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Our news resource is built for locals in the community of Fern Ridge, Oregon. Helen Davis is the local writer and owner of The Face of Fern Ridge. Please contact me if you would like to to showcase your business here.
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December 2024
Local News
TREE LIGHTING BRINGS RESIDENTS TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE GOOD CHEER
Bundled up against the cold temperatures and the bone penetrating fog that seems to have taken up permanent residence in the area, citizens of Veneta and surrounding areas gathered at Veneta Elementary School on December 6th to take part in the annual tree lighting ceremony. News Archive
DISTRICT TAKES STEPS TO PROTECT TRANS STUDENTS
Promoting excellence for all students and the realization that academic success is contingent on a school environment that is safe is something that the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) stresses and the Fern Ridge District is doing its part to ensure that LBGTQ kids are heard and supported. News Archive
What's Happening at the Library
Crafts, WellMama and more Upcoming Events in our Area
November 2024
Local News
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RESTAURANT OPENS DOORS IN SHOW OF GOODWILL
When Doug Thiesfeld and his business partner Bernie Harris took over Countryside Pizza four years ago, it was a stressful time for many. Covid had forced people into isolation, and many were struggling financially, emotionally, and physically. News Archive
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SMART READING A WISE IDEA
Amy Humphrey has been a part of the Fern Ridge community for quite some time. News Archive
PAIR TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON DRUG, THEFT CHARGES
Lane County Sheriff’s deputies took a pair of suspects into custody in Veneta on November 13th after receiving information concerning a stolen camper. News Archive
CHURCH ISSUES INVITE TO VISIT BAZAAR
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St. Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church in Veneta will once again participate in the Holiday Bazaars taking place the weekend before Thanksgiving and they would like to extend a welcome to all who would like to visit. Upcoming Events in our Area
This Month's Library Programs
NaNoWritMo and more. Upcoming Events in our Area
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SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER PURSUIT
A 43-year-old man was taken into custody November 8th after a late-night pursuit through Veneta. News Archive
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October 2024
Local News
MAYORAL CANDIDATE “LIKES TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN”
Alexa Benson grew up in Los Angeles and has traveled extensively, visiting 85 countries and setting foot on six of the seven continents. But it was a small town that she envisioned settling down in and for the last four years Veneta has been hers and her family’s home. News Archive |
LOVE OF CITY SPURS RUN FOR MAYOR
Robbie McCoy is pretty much a home girl. A resident of Veneta since 1958, she can’t imagine living anywhere else. She loves being part of a small town and when incumbent mayor Keith Weiss announced his retirement, she decided to throw her proverbial hat into the ring. News Archive
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WRITER REFLECTS ON LONG, FULFILLING CAREER
The year was 1965. Lyndon B. Johnson was president, and Hubert Humphrey was sworn in as Vice President. The Viet Nam War raged and so did protests by those against the United State’s involvement. News Archive
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RISE UP GIVES WOMEN, GIRLS A LEG UP
When a person is in crisis or just needs a listening, non-judgmental ear, it can be difficult to find the help needed to get beyond a troubling time. This is where Rise Up comes in. News Archive
CRISIS SERVICE BRINGS HELP TO ALL OF LANE COUNTY
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VENETA MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY BY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
A veneta man was taken into custody by the Lane County Sheriff’s office early in the morning of October 3rd and lodged at the jail on multiple charges. News Archive |
Last August, a new mobile crisis unit rolled out in Lane County, a need of which has long been recognized by those in charge of county operations. Already it has been heavily used though the volume has fluctuated week to week, according to Jason Davis, Lane County Public Information Officer. News Archive |
ADULT, KIDS PROGRAMS AT FERN RIDGE LIBRARY
Check out the latest at Upcoming Events in our Area
September 2024
Local News
PINECONES BECOME MEMORIALS AND MORE
Eight years ago, Maddy Wood decided she wanted to begin collecting pinecones for the crafts she enjoys, and she put out the word, asking the community if they had any they could give her. The response was, she says, “overwhelming.” News Archive
HARVEST FESTIVAL FUN AND FUNDRAISER
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Over ten years ago, the then future Fern Ridge Service Center was in dire need of financing so construction could finally begin. Those in charge got together and bandied about ideas for raising the necessary funds and the suggestion of a harvest festival was put forth. News Archive
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ADULT, KIDS PROGRAMS AT FERN RIDGE LIBRARY
Check out what's coming up at Fern Ridge Library! Upcoming Events in our Area
August 2024
Local News
ADULT PROGRAMS AT FERN RIDGE LIBRARY
Check out what's coming up at Fern Ridge Library! Upcoming Events in our Area
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INN A HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR THE PET SET
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CHANGE ABOUNDS IN VENETA
