Who’s Representing You?
What’s at stake for south Eugene and rural Lane County on Nov. 5?
By JOSEPH CHIU, BRANDON BROCH City News Reporters
After the Lane County Democratic Party lost the House of Representatives seat for District 12 in the 2022 election, it’s looking to come back stronger with the same nominee: Michelle Emmons, the self-proclaimed “Dirtroad Democrat.”
Emmons will take on Darin Harbick (R) in the general election on Nov. 5 to become the Oregon State Representative for House District 12, an area that represents South Eugene and rural towns around Eugene.
In 2022, Emmons lost the HD-12 State Representative election to Charlie Conrad. This year, she entered the race through a write-in campaign and
UO Logs Six NCAA Violations In 2023-24, All “Limited”
One of the violations included Puddles interrupting a photoshoot
By YSABELLA SOSA Campus News Reporter
The Oregon Ducks have self-reported six National Collegiate Athletics Association secondary violations that were committed during the 2023-24 season, according to University of Oregon records obtained by the Daily Emerald.
Self-reported violations fall under Level III of the NCAA’s violation structure, and is categorized as a violation that is “isolated or limited in nature.”
The violations – all “limited in nature” – range
from the football program’s recruiting efforts to a prohibited publicity move.
Among the self-reported violations were two similar incidents that both came from the women’s golf team and football team: impermissible decorations, which were recorded to be balloons, were found in the hotel rooms of official visitors.
The football program had another violation that was not specified, according to the records.
UO’s mascot, the Duck, walked through Autzen Stadium after a photo shoot concluded with a prospective student-athlete, which was documented as an impermissible game simulation. This incident was the third violation by the football program that year...
Turn to VIOLATIONS page 9
won the Democratic nomination with 655 votes. She said she’s focusing on engaging with the voices of district members and leading the rural community through her “Dirtroad” candidacy motto.
“My job as a legislative representative of our community is to ensure that we are leading Oregon together,” Emmons said. “I hope to ask people for what they want and help to carry that forward in the legislature. I don’t see Harbick doing that.”
In the Republican primary election for HD-12, Conrad was beaten by Harbick after earning just 1397 votes compared to Harbick’s 6709 votes. Lou Sinniger, a Eugene resident, explained his thoughts on the race...
Turn to DIRTROAD pages 6-7
Michelle Emmons is running for the Oregon District 12 House seat. She hopes to adress her constituencies natural disaster response and bodily autonomy rights in Oregon. (Miles Cull/ Emerald)
The Oregon Duck joins students to cheer on the Oregon Ducks football team. The Oregon Ducks crush the Arizona Wildcats 41-19 in game four of the 2021 season. (lan Enger/Emerald)
The Racks, a studentowned thrift shop, opened recently at 5th Street Market.
Kody Kelleher began his role as UO’s secretary and advisor to the president on Aug. 15. Arts and Culture Campus
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Letter From the Editor
We Have A New Look. Our Mission Is The Same.
By TRISTIN HOFFMAN, MATHIAS LEHMAN-WINTERS, RYAN EHRHART Editor-in-Chief, Print Managing Editor, Design Editor
Things look a bit different around here, don’t they?
Since June, the Daily Emerald has been undergoing some massive changes in our design and newsroom. We launched a new website, which involved an export of over 57,000 stories and nearly the same amount in photos and multimedia content. We switched up our newsletter, which you can subscribe to by clicking “Newsletter” on the bottom of our site.
Our previously sole News desk, a giant of up to 13 reporters at times, was split into two news teams with the goal of diversifying our coverage. Today, our Campus News reporters and City News reporters cover stories with a similar, yet different, mission: to pursue the truth. A mission we’ll pursue whether it be in student government halls or local government halls and whether on the streets of Eugene or on campus at the University of Oregon.
And, if you’re really judging a book (newspaper) by its cover (frontpage), we completely redesigned our newspaper from front to back. We took a look at our masthead, logo, font choices, choices in color, and, most importantly, how we were showcasing our stories to you and what stories we should showcase. We decided to rip it up and start again.
