Local News Archives for 2014-01

Oregon Think Tank Supports a Boost in the Federal Minimum Wage

Of course, there are varying opinions on whether that's a good idea.

 

Conservatives think raising the minimum wage would hurt the economy while it's still recovering.

 

But the Executive Director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy, Chuck Sheketoff supports the President's efforts.

 

"The President is right about the income inequality being a defining issue.  It's important and needs to be addressed.  I'm pleased he's going to take some action on that because congress is refusing to act.  But he ought to continue pushing congress to raise the minimum wage nation wide."

 

President Obama is throwing his support behind Congressional Democrat's propsaol to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.

 

The federal minimum wage set in 2009 is currently $7.25 an hour.

HooDoo Not Opening This Weekend

The ski hill has been uanble to open so far this winter because of our mild weather.

 

Unfortuantely the latest storm, which was mainly rain -- washed away what little snow the ski hill had.

 

HooDoo had originally planned to open the day afer Thanksgiving, but couldn't because of lack of snow.

 

They want 30 inches of the white stuff on the ground to open.

U.S. Senate Candidate Monica Wehby Gets Fundraising Help from a Fellow Pediatric Neurosurgeon

Dr. Ben Carson, a world renowed pediatric neurosurgeon, who used to practice at Johns Hopkins in Maryland until he retired, is coming to headline a fundraiser for Wehby.

 

Wehby, who is also a pediatric neurosurgeon, is one of five Republicans looking to unseat incubment Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley.

 

Dr. Carson gained national attention last year when he spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast and was critical of President Obama's policies as he sat at the event.

 

The fundraising event for Monica Wehby will be in Wilsonville at the McMenamins Old Church.

Former Bend Developer Is Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Fraud

The company conducted tens of millions of dollars in mortgage fraud between 2004 and 2008.

 

Egeland received a tougher penalty than the company President Tyler Fitzsimons who was sentenced to seven years in prison.

 

Egeland committed several crimes -- including selling drugs near a school and perjury -- while waiting to be sentenced for fraud.

 

Despite an emotional plea by Egeland, the U.S. District Jduge, Ann Aiken told him she agreed with prosecutors his motivation was greed and that he did much damage in the Bend community by dragging people thorugh so much.

Three People are Arrested After a Traffic Stop on Highway 97

Thre three were stopped for a traffic violation Wednesday morning and then authorities realized the vehicle was involved in a robbery and theft at the Bend Walmart on Tuesday.

 

24 year old Joshua Joseph and 24 year odl Melissa Stokes both of Bend were arrested on theft and robbery charges.

 

The two allegedly shoplifted the items from Walmart and threatened to use pepper spray against a Walmart employee and got away.

 

During the investigation a third passenger, 36 year old Carlos Romero Pineda of Madras was found to be in possession of one pound of methamphetamine.

U.S. Congressman Greg Walden Supports Passage of Farm Bill

It is now headed to the Senate later this week.

 

U.S. Congressman Greg Walden of Oregon supported the plan.

 

"With House passage of a five year Farm Bill, we finally have some certainty out on the farm.  I spent my early years on a cherry orchard in the Dalles, so I know how important it is to provide our farmers and ranchers with that certainty.  This reform minded legislation ensures an adequate safety net for producers, while also reducing spending by 16 billion dollars. We reduce fraud in the food stamp program and we increase assistance for food banks."

 

The Farm Bill makes a small cut in food stamps and preserves most crop subsidies.

 

The bill is expected to save about 16 billion over the next ten years.

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley Supports the President's State of the Union Message

He says the heart of the message is that middle class Americans need some more help -- ranging from a higher federal minimum wage -- to changing tax laws that would discourage outsourcing.

 

"The eocnomy is gradually improving, but we're not seeing enough.  The yachts are getting lifted, but the smaller boats, they're leaking and even getting swamped."

 

Merkley says we also need to extend jobless benefits.

 

In the meantime, some Republcians are criticizing the Preisdnet's threat to use his executive order powers if he can't get congress to go along with his ideas.

Redmond City Council Decides to Sell Historic Schoolhouse to Local Businessman

A community group called "Save our Schoolhouse" was also trying to raise funds to renovate it

 

But Redmond Mayor George Endicott says they decided to sell the schoolhouse to Roger Lee for one dollar instead of the S.O.S. group.

 

"We finally concluded despite the passion of the group, the problem we had with their proposal is it was full of if we can  raise the money and they wanted us to give them 30 more months to do that and the problem was the building continues to deteriorate."

 

Endicott says the vote was 4 o 2 to sell the school to Roger Lee.

 

He plans to move the house six blocks from its current location in the Dry Canyon area and renovate it to its historical roots.

U.S. Senate Candidate Mark Callahan Defends Himself Against Bad Press

Mark Callahn of Salem went on the Lars Larson show Wednesday to defend himself over an article written in the Oregon Oracle.

 

It states that as recently as 2009, Callahn was seeking a democratic appointment to a democratic state senate seat.

 

It also says he portrays himself as a family man, when he's divorced.

 

"Basically in 2012, my wife and I were having problems.  I was unemployed for awhile and I was trying to put food on the table.  Yes I did file for divorce, but I withdrew it three months  later and tried to reconcile with my wife."

 

The article also brought out Callahan's website currently shows a family picture of his ex-wife and two daughters, but doesn't mention they're divorced.

 

It also brought up Callahan filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last year in part over medical bills.

Crook County Sheriffs Office Finds the Remains of a Missing Prineville Area Man

55 year old Robert Bucknell went missing March 28th, 2012.  His remains were actually found last April, but the Sheriffs Office is just admitting they belong to Bucknell.

 

County County Undersheriff John Gautney says they didn't reveal the remains had been found, so not to hamper their investigation.

 

"Originally we investigated it as a missing person's case.  We don't know the exact cause of death so we're still investigating as a possible homicide.  So until we know it's not, we're going to continue to investigate as if it was a criminal case."

 

Bucknell was originally reported missing by some acquaintances who hadn't heard from him for several days.

Public Offers Feedback on How to Set Up Bend's New Cultural Tourism Fund

The new Bend Cultural Toruism fund help a public meeting Tuesday to get feedback on how to set up this fund.

 

Things are still in the early stages, but Ray Solley of the Tower Theater says they're getting a lot done.

 

"I think what is growing out of these meetings is a growing sense of collaboration between profit and non profit, public and private and non profit and commercial entities.  That's how a lot of these culture funds can grow and expand and have impact is to make sure collaboration between arts and tourism."
 

A 13 member commission will oversee the fund.

 

The arts and cultural organizations in the area hope to increase their revenue and increase their chances for survival, while promoting tourism.

Prineville Drug Arrests

Central Oreogn Drug Enforcement made the arrests last Sunday following a long term drug investigation of a Prineville home.

 

The occupants of the residence appeared to be involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine throughout Crook County.

 

Andrew Fulton, Robert Lester, Sarah Nelson and Chance Johnson were arrested for possessing, delivering and manufacturing the drugs.

 

Christopher Pipskey and Megan Meadows faced similar charges in addition to endangering the welfare of a child.  A four year old child was at the home when the search warrant was executed.  The child is now with the Department of Human Services.

Unemployment Continues to Go Down in Central Oregon

Regional Economist Damon Runberg says Deschutes County's unemployment dropped below 9 percent.

 

"So in Deschutes County we  dropped down  to 8.9 percent.  That's the lowest level in well over five years.  That's impressive to see that kind of drop.  It's a 1.5 percent drop in one year and that's a pretty significant drop in one year."

 

Crook County's unemployment rate dropped to 11.2 percent -- the lowest rate since 2008 and Jefferson County dropped to 9.9 percent.

