A decade of stories you might recall.

Byline: Bob Welch The Register-Guard

Local highlights from the last decade, based on my reports from years' past:

2001

In an attempt to create thoughtful, mature dialogue about local issues, a group calling itself "The Gang of 9" begins toilet papering the houses of Eugene City Council members.

The drought-stricken Eugene Yacht Club replaces its Thursday night races with mud wrestling.

2002

In a horrific outbreak of violence, furniture is burned, traffic signs destroyed and police pelted with bottles as upper-crust UO football fans protest a lack of quality Chardonnays on the new Club at Autzen's wine list.

As part of the new Homeland Security Act, Attorney General John Ashcroft announces that children waiting to get on the Gateway Mall's "Frog Hopper" ride must submit to a weapons search.

The celebratory atmosphere of the new Eugene Public Library's opening is tainted by the revelation that Craig Hinckley, the 6-year-old boy who checked out the first book in the old library 43 years ago, never returned the copy of "Curious George" and, thus, owes $1.34 million in overdue fines.

2003

The Portland Trail Blazers launch a new "Partnership With Portland" plan in which elementary schoolchildren will visit with team members to share anti-drug and anti-violence messages.

After initially designing the new federal courthouse without a wheelchair ramp, the General Services Administration changes its mind, saying that a latent Y2K computer bug had them thinking it was the year 1003, not 2003.

2004

Presidential candidate John Kerry wows a crowd at Eugene's March restaurant by ordering the Wood Oven Roasted Chinook Salmon, then switching to the Pan Roasted Venison and finally deciding on the Pan Seared Pacific Ling Cod - before flip-flopping and deciding to stick with the salmon.

At McArthur Court, filmmaker Michael Moore blames President George W. Bush for global warming, the demise of old-growth forests and that annoyingly long stop light at Gateway and Harlow Road.

2005

After USC beats Oregon, football coach Mike Bellotti decries a rash of injuries: three broken legs, two fractured jaws and numerous abrasions. "If fans can't behave themselves," he tells the press, "they shouldn't come to games."

Mayor Kitty Piercy turns down an invitation to the Mayors' Prayer Breakfast, saying she wants to be the mayor of all Eugene, not just those who eat breakfast.

Sheldon and South Eugene high schools file lawsuits after the Oregon School Activities Association places them in the Big-10 Conference.

2006

Replay-booth officials for the Oregon-Oklahoma game confess they never saw footage of the controversial kick because they were watching "Charlie's Angels" reruns.

UO football coach Mike Bellotti refuses to talk to the media about Oregon's 38-8 loss in the Las Vegas Bowl, saying, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken says if Eugene voters turn down funding for a new city hall, his city is willing to build it.

2007

After two young passengers don't make it on an EmX bus, LTD launches a "No Child Left Behind" program to ensure everyone, big and small, gets on board.

2008

In the aftermath of a mass Naked Bike Ride to protest oil dependency, the Eugene Chamber of Commerce considers changing the city's motto to "A Little Sun, Many Moons."

2009

In a time when the United States is at war and the economy slumping to its lowest levels since the Depression, The Register-Guard's angriest letter writers are arguing against breast cancer ads that encourage women to "make time for the girls" and get mammograms.

After the success of Oregon's 70-year-old Paul Westhead with the women's basketball team, insiders say that if Ernie Kent can't get the men's program winning, the UO is considering replacing him with 80-year-old Barbara Walters.

Columnist Bob Welch wishes a Happy New Year to all - and vows in 2010 to step up to the plate and reduce his number of sports metaphors.

Bob Welch is at 338-2354 and [e-mail].