Tualatin Parks and Recreation is gearing up for the return of the Blender Dash on Saturday
This action-packed event is Tualatin’s wildest fun run
The Blender Dash combines all the best elements of themed runs
Every participant will receive a race number
Be sure to wear clothes and shoes you’re ready to get dirty because no one will come out of this clean
head over to the Fun Zone for face painting
A big thank you to our generous sponsors: Impact Action Sports
Jessica Clark-Root for Robbins Realty Group
Tualatin Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine
Register today at www.TualatinOregon.Gov/Recreation
The annual Tualatin State of the City event is always marked by a bountiful breakfast
a gathering of community leaders and volunteers
insightful speeches and lists of notable accomplishments over the previous year
held April 23 at the Grand Hotel Bridgeport
Mayor Frank Bubenik said that such events should be like comets – “dazzling
eye-opening and over before you know it.” He kept it to the one-hour time limit so all the busy people in attendance could get on with their day and noted that it was being translated live in Spanish while streaming and would be dubbed in Spanish for the YouTube video
A video was shown that recapped some of the major accomplishments of 2024
including the ribbon-cutting on the newly completed trail under 99W
Anticipated this year is the Memorial Day ribbon-cutting at Veterans Plaza on the Lake of the Commons
with the video noting that all the accomplishments would not have been possible without many community partnerships
Two urban renewal areas have been created – the Southwest Basalt Creek Development Area for industrial and commercial growth and the Downtown Core Opportunity and Development Area (CORA)
the city’s new urban renewal/economic development manager “who we pouched from Lake Oswego,” Bubenik said
The City Council adopted a Climate Action Plan last year with a net-zero goal by 2050
and Advisory (IDEA) Committee that presented its first annual report in December 2024
kind and inclusive community,” Bubenik said
The opening of Plambeck Gardens’ 116 apartments this year marked a milestone in the city’s quest to offer more affordable housing
and the addition of an employee shared between Tualatin
Sherwood and Washington County to work on homelessness was another milestone
The city is nearing completion on updating its Transportation System Plan
and it hired a contract lobbyist to represent its interests in Salem and Washington
and Bubenik praised the Tualatin Chamber of Commerce for “working closely with businesses and helping them thrive” and the Latino Business Networking group for its efforts to bring Latino business owners and entrepreneurs together to learn from each other and support each other
Bubenik said one of the questions he is asked most frequently is why Tualatin doesn’t have any food carts
which a 2023 survey showed many residents want
Bubenik said they will definitely be coming
but with plans underway to develop and create a downtown core
“it is critical that they are in the right spot,” he said
He added that using urban renewal “to redevelop and help an area within your downtown or manufacturing area
you need to make it a great spot for really good development
so folks can live there and bring in their businesses.”
“We’ve heard loud and clear that Tualatin doesn’t have a downtown or an identifiable downtown,” he said
“Critical to this is what we do and what we want to be known for
the goal of this is that they know where the lake is and that we have a lake
you’ll see things going full-steam ahead.”
with Council President Valerie Pratt discussing transportation and the updating of the Tualatin Transportation System Plan
which will soon be going to the Planning Commission and then the City Council
Councilor Octavio Gonzales discussed parks and all the projects that have been accomplished thanks to the 2022 parks and trails bond measure
the city’s new parks and recreation director
said that he has been struck “by how much this community cares” about its parks
“Work is going on all over the community.”
Councilor Bridget Brooks talked about the environment and the city’s Climate Action Plan with a goal of net-zero by 2050
Efforts include capturing energy from water pipes
doing a tree inventory in the city and more
who was out of the country and had prepared a video to be shown
said the investments made to neighborhoods should be celebrated along with the accomplishments of the transportation bond measure
that wrapped up in 2023 and is still receiving awards
“We have a thriving volunteer program,” Reyes said
Councilor Christen Sacco said a third canine officer had been added to the police force
she produced furry replicas to represent the drug dog
the therapy dog and the patrol officer dog
She also praised the great work done by the Inclusion
Councilor Cyndy Hillier explained that the U.S
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines affordable housing as an occupant spending no more than 30 percent of their gross income on total housing costs
Washington County and CPAH (Community Partners for Affordable Housing) to hold a forum for our community members,” she said
“Tears were shed about the lack of resources.”
She added that the city adopted a housing production strategy in 2021
with the next update expected in 2027 but with several key actions already taken such as the adoption of the equitable housing financial plan and low-income-housing property-tax exemptions.
While Tualatin officials can look back at a long list of accomplishments
You can watch a recording of the 2025 Tualatin State of the City at tinyurl.com/4tz6b7h3
First look inside pFriem Family Brewers Milwaukie taproom
celebrate local craft beer with a month of exciting events
Explore Tualatin Valley, the destination marketing organization that markets Washington County, Ore. as a travel destination under the brand “Tualatin Valley,” invites beer and cider enthusiasts to celebrate its vibrant craft brewing scene during Tap Season, February 1-28, 2025, in conjunction with Oregon Craft Beer Month
This month-long promotion highlights the region’s breweries
connecting beer and cider lovers with the makers and businesses that bring craft brewing culture to life in the heart of Oregon
Explore Tualatin Valley’s breweries and taprooms with the updated Ale Trail Mobile Passport
a unique way to explore participating breweries
and earn entries for the Tap Season Grand Prize Giveaway at the end of the month.
named the “Ale-paca IPA” was created by a talented team of Tualatin Valley brewers
and Golden Valley Brewery and Restaurant’s Alex Kircher
14 Tualatin Valley brewery and taphouse partners united to brew this exclusive IPA.
Dale will make appearances throughout the month at events and locations across the Tualatin Valley.
Throughout February, breweries, cideries and taprooms across Tualatin Valley will come alive with special events, showcasing the passion, creativity, and community spirit that define the region’s vibrant craft brewing culture. Visit the official Tap Season page for an updated list of events.
Explore Tualatin Valley encourages everyone to drink responsibly and to use designated drivers
public transportation and/or rideshare services.
For information about Tap Season, special events and the Tualatin Valley Ale Trail Mobile Passport, visit tualatinvalley.org/tap-season
A pacific northwest based webmag covering the craft beer and cider industry
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A cherished piece of our community’s history is returning with a fresh
The Winona Grange #271 is thrilled to announce the launch of the Winona Grange Gathering Market
and continuing on the fourth Sunday of every month through September
residents and visitors alike can gather at the Winona Grange
The Gathering Market promises to be more than just a place to shop; it’s a welcoming hub for families and neighbors to connect
and enjoy the beautiful Tualatin atmosphere
We’re building a space where the community can come together
The Winona Grange Gathering Market will feature a diverse array of vendors
To make the market even more family-friendly
These engaging activities are designed to be done with parents’ help
and will provide a fun and educational experience for children
making the market a truly memorable outing for the whole family
The Winona Grange Gathering Market is committed to fostering a strong sense of community and providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to thrive
We invite everyone in Tualatin and beyond to join us for this exciting new chapter in our city’s history
and the community spirit of the Winona Grange Gathering Market
Mark your calendars for the fourth Sunday of each month
In Sue Raxter’s backyard along Tualatin Road
she has created an oasis filled with trees
But in the nearly 19 years she has lived in her home
the one thing she has not been able to control is the increasing noise and disruption from Tualatin Road on the other side of her fence
“We call this the Tualatin Speedway,” she said
I heard some guys talking and laughing about how fast they are going
hit the gas and fly to get to the flashing speed sign to try to beat their last time.”
when Brett Hamilton came knocking on her door last summer to talk to her about a grass-roots effort to prevent Lam Research from adding an entrance/exit on Tualatin Road
Raxter is now part of the effort involving hundreds of homeowners and apartment dwellers living north of Tualatin Road between the Tualatin Country Club and 124th Avenue and as far north as Hazelbrook Road
Lam’s TUX development plan calls for a two-phase project that consists of three buildings for offices
manufacturing facilities and utilities totaling 423,470 square feet
The application also includes “expansion of an existing bulk gas storage yard
parking and public/site improvements on a 75.96-acre site zoned Manufacturing Park (MP).”
who lives off 115th Avenue about 500 feet from Tualatin Road
got a letter at the end of May about a neighborhood meeting concerning Lam’s project
there was a city-required meeting with the developer at the Juanita Pohl Center
“and there were probably 50 to 60 people there,” Hamilton said
“Everyone was on the same page – why an entrance on Tualatin Road instead of Leveton Drive
Lam representatives kept dodging the question
but they did say they would fund a traffic light at 115th.”
Lam’s proposal would add an estimated 2,036 daily vehicle trips to the local roadway network
It adds that Lam’s proposed site design would send 70 percent of that traffic (1,425 daily trips) through the new entrance on Tualatin Road.
“Why add an entrance on Tualatin Road instead of using Leveton Drive?” Hamilton asked
and at a Tualatin Transportation System Plan meeting last August
a traffic engineer said that ‘a traffic light would create gaps in traffic so people could pull out,’ but on the red-light side there will be big back-ups
People living on Jurgens and Hazelbrook will experience more traffic
and (Hazelbrook Middle School) school buses will be impacted
The costs of this project outweigh the benefits.”
