Sweet Lorane Community News, July 25, 2019

July 25, 2019Newspaper ColumnsFire, Gary and Lil Thompson, Matchulat, Mitchellpaedwards Leave a comment

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
July 25, 2019
By Pat Edwards

In early August, 2015, we were in the news… and not in a good way. A fire had broken out along Territorial Road south of Lorane and caught the hillside between the Mitchell and Matchulat properties on fire. The blaze consumed over 180 acres and was finally contained after coming within 75 feet of the Matchulat home.

The containment took the efforts of many from around Lane County, but my column that week, focused on the local heroes who were there to deal with it.

I’d like to share some of that with you today following the news this past week of another similar fire that broke out near Fire Road and was determined to be caused by human negligence. Fortunately, it was contained within a few hours, but again, our community members were ready to evacuate livestock if needed and do whatever it took to keep us safe.

August 14, 2015

“…The fire has been determined to be human-caused and started along the roadway on South Territorial Road just north of the Matchulat home. It quickly spread through dry grass and into a group of trees near the home and began racing up the hill next to the house. Lorane resident, Cherie Lutman, called 911 and then made a call to lifetime Lorane resident, Gary Thompson since she couldn’t rouse the Matchulats. Gary and his wife Lil rushed to the blaze and immediately saw that it was heading towards the Matchulat’s house. Gary turned on hoses and climbed to the roof of the house. He and Lil sprayed down everything as they watched the fire get closer and closer. The Lorane Fire Department volunteers and air support were soon there and they began the work of keeping the fire at bay. With the help of others who had arrived, they went inside and collected as many of the Matchulat’s photos and personal items as they could in case they were not able to save the house. Without the Thompsons’ quick thinking and their concern for their friends and neighbors, that could easily have been the outcome.

“Fortunately, with the barrage of water dumps from the air and fire hoses on the ground, the fire’s force focused on the trees and the dry grass above the house and the immediate danger was over. But, Gary and Lil and others who had arrived, stayed on the scene to make sure that stray embers from the burgeoning fire did not land on the roof.

“In the meantime, crews from the Western Lane division of the Oregon Department of Forestry began trying to contain the fire. They put out a priority alert and other crews began arriving from as far away as McKenzie and Lowell Fire Districts. Helicopters and air tankers continued dumping water and retardants on the fire. Local resident, Bruce McDonald, and others who had cats and heavy equipment began working on a fire line to try and keep the fire from spreading. The next day, more crews arrived. One of them, in five trucks, pulled into our store parking lot to get supplies before heading for the fire. They had been fighting the large Southern Oregon fire near Glide and their clothes still were fragrant with the smell of smoke. But, they knew that they were needed here, so they came.

“We have a lot of heroes to thank… not only Cherie, Gary, Lil, Bruce and all of the local and out-of-area firefighters, but all of the people who were glued to their computers, reading and commenting on breaking news about the fire… the ones sending prayers and thanks to all who were working so hard to save the lives and homes of our residents. I have a special soft-spot in my heart for those who offered help in the form of providing food and drink for the firefighters, making trailers and transportation available for threatened livestock and beds for anyone who became displaced by the fire. All are heroes in my estimation.

“I’m very proud of our community and of all of those who showed their concern. Thank you!”

Please use caution this summer. It is not as hot and dry as it was in 2015, but the fire danger is listed as “moderate” and all activities using gas or spark-emitting equipment are prohibited between the hours of 1:00 and 8:00 p.m. currently.

Remember the fire of 2015. Let’s not allow this to happen again in our community. Be safe everyone!

Sweet Lorane Community News – July 30, 2015

July 30, 2015Newspaper ColumnsLorane Community Potluck, Lorane Fire Department, Lorane Ice Cream Social, Matchulat, Michael Matchulat, Pancake Breakfastpaedwards Leave a comment

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
July 30, 2015
By Pat Edwards

Because of so much other Lorane news lately, I haven’t yet mentioned the upcoming Lorane Community Potluck and Lorane Ice Cream Social events that are being planned for Sunday, August 9. Doors at the Lorane Grange will open for the Lorane Community Potluck (the name was changed from the “Old-Timers” Picnic so people will know that they don’t have to be an “old-timer to attend..) at about 10:30 a.m. for those who want to drop off food or come early and visit with their neighbors. The potluck dinner will begin at 12:30 p.m. Historically, the food has been plentiful, not to mention delicious, and quite a few of our Lorane friends who no longer live here attend each year to catch up on news and share their stories.

Following the meal, the Lorane Fire Department’s Annual Ice Cream Social will be building up steam. It will feature exhibits, rides on fire engines, carnival booths for the kids, probably a dunk tank and most important of all, delicious hand-churned ice cream and homemade pies. Be sure to plan on making it a full day for the family!

