8A COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL August 3, 2016
B EYOND THE G ROVE
News from Lane County and CG's neighbors
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One
year
later:
Looking back on the
cause and the cost of
the Stouts Creek Fire
A release from the Douglas
Forest Protective Association
O
ne year ago, a careless
act sparked a wildfi re
near the community of Milo
that changed the course of the
summer for fi refi ghters, com-
munity members and landown-
ers. Multiple homes in the path
of the fi re were evacuated as
the fi re went on to burn thou-
sands of acres of timberland and
critical wildlife habitat. Later
known as the Stouts Creek Fire.
it ignited on July 30, 2015 and
went on to burn 26,452 acres of
private, BLM and National For-
est lands.
Fire investigators working
on the Stouts Creek Fire deter-
mined that the fi re was human
caused and related to an indi-
vidual mowing dry grass. In-
Ask us how we can help grow your business.
vestigators discovered that the
responsible party violated the
Public Use Fire Restrictions by
mowing dry grass during pro-
hibited hours. Under Oregon
law, those found to be willful,
malicious or negligent in the
cause and spread of a wildfi re
are liable for the complete cost
of suppressing the fi re. Because
of this, the Oregon Department
of Forestry will be billing the
responsible party for the cost
of suppressing the Stouts Creek
Fire, which is estimated in ex-
cess of $37 million.
“It’s critical that everyone liv-
ing, working, or recreating in
wildland areas know and follow
the Public Use Fire Restrictions
that are in place throughout the
summer,” says Melvin Thorn-
BY LIL THOMPSON
For the Sentinel
The Drain Church of Christ
will offer its Vacation Bible
School, themed “Deep Sea Dis-
covery,” from Monday, Aug. 8-
Friday, Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to
noon. It is intended for those
in fi rst through fi fth grade. The
church is located at the corner
of Second and D Street. Ques-
tions can be directed to Joy at
541-214-3812 or the church at
541-836-2315.
Cottage Grove Sentinel
Devastation followed in the path of the Stouts Creek
Fire, which burned 26,452 acres last summer.
ton, District Manager for the
Douglas Forest Protective As-
sociation.
Currently, Public Use Fire Re-
strictions are in effect through-
out the entire Douglas District
and include restrictions on
mowing dry grass, non-indus-
trial chainsaw use, the cutting,
grinding and welding of metal,
off road driving, campfi res, de-
bris burning, fi reworks, smok-
ing, and electrical fence con-
trollers. State law also prohibits
the use of exploding targets,
tracer ammunition, and sky lan-
terns during fi re season. For a
detailed list of restrictions, visit
www.dfpa.net or call DFPA’s 24
hour information line at 541-
672-0379.
LORANE COUNTRY NEWS
BRIEFS
FROM
BEYOND L
VBS at Drain
Church of Christ
The Stouts Creek Fire: One year
later
courtesy photo
orane Grange meets this
Thursday, Aug. 4 at 7:30
p.m. Potluck snacks will be
served.
Next week the RAC Summer
Film Camp begins on Monday,
Aug. 8 and runs through Thurs-
day from 9 a.m.-noon for two
weeks. Those with questions or
who wish to enroll can contact
Alyssa Shepherd at malyssa2@
yahoo or call 541-556-8151.
The camp is free and open to all
ages.
Remember the Lorane Com-
munity Potluck — open by 11
a.m. with meal at 12:30 p.m.
— and the Lorane Volunteer
Fire Department Ice Cream So-
cial from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday,
Aug. 14.
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The Family Relief Nursery would like to thank everyone who made our
2016 Sigh of Relief Luncheon a success!
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Banner Bank (Title Sponsor), First Presbyterian Church – Earth & Social Justice,
MacGregor-Bates, Inc, Magnolia Gardens, PayneWest Insurance,

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Cottage Grove Interact Club, First Presbyterian Church – Earth & Social Justice,
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On behalf of the children and families you are helping
us serve – thank you for your time, energy, and contribution!
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Cannabis
Grower’s Fair
The Oregon Cannabis Grow-
er’s Fair will be held Aug. 13-14
at the Oregon State Fairgrounds,
marking the fi rst time that live
cannabis plants will make their
appearance on the Oregon State
Fairgrounds.
The Winning plants will re-
ceive the coveted blue ribbon
and will be displayed during
the 12 days of the Oregon State
Fair.
Oregon Department of Agri-
culture, Energy Trust of Oregon
and OLCC will be offering pre-
sentations both days. The event
is open to the public, and Ore-
gon’s Craft Growers will be on
hand to answer questions.
‘Sound of Music’
in Drain
On Thursday, Aug. 4, the
North County Movie Wagon
will host a free screening of
“The Sound of Music” in Drain
Civic Center Park. Pre-show fun
starts at 5 p.m. with the movie
starting promptly at 6 p.m.
Music and a
message
On Friday, August 5 at 7 p.m.
in Bohemia Park, The Shelly
Family of Roseburg is present-
ing free music for all. Pastor
John Torres, of Word and Spirit
International Church, will also
be presenting a “Motivational
and Miracle Message”.
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Post a picture of
your garden (vegetable, fruit or
fl ower garden) on our Facebook page
and earn the chance to
WIN A $200 GIFT CERTIFICATE
CONTEST RULES: Visit the Cottage Grove
Sentinel Facebook page at https://www.
facebook.com/pages/Cottage-Grove-Sentinel/
and upload a picture of your vegetable, fruit or
fl ower garden to the photo album section of
the page. In the comment space, describe what
makes you so proud of your garden. The person
who receives the most “likes” by August 17,
2016 will win the $200 gift certifi cate valid at one
of the participating businesses. The name of the
winner will be posted on our Facebook page on
August 19, 2016. Participants must be 18 years
old or more. Employees of the newspaper and
participating businesses and their immediate
family members are not eligible to participate in
this contest.
Lawn & Garden Supplies
Canning Supplies
901 Row River Road
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
(541) 942-4600
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since 1889
Contest submission date EXTENDED!