Nathan Wilk, KLCC-FM (Eugene, OR) Journalist Profile

Articles

University of Oregon lays more than 40 employees, as workers brace for more cuts

3 days ago | klcc.org | Nathan Wilk

The University of Oregon laid off dozens of employees last week, and workers say they’re bracing for more cuts to come. UO moved last week to eliminate around 42 positions in its College of Arts and Sciences, including 11 career faculty. According to university spokesperson Eric Howald, the cuts were meant to help fill a budget shortfall at the college, which previously had around 1,400 full-time employees.
Lane County considers opening opioid addiction clinic in Florence

4 days ago | thelundreport.org | Nathan Wilk

Independent health news for Oregon and SW Washington There are no methadone clinics on the Oregon coast for 200 miles between Seaside and Coos Bay. The distance has led some people to stop taking the treatment entirely. by | Lane County is looking to open a new clinic in Florence to help treat opioid addiction.
Lane County considers opening opioid addiction clinic in Florence

1 week ago | klcc.org | Nathan Wilk

Lane County is looking to open a new clinic in Florence to help treat opioid addiction. The county wants to create a satellite of its treatment center in Eugene, which provides drug-assisted care using methadone or buprenorphine, two lower-risk opioids. According to the county, there are currently no methadone clinics on the Oregon coast between Seaside and Coos Bay—a more than 200-mile stretch.
Oregon bill would create new fines for mishandling sick livestock

1 week ago | klcc.org | Nathan Wilk

Oregon lawmakers have approved a bill that would create new fines for mishandling sick farm animals. State law already requires businesses to quarantine their diseased livestock, and state regulators can order that the animals are treated for their illnesses or euthanized. However, if someone refuses to follow the orders, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has said it sometimes has to rely on a criminal process to get them to comply.
At University of Oregon's commencement, speakers talk global turmoil

1 week ago | klcc.org | Nathan Wilk

The University of Oregon held its annual commencement ceremony Monday morning at Autzen Stadium, honoring more than 5,200 new graduates. The event featured dancing, a performance by a university choir, and plenty of cheers and tears from students’ friends and family. UO’s Class of 2025 was the first to enter college after the end of widespread COVID lockdowns. Around 400 more students are graduating this year than last year, according to the university.
An inside look at Lane County's jail deflection program

1 week ago | klcc.org | Nathan Wilk

Deflection programs are a new strategy in Oregon, designed to help people with substance abuse disorders avoid jail time. 28 counties have launched their own versions since fall, after state lawmakers re-criminalized low level drug possession. Today, Lane County’s program has deflected more than 170 people away from the courts. But many of its clients could still end up facing criminal charges. Navigators sat ready to respond in their offices near downtown Eugene.
Springfield street renamed in honor of Ukrainian community

2 weeks ago | klcc.org | Nathan Wilk

A street in Springfield has been renamed in honor of the local Ukrainian community. Last month, the city agreed to rename a block in a residential neighborhood from "Kiev Street" to "Kyiv Street." Now, a special blue-and-yellow street sign marks the site with the colors of Ukraine's flag. The name change brings the street in line with Ukraine’s official English spelling for its capital city, rather than using an older version with Russian origins.
Low-income veterinary clinic near Eugene faces threat of closure

2 weeks ago | klcc.org | Nathan Wilk

A low-income veterinary clinic in Pleasant Hill says it plans to shut down this month unless it can find additional funding. The Community Veterinary Center provides pet care, including surgery and dental treatments, on a sliding pay scale based on income. The nonprofit was formerly located on the St. Vincent de Paul campus in west Eugene, before moving to Pleasant Hill last year. Now, Lynda Erickson, a member of its Board of Directors, said it may have to shut down at the end of this month.
Oregon lawmakers consider making doxing a crime

2 weeks ago | klcc.org | Nathan Wilk

A bill moving through the Oregon legislature would make doxing a crime. Doxing is the act of publicizing someone’s personal information without their consent, so other people can locate them and harass or hurt them. A 2021 bill made this a sueable offense in Oregon. Now, some lawmakers want to make it a Class B misdemeanor.
Lane County students race battery-powered vehicles in Eugene

3 weeks ago | klcc.org | Nathan Wilk

Middle schoolers from across Lane County gathered in Eugene Thursday to show off and race battery-powered cars. Around 250 students attended the EWEB Electric Vehicle Challenge at the Lane County Fairgrounds, competing in categories of art, science, or speed. A group from Monroe Middle School created a miniature house with a propeller and helium balloons. Another vehicle was designed to crawl across ice.