Local News Archives for 2014-08

Hearings Officer Will Release His Decision Tuesday on Whether He Approved OSU Cascades Proposed Site

It was supposed to be released Friday, but the hearings officer informed the city of Bend he will issue his decision on September 2nd.

 

Ken Helm will be deciding whether OSU Cascades can build its new campus at Chandelr and Mt. Washington.

 

Hundreds of proponents and opponents showed up for a hearing back in June.

 

Helm will be deciding whether traffic and parking concerns by some neighbors will prevent the college from going forward.

OSP Arrests a LaPine Woman for Setting Fires in North Klamath County

Officers say 64 year old Gail Thorpe set several small fires in Sun Forest Estates off of Highway 31 Thursday.

 

Local residents discovered the small fires and were able to put them out.  Local firefighters responded as well to look for any other fire starts.

 

An OSP trooper found Thorpe walking along an area road.

 

Investigators claim she started the small fires following a domestic argument.

Redmond's Boys and Girls Club Scrambles to Raise One Hundred Thousand Dollars to Keep Its Doors Open

They have closed the club for the next month to see if they can raise about 100-thousand dollars more to sustain them through the year.

 

Board Chair Paul Rodby says they have about 60 thousand dollars, enough to run the club for a couple months, but they need more.

 

"It's not about how much cash we have.  We have enough to possibly run it for a couple months. But we don't have enogh to sustain us until we get some grants written and get them in the pipeline.  I think our board decided we needed a year's worth of revenue or we shouldn't move forward.  It wouldn't be prudent."

 

Rodby says they are relying on the community to step up.

 

"We're trying to keep the doors open which literally impacst about 200 to 250 kids a day and we have 500 members who realistically need after school care.  And it's critically important to provide a safe place for them to go, a positive environment.  And if we can't do it, then we've done our best to make this happen."

 

Rodby didn't want to open the doors in Septmber, only to close them in November.

 

He says the board decided they need to raise one hundred thousand dollars more so they can open the doors again in October.

Wounded Veterans Banquet Planned at Eagle Crest Tuesday to Raise Funds

The event at Eagle Crest is sponsored by Grace Lutheran Church in Redmond and by HAVA -- which stands for "Honored American Veterans Afield."

 

This group on the east coast was formed by those in the shooting and outdoor industry to help disabled veerans with their healing process through hunts.

 

Pastor Randy VanMehren says this is one of the first events HAVA has done in the Pacfic Northwest.

 

"We're doing this, we'll pull our permits and we're gong to take some returning National Gaurd members to Florida for some gator hunting.  This is the type of work HAVA would like to do in central Oregon and when I mentioend it to soldiers during their departing ceremony it sounded like they'd like to see HAVA do more things like this as well."

 

The banquet is Tuesday September 2nd from 5 to 8 P.M. at the Eagle Crest Banquet and Conference Center.  

 

Tickets are $55 dollars per person before the event and $60 at the door.

Senator Ron Wyden Hears from Local Health Providers How to Improve the System

Wyden has introduced bi-partisan legislation that will help Medicare providers better serve chronically ill patients and save the healthcare system a lot of money in the long run.

 

He listened to the local professionals and reacted.

 

"Everyone is in their own silos.  Everyone is getting their own check from the government .. family practice, doctors, nurses.  That's what I'm most interested in changing.  The team day one should be saying "we're going to coordinate."

 

Wyden's bill would transform Medicare from a program that pays for services separately to one where teams would get one payment for providing care to chronically ill patients.  It is hoped it will help reduce Medicare's soaring costs.

 

For example, diabetes treatment needs prior authorization for every step in the process and that caught his attention.

 

"I'm being told that there's some kind of rule tht even after a patient is cleared, they still need prior authorization every single time.  If this is the case, I need someone to get to me a piece of paper or rule, something"

 

Senator Wyden says he's heard about the problems with prior authorization before, but he needs some documentation on it, to do something about it.

Smokey Air in the Bend Area is Declared Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has declared the air in the area unhealthy for sensitive groups.

 

Larry Calkins is with the Air Quality program in Bend.

 

"What we found was rather high numbers in Bend for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, those with asthma, respiratory problems or heart ailments."

 

The air in Bend and Klamath County are being called "unhealthy" for these groups.

 

People should try to avoid being outside and close their windows to limit exposure to the smokey conditions.

Mount Bachelor Season Prices unveiled

 

News Release from Mt. Bachelor-

 

 

Mt. Bachelor Gears Up:

Season Pass and Kids “Gravity School” Pricing Announced

 

Bend, OR. Mt. Bachelor today announced season pass pricing for the upcoming 2014-2015 ski and snowboard season, and also announced several new “perks” of pass ownership.

 

The resort also released pricing on seasonal children’s programs offered by the resort’s newly re-branded “Gravity School” (formerly Snowsports School). The seasonal programs typically sell out prior the start of the season.

 

Payment plans for both programs are available, allowing guests to spread costs over several months.

 

Season pass rates purchased before September 30 are priced at $869 for adults. Young Adult (ages 19-26) pass prices will be $399; Teen (13-18) and Senior 70+ are priced at $289; passes for youth ages 6- 12 are priced at $179; passes for Seniors ages 65-69 are $559. Season passes for children younger than age 6 remain $29. Midweek, non-holiday prices for adults will be $589 for adults and $459 for seniors ages 65-69.

