Good morning, Eugene.

Local law enforcement led Special Olympics Oregon’s Torch Run yesterday morning as the event marked its 40th year and built support ahead of the Summer State Games in Corvallis this weekend.

On July 6, firefighters rescued two kittens from a brush fire on West 11th Avenue in Eugene and brought them to Greenhill Humane Society for care while treating mild conjunctivitis and ear mites.

The kittens (aged about 7 weeks) are set for adoption soon.

Just after 1:27 a.m. on July 8, firefighters responded to a fire at Eugene Mobile Village in Springfield’s Glenwood neighborhood and rescued a cat and dog while two adults and a child lost their home; the Red Cross is helping the displaced family as investigators work to determine the cause.

The Springfield History Museum reopens tomorrow at 10 a.m. after six months of renovations, unveiling a new Willamette Valley agriculture exhibit, refreshed artifacts, and improved accessibility – the reopening will feature refreshments and live music.

Crews finished final preparations yesterday for the Oregon Country Fair, which will open tomorrow at the intersection of Suttle Road & Bus Road in Veneta.

The event will run through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is expected to draw many fairgoers.

AAA reported that gas prices in Oregon dropped 13 cents to $4.56 a gallon this week, with the national average falling to $3.79 + state prices still remain 50-60 cents above last year’s levels.

Released July 7, the Kids Count Data Book shows Oregon ranks high for child health insurance but falls short in reading (ranked 44th statewide for fourth graders).

Grants from the Early Literacy Success Initiative will help school districts boost reading as advocacy groups call for a long-term investment plan.

Umpqua National Forest rangers are urging visitors to exercise caution after recent cougar sightings at Cover Camp+Three C Rock campgrounds.

They advise keeping children and pets close and reporting any sightings to the ranger office as soon as possible.

Oregon Bach Festival - Liederabend

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Beall Concert Hall — 50% proceeds support To Write Love on Her Arms — Experience a heartfelt charity concert dedicated to hope and mental health support.

Saturday Farmers Market

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Farmers Market Pavilion and Plaza — EBT/SNAP accepted with matching bucks — Discover locally grown foods from over 100 local farmers and artisans.

Oregon Bach Festival: Haydn's The Creation

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Beall Concert Hall — Tickets donated support mental health — Experience a classical masterpiece while aiding a noble cause.

Victorian Detective Training Camp

9 AM – 2 PM — Shelton McMurphey Johnson House — $10 for adults, $5 for children, $8 for students or seniors — A fun summer camp for young aspiring detectives wanting to learn the art of sleuthing.

Roy Rogers Solo Performance

7:30-9:15 p.m. — Tsunami Books — $30 — Experience the virtuoso slide guitar mastery of Roy Rogers in a rare solo show.

Brigadoon Musical Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Shedd Institute — Cost Info not provided — Experience the enchanting tale of a mystical village that appears once every century.

Rooftop Yoga Flow with Jean Nelson

7:00 – 8:15 p.m. — Graduate by Hilton Eugene — $35 — Experience a summer evening of all-levels Vinyasa Flow yoga on a scenic rooftop deck.

Oregon Geo Fest

11 AM - 5 PM — Broadway Center — Free entry — Celebrate Earth's wonders with fossils, gems, and hands-on activities for the whole family.

52nd National Direct Instruction Conference

8 AM-4 PM — Graduate by Hilton Eugene — Registration required — Engaging in educational direct instruction approaches over four days of insightful sessions.

Paul Simon Tribute by One Trick Pony

7-9 p.m. — Local Losers Lounge — Free entry — Celebrate the music of Paul Simon with the tribute band One Trick Pony in a cozy atmosphere.