man who was breaking the display windows of businesses in the Historic Downtown District.

• The council held a public hearing and unanimously approved a resolution authorizing city staff to apply for a Community Development Block Grant to Business Oregon. If awarded the grant would assist 10 to 12 low-income property owners make needed repairs to their homes.

Fallen firefighters honored during remembrance ceremony

For the Sentinel

A ceremony has commemorated Oregon fire service who have died in the line of duty.

The Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Ceremony, held Tuesday, June 17, in Salem, honored the brave individuals who gave their lives to protect communities and natural resources around the state.

The annual event is held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, site of the Oregon Fire Fighters Memorial. The memorial commemorates 182 fire service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 1881 including career, volunteer, wildland and structural fire fighters, according to a release from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).

Tuesday’s ceremony remembered three fallen fire service members whose names were recently added to the memorial:

• Benjamin Sapper of the U.S. Forest Service

• Nicholas Berg of Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District

• Larry Dean of Salem Fire Department In his keynote address, Chief Benjamin Stange of Polk County Fire District #1 spoke of the enduring legacies of the firefighters whose names are engraved on the wall, ensuring their survivors that they will never be forgotten, and their memories will be synonymous with service and sacrifice.

“Their names will be used to send greater messages, to communicate commitment, to set expectations, and to inspire,” Stange said.

“I promise you this: their service, their impact, their inspiration to the fire service will continue.”

Firefighter Benjamin Charles Sapper was killed in an on-duty vehicle accident near Powers on Aug. 4, 2023. Firefighter Sapper was a first-year

firefighter working on the Gold Beach Ranger District hand crew for the Forest Service. Originally from Boulder, Colorado, 21-yearold Firefighter Sapper had recently obtained his bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and was looking forward to starting graduate school at the University of British Columbia.

Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District Division Chief Nicholas “Nick” Berg passed away in his home on June 6, 2024, after assisting in setting up a draft site on his private farm for a drill night training session the night before. Division Chief Berg was a

loyal Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD volunteer for 47 years and leaves behind his wife, Ann, four children, four grandchildren, his sister and many nieces and nephews.

Retired Salem Fire Department Captain Larry Dean died on Sept. 13, 2024, after battling occupational esophageal cancer. Captain Dean served with the Salem Fire Department from 1987 to 2018, during which time he worked on several specialty teams and held various leadership roles. He is survived by his wife, Kaare, his three children, two grandchildren, mother, sister, and two brothers.

The ceremony was attended by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and public safety professionals from throughout the state. Kotek spoke in tribute to the fallen, heralding their service and sacrifice and acknowledging the grief felt by those they left behind.

“Let us hold their surviving family members, friends, and colleagues in our hearts and thoughts and prayers,” Kotek said. “We should share their stories every opportunity that we have, because to do so allows their spirits and stories to live on and serve as inspiration to all of us.”

The ceremony is a significant event that the DDPSST hosts annually in partnership with the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard, according to the release. For more information about the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial, including the names of the fallen, history of the memorial, and the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard’s involvement, visit DPSST’s Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial website at https:// www.oregon.gov/dpsst/ Memorials/Firefighters/ Pages/default.aspx.

Steps to consider taking to keep yourself safe while running

Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting to run, there are steps you should consider taking to keep yourself safe while running.

The time of day and weather impact not only how you feel on your run but can also be more dangerous depending on the situation.

Before heading out on your next run, consider these tips.

BEFORE THE RUN

• Run with another person or a group.

• Let someone know when and where you are running and when you will return.

• Carry ID and a cell phone. Consider adding a small card with an emergency contact and any allergies or known medical conditions.

• Take a whistle with you.

• Dress for the weather and running conditions. Wear layers and sturdy shoes.

• Wear reflective clothing or gear regardless of the time of day.

• Use caution if you wear headphones or anything that distracts you. Be aware of cars, animals you may encounter, and other hazards on your route.

• Vary the route and the time of day that you run.

• If you run at night, remember to wear a headlamp and a flashing red light on your back. Consider additional reflective gear.

• Remember to stretch! Stretching before running and regular flexibility and strength training help prevent injuries.

DURING THE RUN

• Run against traffic so that you can observe the approach of automobiles.

• When possible, run on sidewalks or designated trails/pedestrian paths.

• Remember to hydrate. Runner’s belts and vests make it easier to carry water and snacks.

• Keep an eye on the temperature and how your body feels. If you start to overheat, feel dizzy, or otherwise

•

• Stay alert. When in doubt, follow your intuition. If something seems suspicious, do not panic, but run in a

• Run in familiar areas. Note the location of neighbors or open businesses along the route.

• When in doubt call for help. For an emergency, call