Hamilton pointed out that it is easy to turn right onto Tualatin Road but not left and that those people living on the north side might just head to 99W and shop in Sherwood or Tigard rather than battle traffic to turn left to get to downtown Tualatin
“Lam is one of the biggest employers in Tualatin
and people in our group have made the point that they are not opposed to the expansion
We want Lam to grow but not the traffic on Tualatin Road to grow
If we could figure out what Lam is trying to achieve
Hamilton said that people in the neighborhood have donated money for all the signs and banners
“I have never seen our neighbors so united.”
but the city needs to look at the impact of more shifts being added in the future
This is an irreversible decision by the city that will impact us for the rest of our lives.”
Tualatin Life emailed several Lam executives and asked them to comment for this story
and the company sent the following statement: “We are excited to build on our long history in Tualatin by expanding our advanced lab capabilities
The project will bring new jobs and expand our economic impact in the community. We are currently working with the City of Tualatin to address relevant traffic issues
We are proud to be a leading employer in the community and will continue to follow the city’s process to finalize a plan for the project that works for the city
Mayor Frank Bubenik was asked to comment on the applications and replied
“I can’t answer several of your questions without possibly causing an issue if the application(s) come to council on appeal,” and he recommended that residents attend the public hearings to ask questions and get more information
“I first got into pickleball with my wife for the competition and fun,” said Robison
“Then our college-age son started to play with us
He found the sport to be challenging and fun as well
Robison plans to bring his passion for pickleball to Tigard in August with the opening of Pickleball Kingdom
will feature 13 professional-grade indoor courts.
One of the fastest-growing sports in the United States
pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis
The sport was invented in the 1960s on Bainbridge Island
but in recent years has seen a surge in popularity
Pickleball Kingdom touts itself as the world’s largest indoor pickleball entity
The Tigard facility will offer courts designed for optimal playing conditions
combining outdoor court surfaces with indoor benefits for year-round play
as well as professional coaching and clinics tailored for all skill levels
The facility will also have youth programs
leagues and tournaments and community and corporate events.
and majority owner of Pickleball Kingdom in the Portland/Vancouver market
He said he continues to look for other possible Pickleball Kingdom locations in the Portland/Vancouver region
Robison said Pickleball Kingdom has five core values: “Life is better with pickleball; pickleball is fun; pickleball is good for you physically
and spiritually; our greatest asset is our community,” and “we respect our teammates.”
“I really like how easy it was to get started in the game and the community aspect that comes with pickleball,” said Robison
“I love the fact that it allows people to compete at the skill level that best fits them but also allows you to challenge yourself to get better and play at higher levels
the sport is really about the community aspect and having fun while getting some exercise.”
Robison said he was impressed with the Tigard location from the first time he saw the site and appreciates the local interest in the sport
“There is a vibrant local community that is very enthusiastic about pickleball,” he said
“We have a location that is easy to access right off the freeway and a building that allows us to offer the experience and amenities we expect with a club of our size
It gave us the ability to have 13 indoor courts
two great spaces for corporate events and parties
a mezzanine area where people can gather to watch games or socialize
president and chief global officer of Pickleball Kingdom
shared Robison’s enthusiasm for the expansion.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Gunn Robison
whose experience and vision align perfectly with Pickleball Kingdom’s mission,” Streett said
“His leadership and commitment to building a strong community will not only contribute to our brand’s continued success but also create an unparalleled playing experience for pickleball enthusiasts in the Portland area.”
Robison spent 25 years in technology sales and marketing
most recently serving as vice president of marketing at Microsoft
are both graduates of the University of Washington and have three adult children.
“We are incredibly excited to expand into the Portland area and bring Pickleball Kingdom to Tigard,” said Ace Rodrigues
He said he plans for Pickleball Kingdom to be the “Amazon of pickleball.”
“Portland has a thriving pickleball community
and we are committed to providing players with a world-class indoor facility where they can enjoy the game year-round,” Rodrigues said
“This location will be a game-changer for the region.”
The Tigard Pickleball Kingdom will have hours from 6 a.m
Robison said pickleball was a perfect fit for his family and hopes to bring that spirit of fun and family entertainment to Tigard
He added that the Tigard location perfectly fit his goals for the new pickleball franchise
“We finally have found the right space and location to bring a location to Tigard
We look forward to joining this passionate community of players across all skill levels while continuing to grow the community and sport in the Portland area
We plan to open in August and start taking membership sign-ups in July
but also offer memberships for people who want to play more frequently
Our single membership price is $130 per month.”
Tualatin High School’s theater department will present a powerful rendition of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible this March
bringing to life the tension and drama of the 1692 Salem witch trials
Come experience The Crucible’s emotional depth and complexity at Tualatin High School—don’t miss this opportunity to witness a talented group of students showcase their passion for theater
shared her excitement about working with Tualatin High School’s talented cast and crew
with its gripping exploration of paranoia and injustice
offers a unique opportunity for students to delve into complex characters and intense emotions
Last year when students were working on a small section of the play for a class
I had the opportunity to share information about the allegory within the story
The students begged us to produce the show
who takes on the role of the conflicted John Proctor
has immersed himself deeply in the character’s inner turmoil
wrestling with personal guilt and moral integrity as he battles the witch trials’ chaos
which means the play has hidden themes within it
The show is meant to be reflective of how society treats one another
who plays the self-serving Reverend Samuel Parris
has embraced the character’s inherent contradictions—on one hand
using fear and hysteria to protect his reputation
“The Crucible was written in the 1950s during the Red Scare and is an allegory for McCarthyism
constantly pointing fingers at alleged witches
Miller wrote this play as a warning against unfair prosecution by those in power
This show is for middle school student on up”
brings a quiet intensity to the character who struggles with the overwhelming pressure of the Salem witch trials
Mary is a servant in the Proctor household
she finds herself torn between loyalty to her friends and the truth she knows
“I love how drastically my character turns from being pure and innocent
She has a very interesting arc of betrayal that happens only when she realizes that her life is truly threatened.”
Many of the cast and crew have worked together on past TuHS Productions
Fun facts: 1) This is Rook’s third time playing a Reverend on stage
and all three of them have been British and 2) Grace Simpson and Julia won state last year doing a small snippet of this play
Grace is now playing Abigail again. This is a must-see for Tualatin citizens! Please come out to support the amazing cast and crew
Tickets: Tickets available for purchase at the door and online. Limited ticket availability. $15/person tinyurl.com/4bt3uzvt
Safety Town Tualatin is back for a second year and is expanding the program to include grades 2 through 5
Safety Town Tualatin hosted over 75 rising kindergarten and 1st-grade campers from the region to teach them about safety through activities
art and special community heroes like firefighters and police officers.
Young campers were eager to begin each day in their color-coded groups led by local high school and college students
If you are hurt or scared or don’t know what to do
9-1-1 sends help to you!” to the tune of This Old Man or chanting: “Red means STOP – Green means GO – Yellow means go really SLOW!” Guest speakers included ambulance drivers
Campers worked daily on their pedestrian and motorist skills in Safety Town: a real town simulation crafted with child-sized dwellings
Safety Town is a busy place where campers drove tricycles (with their helmets on and buckled
or pushed babies in strollers on the sidewalks
The week culminated with the campers taking a school bus trip to New Seasons Market
where campers crossed four crosswalks with lights
as well as learned about grocery store etiquette and safety
It will have two 1-week camps for kindergarten through 2nd graders and two 1-week camps for 3rd through 5th graders
Activities will be equally engaging for the older age group with topics such as Pedestrian & Bike Safety
Tualatin Together Executive Director Cyndy Hillier is the driving force behind bringing Safety Town Tualatin to life
When asked about expanding the offering to all grade school students
“We are very excited about rolling this out to the older ages
It only made sense to expand the program to serve the needs of older youth
Third through fifth graders will learn through an interactive curriculum designed with multiple field trips and speakers
campers will create a camper-designed mastery project including songs
skits and creative ways to share what they have learned throughout the week.”
Registration for all weeks of Safety Town Tualatin opens March 3 and can be accessed at tualatintogether.org/programs/#safety-town
ages 15 and over and volunteer junior counselors
will be available beginning March 3 as well on the Tualatin Together website
Counselors receive 8-12 hours of training specific to the Safety Town Tualatin curriculum and age-appropriate skill building
Dates: Rising K-2: July 7-11 or July 14-183rd-5th: July 21-25 or July 28-August 1
Register: tinyurl.com/3fsdzhbw
Tualatin has acquired almost 3 acres of riverfront property that will become a future site of a river access point and part of the Tualatin River Greenway Trail
This illustration depicts what the future river access site could look like when the City of Tualatin finishes developing it into a nature park
Acquiring the property was made possible with Metro parks and nature bond funds
The City of Tualatin has closed one of the last gaps in the Tualatin River Greenway Trail with the purchase of a 2.79-acre property made possible with funds supplied by Metro
The property lies between Tualatin Community Park and SW Boones Ferry Rd
It includes 425 feet of Tualatin River frontage
allowing the city to route the greenway along the riverside instead of the current detour that requires crossing a heavily used arterial
the parcel includes a portion of Hedges Creek
which will help protect water quality in the region when the city completes its plan to turn the rest of the property into a natural area
The city also plans to build an ADA-accessible entry for non-motorized boats at the site
“This acquisition connects the community to the river and invites residents and visitors to interact with Tualatin River in a new way,” said Ross Hoover
“Tualatin’s downtown area will forever be linked to the Tualatin River
and now we can reimagine that relationship while also creating a needed trail connection and helping to protect this amazing regional asset.”
