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SPEA Graduate student studying energy policy | gardening enthusiast, food lover, lifelong learner.
Articles by Jill Bond
3rd update Southeast Springfield evacuation notice lifted
This story was updated to add new information. A fire that ignited near the intersection of Jasper and Mt. Vernon roads in Springfield Aug. 12 prompted localized evacuations that the sheriff's office lifted at 10 a.m. Aug. 13. The fire was estimated to be 16 acres at its peak before it was contained by firefighters. Residents in the area were advised of a Level 1 Be Ready evacuation advisory overnight.
Fire reported at Jasper and Mt Vernon roads in Springfield
Aug. 12, 2026, 1:53 p.m. PT A new fire is burning near Jasper Road and Mt. Vernon Road in Springfield. According to WatchDuty, the fire is estimated to be about 3 acres and moving to the north. Structures are threatened. Register-Guard reporters are heading to the scene. This story will be updated.
New SLUG Queen to be crowned Aug. 14. See who has 'rained' before
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard Aug. 12, 2026, 1:28 p.m. PT Eugene will crown a new S.L.U.G. queen to "rain" over Eugene as the city's unofficial goodwill ambassador Aug. 14. The event begins with music at 6 p.m. in the park blocks in downtown Eugene. This year's competition and coronation will be at 6:30 p.m. during the 44th annual Slugfest. Judges this year are Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson, local journalist Annie Aguiar, city of Eugene employee Fabio Andrade and Ashe 'the Vibe Rater' Newton.
Has anyone from Oregon ever won a Powerball jackpot?
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard Aug. 12, 2026, 8:35 a.m. PT The Powerball jackpot for the Aug. 12 drawing could make someone a billion dollar winner. The Oregon Lottery says the $1 billion prize is the eighth largest Powerball jackpot of all time. The Powerball jackpot has been climbing since May 3, and 421,519 Oregon players have claimed a total of $2.3 million in winnings. In 2024, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan shared a Powerball jackpot worth $1.3 billion with his wife and a friend.
Florence recycling event to take even more hard-to-dispose of items
Florence recycling event to take even more hard-to-dispose of items Jill Bond, Eugene Register-Guard Tue, August 4, 2026 at 1:13 PM EDT Florence recycling event to take even more hard-to-dispose of items Florence residents will have more opportunities to recycle and donate unwanted items during the annual Black and White Community Collection event on Aug. 22.
Florence recycling event to take even more hard-to-dispose of items
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard Aug. 4, 2026, 10:13 a.m. PT Florence residents will have more opportunities to recycle and donate unwanted items during the annual Black and White Community Collection event on Aug. 22. Hosted by the City of Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee in partnership with Lane County and County Transfer and Recycling, the free drive-through event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the south parking lot of Siuslaw Middle School.
Company plans to service Arcimoto vehicles in Eugene after buying assets
Eugene-based electric vehicle startup Arcimoto has sold its remaining assets to Volara Motorsports Group. The Austin, Texas, company announced it will launch an E-Garage Service Network focused on electric mobility devices. Its first such E-Garage will be located in Eugene.
UO unveils collection from Oregon's longest-serving House member
Former U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio has donated his political papers to the University of Oregon Libraries. DeFazio, a Democrat, was Oregon's longest-serving member of Congress, holding office from 1987 to 2023. The collection is the largest held by the university's archives, documenting his 36-year career. Peter DeFazio served as a U.S. Representative for Oregon's Fourth Congressional District for 36 years.
Register-Guard staff earn 3 1st-place awards at annual newspaper contest
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard July 24, 2026, 6:36 p.m. PT The staff of The Register-Guard took home several top honors from the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association's Better Newspaper Contest July 24. The awards were announced at the annual summer publishers convention held in Salem.
Wildfire ignites in Lane County around 4 miles from Marcola Original
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard Updated July 22, 2026, 8:40 p.m. PT A new wildfire was reported in Lane County July 22. The Hells Hill Fire 4 miles southeast of Marcola could be seen around 7:15 p.m. on the University of Oregon's ALERTWest camera. The area is marked by steep, densely forested terrain. The fire is estimated to be between 3 and 5 acres and firefighters are responding, according to WatchDuty.
