Local News Archives for 2012-03

Women Vets Meeting in Salem

Hundreds of female veterans are meeting in Salem this weekend for a special conference. Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs spokesperson Mike Allegre says the "Oregon Women's Veterans Conference" has been going on for many years. They are expecting about 400 women to attend from throughout Oregon and other parts of the northwest. “For women to come to this conference a lot of what they find is camaraderie; especially when you have young veterans in their 20's mingling with veterans in their 70's even in their 90's from WW2. They have a lot in common; can build relationships that don't normally occur in a normal social setting. So it’s really neat to see these women getting together; having gone through some of the same things."  It will focus on heath and other benefits that women veterans are entitled to. He says the last conference that was held in Salem drew about 200 women veterans.

 

 

Share

Molotov Cocktial Causes Minimum Damage

Kids throwing a Molotov Cocktail cause a small house fire in southwest Redmond. Redmond Fire and Police report they responded to the call of roof fire on SW 29th Street around 12-30 Thursday. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly and it caused minimal damage. Redmond Police contacted two male juveniles in the area- who were subsequently arrested for arson - criminal mischief and criminal trespass. Police want to remind you of the dangers of playing with fire and flammable liquids.  though no one was hurt- there is always a high risk of injury to people and property damage.

 

 

Share

Deschutes County Girl with Meningitis Not Connected to Prineville

Health officials says the recent case of meningitis in Deschutes County, is not connected to the Prineville cases. A five year old girl contracted meningitis recently and was hospitalized in Portland. The Oregon Public Health Lab says the girl's strain is different from the Prineville cases, which means there is no link to the Crook County outbreak. About 50 people who were around the girl are considered at risk so they've been prescribed preventive antibiotics to protect them.

 

 

Share

Baseball Season Opener- at 3 a.m.!

It’s baseball's opening day, but the season's starting far away in the Far East. They’ll play ball before most Americans wake up. "You know we're coming to Japan for baseball. I think it's really special." Michael Saunders and the Mariners will play the Oakland A's in Tokyo. First pitch about 6:10 am Eastern Time Wednesday; 3 in the morning in Seattle and Oakland. A's Manager Bob Melvin: "It presents some challenges, but certainly we're playing a team that had to go through the same things that we do." They'll play in Tokyo again Thursday, a chance for Japanese fans to see their icon:  Ichiro Suzuki, who plays for the Mariners. Baseball’s opening day here is April 4th, the Cardinals and Marlins in Miami's new stadium.   

 

 

Share

Rimrock West Neighborhood Receives “Firewise Community” Award

A northwest Bend community is being recognized tonight nationally for reducing the risk of wildfires sweeping through the neighborhood and destroying homes. The Bend Fire Department says that the 43 home "Rimrock West" neighborhood off of Archie Briggs Road is receiving the coveted "Firewise Community" award.  Susie Maniscalco is a Deputy Fire Marshal with the Bend Fire Department. "Rimrock West is nestled at the base of Awbrey Butte and it’s located where there's a lot of dead, dry materials; old growth, juniper and bitterbrush that sort of thing. So they were very ripe for the possibility that if a wildfire came through that area that homes could be lost."  And it's not outside of the realm of possibility. In 1990 the Awbrey Hall Fire destroyed 22 homes and the Skeleton Fire burnt 17 houses.

 

 

Share
 

February Unemployment Numbers

Unemployment in Central Oregon decreased in two of the three counties in February. And in the third county, it stayed the same. Unemployment stayed at 12.7% in Jefferson County and fell in Deschutes and Crook counties. Regional Economist Carol Eagan is seeing some good signs. “I think the real story this month is in Crook County. The rate fell 2 ½% from a year ago and a full 7/10th of a percent from last month. Compared to February a year ago, Crook County added 60 people to its labor force. Deschutes County's unemployment rate fell by 3/10ths of a percent. The job growth in all the counties seemed to be in several different sectors,  and not concentrated in just a few fields.