The last time the Emerald’s print edition went under the knife and donned a new look was nearly 12 years ago. Current Emerald staff members and alumni alike know this period as the “Revolution” – fronted by the Emerald Media Group publisher at the time, Ryan Frank, the “Revolution” aimed to modernize the Emerald’s structure.
It did. And it’s a heavy inspiration to us right now. But after 12 years of the same print design, we wanted a break from the past and once again embrace the traditional newspaper format. Something different – both with our visual showcase and with what content we were running. The decision? More stories, fewer word count, hyper-local news and hyper-timely topics. Each change has been made with the intention of highlighting the diverse work of our staff. From indicating writers’ positions on staff in the bylines to creating more breathing room for our photographers’ captions, we celebrate each creative team of ours in an enduring print medium.
We are proud and privileged to be able to continue delivering our stories in print. Our return to a more traditional newspaper look speaks to the core of our goal with this revamp: platforming hard-hitting, independent student journalism.
We’re extremely excited to be finally sharing this months-long project with you. We hope, since we had you in mind during this whole design process, that you’ll enjoy reading through it.
See you again in September.
The
Weekly Top
10 Top 10 Ways To Stay Cool
In Eugene
By Daily Emerald Newsroom
This summer in Eugene has witnessed some relentless heatwaves. We’ve all been there: no in-house air conditioning, no backyard pool, sweat trickling down your neck so much you could have just come out of the pool. But no longer. If you just follow these tips, you’ll be as cool as a cucumber when the next heatwave rolls around.
1: Go for a dip in John. E Jaqua Academic Center for Student Athletes’ pool.
2: Have a Rennie’s Landing Lemonade. Just don’t have too many. You won’t feel too good. Or cool.
3: Stand on top of Mt. Pisgah and enjoy the breeze.
4: Chill under the shade of Autzen bridge.
Accept the mosquito-related consequences.
5: Run through yard sprinklers, wherever you can find them.
6: Get some ice cream at Prince Pücklers. Located conveniently next to the aforementioned pool.
7: Drink water.
8: Make friends with someone who has air conditioning.
9: Kayak down the Willamette River. For a significantly cooler option, forgo the kayak.
10: Move into the freezer section at your local grocery store.
Women’s Soccer
Oregon v Pittsburgh Mathew Knight Arena 8/30/24
Oregon v Long Beach State Mathew Knight Arena 9/1/24
Women’s Volleyball
Oregon @ Oregon State Corvallis, OR 8/24/24
Football
Oregon v Idaho Oregon @ New Mexico State Las Cruces, NM 8/22/24
(Lulu Devoulin/ Emerald)
(Courtesy of Kody Kelleher)
Class Of 2028 IntroDUCKtion Is Underway
The University of Oregon’s class of 2028’s freshman IntroDUCKtion began on July 11 and incoming students reflected on the costs of their attendance
By REILLY NORGREN AND MCKENZIE LARUE Campus News Reporters
IntroDUCKtion serves as a first look at the University of Oregon for the incoming class of 2028 as they make their way to campus.
The class of 2028, and any class during IntroDUCKtion, spends a two-day period touring campus, meeting future classmates and acclimating to the “freshmen-style living” with the ability to spend two nights in the dormitories.
Arts & Culture
Shakespeare In The Park’s Latest: The Tempest
By CLAIRE COIT Arts & Culture Writer
What says Eugene more than whimsical free events and celebrating the arts? On Saturday, Aug. 10, Free Shakespeare in the Park, a dedicated theater company in Eugene, put on their weekly performance of “The Tempest.”
The Tempest, Shakespeare’s final solo work, tells a story of forgiveness and romance following a tragic shipwreck. With themes of magic, family and betrayal, the show teaches the audience the lesson of forgiveness, while showcasing just how spirited Shakespeare plays can be.
With standout performances from leading man Christian Abbott (Prospero) and his charming onstage daughter, Hailey Flynn (Miranda), the show lit up Amazon Community Center’s amphitheater with passion for the arts and good storytelling.
Sharon Selove, founder and artistic director of FSITP, started the theater company in the spring of 1999. Motivated by her love of theater and childhood viewings of Shakespeare in the park in New York City, she aimed to create a similar tradition here in Eugene.
