👋 🏈 He Only Planned to Coach One Season

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-Scott Michaels

Steve Coury wasn’t planning to build one of Oregon’s most successful high school football programs.

Honestly, he wasn’t even planning to stay.

When Lake Oswego suddenly needed a football coach in the summer of 1992, Coury agreed to step in and help for one season. He figured the school would then find a teacher who could take over the program for the long haul.

Apparently, that search never became necessary.

Coury is now in his 35th season leading the Lakers, and he recently collected career victory No. 300 with a win over Sherwood. That makes him just the eighth high school football coach in Oregon history to reach the milestone.

But the number tells only part of the story.

In an era when coaches, players and families seem to move around constantly, Coury has become part of the fabric of Lake Oswego. Generations of players have come through the program. Parents who once watched Coury coach their sons can now watch him coach their grandsons.

Even his coaching staff reflects that remarkable stability. Assistants Karl Halberg and Brian Newcomer have been alongside him since that first season in 1992, while Frank Everhart joined just two years later.

Together, they’ve turned Lake Oswego into one of the state’s most consistently successful football programs, reaching nine state championship games and winning three of them.

Coury still deflects much of the credit toward his assistants, players and the community that has supported the program through the years.

He accepted the job because Lake Oswego needed someone to help for a season. Somewhere along the way, that temporary assignment became his life’s work.

Not bad for a guy who was only supposed to be here for a year.

Here’s a political challenge that doesn’t involve yard signs, social media arguments or trying to change anyone’s mind.

Wilsonville residents Garet Prior and Dina Ochs are looking for five pairs of people who disagree about urban renewal—one planning to vote yes and one planning to vote no.

Each pair will meet twice before the November election for coffee, a meal or another favorite beverage. The only real rule is to ask two questions about the other person’s perspective for every one opinion you share.

Then, after the election, everyone will gather again in December to talk about the experience—and perhaps celebrate or commiserate together.

The idea isn’t to produce five perfectly matched sets of opinions. It’s to prove that neighbors can disagree, listen to one another and still enjoy sharing a table.

You can read the full challenge and learn how to participate here.

After more than nine years with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, K9 Ajax has officially worked his final shift.

Ajax was born in the Netherlands in 2015 and joined the sheriff’s office two years later. Paired with handler Sgt. Derek Huskisson, he quickly became a trusted partner—on his very first solo shift, Ajax helped recover a firearm connected to a shooting in Wilsonville.

That turned out to be the beginning of a very busy career.

Ajax completed more than 1,000 patrol deployments, helped make nearly 400 arrests and assisted with more than 140 narcotics searches. But those who worked with him say police work may have been only his second-favorite part of the job.

His real specialty was meeting people during public demonstrations and being surrounded by what Huskisson calls his “pack.”

Ajax is credited with helping save lives and keeping both officers and community members safe. Now, he gets to concentrate on two considerably less stressful assignments: spending time with his family and sleeping on the couch.

After nine years of good-boy service, we’d say he has earned plenty of both.

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🏞 Tualatin Community Park’s playground is closing for about three months—but a much bigger play space is coming. Starting today, the entire playground will be replaced with a new design expected to roughly double its current capacity. Plans include a large climbing structure, an inclusive rocker, a four-seat seesaw, a spinner, educational panels about the Tualatin River and native animals, and a soft turf surface. Even better, local children helped choose the new equipment and color scheme during summer camp and ¡Viva Tualatin! Construction is expected to continue through December.

🤖 Lake Oswego AI startup Rapta is making some big moves in manufacturing. The company has raised $8 million from investors to grow its platform, which uses cameras and artificial intelligence to watch assembly work and alert employees to mistakes in real time. Founded in 2021, Rapta now works with five of the country’s 10 largest defense contractors and employs 21 people.

