Newberg Notices | April 8, 2025

NHS Sprinter Sophia Castaneda Breaks “Oregon Relays” High School Record

EUGENE, Ore. — Newberg High School junior sprinter Sophia Castaneda set a new personal and meet record in the high school girls 400 meters at the Oregon Relays in Eugene on Friday, April 4.

The All-American ran the near quarter-mile distance in 54.16 seconds, marking the fastest outdoor 400-meter time by a female Oregon high schooler this year. The performance ranks Castaneda 13th in the nation for the event.

“She’s the best sprinter we’ve ever had at Newberg High School and one of the best in the state’s history,” said NHS head track and field coach Brandon Ramey. “She’s been getting several looks from big schools, and if you’ve seen her run, you know why.”

The Oregon Relays performance bested her previous personal record—set last year as a sophomore—by 0.01 seconds. That previous time was the fastest 400-meter race ever run by a sophomore in Oregon. 

Ramey said Castaneda is primed to run even faster this year in local, regional, and national competitions thanks to a regimented training schedule and natural tenacity.

Castaneda is scheduled to run in a dual meet against McMinnville this week before heading to Arcadia, California, to compete in the Arcadia Invitational, which draws nearly 4,000 athletes from 37 states.

She’ll return to race in front of her home crowd on April 18 at Loran Douglas Field in Newberg for the 2025 Therapeutic Associates Chehalem Classic. Ramey said she’ll compete in the 200 meters, 400 meters, and 4×100 mixed relay.

“I love coaching her,” Ramey said. “She’s just a joy. Her personality is bigger than her running. She’s an amazing person—an even better person than she is an athlete. And that’s saying a lot.”

TVF&R Looks to Fill Vacancy on Civil Service Commission

WILLAMETTE VALLEY, Ore — Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue has an opening for a volunteer on its Civil Service Commission. The fire district is seeking someone to commit to a four-year term, helping maintain fair standards in hiring, promotions, and job security for employees.

The five-member commission meets quarterly to oversee various functions, including employee classifications, testing, eligibility lists, appointments, and appeals.

Applicants should live in or own property within TVF&R’s service area and be familiar with the district’s civil service rules.

Steven Partain, the district’s human resources manager, emphasized the rewarding nature of the role, noting that the current four members have served a combined total of more than 67 years.

The new volunteer will help oversee the civil service system for nearly 80% of TVF&R’s 586 employees.

Interested individuals should apply by April 27. Interviews for selected candidates are scheduled for May 5. Orientation is planned for late May or early June, with the first commission meeting set for June 11 at 3 p.m.

For more details and to apply, visit the TVF&R website.

City of Newberg Reminds Residents About Food Waste Prevention

NEWBERG, Ore. — The City of Newberg is participating in Food Waste Prevention Week, April 7–13, joining more than 700 partners nationwide in a campaign to raise awareness and inspire action to reduce food waste.

The weeklong initiative includes online and in-person activities such as educational webinars, school programs, and social media contests, all aimed at changing habits around food consumption and disposal.

According to national data, up to 38% of all food produced in the United States goes uneaten each year, leading to environmental, economic, and social consequences. Reducing food waste can save the average family of four up to $3,000 annually and help conserve valuable natural resources like water and farmland.

Organizers hope to encourage smarter shopping, better meal planning, and improved food storage to cut down on waste at home, at work, and in the community.More information is available at www.FoodWastePreventionWeek.com.