ESF responds to commercial fire on Enid Road Original
July 19, 2026, 10:57 a.m. PT Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a fire at a business on East Enid Road July 19, according to a social media post. The fire appears to be at States Industries, a plywood supplier with its primary mill located northwest of Eugene off Highway 99. ESF stated the fire was under control, but residents in the area may see fire apparatus and smoke.
Sister sues Oregon State Hospital over Kenneth Hass' death
The sister of Kenneth Hass, a former patient who died at the Oregon State Hospital, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility. The lawsuit alleges Hass was subjected to extreme neglect, including prolonged seclusion and restraint, leading to his death from water intoxication. Hass was held in seclusion for nearly eight months and was never given a formal diagnosis or treatment plan, according to the complaint.
Wildfire, dubbed Mr. Fire, reported in Three Sisters Wilderness Original
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard July 7, 2026, 7:15 p.m. PT A new wildfire has ignited in the Willamette National Forest in Lane County near the county line north of Highway 58. The fire, dubbed 163 Mr. Fire, was reported around 3:30 p.m. July 7 in the Three Sisters Wilderness about 70 miles from Eugene. It is estimated to be a quarter of an acre or less and burning in remote terrain.
Oregon Bach Festival honors UO and US milestones
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard June 18, 2026, 4:03 a.m. PT The Oregon Bach Festival is honoring the University of Oregon's 150th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This year's festival follows the recent passing of co-founder Helmuth Rilling, who died at age 92. Performances will feature works by Indigenous composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate and Antonín Dvořák’s “From the New World” symphony.
Going out on a kayak or canoe this weekend? What to know about permits Original
June 12, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PT As we approach a warming trend that will see the Eugene-Springfield area hit highs close to 100 degrees this weekend, it might seem like the perfect time to get out on the water in Oregon. A bill that went into effect in January adds new fees to non-motorized boats under 10 feet, which includes canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Although these types of watercraft previously were exempt, the state now requires a $20 annual Waterway Access Permit.
Is there a 'No Kings' rally in Eugene or Springfield June 14?
June 11, 2026, 1:35 p.m. PT Instead of marching and chanting protest slogans, this month's "No Kings" event will be filled with song. Watch parties are scheduled to take place across Oregon on June 14 for "Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment," which coincides with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. The concert, organized by the Committee for the First Amendment in partnership with the "No Kings" organization, will take place in New York City.
Eugene to build permanent sidewalk near Eugene Federal Building
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard June 8, 2026, 6:19 p.m. PT The city of Eugene is building a new sidewalk next to the Eugene Federal Building. Construction on the new sidewalk, which will cost the city $50,000, is set to begin June 9 near the southeast corner of Sixth Avenue and Pearl Street. The east lane of Pearl Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues will be closed intermittently during construction, which is expected to last until about June 23.
Coos Bay bank manager accused of stealing $1.9 million
Jill Bond, Eugene Register-Guard Thu, May 28, 2026 at 11:48 PM UTC A Coos Bay woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank theft, embezzlement, or misapplication by a bank officer or employee. According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Heather Lynn Casas, 44, is accused of stealing $1.9 million while she was working as a manager at a bank in Coos Bay. Prosecutors allege Casas stole the sum over just a few months in 2024.
Coos Bay bank manager accused of stealing $1.9 million
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard May 28, 2026, 4:48 p.m. PT A Coos Bay woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank theft, embezzlement, or misapplication by a bank officer or employee. According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Heather Lynn Casas, 44, is accused of stealing $1.9 million while she was working as a manager at a bank in Coos Bay. Prosecutors allege Casas stole the sum over just a few months in 2024.
Flyover, ceremonies and more in Eugene-Springfield on Memorial Day Original
Community members in Lane County will gather Monday, May 25, to honor fallen service members with ceremonies, music and moments of reflection for Memorial Day. Observed each year on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to remembering U.S. military members who died in service. Local observances in Eugene and Springfield range from traditional wreath-laying and cemetery services to community runs and a military flyover.
