The COTTAGE GROVE
entinel
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Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Number 38 • 135 years
Slabtown BMX organizers pedal through permit planning process CINDY WEELDREYER
Cottage Grove Sentinel
The thrill of competitive bicycle motocross (BMX) racing and the strong camaraderie among racing families created Cottage Grove’s original BMX track in 1984. Against the backdrop of First Lady Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” national campaign to win America’s War on Drugs, city leaders and the business community saw the track as a positive alternative to give local youth a reason to say no to drugs.
HISTORY Track promoters created a nonprofit organization in 1982 and entered into a long-term lease agreement with the City of Cottage Grove to build a BMX track on the southeast portion of city-owned property that is known today as the Row River Nature Park.
One of the most enthusiastic members of the original group was Todd Kephart. Tragically, the 16-year-old died in a car accident in August 1983. When the ribbon was cut to open the track, in July 1984, the teen was honored for his passion for the sport. One year after opening, the Todd Kephart Memorial BMX Track hosted its first Governor’s Cup race that drew 250 riders. In a 2016 Sentinel story, Bruce DeLong described his track design as the most aggressive in the area at that time, which helped riders of all ages prepare for national competition. He said, “The track produced a lot of skilled riders and birthed some very serious careers.” Slabtown BMX organizers were deeply saddened by DeLong’s death earlier this year. For decades, the track was a second home to most riders and fostered close relationships among families with children. Mike Kelley and his family were actively involved in using and maintaining
the facility. In 1994, five-year-old Colton, began racing with his dad and sister, Whitney. When the popularity of the sport waned more than a decade ago the use of the track diminished. Racing fees pay for track maintenance and with fewer races the track conditions became hazardous. The lease agreement with the City required the nonprofit organization to maintain the track and its structures. In 2016, it was determined to be
[ ] “We are dedicated to making this track operational, regardless of how long it takes. We are very grateful for the generous community support we’ve received to make our dream a reality.” Mike Kelley, Slabtown BMX
SLABTOWN BMX cont. on page 4
Smashed windows connect community
JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
A window breaking spree in Cottage Grove’s Old Town District has brought the community together to help the impacted businesses. Following the Aug. 21 early morning incident in which a suspect allegedly smashed several store front business windows along Main Street, a community
donation drive was launched by the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce to help the business owners pay for the window repairs. “Right over $6,000 was raised from donations and from a couple of big companies in our community, Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce President Cameron Reiten said. The Chamber is in the process of distributing the donations to each business
impacted by the vandalism spree. “That donation fund is also going to be matched by the City of Cottage Grove through the city’s historic facade fund,” Reiten said. The businesses impacted by the vandalism can use their own chosen company for the repairs, according to Reiten. “A lot of us have chosen to use a company called Off
Grid Grazing of Cottage Grove because here in Cottage Grove we really believe in supporting our own and Off Grid Glazing is a local company that also generously agreed to pretty drastically reduce their labor costs for those businesses that were effected.” Reiten said he expects to get new windows for his radio station, KNND, before the month ended Reiten said the window
vandalism has connected the community. “Not only as Chamber president, but as the owner of one of the businesses that was effected, I am deeply humbled and grateful for the support of the community, which really just rallied around us and helped us out financially but also for the ones who helped clean up and buy the plywood to temporarily board up the windows and
who just stepped up wherever there was a need.” Reiten called the help, “a special hallmark of Cottage Grove. “When there’s challenge and hard times, people in the community really step up,” he said. “I am deeply grateful.” Read the original story about the vandalism posted online with this story at cgsentinel.com
Cottage Grove High School principal placed on leave JEREMY C. RUARK Cottage Grove Sentinel
TODAY’S EDITION
Cottage Grove High School Principal Kevin Herington has been placed on administrative leave following misdemeanor charges. According to court records, Herington plead not guilty Sept. 3 to Assault 4th Degree and Menacing charges in Lane Country Court. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 10 for a review of the case by attorneys. Specific details about
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acting principal to ensure a smooth continuation of our school’s operations. Our focus remains on maintaining a calm, safe, and supportive environment for all students. We do not have additional information to Dear CGHS Community, share at this time. As we start this new Should any further upschool year, I want to dates become available, inform you that Principal we will communicate Kevin Herington has been them promptly. We appreplaced on paid adminciate your understanding istrative leave due to and patience. personal circumstances. Sincerely, During his absence, Brian McCasline Assistant Principal Chris Interim Superintendent Wells will be serving as what led to the charges were not immediately available. South Lane School District Interim Superintendent Brian McCasline released the following statement to the community Sept. 12.
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Follow this developing story online at the cgsentinel.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Sentinel
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