It’s been impossible not to notice the work taking place next to the skate park and many have wondered what is being built. There has also been curiosity about the work being done behind the Service Center and next to the railroad tracks, though to a lesser extent. News Archive |
Drive down Knight Road in Elmira and you will see a sign by a wooded drive announcing that you have arrived at Klassic Tails Inn. At the end of this drive in a sunny clearing is a place where dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and even a bearded dragon have a home away from home when their people have to be away. News Archive
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When the building that housed Hack’s and Yukon Jack’s came up for sale, Hernan Torres saw an opportunity. He wanted someone in town to own whatever went in there and he decided that someone should be himself. News Archive |
K9 AIDS IN WOMAN’S ARREST
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July 2024
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SAFETY STRESSED IN WAKE OF DROWNING
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SUSPECT BEHIND BARS AFTER SHOOTING
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THE BEST LAID PLANS
I never planned to have a farm. Not once did I ever think, “Gee, I’d like to find out what it’s like to nurse a dying rooster back to life, get up at midnight to give a goat an injection of antibiotics, open and drain an abscess, give a duck a therapy bath. News Archive
CITIZENS COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE 4TH
The weather could not have been better for the first Veneta 4th of July celebration. Though temperatures were hot, a steady breeze blew, offering much needed comfort, and there was nary a cloud in the sky. News Archive
HIDEAWAY HOLLOW A NOT SO HIDDEN JEWEL
Make a trip to Grocery Outlet and you will see the silver trailer parked in a far corner of it’s lot. The door is wide open in a welcoming gesture to all who wish to come in as is the fold-out window and the wheelchair ramp at the back. News Archive
June 2024
Local News
MEMORIAL CLEANED, MADE TO LOOK NEW AGAIN
On Friday of last week, beneath azure skies and warm temperatures, a group of four resumed work on the veteran’s memorial at the Veneta city park. News Archive
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GRIEVING FATHER WISHES TO RAISE AWARENESS OF FENTANYL DANGER
Michael Donovan Sr. seems like a jovial sort. Friendly, loquacious, he’ll share stories about his time as a drummer for various bands and wax poetic about his animals, many of them rescues. But, beneath the smile and the easy laugh is a heart that has been so badly broken, it may never be fully repaired. News Archive
FLAG FLIES PROUDLY ONCE AGAIN
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Daniel Phillips grew up scouting with his twin brother Jonathan and now as an adult still keeps the Boy Scouts “kicking along.” He not only serves as a commissioner for the Fern Ridge area scouts, but he also assists scouts all over Lane County. It’s in his blood and what he loves to do.
News Archive EMPORIUM OWNER GRATEFUL TO COMMUNITY IN WAKE OF BURGLARY
Annie Molnar likes to give back. This past week she and her employees have been feeding nutritious lunches to children at Mt. Pisgah and are currently in the middle of a contract with Whole Earth Nature School in Eugene as they hold their overnight camp at Belknap Hot Springs. They enjoy being able to help in this way, so a recent burglary hit hard. News Archive
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PROGRAMS AT FERN RIDGE LIBRARY
June has plenty to offer for young, old, and in between. Upcoming Events in our Area
PARK’S REOPENING NOT YET KNOWN
Perkins Peninsula remains closed while authorities try to evict the current host and the public has been asked to be respectful and allow them to work things out. Read More
May 2024
Local News
HOMELESS ADVOCACY A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH
Veneta may be a small town, but it too has a homeless population. Data from Lane County’s 2023 Point in Time Count denoted a population of 19 unhoused individuals residing within city limits. Read More
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CLINIC MORE THAN JUST A DOCTOR’S OFFICE
It was almost two years ago that Orchid Health opened its doors in a small, but tidy office building across from Elmira High. In this short time frame, it has become an integral part of the community. Read More
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COUGARS ABOUNDING IN OREGON
Cougars or Mountain Lions are increasing in numbers in Oregon with Lane County having the highest density in the state. Read More
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The three tax lots on Broadway sit green and inviting. Oak trees stand proudly along the northern perimeter and dot the grassy expanse here and there, creating a small oasis in the heart of the city. Read More
Library Programs for May
The Fern Ridge Library has a variety of children's and adult programs scheduled for May and a book sale too! Read More
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TEACHERS THANKED FOR ALL THEY DO
A small group of local parents collectively known as FRSD Strong has announced the “Messages of Thanks for Teachers” campaign to show support for educators during Teacher Appreciation Week 2024. Read More
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April 2024
Local News
VICTIM OF KIDNAP RESUCED
A victim of an attempted kidnap was rescued early April 29th, and a suspect was taken into custody by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. After a report was received of a possible abduction, deputies tracked the suspect’s vehicle to Veneta. A stop was attempted on Highway 126 but the vehicle fled east and then turned south onto Crow Road. The victim was able to communicate while she was in the vehicle as the pursuit took place.
