Good morning, Eugene.

A garbage truck caught fire behind Edison Elementary Tuesday as firefighters cut a hole in the truck to apply water and the sanitation company later restored its hydraulic system to dump the load, leaving no damage to the school while investigators remain unsure if batteries triggered the blaze.

As students prepare for a new school year, Eugene-area families face rising school supply costs—$102 for elementary and $136 for middle school students—while teachers and local groups note the financial strain.

The Eugene Education Foundation has raised over $15,000 to help families with supplies.

4J confirmed that educator Robin Chappell remains teaching engineering at Churchill High School for the 2026-27 school year after a 2021 state investigation (which led to a public reprimand and probation) raised concerns among parents, while the district maintains his TSPC licensing meets standards.

Bethel School District is hosting a welcome-back event as the first week of school nears in Eugene to boost community spirit amid funding challenges.

Teachers emphasized the motto 'the time is now' while noting progress in recruiting new staff.

Three local convenience stores in Eugene reduced energy use and emissions through a pilot project led by the City and BRING.

The upgrades will save nearly 40,000 kWh and 23.28 metric tons of CO2e each year and lower costs by about $4,000.

Firefighters are working to suppress the 60-acre Deep Creek Fire burning in the Fall Creek area of the Willamette National Forest.

Officials say that once cloud cover lifts air and ground crews along with helicopters will intensify efforts — residents are urged to avoid the area while road closures are planned.

Matt Brown resigned as Eugene 4J’s director of financial services on Friday, Aug.

28 after filing a tort claim alleging retaliation amid a budget crisis. Acting finance director Bob Blyth now leads the office as the district determines its next steps.

Lane County sheriffs are urging drivers to slow down and stay alert as families return to back-to-school routines, and motorists should allow extra time on busy morning and afternoon commutes (especially near school zones).

PeaceHealth’s proposed Timber Springs Behavioral Health Hospital in Springfield is awaiting OHA certification of need with a decision expected by mid-October; the project will cost about $80 million and add 96 beds (including 24 for youth), with operations set to begin in early 2029.

Marist Catholic athletic department is using GPS-guided robots to paint field lines for football, soccer, and other sports today for fall events — athletic director Rick Gardner said the new technology saves staff time by running the task automatically.