 

In Jefferson County, manufacturing jobs added 150 new jobs to the area.  In Crook County, the transportation industry saw the largest job gains, adding 80 jobs to the county.

Redmond City Council to Decide Fate of Historic Schoolhouse Tuesday

There's a local group that is trying to raise one hundred thousand dollars to renovate the 1905 building.

 

There's also a local businessman, Roger Lee of Economic Development of Central Oregon, who wants to buy it for one dollar, renovate it and rent it out.

 

Redmond Mayor George Endicott is leaning toward the businessman's proposal, but believes the historic building should be saved for the ages.

 

"It's an important building and it's really important we preserve it and give it a useful life."

 

The community group plans to leave the buidling in the Dry Canyon if the council gives their proposal the nod.

 

Roger Lee's proposal would move it to another lot in Redmond.

Bend's Interim Police Chief Moves the Department Forward During a Difficult Time

The previous chief was fired last week following ethical problems and low morale at the department.

 

This comes on the heels of another police officer resigning just before being fired for having sex on the job.

 

Interim Police Chief Jim Porter says don't judge the department by one person.

 

"And it's a terrible situation when one individual is stepping outside of the norm and that action is painting 85 other officers who live up to those standards every day."

 

Jim Porter is expected to act as the interim Police Chief for the next six months.  He says he is interested in the permanent position.

Oregon's Destination Resorts Coming Back

A recent economic report found that resorts like Tetherow, Pronghorn and Sunriver have stabilized following the painful recession.

 

Josh Lerner with the Oregon Office for Economic Analysis says it's been true across Oregon.

 

"Leisure and hospitality is at an all time high and tha'ts both true across the state and in Bend.  And that has more to do with accommodations, hotels and restaurants and bars.  And that's where that job growth has been."

 

Unfortunately, tourism usually doesn't pay great wages, though destination resorts pay better than other places.

 

But the economic effects of this industry is in the neighborhood of 50 million in payroll.

Women in Oregon Earn 84 Percent of What Men Do

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says Oregon ranked eighth in the nation in women's to men's earning ratios.

 

Oregon women had median weekly earnings of $756 compared to $901 for men.

 

Matt Insco with the U.S. Bureau explains some of the variables.

 

"Overall, the ratio has been trending up from when he started tracking in 1997 -- in both the U.S. and Oregon.  Year to year there may be slight changes, but overall the gap has been narrowing over the years."

 

The states with the highest wages for women were located along the eastern seaboard.

 

The differences among the states is in part due to the differences in the occupations and industries found in the states.

State Representative Jason Conger Plans to Stop the Governor's CRC Bridge Plan During the Special Session

When Washington State backed out of support the CRC, Governor Kitzhaber started talking of a "go it alone" plan for Oregon.

 

Conger went on the Lars Larson show Thursday to announce he plans to introduce legislation to stop it.

 

"There are some people that are pushing ahead even though I didn't think the legislation had any credibility.  It alarms me, so we need to stop it.  Let's step back and let's do something that makes some sense.  We need to deal with the traffic issues or at least advance the ball."

 

Conger says this issue is screaming out for leadership and he plans to provide it.

 

He believes he has enough votes to stop the Governor's CRC plan in the February session.

Former Bend Man Sentenced to Federal Prison After Reentering the Country After Being Deported

A habitual border violator and career criminal was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for illegally re-entering the country after being deported.

 

46 year old Sergio Ramos-Lopez who most recently lived in the Bend area, pleaded guilty to the charge.

 

Prosecutors say throughout his time in the U.S. , Ramos-Lopez has continually engaged in serious criminal conduct, including drug trafficking and violent crimes like robbery.

 

His most recent run in with Oregon authorities was for trafficking methamphetmaine.

Black Ice Contributes to Multiple Accidents in Central Oregon

The Crook County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police responded to at least six accidents from 7 to 9 A.M. Thursday morning -- mainly along the Powell Butte Highway.

 

None of the accidents resutetd in significant injury to any of the drivers or passengers.

 

Many of the drivers lost contro and rolled over due to the icy conditions.

Redmond City Council Will Soon Decide Whether to Keep An Historic Schoolhouse for the Community

A group is trying to raise funds to renovate it and keep it as a community asset there.

 

The Redmond City Council will be deciding next week whether to let the group take it over or whether to sell it to bussinessman Roger Lee, who heads up EDCO, for one dollar to renovate at his own expense to rent out.

 

Richard Lance is a member of the group "Save our Schoolhouse" trying to raise 100-thousand dollars to renovate the school.

 

"The city sees it as a problem.  They don't want any enterprise for them to subsidize.  We're trying to show it could be a great community asset, a wonderful function in a wonderful park. Hopefully they'll see the opportunity."

 

The city council gave the group two months to show how they would raise the funds to renovate the school and pay for its maintenance going forward.  They figure they'll need 100-thousand dollars.  They haven't raised those funds yet, but do have a business plan that would limit the city's financial involvement.

Bend Police Department Moves On Following Removal of Chief

Police Lieutenant Chris Carney recently resigned when he admitted that he had sex on the job with several city employees.

 

City Manager Eric King fired Chief Sale after conducting extensive interviews with employees in the police department.

 

He believes the culture has to change.

 

"Our focus right now is setting the table to improve the culture in the department.  When I say that, I have nothing but the utmost respect for our men and women in uniform.  They do an amazing job protecting our community.  The issue right now is the management and recognizing that so we can thrive."

 

Jeff Sale has been Bend's Chief of Police for the last two and a half years.

 

Police Captain Jim Porter will serve as interim chief.  A search for a permanent chief will start later this year.

Bend Detectives Investigate Death of Lakeview Man

The Lake County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of Oregon State Police (OSP) Criminal Investigations Division detectives from Klamath Falls and Bend, are investigating the death of a Lakeview man.

 

Police say he apparently suffered a medical emergency after being taken into custody during an OSP contact in Lakeview.

 

Last night - around 11:00 p.m., two OSP patrol troopers on patrol together contacted a 44-year old Lakeview man in the Safeway parking in Lakeview.

 

The troopers found the man, who is a convicted felon, was in possession of a pipe containing suspected methamphetamine and a knife. he was handcuffed behind his back and transported by OSP to the Lake County Jail.

 

As they walked him toward the jail he suffered an apparent medical emergency . The troopers started emergency medical care -then he was taken to a local hosp and pronounced dead at 12:42a

 

The man's name will be released later today and An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday,,January 25th.

Bend Police Chief replaced

Bend Police Chief Jeff Sale’s contract was terminated, effective today, Jan. 22. Sale
was an at-will employee, meaning the City Manager could terminate his employment
without cause at any time.


After considerable research and careful consideration, City Manager Eric King has
determined that a change in leadership is necessary to improve the culture of the
Police Department so it can best serve the community.


“I hold city department heads, and all staff, to high standards,” said King. “While it
can be difficult to make such staffing changes, it’s important to ensure that this
community receives the best public services possible.”


King appointed Police Captain Jim Porter as interim chief. Porter has been with the
department for 22 years. The City will initiate a search for a permanent police chief
later this year.

Bend City Council To Hear from Residents in SE Bend Neighborhood Concerned about the Cost of City Water Hookups

The affected neighbgorhoods in southeast Bend used to be served by Juniper Utility, until the city took it over in 2001.

 

Homeowners Kathleen Kiefer will be making a presentation.  She says homeownes are concerned about the exorbitant expenses to switch over.  She says many can't afford it.

 

"But the bottom line is the four neighbhoods in this area are modest with the exception of one.  The estimated demographics are 70 percent of the people are seniors or elderly people on a fixed income.  We're very concerned the ability to stay in homes and afford the water bills during the irrigation season."

 

The affected neighborhoods are expected to hook up to the city's water system by the spring of 2015.

