Morning Lookout: Eugene’s crash numbers rise, new flood maps

Good morning, Lookout Eugene-Springfield,

Despite safety programs, Eugene’s post-pandemic crash totals remain nearly twice as high as they were before the pandemic, with 13 fatalities and 67 serious injury crashes of all sorts in 2024. Michael Zhang looks at the troubling trend.

School starts today for elementary and middle schoolers in the Bethel school district, and students in Springfield and 4J start returning tomorrow and Thursday. Lilly St. Angelo has an interview with one new principal, plus five issues to keep an eye on across the region this year.

Meanwhile, parents and teachers have taken over the troubled Far Horizons Montessori School, and when they got access to the building, they found most of the chairs, tables, and other furniture were gone. Lillian Schrock-Clevenger has been staying on top of this one.

Flood maps, redrawn by Federal Emergency Management Agency officials, show the risks for property owners. Lane County residents will be able to learn about the new maps and how to appeal updates during Eugene and Creswell meetings in September.

In case you missed these stories over the weekend…

• The Lookout Lookback: On Moore to Moore, hurdles, physics and Oregon’s smooth start
• Union support and burgers at Labor Day picnic in Springfield
• Pickpocket team hit WinCo parking lot in Springfield, FBI agent says

Positive Community Kitchen nourishes medical patients

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A new school year begins across the region

By Lilly St. Angelo

Eight Eugene and Springfield schools will have new principals, the cell phone ban will take effect in Springfield and Bethel districts, and Springfield and its teachers union are back to bargaining.

Fatal and serious crashes in Eugene double compared with pre-COVID levels

By Michael Zhang

Despite safety programs, Eugene’s post-pandemic crash totals remain nearly twice as high compared to before the pandemic, with 13 fatalities and 67 serious injury crashes of all sorts in 2024.