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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 23, 2015)
COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL September 23, 2015 B EYOND THE G ROVE Impactful news from Lane County and surrounding communities Creswell voters back measure to change process for setting water rates Its City Administrator, though, worries about its interaction with the public BY JON STINNETT The Cottage Grove Sentinel A bout 40 percent of regis- tered voters in Creswell weighed in on two contrasting measures that aimed to redefi ne the way the City sets its water rates last week. The turnout for the Sept. 15 special election pleased City Administrator Mi- chelle Amberg, though she said the campaign also proved worri- some in another way. “I’m pleased so many of the citizens of Creswell were inter- ested in the outcome of the elec- tion,” Amberg said. “I just wish we could hear from 40 percent of the population on topics that are appearing before the City Council.” Last Tuesday, voters sup- ported Measure 20-234, which Concerning Creswell News and notes from our neighbor to the north amends the City Charter to set up a multi-tiered process for evalu- ating and setting Creswell’s wa- ter rates, by a wide margin, with 61 percent of votes in its favor. Measure 20-233, which would tie the amount rates could be raised to the annual cost of liv- ing, or Consumer Price Index, was struck down with 55 per- cent of voters against. Former Creswell City Coun- cilor Jacob Daniels spearheaded the campaign for Measure 20- 233, while the City Council drafted Measure 20-234, which will now set up a process of pub- lic input including an auditory committee and public meetings during the City’s budget process to help set water rates. Amberg said she was pleased with the passage of 20-234, though as a city employee, she’s had to refrain from advocating one measure or the other until after the election. “I’m pleased that there will be the assurance of public in- put and involvement when we set our future water rates,” she said. Still, Amberg said the City would love to hear from the citi- zenry on critical topics before an election is necessary. “I’d love to have that input as we look forward to our policing study, setting our sewer rates and the strategic plans for Cre- swell’s future,” she said. Amberg said that having an election for all major issues is too costly and time-consuming, adding that the City has not yet found an adequate way to en- gage and communicate with its citizenry in an era of evolving communication. “That whole area may be changing dramatically,” she said. “The old ways of com- munication just aren’t working anymore.” In setting its water rates, the City used “all of the traditional means of communication,” Am- berg said, including its website, newspaper notices and town meetings. “This wasn’t done over- night,” she said. “But the City still heard the criticism that we aren’t doing enough to get the word out.” In the short term, the City of Creswell will continue with its current methods of communica- tion, Amberg said, which only work if the public reciprocates the City’s outreach. “Public input will still fall along traditional lines,” she said. “But it’s only going to make a difference if people get involved.” Two Creswell residents injured in Highway 38 crash O regon State Police say that two Creswell resi- dents were injured in a Satur- day-evening crash on Highway 38 near Scottsburg that claimed the life of a Coos Bay woman. Police say that on Saturday, Sept. 19 at about 7:20 p.m. troopers and emergency person- nel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 38 near milepost 20 (east of Scottsburg). Upon arriving on scene, emer- gency crews found two vehicles had collided head-on and were still in the roadway. The driver of a 2002 Acura RSX Coupe, a Coos Bay woman, was pro- nounced deceased on scene. On Monday, the woman was identi- Another dental visit? Turns out, you have better things to do with your time. fi ed as Susan M. Wright, 66, of Coos Bay. According to OSP, a prelimi- nary investigation indicated that Wright’s Acura had been travel- ing westbound on Highway 38 when it crossed over the center- line for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound 2004 Chev- rolet Pickup nearly head-on. The operator of the Chevrolet, Nadja C Bloomquist, 48, and her passenger, Mike J Bloomquist, 50, both of Creswell, were trans- ported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Highway 38 was shut down for over four hours, with inter- mittent one lane openings. OSP was assisted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Offi ce, the Or- egon Department of Transporta- tion, Scottsburg Fire, and Lower Umpqua Ambulance. BRIEFS FROM BEYOND Elkton Oktoberfest Elkton Oktoberfest will be held Saturday, Sept. 26 from 12-4 p.m. at Elkton Commu- nity Education Center (ECEC). Typical German food and mu- sic highlight the afternoon cel- ebration. There is an admission charge of $5 per person for the event. Food service starts at noon. Bratwurst and sauerkraut, potato salad, homemade pret- zels and desserts will be avail- able for purchase from commu- nity groups. The annual event is a fundraiser for ECEC and area service and school clubs. Bever- ages, including wine from local vintners and beer, will be for sale also. Oktoberfest will take place on the ECEC greenhouse patio, 15850 Highway 38, Elk- ton. The Roseburg German Band will perform again this year during the celebration, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. This popular 14-member band has played together since 1955 and is dedi- cated to playing German music. Snell to share her story Jennifer Snell, a Creswell na- tive, lost 160 lbs. on television’s “Extreme Weight Loss.” Snell will be speaking and sharing her story at the Creswell Grange on Saturday, Sept. 26 in two ses- sions. One will be held at 10 a.m. followed by a workout led by Snell. The other will be at 6 p.m. followed by a question and answer session. LORANE COUNTRY NEWS BY LIL THOMPSON For the Sentinel S tudents and parents are invited to the Open House at Applegate Elementary tomor- row evening, Sept. 24. It all be- gins at 5:30 p.m. with hot dogs served right off the barbeque. Guests will have a chance to meet the entire staff and check out the school and classrooms. Lorane Grange looks forward to this Friday, Sept. 25, for the fi rst of the fall spaghetti dinner and bingo evenings. Dinner is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with bingo starting at 6:30 p.m. Picture day for all Applegate students plus free dental screen- ing for those qualifying is Mon- day, Sept. 28. Those seeking further information can call the offi ce at 541-686-5140. Next week, Monday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Oct. 2, is Homecoming week at Crow Middle/High School with many activities Friday evening. There is a middle school dance in room 206 prior to school end- ing. Everything else begins with a barbeque at 6:30 p.m., a parade at 7:30 p.m. and dance from 8-10:30 p.m. Welcome to four new teachers at Crow Middle/High School: Ms. Smith in Social Studies, Mr. Gramson teaching high school science, Mr. Bordewick in middle school Science and Ms. Manning teach- ing Careers, Health Occupations plus YTP. I hope everyone has a great year! Mark your calendars for the beginning of the 2015-2016 Rural Arts Council movie night season on Oct. 10 at Lorane Grange with family night. Ev- erything begins at 6 p.m. Those interested in rug hook- ing can contact either BJ or Lisa Livelybrooks to join the classes. Several beginners have com- pleted amazing pieces. Crow Booster Club reports a successful car show. Their next BIG event is the Sports- man Auction on Oct. 24 at Crow High School. All classes from K-12 will be participating. The money raised from the middle/ high school baskets and elemen- tary projects go directly to each individual class. Plans are for a silent auction at 5 p.m., bar- beque dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a live auction at 7 p.m. Din- ner tickets are $16. Call Linda at 541-844-5940 or Diana at 541-517-9031, or email crow- boosterclub@yahoo.com. Re- member, all the money raised by the Booster Club benefi ts all students in the District. The Grange re-roofi ng project is almost fi nished. 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