Springfield News

An elementary school team from Walterville School won first place in their division of Battle of the Books at Springfield High School on Saturday.

According to the Springfield School District:

"Walterville's team actually won on a challenge. With the score 75 to 70 in favor of Lincoln's team, Walterville was asked if they had a challenge. They replied that they did, and were given two minutes to find supporting evidence in the book that supported their assertion that one of their answers was right. After much dramatic tension, the panel of judges determined that they were correct, and the points were taken from Lincoln and given to Walterville, thus giving Walterville the victory, 75 to 70. It would have been truly heartbreaking for the other team, after so much hard work over several months, if they weren't able to go on to state. So they'll have another chance in April to see if they can get the better of Walterville, and the other teams arriving from other regions."

This was the first year a regional tournament was held in Springfield.

475 students competed in 95 teams from Coos, Douglas and Lane Counties.

The head wrestling coach from Junction City High School faces charges he had a sexual relationship with a student over the course of several months.

Lane County sheriff’s detectives arrested Michael James Hoppe, 27, of Junction City, Ore., in Springfield, Ore., on Thursday, March 11, on suspicion of third degree rape, first and third degree sodomy, and third degree sex abuse.

Hoppe is the head wrestling coach at Junction City High School. The female victim is a studnet at the school.

Detectives arrested Hoppe following an investigation into allegations Hoppe was having a sexual relationship with the student, the sheriff's office said Friday. The investigation revealed Hoppe’s relationship with the student occurred over several months, according to the sheriff's office.

Hoppe's coaching contract with the Junction City School District has ended, the district told KVAL News.

"We take the safety and confidentiality of our students very seriously," said Stephanie White, executive assistant in the superintendent's office. "Any time any sort of report is given to us, we take immediate action and work with law enforcement."

Police said they caught a tagger in the act early Thursday morning.

Around 3 a.m., Springfield police got a call from a person who -- while working -- heard footsteps on the roof near the businesses at 41st and Main Street.

Employees of Papas Pizza said the buildings in that area get tagged regularly.

A Springfield officer responded and found Joshua Jordan, 25, tagging buildings, including Papas Pizza and some other businesses close by, police said.

Jordan was arrested and taken to the Springfield jail.

From a press release | Learn to post your own

On Thursday, March 11th, Jim Huffman will hold a Lane County kick-off of his United States Senate race for the seat occupied by Sen. Ron Wyden. The announcement will take place at the Richard E. Wildish Community Theater at 630 Main Street in Springfield, starting at 4:30 PM.

Jim Huffman will be introduced at the kick-off by Eugene-area attorney and businessman Steve Wildish. Huffman announced his candidacy in Portland on March 4th.