Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 27th of May.
Good morning, Eugene.
Eugene gathered today at West Lawn Memorial Park to honor Chief Woodrow Whetstone—a Junction City police officer who died in 1960 while trying to calm a domestic dispute.
The ceremony offered military honors and a moment of silence, and his name is now part of several memorials to keep his legacy alive.
On Monday, May 26, Springfield community members joined American Legion Post #40 at Veterans Plaza in Willamalane Park for the 76th annual Memorial Day Ceremony—Mayor Sean Van Gordan read names of locals who lost their lives in service and Representative Val Hoyle read a letter from a family member killed in action during World War II.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3965 in Springfield held a Memorial Day weekend drive-thru chicken barbecue fundraiser that sold out all three days to raise funds for keeping their post open.
The event honored fallen heroes with a Three Volley Salute and a group of bikers showing support—donations and chicken plate sales will help fund veteran services—organizers said.
On April 23rd at 9:45 a.m., a Toyota RAV4 driven by Scott Stolarezyk struck and killed beloved Eugene woman Sharon Shuman during her morning walk on the Amazon bark path—court records show his blood-alcohol level was 0.23—and no charges have been filed.
A mobile home fire broke out at Ponderosa Mobile Home Park on Franklin Boulevard in Glenwood on May 23 at about 5 p.m.—firefighters quickly contained the blaze and no one was injured as officials investigate the cause.
A former Springfield police sergeant, Richard Lewis, was charged with domestic violence after an argument with his wife last week turned dangerous; court records show he allegedly consumed alcohol, broke down a bedroom door and brandished a knife (he pleaded not guilty) and he is set to return to court on June 26.
Founded in 2019 and first held in 2023, the Eugene Tea Festival has doubled attendance from 500 to 1,000 in 2024 and organizers expect 2,000 visitors this year.
The event features 60 vendors, tea tastings, live music, art and workshops—helping it grow into a local May tradition.
The Willamette Valley is set to host college baseball regionals this weekend as Oregon and Oregon State begin a 64-team NCAA tournament.
The games start Friday and use a four-team double-elimination format, with winners advancing to best-of-three super regionals next week.
The Wallflowers Concert
7:00-9:30 p.m. — McDonald Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the unforgettable sounds of The Wallflowers live in Eugene.
Neurodivergent Art and Performance Expo
3-9 p.m. — Farmers Market Pavilion and Plaza — Free entry — Celebrate artistic diversity within the neurodivergent community with installations, food trucks, and performances.
OSAA Track and Field State Championships
11:59 PM — Hayward Field — Ticket purchase required — Experience the excitement of local athletes competing in the state championships.
In-Person Zazen Meditation
2-4 a.m. — McNail Riley House — Free entry — Engage in serene meditation with instruction available upon request.
Riverdance Performance
5 PM — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating evolution of traditional Irish music and dance.
Beergarden's 10th Anniversary Celebration
11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. — Beergarden — Free entry — Celebrate a decade of great brews, tasty bites, and live music with a special anniversary beer release and entertainment.
Craig Conant Stand-Up Show
7-11 p.m. — Olsen Run Comedy Club and Lounge — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with sober comedian Craig Conant reflecting on life and experiences.
Outdoor Summer Yoga Series
10-11 a.m. — Oakmont Park — Free entry — Embrace the outdoors with energizing Vin + Yin yoga to feel refreshed and grounded this summer.
NCAA Outdoor Championships: Florida State Men's Track and Field
10 p.m. — Hayward Field — Ticket info not provided — Witness the thrilling competition of Florida State's men's track and field team as they vie for NCAA glory.
5th Annual Motiv8 Foundation Wine Release Event
5-8 p.m. — Eugene Country Club — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the launch of a new wine label with food, music, and a silent auction benefiting youth empowerment.
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