“For me, Shakespeare in the park is about community. It’s about bringing the community
The IntroDUCKtion orientation sessions are mandatory to attend on campus, except for one off-site session in Honolulu, Hawaii. Previous off-campus locations have been in Dallas, Chicago and Washington D.C. IntroDUCKTION is not a free experience, meaning that for students coming from out of the city, state or even country, travel costs are something to consider.
The price for admission to IntroDUCKtion is $395, and that covers up to two nights in university housing, staff wages, any meals provided and other necessities such as custodial, sanitization, space and equipment rentals. This cost is the same regardless if an incoming student is an Oregon resident or not.
Ren Baez, an incoming freshman who traveled from Illinois, reflected on the costs involved.
“[It took] about $395, close to $400, to get here, not to mention transportation. It kind of adds up,” Baez said. “I mean college costs a lot anyways. It never gets
easy, these kinds of payments.”
When asked about their satisfaction with IntroDUCKtion, they said, “I’m happy to be here. Honestly, it’s worth it. These things have their costs for a reason. I do feel that here, it really applies.”
According to a statement from Cora Bennett, director of Student Orientation Programs at UO, fees for the orientation break down into four main cost options. The two-day on-campus session fee, the one-day on-campus session fee, an off-site fee and fee for having an extra guest.
“IntroDUCKtion and Week of Welcome are not a profit-making enterprise for the university,” Bennett said.
The fee structure is “regularly” re-evaluated by the university, according to Bennett. Any changes made are vetted by the Tuition and Fee Advisory Board.
“Our hope is that most students and their families feel like they’ve gotten their money’s worth,” Bennett said.
Actors perform as part of the Shakespeare in the Park performance of “The Tempest” on August 11, 2024. The performances-free to the public — take place at the Amazon Community Center, and will continue with “The Tempest” through August 25. (Alex Hernandez/Emerald)
together to have this wonderful collective experience,” she said. “We get to experience not only the arts and Shakespeare, which is my passion, but we also get to experience each other.”
Regarding the funding of the show, Selove said, “All of the funds that we raise through donations go to our program. They pay for our costumes, our sound. The first 10 years, we had no sound, our actors were just speaking Shakespeare to the wind!”
The theater company also received a grant from the city of Eugene called Art in the Parks, which supports the project and helps cover costs and upgrades.
Thanks to these community donations and grants, FSITP can now afford costumes, sets, and a sound system to put on summer productions like The Tempest. This support allows them to put on great performances, while keeping them accessible to the community in Eugene.
Bill Winkley, local theater enthusiast and attendee of the show, spoke about the theater company’s performances, saying, “It’s amazing, everybody up
there. Their energy, their passion!”
Winkley, who has acted in several Shakespeare productions himself, commended the cast and crew of FSITP. “The director must really know theater, they know how to play to the audience. It’s a really talented group of people doing this,” He said. Through creative costuming and passionate performances across the board, FSITP showed on Saturday evening that Shakespeare can be fun and accessible to all.
Elsa Siedler, youngest member of FSITP, spoke about her perspective on Shakespeare. “I think that a lot of people have difficulty with the language in Shakespeare plays, but I really enjoy it,” she said. “I like how poetic and dramatic it is. There’s a lot of potential in these shows.”
Every Saturday and Sunday in August, The Tempest starts at 6 p.m. on Amazon Community Center’s south lawn. With a two-hour runtime and 15-minute intermission, don’t miss this great community event.
A look into Free Shakespeare in the Park and their commitment to theater for the community
IntroDUCKtion kicked off July 11 as the University of Oregon welcomes the class of 2028 to campus (Lulu Devoulin/ Emerald)
‘Dirtroad Democrat’ Seeks
Michelle Emmons, a self-proclaimed “Dirtroad Democrat,” is looking to turn the House District 12 State Representative seat her way as she takes on Republican candidate Darin Harbick in the upcoming election
By JOSEPH CHIU, BRANDON BROCH City News Reporters
After the Lane County Democratic Party lost the House of Representatives seat for District 12 in the previous election, it’s looking to come back stronger with the same nominee: Michelle Emmons, the self-proclaimed “Dirtroad Democrat.”
