The registration deadline for the 2025 NextStep Electronics Recycling Competition is rapidly approaching. 

Schools interested in participating must register at wastewiselane.org/ERC by December 13.

Waste Wise Lane County—part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—is coordinating with NextStep Recycling to organize the annual competition, which will run from January 7 to March 20, 2025. 

The contest challenges schools to recycle electronic waste (e-waste). Those that recycle the most e-waste can win grants of up to $500, a NextStep Reuse Store computer gift certificate, and a recognition award.

Last year, 18 Lane County schools collected 13,269 pounds. NextStep Recycling Executive Director Jessica Ahrenholtz hopes to greatly increase that number this year.

“We invite everyone who has broken, unwanted, or unused electronics in their home to give them to students for the competition,” said Ahrenholtz. “Collected electronics will be recycled properly or repaired and given to community members who need them, instead of just sitting in the closet or garage.”

Ahrenholtz said Lane County schools are invited to participate, but registrants do need school principals to approve the registration.

Eligible e-waste includes microwaves, TVs, printers, cords, cables, cell phones, computers, computer accessories (monitors, keyboards, mice, computer speakers, etc., whether in working condition or not), tablets, old or broken game consoles, remotes, and AV equipment (i.e., stereos, speakers, DVD players, etc.). But no plastic, non-electronic items (i.e., toys, vacuums, etc.).

Learn more at wastewiselane.org/ERC.

About Waste Wise Lane County

WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com

About NextStep Recycling

NextStep offers education, job training, and placement programs for youth graduating foster care, adults with disabilities, seniors, families leaving domestically violent relationships, migrant worker family members, and underfunded schools and nonprofits. Its mission is to provide technology and training to children and adults with barriers to employment and education while protecting the environment and community from hazardous waste.

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The 15^th annual MLK Holiday Meal will return on Wednesday, December 18. Organizers with Lane County’s MLK Education Center are seeking donations in order to serve as many people as possible during the event. 

The MLK Holiday Meal provides a free lunch of turkey, ham and side dishes open to all community members. The food is prepared and served by youth enrolled in the MLK Culinary Arts Program at the Serbu Youth Campus in Eugene. The program is part of the MLK Education Center – an alternative education program providing academic and vocational services for youth involved with Lane County Community Justice and Rehabilitation Services.

Event organizers welcome donations of food, services, and financial contributions. The event includes free raffles to give people products or gift certificates that provide extra support during the holiday season. Interested donors are encouraged to contact the MLK Education Center at 541-682-4715. Donations are tax deductible. 

Displays at the MLK Holiday Meal will recognize contributions made by businesses, organizations, and individual donors. 

More about the MLK Culinary Arts Program

MLK Culinary Arts is one of the school’s vocational programs where students are taught a wide variety of culinary, catering, and workplace skills. Youth work alongside professionals who mentor and supervise them to prepare meals and cater a variety of events. A crucial piece of this program is connecting students with the community. The MLK Holiday Meal is one opportunity for the youth to give back to their community and demonstrate the skills they are developing. Our youth served more than 400 community members during last year’s event. 

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Lane County Health & Human Services, in partnership with the First Christian Church today announced the launch of Operation Winter Survival Stockpile. The operation is an effort to create a stockpile through donations of clothing and other supplies that will help those in our community experiencing homelessness better brave the elements. 

“Every winter those in our community who are without shelter are faced with life-threatening temperatures and weather,” said Maria Cortez, Lane County Human Services Program Coordinator. “These donations will be absolutely crucial to helping these community members stay warm and stay alive.”

To help kick off Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, First Christian Church is hosting a one-day donation drive event where community members can drop-off donations and enjoy refreshments Monday, November 25^th from 1 pm to 5 pm. After the donation drive, items can continue to be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. Items can also be purchased on Amazon and sent to 1166 Oak St., Eugene OR 97401. 

The Operation’s Amazon Wish List can be found at:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XR33GS1ULV8Z?ref_=wl_share

Distribution of items will be prioritized to homeless outreach providers such as CAHOOTS that come into direct contact with individuals who are unhoused and unsheltered.

Items needed for Operation Winter Survival Supply Stockpile include:

• Tents – preferably 2 person

• Blankets – preferably wool

• Rain ponchos

• Sleeping Bags

• Hand Warmers

• Socks – preferably wool

• Tarps

• Gift Cards

• Laundry Cards

• Footwear

• Thermal Underwear

• Flashlights/ Batteries

• Beanies/Warm Hats

• Gloves

• Other survival supplies

For more information on Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, please contact Maria Cortez at Maria.Cortez@lanecountyor.gov

On November 18 from 5:30-6:30 pm, state legislators from Lane County will join health care “Innovation Grant” recipients for a public forum at Harris Hall, 125 E. 8^th Ave. Eugene-Springfield Fire, BestMed Urgent Care, Cascade Medical Associates, PeaceHealth, Lane County, and WhiteBird will showcase strategies designed to improve access to same-day health care while decreasing the overall same-day health care system costs in the greater Eugene area. The showcase will include presentations on each strategy followed by a conversation regarding the future of healthcare innovation in Lane County.

