Melorie Begay

Lane County has begun dispersing Pallet shelters to its cities, including loaning several to smaller communities. The temporary structures are part of an effort to increase non-congregate shelter options for the unhoused.

The Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Springfield announced on Wednesday they're issuing another round of furloughs, affecting 144 employees. An official says the decision is a result of the two-week ‘freeze.'  

Following Gov. Kate Brown’s 14-day "freeze" placing restrictions on some businesses and activities, the Eugene Family YMCA will pause all on-site services except for childcare. Gyms are required to remain closed during the "freeze" in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Following the approval of statewide Measure 108 by voters on Tuesday, the Oregon Department of Revenue is moving forward with implementing tax increases on tobacco and adding a new vaping tax. Taxes will apply beginning next year.

A Eugene ballot measure to renew a five-year levy for the Eugene Public library has more than 76 percent of votes so far in this year’s election. The local option tax maintains the current level of services and possibly more.

Celebrations for El Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, are underway in Springfield. Despite the pandemic, organizers have found a way to continue honoring loved ones who’ve passed at a distance.

The Eugene Police Department is working to ensure people can safely exercise their right to vote in this year’s election.

The City of Eugene settled a federal civil rights case on Thursday regarding a May protest where police officers threw an explosive gas canister at a Eugene Weekly journalist, and later shot pepper balls at him.

600 people in Lane County participated in a phone survey on COVID-19 that was conducted by the Patinkin Research Institute. Lane County Public Health released some of the findings on Thursday.

As of Thursday morning, there were 75 active COVID-19 outbreaks that have contributed to more than 500 of Lane County’s total positive case count, according to Lane County Public Health.

The wait-list for applicants with Project Based Voucher referals opened on Wednesday for the Commons on MLK. The studio apartment complex is one of the first housing developments geared toward ending chronic homelessness in Lane County.

The City of Eugene has extended their Streatery Program through next April. The program started in June to help businesses increase dining capacity by offering no-fee permits to use the public right of way for added space. 

A new relief program aims to keep professional Oregon artists afloat during the pandemic. More than $1.2 million is available for eligible applicants who’ve had events or performances canceled this year.

A new program supported by Willamette Family Treatment and St. Vincent de Paul aims to make behavioral and physical health care more accessible for unhoused people. Operating within walking distance from the Dawn to Dawn site and the Eugene Service Station, The Hub could be a “game changer.”

Lane County saw 123 positive COVID-19 cases over the weekend, and the University of Oregon reported 30 for Saturday and Sunday.

A Douglas County Public Health Official declared a local health emergency, this week, for hazardous waste left on properties from the Archie Creek Fire. 

As more COVID-19 cases roll in, Lane County Public Health is cautioning the community against shaming individuals who’ve tested positive.

More COVID-19 workplace clusters could be announced in Lane County, according to a public health official. Individual non-compliance with safety protocols and possible airborne transmission could behind the increase in cases found in the workplace.

Lane County surpassed a previous high count for positive COVID-19 cases, this weekend. Lane County Public Health reported 130 cases, one COVID-19 related death, and a workplace cluster.

The deadline to participate in a survey for Lane County’s Climate Action Plan has been extended to Sunday night, due to wildfires last month. The questionnaire focuses on how both the county and the community can address climate change.

The Eugene City Council approved a motion, 6-2, on Wednesday to provide additional rest stops for unsheltered people. These sites could provide up to 100 beds, as well as storage space, hand washing stations, a kitchen area, and restrooms for the unhoused.

Lane County reported 75 new positive COVID-19 cases, and one related death over the weekend. Six of the positive cases are associated with long term care facilities. Despite a surge in cases the past couple of weeks, a Lane County Public Health official says the rapid growth rate is starting to slow.

The Portland-based Home Share Oregon, a non-profit, is working on rehousing wildfire evacuees in Lane County. The program matches homeowners with spare rooms with renters. 

Chances of precipitation and thunderstorms could create additional hazards for the Holiday Farm Fire area. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Watch early Thursday morning for areas east of Springfield, starting from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday morning. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Urban Search and Rescue Team working on the Holiday Farm Fire announced they completed 431 structural evaluations in the area. Results showed 308 structures were destroyed, 7 were failed, and 14 were damaged. The remaining 102 structures had no reported damage.