Emmons will take on Darin Harbick (R) in the general election on Nov. 5 to become the Oregon State Representative for House District 12, an area that represents south Eugene and rural towns around Eugene.
In 2022, Emmons lost the HD-12 State Representative election to Charlie Conrad. This year, she entered the race through a write-in campaign and won the Democratic nomination with 655 votes. She said she’s focusing on engaging with the voices of district members and leading the rural community through her “Dirt Road” candidacy motto.
“My job as a legislative representative of our community is to ensure that we are leading Oregon together,” Emmons said. “I hope to ask people for what they want and help to carry that forward in the legislature. I don’t see Harbick doing that.”
In the Republican primary election for HD-12, Conrad was beaten by Harbick after earning just 1397 votes compared to Harbick’s 6709 votes. Lou Sinniger, a Eugene resident, explained his thoughts on the race.
– Continued From Cover –
“Conrad lost the primary because he was in the House Committee on Healthcare,” Sinniger said. “He voted ‘Yes’ for Senate Bill 1089 out of the committee and into the house.”
Where Do the Candidates Stand on Major Issues?
Regarding abortion and LGBTQ debates, Emmons said many policies are already in existence like the healthcare policies of SB 1089 and House Bill 2002 that provides rights for women about their bodies, and for individuals of LGBTQ status to be treated in a fair and comprehensive way to receive their needed healthcare.
Emmons said that these types of policies are in danger of being repealed
or questioned by the Republican party in the upcoming election. She said she would be open to hearing policies that individuals may consider and making sure every voter has a voice.
“It isn’t that I need to come up with a policy around protection of LGBTQ necessarily, but that I need to uphold the constitutional freedoms that are already in existence in our state’s constitution,” Emmons said.
Harbick, who holds a pro-life stance, stated on his campaign website that he prioritizes protecting individual rights as free citizens while protecting the sanctity of life and upholding individual liberty.
He said that he will work to undo Conrad’s “Yes” vote on Oregon House Bill 2002, which was passed last year. The bill states under Section Eight that minors under 15 years of age may give consent to an abortion without the consent of a parent or guardian.
Harbick did not respond to the Daily Emerald’s multiple requests for an interview.
In an email reaching out to the Lane County Republican Party for an interview, Chairperson John Large responded, “Don’t you have something more constructive to talk about besides abortion and gays.” It was specified in the email that this story would discuss topics such as abortion and LGBTQ debates.
Don’t
you have something more constructive to talk about besides abortion and gays.
– Email response from Lane County Republicans when asked to comment for this story
David Ainsworth, a recent University of Oregon graduate, expressed what he expects from the two candidates.
“One thing is what their policies are like. That is the most important thing,” Ainsworth said. “Are these policies that will be good for all of us? Do they represent our district well?
On the issue of abortion, he said that Harbick’s website doesn’t explicitly say what his exact position is and thinks that it’s a way to win votes.
Seeks To Flip Red Seat
“Does he oppose all of it? Or some of it? He’s not making that clear and I think that is a way to get votes,” Ainsworth said. “Since clearly as we’ve seen the majority of the people are prochoice. So he doesn’t want to explicitly say that he firmly opposes abortion because if he says that, that could hurt him in the general [election].”
Emmons pointed out that the Constitution values individual freedom, and said that this includes bodily autonomy. She said it scares her that “someone who claims to be a constitutionalist or a conservative wants to take those freedoms away” from the people of the district.
“We need to have safe public spaces where people can be who they are and be accepted in those spaces as part of a community that celebrates different perspectives,” Emmons said.
How the Election Could Change Eugene, Lane County
When asked how this election can affect students and residents in Eugene, Emmons said state resources and policy decisions can affect students’ ability to work, the available internship opportunities through funds received, reallocations of certain resources and more.
For issues regarding affordable housing development plans, an issue prevalent with the increase of luxury student housing around the University of Oregon, Harbick said in an interview with The Register-Guard that a reform is needed regarding underlying structural cost drivers.