The purchase, which closed in early October, was made possible through a $400,000 contribution from Metro that was funded through the Create Trails for Walking and Biking program of the voter-approved 2019 parks and nature bond measure. City funds came from the 2022 voter-approved parks and trail bond measure
“We were very impressed with the City of Tualatin’s proposal,” said Metro conservation director Dan Moeller
“They had a clear plan for completing this work and just needed additional funding to kick-start it into action
which will create a safe and easily traveled connection for bikers and pedestrians between an urban center and a naturalized area
advances Metro’s goals of reducing carbon emissions and creating ways for people to connect to nature close to home.”
Planning for the future park and trail segment will begin in spring 2025
with community engagement to help shape the site’s design
Design is expected in 2026 with construction to follow in 2027-2028
Whether your roots in the region run generations deep or you moved to Oregon last week
you have your own reasons for loving this place – and Metro wants to keep it that way
Help shape the future of the greater Portland region and discover tools
services and places that make life better today
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Scouting America Troop 530 will offer their annual Christmas Tree recycling on Saturday, December 28, 2024, and Saturday, January 4, 2025. We can not take flocked trees. There will be NO Envelope distribution this year. Simply go to tualatinscouting.org/treerecycling2425 and schedule a pick up
Payment is offered through Venmo: (@Troop-Five-Thirty) with a credit card
please make it to Troop 530 and put it into an envelope to be picked up with the tree
For more information, or schedule a pickup, go to Tualatinscouting.org
The funds raised go directly to the scouts for their outdoor activities and service opportunities
Thank you for supporting your Tualatin Scout Troop this holiday season
KOIN.com
Tualatin High School state champions teaming up on flag football field
VIDEO: Motorcyclist ‘intentionally’ sideswiped in Hwy 26 hit-run
Mia Villanueva joins KOIN 6 News as the new 4pm anchor
Bodies found in Portland rivers ‘pretty normal occurrence’
Mayor’s Portland budget: ‘Back to basics,’ ‘no easy answers’
Indigenous people ‘matter and are not disposable’
The body of a kayaker from California who went over Willamette Falls in April was found early Sunday afternoon
the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said
VIDEO: Driver 'intentionally' sideswipes motorcycle on Hwy 26 before fleeing
Auto prowling incident now tied to Vancouver weekend shooting
located at 8639 Southwest Tualatin-Sherwood Road
served its last caramel macchiato with sweet cream cold foam
The store has been a popular community meeting spot for years
It was one of the first Starbucks we had in Tualatin,” regular patron Wilma Anthony told Tualatin Life
“I go there to get my morning coffee all most daily
and I want to thank all the wonderful staff for all the memories and fun times.”
Starbucks responded via email to a request for comment with the following message
“As part of Starbucks standard course of business
we continually evaluate our business to ensure a healthy store portfolio
we’ve determined it is best to close the store at 8639 SW Tualatin Sherwood Rd in Tualatin
Our last day at this location will be January 26
All Starbucks partners (employees) working at that store will have the opportunity to transfer to one of our nearby locations
We look forward to continuing to serve the Tualatin community and encourage our customers to visit us at our other stores in the area.”
Another store at the Hedges Green shopping center in Tualatin is set to close this year
and now Petco is set to follow suit and close on Saturday
“Our lease agreement is coming to an end and our rent is increasing,” employee Missy Pickett says
“Petco decided that if stores don’t make more than the cost of the rent
it is best to close that location.” According to Pickett
this is the second time this has happened to her for the same reason.
“This happened at the last store I was at in Progress Ridge.” Pickett says
they make space for you if you have to transfer
all employees will be allowed to transfer to another store and those who choose not to will be given a severance check in proportion to whether they are part or full-time.
“I will hopefully be closer to the store back home
instead of my 30 to 45-minute commute to get here from Hillsboro,” says Pickett
Petco will be holding a 25% off sale on February 9 and increase it to 50% on February 23
and the animals currently at the Hedges Green location will also be transferred to another Peto if they are not sold.
many pet owners are unhappy about the closure
“A lot of them come here on their walks… they are all very sad that we are closing.”
Tualatin is joining jurisdictions worldwide this year in designating March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility
the Tualatin City Council heard from about a half-dozen community members who spoke in favor of recognizing the day before voting 6-1 in favor of moving forward with the Proclamation.
“This day will be honored around the world as an opportunity to celebrate all that transgender and nonbinary people continue to contribute to humanity,” said Chris Paul
“Tualatin has an opportunity to join with those voices and let the world know that our city supports our transgender and nonbinary friends
This is a chance to demonstrate that Tualatin stands firm in its commitment to the values of diversity and inclusion.”
kicked off the public comments by praising both the Council and the community for creating a welcoming city
Several gender-diverse people and allies relayed personal stories
Each stressed the Proclamation’s importance
The Tualatin Librarian and the City’s 2022 Employee of the Year underscored the importance of simple recognition in a time when transgender rights are under fire
Like we’re just making a Proclamation in a tiny
this is everything to the people like me,” said Kit Lorelied.
they have faced and witnessed transphobic harassment from library patrons
and their transgender child has experienced bullying for his identity
They’re personally grappling with uncertainty triggered by a slew of Executive orders aimed at transgender and non-binary people
“It’s hard right now,” Lorelied said. “I don’t even know if I can leave the country
but who knows if (the passport) will come back to me because right now they’re pausing all of those on a federal level.”
The first International Trans Day of Visibility was held in 2009
spearheaded by Michigan-based activist Rachel Crandell Crocker
and the day was officially recognized by then-President Joe Biden in 2021
Emily Baker echoed the importance of recognizing the day in a moment when the current President has removed Federal recognition in a slew of executive orders aimed at transgender people
a transgender woman and Tualatin High School alumnus who has lived more than half of her life in the city
told the Council: “I think it’s vital that we stand up as a community and say that we don’t tolerate (discriminatory) treatment
that we don’t want people excluded on the basis of how they see themselves and what kind of medical treatment they need.”
Paul stressed the importance of backing transgender and nonbinary neighbors in a moment when Federal policy has shifted
“Our neighbors are enduring challenges and trials for simply wishing to live authentically
Their lives have been upended by a political system that seeks to reduce their identity to that of an abstract issue.”
and Cyndy Hillier each spoke in support of the motion
“It’s an onus on all of us to find ways to better educate ourselves
to better support the people that we know and love
we should be doing everything we can to make this community better for everyone,” Hillier said
and Mayor Frank Bubenik voted for the Proclamation
Councilor Octavio Gonzalez voted against the Proclamation
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Tualatin Life reached out to Councilor Octavio Gonzalez for comment on this story. While Gonzalez declined to comment, he submitted a written response, which you can find by clicking here
is slated to serve its last caramel macchiato with sweet cream cold foam
“I go there to get my morning coffee all most daily
and I want to thank all the wonderful staff for all the memories and fun times.”
the 6A landscape appeared by be dominated by senior-dominated teams Clackamas
Willamette and Jefferson as well as reigning state champion South Medford
that a freshman-led team deserves to join that elite group
Tualatin is looking like a legitimate state championship contender
Best is averaging 16.3 points in a 3-0 start for the No
including 17 points in a 49-37 home win over No
Tualatin coach Wes Pappas said the 5-foot-5 Best – who already has offers from Oregon State
Alabama and Arizona – is having a similar type of impact that Clackamas senior Jazzy Davidson did as a freshman
“She's kind of the next kid in the state after Jazzy to come through,” Pappas said
She's making little girls more interested in the game already as a freshman.”
Tualatin returned four starters from a team that went 20-5
repeated as Three Rivers League champion and lost in the playoff round of 16
That group includes two first-team all-league picks in senior post Jordyn Smith (6-2) and junior guard Alex Padilla (6-1)
as well as junior guards Maaya Lucas (5-9) and Ries Miadich (5-7)
Considering how the Timberwolves dominate on defense with their 2-3 zone
the returning players would have been enough to keep them competitive with the state's best teams
But the addition of Best and 6-0 freshman guard Kendall Dawkins
but we have never really had elite firepower,” Pappas said
but there's always these kind of superteams that can just sheer-talent us
The difference is now we can line up with those teams this year on the offensive end
That gives us a lot more depth than last year.”