 

The price increase on season passes represents a $20 increase over last year’s prices for adults, and a $10 increase on most other pass products. All pass prices will go up on October 1.

 

Full season passes also come with “Pass Perks.” Each full season pass holder is entitled to up to three days of skiing or riding at each of Mt. Bachelor’s sister resorts:  Copper Mountain, Colorado; Park City Mountain Resort, Utah; Boreal, California; Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort in Nevada and Killington, Vermont.  Teen, Youth and Child full season passes come with unlimited skiing or riding at these sister resorts.

 

Payment plans for season passes require a down payment of $49 for each pass ordered by September 16, with $20 serving as an administrative fee. Equal payments for the balance are due October 15 and November 15 and will be automatically charged to purchasers’ credit cards.

 

Seasonal childrens’ programs are offered in three- and nine-week configurations on Saturdays and Sundays, and serve a range of different interests.

 

“Mighty Mites” and “Mighty Riders” serve skiers ages 6 – 14 and snowboarders ages 7 – 14, respectively, and are priced at $149 for three-week sessions and $439 for nine-week sessions. Classes run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.

 

“All Mountain Skiers” and “All Mountain Riders” serve skiers ages 4 – 6 and snowboarders ages 5 – 6, respectively, and are priced at $159 for three-week sessions and $469 for nine-week sessions. Classes run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.

 

Childrens’ program payment plans require a down payment of $49 per child, with $10 serving as an administrative fee.  Equal payments for the balance are due at the end of October and November and will be automatically charged to purchasers’ credit cards.

 

Additional information on both season passes and seasonal programs may be found on Mt. Bachelor’s website.

 

Mt. Bachelor will hold the line on single-day lift ticket prices this winter, with adult single-day tickets offered at $79; Teen (ages 13-18) and Senior (ages 65-69) will be $67, and Youth (ages 6-12) and Seniors 70+ will be $47.

 

 

About Mt. Bachelor: Mt. Bachelor is the largest ski resort in the Cascade Range, offering 3,683 acres of lift-accessible terrain. The mountain features 10 lifts, seven of which are Express Quads, plus two tubing lifts and two beginner carpets and an average annual snowfall of 462 inches. Mt. Bachelor also features 5 terrain parks, a superpipe, 56K of groomed and tracked cross country trails, snowshoeing, tubing, sled dog rides and summer attractions including downhill mountain biking. For weather conditions, news, and events visit www.mtbachelor.com.

 

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Drowning, Press Release from Deschutes County

From the Deschutes County Sheriff's office.

                    

NARRATIVE:

 

On Thursday, August 28, 2014, at approximately 12:44 PM, deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a report of a swimmer in distress and in need of a water rescue at Reynolds Pond, which is located just south of Alfalfa. 

 

Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area with assistance from the Bend Fire Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, and BLM.  Upon arrival, the victim could not be located in the water.  Resources including dive members and area searchers were called to assist. 

 

The swimmer, identified as Lawrence Domanski, was found deceased in the water approximately 40 minutes later.  Mr. Domanski was with another person at the pond, and an investigation into the specific manner of Mr. Domanski’s death is still underway.   

 

 

Suspect Who Shot Klamath County Deputy Arrested

Police also arrested his girlfriend.

 

Klamath County Sheriff Frank SKrah says William Parkerson of Klamath Falls was taken into custody just before 6 A.M. in Chiloquin, about 20 miles northwest of Klamath Falls.

 

Parkerson is charged with attempted aggravated murder with a firearm and first degree assault itih a firearm.

 

Skrah says Parkerson's girlfriend was also arrested after a manhunt involving nearly every police officer in the state.

 

33 year old Karey Pascoe, faces charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated murder with a firearm and first degree assault with a firearm.

Monica Wehby Travels to Bend to Do Some Campaigning

The woman who will be taking on incumbent Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley was in town to meet with media and constitutents.

 

"People in Oregon, I think people know we need to turn things around.  We're going in the wrong direction.  Deschutes County has a much higher unemployment rate than the national average, it's 8 percent, Crook County's is 10 percent and it's all because of the policies of Senator Merkley and President Obama leading us in the wrong direction."

 

Wehby says too much regulation and uncertainty are hurting our economy and contributing to our sluggish growth.

 

"Senator Merkley has voted with his party and Harry Reid 95 percent of the time and that's now how we are in Oregon.  We don't agree with anyone 95 percent of the time.  We're not a blue state, we're a purple state, a red state with a couple of blue islands.  We can't be voting lockstep with a party, that's not representing our state.  I want to be somebody who represents the entire state."

 

She believes she has the qualifications to bring people together and reduce some of the gridlock.

 

"I think I have the talent and ability to be a problem solver.  I did that at the Oregon Medical Associaton, which is really a microcosm of the state.  We're all of different political parties.  We all want our country to be strong, our children to be susccessful.  We have the same goals, but different ways of getting there."

 

Wehby says her team is still negotiating on upcoing debates with Senator Merkley.

Triple A Predicts an Increase in Holiday Travelers This Weekend

Triple A expects the number of motorists to be up across the country.

 

Marie Dodds with Triple A Oregon says the roads will be busy.

 

"This is actually the highest volume for Labor Day since 2008.  It looks like the eocnomy has shown slow and steady growth.  And people want to travel and more and more and that's what we've seen over the last few years."

