Morning Lookout: Fencing planned at federal building; Loveall responds to charges in county report

Happy Friday. It’s here — what we’ve been working for.

Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner told the Police Commission last night that fencing will be going up around portions of the federal building, but details were scarce. Jaime Adame was there.

Ben Botkin spoke with Lane County Commissioner David Loveall, who was the subject of an outside investigation commissioned by the county, a summary of which was released earlier this week. Loveall shared his frustrations with Ben, saying in part that he wants “to be treated fairly.”

What is it going to take for the City of Eugene to close current and projected budget gaps? A 400-page report on “fiscal stability” outlines key issues that must be addressed. The Lookout Eugene-Springfield Editorial Board has its own set of questions that it believes must be answered if the city hopes to stabilize its budget.

In “On The Fly,” Taylor Goebel has a cornucopia of food nuggets from around the area including the reopening of Blu Mist in north Eugene, another Palace Coffee Roasters cafe, piroshki and coffee at Kingdom Koffee (with a k) and the closing of a popular food truck (it’s going up for sale if you’ve ever wanted to get in the food truck game).

A popular artery to Autzen Stadium on game day is the Autzen Canoe Canal Footbridge. It also happens to be popular with the canine crowd visiting the dog park across from the stadium. It’s about to close through the end of March for a rebuild (and slight widening). Ashli Blow lets you know how to navigate to Alton Baker Park and ensure your four-legged friend can reach their off-leash buddies.

Seeking a good fish fry: Next week is Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent. This was a big deal where I grew up, heavily Catholic, Irish and Italian. While Friday fish fries were easy to find all year, they exploded during Lent. We all had our favorite spot, and you knew how the newsroom would smell on Friday afternoons. We are compiling a list of places in Lane County that offer fish fries during Lent. Know a place? Email Taylor at taylor@lookoutlocal.com and we will publish a list next week.

On Feb. 24, the League of Women Voters is hosting Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield as part of its speaker series at The Shedd. Learn more and register here.

Finally, calling all middle and high school teachers: We want you to have full free access to Lookout Eugene-Springfield. Sign up here for your Lookout for Teachers account.

Stories you might have missed Thursday …

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‘I want to be treated fairly’: Loveall opens up about his frustrations

By Ben Botkin

The Lane County commissioner wants residents to know the context behind statements he made that generated controversy. Meanwhile, his fellow commissioners prepare to discuss his behavior at a meeting next week, after the release of an outside investigation.

Portion of federal building expected to be fenced off, Eugene police chief says

By Jaime Adame

Nearly two weeks after Eugene police declared a riot at the downtown federal building, the city will be closing off streets to assist federal authorities with placing new fencing at the building, Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner said.