We need to have safe public spaces where people can be who they are and be accepted in those spaces as part of a community that celebrates different perspectives
–
Michelle Emmons, Oregon House District 12 Candidate
He said the land use system and permitting processes “are broken.”
However, Emmons wants to allow communities to have some control over their developments based on economic plans.
“We need to build housing in a way that provides equitable access to services and recreation, and it needs to be looked at from different perspectives,” Emmons said.
Emmons said she hopes people will vote for her based on the fact that she wants to create transparency and a safe, respectful space to have discourse about problems and solutions that the HD-12 community has.
“I think my voters want transparent leadership, and they want a leader who’s going to be open to a broad coalition of voices to help govern policies around our state and House District 12,” Emmons said. “That’s the story I need to tell and that’s how I think I’m going to win.”
Michelle Emmons stands amongst burnt trees near Oakridge, Ore. As a canitate for Oregon House District 12, she hopes to adress her constituencies’ natural disaster response. (Miles Cull/Emerald)
Michelle Emmons stands in wildfire smoke at her home in Oakridge. She is running for the Oregon House District 12 seat, and hopes to adress her constituencies’ natural disaster response and bodily autonomy rights in Oregon. (Miles Cull/Emerald)
UO Commits Six NCAA Violations In 2023-24 Season
The University of Oregon reported six NCAA secondary violations by the athletics department, which are all “limited in nature”
By YSABELLA SOSA
News Reporter
The Oregon Ducks have selfreported six National Collegiate Athletics Association secondary violations that were committed during the 2023-24 season, according to University of Oregon records obtained by the Daily Emerald.
Self-reported violations fall under Level III of the NCAA’s violation structure, and is categorized as a violation that is “isolated or limited in nature.”
The violations – all “limited in nature” – range from the football program’s recruiting efforts to a prohibited publicity move.
Among the self-reported violations were two similar incidents that both came from the women’s golf team and football team: impermissible decorations, which were recorded to be balloons, were found in the hotel rooms of official visitors.
The football program had another violation that was not specified, according to the records.
UO’s mascot, the Duck, walked through Autzen Stadium after a photo shoot concluded with a prospective student-athlete, which was documented as an impermissible game simulation. This incident was the third
(Noa Schwartz/Emerald)
violation by the football program that year.
– Continued From Cover –
Another violation included a men’s basketball student athlete who played in a national team scrimmage.
UO reported “impermissible publicity” about a prospective studentathlete, though the sport involved was not specified.
The penalties for each of the violations are unclear.
According to former UO Law Professor Robert Illig, colleges, including UO, are “constantly self-reporting” to prevent severe penalizations.
“If a school self-reports that they’ve done something problematic, and sort of self penalizes, then they’re [NCAA] nice about it,” Illig said. “But if they [NCAA] find out that the school is doing something and not self reporting, then they come down really, really hard.”
Meghan Durham Wright, associate director of communications for the NCAA, said in an email statement to the Daily Emerald that “self-reporting violations to the NCAA” can be a sign of a “healthy campus compliance department.”
According to Illig, colleges will typically suggest a penalty as a corrective measure.
The UO Athletic Department declined to comment for this article.
UO’s NCAA Violations, 2023-24
Oregon Duck walked through Autzen Stadium after a photo shoot concluded witha prospective student athlete (Football)
A
Ulmer’s Elite Flock Sees A New Face
After two incredible seasons, Oregon volleyball aims to recover from the loss of almost all of its key players
By JACK LAZARUS Sports Reporter
Winning – That’s all Oregon volleyball’s come to know over the last few years.
Most recently, Matt Ulmer’s veteran superteam finished the 2023 season ranked at No. 7 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association final Top 25.
Of that group, seven seniors signed professional contracts in the offseason. After two straight runs to the Elite Eight, being the eight remaining teams in the National Tournament, Ulmer has a tall task at hand in replacing these stars.
The most crushing loss of all came in the departure of All-American setter Hannah Pukis. Pukis operated the Ducks’ offense and took over games with her incredible passing. Pukis racked up 374 assists in her time at Oregon.
