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Cottage Grove swears in two officers, presents Woolery scholarships and proclaims Night to Unite and Parks & Recreation Month
Summary
Mayor Pro Tem Justin Olsen and Interim Director Brad Peterson swore in Peyton Taylor and Michael Torbetshofer as new officers; the Public Safety Board awarded three $1,500 Craig Woolery scholarships and the council adopted proclamations for Night to Unite (Aug. 4) and Parks & Recreation Month (July).
The Cottage Grove City Council opened July 15 with a public safety swearing‑in and multiple ceremonial items.
Interim Public Safety Director Brad Peterson introduced new officers Peyton Taylor and Michael Torbetshofer. The city administrator administered the oath to both officers; family members pinned badges during the ceremony. Peterson described Taylor and Torbetshofer’s backgrounds, noting they began in community‑service roles and progressed to sworn positions.
Cindy Bailey, president of the Cottage Grove Public Safety Board, presented three Craig Woolery scholarships to students pursuing careers in public safety; Bailey said awards start at $1,000 and in 2026 two in‑attendence recipients (Brett Salmonson and Wyatt Burling) received $1,500 each. One recipient, Elena Adamas, was not present.
Peterson described Night to Unite — a nationwide neighborhood crime‑prevention initiative — and the council adopted a proclamation designating Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, as Night to Unite in Cottage Grove. Council member Dave Feeney read a proclamation declaring July 2026 Parks and Recreation Month, which the council also accepted.
The council recognized community partners that support the Woolery scholarship and public‑safety programs, including the Cottage Grove Lions Club and other private donors.