 

Triple A expects to see a 1.3 percent increase in the number of travelers this Labor Day weekend.

 

The buiest travel times are expected to be Friday afternoon and Monday night.

State Sheriff's Association Writes a Big Check to Make Sure a Madras Anti Drug Summit is Held

The confernece was in danger of being cancelled when sponsors pulled out over controversy for using federal grant money to bring in speakers to speak against marijuana.

 

Oregon voters will be voting on Meausre 91 to legalize marijuana in the state this November.

 

Jefferson County Sheriff Jim Adkins told News Channel 21 a ten thousand dollar donation will keep the event on track.

 

"The Oregon State Sheriff's Association stepped up and basically saved the day and has provided a total of 15-thousand to get this summit off and running."

 

Best Care Treatment had pulled out last week after pressure from Measure 91 supporters who objected to federal funds being used to bring in speakers.

 

Local leaders have raised the 15-thousand that best care was to provide, so the summit should go on the first week of October.

The 2014 Final Candidates for Bend City Council

They are currently held by Jodie Barram, Mark Capell and Scott Ramsay.

 

Jodie Barram is running for Deschutes County Commissioner, so her postiion six seat will go to one of four candidates.

 

They are Casey Roats of Roats Water, Lisa Seales, a COCC instructor, Ron Boozell and Richard Robertson.  They all gathered the required signatures to be placed on the ballot.

 

Mark Capell will face local doctor Nathan Boddie for his psoition five seat.

 

And Scott Ramsay will face Barb Campbell who owns downtown Bend store Waibisabi for his position 7 seat.  She ran for city council a couple years ago, but lost to Victor Chudowsky.

 

Tuesday was the filing deadline to turn in the required 150 qualified signatures needed to run for city council.

 

A High Speed Chase in the Redmond Area Lands a Bend Man in Jail

Just after noon Tuesday, officers observed a reported stolen Chevrolet Camaro northbound on SW 27th near Elm in Redmond.

 

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the Camaro fled at speeds reaching 80 miles an hour.  The pursuit was discontinued after eight minutes.

 

The stolen vehicle was found abandoned in the area of Dale Road a short time later.

 

The Sheriff's K-9 "Duco" was on the scene minutes later and was able to locate the suspect.

 

Arrested was 36 year old Robert Hansen and he was charged with attempting to elude and reckless driving.

Warm Springs Dedicates Its Brand New K-8 School

The new K-8th grade school will hold a ceremony Wednesday morning.

 

The new 80-thousand square foot school replaces an 83 year old one.

 

Principal Glenna DeSouza says they've been looking forwrad to this day.

 

"Oh it's very exciting.  It's wonderful to see all the hard work that has come to be and see the new classrooms and new design.  I know the staff is excited and I can't wait to see the student reaction on the first day of school."

 

Nearly 700 students will be attending the new school when classes start on September 9th.

Bend City Council Gets Ready to Debate the Challenges of Vacation Rentals

And that is changing the makeup and feel of some neighborhoods.

 

The Bend City Council is slated to discuss the issue next month.

 

Steve Pierce of Bend has lived here for more than 40 yeras.  He is planning to rent out his home in the Old Mill District for the first time.

 

"The renters that are all around us are really nice and we like them.  Everyone watches out for everyone else's property.  So, so far it's good."

 

Pierce says his neighborhood has not had any problems with vacation rentals, but not every neighbood has been so lucky.

 

Some neighbors have complained of loud parties and don't like that they don't know their neighbors because they keep changing.

 

Currently, there are more than 350 vacation home rentals in the Bend area and the Bend City Council is slated to disucss how to regulate them at its September 17th meeting.

A Pickleball Fan Donates a Quarter of a Million Dollars to Double the Number of Courts at Pine Nursery

Well, a pickleball fan is donating a quarter of a million dollars to double the number of the courts there.

 

Werner Zehnder is donating the money so Bend Parks and Rec can build eight more courts for the popular sport.

 

He moved here with his wife Susan from Seattle a couple years ago and wanted to give back to the community.

 

Zehnder says if they waited for Bend Parks and Rec to fund the courts, it would be at least five more years.

 

"Rather than waiting for us to die and have a sign on the court that says in loving memory of Werner and Susan Zehnder, we decided to do this now when we can enjoy the courts and our friends can enjoy the courts.  That's why we did this."

 

The courts should be completed by next June when the area will again host the Senior Games.

Three Teens are Seriously Injured in a Jefferson County Car Accident

The accident happened just before 3:30 A.M. on Highway 26.  The Camry driven by 16 year old Rosebud Whipple of Warm Springs was traveling westbound eight miles southeast of Madras, when it left the roadway and rolled several times.

 

The driver and both passengers -- 13 year old Annalisa Whipple and 16 year old Rhienna Wolfe were seriously injured.  Whipple is at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hosptatl in Portland and Wolfe is at St. Charles in Bend.

 

A dog was found deceased inside the vehicle.

 

The investigation into the crash continues.

Bend Police Arrest a Man for Stealing 10 Thousand Worth of Merchandise at the Vince Genna Stadium Pro Shop

Andrew Sherrell is charged with stealing 10-thousand dollars in merchandise from the pro shop Sunday morning.

 

They caught Sherrell when he tried to return merchandise to some area sporting goods stores for merchandise they did not carry.

 

He was arrested at Big 5 Sporting Goods where they recovered some of the stolen merchandise.