The vehicle then turned up a driveway and a deputy performed what is known as a PIT maneuver, thereby leaving the vehicle disabled and allowing the victim to escape. Christopher Forrest Stechelin, 29, was taken arrested and taken to the Lane County Jail on charges of Elude by vehicle, Reckless Driving, Endangering, Coercion, Attempted Unlawful Use of a Vehicle, Robbery in the Third Degree and Providing False Information to a Peace Officer. Stechlin was also taken in on a warrant from the Oregon State Parole Board.
The vehicle then turned up a driveway and a deputy performed what is known as a PIT maneuver, thereby leaving the vehicle disabled and allowing the victim to escape. Christopher Forrest Stechelin, 29, was taken arrested and taken to the Lane County Jail on charges of Elude by vehicle, Reckless Driving, Endangering, Coercion, Attempted Unlawful Use of a Vehicle, Robbery in the Third Degree and Providing False Information to a Peace Officer. Stechlin was also taken in on a warrant from the Oregon State Parole Board.
FARMERS’ MARKET READY TO OPEN
The Veneta Downtown Farmers’ Market is set to open Saturday, May 4th, and almost 40 applications have been received from farmers and artisans who hope to sell their goods. Read More
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EARTH DAY CELEBRATED AT GRANGE
The Elmira Grange held its annual Earth Day celebration Saturday afternoon. Read More
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ASSAULT SUSPECT ARRESTED
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SUSPICIOUS DEATH BEING INVESTIGATED
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Lane County sheriff’s deputies arrested a 54-year-old man on Monday in connection with an assault that left the victim unconscious and severely injured. Deputies responded to a residence at 88800 Poodle Creek Road where the incident occurred and found evidence to confirm the victim’s account of the attack with a metal T-post.
Much to their surprise, the suspect, Timothy Leon Shafer, was observed trespassing upon their arrival along with a female, Ana Maria Teresa Glica, 47, and another male. Shafer and Glica were arrested on charges of Second-Degree Trespass and taken to the Lane County Jail. Shafter was also charged with Second-Degree Assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Another male on the property was cited in lieu of custody on a charge of Second Degree Trespass. DEATH DOULA TO SPEAK AT LIBRARYNobody likes to think about death. When it comes to this very real fact of life, it’s easier to put it out of one’s mind and focus on things of a more pleasant nature. Upcoming Events in our Area DOG RESCUE NEEDS SOME RESCUING
Soleil awaits transport in a vehicle
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The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an adult female at a residence in the 28000 region of Highway 36 south of Junction City. As they arrived, investigators with the sheriff’s department saw the decedent and observed injuries of a suspicious nature that may have been a contributing factor in her death.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is seeking John Jay Kelley, 49, of Eugene as he is considered a person of interest. Kelley is a white male with brown hair, green eyes, weighing approximately 220 pounds and standing five feet eight inches tall. He is possibly driving a silver 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV with Oregon license plate #532PMQ. Kelley is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is requested to call 911 and to neither approach nor contact him. DOUGLAS FAST NET COMES TO VENETA
A new high-speed internet is now available in some parts of Veneta. Read More
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Nestled on the corner of Territorial and Fleck Roads on five pastoral acres is a place where dogs who have not known much in the way of love and happiness can get a second chance at life. Read More |
AQUARIUM AND POND CLEANING SERVICE CELEBRATES ONE
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PALS AUCTION HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
There will be something for both kids and adults at the 21st annual auction sponsored by PALS at Veneta Elementary School on Saturday April 20th.Read More
KIDS ARE BUSY AT LIBRARY, TOO
Library programs aren’t just for adults. At Fern Ridge Library, there is plenty for kids from preschool through high school to enjoy. Clubs, crafts, stories, it’s all there. There even the opportunity to read to a dog.Read More
LIBRARY PROGRAMS HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER ALL
April has arrived and with it an assortment of programs is being offered by Fern Ridge Library that should appeal to many, particularly those who love books or who love creating them.Read More
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ACCIDENT CLAIMS LIFE OF ONE Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies and fire personnel responded Wednesday afternoon to a one vehicle accident on Clear Lake Road west of Goodman Road. Witnesses saw the vehicle, driven by Shawn Anthony McBride, 34, of Junction City, traveling west at a high rate of speed before it left the roadway. McBride, the sole occupant of the vehicle, which was left unrecognizable after the crash, was deceased at the scene. He was the only occupant.