10 with 24 points in a 63-24 home win over South Salem
Her ability to create shots for herself and others has elevated Tualatin's offense
“She's the best shooter I've ever had,” Pappas said
She's the fastest-processing kid I've ever seen
She's one step ahead of everybody on the court mentally
She can score at the rim at 5-5 because she uses her body so well.”
also is drawing Division I college interest
Pappas said Amens is the fastest guard he has coached
“She's going to turn into a special player
Tualatin is hoping to supercharge its vaunted zone defense
Smith anchors the middle and Dawkins and Lucas play the outside bottom
Miadich and Amens take their turns at the top
“It's kind of nasty at times,” Pappas said
this could be a record low in terms of giving up points
We've got a chip-on-your-shoulder type of crew
Lucas is putting up 8.0 points and 6.3 rebounds so far
4 Jefferson (2-0) in the opening round of the POA Holiday Classic on Dec
1 ranking in the 5A coaches poll by routing then-No
3 South Albany 69-47 in a nonleague game Dec
The host Comets got a big game from junior point guard Taylor Young
six assists and seven rebounds and Lydia Traore had 15 points and eight rebounds
South Albany's Taylor Donaldson had 24 points and nine rebounds
1 in the OSAAtoday 1A coaches poll after an impressive three-game run in the 1A Preview last week
the Cougars (5-0) knocked off the top two teams in the poll
which entered the tournament with a 32-game winning streak
has helped Century open 3-0 after going 6-18 last season
… Junior guard Juliet Wachsmuth helped 2A Portland Christian bounce back from a season-opening loss with three wins
12 steals and eight assists as the Royals defeated St
Tualatin’s plucky band of underclassmen came to the University of Portland’s Chiles Center on Saturday and did the unthinkable
With freshman phenom Love Lei Best leading the way, the Timberwolves shocked nationally ranked Clackamas 63-58 in the championship game of the Oregon Class 6A girls basketball tournament
winning the program’s first title by toppling a team featuring Naismith Player of the Year finalist Jazzy Davidson and a bevy of Division I signees
the hard work we’ve been putting in all year
Love Lei Best scored a game-high 26 points for Tualatin
/ René FerránThe Timberwolves (26-2) erased a 54-35 deficit with 2½ minutes remaining in the third period
closing the game on a 28-4 run that overwhelmed the Cavaliers (27-3) after Davidson
sustained an ankle injury in the final 30 seconds of the quarter
and then our offense started coming after that.”
grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds — seven on the offensive glass — had two steals in the fourth quarter and provided a gritty example while battling Davidson in the post
“Knowing that we can hit the shots that we’re taking and have the heart to come back
and that we know we can win and believe we can win
Tualatin's Jordyn Smith / René FerránTimberwolves coach Wes Pappas switched defenses after Davidson’s 3-pointer with 2:32 left in the third pushed Clackamas’ lead to 19
going back to a 1-3-1 trap that hadn’t proven effective in the first half
Tualatin forced seven turnovers in the final 10 minutes
made two free throws with 4:01 to play to tie the score at 56-56
It took another couple of minutes before Ries Miadich (18 points) buried her fourth 3-pointer of the night from the corner in front of her bench
giving the Timberwolves their first lead at 59-56 with 1:52 remaining
it was junior Alex Padilla who delivered the dagger
hitting a 10-footer from the left wing to beat the shot clock with 30.7 seconds left for a 63-56 lead
you step up and do it harder and better,’ because we didn’t put the amount of pressure on them that we needed,” Pappas said
we fought just a little bit more to dig out basketballs
And as we took balls the other way and turned them over
There’s also no discounting the effect a hobbled Davidson had down the stretch
Jazzy Davidson had 17 points and 10 rebounds before suffering a left ankle injury late in the third quarter
/ René FerránShe was clearly favoring her left ankle
and after returning to the game with 6:17 to play
she was a shell of the player who dominated the first three quarters
“It’s hard to play when you’re always thinking about something that’s hurting,” she said
and we weren’t making very good decisions with the ball
that kind of took some wind out of the sails a little bit
“I felt like we had gotten a few good looks
Everything just started feeling really hard
They definitely applied the pressure a lot more
and we obviously got thrown around a little bit
with its loaded roster of Division I talent
would add a second title to the one it claimed two years ago
Sara Barhoum
made four 3-pointers to tie the 6A career record of 324 one day after breaking the single-season mark regardless of classification
Sara Barhoum tied the Class 6A career 3-pointers record with her fourth made 3 of Saturday's final
it was the Timberwolves who mobbed in celebration in front of their bench after the final horn sounded
“We can celebrate here,” Best said after snipping her piece of the net
“But we know that there’s still more work to do next year.”
To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App
RENÉ FERRÁNRené Ferrán has written about high school sports in the Pacific Northwest since 1993
with his work featured at the Idaho Press Tribune
The Columbian and The Oregonian before he joined SBLive Sports in 2020
TUALATIN – No. 4 Barlow seized control in the first quarter and never let go for an impressive 79-72 win at No. 2 Tualatin in a nonleague game between 6A boys basketball powers Thursday night.
The host Timberwolves (10-3) were looking to avenge a 93-87 triple-overtime loss at Barlow on Dec. 14, but the Bruins (10-1) were up to the task, opening a 13-point lead early in the second quarter and never letting Tualatin get closer than six points the rest of the way.
“That's as well as we've played all year,” Barlow coach Tom Johnson said. “I'm really pleased with how we were able to play tonight against a good team.”
Senior guard Jalen Atkins showed the way with 23 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals, making three three-pointers. Senior forward Brayden Barron had 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four blocks. Senior forward Mason Bierbrauer added 17 points.
The Bruins expected Tualatin to be motivated for revenge from the first meeting, but they gained the upper ground early and held it.
“You beat some team in a close game like that, of course they're going to come out a little fiery,” Atkins said. “But we're not going to back down against any team.
“This is one of my favorite groups I've ever played basketball with. To come into a hostile environment like this and just play a great game of basketball like we did, this is the best it gets.”
Atkins, the target of jeers and chants from the Tualatin student section, seemed to thrive under fire.
“Every time somebody talks to me, it doesn't usually go good for them, because I use that,” said Atkins, a fourth-year starter who is scoring a team-high 19.9 points per game this season.
The Portland State-bound Barron, Barlow's No. 2 scorer with a 16.7 average, liked how his team responded to the challenge.
“The crowd, I think it got to come of our players' heads, but we just played through it,” Barron said. “It was one of our best games this year. We just pushed through.”
Barlow showed its veteran poise in quashing Tualatin rallies. Atkins, Barron and Bierbrauer are returning starters from last season, when the Bruins lost to Tualatin 62-46 in the state quarterfinals.
This week has revealed improvement for Barlow. Tuesday, the Bruins defeated No. 7 Jesuit 62-58 at home to avenge their only loss of the season, a 67-58 defeat to the Crusaders in the Les Schwab Invitational.
“I'm really pleased with how our kids have come together,” Johnson said. “It certainly helps to have the senior leadership we have. These guys have all paid their dues.”
Barron said the Bruins have made strides since the first game against Tualatin.
“That was one of our first games of the season, so we were all just getting adjusted to each other,” Barron said. “I think today we were more comfortable with each other on the floor. Everybody was making shots, and we played better D.”
Tualatin got a big game from junior guard Jemai Lake, who scored 28 of his season-high 36 points in the second half. But sophomore guard Pat Vialva Jr., who scored 36 points in the first meeting, finished with eight points.
“They had our number tonight,” Timberwolves coach Bubba Lemon said. “They had a different plan for us. I think we probably could have utilized our weapons a little bit better. We're still learning ourselves. I'm hoping we peak at the end of the year.”
“They have a lot of offensive weapons,” he said.
The Timberwolves drew within 46-40 in the third quarter, but Barlow answered with a 9-0 run to extend the lead to 55-40. Atkins had a three-pointer and a jumper in the surge. Down the stretch, Atkins kept Tualatin off balance with his drives and passes.
“We saw Jalen has been doing a better job of facilitating this year,” Lemon said. “He's been doing a phenomenal job of passing the ball. He just took over tonight.”
Atkins, committed to Eastern Arizona, has played the season with a partially torn MCL. It has caused him to alter his game.
“I'm definitely not 100 percent,” Atkins said. “My thing is finding consistency. Tonight was one of the best games I've played because I let the game come to me. For the rest of the year, I'm going to be like this.”
As a city council member representing Tualatin, Oregon (pop. ~27,000), I focus on government neutrality, fiscal responsibility, and protecting personal freedoms. I voted against recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility because I believe in the biological distinction between males and females and that local governments should not promote social ideologies. My vote was not against individuals but against government overreach into personal beliefs.
Tualatin is a diverse community (74% White, 18% Hispanic or Latino, 5% Asian, 1% Black, 1% Native American, 5% multiracial [U.S. Census Bureau]). Our government should serve all residents equally, focusing on public safety, infrastructure, and economic growth—not endorsing ideological movements that divide.
As a three-term Budget Committee Member for the Tigard-Tualatin School District, I had a front-row seat to these changes. In my final term as Vice Chair, I voted against the 2024-2025 budget because instead of cutting ideological programs, the district laid off 45 licensed FTE teachers, 15 classified staff, and 2 district administrators. This misplaced priority, favoring ideology over teachers, drives families out of public schools.
My voting record on the Tualatin City Council follows the same principles:
I voted against Tualatin’s Climate Action Plan because I believe climate efforts should be addressed locally, rather than dictated by a federal bureaucracy detached from our city’s needs. A strong tree-planting program, water credits for irrigation conservation, and incentives for responsible environmental practices are better solutions tailored to our community than one-size-fits-all policies from federal mandates.
I voted against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, also known as the IDEA Committee, because as a minority, I believe in earning my place based on merit, not racial quotas. True inclusion comes from equal opportunity, not mandated classifications that divide rather than unify.
I voted against highly sexualized books in public libraries targeted at elementary-aged children. If children aged 5-10 seek such content, their parents—not public institutions—should guide them. Families, not the government, should decide what is appropriate for young readers.
I consistently vote against tax and utility increases to ease financial burdens on residents. Instead of raising costs for families, we should focus on fiscal responsibility and prioritizing essential services.
My guiding principle is simple: the government should stay focused on essential services, not impose ideological or financial burdens on the people it serves. My votes aren’t against individuals but against government interference in personal beliefs.
Tualatin should be a place where all individuals live freely without government-imposed ideology. I will continue to advocate for a city government that prioritizes neutrality, fiscal responsibility, and essential services, the foundation of a strong and united community.