 

Sherrell was also in possession of methamphetamine and faces charges for that.

Fundraising Continues as a Major Sponsor Pulls Out from an Anti Drug Summit in Madras

A major sponsor of the event, "Best Care Treatment" pulled out last week after pressure from Measure 91 supporters, who felt the summit would influence the upcoming election.

 

D.A. Steve Leriche says this annual summit has nothing to do with Measure 91 that voters will be voting on this November, that would legalize marijuana.  

 

Leriche says he took offense when Measure 91 supporters overreacted to the conference.

 

"I'm definitely not a statewide warrior trying to be anti Measure 91 or anti-marijuana.  I think my biggest concern is that this is Jefferson County, in my backyard and we can have the kinds of conversatiosn we think are appropriate without any outside influence."

 

Best Care was sponsoring the event and helping pay to bring in speakers for the summit.

 

D.A. Leriche and others are trying to raise 15-thousand dollars in the next couple weeks so the event can go on.  So far, they've raised three thousand toward that goal.

Central Oregon Will Host One of the Gubernatorial Debates Next Month in Sunriver

The Oregon Association of Broadcasters is holding its annual conference in Sunriver in late September, so they will be hosting the debate between Governor Kitzhaber and Republican challenger Dennis Richardson -- Friday September 26th at 11 A.M.

 

OAB President Bill Johnstone says they're excited to play a role.

 

"We have tried on numerous occasions to be able to sponsor a debate.  What happened this year they specifially said it was going to be in central Oregon and we're going to be there for our annual conference in Sunriver. So we finally got one of the debates.  We thought we had an opportunity to get a yes on one of these debates and we did get it on this particular one."

 

Johnstone says they are proposing to have one moderator and allow  OAB members to ask questions of the candidates, but the candidates haven't agreed to a format yet.

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden Will Be in Bend This Thursday to Talk to the Bend Chamber

The senator plans to discuss his work as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and particularly his effort to raise wages and pass laws that create private sector jobs.

 

Wyden will be speaking at Central Oregon Community College's Wille Hall starting at noon on Thursday.

Warm Springs Woman Will Be Sentenced Next Week for Starting a Fire Last July

23 year old Sadie Renee Johnson has pleaded guilty to setting brush and timber on fire on July 20th 2013.

 

She says she wasbriding as a passenger in a car traveling on Route 3 in Warm Srpings and lit a small firwork with her lighter and threw it out the window into the brush along the road.

 

She says her firefighter friends were bored and needed work, though she didn't intend to set a fire that burned 51-thousand acres and cost nearly 8 million dollars to fight.

 

Johnson will be sentenced on September 3rd and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of a quarter of a million dollars. She is required to pay back the money spent fighting the fire.

Four People Injured In Marion County Crash

(Salem, OR)  --  Four people, including a small child, are injured in a head-on collision in Salem.  The wreck happened around 1:30 p.m. yesterday at the intersection of Portland Road Northeast and Scott Avenue.  Police say the child was thrown from one of the vehicles.  The other three people involved in the crash sustained minor injuries.    
 

Beaverton Police Investigate Car Vandalism

(Beaverton, OR)  --  Beaverton police say they're investigating more than 30 separate incidents in which vehicles were vandalized by gunfire.  Authorities say windows were shattered or shot out by bullets sometime after 10 p.m. Saturday, and all the shootings appear to be random.  The neighborhoods affected were both in the southwestern area of the city.  Anyone with information helpful to the investigation is asked to call 503-629-0111.

Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Dennis Richardson Reacts to Filing of Lawsuit Against Oracle

The suit filed in Marion County Circuit Court on Friday accuses Oracle of fraud, false claims, breach of contract and racketeering.

 

Republican Gubernatorial candiate Dennis Richardson isn't buying it.

 

"I think that this is political theater at the cost of the taxpayers.  These lawsuits are expensive.  They had a contract for time and materials.  To say it's essentially racketeering -- that is a tough burden of proof.  It's about political theater and elections and this thing will go away after election day."

 

It appears the state has a former Oracle employee that claims Oracle tried to persuade the state not to hire a systems integrator, since it would mean more money for them as the primary contractor.

 

The state is seeking 200 million dollars.

 

Oracle filed its own lawsuit against Oregon a couple weeks ago.

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley Comes to Bend to Talk to a State Union Group About Jobs

He told the group middle income jobs are the backbone of any stable economy and says we need to stop rewarding companies from shipping jobs overseas.

 

"One study shows Oregon has 250-thousand jobs at risk of being off shored.  Unfortuantely Republicans killed the Bring Jobs Home bill.  My opponent and I have come from different places, so I've taken on China cheating on trade deals, giving them subsidies for shipping jobs overseas and my opponent has the opposite view."

 

Last session, Rebublicans refused to pass legislation that would end tax subsidies for companies shipping jobs overseas, while endorsing companies with local jobs.

 

It would have given a 20 percent tax credit to businesses relocating from overseas.

 

Merkley's opponent, Monica Wehby says she would have opposed the measure as well.

An Anti Drug Summit in Madras Is In Danger of Being Cancelled After Some Major Sponsors Pull Out

Some of the major sponsors of the event are pulling out after pressure from supporters of Measure 91 -- which seeks to legalize marijuana in the state.

Jefferson County District Attorney Steve Leriche is trying to raise the funds privately to make up for the loss.

