We've got issues.
• The Metropolitan Policy Committee will meet from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm Thursday, July 3, at Coburg City Hall and public comment time is early on the agenda. The panel deals with issues of local and regional transportation planning, air quality, cable TV and other metro issues. Find the agenda at lcog.org or call 682-4283. Continue reading
• Oregon Department of Transportation is currently spraying roadsides. Call Tony Kilmer at ODOT District 5 at 744-8080 or call (888) 996-8080 for herbicide application information. • Seneca Jones Timber Company, 461-6245, plans to aerially spray 57 acres near Douglas Creek and 15 acres near Battle Creek with glyphosate, imazapyr, metsulfuron methyl, methylated seed oil, non-ionic surfactant, Syl-Tac andd/or Sylgard. See ODF notice 2014-781-00632, call Brian Peterson at 935-2283 with questions. Continue reading
• Nothing celebrates freedom on the Fourth of July like a police state crackdown! Eugene’s plans to begin “no refusal” blood test weekends with Independence Day Friday has drawn criticism from across the country. “No refusal” means suspected impaired drivers who refuse breath testing will be blood tested for alcohol. Is it legal? A 2013 Supreme Court decision says it is that as long as the police have a warrant for the blood draw. Warrants can be achieved with a quick phone call to a judge. Continue reading
• We wrote about longtime medical marijuana activist Jim Greig in this column May 8 when we heard he was not long for this world, and we enjoyed a final, upbeat conversation with him a short time before he died at home June 16. He expressed to us his gratitude for his 63 years on this planet, his family, his work and his many supporters. Greig suffered from debilitating arthritis, lung cancer and blindness in one eye. He found relief from his pain and other symptoms with medical pot, reducing his need for opiates. Continue reading
• A benefit concert for David Oaks will be from 6 to 8 pm Thursday, June 26, at Cozmic, 199 W. 8th Ave., featuring music by Steel Wool. Oaks is a longtime advocate for people with mental challenges. He was paralyzed in an accident last year. Contact Tim Mueller at gwproj@pacinfo.com for more information. Continue reading
In Afghanistan • 2,329 U.S. troops killed (2,320 last month) • 19,798 U.S. troops wounded in action (19,765) • 1,510 U.S. contractors killed (1,510) • 16,179 civilians killed (updates NA) • $724.7 billion cost of war ($718.6 billion) • $299.6 million cost to Eugene taxpayers ($297.1 million) In Iraq • 4,423 U.S. troops killed, 31,941 wounded • 1,607 U.S. contractors killed (1,605) • 138,882 to 1.2 million civilians killed* (137,533) Continue reading
• The Eugene Celebration (the official version of it anyway) may be canceled for this year, but the parade will go on. Kesey Enterprises sent out a press release announcing that thanks to “overwhelming public input and encouragement,” there will be a 2014 Eugene Celebration Parade 11 am Aug. 23 thanks to Lane Community College, the city of Eugene and an all-volunteer steering committee. That evening there will be a $5 concert at the Cuthbert. Sounds like plans are still underway by community members for an unofficial, and free, celebration of Eugene. Continue reading
• An Interfaith Peace Walk is planned for 6:30 to 8 pm Sunday, June 22, beginning at the Ebbert United Methodist Church Community Garden at 6th and D Street in Springfield and marching to The Learning Garden at Brattain on C Street. “The purpose of this walk is to build relationships in our neighborhood,” say organizers. “Community gardens are one way we in Springfield promote peace and goodwill in our community.” For more information, call June at 603-8706. Continue reading
• Oregon Department of Transportation is currently spraying roadsides. Call Tony Kilmer at ODOT District 5 at 744-8080 or call 1-888-996-8080 for herbicide application information. Highways I-5, Beltline and 99 were sprayed recently. • Roseburg Resources Co. plans to ground spray 109 acres near Green River with imazapyr, triclopyr ester and/or oil surfactant. See ODF notice 2014-781-00593, call Jim Hall at 997-8713 with questions. Continue reading
Hard Times Distillery will be opening a tasting room at 547 Blair Blvd., across from Tacovore and next to Mame. “The neighborhood has become known for food, beer and wine, but now there are locally made distilled spirits as well,” says Ben Maude of Hard Times. Call him at 414-9752. Continue reading