“This event is designed to be an opportunity for our community to come together and hear directly from those organizations working to improve access to these vital services in Lane County,” said Representative Nancy Nathanson, D-Eugene. “We want to provide clarity and transparency on the progress that House Bill 4136 sought to achieve, and how it will benefit overall health and wellbeing of Lane County.”

Introduced by legislators from the local area in the ’24 session, House Bill 4136 contains three main parts that aim to increase overall access to same-day healthcare in Lane County. The bill included:

• $1.3 million to fund an additional Eugene-Springfield Fire ambulance crew.

• Allows for out-of-state nurses to start working while their application and credentials are being reviewed for Oregonlicensure.

• A $3.2 million "innovation fund" that will pay for pilot programs designed to increase access to urgent and say-day care, and to reduce ambulance and emergency room usage in Lane County.

Seven responses were submitted ahead of the deadline on June 10^, 2024 for the innovation fund. These proposals were reviewed and scored by a committee of local stakeholders. Five vendors were awarded full or partial funding, including Lane County, PeaceHealth/City of Eugene, WhiteBird, BestMed, and Cascade Medical Associates. A summary of proposals can be found below:

Organization​​​​​​Summary of Services

The public meeting is open to all community members, including members of the media. Free parking will be available in the Lane County employee lot located on Pearl St between E. 7^th and E. 8^th avenues. For special accommodation requests, please email Jason Davis at Jason.davis@lanecountyor.gov.

Photo_2.JPG

Interview footage for your use available at https://vimeo.com/1029061232/858390926d?share=copy

The speakers are:

1. Robert Campbell – homeowner and Holiday Farm Fire survivor

1. Mary Ellen Wheeler – McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group program manager

1. Cassidy Rain Campbell – Robert’s granddaughter  

There are also two photos attached for your use. 

Photo 1: Robert Campbell and Cassidy Campbell in front of Robert’s new home. 

Photo 2: Robert and Cassidy with members of the McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group  (LTRG) and others in front of his new home. Pictured from left to right: Kathy Nix Gillette with J&M Homes (the housing manufacturer); Lane County Recovery Manager Matt McRae; LTRG Executive Director Devin Thompson; LTRG Associate Director John Moriarty; LTRG Program Manager Mary Ellen Wheeler; Robert Campbell, homeowner; Cassidy Rain Campbell, homeowner’s granddaughter. 

Lane County and the McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group (MVLTRG) partnered to provide new manufactured homes for families displaced by the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. 

In total, 11 new manufactured homes will be placed on properties in the McKenzie River Valley to house families who lost their homes in the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. The first home was placed on May 14, 2024. Three additional homes were placed during the week of September 16. Two more homes are permitted and will be placed in December. Placement of the five remaining homes is expected early in 2025.

The MVLTRG coordinated the process to match fire survivors with homes in this program. Fire survivors who are 62 or older or living with a disability and in temporary housing since their homes were destroyed in the fire were prioritized. The homes were also outfitted with appliances and other furnishings. Ownership of the manufactured homes will be transferred to the receiving families. 

“It has been a struggle for many families to stay on the river after the Holiday Farm Fire,” said Mary Ellen Wheeler, MVLTRG project manager. “For four years since the fire, they have had to live in RVs due to a lack of any affordable housing alternative. The gulf between available insurance payments or financial assistance and what it truly costs to rebuild would be insurmountable for many without this program.”

Robert Campbell, 73, lost his home in the Holiday Farm Fire and recently moved into his new home this fall. Campbell, who will be joined by his grandson, has lived on his property in the McKenzie River Valley since 2003.

“I don’t know how to thank everyone who helped me,” said Campbell. “I have never been one to ask for help, but somehow I found myself standing in line and getting more help than I deserved.”

Media Opportunity: Mr. Campbell has graciously invited media to meet him in his new home in Vida, and to talk about his experience, on Tuesday, November 12, at 11:00 a.m. If you would like to attend, call Devon at 541-682-4526 for the address. Plan for a commute of about 40 minutes from Eugene. 

“Being able to partner with the Long Term Recovery Group on this effort was a game-changer,” said Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch. “Lane County received the state’s funding, but the Long Term Recovery Group had deep connections with fire survivors and a community network that allowed them to reach out to people who could most meaningfully benefit.” 