 

"This conference and previous conferences have been sponsored by Best Care long before Meausre 91 ever existed.  So to say it's associated with defeating the measure, that's a little bit of a stretch to me."

 

The Madras event scheduled for October was gonig to bring in a former White House Drug Advisor who opposes marijuana legalization.

 

Supporters of Measure 91 feel its wrong to use federal money from a grant to pay for a public appearance on this issue so close to the November election.

City Club of Central Oregon Tackles How Climate Change is Affecting the Region

Kathie Dello was brought in Thursday to address the City Club of Central Oregon on how climate change is affecting our region.

 

One of the audience members asked how global warming is affecting the ski industry.

 

"Snow pack is declining and it will continue to decline.  There will always be snow at the higher elevations.  Some people say there will be no snow at Mt. Hood.  There will always be snow at the higher elevations of Mt. Hood, but I would be concerned about the lower elevations.  In part because it wasn't snowing or raining, but we also had warmer temperatures at higher elevations."

 

Dello says there is still time to act, but we need to have the political will to do so.  She says the most effective change on this issue occurs at the local and state level.

Crook County is Close to Approving an Ordinance Banning the Sale of ECigarettes to Minors

You may be surprised to learn it's not illegal to sell ecigarettes to youth because the industry is not regulated.

 

Ecigarettes contain nicotine, but not tobacco.

 

Crook County Judge Mike McCabe says they are leading central Oregon, by being the first county in the area to ban the sales to youngsters.

 

"We just think they need to be more forthcoming.  It's something hazardous and they try to dress it up and look like candy so they can get young people to buy 'em."

 

Crook County plans to vote on her new ordinance banning the sale of ecigarettes to minors at their next meeting September 3rd.

 

In Europe, a new survey found that a majority of Europe's 30 million ecigarette users are between the ages of 15 and 24.

Judge Convicts an Oregon Man of Robbing Bend's Columbia State Bank This June

Judge Michael Adler found Peterson guilty of robbery in the third degree and theft in the second degree Tuesday.

 

He was sentenced to 30 months in prison with 24 months post prison supervision.

 

The judge said when sentencing Peterson, despite the defendant being "polite" during the crime, it still constituted robbery.

 

Peterson walked into Bend's Columbia State Bank on June 16th this year and in a low voice told the teller, "I need you to do me a favor, I need you to pull out all the money in your drawer, starting with the hundreds and do not push any buttons or alarms."

 

Peterson was arrested in Stayton Oregon later that day and brought back to Deschutes County to face trial.

Oregonians Pay Some of the Highest Gas Prices in the Nation

We have the third highest prices for gas in the country, while many states are seeing their prices drop.

 

Oregon's average is around $3.90 an gallon, while the national average is $3.45 a gallon.

 

Drivers in the Pacific states continue to pay the highest prices because this region is geographically isolated in terms of being supplied by refineries that have access to cheaper crude products, that are available in the central U.S.

Supporters of Legalizing Marijuana in Oregon Pour More Money Into TV Ads

"New Approach Oregon" has spent 2.3 million dollars in TV advertising.

 

The new ads that will hit airwaves within days, feature drug treatment expert Richard Harris.

 

"I'm the former Director of Addiction and Mental Health Division.  Drug treatment is woefully underfunded right now and Measure 91 would better fund drug treatment and prevention programs.  Marijuana isn't going anywhere. We're not stopping it with the war on drugs."

 

Much of the money for these ads come from out of state.

 

It is expected to be the most expensive pro-marijuana campaign in the state's history.

 

Oregonians voted down a similar measure two years ago, but polls show a majority of people in the state support this measure.

City of Bend Reveals a Plan to Make Walking, Biking and Driving Better in Downtown Bend

They have held several public forums to give the public an opportunity for feedback.  The last one was held this week.

 

The plan looks to make it easier to get around what's called the Central District downtown.

 

That's the area around Third Street from Revere to Burnside.

 

Wendy Robinson with Bend's Community Development Department says their plan should relieve congestion.

 

"And Third Street is a major north-south street that runs through the district and if we don't do anyting, the congestion is going to get exponentially worse.  We need to put a complete street system network together, so we can diversify paths people are taking to their destination."

 

The development plan for the downtown Central District also calls for a combination of housing and businesses.

 

They are trying to improve connections for everyone traveling downtown.

Oregon Department of Justice Decides Prineville's Former Police Chief Committed No Crimes

Prineville asked the DOJ to conduct a criminal investigation into these allegations.

 

The DOJ investigated them by interviewing witnesses from the city of Prineville and military as well as Chief Bush himself.

 

They concluded there is insufficient evidence to prove that Chief Bush committed a crime.

 

Bush argued there is a lot of overlap in his positions with the city of Prineville and the National Guard since he is the manager for the city and Director of the 911 Center.

 

Chief Bush was fired by the city in July based on these allegations and the chief is suing the city for 2.5 million dollars for wrongful termination.

Oregon Nonprofit Supports Some Bend Homeowners Fighting Plans to Pipe Their Canal

"Restore Oregon" heard from many of these homeowners seeking help on what to do.

 

The group that helps save historic places supports their effort to keep the canal as is and not pipe it for historic reasons.

 

It was built in the early 1900's and Restore Oregon's Executive Director Peggy Moretti says they recently wrote an article in support of preserving the canal.