Eugene Judge Expected to Make Decision Soon on Bend's Water Project Lawsuit

Judge Ann Aiken could rule right after the hearing or wait a week to rule.

 

Central Oregon Landwatch and Water Watch Oregon have filed a lawsuit trying to halt the water project, claiming it would hurt the environment.

 

Bend Mayor Jim Clinton has been meeting with the opponent trying to reach a settlement.

 

"Once the judge makes a decision the prevailing party will feel a lot less impetus to do a settlement.  I wouldn't be surprised after she decides she instructs the parties to see if they can't settle."

 

The hearing is scheduled for this Thursday from 10 A.M. to noon in Eugene.

Sisters man dies from injuries in Saturday explosion

************ UPDATED PRESS RELEASE************

Date: 1-21-13

Prepared: Sergeant Mark Eggert

 

Victim: Donald Pierce 56, Sisters

 

As a result of this incident Donald Pierce died at Legacy Emanuel Hospital from the injuries he received from this incident.

 

The Deschutes County Sheriffs Office has completed the investigation in this incident and has determined that this was an accident and was not a criminal matter. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing any further details about this incident.

 

*********************previous Press Release*******************

 

By Sergeant Ty Rupert

 

On 01/18/14 at approximately 1808 hours, Deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area of South Oak Street and West Jefferson Avenue in Sisters as an assist to the Sisters Fire Department regarding an unknown fire.  The reporting person advised they had heard an explosion and saw a fire. Upon arrival it was determined that at least 4 to 5 people had been burned from the fire.

 

Deputies were assisted by the Black Butte Police Department, Sisters Fire Department, Cloverdale Fire Department, Black Butte Fire Department, Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Office, Central Oregon Air Ambulances and Detectives from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

 

The investigation revealed a homeowner in the area had built a warming fire and was not able to keep the fire burning and so they poured gasoline on the fire which subsequently ignited and then exploded the gasoline can that the gasoline was being poured from. There was no danger to surrounding homes or property.

 

As a result of the explosion 4 people suffered severe burns to their body, hands and facial areas. Two of the victims were flown by air ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. The other two victims were transported by ground ambulance to St. Charles to be treated for their injuries. One victim is in critical condition, two are in stable condition and one was treated and released from St. Charles.

 

This appears to have been an accident and alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor.

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind people not to use gasoline to start or to keep a fire burning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Candidate Wehby announces her campaign fundraising

The Portland Doctor hoping to unseat US Senator Jeff Merkley has announced her campaign war chest for the fourth quarter.  Today Dr. Monica Wehby says that they have raised a little more than half a million dollars.

 

Her campaign points out that it's an impressive number considering she announced her candidacy on October 29th... leaving her only the months of November and December to fund-raise.

 

Wehby was also recently called, "The GOP's best hope in the race" by TownHall magazine. MSNBC put her on their "Women to Watch in 2014" list. And the National Journal has placed Oregon on its "Most Vulnerable" U.S. Senate seats list naming wehbe (web-ee) as part of the reasoning.

 

Meantime- Incumbent Jeff Merkley announced a 3 million dollar war chest recently.

 

The five Republican candidates in the primary race are in Bend tonight, on Tuesday for a special forum.  It's at the Shilo.  Doors open at 6:15p for the 7 o'clock event.

 

Three of the Republican candidates: Jason Conger of Bend, Jo Rae Perkins of Albany, and Mark Callahan of Salem will face off live on KBND at 6a for an hour long debate.  Listeners can call in during that time at 541-388-1110.

 

The Media Person Who Allegedly Had an Affair with a Bend Police Lieutenant Lawyers Up and Refutes that Claim

The woman claims she did not have a sexual relationship with Chris Carney, but says there was a single incident when he kissed her, but then apologized for his mistake and that was the end of it.

 

Hte police never contacted her before releasing their report.

 

In a press release by the lawyer, he says the unwanted and undeserved publicity and speculation has been devastating to his client and her family.

 

He says she does not want her name associated publically with this scandal as it could seriously damage her reputation and career, despite having done nothing wrong.

 

Police Lieutenant Chris Carney quit his job last week as the city of Bend was preparing to fire him for having sex with several women while on the job.

Oregon Tops the List of Moving Destinations in 2013

Oregon has been the runner up for four years and last year finally topped the list of states that saw the most moves to it.

 

United Van Lines conducted the migration study.

 

Nancy Lynch is the local United van Lines agent in Bend and says they've seen increased traffic.

 

"This has been the best year in four years.  Some moved in for job relocation, but a majority of people that move here can live anywhere and they chose this place to retire and spend their years and Bend seems to be a popular place."

 

Other states with a high mgiration rate include North and South Carolina, Nevada, Texas and Colorado.

 

After 16 consecutive years at or near the top of the outbound list, Michigan finally appeared in the middle of the pack for 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

Next Phase of Reed Market Road Construction to Start Tuesday

The consturction will be from Newberry Drive to 27th Street.

 

Message boards will be in place to warn the public.

 

Reed Market Road will be closed from SE Fargo Lane east to Daly Estates Drive/Camelot Place.

 

A detour route used in prior construction, will be in place during this phase. 

 

It should be completed by June.

State Exchanges Push to Get More Young People to Sign Up for Health Insurance

It's believed 40 percent of the consumers must be younger to pencil out the cost of the older americans.

 

Washignton State's exchagne is seeing their numbers go up as the March 31st deadline to enroll gets closer.

 

Richard Onizuka runs the Washington exchange.

 

"The young folks, the young invincibles, we are increasing our marketing and outreach in campaigns in January and February.  The second half of the open enrollment period.  We are pleased to announce you just partnered for the final push with Live Nation, a concert promoter to get the young invincibles."

 

California is also stepping up its advertising to younger people through a "you tube" campaign that uses comedians, athletes and celebrities to get youth to sign up for health insurance.

An Outspken Opponent of Legalizing Marijuana Makes his Case Before State Lawamkers

Kevin Sabet addressed the Oregon Senate and House Interim Judiciary Committee on Friday.

 

He warned lawmakers not to be fooled about what's happening in Colorado and Washignton State that just legalized marijuana.

 

"I think a lot of people think legalization is the otherwise repsonsible 50 year old guy who smokes pot at the end of the week.  That's not what it's about.  What legalizing does is the introduction of commercial sales."

 

The Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police invited Sabet to speak to lawmakers.

 

Oregon voters are expected to vote on legalizing marijuana in November.

Name released in Highway 97 fatal crash

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into the cause of an early Thursday morning single vehicle fatal traffic crash along Highway 97 near Chiloquin in Klamath County. The crash resulted in the death of an elderly Fresno, California man whose name is released in this update.

According to Sergeant Cliff Barden, on January 16, 2014 at approximately 8:47 a.m., OSP troopers and local emergency responders were dispatched to a report of an overturned vehicle down an embankment along Highway 97 near milepost 245. Upon arrival, the driver was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates there are no known witnesses to the crash that occurred after 7:00 a.m. this morning. A passing motorist spotted the overturned van off the highway and called 9-1-1. For an unknown reason, the vehicle traveled at an angle off the highway, down a 20 - 30 foot embankment, collided with a tree and overturned.

The victim, ALBERT ALLEN RATLIFF, age 73, from Fresno, California, was using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Klamath Falls Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Chiloquin Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene.

The highway was restricted to one lane of travel for over 3 hours until investigators cleared the scene.

 

Three Central Oregon Hotels make AAA List

16 Hotels and 2 Restaurants in Oregon Make AAA’s Four Diamond List

Across the continent, just 4.2 percent of all AAA Approved hotels and restaurants begin the year with the travel authority’s highest ratings

 

PORTLAND, Ore. – For the 78th year, AAA is out with its list of the top hotels and restaurants for 2014 that earned the Four or Five Diamond Rating during the past 12 months.  The AAA/CAA Four and Five Diamond Ratings are the travel authority’s highest designations for hotels and restaurants.