 

 

Share

Prineville Man Needs Transplant

A Prineville man is fighting for his life and needs a $160,000 bone marrow transplant in order to survive. Kurt Kendrick was diagnosed with lymphoma about 8 months ago. Longtime family friend Pam Bachman says she's known Kurt for 19 years, and he's like a son to her: "Kurt got cancer, found out he had cancer about 8 months ago. He went to the hospital in the middle of the night with pain and he had a 25 pound tumor. And he had lymphoma cancer, and it went from that to into his spinal cord and his brain." Bachman says his insurance plan won't cover the transplant because the insurance company ruled that he had a pre-existing condition and so there is a 2 year waiting period. She says he is not expected to live past 3 to 6 months. With a transplant he has a 60% chance of survival. If you'd like to help, there is an account set up at Wells Fargo Bank under Kurt Kendrick's name.

 

 

Share

St. Charles CEO Comments on Healthcare Reform

Court observers continue to try and decipher how the Supreme Court will rule on the Affordable Care Act before it.  The nine justices will decide whether the law is unconstitutional. They heard the second day of oral arguments Tuesday; the focus being the individual mandate forcing people to have health insurance. Jim Diegel, the CEO of St. Charles Healthcare says reform is already underway in Central Oregon. “Regardless of whether the Affordable Care Act is upheld or not, all of us are looking at reforming the delivery of healthcare. That's the whole focus, trying to deliver integrated care that is more manage in how we deliver your care.” The Justices will hear more oral arguments on the affordable care act on Wednesday.

 

 

Share

EDCO on T-Mobile Closing

Hundreds of jobs are being lost in Redmond as T-Mobile decides to close its call center there. About 350 people currently work there and at its height the call center employed almost 900 people. Roger Lee with EDCO helped bring the company to Central Oregon in 2004. He says the blocked merger between T-Mobile" and AT&T may have played a role.  "Speculation is, that it was related to the merger and I think in general, the ratings on T-Mobile call centers was much higher than for AT & T; so AT&T was probably going to migrate some of its call centers from overseas back into the U.S. to the T-Mobile centers, had the acquisition gone through. But without that happening, that was off the table." In all, seven T-Mobile call centers are being closed in the next few months. The others are in Pennsylvania, Florida, Kansas, Colorado and two in Texas.

 

 

Share

Missing La Pine Man Found

The missing La Pine man with Alzheimer’s has been found. Donald Jones, 77, was found in his car by officers near Roseburg earlier this afternoon. He had been missing since Sunday morning, when he took off in his car after an argument. His wife Ruthelaine is relieved: “They just called from the sheriffs office near Roseburg. They found him near Steamboat Road, wherever Steam Road is. It's off of Highway 38. They said he was a little confused but o.k.” Sheriff deputies were planning on taking Jones to the Roseburg hospital to have him checked out.

 

 

Share

Changes in Bend Dog Licensing Coming

The Bend City Council is considering sweeping changes to dog licensing and animal control issues.  At Wednesday night's Bend City Council Work Session, Police Chief Jeff Sale presented a couple of options to reign in what is a $16,000 deficit into a program that could easily generate funds. Right now, all dogs in the City must be licensed through Deschutes County. "That revenue is roughly $160,000, we get back $34,000 of that. What we're looking to do is change the way that we are handling these animals and change the way that the licensing works inside the City of Bend." Sale says there are about 80,000 dogs in the city, and only 8800 are licensed right now. Sale presented two options: one would used the Humane Society of Central Oregon as a subcontractor for obtaining licenses and collecting impound fees for problem dogs, or to establish a new city licensing program. The Council directed sale to "flesh out" both options and bring his recommendations to a future meeting.

 

 

Share

Ice Skating in July?

