Morning Lookout: Family seeks answers after state hospital death, a memorial for a Eugene icon

Good morning, Lookout Eugene-Springfield,

Ben Botkin tells a devastating story detailing what Kenneth Hass went through during his time at the Oregon State Hospital, where he died March 18, at age 25. Ben spoke with his sister Sierra and father, Sean Oldham.

Annie Aguiar writes about the plaque that was unveiled to remember Eugene icon David “Frog” Miller.

TJ’s Dispensaries was advertising a deal on marijuana with images of the Oregon Duck and the university’s trademark O. University attorneys were not amused and issued a cease-and-desist letter. Grace Chinowsky reports.

Voters in Springfield, Dunes City and two mostly rural Lane County fire districts still have time to return ballots in the Nov. 4 election.

Dorcas Smucker’s column this week was characteristically charming and upbeat, about how she always waves, even when she can’t see if people are waving back at her.

Yesterday evening, Dorcas emailed to say her family is enduring heartbreak: Their son Steven died suddenly after a brief illness. He was 31. Our hearts go out to the Smucker family, and we hope to share more information in the days ahead.

In case you missed these stories published over the weekend…
• Judicial ruling on SNAP leaves anxiety for families, as Wyden criticizes Trump’s response
• Springfield school board’s small-group meeting format raises legal questions
• Judge wants Venezuelan man ‘swept up’ by ICE during FBI raid to testify in person

Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here to receive Morning Lookout in your inbox every weekday.

A grieving family seeks answers after a patient dies at Oregon State Hospital

By Ben Botkin

Kenneth Hass, who was often homeless in Eugene and throughout Lane County, died in Oregon State Hospital after living for months in seclusion. Nearly eight months later, his family wants accountability and answers.