            AAA Four and Five Diamond hotels are refined and stylish with upscale physical attributes. They offer guests personalized attention and extensive amenities in a luxurious setting. 

            Restaurants receiving the Four or Five Diamond Rating offer a distinctive fine dining experience. They feature highly creative chefs, imaginative menus, fresh top-quality ingredients and a knowledgeable staff. 

 

Oregon hotels receiving the AAA/CAA Four Diamond Rating are:

 


 

BEND

The Oxford Hotel (2010)

 

CANNON BEACH

Stephanie Inn (1995)

 

DEPOE BAY

Whale Cove Inn (2011)

 

EUGENE

Inn at the 5th (2012)

 

GLENEDEN BEACH

Salishan Spa & Golf Resort (1992)

 

GOLD BEACH

Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge (1976)

 

 

NEWBERG

The Allison Inn & Spa (2010)

 

PORTLAND

Hotel Monaco Portland, a Kimpton Hotel (1997)

Hotel Vintage Plaza, a Kimpton Hotel (2001)

RiverPlace Hotel, a Kimpton Hotel (1986)

The Governor Hotel (2001)

The Heathman Hotel (1985)

The Nines (2009)

The Westin Portland (2000)

 

SISTERS

FivePine Lodge & Spa (2011)

 

SUNRIVER

Sunriver Resort (1999)

 


 

(The year listed by each establishment indicates the year the property first received the current, consecutively maintained Diamond rating)

 

Restaurants in Oregon earning the Four Diamond Rating are:

 


 

NEWBERG

The Painted Lady (2011)

PORTLAND

Noisette Restaurant (2012)


 

About AAA/CAA Diamond Ratings:

            AAA rates more properties than any other rating entity. It is the only rating system that covers the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean and the only rating system that conducts professional, on-site evaluations using published guidelines weighted by member priorities.

            “AAA/CAA Four and Five Diamond establishments represent the upper echelon of the hospitality industry,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Vice President of Travel and Marketing at AAA Oregon/Idaho.  “Four and Five Diamond hotels and restaurants are committed to providing every guest with a personalized experience and attentive service in comfortable, high quality surroundings and consistently exceed the expectations of the most discriminating traveler – the AAA inspector.”

            AAA’s professionally trained inspectors use published guidelines to conduct unannounced hotel and restaurant evaluations, assigning Approved establishments a rating of One to Five AAA Diamonds. Collectively visiting some 1,200 hotels and restaurants every week, AAA inspectors are in a unique position to identify emerging trends in the hospitality industry. Inspectors have observed hotels and restaurants using increasingly personalized approaches to enhance guest comfort and satisfaction.

 

¨      For 2014, 129 establishments (84 hotels and 45 restaurants) were newly added to the AAA/CAA Four Diamond Award list.

 

¨      A total of 2,277 establishments (1,548 hotels and 729 restaurants) throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean received the Four Diamond Rating in the past 12 months, qualifying them for the 2013 Four Diamond Award list.

 

¨      The net decrease of 12 Four Diamond establishments represents a 0.5 percent decline from the total 2,289 last year.

 

¨      Collectively, Four Diamond establishments represent just 3.9 percent of the current 59,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated establishments.

 

¨      Four Diamond hotels account for 5.3 percent of the more than 29,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels; Four Diamond restaurants account for 2.5 percent of the nearly 30,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated restaurants.

 

¨      Twelve hotels, including the  Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge in Gold Beach, have maintained the Four Diamond Rating for 38 consecutive years, since 1976 when the Diamond Ratings were first introduced for hotels.

 

¨      One hundred and 19 hotels, including the Heathman Hotel and RiverPlace Hotel in Portland, have maintained the Four Diamond Rating for 25 or more consecutive years.

 

            AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotel and restaurant listings can be found in the eTourBook® guides and AAA Mobile® app for tablets and smartphones, the TripTik® Travel Planner and Travel Guides on AAA.com and AAA TourBook® guides available at AAA and CAA offices. Travelers can access information about AAA inspections and Diamond Ratings at AAA.com/Diamonds.

State Representative Jason Conger Pushes Governor Kitzhaber to Close Down Cover Oregon

He sent Governor Kitzhaber a letter this week saying the Governor should close down Cover Oregon and send back any federal funds for the state exchange not spent.

 

He thinks Oregonians should turn to the federal health exchange.

 

"So I do think that's a realistic possibility.  I want to press forward and stop the bleeding and send back what money we can and help these folks."

 

Conger thinks there maybe as much as 200 million left of the 300 million in federal funds given to Oregon to set up the state health exchange.

 

He wants the Governor to return any unused funds to the U.S. Treasury to pay down the national debt.

City Club of Central Oregon Tackles Attracting More Business Here

But we're limited by the size of our urban growth boundary and it's available land for expansion.

 

The City Club of Central Oregon discussed some of these economic challenges at its monthly forum Thursday.

 

Stacey Dodson, the regional President of U.S. Bank says our lack of land in our UGB, is limiting our economic development.

 

"We need to realize there is managed healthy growth and we can still maintain our lifestyle here. But if we dont' attract businesses, it's a vicious cycle, you can't attract people.  They're so closely connected."

 

The City Club discussion also looked at higher education and infrastructure improvments as vehicles to attract more development.

 

 

Trinity Episcopal Church in Bend to Have Church Service in Their Own Facility for the First Time in Nearly a Year

The church was severely damaged in an arson fire last March.  The congregation has been using  St. Francis Catholic Church on Franklin since then.

 

This Sunday, they'll move their services to their building across the street that they own, that houses the "Famiy Kitchen."

 

Peter Lovering,  the church's senior warden says that work is finished.

 

"My goodness, we've been out since March 6, 2013 at 2 in the morning.  We've been off the property except for the offices and the family kitchen.  This is a great homecoming.  This will give the congregation some sense of normalcy with our servcies and our operation."

 

The church will hold two services at the building known as St. Helen's Hall starting this Sunday.  The historic church building across the street that sustaiend more extensive fire damage should be ready by the end of the year.

 

No one has ever been arrested for the arson fire.

DEQ Imposes Fine Against Prineville Wood Products Manufacturer

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is fining Contact Industries in Prineville $4,772, claiming it failed to monitor the discharge water from its plant.

 

Its important for plants to monitor storm water to make sure harmful levels of industrial pollutants aren't going into other bodies of water.

 

These potential pollutants can damage or destroy aquatic habitat and make water unsafe for the public.

Fatal Crash on Hwy 97 near Klamath Falls

Oregon State Police: Fatal Crash Hwy 97 near Hwy 62 Jct north of Klamath Falls. Single vehicle, off road. Emergency personnel on scene. Traffic updates TripCheck.com.

Cell Phone Distracts Driver in Injury Crash in Oregon

 

Oregon State Police News Release below:

 

 

Distracted driving related to the unlawful use of a mobile communications device was a contributing factor in a Wednesday morning single vehicle rollover traffic crash along Interstate 84 about thirty miles east of Baker City. The crash injured two people and affected westbound traffic for about two hours.

On January 15, 2014 at approximately 9:04 a.m., a 1999 Toyota Tacoma pickup driven by MADISON E. MOORE, age 21, from Sherwood, Oregon, was westbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 334. MOORE was reportedly distracted while trying to use her cell phone negotiating a right curve when the pickup drifted to the left and collided twice with the center concrete barrier. The pickup rolled once coming to rest on its wheels. A canopy on the back of the pickup was heavily damaged and the contents inside were strewn across the freeway.

