Commissioners Approve SIP
The Lane County Board of Commissioners has approved a Strategic Investment Program agreement with Sierra Pacific Industries for a major $253 million expansion of its Eugene sawmill. The agreement grants partial property tax exemptions for 15 years in exchange for new capital investment and continued employment of the site’s 347 workers. West Lane Commissioner Ryan Ceniga says the deal benefits all of Lane County by supporting high-wage jobs and encouraging further business investment. He also highlighted $525,000 earmarked for rural patrol and $1 million in community service fees for Lane Fire Authority. The project marks the county’s first use of the SIP, which supports large-scale investments while ensuring millions in ongoing tax payments and community contributions. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2025.
Man Arrested in Swisshome
On July 14th, Lane County deputies and Oregon State Police responded to Highway 36 and Alder Street in Swisshome, where a man had blocked the road with his vehicle, trespassed on private property, and was reportedly screaming at residents while armed with a knife. A nearby State Trooper arrived first, while deputies—delayed about 40 minutes due to distance and limited staffing—responded alongside a Crisis Negotiation Team sergeant, who spoke with the man by phone. Nicholas Michael Reibold, 39, eventually complied with commands. He was wearing a tactical vest and body armor but had discarded the knife. Reibold was arrested for second-degree trespass and disorderly conduct.
Food Share Receives $10,000 Grant
Florence Food Share has received a $10,000 grant from the Three Rivers Foundation to help purchase essential food for distribution through its pantry from June to December 2025. Executive Director Colin Morgan says the funds will provide about 12,700 pounds of food, with Florence Food Share matching the grant with over $16,000 in donations and in-kind support. The Three Rivers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, supports programs that improve the well-being of communities across Southwest Oregon.
Firefighters Deployed
Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority has deployed five firefighters and two engines to the Cram Fire northeast of Madras, following a request by the Oregon State Fire Marshal. The Cram Fire has burned more than 28,000 acres and remains uncontained. WLFEA personnel will be part of a Lane County task force that could be on assignment for up to 14 days. WLFEA serves over 18,000 people across 98 square miles and responds to an average of 5,500 calls annually.