(The views expressed here are my own personal opinions and not those of the City of Tualatin or any other member of the Tualatin City Council.)
Donut Land donuts, free drip coffee and a new face in town, Artur Cafe had its grand opening on Sunday, March 16.
Christina George and her brother Clay founded Artur Cafe alongside Clay’s wife, Nichole, with the vision of community at the helm.
It was all smiles for Christina, Clay and Nichole, who welcomed patrons and their friends who came to support them with a hug and smile.
“We have been in the community since 2013, and we plan on retiring here. We are so rooted here,” Nichole says.
Clay recognizes the importance of third places, where he can help foster a sense of camaraderie. “We want a welcoming vibe,” Clay says.
Named after Clay and Christina’s father, Artur, who was a steamfitter, the trio wanted to create a warm space where everyday blue-collar workers could start their day.
“We want to attract blue-collar workers and sell them low-cost coffee,” Clay says. “We also want to thank the day-to-day workers and first responders.”
Artur Cafe’s space has a children’s play area and children’s books, and it will soon host an expanded bookshelf and board games.
Clay says third spaces are critical for fostering community, and welcomes patrons to use the space as “another living room” for book clubs, meetings and more.
“Come for the coffee, stay for the play place,” a patron said.
“This is my third time here this week,” another patron added.
The overwhelming consensus from those walking in was relief that Tualatin has a local cafe that is not a chain.
“There is no local sit-down place,” Clay says, “People have even approached us to rent the space in the evening since we close at 3 p.m.”
The cafe has partnered with Donut Land and Amber’s Gluten-Free Bakery to sell its pastries in-house and brews Portland’s own Cascadia Roaster’s coffee.
Clay says he wants to make as many local partnerships as possible, and is looking forward to contributing to the city.
Cascadia Roasters helped train Clay and the baristas to brew the best cup of coffee possible, but the art of coffee is dynamic, “There are so many layers, we are barely scratching the surface,” he says.
Artur Cafe had its soft opening on Monday the 10th through Saturday the 15th, to ensure the flow of things. “We are still getting decor on the walls,” laughs Nichole.
According to Nichole, the three of them always wanted to get their foot in the door of the restaurant business. “It’s always something they have talked about,” she says, “It is the cheapest and most equitable way to get a foot in the door.”
Christina says the location is perfect, nestled across the street from the Tualatin Library and right down the street from the Tualatin Community Park.
“When we were looking for places, we asked, ‘How’s parking?’” Nichole said.
Artur Cafe was filled to the brim with patrons who fell in love with the atmosphere and coffee throughout the morning, much to the delight of Nichole.
Artur Cafe is open from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends. 18749 SW Martinazzi Ave, Tualatin, OR 97062. For more information, please visit www.arturcafe.com.
About four years later, the chickens out back of our shop started going wild. And I knew something was wrong. In a tree limb above them, there was a massive Bald Eagle trying to get into their pen, which had netting over the top. But he was not giving up. Even when I wanted to scare him off, he was not leaving. After a time, he did fly away, but not before I captured his beauty with the long lens on the Canon digital. This one I will never forget.
Then, last year, out at Jackson Bottom, I caught a beauty hunting ducks. The video I caught is long and not very clear, but this image tells the story of a lone and powerful hunter. This is one of many bald eagles that frequent the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve in Hillsboro. As I watched him, he nailed two ducks that day.
We all have a tremendous love for these massive birds. That is why I wanted to take some time out from the business of life and report on the beauty and this story of the saved Bald Eagle to join the rest of these raptors. Who knows, the bird saved in the story above may be one of these birds or their offspring. Thanks to everyone who helped save this Eagle’s life!
This beautiful Bald Eagle was seen at Thermo-Fisher at Dawson Creek Park area last week, and one of our readers sent the shot in for us to share:
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PORTLAND – If there were any questions lingering about the impact Tualatin freshman point guard Love Lei Best would have on this girls basketball season
she answered them emphatically Friday night in the opening round of the POA Holiday Classic at Franklin High School
Best showed the way with a season-high 29 points as the No
3 Timberwolves improved to 6-0 with a 55-48 win over the previously unbeaten Democrats (3-1)
The 5-foot-5 Best scored 14 points in the first quarter and 20 points in the first half
She scored the Timberwolves' final six points – including four clutch free throws – to stave off a late Jefferson rally
so it was kind of like a rivalry,” said Best
referring to a 52-44 home loss to Jefferson a year ago
All we talked about at practice was winning
Tualatin advances to the semifinals of the Platinum bracket at Franklin
Her first-quarter scoring set the tone for Tualatin
there's one,'” Tualatin senior post Jordyn Smith said
she's got it.' Every time she gets the ball
Timberwolves coach Wes Pappas said that Best “recognized the moment” early against Jefferson
“We had some kids that were pretty nervous in there in such a big game,” Pappas said
“So she realized that she was going to have to step up the offensive productivity in terms of points
who leads the team in scoring with a 16.5 average
Her influence was critical against the quick
who have a knack for flustering their opponents
“She reads the floor really well,” Smith said
“She always has eyes on who's in front of her
She just takes a lot of deep breaths on the court
… I'm so lucky and so grateful to be able to play with her
18 rebounds and two blocks to go along with four assists
She helped Tualatin to a 39-29 edge on the boards
They pound the offensive boards,” Pappas said
Smith said she “really had to get a body” on the Democrats
she was determined to help them make an early statement against a 6A contender
and what's to come this season,” Smith said
but it sets the bar even higher for what's to come.”
Tualatin led 34-20 early in the third quarter
stayed within striking range behind senior guards Chauncey Andersen and Abrianna Lawrence
When senior forward Leila Nunez made a three-pointer with 3:53 left
the Democrats were within 49-45.Andersen scored on a runner to cut the lead to 51-47 with 3:12 to go
and Jefferson had two chances to get closer
Best coolly drained four free throws in the final 52 seconds to seal the win
The UC Santa Barbara-bound Andersen led Jefferson with 24 points and six rebounds
“It was tough,” Jefferson coach Andre Lawrence said of the loss
“We've still got a long ways to go to where we want to be
Our ultimate goal is not to win the Holiday invitational
our ultimate goal is to win a state championship
Sometimes you've got to go through obstacles to get there.”
Jefferson will play Nelson in the consolation round at 12 p.m
Call it smothering defense or call if sluggish offense
but there’s one thing Tualatin Coach Wes Pappas definitely won’t call his team’s quarterfinals win Wednesday night
“It wasn’t pretty,” Pappas said after Tualatin’s 47-37 win against South Medford
Defense is a thing that can show up every night for us
The rock fight of a game Wednesday night at the Chiles Center at University of Portland saw the Timberwolves look to keep their impressive season alive against the reigning state champs in South Medford
The teams were pretty evenly matched throughout the game
but the Tualatin defense had its strongest showing in that second quarter
which came with 49 seconds left in the quarter
but scored 10 points in the second to push ahead
The Timberwolves also had their struggles scoring in the second quarter
as they didn’t make any field goals until there were just under two minutes to go before the half
juniors Maaya Lucas and Ries Miadich both hit three-pointers on consecutive possessions
cutting the Tualatin lead to just five with around a minute to go
but freshman Love Lei Best connected with Miadich on a long pass to set up an easy fastbreak score for Miadich
Then Best hit a lay-up with a second left in the quarter to bring the Tualatin lead back up to nine heading into the fourth
“I’ve never had a guard that we just opened it up for them like that
but she’s in charge and I trust her judgments on the things because she is a high IQ kid
She knows when to push and she knows when to distribute and she knows when to take over and go get hers.”
Best led Tualatin with 15 points and a game-high five assists
Senior Jordyn Smith was the only other Tualatin player in double figures
as she dropped 14 points to go with her 11 rebounds and four blocks
Freshman Kendall Dawkins scored eight points to go with her seven rebounds
she took over running the offense while Best sat due to foul trouble
we need somebody tough to bring this ball up and not turn it over and get us into our offense and that that goes to Kendall.’”
including four steals for Miadich and three steals for junior Alex Padilla
Pappas thinks the team still has room for improvement
“We’re now in the semifinals and we didn’t play our best basketball,” he said
I think we definitely need to rebound better.”
The win earns Tualatin a spot in the state semifinals against Willamette
who Tualatin beat way back in the second game of the season
Willamette is heading into the semifinals as the winners of 18 straight
It took only a few minutes for Tualatin’s Jordyn Smith to let Liberty High School it was going to be a tough night in the paint.
Three of Tualatin’s first five baskets in Tuesday night’s first round playoff matchup came from Smith pulling down an offensive rebound surrounded by players from Liberty and putting back up a shot from close range.
the Timberwolves were up 11-2 and never looked back en route to a 72-23 win at home Tuesday night.
Smith netted just one more bucket after that opening flurry to finish with eight points to go along with her 13 rebounds
Tualatin’s lone senior opened the second quarter with back-to-back steals that lead to consecutive fast break points
She also shut down the paint against Liberty
who scored most of their points from mid-range jumpers and the occasional three.
“Jordan is as valuable as a player that we have
and maybe as a valuable as a player we’ve had in a number of years,” Tualatin Coach Wes Pappas said
“She has just become so good in the middle of our zone
Teams just don’t score in the paint against us.”
as has become a yearly tradition with Pappas’ squads
teams don’t score really all that much from any part of the court against them at all
A big reason for that this year was Tualatin’s press
which allowed them to put continual pressure on opponents from the second they touch the ball through their entire possession.