MOORE was extricated by responding firefighters and transported by ambulance to Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City with minor injuries. She was treated and released.

Passenger DON M. HYRUM, age 24, from Phoenix, Arizona, climbed out of the pickup with minor injuries.

Both occupants were using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Baker City work site responded to the scene and investigated the crash. MOORE was cited for Unlawful Use of a Mobile Communication Device.

OSP was assisted at the scene by local emergency responders and ODOT. The westbound lanes were blocked for 20 minutes and then one lane open until the scene was cleared about two hours later.

OSP and ODOT remind drivers effective January 1, 2014, Senate Bill 9 changed Oregon's traffic offense of operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile communication device from a Class D violation to a Class C violation. The minimum fine for a class C violation is $142, and the fine for this offense can be as high as $500. The fine's increase is aimed at reducing the number of crashes that involve a driver talking on a handheld phone or texting.

According to ODOT, In Oregon from 2009 to 2011, nine people died in crashes involving a driver who was reportedly using a cell phone at the time of the crash, and 673 people have been injured.

Using a cell phone while driving falls under the category of "distracted driving," and this type of distraction is an increasingly dangerous behavior across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the U.S. 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2011, compared to 3,267 in 2010.

Photographs - Oregon State Police

 

 

 

Congressman Greg Walden Helps Pass a 1.1 Trillion Dollar Spending Bill in the U.S. House

U.S. Congressman Greg WAlden voted yes on the legislation that he says reduces spending.

 

"Today the House passed a plan to continue our successful efforts to reduce spending, grow our eocnomy and prioritze to make sure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.  This plan reduces spending below 2009 levels, below even what it was when President Obama took office. This year will make the first time since the Korean War that spending has been cut four years in a row, a total of $165 billion since 2010."

 

The U.S. Senate is expected to also approve the budget bill by the end of the week.

 

 

D.A. Investigation Finds Officer Was Justified in Last November's Officer Involved Shooting Death

31 year old Tyler Keinonen was killed when he refused to drop what the officer thought was a gun.  It turns out it wasn't.

 

D.A. Patrick Flaherty says they don't know what Keinonen had in his hand, but officer Erick Supplee thought his lire was in danger.

 

"Officer Supplee was clearly justified.  He had a reasonable belief he was about to be shot and he's justified in suing deadly physical force in order to defend his life."

 

Keinonen was killed on November 22nd at a home on N.E. Jackdaw DRiver in Bend.

 

Police were responding to reports of a burglary at the home and this same home was raided for drugs, guns and theft earlier that same day.

 

The victim had been arrested in recent months for drugs and burglary.

Last Weekend's Storm Helps Improve Oregon's Snowpack

It increased the snow depth by 20 or more inches at several sites in the northern and central Cascades.

 

Unfortunately though, parts of southern Oregon did not receive any new snow.

 

Precipitation in Oregon since October 1st has been well below normal.

 

Most of Oregon's streams are expcted to have below normal summer stream flows ranging from 68 to 99 percent of normal in the Umatillla, Walla Walla and Willow Basins, to 21 to 51 percent of normal in the Klamath Basin.

Bend's Police Department Moves On Following Lt. Losing His Job for Inappropriate Sexual Conduct on the Job

Chris Carney was the department's public information officer and had been with the department for 22 years.

 

Bend's Chief of Police, Jeff Sale talked with our news partner News Channel 21.

 

"It basically came to me as "Here this rumor is going around the police department and I said, okay, we are going to take a look.  We're going to see what's going on.  And after we took a preliminary look and said, okay we are going to do a full on investigation to figure out what's going on here. We just need to make sure we've got the appropriate vlaues in place organizationally, to make sure this doesn't happen again."

 

During the investigation, CArney acknowledged having sex on and off duty at the police department and in his patrol car.

Shots for Tots discontinued

Due to low attendance the last few years and better access to health care for children, Deschutes County Health Services and Rotary Clubs of Central Oregon have decided to end the Shots for Tots program. 

 

Since 1999, Shots for Tots has been a successful child immunization program for many years, resulting in thousands of children receiving vaccinations in Central Oregon.  Since the program’s start, Shots for Tots has served ~ 10,000 children in this region.  Former Deschutes County Health Services Immunization Coordinator Mindy Stomner was one of the program’s founders.

 

“Back then, access to vaccines for children wasn’t as good as it is now so Shots for Tots served an important need in the community” says current Deschutes County Health Services Immunization Coordinator Heather Kaisner. “The program has been a wonderful collaboration between Deschutes County Public Health, Rotary Clubs of Central Oregon, and local school districts. We couldn’t have accomplished as much without these partners”, Heather said.

 

In the height of the program, local Rotary clubs donated volunteer time and funds to support Shots for Tots, Deschutes County Public Health provided the nurses and vaccine to give immunizations, and local school districts provided vaccination space and helped promote the clinics.

 

Times have changed, and the number of children seeking immunizations at Shots for Tots clinics has dwindled over the last few years.  In the early 2000’s, an average of 1,000 children attended clinics to receive vaccinations. Last year, only 87 children accessed Shots for Tots services. Children who used to have limited resources and access to health care can now receive immunization services at multiple clinics, including all the Deschutes County School Based Health Centers.

 

Please contact your local health provider or Deschutes County Health Services to receive vaccination clinic locations, or look online at www.deschutes.org/immunizations. #

 

 

Deschutes County DA rules on police involved shooting

Deschutes County District Attorney Patrick Flaherty has released his Death Investigation report in connection with the fatal shooting of Tyler Keinonen.  The DA has found that Bend Police Officer Erick Supplee's actions were justified.

 

The shooting happened on November 22nd, 2013 at 2878 NE Jackdaw Drive in Bend.

 

Flaherty is holding a news conference at 10a Wednesday morning to answer questions on the report.  We'll have details on KBND news throughout the day and on Thursday morning.

Latest on Expanding Bend's Urban Growth Boundary

THe UGB Remand Task Force met this week and they are working on making sure no covenants at undeveloped subdivisons, would limit the acreage for development.

 

Damian Syrnyk is the Senior Planner for the City of Bend.

 

"What we're working on and the TRF and the people who attended are concerned  about is the number of acreage requested may be higher than is actually available  because some of these developed lots won't be available for further development or will be limited to one house on a lot or prohbited from land division."

 

The task force expects to address all the state concerns rejected back in 2010 about expanding our UGB, by the spring of 2016.

 

 

Deschutes County D.A. to Release Results of Its Investigation into Officer Involved Shooting Last November

31 year old Tyler Keinonen was killed when a ten year veteran of the Bend Police Department shot him at a home on N.E. Jackdaw Drive on November 22nd.

 

The officer, 37 year old Erick Supplee was responding to a burglary call at the home.

 

He has been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation.

 

The press conference will be Wednesday at 10 A.M. the  D.A.'s office and KBND will be there.  We'll have the results of the investigation.

Icy Road Conditions Lead to Several Crashes on the Cascade Lakes Highway

The most serious accident happened just after 11 A.M. Tuesday.  The GMC Yukon driven by 44 year old Heather Bonin of Bend lost control of her vehicle when she hit a patch of ice.

 

Her SUV left the roadway and struck a large pine tree.  The fire department had to cut away limbs on the tree in order to get Bonin out of the vehicle.  She was taken to St. Charles with non life threatening injuries.

 

Prior to this crash, there were two other single vehicle crashes in the same vicinity because of icy road conditions.

Bend Police Looking for Fred Meyer Robber Who Stole Gun

The suspect is described as a white male, 20 to 30 years old, 5'6" to 6 foot, thin build, with medium length brown hair.

 

The break in occurred around 4:30 A.M.  A Fred Meyer employee reported forced entry was made into the business and a firearm was stolen from the gun case. 

 

The suspect fled before police arrived at the scene.