👑 West Linn has a new queen. Lila Rollins was crowned the 2026 National American Miss Oregon Teen after entering the pageant world only about a year ago. She spent the past year preparing through coaching, walking sessions, interview practice and plenty of hard work. Rollins will now represent Oregon at the National American Miss competition in Orlando, where she’ll compete for the national crown.

🏆 Canby’s long-range planning work is getting some statewide recognition. The city’s “Cultivating Canby” effort received the Excellence in Planning – Small City Award from the Oregon chapter of the American Planning Association. The multi-year project included updates to Canby’s Comprehensive Plan and Transportation System Plan, along with work to expand the urban growth boundary. City leaders say the award also belongs to residents who participated and helped shape how Canby prepares for the next 20 years.

👮 Lake Oswego is saying goodbye to a familiar face after two decades of service. Officer Tony Sparling has retired from the Lake Oswego Police Department following 20 years serving the community. During his career, Sparling wore many hats and left a lasting impression on both the people he helped and the colleagues who worked beside him. Here’s wishing him a well-earned retirement—and plenty of time to enjoy whatever comes next.

🍺 Fresh-hop season has arrived at Vanguard Brewing in Wilsonville. The brewery’s new Fresh Impact West Coast IPA was created with Root & Rye Hop Farm and Brewery in Carlton, using an abundance of freshly harvested Comet hops. The 6.6% IPA brings flavors of citrus and melon with a soft finish of chamomile and honey. Like every fresh-hop beer, this one is seasonal—so Vanguard’s advice is simple: drink it while it’s fresh.

🏡 A century-old Lake Oswego bungalow once headed for demolition has found a new owner. The Emma Austin House, built in 1910, recently sold for $1.47 million after a decade-long rescue and restoration. The Lake Oswego Preservation Society stepped in when a developer planned to replace it, and builder John McCulloch purchased the home with just days to spare. Its original windows, lighting and hardware were preserved while the foundation, seismic safety and energy systems were upgraded.

💆‍♀️ New business alert: Green Velvet Head Spa is opening in West Linn. The new private head spa is designed around relaxation, renewal and a little well-earned self-care. Its grand opening celebration is set for Friday, October 2, from 5–7 p.m., with refreshments, special introductory pricing and tours of the space. The first 30 guests will also receive a Green Velvet gift bag.

The $899,900 Canby home has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and nearly 3,000 square feet. But let’s get to the part that really matters: it has a heated indoor swimming pool.

And somehow, that’s only the beginning.

There’s also a media room with a projector and sound system, plus an attached greenhouse that could become an art studio, workout room or year-round garden retreat. A spiral staircase leads to a loft with a Juliet balcony, while the kitchen comes with two refrigerators—because one apparently wasn’t going to cut it.

Outside, the 1.37-acre property includes private Molalla River frontage, water features, raised garden beds and mature trees. There’s even a poultry coop if your dream home comes with fresh eggs.

Basically, it’s part house, part resort and part “Wait, it has that too?”

See more here.

🎈 = family-friendly event
💲 = ticket or purchase required
🎵 = includes live music
😋 = there will be food

🎈 Trolley Storytime
SMART Welcome Center, Wilsonville | Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 3:30–5:00 PM | Free
This storytime is leaving the library and climbing aboard public transit. Kids can enjoy stories, make transportation-themed crafts and then take a ride on a SMART trolley. It’s a fun after-school outing for little vehicle fans—and probably more exciting than the usual ride home.

😋 Trivia Tuesday
Lil’ Cooperstown Bar & Grill, West Linn | Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 7:00 PM | Free
Brains, bites and bragging rights are all on the menu at Lil’ Cooperstown. Gather your smartest friends—or at least the ones who are confidently wrong—and settle in for two hours of trivia, food and friendly competition.

😋 Trivia Wednesdays at BearKat Brewing
BearKat Brewing, Sherwood | Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 6:30 PM | Free
Think you can outsmart your friends—or at least sound convincing while you try? Last Call Trivia is bringing the questions to BearKat Brewing, with gift cards and other prizes for the top teams. Grab your crew, order a favorite brew and put all that wonderfully random knowledge to work.

