Lookout PM: Thoughts turn to strawberries

Good evening,

So, the county elections officials had not planned to put out updated vote tallies until next week, but they delivered an update this afternoon anyway. Hard at work before the three-day weekend, they are.

The new numbers don’t show any big changes in the status of any races, but we do have updated local returns and also statewide returns for those of you who enjoy poring over a list of numbers on Friday afternoon.

The two tightest races are both tax levy measures. One for the Oregon State University Extension Service/4-H and the other for Springfield’s Willamalane Park and Recreation District. Both are passing, by slim margins.

The county says it has so far processed 123,067 ballots out of 126,168 that have been returned (more could still arrive in the mail, and will be counted as long as they were postmarked by May 19). That’s about 44.3% voter turnout.

Or maybe you’re getting tired of the election? OK, let’s move along.

Following hot on the heels of the primary election is strawberry season! Food writer Taylor Goebel rounds up a couple of festivals coming up next month that pay homage to the bright red berry — as well as places you can (or will soon be able to) go to pick them yourself.
Lillian Schrock-Clevenger this week went out to see a Springfield Public Works department carnival for third graders, who got to see what it takes to keep a city running.
A kayaker on the Willamette River this week discovered the body of a man later identified as Wade Felton Lloyd, 62, of Junction City, officials said. He’d been reported missing in November.
A 42-year-old Springfield man, Phillip Stiggins, was arrested yesterday in connection with a May 3 stabbing in the Gateway area that left a victim with 62 stitches, police said.

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