 

"The goal isn't to freeze them in amber or stop progress. Often these things there is a way to preserve some piece or structure or resources and be able to keep evidence of that past and what it represents.  And there's a beauty aspect, the community benefits from the aesthetics of it."

 

The Central Oregon Irrigation District wants to pipe the canal north of Bend to reduce water leaks and to create hydroelectric power for its plant.

 

The Deschutes County Commissioners are expected to decide this month whether to approve the piping project.

Deschutes County Continues to Lead the State in Job Growth

The July numbers for Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson County remained unchanged last month.

 

But our job growth in Deschutes County has increased by more than five percent since last July.

 

Workforce Analyst Melissa Greenaway says it's been impressive.

 

"Deschutes County has already added over 3300 jobs over the past year.  And that makes it by far the top metropolitan area with the fastest job growth in Oregon.  And in fact, all three counties have had job growth better than the state and national average is spread across the whole region."

 

The majority of the employment gains were in the private sector.

 

The lack of change in the unemployment rate mirrors statewide and national trends.

Crews Repair a Gasoline Break in Bend

Homes within a half block radius of the leak Monday morning were evacuated for about an hour and the road closed for several hours.

 

The break occurred when crews were working to fix a water leak yesterday (Mon) morning just after 9:30, when they hit a two inch natural gas line.

 

The leak was fixed after the gas leak was stopped.

City of Bend Wants Public Feedback on Urban Growth Boundary

We are still in the throes of deciding what the city will need for future growth and the city wants feedback.

 

Brian Rankin, the city's UGB Project Manager says they have an online tool where residents can let them know which goals are important to them.

 

"This is the first time we are using this product.  What it will do is it will allow people to see the goals and prioritize them in a more detailed way.  For example, it will ask how do you feel about more housing downtown or how about producing more opportunities for biking and walking."

 

The online survey is at www.bendoregon.gov/bendugb

 

The city is also holding community meetings this week on the UGB.  This wil  be this Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M.  Wednesday's meeting is at the Bend Municipal Court Building on 15th Street and Thursday's is at Bend Parks and Rec.

COCC to Hold First County Commissioner Debate Between Debone and Barram

Republican Tony DeBone is being challenged by Democratic candidate Jodie Barram who is currently a Bend City Councilor.

 

The student run forum is part of a COCC political science class taught by former state lawmaker Judy Stiegler.

 

The students will be asking the questions on important issues facing Deschutes County and why the canidates are running.

 

The debate will be Thursday August 12th from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M. at Wille Hall.  The public is invited to come.

Latest on Oregon's Fires

The Muskrat Fire as its called is still at zero containment.

 

Four helicopters, an air tanker and several smoke jumpers are working the fire.

 

The evacuation orders put in place Thursday, remain.

 

And Governor Kitzhaber got a first hand look at the Rowena Fire still  burning in the Columbia Gorge Friday morning. 

 

The fire near the Dalles started Tuesday evening and has burned 33 hundred acres.  It's now 35 percent contained.

 

740 homes are currently threatened by the blaze.

 

Fire officials say they are in far better shape than they wre 44 hours ago.

 

They say the next few days will be critical and they're concerned about expected high winds.

Senator Merkley Travels to Bend to Talk with Seniors About Protecting Social Security and Medicare

He was at the Bend Senior Center Thursday to hold a roundtable discussion with about a dozen area seniors.

 

He told them some Republicans want to voucherize social security and have other ideas.

 

"And second is privatizing social security.  And anyone who thought that was a good idea in 2007 was cleared of that notion after the crash of 2008.  But I have not doubt this issue will be back again."

 

Senator Merkley was joined by the President of the National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare, Max Richtman who announced the group is endorsing Merkley in the Senate race against Monica Wehby.

 

During the discussion, the senator mentioned his Republican Senate opponent, Monica Wehby and cuts she would like to make.

 

"Now there are some folks who want to go further.  And one of them is my opponent Monica Wehby.  She supports the Tea Party budget called "Cut, Cap and Balance,"  which would make a 25 percent cut on major programs like social security and medicare."

 

In a new press release, Monica Wehby's campaign criticized Merkley for expanding government and our debt.

Governor Kitzhaber Calls In Extra Help for the Columbia Gorge Fire

Kitzhaber has declared the fire about six miles west of the Dalles, a conflagration.

 

This allows the State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to help assist.

 

The Governor traveled to southern Oregon Wednesday morning to get an update on the Beaver Complex fires.

 

"I think it's important to point out these fires are a symptom.  There is a bigger issue.  We have to deal with the root cause.  There is no way we should be dealing with this year after year.  We have to do a better job of managing the forests and putting Oregonians back to work.  So we can clean up the forests and reduce the fire risk."

 

The fire burning near Ashland that the Governor visited is 100 percent lined and 35 percent contained.  It has burned more than 36-thousand acres.

Senator Merkley Will Hold a Roundtable Discussion on Protecting Social Security and Medicare in Bend Thursday

He will be discussing what Washington can do to ensure the health and well being of Oregon seniors and protect social security and medicare.

 

The roundtable discussion will be held at the Bend Senior Center's library beginning at 4 P.M.

This is not open to the general public.

 

The head of the National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare, Max Richtman will also be there for the discussion.

 

Merkley will also be traveling to Portland, Eugene, Medford and Corvallis.

