Eugene, Lane County | featured news

In a first for Lane County, residents who want to go before a citizen panel next year to appeal their 2012 property tax bill won’t do so for free.

Remember that drought we had this past summer — 37 straight days with no precipitation and only two-tenths of an inch in the months of July through September?

Former Eugene Water & Electric Board Commissioner JoAnn Ernst has accepted $87,000 from the city of Eugene to settle a lawsuit claiming that police used excessive force in a raid on her home in 2009.

SALEM — A change in the state Department of Revenue’s electronic payment service providers could cause some taxpayers to miss payments due in January, the agency said today. The department’s contract with the Georgia-based firm Official Payments will expire Jan, 3, the revenue department said.

At first, John Lind didn’t know today was a special day at the Eugene Public Library. Visiting the library with his wife and two young daughters, Lind was surprised to learn that the day after Christmas was the 10th anniversary of the opening of the landmark downtown building.

An elderly California couple that had gone missing on Christmas Eve have been found safe near Woodburn, about 400 miles from their home, Oregon State Police said today.

KLAMATH FALLS — Oregon State Police closed and later reopened U.S. 97 at the border with California to allow the investigation of a fatal traffic accident in Dorris, Calif., just south of the state line. KFLS in Klamath Falls reports that California authorities asked for the road to be closed.

BANDON — The Coos County district attorney says officers in Bandon wounded a man who had called 911 and later came to the door of his trailer with what appeared to be a rifle.

The Emerald People’s Utility District Board has selected Kevin Parrish to serve as director for Subdistrict 3. Parrish was among 19 candidates who sought appointment after Bill Tanner announced his resignation, after 14 years, to focus on family and business.

Three people died in traffic crashes while arrests for driving under the influence soared during the Christmas holiday reporting period, which began on Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. and ended at 11:59 p.m. Dec.