That pressure starts with Tualatin’s three quick
who comes off the bench for the Timberwolves
The press was in full force in Tuesday’s playoff win
perhaps no stronger than a dominant second quarter in which Tualatin out-scored Liberty 16-2.
“We have we have three kids that we rotate on top that are just all ballhawks,” Pappas said
I think they can stay in front and pressure the top kids in the state.”
Pappas said Tualatin didn’t pressure as much last season since it didn’t have the ability to put two players up top to really get the pressure going
especially later in the season once a few players went out with injuries.
we’ve been able to press most everybody,” he said
“It’s almost like a cornerback in football that you can just say
just lock that person down’ and that’s what our top two kids do.”
the scoring was pretty even throughout the roster Tuesday night
The starters didn’t end up playing too many minutes
Best led the team with 11 points followed by 10 each for Miadich and junior Maaya Lucas.
Freshman Kendall Dawkins and sophomore Maela Tsaknaridis each chipped in nine points apiece.
Tualatin’s second round playoff game will be at home Friday night against Nelson
they’ll move onto the Chiles Center at University of Portland
where the final three rounds of the OSAA playoffs take place.
Yet again the Tualatin High School cheerleading team is state champion.
The team won the 6A/5A Coed Traditional Division at the OSAA State Cheerleading Championships earlier this month at Oregon City High School
It marks Tualatin’s 10th cheerleading state title
and the coed team’s first since 2020.
The win comes just a year after Tualatin finished second in the state by just two points.
Tualatin’s state title win saw the team earn a score of 108.70 points
which was the highest total for a team in the entire state competition regardless of division.
The state title caps off a dominant year for the Timberwolves cheerleaders
who won all eight competitions they participated in.
senior Madison Whitney was awarded the Oregon Cheerleading Coaches Association Academic Scholarship at the event
Applicants must have at least a 3.5 GPA by the end of their junior year to be eligible
and they are evaluated on their academic performance
Whitney is the second student athlete from Tualatin to win in the last three years
This year’s Excellence in Business Awards Banquet was held on Friday
at the Tualatin Country Club and was a successful
there are members of our Chamber of Commerce who stand out as particularly active in the community and with the Chamber
We want to recognize our businesses and allow them to vote for their fellow Chamber members
It is also an opportunity for businesses to sponsor a signature event and for everyone to network and learn the latest news in the community
We also enjoyed the beautiful Tualatin Country Club and a delicious dinner of steak and salmon
the Chamber sends out a request for nominations for the eight award categories to our membership
we take those nominees and send out a second survey asking the membership to vote for who they would like to see receive the award for the year from those nominated
It is always quite an honor to be nominated
The nomination alone shows that the company or individual nominated has positively impacted the business community
and the award is given to the business or individual who received the most votes from their fellow Chamber members
The Banquet was coordinated by an amazing Chamber Banquet Committee that came together to give their best energy and talent
The Chair who inspired the event’s look and was the event’s project manager was Friederike Svensson
Crystal Stanaway designed and arranged the stunning floral arrangements
and Jorjia Fields of Unitus Credit Union handled the registration and raffle baskets
Bill Cohen of Cohen Care Giving Support and Jeff Dille
were wine stewards at the “Wine Wall.” Our very own Ali Unverzagt was the master of everything needed
while Susan Noack backed everyone up and ensured she was there to help and guide
Our Presenting Sponsors were The City of Tualatin and NW Cannabis
Gold Sponsors were NW Natural and Umpqua Bank
Perlo Construction and Milgard Windows and Doors
PC and Former Washington County Commissioner Roy Rogers
The Signature drink was sponsored by Republic Services
Dinner wine was provided by Express Employment Professionals and dessert was sponsored by Unitus Community Credit Union
In-Kind Sponsors were Tualatin Country Club
We hope you will join us as we congratulate all the nominees and celebrate building business and community together
The Chamber of Commerce 2024 Excellence in Business Awards were presented to:
Business Leader of the Year is presented to a business that has made specific
and lasting contributions to the Tualatin community and demonstrated leadership and cooperation while benefiting the community and civic enterprises
New Business of the Year goes to the new business that not only opened its doors in 2024 but also became a true member of the community
supporting local organizations and the Chamber
The award was presented to Bridgeport Grocery Outlet
Chamber Volunteer of the Year is presented to the individual who has demonstrated over and over a willingness to give countless volunteer hours to the Chamber and has embraced the spirit of business and community working together
Spirit of Tualatin Individual is given in recognition of their contributions to the community in 2024
whose dedication to community and civic projects has made Tualatin a better place to live and has inspired others to exceed their limitations and accomplish more than they thought possible
Spirit of Tualatin Organization is given to a service club
or business in recognition of their leadership
dedication and contributions to the community and civic projects that have made Tualatin a better place to live
The award was presented to The Tualatin Food Pantry
Titanium Trades Business of the Year is given to a business in a Trade that has made a significant contribution to enhancing the success of the Tualatin Community and is recognized as a leader in their industry
The award was presented to Perlo Construction
Titanium Manufacturing Business of the Year recognizes a Maker & Manufacturer within the Tualatin Chamber who has become known for excellence in their industry and is a significant contributor to the Tualatin Community
The award was presented to Kershaw Knives/Kai-USA
Chamber Champion is presented to an individual within the Chamber who has gone above and beyond to assist
and promote the community of Tualatin and the Chamber of Commerce
The award was presented to Keith Lyons ~ KBNP Radio
The Tualatin Chamber of Commerce congratulates all the winners for their 2024 Excellence in Business Awards
They represent and exemplify Business and Community Working Together
This is why Tualatin is known as a great place to live
The Clackamas Cavaliers girls’ basketball team scored a 55-53 win at Tualatin on Thursday night
in what could easily end up as a rematch for the 6A state title in March
The teams were deadlocked at 40 heading into the fourth quarter before Clackamas star Jazzy Davidson drove the baseline for a three-point play and a 48-46 lead with about three minutes to play
Clackamas stayed on the attack with Davidson kicking a pass out to Sara Barhoum for a deep 3-pointer that put the Cavs ahead to stay
Clackamas got a key stop in the final minute when Allie Roden swiped a steal in the lane
and Davidson secured the victory by going 4-for-4 at the free-throw line down the stretch
The teams traded the lead four times in the first quarter
which ended with Alex Padilla launching a 3-pointer that clipped the rim
bounced off the glass and fell through the net as time expired to give the Timberwolves a 19-16 lead
Clackamas rushed back in the second quarter getting back-to-back 3-pointers from Barhoum and Davidson to retake a 25-21 edge
Davidson finished with a game-high 28 points
Tualatin's boys basketball team is trending toward realizing its vast potential
2 Timberwolves picked up two crucial home wins last week
6 Oregon City 78-63 to stay in the hunt for the 6A Three Rivers League title
“The guys came with a lot of energy,” coach Bubba Lemon said
“They tried to prepare themselves a little extra
5-1) stands tied for first place with Oregon City (15-4
The Timberwolves have won six in a row since losing at Oregon City 63-52
“Our teams try to peak toward the end of the season,” Lemon said
“I think we're just getting into our groove
you can feel it starting to get into the groove.”
Tualatin's dynamic backcourt combo of junior Jemai Lake and sophomore Pat Vialva Jr
Lake scored 29 points against West Linn and 24 against Oregon City
The 6-foot-2 Lake and 6-0 Vialva are having outstanding seasons
4.8 assists and 2.3 steals while shooting 48.8 percent from the field
including 32.0 percent on three-pointers (33 for 103)
2.1 assists and 1.4 steals and is shooting 50.9 percent from the field
45.7 percent from behind the arc (37 for 81)
They have been steady at the free throw line
with Lake hitting 83.2 percent (89 for 107) and Vialva making 84.2 percent (32 for 38)
Lake and Vialva have developed chemistry since Vialva transferred over from West Linn
“There's nothing that needs to be sorted out with them
They figured this thing out quick,” Lemon said
I'm going to be a supportive role.' And Jemai is saying
'This is our team.' I think it's the best backcourt in the state
It's one of those things where real recognizes real.”
Lemon has them playing against each other in practice
Tualatin also is getting consistent play from 6-7 senior post Javier Diaz (10.6 points
8.3 rebounds) and 6-5 senior wing Nolan Keeney (10.5 points
The win over Oregon City was critical for Tualatin's chances to repeat as league champion
The Timberwolves attacked the basket and made 16 of 17 free throws
It was a stark contrast from the loss at Oregon City
who missed the first game against Oregon City with a sprained ankle
“I love when the pressure gets put on our guys so they can see how they stand up in those moments
Tualatin's two other in-state losses came against No
Sheldon has made a dramatic turnaround in its first season under coach Brian Brancato
who took over after coaching the school's girls team for the past 14 seasons
are 16-5 and leading the 6A Southwest Conference at 8-0
“Our guys have really bought in,” Brancato said
and have steadily improved over the past six weeks.”
Sheldon strengthened its hold on first place Saturday with a 71-43 home win over reigning conference champion South Medford (8-11
The Irish have a cushion on second-place North Medford (11-7
senior guard Rocco Graziano scored 22 points
Senior forward Eli Forsha and senior guard Nathan Sheley added 19 and 18 points
Graziano missed the first nine games with an illness and Sheley was out for the first five games with a broken hand
Sheley is averaging a team-high 17.7 points
and Graziano is contributing 10.0 points and 3.0 assists
“Getting Nathan and Rocco back to full strength and on the floor together consistently is a big plus,” Brancato said
“Eli has been outstanding for us on both ends of the floor for us all year
His athleticism allows us to do a lot of different things.”