 

He was wearing a black jacket with light colored sweatshirt, blue jeans with a design on the back pockets and boots.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Bend Police Department.

Bend Parks and Rec Holding Open House on 15 Million Dollar Senior Center Expansion Plans

The expansion would happen over the next decade.

 

Parks and Rec is holding an open house Tuesday to get citizen input on the plans.

 

Matt Mercer with Parks and Rec says their master plan will be on display at the senior center.

 

"There would be more community spaces as far as classrooms, additional fitness and wellness space  nd potential warm water aquatic and multi purpose gymnasium and possibly walking and jogging areas, so there are a variety of things for people."

 

The open house will run from 8 A.M. until 5 P.M. Tuesday at the senior center.

 

The feedback given will be delivered to the Bend Parks and Rec Board for consideration.

Former Priest at Bend's St. Francis Catholic Church Hopes to Hear This Week Whether He'll Get his Job Back

Father Radloff appealed to the Vatican to get his job back.

 

The Bishop of the Baker Diocese removed Radloff on October 1st --but claimed confidentiality agreements prevented him from saying why he was let go.  Father Radloff and his canon lawyer, Father Thomas Faucher of Boise, Idaho have asked the Bishop to make public why he removed Radloff. The Bishop refuses.

 

Father Faucher, who once served as judicial vicar for Oregon's Baker Diocese, has written a 23-hundred word document defending Father Radloff .  He believes people have too many "false and vicious conclusions" about this case.   This document will be published in the Bend Bulletin this Sunday for people to read.

 

It's being paid for by people who support Father Radloff.

U.S. Congressman Greg Walden Applauds IRS Decision to Exempt Volunteer Firefighters from Health Law Mandate

U.S. Congressman Greg Walden was co-sponsor of legislation to exempt these workers from the employer mandate.

 

"I'm glad the IRS made a good decision for once when it comes to Obamacare.  Look, if they had not made this decision, volunteer firefighter departments all across the rural West and our district specifically would have been affected.  They would have had to count volunteers as if they would paid, full time employees.  We know what kind of cost that would have  put on top of these fire departments they could not have borne it."

 

Nealry 90 percent of Oregon's fire deparments are either all volunteer or mostly volunteer.

Prioritizing Economic Development for Central Oregon

This is an area that attracts a lot of people.  Many kept coming even during the economic downturn.

 

A recent Chamber of Commerce panel discussion looked at what business and economic development we should be doing.

 

Former Venture Catalyst Manager with EDCO, Jim Coonan was on the panel.  He thinks we should build on what we already have going for us.

 

"We tend to attract a very diverse, young crowd  who move here from New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Carmel, California, some pretty nice places.  They keep coming to Bend whether we're going to do economic development or not.  We need to take advantage of that.  These people don't want central Oregon to turn into one mass development and lose the quality of life here."

 

Coonan says the discussion centered on thoughtful growth, while diversifying our economy so we don't go through the painful "boom or bust" cycle.  He believes we could do a better job of promoting the entrepreneurship of many of the people who move here.

Mirror Pond Committee To Hire Independent Engineering Firm to Figure Out Repair Costs

The committee put together to come up with a future plan met last Friday.

 

They know they want to keep the dam, but it has to be affordable.

 

Bend City Councilor Mark Capell says there are several more decision to be made.

 

"The cost is a big issue and we have to figure out how much Pacific Power will have to pay and if any additional money needed and where it will come from as well. Also, what it will finally look like is still to be decided.  The key right now is patience. This isn't going to happen quickly because there's still a lot of work to be done."

 

The commitee decided to hire an independent engineering firm to give them cost estimates on repairing the dam to run for another ten or fifty years.

Senator Wyden to Hold Townhalls in Central Oregon on Saturday

On January 18th, the senator will start the day at 10 A.M. at Madras City Hall, then he'll be at the Bend Senior Center at 1  P.M., followed by the Prineville Senior Center in Prineville at 4 P.M.

 

This is Senator Wyden's 19th year of town halls.

 

He holds town halls in every Oregon county, every year.

Founder of Bend's Acrovision Arrested for Sexual Abuse

49 year old Richard Gustafson is accused of sexually abusing two girls during a New Year's Eve "Sleepover Party" at Acrovision.

 

The victims are  8 and 9 year old girls.

 

Gustafson was arrested on Wednesday on two counts of first degree sexual abuse.  He's being held on 320-thousand dollars bail.

 

Current Acrovision co-owner Mohini Barry issued a statement saying the charges are a complete surprise to the ownership, staff, parents and athletes at Acrosvision.

 

She says they are fully cooperating with the investigation and are confident the justice system will resolve this matter.

 

She is also reassuring parents their number one priority is the safety and well being of our athletes.

Governor Kitzhaber Gives an Update on the Troubled Cover Oregon Website

The Governor says about 170-thousand have been enrolled through Cover Oregon so far.

 

Both Governor Kitzhaber and the interim director of Cover Oregon, Dr. Bruce Goldberg, acknowledged the rollout continues to miss deadlines.

 

Critical issues on the website are being tested, but there are still many problems to be resolved.

 

They failed to mention a date when the website is expeced to be fully operational.

 

The state has signed a contract with First Data to perform an independent review of the rollout of Cover Oregon.

Bend Voters Will Decide Five Year Local Option Levy for Fire Services This May

Bend City Councilor Mark Capell supports the levy.

 

"The fire department is dramatically under funded and we are putting people at risk with response times that are not what are recommended by medical professionals because of the level of our staffing."

 

If approved,  property owners would be taxed twenty cents for thousand dollars of assessed property value for five year.

 

The levy is expected to raise 1.8 million dollars in its first year and over ten million dollars over the lifetime levy.

 

 

Bend City Council Hears From Residents Concerned About Helicopter Expansion at Bend Airport

A number of residents spoke up at the council meeting expressing concern the city was moving forward with their plan without notifying the residents who would be affected.

 

John Hancock lives on Peacock Lane near the airport and is concerned that there are already too many helicopters at the airport.

 

"Yesterday a heliocpter flew so low over my house that I could smell it when it went past.  Five o'clock in the morning last week a 900 horsepower turbine helicopter sat on the runway for two hours at five in the morning to test it."

 

However councilor Jodie Barram reminded them that the proposal that council was considering was not a "go ahead" on the plan, but rather a study to examine the impact.

 

"Our vote tonight is not to say that we are rubber stamping for bigger helicopters and everything we are focusing on the study and wanting more public involvement to get to a reasonable decision."

 

The measure passed unanimoulsy.  Bend's city manager suggested residents  take their complaints to the Deshcutes County Commission since they will grant final approval.

County Commissioners Approve OSU Cascades Land Swap

The Deschutes County Commissioners just approved a land swap -- that allows the county and college to swap land to be further away from the former landfill.

 

Susan Ross is the Property and Facilities Director for Deschutes County.

 

"The reason we're doing this is there was a little bit of waste encroachment.  There are natural topography lines.  We're doing this exchange to make sure the debris is on our side of the property."

 

The land traded involves about 1.5 acres of the 56 acre property along Southwest Mt. Washington Drive and Century Drive.

 

It's hoped this swap will give the OSU property some distance from the former landfill and any potential soil contamination.

Westside Bend Neighborhood Group Has Varying Opinions on OSU Cascades Expansion

Bob Brell, is the co-chiarman of the Century West Neighborhood Association.

 

He says their 700 members have varying opinions on the campus expansion, but regardless, he believes people need to get involved.

 

"I can speak personally, I think the worst position is to sit back and do nothing.  I think we have a responsibility to step up and have a positive impact on the new four year campus in our area."

 

Brell says there are 11 OSU Cascades task forces to get involved with  to have a say.

