Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of September.
Good morning, Eugene.
Research shows families in Lane County need over 5.2 million diapers each year while the Diaper Bank distributes only 245,000; it has launched a campaign to accept donations, sponsorships, and hold community drives — a $10 donation provides a pack and a $2,000 sponsorship covers a full pallet — to help meet this basic need.
Alma Apartments opens today in Springfield, offering 39 affordable units for seniors, domestic violence survivors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families—managed by Cornerstone Community Housing to provide wellness and community programs.
Residents will soon begin moving in as the development aims to ease Lane County’s housing crisis.
Eugene’s Yardy Rum Bar at 837 Lincoln St was named on the New York Times’ 50 best restaurants list in the US, making it one of two Oregon eateries to earn the honor.
Chef and owner Isaiah Martinez said the award, coming after the restaurant’s pop-up and food cart beginnings, boosted his team during a slow business period—highlighting its West Indian and Caribbean roots.
Lexis Shardé, who hosts local pop-up comedy shows, will open Lexy’s Comedy Club on River Road—Eugene’s second venue devoted to stand-up and improv—for classes and shows in January 2026.
Lexy’s will also offer daytime workshops for youth and adults to learn comedy.
Bern Johnson, who led the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide for 33 years, retired in June and handed over the role to Lalanath de Silva—who will boost the nonprofit’s work in defending human rights and protecting the environment while maintaining its Eugene office.
Beyond Toxics has named Jennifer Davis as its new executive director, replacing Lisa Arkin after 20 years—Davis joined the group in 2023 and now leads efforts to reduce local pollution and boost community health.
The organization also unionized with CWA Local 7901 after a unanimous board vote, and Davis said she will use fresh ideas to help communities affected by nearby industry.
On the five-year anniversary of the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire, Cathy Griswold recalled how pre-cut fir trees, a metal roof, and in-ground irrigation helped her home survive while neighboring houses were lost.
She shared that her survival brings survivor guilt and has led her to help replant green spaces as the community continues to heal — a lasting mark of the fire.
Today, the U.S. Forest Service is proposing to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule that protects nearly 58.5 million acres including sites in the Willamette National Forest.
Environmental advocates warn that repealing the rule may open nearly two million acres in Oregon to logging, mining, and road construction—threatening local water quality as public comments are accepted until Sept 19.
Recent rains slowed the Emigrant Fire burning 20 miles southeast of Oakridge, and fire crews are reinforcing containment lines.
Thunderstorms may come later this week as temperatures rise—fire officials say the blaze could change course if it reaches steep terrain.
Hundreds of neighbors are urging Mayor Knudson and city councilors to block a permit for a parcel distribution center near the airport that critics say will worsen air pollution — harm wetlands and increase traffic risks, while the city processes the permit under current zoning rules. Local agencies are reviewing environmental impacts and residents worry that the facility, reportedly Amazon’s, will offer low-wage jobs instead of the promised high-quality employment.
The Eugene Emeralds lost game one of the Northwest League Championship series at PK Park Tuesday when the visiting AquaSox beat them 9-6 in 11 innings—Junior Flores took the loss.
Lane County Stand Down
6:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Lane Events Center — Free entry — A dedicated event offering resources and support for local veterans and their families.
Lane County Tuesday Farmers Market
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — 85 E 8th Ave, Eugene, OR — Free entry — Explore local produce and artisan goods at Eugene's largest farmers market.
Cirque Ma'Ceo by Cavallo Equestrian Arts
7 p.m. — Oregon Horse Center — Ticketed event — Experience the stunning blend of majestic horses and world-class performers in a captivating show.
Annual Oktoberfest Celebration
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Beergarden — No cover charge — Enjoy the fun and thought-provoking sounds of John Badger and the New Old Time Apocalyptic Revival.
Cirque Ma'Ceo Performance
1-2:30 p.m. — Oregon Horse Center — Tickets starting at $112 — Experience the breathtaking artistry of Cirque Ma'Ceo in Eugene.
Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders Annual Academy and Conference
September 23-26 — Valley River Inn — Registration Fees Apply — Discover innovative ways to elevate your role and impact in municipal services.
Blowgun Concert Featuring Miriam Hacksaw
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM — The Hybrid — $12 Presale, $15-25 Day of — Experience a fusion of traditional music genres with familial ties to Kerala, India.
Cirque Ma'Ceo Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Oregon Horse Center — Tickets start at $112 — Experience the mesmerizing world of Cirque Ma'Ceo with dazzling performances.
Cirque Ma'Ceo Performance
4:00–5:30 p.m. — Oregon Horse Center — Tickets start at $112 — Experience the enchanting world of Cirque Ma'Ceo at this local venue.
The Horsenecks: Folk and Bluegrass Concert
7-8:45 p.m. — Tsunami Books — $20 — Experience the harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary folk and bluegrass by The Horsenecks featuring renowned instrumentalists.
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