Why you need to mail your ballot by May 12 for Oregon primary Original
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard May 11, 2026, 3:33 p.m. PT Oregon voters are advised to mail their ballots by May 12 due to changes in U.S. Postal Service postmarking procedures. Ballots mailed after May 12 should be taken to a post office to request a manual postmark. Oregon law allows ballots to be counted if they are received within seven days of the election, provided they are postmarked by Election Day. Planning to mail in your ballot this primary election? You better do it now.
Missing Eugene man found dead near Lookout Reservoir
A Eugene man who went missing near Lookout Reservoir east of Lowell was found dead by Lane County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team volunteers on May 10. Tyler Ryan Davis, 22, was last in contact with friends and family on April 30, according to a news release from the Lane County Sheriff's Office. The volunteers, part of the Eugene Mountain Rescue team, traversed extremely steep terrain to search difficult-to-access areas.
'We will never forget' Fallen EPD officer Chris Kilcullen remembered
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard April 22, 2026, 12:26 p.m. PT On the 15th anniversary of Chris Kilcullen's death, his family members and local police attended a roadside gathering to remember the Eugene Police Department officer killed in the line of duty. Kilcullen, a 12-year veteran of the department, was 43 when he was shot and killed by a motorist while conducting a traffic stop.
Here's which Broadway shows are coming to the Hult Center
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard April 15, 2026, 4:03 a.m. PT The 2026-2027 Broadway in Eugene season will feature seven productions at the Hult Center. Shows include modern hits like "& Juliet" and "SIX" alongside classics such as "Jersey Boys." Season subscriptions and renewals are currently available for purchase. The 2026-27 Broadway in Eugene season includes an acclaimed show that debuted in 2025, a classic that has been on stage for two decades and everything in between.
Eugene selects Ideal Option for peer navigation program Original
The city of Eugene has selected Ideal Option to provide alternative response services. This decision comes after the city ended its long-standing contract with CAHOOTS. The program will operate in high-volume areas outside of the downtown core, such as Highway 99 and the Whiteaker neighborhood. An addiction treatment company that already provides outreach services downtown will expand to offer "peer navigation alternative response" in Eugene.
Sign up for the new Your Week newsletter
The daffodils and cherry trees are in full bloom in Eugene-Springfield. The renewal spring promises seems like the perfect reason to offer readers of The Register-Guard something new. Introducing the free Your Week newsletter from your local journalists at the R-G. This newsletter assures you don’t miss the best journalism our reporting team has produced each week and gives you a better understanding of who we are and what we do.
Florence man who evaded capture on child sex crimes sentenced
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard March 25, 2026, 5:04 p.m. PT A Florence man who police hunted down after he failed to appear for a sentencing hearing in a child sex abuse case will spend 10 years in state prison. Jack Duane Crist, 48, evaded police after pleading guilty to charges of rape and attempted rape in 2024. He was arrested in Chico, California, in February after detectives with the Lane County Sheriff's Office tracked him to Alaska, Missouri and Arizona.
Sex offender convicted of drugging, assaulting teenager
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard March 23, 2026, 4:40 p.m. PT A man was convicted in a jury trial last week of giving acid to a teenager and later sexually assaulting her.
Junction City man killed in Wednesday crash on Beltline
A Junction City man was killed in a crash March 18 that shut down eastbound Beltline Road for hours. Around 5:20 p.m., Kenneth Lee Gajda, 41, was operating a Ford F250 on Beltline Road at the on-ramp to Interstate 5 when his vehicle collided with the left side of a Lexus ES driving by a 65-year-old Junction City resident. Gajda's vehicle crashed through the metal guardrail on the right side of the I-5 on ramp, striking and shearing off a power pole.
Man convicted for role in 2020 riot arrested for failing to appear Original
A man arrested in connection with a 2020 riot in Eugene is back in court after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Arei Johnson previously pleaded guilty in 2021 to felony riot and several misdemeanors related to the event. Johnson was recently arrested on a failure to appear warrant and has been released with a future court date. A man who was arrested in connection with a May 29, 2020, riot in Eugene is back in Lane County court.
