Community Corner

🌱 How a university-style funding idea could reshape Eugene’s airport expansion plans

Coming up on the Eugene Patch calendar: Kevin Burke, Celtic Fiddle Master, Returns for a Special Solo Concert — Tsunami Books

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Hi there, Eugene! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a university-style funding idea could reshape Eugene’s airport expansion plans
  • Why Brian Obie is being honored as Eugene’s 2025 First Citizen
  • Why are water mains repeatedly bursting in southeast Eugene?

Also on today's calendar: Buck Magic.. Live on the Lawn at PublicHouse! — PublicHouse and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Eugenefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Eugenefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 61 and low of 42 degrees.
  • Friday: Intervals of clouds and sun, temps: high: 53, low: 38.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 55 and low of 42 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Eugene Airport looks for public and private support to fund concourse expansion (klcc.org) — Eugene Airport is exploring a major concourse and terminal expansion that could add eight gates, but needs roughly $241 million in new funding. Officials are pitching a mix of public money and university-style private benefactors to Eugene-area leaders, including the City Council and Lane County commissioners. The outcome could shape future flight options, airport congestion, and economic growth for local travelers and businesses.
   

2. Brian Obie named 2025 First Citizen for transformative leadership in Eugene (kval.com) — Former Eugene mayor and longtime business leader Brian Obie has been named the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 First Citizen, honoring more than 50 years of civic and economic leadership here. He’ll be recognized at the Chamber’s Celebration of Business on January 22, 2026, at the Graduate Eugene, highlighting his roles with 5th Street Public Market, local banking, and regional philanthropy.
   

3. Southeast Eugene area hit by recurring water main bursts (kezi.com) — Residents in southeast Eugene near East 30th Avenue and Willamette Street are dealing with a third water main break in recent weeks, sending muddy water into the street and disrupting service. EWEB blames pipeline corrosion in a 1982-installed main, is investigating soil and installation issues, and has added this stretch of E. 30th to its replacement list.
   

4. Lane County awards grants to seven nonprofits boosting local economic development (kval.com) — Lane County is awarding grants to seven nonprofits, including Eugene-based groups like the Eugene/Springfield NAACP and Onward Eugene, to boost local economic opportunity. Funded projects will expand childcare, workforce training in healthcare and industrial sewing, immigrant business support, and downtown revitalization, with services reaching Eugene and communities across the county in 2026.
   

📸 Around Eugene

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Eugene

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📣 Eugene Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday December 11
  • 2nd Grade Music Performance
    Douglas Gardens Gym
    6:00 pm
  • Word Open Mic
    Wordcrafters in Eugene , 436 Charnelton St #100 , Eugene
    7:00 pm
  • Horrible Bingo: Elves
    Art House , 492 E 13th Ave , Eugene
    7:00 pm
    • Friday December 12
  • Drop-In Tech Help
    Springfield Public Library , 225 Fifth Street , Springfield
    10:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Just wanted to share this special day with the community.
    With help from the Market of Choice for hosting my sharpening events this year, we were able to raise a total of over $450 combined to give to Food… (Nextdoor North Park Triangle)
  • Scam Alert - Posing as EWEB
    My wife got a call from phone number 541-717-3039 claiming to be EWEB and that they were about to disconnect our service due to a late bill. The… (Nextdoor North Gilham)
  • Sinceri Senior Living posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Eugene. Apply here.
  • City of Eugene Oregon posted a job opening for Lateral Police Officer in Eugene. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Eugene here.

Ok Eugene! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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