June 2026 Local Legend: Billy Ferrell

Every month, the Cottage Grove community comes together to recognize someone who helps make our town a better place.

Sometimes it's through volunteer work. Sometimes it's through coaching, mentoring, helping neighbors, or simply showing up year after year and making a difference.

For June, the community voted, and we're proud to recognize Billy Ferrell as this month's Local Legend.

Tell us a little about your self and your connection to Cottage grove

My wife and I moved to Cottage Grove nearly 11 years ago for work. At the time, we had no prior connection to the community. We both graduated from Lebanon High School, and our move here was driven purely by employment opportunities.

Over the years, those jobs have come and gone, but one thing became clear almost immediately—we weren't going to leave Cottage Grove. We fell in love with the community and knew this was where we wanted to build our lives and raise our family.

Today, our oldest son is nine years old, and just a few years ago we were blessed to adopt our second child. Between the outstanding schools, the welcoming people, and the beautiful local environment, Cottage Grove quickly became more than just a place to live—it became home.

As our oldest son began participating in local youth sports, we found opportunities to volunteer and become involved. What started as serving as an assistant T-ball coach grew into much more. Over the years, I have served as a Babe Ruth head coach, Field Maintenance Coordinator, Board Member, and ultimately Area Director for Cottage Grove Babe Ruth Baseball.

For the past five years, I have worked tirelessly alongside many dedicated volunteers to revitalize the Bohemia fields and help strengthen Cottage Grove's youth baseball program. The results have been rewarding. In 2026, five of our six teams qualified for the playoffs—a tremendous achievement and a proud moment for our community.

To me, Cottage Grove is more than a hometown. It is a place that welcomed my family, provided opportunities to serve, and allowed us to build lasting relationships. Being part of this community is something I value deeply, and the opportunity to contribute to its future is truly priceless.

What do you enjoy most about being part of this community?

the people. Cottage grove has an outstanding community filled with wonderful people eager to take care of one another. I truly feel at home rasing my family here. I hope to retire by the lake one day and enjoy some grandkids!

What are some of your hobbies, interests, or passions outside of work?

Outside of work i truly enjoy being a dad. But im also very passionate about volunteering and learning new things. I have quite the passion for the outdoors as well. When im not on the ball field or wandering through the hills with my family, you can find me working on my 1969 chevy short bed pick up.

What's a life lesson or piece of advice that's stuck with you over the years?

Work hard and lead by example. You never know who's watching.

Who has had the biggest impact on your life and why?

My parents have had a large impact on who I am today. With a hard working mom and a marine as a father. I was raised well. But the person that has had the most impact on my life, is my wife amanda. She truly is my go to for all things! With out her, my life would not be what it is today. She has with out a doubt made the most impact in my life!!!

What's something most people don't know about you?

Most people dont know that I worked at an animal hospital for 6 years as a veterinarian assistant. From surgery and radiology to cleaning kennels and walking dogs. These 6 years of my life were extremely memorable. If I could today, id still be in the animal career field.

What accomplishment or moment are you most proud of?

I have made great strides in my career. From the Lebanon animal hospital to traveling the country working on air pollution equipment, I am super proud of my career. But the accomplishment im so proud of? That ones easy, its the life and family i have built away from my home town. My wife and i moved away from all family assistance at a young age with nothing but a dream. We now have 2 kids, great careers, and a beautiful home tucked away on London rd. My patents even followed and live just minutes down the rd now.

Is there anything you'd like to say to the Cottage Grove community?

If there is anything I would say to the Cottage Grove community, it would be thank you! We are truly humbled to call this place home!

What Makes Billy a Local Legend

Billy's story is a reminder that community isn't always about where you were born. Sometimes it's about where you choose to invest your time, energy, and heart.

Over the past decade, Billy and his family have built a life in Cottage Grove while giving back through volunteerism, youth sports, and community involvement. His leadership and dedication to Cottage Grove Babe Ruth Baseball have helped strengthen opportunities for local youth and contributed to improvements that will benefit families for years to come.

The impact of people like Billy often happens behind the scenes. It doesn't always make headlines, but it makes a difference.

That's what Local Legend is all about.

Congratulations to Billy Ferrell on being voted June's Local Legend by the Cottage Grove community.

Thank you for everything you do, and thank you for helping make Cottage Grove a place people are proud to call home.