Many heroes are emerging from stories of the fires and their aftermath. While his story ended in tragedy, 13-year-old Wyatt Tofte rises amongst these as a great hero for all times. We’ll never know exactly what happened in those harrowing moments of decision, action and fate, but we can guess and imagine.
As the world burned all around him, it is evident that Wyatt returned home to rescue his grandmother. I imagine that he refused to live in a world in which his grandmother died alone in the fire, and he did not let that happen. It is reported that he, his dog and his grandmother were found together in a car, Wyatt in the driver’s seat, evidently trying to ferry her to safety. Wyatt’s phenomenal courage, bravery and honor, and his indomitable love for his grandmother, are truly astonishing. Wyatt has joined the ranks of the greatest heroes of all times. Wyatt, I bow to you with the greatest humility, respect and admiration. My heart goes out to your parents and everyone who loves you. May their broken hearts be uplifted by the knowledge that they raised this amazing young man with a lion’s heart. They raised a true hero.
Jane Happy
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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