Things to do: Party with a local influencer; take in a play about the making of 'Jaws'; tour the WOW Hall

4J finance director files intent to sue district for retaliation after budget error

Matthew Brown’s tort claim notice outlines the ways in which he believes Eugene School District 4J leaders unfairly blamed him for last year’s forecasting errors. Brown is threatening to sue for retaliation and, if the district terminates him, wrongful discharge, among other claims.

Eugene is tearing down riverfront overlook built to honor civic leader Maurie Jacobs

The 35-year-old structure was designed by local architect Otto Poticha. The city says erosion has made the overlook unsafe, but Poticha calls that an “excuse.” The city did not publicly announce the demolition or notify Jacobs’ family.

Hike the Pacific Crest Trail? No thanks. I’d rather dawdle and take in the scenery.

Ask me about any wilderness in Oregon, and I will be able to suggest several prettier, quieter routes than the overtrodden PCT.

Clashing egos, booze and boredom: Play peeks behind the scenes during making of ‘Jaws’

“The Shark Is Broken” opens this week at the Very Little Theatre in Eugene. It's about Richard Dreyfuss, Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw on the set of the blockbuster film, arguing and drinking while they wait around for the shark to work.

80-acre fire near Oakridge sent smoke skyward for hours

A fire near the Hills Creek Reservoir in the Willamette National Forest — about 15 miles south of Oakridge — grew to 80 acres Wednesday, Aug. 26. It sparked around 2:15 p.m. Oregon Hazard Lab detection cameras showed smoke billowing steadily throughout the afternoon until the early evening hours, when the plume started to taper off. The U.S. Forest Service, which has primary jurisdiction over the land where the fire is burning, closed nearby Sand Prairie Campground. The agency asked the public to avoid the area and Forest Service Road 21.  Four aircraft, including helicopters, backed up workers on the ground, […]