The Irish haven't won a conference title since 2019
when they shared it with North Medford and South Eugene
They haven't won an outright title since finishing first in Special District 2 in 2014
Senior post Cody Siegner had 42 points and 14 rebounds to lead No
3 Nixyaawii 84-60 in a 1A nonleague showdown at Baker High School on Saturday
the three-time defending state champion Mustangs (21-0) scored 54 points in the paint as they ended the 12-game winning streak of the Golden Eagles (17-3) in a rematch of last year's 1A final
“Nixyaawii did a great job of taking away our perimeter game and our team found Cody
who did a great job finishing inside,” Crane coach Eric Nichols said
Senior guard Casse Roozeboom had 17 points and nine assists and senior forward Joah Friedrichsen added 11 points and eight rebounds for Crane
which pulled away after leading 59-51 after three quarters
Senior Rylen Bronson had 22 points and five assists and sophomore Sun Schimmel added 12 points for Nixyaawii
and with two regular-season games and potentially seven playoff games remaining (two league
the Mustangs can break the state record of 56
Half-court buzzer-beater saves Wilsonville
Coming off an upset loss to Hood River Valley
3 Wilsonville needed a monster game and miracle shot from senior guard Cole Hammack to avoid losing back-to-back conference games for the first time in 12 years
Hammack capped a 49-point game by hitting a half-court shot at the buzzer to give the Wildcats (17-3
10-1) an 87-86 overtime win at Centennial (10-9
6-4) in a Northwest Oregon Conference game Friday
The Wildcats stumbled at home against Hood River Valley (9-10
Hood River Valley had lost six of its previous eight games
but led by 13 at half and 18 points in the third quarter
five assists and two steals and sophomore guard JJ Poole added 18 points
“It was a big win for us for a lot of reasons,” Hood River Valley coach Christopher Dirks said
“Getting a win like this reminds us we are headed in the right direction.”
Roche said his team “got totally outplayed” by the Eagles
but the truth is Hood River showed up and competed better than us
and they have a number of good players,” Wilsonville coach Chris Roche said
"I think one thing our group might be learning is that just about everybody we play gives what seems like one of their best efforts of the season against us.”
Siuslaw pulled into a first-place tie with Sutherlin in the 3A Far West League with a 67-58 home win over the Bulldogs on Friday
who lost at Sutherlin 48-37 in the first round of league play
trailed by seven points after one quarter before taking control
Senior guard Gave DeLeon scored 17 points and senior guard Justin Allen added 16 points
making five of Siuslaw's 10 three-pointers
5-1) got 22 points and five assists from senior guard Coltyn Jacobs
left in the first quarter with a sprained ankle
3-1) forced a three-way tie atop the 5A Intermountain Conference by rallying in the fourth quarter for a 62-61 win at No
returned to school Friday and proved to be the difference
Horner scored nine points in the fourth quarter
including the game-clinching free throw in the final second
Senior guard Miles Macomber scored 26 points for Caldera
which played without 6-9 senior center Will Jenson (illness)
Senior guard Kaiden Ford had 29 points and nine rebounds as 4A No
1 Westside Christian its first loss of the season
Senior guard Landon Knox added 19 points for the Cougars (15-3)
who also got 10 points and 10 rebounds from senior wing Cruz Shank
Westside Christian fell to 19-1 with the loss
11-0) opened a two-game lead over Grant atop the 6A Portland Interscholastic League with a 73-53 win over the visiting Generals (14-6
Senior Owen Nathan and junior Syrius Owens scored 28 and 18 points
… One week after Barlow's Tom Johnson became the fourth coach in state history to reach 700 wins
Cascade Christian's Brian Morse joined the club
With a 75-29 win at North Valley on Saturday
Morse hiked his career record to 700-270 in 37 seasons
We’re late for an important date to head into Tualatin High School’s Production of Alice By Heart in November
Alice by Heart’s setting is in a London Underground tube station after the London Blitz of World War II
The story focuses on Alice Spencer and her best friend Alfred
Alice urges him to escape with her down the rabbit hole to Wonderland by reading their cherished book
Nurse Cross rips Alice’s book as a punishment for visiting Alfred in quarantine
Alice becomes very defiant and declares she knows it “by heart” and will read to him anyway
the characters in the shelter change into the characters from Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland
the characters and music will engage the audience.
Alice By Heart has a mixture of familiar and new faces from past TuHS productions
Many of the cast and crew members are involved in Theatre and Choir at TuHS
The show features Ava Harmon as Alice Spencer
Angel Lopez Gomez as Alfred and Braden Fisher as the Mad Hatter
“This particular cast has to be full of the sweetest people I’ve ever met in my life
This community is so special because I truly feel like you can’t find it anywhere else—everyone is comfortable with acting weird or silly without caring what other people may think.” Jenn Hunter Tindle is directing this talented group of students
“I love directing when the students are so excited to work on the show
They sent me a PowerPoint slideshow explaining why we should produce this particular musical
we saw it performed by another high school from Bend
It solidified their enthusiasm for the musical
and it was an easy decision to add it to our season.”
“Alice by Heart feels like a really underground show that not many people have seen
and the plot tackles some pretty heavy themes
but there’s a really great balance between funny and serious
you’re so invested in the storyline that it feels like you’re experiencing Wonderland right alongside Alice.”
“The Tualatin community should come to see this show because our cast and crew are working so hard to make it come to life
and it’s not like any other show we’ve put on at Tualatin High School; you don’t want to miss it
I’d say the message of this show is that everything in your life is going to serve a purpose
but be careful bringing young kids or anyone who is really sensitive to sound
there are siren sound effects and serious themes throughout the show that may be difficult for kids to understand,” says Harmon
You are the audience for Tualatin High School’s Alice By Heart
at the University of Portland's Chiles Center
Barhoum is Robin to Jazzy Davidson’s Batman in the Cavaliers’ pecking order
with the Oregon commit averaging 19.2 points while making 43.9% from 3-point range (she is the team’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made)
Their Colorado State-bound wing would have starred for 90% of teams around the state but instead played third banana for the Cavaliers
averaging 9.6 points and 4.5 rebounds as a second-team all-Mt
Hood Conference point guard led the Cavaliers in assists (4.9) and was second in steals (2.7) while scoring 4.8 points per game
The Seattle University commit has overcome two torn ACLs during her career to earn Mt
Hood Conference defensive player of the year honors while averaging 6.3 points
Hood Conference pick and Southern Oregon commit
Smith is the primary post presence for the Timberwolves
averaging 12.6 points while shooting a team-best 56.7% from the field and leading the team in rebounding (8.1) and blocked shots (1.9)
Dawkins did a little of everything for the Timberwolves in her first season
making the all-Three Rivers League first team while averaging 10.6 points
Best has hardly looked like a newcomer to the high school scene
leading the Timberwolves in scoring (14.4 points)
assists (4.5) and steals (4.3) in earning first-team all-Three Rivers League honors and drawing interest from Oregon State
The versatile Lucas made the all-Three Rivers League second team after averaging 8.4 points
First basket of the game goes to Jazzy Davidson with a jumper in the lane
banks it off the glass as she's falling to the ground
Love Lei Best fights through the paint and converts a layup for Tualatin's first points
Clackamas steals the inbound pass and gets two more by Sara Barhoum
Dylan Mogel taps in a miss by Jazzy Davidson
Tualatin's Jordyn Smith goes to the line and makes 1 of 2
What a move by Tualatin freshman Love Lei Best
She scores to make it 13-8 with 2 minutes left in the first quarter
Reyce Mogel makes 2 of 2 free throws for Clackamas
Jazzy Davidson with her third blocked shot in the past minute
First basket of the second quarter goes to Love Lei Best — and it's a 3
Sara Barhoum answers with her second 3-pointer
Jazzy Davidson rebounds her miss and scores
Love Lei Best is fouled by Jazzy Davidson (Jazzy's first)
Jordyn Smith scores and brings Tualatin within 23-20
Reyce Mogel answers with 2 free throws for Clackamas
Dylan Mogel fights through the lane and scores for Clackamas
Love Lei Best with a 3 for Tualatin on the other end
First basket of the second half goes to Jazzy Davidson — and it's a 3
Cavaliers with four quick 3-pointers to start the half
Dylan Mogel scores after a great pass from sister Reyce Mogel
Alex Padilla hits a jumper for Tualatin after a timeout
Dylan Mogel answers on the other end (her sister with the assist again)
Then Sara Barhoum gets a steal and scores two more for Clackamas
Sara Barhoum with her fourth 3 for Clackamas
bringing Tualatin within 12 points at 54-42 with 28.3 seconds left in the third quarter
Cavaliers outscore Timberwolves 24-17 in the period
First basket of the fourth quarter is by Ries Miadich on a fast break
Kendall Dawkins makes 2 of 2 from the line for Tualatin
Kendall Dawkins back at the line for Tualatin
Maaya Lucas cleans up a miss and puts it back to bring the Timberwolves within two at 56-54
Kendall Dawkins back to the line for Tualatin
Love Lei Best two free throws for Tualatin
and Tualatin leads 63-56 with 23.2 seconds left
Freshman point guard Love Lei Best with a game-high 26 points
and Jazzy Davidson scores 17 with 10 rebounds
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The winner will face Jazzy Davidson and Clackamas for the 6A state championship Saturday