Crash closes eastbound Beltline Highway Original
Eastbound Beltline Road is closed at exit 13 because of a crash, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. ODOT expects the closure to be extended and urges drivers to take an alternate route. TripCheck estimates the closure to be up to two hours. Eugene Police Department reported Interstate 5 is inaccessible from Beltline eastbound. Check TripCheck for more road conditions.
Corned beef galore. St. Patty's Day events in Eugene-Springfield
March 17, 2026, 12:14 p.m. PT St. Patrick's Day is as good a reason to get out on a Tuesday as any. Whether you're craving corned beef and cabbage, want to dance a jig or just need an excuse to drink a Guinness, the R-G has rounded up every option for revelry on March 17. Eugene's bar scene is showing up with the Irish food specials all day, including some creative takes that lean into taco Tuesday, an update on traditional sliders and drinks specials to put you in a jolly mood.
Daylight Saving Time in Oregon. When do clocks change?
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard March 6, 2026, 11:35 a.m. PT The days are getting longer and by the end of this month, Oregonians will enjoy an extra hour and a half of daylight compared to the beginning of March. As landscapes brighten with showy spring flowers and gardeners sharpen their trowels in anticipation of the first turn of their dormant garden, Oregonians are dreaming of sunny days ahead.
Lane Fire Authority to close Station 108 on Lorane Highway
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard March 3, 2026, 11:37 a.m. PT Rural fire district Lane Fire Authority will close its southern-most station so the property owner can sell the land. In a social media post, LFA said the Station 108 on Lorane Highway will be closed immediately. "As a special district funded primarily through local property tax revenue, our ability to maintain facilities and staffing is directly tied to available budget capacity," the post states.
Fire extinguished at Ninkasi Brewing
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard March 1, 2026, 6:35 a.m. PT Eugene Springfield firefighters quickly extinguished a blaze at Ninkasi Brewing the evening of Saturday, Feb. 28. According to a social media post, firefighters were called to a commercial structure fire in the 200 block of Van Buren Street just before 6:30 p.m. in Eugene's Whiteaker neighborhood. Firefighters could see smoke rising from the roof and inside found the facility choked with smoke near the production area.
What protests are happening in Eugene this weekend?
People in Eugene and Springfield are gearing up for a weekend packed with protests. Locals are getting more creative in how they band together to express displeasure with federal immigration enforcement. A new group will debut its form of protest by singing songs of resistance with messages inviting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to defect and expressions of hope for a kinder society. Labor unions are also hosting a rally to stand in solidarity with immigrants.
Oregon attorney general talks Trump tariff suit in Eugene appearance
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard Feb. 25, 2026, 4:07 a.m. PT Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield took the stage in the Shedd Institute Feb. 24 to talk about his office's work to understand gaps in local public safety, court challenges to the Trump administration and answer questions from the crowd. The League of Women Voters of Lane County invited Rayfield as part of the organization's Speaker Series. As of this year, Rayfield has initiated or joined more than 50 lawsuits challenging Trump policies.
Oregon attorney general talks Trump tariff suit in Eugene appearance
Feb. 25, 2026, 7:07 a.m. ET Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield took the stage in the Shedd Institute Feb. 24 to talk about his office's work to understand gaps in local public safety, court challenges to the Trump administration and answer questions from the crowd. The League of Women Voters of Lane County invited Rayfield as part of the organization's Speaker Series. As of this year, Rayfield has initiated or joined more than 50 lawsuits challenging Trump policies.
Egan Warming Centers open Wednesday as temperatures drop in Eugene
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard Feb. 23, 2026, 5:22 p.m. PT The Eugene-Springfield area Egan Warming Centers will open Wednesday, Feb. 25, for what could be several days. The National Weather Service predicts the overnight low on Wednesday will be 30 degrees. Egan shelters open when temperatures are forecast to drop at or below 30 degrees. The current long-range forecast from NWS predicts low temperatures around 34 degrees Thursday, Feb. 26, and Friday, Feb. 27.
