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Local charities need more toys - "We are running out of time, distribution starts this coming weekend. Friday we start our set up. We are 16,000 behind where we need too be to do what we did last year." The holiday season is a time of giving, but some local charities are finding this season rough going. via KVAL-TV Eugene

Search for missing professor scaled back - "Sheriff's Office would like to emphasize that this case is still open and active, search efforts will continue as resources and weather permits." BLUE RIVER: The Lane County Sheriff's Office has scaled back the search for a missing Eugene man after an extensive effort that began after his disappearance on November 4th. On Tuesday, police said they would be changing the status of the search and rescue operation for Daming Xu, 63. The operation was changed from an active search to a passive search that afternoon.Sgt. Clint Riley said the on site command post was to be taken down and the ground search teams would be scaled back. "As weather permits and resources are available search teams will continue searching for Xu," Riley said. Read more

The people in Obama's army of small donors - "Anybody that contributes, we immediately call them and ask them if they would like to be part of our organization" Kriss Riggs isn't one to spend her money on politicians. "Even the place you can donate a dollar on your taxes, I refuse to do it," says the 60-year-old photographer from Blue River, Ore. via SignOnSanDiego.com

Scientist: Forest conditions spell danger - "The history of land use will be the main theme and I'll talk about how that is reflected in water quality and fish numbers" Some day a very, very bad fire may sweep out of the east and burn toward Sweet Home. via Sweethomenews.com

Tokatee founders fund $1-million turf professorship - "He would be very pleased with this gift." RAINBOW: A Northwest family with more than 40 years in the golf business has donated $1 million to endow a faculty position in turf management at Oregon State University. The N.B. and Jacqueline Giustina Professorship in Turf Management will help recruit a top faculty member to the program established by Tom Cook, who is planning to retire in fall 2008. The gift was a decision by the Giustina family to honor the late Nat Giustina, a 1941 OSU graduate, lifelong golfer and owner of an Oregon timber business. Read more

Willamette Rafting Trip Turns Fatal - By Amy Phillips May 22, 2008 Blue RIver, Ore. -- A man is missing, and presumed dead, after attempting to float the Willamette River from Eugene to Portland.

Fire destroys Blue River home - BLUE RIVER: A structure fire in Blue River last Tuesday drew a response from nine fire departments. According to Blue River Fire Chief Gene Flint, "Responding crews totaled about 40 people and were from the Blue River Fire Dept. - 1 engine, Upper McKenzie RFPD - 1 engine and tender, McKenzie Fire and Rescue - 3 engines and a tender, additional personnel from McKenzie Fire and Rescue, Lowell FD, Pleasant Hill FD, Dexter FD, Santa Clara FD, Goshen FD, and Coburg FD."The fire was reported by the neighbor Monty Wilson at about 11:30 a.m., when smoke was showing from the roof of the manufactured home at 51211 McKenzie Highway. The home, owned by Brandon and Cindy Rux, was a total loss although some personal items were saved, according to Flint.