Redmond Airport Prepares to Repave Its Main Runway This Summer

This will be the first of two phases to maintain and prolong the life of the airport's runway.

 

The first phase should wrap up during the fall of 2014.

 

The second phase will be completed in the fall of 2015 and will involve full depth reconstruction of the rest of the runway.

 

The second phase will be completed in the fall of 2015 and will involve full depth reconstruction of the rest of the runway.

 

This project will require the rerouting of all aircraft arrivals and departures to a different runway for the duration of the project.

 

This work should extend the pavement life of the runway for an additional twenty years.

Bend North in Little League Regional Semi Finals in California

They beat Montana Tuesday 5 to 0.

 

They will be playing in the first Semi Final game at 2 P.M. on Thursday.

 

They expect to be playing Montana again or possibly Alaska.

 

Four of the six teams in the Regional Championships will play in the Semi Finals and the top two teams will play in the Finals on Saturday.

First Debate Between Two Candidates Running for House District 54 Seat

Republican candidate Knute Buehler and Democratic candidate Craig Wilhelm actually agreed on many subjects.

 

They both want to diversify the economy and guide smart growth in the area.  They also both support expanding OSU Cascades to a four year university.

 

In their closing staetments, both made the argument they have the leadership skills for the job.

 

"Buehler:  I'm a fixer not a partisan fighter.  If you're looking for a noise maker, I'm not that kind of guy.  But after 12 years of having a Doctor as Governor, I think it's time for a doctor in the house.  Wilhelm:  I lead in combat through the toughest of times.  I know how to deal with limited resources.  I can bring folks together for a common good. I took care of 200 soldiers and I could do that here. I'll take care of you."

 

Dr. Buehler is an orthopedic surgeon and Craig Wilhelm was a decorated veteran in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and currently runs a recycling business.

Rangers at Crater Lake Concerned Man May Have Fallen from the Caldera Rim at Crater Lake

The man who is reported to have possibly fallen is a 40 year old white male, about 5'10" and 150 pounds  with long dirty blond hair and a full beard.

 

He was last seen wearing a blue baseall cap, green t-shirt and dark shorts.  He also had one arm completely tatooed.  He was also wearing a black knee brace one one leg and an ace bandage on the other.

 

Rangers immediately began a search using teams from several counties in addition to boats on Crater Lake and a helicopter.

 

The only finding was a pair of sunglasses located directly below where the individaul was reported to have fallen.

 

They think the hiker was northbound on the Pacific Crest Trail and may be from the Bend area.

Body of Missing Oregon Woman Found on Sheridan Logging Road

A nearby property owner discovered her Lexus Tuesday morning and detectives found her body a short distance away.

 

Police say there were no signs of foul play.

 

Jennifer Huston went missing July 24th while she was running errands.

 

She was last seen buying gas and getting cash, along with some sleeping pills.

 

There were reports in recent days that she had been seen on a ferry in Washington's San Juan Islands.

 

The Sheriff's Department will be holding a press conference today at 4 P.M.

Bend North Continues Their Winning Ways at the Little League Regional Championships

They beat Alaska in their latest game Monday, 10 to 2.

 

On Saturday, they beat Wyoming 15 to 0.

 

But their first game against Washington's champs, was their only loss.  They lost 10 to 2.

 

Bend North Manager Dan Ruhl says they are prepared to take on Washington again in the semi finals on Thursday.

 

"So the next time around I feel very confident.  They're what stands between us and Williamsport.  They never got down in the dumps.  We said let's focus on winning the the next two out of three."

 

The top four teams at the regional championships in California will go on to the semi finals on Thursday and the champion will be crowned on Saturday August 9th.

 

That team will travel to Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series.

Deschutes County Commissioners Approve LaPine's New Urban Renewal District

Oregon's newest city has been working toward this since last year, but the county commissioners needed to approve it.

 

They did during their Monday meeting.

 

Elaine Howard, an urban renewal consulant from Portland, hired by LaPine says they have big plans for the district.

 

"The projects they're looking forward to are street scape projects to improve our sense of identity.  Right now there's a big commercial strip from one end to the other which doesn't give people a big reason to stop and shop.  They have infrastructre projects in mind, so they can allocate funds for that."

 

Leaders in LaPine hope the district will allow them to attract restaurants and businesses to the area to spur more growth.

 

The LaPine plan hopes to funnel 7 million into urban renewal projects over the next twenty five years.

First Debate Between the Two Candidates Running for District 54 State House Seat

Conger did not seek re-eelction because he was running for the U.S. Senate, but lost in the primary to Monica Wehby.

 

The Bend Chamber is holding the forum between Republican candidates Dr. Kntue Buehler and Democratic candidate Craig Wilhelm.

 

Jamie Christman with the Chamber says you'll get good insight into the candidates.

 

"We'll take time with each candidate and direct questions to them and they'll get 90 seconds to answer.  They won't see the questions before hand.  This is an opportunity for the candidates to ask each other questions and then closing comments.  It should be very enlightening and engaging with everybody there."

 

The debate will be held at Volcanic Theater Pub Tuesday with a meet and greet period between 5 and 5:30 and the debate getting underway at 5:30.

 

To register go to www.bendchamber.org

 

KBND's Kelly Bleyer is one of the moderators and we'll have a full report on the event.

Latest on Possible Sightings of a Missing Oregon Women in Washington's San Juan Islands

38 year old Jennifer Huston was last seen in that area July 24th filling up her car with gas and she hasn't been seen since.

