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Last week, Oregon DEQ assessed civil penalties against Prize Properties and Bennett’s Drain Savers, both of which DEQ sent pre-enforcement notices to in March (EW 3/28, goo.gl/jEZwT; EW 5/2, goo.gl/gz1FR). DEQ assessed a penalty of $15,417 against Eugene-based Bennett’s Drain Savers for performing sewage disposal services without a license and surety bond, including disposal at Heard Farms on Airport Road in Eugene. Continue reading
• Walton Hylomorphia plans to ground spray 175 acres near the Siuslaw River with Glyphosate, Triclopyr Ester and Glyphosate Amine. • ODOT spring spraying plan: the week of May 13, the Veneta section including 126 west of Eugene, Hwy. 36 and Territorial Highway; the week of May 20, the Florence section of Hwys. 126 West, 36 and 101. Spraying began at the beginning of May, call Tony Kilmer at ODOT District 5 (Lane County area) at 744-8080 or call (888) 996-8080 for herbicide application information. Continue reading
In Afghanistan • 2,221 U.S. troops killed (2,199) • 18,584 U.S. troops wounded in action (18,429) • 1,353 U.S. contractors killed (1,353) • 16,179 civilians killed (updates NA) • $632.1 billion cost of war ($632 billion) • $190 million cost to Eugene taxpayers ($189.8 million) In Iraq • 4,422 U.S. troops killed, 31,926 wounded • 1,594 U.S. contractors killed (1,594) • 123,421 to 1.2 million civilians killed* (122,757) Continue reading
Eugene’s path toward a sustainable budget will probably be a bumpy road, filled with all the suspense and comedy of a summer blockbuster. Since the city service fee went down in flames on Election Day, Eugene’s budget process is going to get interesting. Continue reading
Climate experts insist we’d better reduce carbon emissions by 6 percent a year if we hope for a livable planet, but politicians continue to greenlight coal mining, fracking, oil drilling and a Keystone pipeline expansion that former NASA climatologist James Hansen says means “game over” for the atmosphere. Most of my friends, if they discuss the politics of global warming at all, shake their heads in disgust, then in despair and, finally, with a statement of resignation along the lines of, “We are so screwed.” Continue reading
A genetically engineered (GE) variety of glyphosate-resistant wheat linked to Monsanto was found growing in an Oregon wheat field. The U.S. Department of Agrigculture announced today that it launched a "formal investigation after being notified by an Oregon State University scientist that initial tests of wheat samples from an Oregon farm indicated the possible presence of GE glyphosate-resistant wheat plants." Continue reading
• The city of Eugene budget for FY 2014 is now available on the city’s website, Eugene-or.gov/budget. The city Budget Committee will meet and discuss the budget at 6 pm Thursday, May 23, at the downtown library, but no public input will be taken at this meeting. See the city website for feedback and schedule of public hearings. Continue reading
Soubise Restaurant opened May 12 at 50 W. Broadway, the redeveloped Broadway Commerce Center downtown. Restaurateur Cory Stamp and chef Gabriel Gil previously ran the Rabbit Bistro with a French theme, but their new restaurant is expanding its menu to serve a “modern Northwestern cuisine” with local and seasonal ingredients. Portland architect Mark Annen designed the layout and bar, and the granite tabletops and terrazzo floors at Sousbise were part of the original historic building. Local art and handmade furniture are also featured in the design. Continue reading
An Army brat and the eighth of 11 kids, Denise Thomas-Morrow was born in England and raised in Baker City, Ore., where her dad retired after serving at a nearby radar post. A four-year three-sport letterman athlete at Baker HS, she spent two years as a PE major at Oregon College of Education in Monmouth. Inspired by a jazz dance class, she transfered to the UO dance program, earned a BS in 1985, and moved to New York City for further study. Continue reading
Move, grow or stagnate. That’s the choice the bustling Lane County Farmers Market has been looking at for years. Its members vetoed a big July 2013 move to the Fifth Street Public Market, but they approved a couple of smaller experiments. When the Thursday market opens June 6, it will move from Amazon Park to Fifth Street Public Market. The Farmers Market is also negotiating to close one block of 8th Avenue during the Saturday market. Continue reading