The University of Portland commit and first-team all-Southwest Conference pick returns to her future home this week looking to lead the Wolverines to their first title since winning in 5A in 2014
averaging 20 points per game and passing Lexi Bando as the school’s all-time leading scorer as she approaches 2,000 career points
Wright transferred from Springfield over the summer and had an immediate impact for the Southwest Conference champion Wolverines
with the Grand Canyon University commit earning first-team all-SWC honors while averaging 15 points and 5.5 rebounds per game
a first-team all-Southwest Conference selection and Boise State commit
averaged 17.5 points per game in helping the Wolverines snap South Medford’s streak of SWC titles at six and earn the program's first 6A conference championship
The point guard sometimes gets overlooked as the facilitator (team-high five assists per game) for three high-scoring Division I commits
but the Western Washington commit and second-team all-Southwest Conference selection will play a critical role this week for the Wolverines
First basket of the game goes to Tualatin's Jordyn Smith after a steal by Kendall Dawkins
Willamette's Isabella Harms sinks a jumper on the other end
Tualatin freshman Love Lei Best drives the lane for two points
Great move by Tualatin freshman Love Lei Best
Willamette's Victoria Nguyen nails a 3-pointer
Tualatin's Jordyn Smith ties it with a power move inside
Tualatin leads 17-10 with 1:21 left in the first quarter
Alex Padilla drains a 3 just before the quarter ends
Love Lei Best has nine points; Jordyn Smith has eight
Willamette's Isabella Harms makes two free throws for the first points of the second quarter
Tualatin gets them right back on a basket by Kendall Dawkins
Diamond Wright makes 1 of 2 free throws for Willamette
Willamette's Diamond Wright completes a 3-point play
Tualatin's Alex Padilla wide open under the basket for an easy two — and a 30-16 lead
Alex Padilla with a great post move and basket for Tualatin
which leads 32-18 with 3 minutes left in the half
And now Ries Miadich is open under the basket for two more easy Tualatin points
Harper Wagner sinks a 3 after a Willamette timeout
and then Diamond Wright gets a steal and two more points for a quick 5-0 Willamette run
Love Lei Best has a game-high 12 points for Tualatin; Alex Padilla has 10
Diamond Wright leads Willamette with eight points and four rebounds
First basket of the second half goes to Tualatin freshman Love Lei Best
Willamette's Victoria Nguyen goes 3 for 3 from the line
Willamette's Diamond Wright with a great move inside for two points
Love Lei Best gets them right back for Tualatin
Kendall Dawkins basket gives Tualatin a 15-point lead
Willamette's Diamond Wright goes 2 for 2 from the line
Tualatin's Alex Padilla goes 2 for 2 from the line
Isabella Harms makes 1 of 2 free throws for Willamette
Love Lei Best (21 points) scores again for Tualatin
Jordyn Smith gets the first basket of the fourth quarter
Love Lei Best dishes to Ries Miadich for two more Tualatin points
Love Lei Best dishes to Jordyn Smith for two more Tualatin points
Isabella Harms makes two free throws for Willamette
Kendall Dawkins makes two free throws for Tualatin
Freshman point guard Love Lei Best has a game-high 21 points
Three other scorers in double figures for Tualatin: Jordyn Smith (12)
Alex Padilla (12) and Kendall Dawkins (11)
Diamond Wright leads Willamette with 15 points
PORTLAND – Playing without its leading scorer in freshman point guard Love Lei Best
3 Tualatin got a big lift from another impact freshman in the Platinum bracket final of the POA Holiday Classic girls basketball tournament Monday night
scored a game-high 22 points and had seven rebounds as the Timberwolves improved to 8-0 by beating No
Tualatin (8-0) trailed the Astros 23-11 with three minutes left in the first half before taking control
“It was really hard at the beginning,” Dawkins said
The offensive surge was much needed in the absence of Best (17.1 points per game)
“Just amazing performance for her,” Tualatin coach Wes Pappas said of Dawkins
'I'm going to find a way.' That's what she does
The Timberwolves were out of sorts early against Benson (5-2)
2 South Medford 55-49 in the semifinal round
The Astros got a three-pointer from freshman Kemara Phillips and a three-point play from freshman post Jayla Lackey to open a 23-11 lead with 3:17 left in the first half
“We were kind of getting sped up,” Tualatin senior post Jordyn Smith said
get into our offense and then just work from there
and the Timberwolves' 2-3 zone defense started to lock down the Astros
Dawkins converted a three-point play and scored off a feed from Smith to put Tualatin ahead to stay at 26-25 midway through the third quarter
Freshman Bella Amens made a layup and Dawkins drilled a three-pointer to make it 31-25
Benson drew within 33-32 on a putback by senior Taliya McKelvey with 6:05 left
but Tualatin scored the game's final seven points to put it away
who had four points and a team-high eight rebounds
“We just had to work more as a team instead of just giving it to Love and saying she can take it up the floor
Everybody come back to the ball and move it around together.”
Pappas liked how his team responded to a difficult situation
and then we find ourselves down 12 in the second quarter
this team's never faced adversity like that,” Pappas said
and this team just doubled down on defense.”
Tualatin held Benson to 4-for-22 shooting in the second half
“We just kept on switching up in terms of how we were pressing them,” Pappas said
“I think we got to them and created some chaos
The first quarter-and-a-half was them putting us in chaos mode
I think the second half was largely us getting them off what they wanted to do.”
Winning a tough game without Best – who scored 50 points in the tournament's first two games – showed the Timberwolves something about themselves
Phillips scored seven points to lead Benson
which also got six points and nine rebounds from Lackey
who made five three-pointers against South Medford
hit two three-pointers and finished with six points
They're playing with a lot of confidence because they had that huge win over South Medford
Faith Family (Texas) 61 (OT): Senior Jazzy Davidson had 34 points and seven rebounds to lead the Cavaliers to the win in the Diamond bracket final Monday night at Franklin
Senior Sara Barhoum hit 4 of 8 shots from three-point range and added 12 points for the Cavaliers (6-2)
who led by as many as 12 points in the third quarter
Leading by three points with five seconds left in regulation
and Faith Family drew a foul on a three-point attempt and made three free throws to tie 51-51 with 0.2 seconds left
Amayah Garcia led Faith Family with 18 points
And they’re already champions — state champions
and one of the big reasons the Timberwolves were cutting down the nets that night — two fabulous freshmen
Tualatin freshmen Love Lei Best and Kendall Dawkins took the state by storm
and they helped take the Timberwolves to championship glory in their first high school campaign
“Oh man, Love and Kendall, they’re amazing — and everybody knows that,” Tualatin senior Jordyn Smith said
“They’re going to do so many amazing things in their future
“They’ve been incredible all season,” Tualatin junior Ries Miadich said
“They’re amazing,” Timberwolves junior Maaya Lucas said
“It’s great that they came in and were able to help us so much
both personality-wise and also player-wise.”
And the dynamic duo has been having all sorts of enjoyment
“We just play together; we come in and we bring the energy.”
Tualatin freshman Kendall Dawkins drives against Clackamas senior Reyce Mogel during the Class 6A state championship game. / Dan BroodThey’ve brought the energy right from the start. Best and Dawkins, both guards, earned first-team all-Three Rivers League honors
was an honorable mention all-league pick.)
The pressure of the state tournament is something different
and it very well could take its toll on young freshmen
no — at least not when it comes to Best and Dawkins
“We can’t think about it,” Dawkins said of any possible nervousness at the tournament
“We just have to go out and play our hearts out together.”
“We just did our thing out there,” Best said
In Tualatin’s tournament-opening 47-37 quarterfinal win over defending state champion South Medford
In a 65-40 win over Willamette in the semifinals
Best had a game-high 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting with five assists
Dawkins had another solid all-around performance with 11 points
That win put the Timberwolves in the state championship game for the first time
“There were times when we were so flustered out there
and she kept fighting,” Tualatin coach Wes Pappas said
Tualatin freshman Love Lei Best gets the ball up court quickly for the Timberwolves in their 63-58 win over Clackamas in the Class 6A state title game
/ Dan BroodDawkins had five rebounds and four assists in the championship game
and she was at her best during crunch time
when Tualatin rallied to take the lead and pull away
Dawkins went a clutch 6 for 6 from the free throw line
“Kendall has a motor like no other,” Pappas said
Tualatin freshman Kendall Dawkins puts pressure on Clackamas’ Reyce Mogel during the Class 6A state championship game
sank all 10 of her free throw attempts and averaged 3.7 assists per game on her way to being a unanimous first-team all-tournament selection
“We’ve played a lot for the last two or three years
We were just doing what we know,” Best said
What they know seemed to fit right in with the other Tualatin players
and everyone brings something to the table
Tualatin freshmen Love Lei Best (1) and Kendall Dawkins (23) celebrate with their teammates after winning the Class 6A state championship. / Dan BroodThere could be much more success for Tualatin in the future, as the Timberwolves will lose only Smith to graduation
we’d love to do that,” Best said with a smile
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DAN BROODDan Brood
who might be the very last of the straight-on place-kickers
has been covering high school sports in Oregon for more than 30 years
winning multiple awards for writing and photography
He started working with SBLive Sports in 2021