How to watch Wyden, Merkley alternative to State of the Union speech
How to watch Wyden, Merkley alternative to State of the Union speech VIDEO Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley will offer an alternative to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The senators do not plan to attend the annual address to Congress, they said in a joint press release.
How to watch Wyden, Merkley alternative to State of the Union speech
Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley will offer an alternative to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The senators do not plan to attend the annual address to Congress, they said in a joint press release.
Former R-G writer Bob Keefer's Oregon desert photos on display in Eugene
Former Register-Guard arts writer Bob Keefer has a new photography exhibition on display through the end of April at Eugene’s Inn at the 5th hotel. Titled "The Oregon Desert," the show opened Monday, Feb. 2, in the hotel’s Maple Room and features hand-colored black-and-white photographs of eastern Oregon’s high desert. Keefer, who also worked as arts editor Eugene Weekly, said in a news release, “The eastern Oregon desert is one of the most quietly beautiful places I know,” Keefer said.
Dense fog advisory for Eugene-Springfield and surrounding areas
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard Feb. 10, 2026, 7:51 a.m. PT A dense fog advisory is in effect for the Eugene-Springfield area through 9 a.m. The National Weather Service in Portland issued the warning for the central and southern Willamette Valley. Visibility could be 1/4 mile or less in some areas. Commuters should be prepared for rapidly changing visibility as density changes, especially in sheltered valleys and near lakes and rivers.
Train derails in Eugene
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard Feb. 8, 2026, 3:40 p.m. PT A train derailed in Eugene Sunday, Feb. 8, near the Chambers Street overpass. Several cars were on their sides along Roosevelt Boulevard. Railroad workers were on the scene and three engines were idling near the shelter on Roosevelt. About eight cars appeared to be affected. According to TripCheck, traffic impacts in Eugene were minimal. No information was immediately available about what the cars were carrying.
Did Donald Trump mention Eugene's protest at the Federal Building? Original
Updated Jan. 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET A peaceful protest that resulted in a riot declaration in Eugene caught the attention of President Donald Trump. Trump said on Truth Social it was the local jurisdiction's responsibility to protect federal buildings.
Did Donald Trump mention Eugene's protest at the Federal Building? Original
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard Updated Jan. 31, 2026, 8:59 p.m. PT A peaceful protest that resulted in a riot declaration in Eugene caught the attention of President Donald Trump. Trump said on Truth Social it was the local jurisdiction's responsibility to protect federal buildings.
Measles virus detected in Corvallis, Lewisburg wastewater
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard Jan. 29, 2026, 7:15 p.m. PT Measles has been detected in wastewater in Corvallis and Lewisburg, near Lane County. Three measles cases have been reported in Oregon this year, all in unvaccinated individuals. Vaccination rates for the MMR vaccine in Lane County have declined in recent years. Measles infections continue to creep closer to Lane County.
Man dies after shooting himself at St. Vincent de Paul on Chad Drive
Editor's note: This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by texting or calling 988 or chatting at 988lifeline.org/. A man shot himself and died Jan. 23 at the St. Vincent de Paul administrative office on Chad Drive. Police responded to a call about an armed suicidal man just before 2 p.m., according to Eugene Police Department spokesperson Melinda McLaughlin.
Eugene-Springfield Egan shelters stay open during sustained cold snap
A sustained cold snap in the Eugene-Springfield area is testing the volunteer network that provides low-barrier temporary shelter. Egan Warming Shelters have activated nightly since Jan. 15 as overnight temperatures in the region have dipped below freezing. There's no relief in sight, according to the National Weather Service's 7-day forecast, with Sunday, Jan. 25 predicted to be the warmest night at 33 degrees. Currently Friday, Jan.
Eugene MLK Day march and Day Without Immigrants Original
Jill Bond Eugene Register-Guard Jan. 19, 2026, 7:59 a.m. PT The theme of today's MLK Day march is togetherness. The march brings together Eugene and Springfield and is joining forces with those supporting the local immigrant community to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The event begins at 9 a.m. at the “Xs and Os” near Autzen Stadium with a welcome and acknowledgements by Demond Hawkins, NAACP president.
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