Openings and Anniversaries

Butte Creek Mill Will Flour Again

A Southern Oregon treasure (albeit, undiscovered by many) is the Butte Creek Mill located in Eagle Point. Beginning operations in 1872 and on the National Register of Historic Places, the Butte Creek Mill was the last water-powered grist mill, still commercially operating, this side of the Mississippi. That was until an accidental fire tragically burnt it to the ground on Christmas day in 2015. Fortunately, the mill stones were not harmed in the fire and the basement remained mostly intact. The Butte Creek Mill Foundation was formed to bring the Mill back to life, as well as recognize the location’s historic impact in the community with plans to incorporate an interpretive center, exhibits, school curriculum and their famous flour baking mixes and other culinary treats. Already having raised more than $1 million in donations, the hope is to reopen in the summer of 2019. Top fundraising efforts have included a concert put on by Jim Belushi (who lives in Eagle Point) and a $100k donation from Bob Moore, of Bob’s Red Mill.

Track Town USA: Painting a Pretty Future

The 2021 International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships are right around the corner—the first time this event will take place in the U.S.—so it’s guaranteed to draw a crowd. And because of that, Eugene is getting ready: sprucing up streets, opening new hotels and making the city even more accessible for visitors to explore. The 2-X21 mural project is an initiative that aims to create 20 (or more) unique outdoor murals throughout the city between now and 2021.