 

Currently OSU Cascades is doing its "due diligence" on the ten acre parcel it bought in southwest Bend in the fall.

 

That should be completed by March.

Robberson Ford in Bend Planning Expansion

The car dealership has been a staple here since 1971.

 

Owner Jeff Robberson says starting in March, they will tear down part of the dealership and expand.

 

"Being able to be more modern, spacious and user friendly.  It'll be great."

 

The expansion is expected to cost around 5 million dollars and should be done in October.

Crook County Couple Arrested for Theft

45 year old James Gamber and 34 year old Eve Taylor of Terrebonne were arrested on charges of theft of metal for scrap in Crook County.

 

The arrests follow a three week investigation.

 

Both were taken to the Crook County jail, but later released due to lack of space.

New COBA President Announced

COBA Elect’s Neil Kelly veteran as 2014 President

 2014 Officers and Directors also Elected

 

(Bend,OR)-The Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) announces its newly elected 2014 President is a veteran in the building industry, Chuck Schermerhorn from Neil Kelly Design Build. Schermerhorn has spent 40 years working in the building industry and is admired for his successful management and leadership.  “2013 has seen a robust rebound in new construction and remodeling and I definitely see continued growth in 2104,” stated Schermerhorn. “COBA has chosen one of its most energetic and accomplished members to lead us in 2014. Chuck will do an exceptional job as President,” said COBA Executive Vice President, Tim Knopp.

 

COBA’s newly elected Officers and Board of Directors for 2014 include Officers, First Vice President Jay Campbell, Woodhill Homes; Second Vice President Dan Goodrich, Structure Development NW; Associate Vice President Justin Perkey, Franklin Brothers; Treasurer, Rockland Dunn, U.S. Bank; Secretary Debbie Baldwin, Century 21 Gold Country; and Past President Randy Miller, Attorney at Law.  Directors include Hayden Watson, Hayden Homes; Pat Kesgard, Compass Commercial; Galen Blyth, Noble Insurance; Jerry Bogart, Van de Bogart & Associates; Tate Morgan, OrePac; Jeff Payne, Panterra Homes; Ron Wanless, Technology Design Associates; Greg Welch, Greg Welch Construction & Jake Woodruff, Northwest Quality Roofing, LLC.

 

These Officers and Directors will lead the nearly 600 member non-profit independent trade association. The mission of COBA is to represent the building industry before government and the community, to promote high ethical standards within the building industry, to provide service to its membership and to defend opportunities of home ownership for all.

 

Icy roads in K-Falls

Two commercial truck drivers and a passenger were uninjured Tuesday night following separate crashes in the same location on Highway 58 about ten miles west of Highway 97 in north Klamath County. The crashes, which were both ice-related, partially blocked the highway for several hours.

According to Trooper Nick Hagedorn, on January 7, 2014 at approximately 8:34 p.m., a 1998 Volvo truck pulling a semi-trailer driven by MAYLIN FRICKEY, age 64, from Klamath Falls, was eastbound on Highway 58 near milepost 77 negotiating a downhill curve when the driver lost control on black ice. The truck and trailer traveled crossed the westbound lanes and onto the highway shoulder into several trees, a traffic sign and fog marker before crossing the highway again and jackknifing. The truck and trailer came to rest in the eastbound shoulder ditch amongst trees and was blocking the eastbound lane.

FRICKEY and a 68-year old female passenger in the truck's sleeper berth were not injured.

Shortly after the first incident, a 2002 International truck pulling a semi-trailer driven by FIDEL HERNANDEZ, age 54, from Roseville, California, was westbound and drove upon the first crash scene. HERNANDEZ braked and lost control. The truck and trailer jackknifed and came to rest in the westbound ditch amongst trees, partially blocking the westbound lane. HERNANDEZ was not injured.

OSP and ODOT responded to the scene. ODOT kept at least one traffic lane open while local tow companies responded and removed the commercial vehicles.

With weather and road conditions changing, sometimes unexpectedly, OSP and ODOT urge all travelers to be aware of the potential for ice and slick roads. Keep up-to-date on conditions by monitoring weather reports and going to ODOT's TripCheck.com website.

Photographs - Oregon State Police

 

Conservative Talk Radio Host Takes Sides in Republican Race for Senator Merkley's Seat

Conger is of course a state representative for central Oregon.

 

Wehby is a first time candidate whose main experience is as a doctor.

 

Conservative talk radio host Lars Larson has had Wehby on is show many times in reent months and has made it clear he supports her.

 

"Conger voted in favor of the CRC -  that boondoggle and that's a problem.  He voted to fund Obamacare exchanges, that's a problem and he voted for the Oregon Convention Center to be paid with public subsidies.  That's a problem."

 

We called Conger to get his reaction, but he plans to be on the Larson Larson Show soon and wants to defend himself directly.

 

Larson has gotten several emails from Conger supporters questioning why he is supporting the Portland doctor over Conger.

 

A third republican candidate is running for U.S. Senate, Mark Callahan of Salem.

St. Charles Board Chair Says CEO Departure Unrelated to Recent Administrator Layoffs

The President and CEO of St. Charles -- Jim Diegel is stepping down.

 

Diegel will stay on until a sucessor is named.  That process is expected to take six to nine months.

 

Hospital Board Chair Tom Sayek says last month's layoffs of St. Charles Bend Chief Executive Officer Jay Henry and Chief Administrative Officer Kirk Schueler aren't connected.

 

"The changes are unrelated.  The change of Jay Henry and Kirk Schueler were decisions made by the CEO to make changes in the leadership.  This particular decision was a mutual decision about leadership.  The two are not connected."

 

Sayek says the administrative layoffs were cost cutting measures in an attempt to cut five million from the hospital's 2014 budget.

 

Their positions were eliminated and the two remaining CEO's -- Bob Gomes and Jeanie Gentry will each oversee two hospitals.

Deschutes County Works to Clarify Its Noxious Week Ordinance

The county commissioners are looking to clarify their ordinance to keep these weeds under control.

 

County Forester Ed Keith says some of the clarification involves enforcement.

 

"They asked us to further spell out the steps we'd take to go on private property-- the steps with the D.A. wasn't clear in the ordinance.  There's more to it . They didn't want the public to think the weed inspector would just go on their property without the proper legal steps do do so."

 

The commissioners plan to hold a public hearing on the new noxious weed ordinance at its January 22nd meeting, so citizens can offer their comments before they finalize any changes.

Fire Strikes Bend Kennel

A fire struck at a bend kennel that housed several dogs at the time.

It was reported this morning (Monday) at around 10 o'clock at "Pet Paradise" on Highway 97.

Bend Fire Department spokeswoman Cindy Kettering says when fire crews arrived the staff was quickly making sure the dogs were okay.

 

"The animals are fine- there were only 5 dogs inside at the time of the fire and they were all safely evacuated."

 

Kettering says it was caused by the failure of an old furnace at the business. the damage estimate is at least ten thousand dollars.

1-7-13

St. Charles President And CEO Jim Diegel to Step Down

The St. Charles Board of Directors will begin a national search for a new president and CEO in January 2014.

 

Diegel will continue to serve as president and CEO until the new CEO has been hired.

 

"I came to Redmond and Central Oregon in 1994 with a vision to help create a regional, health delivery system.  The framework for that delivery system is now in place and it is time for a fresh perspective and new leadership skill sets to lead St. Charles into the future.  I have simply accomplished what I set out to do and I look forward to welcoming a new president and CEO to St. Charles."

 

The Chairman of St. Charles Health System Board of Director, Tom Sayeg says "Jim has achieved a long list of accomplishment over the past twenty years.  He played a major role in the merger between the Bend and Redmond hospitals in 2001. He has overseen the St. Charles strategy of creating an integrated delivery system in Central Oregon.  St. Charles has grown to more than 3400 employed caregivers with net revenues in excess of $600 million dollars since Jim  became CEO."