 

There's a couple in the San Juan Islands in Washington that believes they saw Huston on the San Juan Islands ferry last Thursday.

 

San Juan County Under Sheriff Bruce Ditsler says they're investigating.

 

"We consider this tip uncorroborated at this time, but we're looking to see if we can locate her car or her.  So on routine patrols we have officers looking at campgrounds and in parking lots trying to locate the vehicle somewhere on the island."

 

Huston was driving a dark green 1999 Lexus with Oregon plates WXH 011.  Neither she nor her car have been seen since.

Mt. Bachelor Motel Robbery

Police say 27 year old Jeffrey Doty of Bend and 22 year old Sergei Newlin faces robbery and assault charges.

 

They say a 24 year old victim agreed to meet with Doty and Newlin at the motel to purchase controlled substances and when he entered the room he was struck with a metal pipe and his money and pills were taken from him.

 

He suffered non life threatening injuries to his face and mouth.

 

The men were all acquaintances.

Governor Kitzhaber is Engaged to his Long Time Girlfriend

The Governor's Office confirmed the two have been engaged for a couple of weeks, but have not set a wedding date.

 

The 67 year old Governor started dating Hayes who is almost 47, back in 2002 when Hayes ran for a State House seat in Bend.

 

Both Kitzhaber and Hayes have been divorced twice.

Vehicle Hits Pilates Studio in NW Crossing

It happened just before 11 A.M. Monday when the vehicle hit the Peach Pilates Studio while a small class was exercising.

 

Police were at the scene at the corner of Mt. WAshignton and NW Crossing Drive for several more hours securing the building and removing the car.

 

Several people were hurt by flying glass and suffered other injures from the crash.

 

Police are not releasing the condition of the driver or those injured due to national healthcare protection laws.

Overall Health Insurance Rates Will be More Competitive in Oregon Next Year

Oregon Insurance Commissioner Laura Cali attributes the decrease in some premiums to competition and Oregonians expanded access to health coverage.

 

Lisa Morawski with the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services agrees.

 

"Another thing we're seeing is more Oregonians have access and that's resulting in less uncompensated coverage . Its services that are unpaid to medical providers.  And because there's less uncompensated care, and that's bringing down rates as well."

 

Although rates vary by insurer, the average monthly premium for a standard plan for a 40 year old will be $250 a month, compared to $262 dollars a month in 2014.

 

Moda Healthcare has two thirds of the individual healthcare market in the state and they are raising rates by ten percent, but many smaller carriers are dropping rates next year.

Bend Parks and Rec Opens a New Off Leash Area for Small Dogs

Ponderosa Park off of 15th Street and Wilson AVenue just opened a new fully-fenced area with grass to small dogs.

 

There have been examples of dogs being injured or killed by other dogs at area parks, but  Jan Taylor with Bend Parks and Rec says there are other reasons to separate big and small dogs.

 

"You know I don't know about safety as much as pure enjoyment, because big dogs can be a little rough.  So now these smaller dogs won't have to be in competition with 'em"

 

There is also a small dog off leash area at Riverbend Park and they are currenlty building one at Pine Nursery Park.  That one is expected to open this fall.

Deschutes County Hires a New 911 Director

His name is Steve Reinke and he comes from Washington state.

 

Reinke was the 911 Director for Kittitas County in Ellensburg, Washington.

 

Early in his career, Reinke was a firefighter/paramedic and deputy sheriff.

 

Deschutes County has had 17 different 911 directors in the last twenty years.

 

Rob Poirier left the job in June of 2013.

 

Reinke will start in Deschutes County Tuesday September 2nd.

Accident in the Benham Falls Area Kills a Colorado Man

Killed was 62 year old Daniel Lowry of Dolores, Colorado.

 

The Sheriff's Department says Lowry was planning to kayak Benham Falls and was likely scouting the area in preparation of that and fell down a 40 to 50 foot cliff on Saturday.

 

Citizens on the scene say the injuries he sustained in the fall, killed him.

Fatal Crash Alfalfa Market Road

The accident happened Friday just after noon on Alfalfa Market Road near Dodds Road in Bend.

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office says 21 year old Kayleen Abbey was killed when she lost control of her pick up truck and rolled. The truck came to rest on its top in an irrigation canal.

 

No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

 

The cause and manner of this accident are still being investigated.

Governor invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act

Governor Kitzhaber Invokes Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to Beaver Complex Fire

Fire located in Jackson and Klamath counties threatens about 170 residences


(Salem, OR) — Governor Kitzhaber invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on Friday, Aug. 1, in response to the Beaver Complex Fire burning in Jackson and Klamath counties.

In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kitzhaber determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire and that the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.

By invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act, the Governor ordered Oregon State Police and the Oregon State Fire Marshal to mobilize fire resources statewide and coordinate with all appropriate Fire Defense Chiefs for the use of personnel and equipment to suppress and contain the fire.

"The Beaver Complex in Southern Oregon continues to burn, and the State Fire Marshal and the Department of Forestry are working closely with the local community to minimize threats to people, property and natural resources," Governor Kitzhaber said. "I have directed all available state resources to help contain the fire and ensure that nearby communities have every resource necessary to protect citizens."

The fire has burned more than 11,000 acres. This emergency was declared only for the Beaver Complex Fire and is effective immediately.



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