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TOW TRUCK DRIVERS ARE SOMEBODY’S FAMILY, TOO
Roger's Towing owner Lewis Rucker
Veneta resident and owner of Roger’s Towing, Lewis Rucker, is an affable man with a wide smile and a welcoming nature. But, when it comes to the safety of the drivers who work for him, he is dead serious. Read More
One Era Ends, Another Begins with Wilco Opening
Vice President of Marketing Jake Wilson poses in front of the new Wilco store
March 2024
Local News
BRACELET BUSINESS OFF TO GOOD START
Nevaeh Banton has always had an entrepreneurial spirit.Read More
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VENETA COUPLE AIM TO START CLUBS
Anyone who has a farm in the Fern Ridge area has no doubt wandered into the Farm Store in Veneta and is familiar with owner, Travis Soverns. Congenial, he knows his regular customers by name and greets them warmly.Read More
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Burrito Brigade Comes to Veneta
When she sees a need, Theresa O’Donnell likes to fill it. READ MORE
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Veneta Mystery Not so Mysterious
The signs seemed to appear overnight. Hanging on utility poles throughout the city, they featured an illustration of an elephant holding some sort of equipment. There were no words, no numbers, just the elephant. People were naturally curious. Read More
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VENETA COUPLE SOON TO OPEN PSILOCYBIN PRACTICE
Katie Markley and Nathaniel Wendt know that some people find psilocybin mushrooms to be controversial, but this hasn’t dampened their enthusiasm for the practice they are on the verge of opening nor has it swayed their belief in its benefits for those who have experienced trauma. Read More
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CATS GET A SECOND CHANCE AT VENETA RESCUE
Call it providence. When Crystal Glenzer became friends with one of her patients at Veneta Family Dental where she is employed as a dental assistant, it was the beginning of something big. Both were cat lovers, and both wanted to make a difference. Read More
February 2024
Local News
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ACCIDENTS TIE UP TRAFFIC ON TERRITORIAL
By Helen M. Davis A pair of accidents tied up traffic on Territorial Highway February 21st, shutting down a short section of the road and necessitating the rerouting of cars onto a nearby street. At 4:30 p.m., a northbound pickup lost control and wound up in a ditch on the southbound side, according to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. The occupants, who did not appear to be using seatbelts, were transported to the hospital for treatment. Shortly thereafter, a second crash involving a motorcycle took place nearby as traffic waited to turn onto Lamb Road, which was being used as a detour. The rider was also transported to the hospital. The identities of all involved were not released. Fire personnel and deputies responded to both incidents. |
VENETA MAN SEEKS HELP IN PROVIDING AILING WIFE A NEW HOME
By Helen M. Davis Donate Here Barbie and Ken Wallstrom have enjoyed being able to give back to the community whether it be running a small restaurant for the Country Fair crowd or through the lessons Barbie once gave to children to impart her love for and knowledge of horses. If there was a need, they were willing to address it. Now, they are asking for help from others.Read More |
Crime in Veneta Has Residents Keeping Watch
Volunteer Position Leads to Rewarding Career
Search for Missing Veneta Man Yields Few Clues
Stranded Motorists Thankful to Public Works Employee
District Bond, Grant, Could lead to Windfall
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Sing & Sign Brings Kids Together in Fern RidgeWander into Fern Ridge Community Library on a certain Tuesday morning and you are likely to see an announcement on the whiteboard by the book bike touting Daisy Chain and a Sing and Sign program.
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When the Going Got Rough, The People Got Together.Pick up a newspaper, turn on the evening news, or surf the Internet, and you will read countless articles about the inhumanity...
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Head Start Gives Kids a Leg Up
Camp a Place for Veterans to Heal from Trauma
Investigation Leads to Arrest of Three in Veneta
Here's What's Happening at Fern Ridge
About Singer Steve Benevides
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Donkeys Help DisabilitiesNancy Willard has learned to always expect the unexpected when it comes to the path she has followed in life. In fact, her motto is “Not all who wander are lost --
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But Names Will Never Hurt MeWe’ve all heard the old adage about sticks and stones. For those who have been on the receiving end of name calling, it’s also known how untrue this...
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City's Growth Reflected by Water Rate Adjustment
Ride Along Gives Inside View of a Deputy's Day
Christmas Bazaars Fill Fern Ridge w/ Festive Spirit
Arrests Made in Death of Man
Veterans Thanked For Service At Park Ceremony
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Road Project Predicted to Finish on ScheduleWhen the reader boards went up last month along Territorial, on Lawrence Road and on Clear Lake Road near Alvadore Road, motorists heaved a collective moan...
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Veneta Skate Park Issues Troubling To ManyTo those who drive by enroute to home or some other destination, the skatepark in Veneta seems innocuous enough. Kids can be seen on skateboards and scooters as...
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