Karen Richards

Track fans, take note: A modified U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials is in the works. USA Track and Field announced an updated competition schedule today. The 10-day event, to be held at the new Hayward Field in Eugene, is slated to run June 18th through the 27th. 

While many people complain of not knowing what day it is lately, Oregon high school sports are mixing up the seasons. Fall sports began their seasons Monday. That includes cross country, soccer and football, which the Oregon Health Authority cleared for competition just last week. 

The Eugene 4J School District plans to return kindergarten and first grade to classrooms two days per week starting March 15th. If health metrics continue to improve and vaccines remain on schedule, they’ll invite 2nd through 5th grade back into schools on April 5th.

The Bethel School District aims to welcome kindergarteners back for hybrid learning on March 15th.

Two outdoor Oregon holiday traditions will still happen this year, but in a do-it-yourself way.

Since 2018, Oregon State University has relied on hundreds of citizen scientists to collect wild bees. Researchers think there are about 600 native bee species in Oregon, but they need expert help to find them. Now, OSU Extension has created a Master Melittologist program. Based on the Master Gardener format, it’s the first of its kind.

Anyone traveling over the mountains and through the woods for Thanksgiving should take care: There’s a Winter Weather Advisory for the Cascades through Wednesday night.

FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor toured areas affected by Oregon wildfires Saturday with members of the state's Congressional delegation. Representative Peter DeFazio chairs the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which oversees FEMA.

Organic Redneck Growers runs a fruit and vegetable farm less than a mile downriver from the Leaburg Dam. While the fields and structures were spared the brunt of the Holiday Farm Fire, manager Adam Lee said many of their CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, members were not so lucky. “About 40 people were evacuees in one form or another," he said, "and then there’s probably about 20 to 30 people that have lost homes.”

Recalling Australia’s wildlife losses from fires in early 2020, Oregonians have wondered how our wild animals are doing. Michelle Dennehy is with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. They haven’t been able to assess places still under Level 3 evacuation, but she said, “Usually, it’s going to be healthy animals that are more likely to escape. The sick and the old or young wildlife are more at risk. And these fires move very fast, so it’s very possible that we lost healthy wildlife too.”

As of Monday, the volunteer relief efforts for those affected by the Holiday Farm Fire have moved to a field at the Masonic Lodge across from Autzen stadium in Eugene. Distribution of donations also continues at St. Vincent de Paul’s Roosevelt Boulevard Wildfire Relief Site. Both places could use donations and volunteers. 

In Eugene and Springfield, many grassroots efforts have formed to help those affected by the Holiday Farm Fire. Devon Ashbridge with the Lane County Emergency Operations Center said it’s been incredible to see the generosity. She noted one of the best ways to help is by donating money through United Way of Lane County or the Red Cross. 

The Eugene Water and Electric Board said some customers report water tasting like chlorine or smoke. Spokesperson Joe Harwood emphasized tap water is safe to drink, and exceeds state and federal health standards.

Air quality in western Lane County remains at Very Unhealthy levels today due to smoke and ash from several wildfires.

Strong easterly winds pushed wildfire smoke west into Lane County starting late Monday night, causing sometimes hazardous air quality.