Central Oregon is preparing for a flood of Fourth tourists
Bookings, internet searches and occupancy rates all seem to suggest Bend is in for a busy Independence Day weekend. And AAA projects record-breaking travel nationwide for the July 4 holiday, in line with numbers from 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic started in the U.S. (Suzanne Roig/Bend Bulletin)
The pressure is on to build a new Eugene Emeralds stadium as the price tag grows
The cost of building a new stadium for the Eugene Emeralds minor league baseball team has gone up, prompting discussions this week with Lane County officials on funding. Early projections for the project at Lane Events Center came in at $60 million to $80 million, but the estimated costs now exceed $100 million. At the moment, project manager Jesse Steiger said another $43 million is needed. Lane County commissioners will meet again in mid-July to decide whether to put the project on hold or continue with design and permitting. Major League Baseball has elevated the Emeralds to advanced A-league ball, but that comes with a requirement to build a new stadium or move to another market. (Tiffany Eckert/KLCC)
Vancouver City Council comes out against foie gras (and other types of animal cruelty)
The Vancouver City Council this week passed a resolution stating its opposition to foie gras (a fatty French dish made of duck and goose livers), fur products and sales of dogs at retail pet stores. No bans are included in the resolution, which animal welfare activists say is insufficient. (Carlos Fuentes/The Columbian)
Low tide to create good conditions for clam digging on Oregon Coast
As a low tide series begins on Friday, those looking for one last shot at harvesting some razor clams have pretty ideal clamming conditions. A popular activity along the Oregon Coast, razor clamming began in May. Harvesting closes on July 15 on Clatsop beaches on the north coast, when the conservation period starts. Lasting through September, the annual closures give young clams a chance to settle on the beach and can help harvest periods later. (Abigail Landwehr/Salem Statesman Journal)
Eugene finalizes building purchase for new city hall
For the first time in years, Eugene has a city hall. City officials signed off this week on an agreement to purchase EWEB’s former headquarters on the Willamette River. The city paid $12 million for the 4.4-acre campus, which has two buildings and a parking lot. The city closed its former city hall in 2012, when it became apparent it was too small, had an antiquated heating system and couldn’t withstand an earthquake. Employees will begin moving into the new building over the next few months. (Chrissy Ewald/KLCC)