 

The board of directors will provide additional information on the president and CEO recruitment process in the coming weeks.

Drone Testing Will Allow Oregon to Get In on the Ground Floor of Several New Technologies

It can occur at three potential sites, Warm Springs, Pendleton and Tillamook.

 

Collins Hemingway who help prepare the proposal that was recently selected by the F-A-A, expects this to be a huge boon to the area.

 

"This new technology, unmanned aerial technology is a brand new field.  It's like being at Kitty Hawk in 1903 before the Wright Brothers and in Silicone Valley before the high tech boom.  Even if we don't see enormous job numbers, to be in on the ground floor for all kinds of new technologies."

 

Hemingway says search and rescue, firefighting and natural resource management are just a few of the industries that will benefit from drone testing.

Latest Cover Oregon Enrollment Numbers

The latest numbers are 50 thousand people have been signed up, plus 100-thousand more through the Oregon Health Plan.

 

Workers continue to try and get the website fully operational. 

 

The last two months the website has had plenty of technical problems.

 

But some people aren't surprised, like Linda Hendrix who was signing up for healthcare at the recent application fair in Bend.

 

"This is a huge thing.  Maybe if they started eons ago before insurance companies got involoved.  This is to be expected.  There's going to be tons of bugs.  It's going to take time."

 

Last week, the Director  of Cover Oregon, Rocky King resigned.

 

He's been on medical leave for the last couple months.

 

The search for a new permanent director is expected to start soon.  Dr. Bruce Goldberg, the head of the Oregon Health Authority is filling in on an interim basis.

 

 

Missing Redmond Man Found Near Warm Springs

70 year old Robert Stofle left his home on Juniper Avenue Thursday morning and was last seen driving his white 1999 Dodge Durano.

 

That SUV was located later that afternoon near Clackamas off of Highway 26, but Stofle was not in it. Some women who heard about the missing man through social media found the car and another citizen found Stolfe  walking down a road on the Warm Springs Indian Reseravation.

 

Police don't believe there were any criminal acts involved in the incident.

 

Stofle was reunited with his family back at the Redmond Police Department.

Drone Testing Expecting to Bring Hundreds of Jobs to Central Oregon

The Federation Aviation Administration selected Oregon with Alaska and Hawaii as one of its six drone testing sites.

 

Collins Hemingway lead EDCO's effort to bring drone testing here.

 

"But in some way we've been the little engine that could.  We've been working for four years.  We've gone from being a small player to being one of six major players, after being blessed by the F-A-A.  So in one respect it was very surprising and in another respect it shows it took a lot of work from a lot of people."

 

Hemingway says between 200 and 400 jobs could be coming to the area over the next five years because of the drone testing.

 

The testing is expected to start in the next six months.

COCC Looking To Buy Brightside Animal Center Building in Redmond

The Deschutes County Commissioners have to sign off on the deal.

 

Commissioner Alan Unger says the commission is poised to approve the sale after the county's lawyer looks over the agreement.

 

"COCC wants to purchase one of the buildings at the Redmond Humane Society, the Brightside Animal Center.  It was a building to have events in.  But they want to repurpose it to the vet program so students can get practical experience."

 

The cost of the property is expected to be around 262-thousand.

 

The commission is expected to approve the purchase as early as next week.

No Fatalties Over New Years in Oregon

This is the third time since 1970, for no traffic fatalities during this major holiday period.

 

During the 30 hour reporting period, Oregon State Police made 29 arrests for drunk driving -- 22 of them were made on January first.

 

During last year's 102 hour reporting period, 78 arrests were made for drunk driving.

Crook County and Prineville Pave the Way for Apple to Expand in the Area

The county and the city okayed the expansion of its rural enterprise zone.

 

The groups approved up to 211 additional acres to the original agreement to allow solar and electrical producing equipment to move into the enterprise zone.

 

Prineville City Manager Steve Forester says the company behind "Project Pillar" which he admitted is Apple, is already looking to expand its data center there ... only a year after construction on its original data center started.

 

Apple's agreement with Prineville and Crook County provides property tax exemption for up to 15 years in exchange for jobs.

 

Apple must pay local governments an annual project fee of 150-thousand dollars.

Deschutes County Commissioners Try to Get COVA More Room Tax Funds So It Doesn't Face a Cut Next Year

Back in November, voters approved a one percent increase in the county room tax and seventy percent of that increase will go to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

 

Because of the way the funds would be divided up, COVA would get about one hundred thousand less next year.

 

Deschutes County Commissioners Alan Ugner says they're tyring to make COVA whole.

 

"In the budget this year, we took money scheduled for COVA and reallocated it to the fairgrounds.  And because of how they did help us with the fairgrounds problem, they help pass the one percent room tax increase and in response to that, they were hoping to change and reset back that money to COVA and that's what we did."

 

Under the propsoed agreement, COVA would get  about 986-thousand or about a quarter of the room tax funds.

Bend's Mayor Admits the Controversial Water Project Should Have Been More Inclusive

Central Oregon Landwatch filed a lawsuit trying to stop the project.

 

Bend Mayor Jim Clinton says the water project has been very contentious over the last year.

 

He believes if they had heard and addressed citizen concerns better -- a lot of the controversy could have been avoided.

 

"And I think its fair to say had the city done that, we wouldn't be in the pickle we are right now.  And I bear some responsibility.  If the city staff had reached out to everybody and made it more of a community decision about the future of the water supply instead of a city project."

 

Clinton is meeting with leaders of the Central Oregon Landwatch, the group that filed the lawsuit to stop the project.

 

He is efforting to reach some kind of middle ground -- so the project can go forward, while addressing their environmental concerns.

Senator Merkley To Hold Several Townhalls in Central Oregon on Saturday

He will be at the Central Oregon Community College Madras Campus starting at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday.

 

At 1:00, he'll be at COCC in Prineville.

 

And finally at 4 P.M., he'll end up at COCC in Bend at Wille Hall.

 

The forums are to update constituents on his work in Washington and answer any of their questions.

Redmond Police Looking for Missing man who has Dementia

Redmond Police News Release:

 

Nature of Incident:                                                                                                   Missing Person

 

Date/Time of Incident:                                                                                                  1/2/14 - 1052        

 

Location of Incident:                                                                                                              2842 SW Juniper Ave

 

Mentioned Person(s):                               Robert Lee Stofle, 73 years of age, Redmond Oregon

 

Mentioned Vehicle:                                   1999 White Dodge Durango, Oregon License XGE369

 

 

 

Details:

 

On 1-2-14 at approximately 1052 Redmond Police responded 2842 SW Juniper on a report of a missing person.  During the course of the investigation the police department has learned that Robert Lee Stofle suffers from dementia.  His present condition requires constant medical attention.  He left the residence today at approximately 1020 and his whereabouts are currently unknown.

 

He was last seen in a white 1999 Dodge Durango with Oregon license plate XGE369.  It is described as dirty, “I love my family” written in the dirt on the back hatch.  It is further described as having Dodge Ram tail light covers and the drivers side tail light is reported to be cracked.

 

Robert is described as 5’ 10” tall and 200 pounds.  He is also described as having red hair and blue eyes and fair skin with freckles.  Last seen wearing grey pants with white stripe on sides, brown puffy winter coat, and black Calvin Kline stocking cap.  Does not have his dentures with him at this time.  If contacted he is reported to be hard of hearing.

 

Attached are photos of Robert Stofle and a 1999 Dodge Durango (not the exact vehicle)

 

Anyone with additional information is requested to contact the Redmond Police Department at (541) 504-3400 or the non-emergency dispatch number at (541) 693-6911.

 

 

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