Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 28th of May.
Good morning, Eugene.
Acorn Community Café near Whiteaker is giving free meals as paying customers donate vouchers so people in need can eat — the café, which opened in 2021, now serves about 75 free meals each week and does not depend on grant funds.
Jewish Americans in Eugene have reported rising hostility since the October 7, 2023 attack in Israel that led to more than 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages.
University officials and local groups are working with law enforcement — while some students say they feel both fear and stronger pride in their heritage.
On May 27, Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an overturned 1,500‑pound riding lawn mower that fell down a steep incline at 16th Avenue and Van Buren, seriously injuring its operator who was rushed to Riverbend hospital—authorities are investigating the cause.
A Lane County Sheriff's deputy and a Junction City officer responded at 9 p.m. on May 24 to a suspicious vehicle call on Ivy Street and arrested Spokane man John Robert Prince, 45, for DUI after he was drug impaired; drug detection K9 Bear led officers to over 200 grams of cocaine, over 50 grams of methamphetamine, a scale with drug residue, drug packaging, $2,000 in cash and two 9mm handguns (one reported stolen).
Governor Kotek directed staff to approve the extradition of Elisha Young—former business manager accused of stealing at least $100,000 from Eugene Weekly—who is now in jail in Ohio, a decision made after community concerns over the theft emerged.
Wildcat Ridge Sanctuary welcomed four big cats seized from a Bandon facility tied to reports and search warrants; the group includes two servals and two Eurasian lynxes.
The cats are acclimating in their new home—officials said they are receiving specialized care as the investigation continues.
Lane County leaders have asked Oregon lawmakers to clear zoning rules for the CleanLane project in the Goshen area south of Eugene—where recycling and food waste are set to make natural gas and extend the landfill's life.
The county is appealing a denied permit and local groups remain divided over the plan.
The Eugene 4J School District may soon sell its vacant former Wells Fargo building at 99 East Broadway as Lane County has offered to buy it for $2.95 million—this deal would let the district break even while the county completes due diligence through September.
If the building meets requirements, county officials will decide if it will be used to ease space issues at local offices.
The Eugene 4J School District decided to sell a vacant bank building it bought last year (a former Wells Fargo at Broadway and Oak) to Lane County for a bit over $2.9 million after changing plans for the new headquarters due to high renovation costs.
The county will conduct due diligence until September while commissioners must approve the sale as the district addresses its budget shortfall.
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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