War Dead 5-22-2014

In Afghanistan • 2,320 U.S. troops killed (2,314 last month) • 19,765 U.S. troops wounded in action (19,701) • 1,510 U.S. contractors killed (1,510) • 16,179 civilians killed (updates NA) • $718.6 billion cost of war ($712 billion) • $297.1 million cost to Eugene taxpayers ($294.4 million)   In Iraq • 4,423 U.S. troops killed, 31,941 wounded • 1,607 U.S. contractors killed (1,605) • 137,533 to 1.2 million civilians killed* (136,608) Continue reading 

Activist Alert 5-22-2014

• Oregon Women’s Action for New Directions (WAND) will host a discussion about four teen activists and writers who have captured the group’s attention. The free gathering will be at 7 pm Thursday, May 22, at the First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive St. Call 683-1350 or visit oregonwand.org. Continue reading 

Lane County Area Spray Schedule 5-22-14

• ODOT is currently spraying roadsides. Call Tony Kilmer at ODOT District 5 at 744-8080 or call (888) 996-8080 for herbicide application information. Highways I-5, 36, 58, 99, 101, 105, 126 and Beltline were sprayed recently. • Rosboro LLC, 746-8411 plans to hire Dole Land Management Inc. to spray 211 acres near Quartz Creek and McKenzie River tributaries with imazapyr. See ODF notices 2014-771-00413 and 2014-771-00414, call Tim Meehan at 726-3588 with questions. Continue reading 

Biz Beat 5-22-2014

Kush MMD and Reign Inc. have opened a state-licensed and regulated medical marijuana facility (MFF) and wellness center at 221 W. 10th Ave. in downtown Eugene. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house was held May 12. The business has a provisional MMF license and “will wait until receiving the official state registration from the state before engaging in cannabis commerce,” says General Manager Lisa Della Croce. Continue reading 

Slant 5-15-2014

• Election turnout is likely to be awful for the May 20 Primary since there’s not much on the ballot other than County Commission races, so if you’re ever wanted to make a difference, this is your time to shine. Every vote is bigger and badder when the turnout is small. Only about 12 percent of the ballots were in as of May 12. It’s peculiar that Lane County has more Democrats than Republicans and yet we’ve elected a right-wing, anti-environment majority to run the county. Continue reading 

Activist Alert 5-15-2014

• State Rep. John Lively will be the speaker at City Club of Eugene at noon Friday, May 16, at the Downtown Athletic Club, 999 Willamette. Lively will provide an update on the Lane Metro Partnership and the future of economic development in Lane County. See cityclubofeugene.org. City Club will not have a regular program May 23, but a special program on “Making Great Cities” with Carol Coletta will be at 5 pm May 22. RSVP at rsvp@dxoregon.org. Continue reading 

Biz Beat 5-15-2014

 Two Eugene law firms have filed a class action lawsuit against the owners of the Little Big Burger chain claiming the company does not pay employees for earned overtime wages. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene by Leiman & Johnson, LLC, and Andrew Lewinter, PC, and seeks an unspecified amount in actual damages, liquidated damages, penalties, interest, punitive damages and attorney fees. One of the plaintiffs is Logan Vance, the former manager of the Eugene location at 1404 Orchard St. near campus. Continue reading 

Election Endorsements at a glance – May 2014

Thursday, May 15, is the last day to safely mail in ballots for the Oregon May Primary, which is Tuesday, May 20. After Thursday, drop off ballots at any of the white ballot boxes around town or on campus. Deadline is 8 pm Tuesday. Postmarks don’t count.    Statewide Offices U.S. Senator (Democrat) — Jeff Merkley Merkley has two challengers in the primary, William Bryk and Pavel Goberman. Merkley is a rising star in the Senate and a strong voice for economic justice and health care reform.   Continue reading 

Activist Alert 5-8-2014

• A protest in response to a sexual assault case allegedly involving UO basketball players is being planned at noon Thursday, May 8, on the lawn behind Hendricks Hall on campus. Organized by the UO Coalition to End Sexual Violence, http://wkly.ws/1qv. • The Eugene Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Thursday, May 8, at the Sloat Conference Room at the Atrium Building, 99 W. 10th Ave.   Continue reading