Funding was provided to Lane County by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) as part of its Oregon State Wildfire Recovery Funding, which was allocated by the Legislature for housing-related wildfire recovery. 

About the McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group

Established in 2021, the McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group is a non-profit organization serving people and organizations in the rural and unincorporated Holiday Farm Fire area. Its mission is to recognize needs, find resources, and help individuals and families recover from disaster. www.McKenzieValleyLTRG.org

About Lane County’s Recovery Program

Lane County’s efforts to support wildfire recovery include community and transportation planning in the Blue River area, coordinating recovery funding, and advocating for recovery resources and legislation.  www.McKenzieRebuilds.org

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Election results will be made available to the public starting at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, and updated again at 11:00 p.m. Elections results can be obtained at:

 www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Elections

Ballots returned by mail and postmarked by November 5 must be received by November 12 in order to be counted. Ballots returned via mail and postmarked by November 5 may take several days to arrive at Lane County Elections, which means that the outcome of some races or ballot measures may not be known as quickly as in past elections. The Lane County Elections Office will continue to periodically update election results after November 5 until all ballots have been counted. The full results reporting schedule is available online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Elections.

Election results will be certified on December 2, 2024.

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The Elections Office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

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Lane County Behavioral Health, a division of Lane County Health & Human Services, will be holding a virtual information session about the Mobile Crisis Services of Lane County (MCS-LC) program. This free virtual session is scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is open to the public, but advance registration is required.

To register for the event, you can either click on the Zoon link: 

https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsfuuorjIvHMOO8UIVk1gI_NL0wjk8F-Q

Or, you can register directly on the MCS-LC webpage: Mobile Crisis Services of Lane County - Lane County

About MCS-LC

Launched on August 18, 2024, MCS-LC is a state-certified mobile behavioral health crisis service that provides timely support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises across Lane County, including both rural and metropolitan areas. The program adopts a trauma-informed approach, emphasizing crisis de-escalation, stabilization, safety, and emotional well-being.

Information Session Overview

The MCS-LC information session will provide a thorough overview of the program's services, staff qualifications, the populations served, and how to access these services. Attendees will learn how MCS-LC supports local and regional mental health efforts, including youth services, and promotes equity by expanding access to behavioral health crisis care throughout Lane County. A portion of the information session will be allotted for Q&A. 

How to Access MCS-LC Services

MCS-LC operates seven days a week from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Services can be accessed by calling or texting 988 or by contacting the 24/7/365 Lane County Crisis Line at 541-682-1001.

Session Details:

• Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
• 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location: Virtual – Register at: 

https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsfuuorjIvHMOO8UIVk1gI_NL0wjk8FQ

Or, you can register directly on the MCS-LC webpage: Mobile Crisis Services of Lane County - Lane County

Waste Wise Lane County—part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—is coordinating with Connected Lane County to organize a Springfield Fix-It Fair on Saturday, November 9.

The free public event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Connected Lane County's Spark at Booth Kelly facility (303 S 5th St. STE 150, Springfield). 

Fix-It Fairs promote reuse and repair by offering attendees opportunities to have household items repaired by fixer coaches. Attendees can watch and learn repair skills, discover local repair resources, and extend the life of household items—keeping more stuff out of the trash and saving money.

The Springfield event will focus on repairing household items, electronics, power tools, textiles, bikes, and skateboards. Repairs take an average of 30 minutes, and attendees can only bring items that can be reasonably carried in. 

Connected Lane County Associate Director Justin Thibedeau said the Spark facility will be an ideal location for the fair. 

“Since opening the first Spark facility in 2021, Connected Lane County has been a place for youth ages 14-24 to explore creation and innovation using technology,” said Thibedeau. “We are happy to utilize Spark's tools and equipment by opening the space to a community Fix-It-Fair, bringing people together to explore the space, have a good time, and repair household items to keep them out of landfills.”

Thibedeau said several young people enrolled in Connected Lane County programming will also be involved in the event.

“As a youth innovation center, Connected Lane County provides youth with opportunities to gain new technical and professional skills,” Thibedeau said. “Learning to fix, tinker, and troubleshoot are crucial skills for innovation, and Fix-It Fairs allow youth to learn from professional fixers in the community. This apprenticeship model provides insight not only into technical skills but also the entrepreneurship of running a business in a safe-to-fail environment. Youth apprentices are paid for their time, and some have landed jobs with the fixers.”

Springfield will host a Fix-It-Fair for the second time in two years. Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator Daniel Hiestand said this fair will have more of a “party” atmosphere.

“Attendees will be treated to music by Corwin Bolt & The Wingnuts, and food will be available for sale from Red Five Hot Dog Company,” said Hiestand. “With these additions, we hope to add more fun into an already entertaining event.”

