Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
Good morning, Eugene.
Today, Eugene-based Rabbi Ruhi Sophia Motzkin Rubenstein published an op-ed urging an end to violence and antisemitism—while Palestinian leader Ibrahim Hamide, owner of Cafe Soriah, stressed that all sides must stop killing due to his personal ties to the conflict.
The union held a barbeque outside the Bigfoot facility near Eugene to mark one year since workers went on strike — some picketers still protest as Teamsters urge a continued boycott while waiting for the NLRB to review charges.
Bigfoot said it is now fully staffed, though many strikers have not been offered a return job since the lockout began last September.
Drivers in Oregon and Washington are paying some of the highest gas prices in the country this week—Washington averages $4.66 per gallon and Oregon $4.28 due to high taxes and limited supply from maintenance outages.
An expert said that with winter gasoline now available since Sept 15th, prices could drop 35 to 65 cents per gallon in three to six weeks if no new issues occur.
A mother bear and her three cubs were spotted in South Hills near Blanton Studios after a trail camera captured the image, and officials remind residents to secure trash — the sighting follows previous encounters.
Fire crews are working to contain the Emigrant Fire that burned over 32,000 acres 20 miles southeast of Oakridge.
They are using drones with infrared to find hot spots along the northern and western perimeters—crews removed combustible fuel and reinforced control lines as containment reached 41%.
Fire officials reported that on Tuesday the Foley Ridge Fire expanded to 468 acres with most activity on the western flank and evacuation orders issued for areas near Hwy.
242. Crews are using heavy equipment and hose to contain hot spots—focusing on establishing secure anchor points—while aerial imaging guides future operations.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it plans to repeal the Roadless Rule that has kept Oregon’s forests safe since 2001—this change would open nearly 2 million acres to logging and road work and could impact wildlife and clean water.
Environmental advocates are urging Oregonians to submit comments and back state measures to keep these lands protected.
Lane County is offering the Stormdrain Cleaning Assistance Program this fall and local businesses must register by Oct.
31 to secure service for their stormdrains at a flat fee of $70 per drain—this program helps remove debris, power wash, and dispose of sediment to protect local waterways while businesses pay the cost themselves.
After H.R. 1 passed, Governor Kotek told state agency leaders to save taxpayer dollars as federal tax cuts could cost Oregon up to $15 billion over the next decade—sparking plans to change how the state links its tax code to federal rules.
Lawmakers will discuss options during legislative days from September 29 to October 1 and might call a special session if needed to curb the losses.
Frank Lawson, who led EWEB for over a decade, announced his retirement and will remain in his role until spring — the utility has begun a nationwide search for his successor.
Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Val Hoyle have introduced a bill that would force insurers to sell their stakes in health practices to return Oregon Medical Group and the Corvallis Clinic to local doctor or nonprofit control.
Lawmakers say the bill targets a model that led many doctors to leave and could bar insurers from getting Medicare Advantage contracts — a step to improve patient care.
The Ducks and Beavers will meet at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Saturday for their 129th rivalry game—kick-off is at 3:00 p.m. and the teams aim to win key points for local fans as the Ducks try to extend their 36-game nonconference home win streak while the Beavers look to boost their record.
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.
Sit'n'Stitch
6-8 p.m. — Shelton McMurphey Johnson House — Free entry — Enjoy a cozy evening of yarn, tea, and history with friends in a historic setting.
Mo Dotti West Coast Tour
7-11:30 p.m. — Sam Bond's Garage — No Refunds — Experience the vibrant sounds of Mo Dotti alongside Kallai and Pink Breath of Heaven.
Mon Rovia Live at WOW Hall
7-9:30 p.m. — WOW Hall — $1 donation per ticket to charity — Experience the inspiring journey of Mon Rovia through his healing music and special opening act Khatumu.
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