Morning Lookout: Fixing the dam that traps boaters; handmade watches in Springfield

Good morning, Lookout Eugene-Springfield,

Lillian Schrock-Clevenger has a profile of Celeste Wong, the founder of Celeste Watch Company on Main Street in Springfield. Wong started her career in engineering before opening her shop, which sells the charming watches she designs and builds.

Eugene officials plan to conduct a feasibility study on the low-head dam in the Willamette River, which has become a hazard for people kayaking and tubing. Ashli Blow reports.

A Eugene police officer lacked “reasonable suspicion” in recovering a stolen bicycle, the state’s appellate court said in a Dec. 31 ruling. That ruling reverses the conviction of a man for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Jaime Adame explains this one.

Our partners at the Oregon Journalism Project have a Q&A with Bruce Starr, Oregon’s Senate minority leader.

In case you missed these stories published over the weekend…
• ‘Together’ the theme for Martin Luther King Jr. march in Eugene
• Dorcas Smucker: Every new year, seeking the ideal system for organization
• First responders rescue man from crevice along Willamette River

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Springfield watchmaker designs iridescent timepieces

By Lillian Schrock-Clevenger

Celeste Wong, founder of Celeste Watch Company on Main Street, taught herself to make watches following a career in engineering. She uses abalone and mother-of-pearl shells in her handcrafted dials.

Eugene launches feasibility study to address dangerous underwater dam

By Ashli Blow

An underwater dam in the Willamette River between Eugene and Springfield has long posed a danger to river users, trapping people in powerful currents while governments stalled on action. The city of Eugene has now set a timeline for a feasibility study.