The only mainstay for the Ducks offensively is outside hitter Mimi Colyer, who will be the point at which the offense moves through this season. Colyer proved herself as a national star over her past two seasons, and the junior seeks another major leap in 2024.
If Colyer takes that next step, the Ducks have an incredible opportunity to finally get over the Elite Eight hump they’ve experienced over the last two seasons.
The crux of any defense in volleyball is the front line, but how can Oregon
recover from losing its dominating front?
That will become the most important question Ulmer needs to answer, as the Ducks lost their formidable trio of Morgan Lewis, Karson Bacon and Kara McGhee.
While not the whole answer, redshirt junior Colby Neal steps into the role after making numerous rotation appearances in 2023.
Aiding her is a combination of experience and a fresh face in Onye Ofoegbu, who should get more minutes this season after playing primarily a bench role in 2023.
Oregon also recruited an All-American freshman to aid the line. Mia Tvrdy, an outstanding defender and server, joined the Ducks to bolster the defense. While Ulmer doesn’t generally start freshman, Tvrdy may force his hand as a high-caliber high school recruit entering a young team. The 2024 iteration of Oregon Volleyball enters the season building off the success of those that departed. This season serves to prove that Ulmer is constructing a program built to last.
Campus
Mimi Colyer (15) goes for the kill. The University of Oregon Ducks Volleyball team defeated the University of California Golden Bears in a home match at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore., on Oct. 20, 2023. (Eric Becker/Emerald)
Local Youth Org Works On Wildfire Containment In Eugene
A barrier blocks the road to the top of Skinner Butte due to “fire risk” on August 12, 2024. (Alex Hernandez/Emerald)
Fire-reduction projects from local organizations have an impact on nearby brush fires
By JOSEPH CHIU City News Reporter
As Oregon enters another wildfire season, the importance of local organizations throughout the state focusing on wildfire prevention is amplified.
Northwest Youth Corps is a youth organization based in Eugene that performs conservation projects and partners with organizations across
Opinion
Embrace
Nostalgia At Enchanted Forest
the Pacific Northwest, including those focused on wildfire prevention.
NYC is the parent organization of Twin Rivers Charter School, which has been involved with vegetation management projects in Eugene, most recently on June 24 at Skinner’s Butte. As part of the project, a crew of two leaders and five students performed invasive species removal and removed dry vegetation to decrease the severity of possible wildfires.
One week later, a half-acre brush fire broke out at the top of Skinner Butte on July 2 and was quickly contained by Eugene-Springfield Fire. Sarah
the frozen-in-time amusement park, Enchanted Forest.
In my few hours at Enchanted Forest, I soon rediscovered the whimsy that distinguishes these small, handmade parks from the glitz and glamor of industry giants. I became increasingly convinced of our duty, as the next generation of Oregon residents, to keep Enchanted Forest thriving.
But why would we, as college students, invest our limited time and funds in Enchanted Forest?
First and foremost, fostering our sense of fun and nostalgia — at a reasonable price — is invaluable.
My Brat summer has largely consisted of working full-time, staying contemporary with Gen Alpha slang and 10 p.m. bedtimes. To coax myself out of this Beta rut, I decided to revisit every Oregonian’s childhood favorite:
Worthington, Community Wildfire Protection Corps director, said she believes the school’s efforts helped contain the fire and ensure that it didn’t spread quickly.
“Wildfire vegetation management is extremely important,” Twin Rivers Charter School Principal Kristin Humphrey said. “Our students are very dedicated, they work very hard, they are invested, they understand how important fire mitigation is and how important invasive species removal is for our native plants.”
The Community Wildfire Protection Corps is a program that is part of NYC and works to reduce wildfire risk through meaningful land management in Oregon. CWPC members work to create a buffer of defensible space around surrounding properties and infrastructure to slow the spread of wildfires.
Worthington said that it is important to ensure wildfires do not break out of control if they occur, making sure that there’s a high chance of things
being saved and that individuals have places to stay in an emergency.
“I think the work that they do is really essential,” Worthington said. “It’s been researched that work in the Home Ignition Zone definitely works to prevent these fires and the loss of structures and homes in our communities.”