This past week, the whole community has come together to plan and participate in the benefit fundraisers for Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Matchulat whose family has lived in Lorane for many years. The Papa’s Pizza benefit was well attended and the garage sale benefit and Lorane Grange’s Pancake Breakfast took place this past weekend. I’ll have to give you a report on those in next week’s column. The on-line “YouCaring” fund has reached almost $6,000 (http://www.youcaring.com/michael-matchulat-388090#). Michael’s sister, Melinda, wrote in her recent update on the site that (at the pizza benefit), “Michael got to visit with Steve Grube, a stage IV cancer survivor from Crow. Steve is 10 years past his date of diagnosis and cancer free. They joked about Michael’s new career as a “professional patient,” and remarked about how well Michael was doing handling his Monday treatments – serious case of the Monday’s, but every career has its bad days. Steve continues to be a source of inspiration and knowledge for Michael.” I know for a fact that former Crow High/Middle School teacher, Steve Grube, has been an inspiration to all of his friends and neighbors over the years.

Other Matchulat funding sites for direct donations have also been set up including a Selco account and the Lorane Grange. Information on each of them can be found on the Lorane, Oregon Facebook page.

Speaking of the Facebook page, we are nearing 600 members who are following and sharing our Lorane news. Thank you to everyone who takes an active interest in spreading news about what is going on in Lorane… lately, that has been considerable. I have recently asked Lil Thompson to help administer it with me. Our focus is to keep it Lorane (and Crow) oriented and we thank everyone for respecting that.

The Lane Fire Authority has notified us that because of the extremely high fire danger to not only our area, but all of Lane County, no fires of any kind (including fire pits) are allowed. Gas and charcoal barbecues are permitted only if they are in a protected area away from dry grass, brush or trees. No one should be using a chain saw, lawn mower or other “spark-emitting” machinery on dry grass, trees or brush. Lawn mowers can only be used on green irrigated lawns.

We’re in a really bad spell of hot weather. Last Wednesday, Jim and I took our granddaughters to Hayward Field where our granddaughter, Hannah, planned to compete in the last all-comers’ meet of the season. When we left home, our car digital thermometer read 104 degrees. When we left Hayward Field, a couple of hours later, it registered 108 degrees. Fortunately, by the time we turned in our driveway, the temp was registering a few degrees below 100 degrees. Waaaaay too hot!!

… Oh yes, despite the heat and the fact that she has never thrown the regulation javelin in competition, Hannah, as an incoming freshman at Creswell, threw 70+ feet. Good job, Hannah! That was worth a stop at Dairy Queen afterwards with your dad and Miss Natalie who was with us in the stands, supporting her sister in that terrible heat!

Sweet Lorane Community News – July 23, 2015

July 23, 2015Newspaper Columns4-H, Chris Howell, Crow Chicken 'n Pickin, Lane County Fair, Lorane Grange, Matchulatpaedwards Leave a comment

Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
July 23, 2015
By Pat Edwards

Does this summer seem to be one with many-too-many entries in the “bad news” column? Just reading the Register-Guard has become extremely depressing with all of the crime going on in Lane County. Then for the community of Lorane, we’ve had very special families experience major health issues and the passing of special young people, especially. It’s difficult to keep a grip on all of the good things that we get to experience in life these days. So, it’s even more important for us to concentrate on our blessings and embrace our loved ones and know how very fortunate we are to have them in our lives.

Lorane’s latest loss was the accidental death of 26-year-old Chris Howell who grew up and went to school in Lorane until he moved to Texas with his mother and siblings in his junior year at Crow High School. Chris was the son of Alan and Debbie Howell. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps following graduation in Texas and attended Texas Tech University after serving one tour of duty in Iraq. He was apparently 4-wheeling off of Gowdyville Road when his Jeep rolled over, pinning him beneath it. He passed away the next day while undergoing a second surgery. His death has shocked our whole community and we are all grieving for his parents, brother David and sister Rachel (Rush). Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Howell family.

I’ve already talked about the community fundraisers that are being organized for another young Lorane man, Michael Matchulat, who is undergoing treatment for Stage 4 colorectal cancer. Here are some dates and times that I’d like to remind you of…

On July 27, Papa’s Pizza on West 11th in Eugene has issued a flyer that will earn 50% of your purchase that day which will go to the Michael Matchulat fund. Check the Lorane Facebook page to download a copy of the flyer.

On August 1, the Lorane Grange is hosting a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for Michael from 7:00 -11:00 a.m. at the Lorane Grange. They are hoping for a large turnout, so please consider starting your day on a positive note!

In addition, an account has been set up on YouCaring for Michael at http://www.youcaring.com/michael-matchulat-388090# for those who wish to make a cash donation to his considerable medical expenses.

The annual Crow Grange “Chicken n Pickin” BBQ is also coming up on Saturday, August 1 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. They will be serving a chicken dinner consisting of a half of a BBQ chicken, fresh corn on the cob, baked beans, roll, lemonade or coffee and ice cream. Your dinner will be accompanied by the “Poodle Creek Pickers” old-time fiddler group. The cost: $10.00. For information, call Connie Suing at 541-556-2609 or Ruth Teafatiller at 541-935-3119. You’ve got your day’s meals taken care of… breakfast at the Lorane Grange and dinner in Crow!

Now, to end my column on a really good note… at least for our family. Our granddaughter, Hannah Edwards of Creswell, won the 4-H Intermediate Reserve Champion Sheep Showmanship Award at the Lane County Youth Fair this past week. Congratulations, Hannah! We are so proud of you!