The lights may go out in Myrtle Creek.

In an effort to save money, the City Council is scheduled to decide this week whether to turn off almost half the city's 293 street lights.

City Administrator Aaron Cubic says the move would chop an estimated $20,000 from the city's annual lighting budget.

Marilyn West, who has lived in the southwest Oregon city for more than 30 years, opposes the idea. She says the lights improve safety and discourage people from committing crimes.

Another resident has asked the council to consider an
adopt-a-light program in which families or groups of neighbors could agree to pay for the electricity costs of a light.