NYC received a $12 million grant from the USDA Forest Service to engage young adults in urban forestry stewardship programs such as tree inventory and removal during the summer, along with a $4 million investment to fund these programs and activities.
“We work to provide conservation efforts,” Humphrey said. “Educating the public, educating other students and working with other students at other schools potentially, it could be able to spread that knowledge to decrease the chances of wildfires and increase environmental awareness.”
“I remember first going to Enchanted Forest with my aunt when I was eight. Going back as an adult brought back a lot of good memories,” Oregon State University sophomore Michelle Creitz said.
Fairytale Lane, Enchanted Forest’s first attraction, provides sentimental value. While walking through 1970s depictions of classic fairy tales, you can’t help but be transported back to a time of simplicity and magic.
Creitz added, “Fairytale Lane made me feel like a kid again.”
Additionally, the prices are reminiscent of pre-2024 inflation. Alas, I miss $2 soft drinks.
Few modern amusement parks are
handmade, especially by one family. Enchanted Forest stands apart, with the Tofte family to thank for writing each song featured in attractions and the construction of the park itself.
“My father [Roger Tofte] built the park in seven years while holding down three jobs at once. We opened in 1971 with only a piece of butcher paper attached to the fence,” Susan Vaslev, the eldest daughter of the family and current co-manager of the park, said in an interview.
When COVID-19 hit, the Tofte family, along with the park, embodied resilience. With no income for months, Enchanted Forest appeared to be doomed.
“I don’t know what business can go that long without any form of income,” Vaslev said.
With support from generations of guests and over $400,000 in GoFundMe donations, Enchanted Forest lives on today.
While the appeal is less obvious for our age group, Enchanted Forest is the perfect getaway for University of Oregon students. It’s an opportunity for a creative and mental refresh and only an hour’s drive away.
Where else can you simultaneously shock a Hinge date with your spontaneity and explore the tales of childhood?
Signs of a fire mark the side of Skinner Butte (Alex Hernandez/Emerald)
Opinion: this Oregon classic stands the test ff ime
Gracie Cox Opinion Columnist
Gracie is a secondyear student and the Emerald’s Associate Opinion Editor. Her columns center around UO and Oregonian culture.
The Enchanted Forest is home to many storybook characters. The Enchanted Forest is a family owned theme park located just outside of Salem, Ore. (Lulu Devoulin/ Emerald)
“All done!”
Puccini’s “Nessun dorma,” e.g.
Forgets to add an attachment, say
Virtual thumbs-up
“West Side Story” role for Ariana and Rita
“You can’t please everyone,” for one
Did not stand
Just a number, some say
Realm reached by the rainbow bridge Bifröst
South American range
Tastes brownie batter before baking, perhaps
32-Across view
Wringing wet
Baseball unit
Grassy tract 46 “Vous êtes __”: Paris map line
camera letters
50 Attend while muted, as a virtual company meeting 54 British Columbia border state
56 Parts of Groucho Marx disguises 57 Feline user of a pet door, and a feature of 18-, 23-, 38-, and 50-Across?
62 Actress Garr
Stews (over)
Weary sigh
Parentheses shapes
“Jumpin’ Jack __”: Rolling Stones hit
Ready to eat
Editor’s “never mind”
DOWN
1 Takes an extra base 2 “The Chronicles of __”: C.S. Lewis series 3 Floating aimlessly 4 Crafting adhesive 5 Good buddy 6 Sch. in the smallest U.S. state
Crossword Sudoku
7 Sneakers with swooshes 8 Billy Blanks fitness regimen 9 Make fuzzy 10 Received permission to proceed 11 Granola morsel 12 Nestlé’s __-Caps
13 Cable channel with daily deals 19 C-notes 21 Nome resident 24 Omelet ingredients 25 Boarding pass assignments
27 Cancel, in a document
28 Property claim 29 Bldg. coolers
33 Peninsula northeast of Boston
34 Protesters, often
35 P-like Greek letter
36 Distributed, as cards
38 Partner of Julie and Pete on “The Mod Squad”
39 “It just __ fair!” 40 __-Ball: arcade game 41 Singer Damone
Happy 46 Magazine extra
Force