🎈 Emergency Preparedness Fair
Lake Oswego City Hall | Thursday, Sept. 24 | 4:00–6:00 PM | Free
Nobody wants to think about earthquakes, wildfires or winter storms—but being ready makes them a little less scary. This family-friendly fair includes more than 20 information booths, live demonstrations, giveaways and hands-on activities. Learn how to shut off utilities, use an emergency radio, prepare your pets, fill sandbags and build a two-week emergency supply.

🎈 Superhero Shields
West Linn Public Library | Friday, Sept. 25 | 10:30 or 11:30 AM | Free
Every superhero needs a good shield. Kids in grades K–5 will use paper, markers and stickers to create one inspired by their own strengths, powers and imagination. Will it protect kindness, courage or the entire living room? There are two sessions available, but advance registration is required.

🎈 Bike Rodeo
Wilsonville Public Library | Friday, Sept. 25 | 3:00–5:00 PM | Free
Young riders can test their balance, steering and bicycle skills on SMART’s agility course while learning how to avoid common crashes. The course takes about 10 minutes, but kids can ride it as many times as they like. Bring a bike and helmet if you have them; loaners will also be available. No registration is required.

🎈🎵😋 Wilsonville Oktoberfest
Montague Park, Wilsonville | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 4:00 PM | Free
Wilsonville is getting its own taste of Oktoberfest, complete with local beer, cider, wine and nonalcoholic drinks. The family-friendly evening also includes live music, free horse-drawn carriage rides, square dancing and local vendors. Come raise a glass, browse a little and celebrate the beginning of fall close to home.

🐾 Each week, we introduce you to a local adoptable pet hoping to find the perfect South Metro home. Some are playful adventurers, some are champion couch warmers, and others are still figuring out the whole “living with humans” thing. They may have different personalities, but they all deserve a fresh start, a little patience and plenty of love. This week’s furry friend is ready to say hello.

🐶 Meet Quesarito — A Little Dog With a Big Personality

Quesarito is a 3-year-old Chihuahua mix who weighs just over 11 pounds—but his story started with one very big adventure. He was found dashing through a Taco Bell parking lot, which explains the name and proves this little guy knows how to make an entrance.

Quesarito can be cautious when meeting someone new, but once he decides you’re a friend, he becomes a sweet and affectionate companion. He loves attention, enjoys being carried around and is looking for a patient family willing to let him settle in at his own pace.

The shelter doesn’t yet know how he does with children, cats or other dogs, so introductions and a little patience will be important. Give him time to feel safe, though, and Quesarito promises plenty of cuddles, companionship and memorable moments.

Quesarito is available through the Newberg Animal Shelter, and his adoption fee is $350. Learn more about Quesarito and apply to meet him here.

🌤 We’re starting the week with plenty of sunshine and afternoon highs in the low to mid-70s through Wednesday. Clouds begin moving in Thursday, bringing a chance of rain by afternoon and likely rain Thursday night. Friday turns cooler, with a high near 64 and a chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Today 9/21
75 🌡 54 | ⛅

Tuesday 9/22
73 🌡 51 | 🌤

Wednesday 9/23
72 🌡 53 | ⛅

Thursday 9/24
69 🌡 52 | 🌦

Friday 9/25
64 🌡 49 | 🌦

THANKS!

A final thought…

Sometimes the biggest chapters of our lives begin with a simple, “Sure, I can help.”

Lake Oswego football coach Steve Coury thought he was saying yes to one football season. Thirty-five years later, that temporary assignment has become a legacy touching generations of families.

Most of us can’t see where today’s small decisions will lead. We can only show up, do the work in front of us and keep going when it still feels worthwhile.

You never know. The thing you agreed to do “just for now” might become the work you were meant to do all along.

See you Thursday morning!