About Waste Wise Lane County

WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com

About Connected Lane County

Connected Lane County was established in 2014 as Lane County’s regional achievement collaborative by early childhood partners, local school districts, institutions of higher education, the local workforce board, and industry innovators. Today, it’s an independent nonprofit serving over 3,000 youth each year. Its Spark program aims to provide youth with a safe place to learn, innovate, collaborate, and create through out-of-school training opportunities. Spark helps youth grow skills, become confident problem-solvers, and gain hands-on experiences. 

Multimedia Resources

• 2023-24 Fix-It Fair photos

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Lane County Elections was notified today, October 28, that a key used to open two United States Postal Service (USPS) mailboxes in Marcola was stolen during a break-in at the Marcola post office overnight. 

The two USPS mailboxes are located:

• in front of the Marcola post office
• at the end of Mohawk River Road (a centralized neighborhood mailbox)

“Although this does not appear to be related to the election, we are being cautious and asking voters in Marcola not to return their ballots using these mailboxes,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “Instead they can use the official ballot drop box at Mohawk Marketplace on the way into town.”

Voters who placed their ballots in the affected mailboxes over the weekend are encouraged to track their ballot on oregonvotes.gov/myvote. If they do not see their ballot marked as received by Lane County Elections within a day or two, those Marcola-area voters should call or visit Lane County Elections to request a new ballot. 

A list of official ballot drop boxes is available online. 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the investigation related to the break-in in coordination with the US Postal Inspection Service. 

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

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Waste Wise Lane County—part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—urges residents with curbside yard waste collection services in Eugene, Springfield and Veneta to compost their jack-o-lanterns in their yard waste bins after Halloween.

“We want to remind folks they can put their pumpkins—and other types of food waste, including fruit, veggies, meats, and bones—into their yard waste bins,” said Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator Daniel Hiestand. “Keeping food out of the landfill by composting helps reduce methane production, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting is a huge help.”

One caveat for residents who compost in their yard waste bins is that pumpkins covered in non-organic materials must be thrown away.

“If organic matter such as pumpkins, twigs, or pinecones is covered in something non-organic like glitter, paint, glue, or twine, it can’t be mixed with yard debris,” said Hiestand. “Even with Christmas, people make beautiful wreaths with greenery and pinecones and then spray them with a glittery substance. The glittery stuff now means it has to go in the trash.”

Other post-Halloween pumpkin disposal alternatives

• Feed it to the birds, chickens, and/or worms.
• Bury it in a hole in your garden to enrich the soil.

Oregon pumpkin facts

According to the Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation:

• Oregon grows approximately 2,600 acres of pumpkins on just over 400 farms. 
• Most acres are in Benton, Lane, Marion, and Multnomah counties. 
• Oregon is in the top 15 states in the country for pumpkin production. 

About Waste Wise Lane County

WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com

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Voters are urged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure they are received at Lane County Elections by the 8:00 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, November 5. 

In order to be counted, ballots must be received at Lane County Elections by:

• Regular mail. Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 5, 2024 and received no later than November 12, 2024 to be counted.
• A 24/7 ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.
• Lane County Elections. Ballots can be turned in directly to the Lane County Elections Office during business hours until 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.

“We have wonderful, secure elections that allow all eligible voters the opportunity to return their ballots in the way most convenient for them,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “Every voter should make a plan for how they plan to return their ballot and ensure their ballot is received on time.”

Voters must also remember to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or returning their completed ballot to Lane County Elections.

The signature is a security measure used to verify identity. The Lane County Elections Office compares it to signatures in the voter registration record. A ballot may only be counted if the signatures match.

If you forget to sign the envelope or your signature does not match, you will receive a notice from Lane County Elections advising you of the issue and how to fix or “cure” it. You have until the 21^st day after the election to cure your signature issue and have your ballot counted.

What can you do to ensure your signature matches?

1. Sign your natural signature. If you don’t usually sign with a middle initial don’t sign your ballot envelope with it. Election workers are trained to look for specific characteristics within each signature. If you think your signature has changed significantly, contact Lane County Elections.

1. Don’t sign another person’s name. Even if someone gives you permission to sign, or you have power of attorney, it is against the law in Oregon to sign another person’s name on a return envelope. It’s forgery.

1. Request help if you have difficulty signing.  If it is difficult for you to sign, on either a temporary or permanent basis, you can complete a signature attestation form and return it to Lane County Elections along with a new voter registration form.  Completing these forms will allow you to use a signature stamp or other indicator that represents your signature.

1. Correct a mistake if you accidentally sign your name on someone in your household’s envelope. If you and another person in your household sign each other’s return ballot envelopes, simply place a line through the incorrect signatures and sign the correct envelopes.

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The Elections Office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

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