How about ice skating on the 4th of July? It’s an idea that's being kicked around between the City of Redmond and the operator of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. Redmond Mayor George Endicott was on 1110 KBND’s “Your Town” earlier this week and explains the concept: "Dan Despotopulos who runs the Fairgrounds, in a prior life did run ice rinks. And so he's talked to us about the possibility of taking the ice skating rink; it’s portable, and putting it in one of the buildings at the Fairgrounds, at least for the 4th of July and maybe longer. So he's trying to work out the logistics for that. And if he can make it happen we're willing work with him, I think that would be a lot of fun to have an ice rink open in the middle of summer, that would be kinda neat."  Endicott said as for the Redmond ice rink they had planned to close it around March 15th, but because of the cooler weather they are keeping it open at least through the end of the month.

 

 

Share

Prineville Man Faces Child Porn Charges

A 26 year old Prineville man is facing child pornography charges. Taalkeus Blank was arrested following a raid on his Prineville duplex Wednesday afternoon.  Officers confiscated computer gear and marijuana. Police conducted the raid following information that blank was in possession of child pornography and may be thinking of acting out towards children.

 

 

Share

Snow Enthusiasts Meet with Mt. Bachelor Officials on Limited Hours

A tough early season for Mount Bachelor means fewer open days for spring skiing, and many skiers and boarders are upset. Leaders with Mount Bachelor explained why they have to run a Thursday through Sunday week this spring starting April 30th. But those with season passes and others don't like the plan.  Our news partner, News Channel 21 was at the meeting.  Resort President and General Manager Dave Rathbun says they were hammered by bad weather earlier this season and need to run on the shortened schedule to save money. About 350 people attended the meeting at the Riverhouse.

 

 

Share

Doc Hatfield Dies

A local rancher - founder of Family Ranchers Beef Cooperative, headquartered in Oregon died of pancreatic cancer Tuesday, he was 74. Doc Hatfield began as a veterinarian in Montana, according to the Statesman Journal. He brought several cattle breeds to the U.S. in the 1960's and was a pioneer in breeding livestock; that was the beginning of the cooperative. He worked towards a leaner, healthier product and advocating such practices as high-intensity, short duration grazing that allows pastures to recover quicker. Hatfield was a resident of Sisters and is survived by this wife and two children.

 

 

Share

Mayor Unhappy with Art Theft

The Mayor of Redmond says he's very disappointed by the theft of City artwork that was displayed downtown. A popular bronze bird sculpture was stolen from its perch outside a downtown Redmond store. The 3 foot tall blue heron was worth about $8400. Endicott says it was insured and the artist has agreed to create one sculpture, but its still discouraging: “It’s just the fact that someone who resort to that is what is upsetting to me. As a piece of art, it’s gorgeous; but as a piece of scrap metal it’s not worth much. So who knows who took it or why, I don't know if someone stuck in it in their backyard or they are trying to melt it down for scrap, but all the scrap metal dealings have been contacted in the extended area." Endicott says if anyone tries to sell it,  it will probably be reported. Te Mayor also presented his "State of the City" address today. He says 2011 was a year of budget challenges and one thing that 2012 will see is the city's first "round-a-bout."

 

 

Share

Unitarian Church to Build Facility

The Unitarian Universalist Church has been around for more than fifty years, but members currently don't have their own facility. They are trying to build a new church across from Miller Elementary School. Currently, the church rents space from the Old Stone Church in downtown Bend. Reverend Heather Starr says the congregation of 150 members are starting to launch a fundraising campaign.  “We've been wanting to do this for three to four years. It's really just now that all the components are coalescing in a positive way. We're looking at a piece of land on Skyliners Road across from Miller Elementary. We've got a party interested in developing it with us.” If the funds can be raised, the congregation hopes to open the church by 2015.

 

 

Share

Maintenance Worker Charged with Sex Abuse of a Senior

A building maintenance worker for High Desert Assisted Living in Bend is charged with sexually abusing a 72 year old female resident. Bend Police arrested Everardo Yzaguiree, 49, of Redmond. Detectives say he allegedly requested sex from the victim and inappropriately touched her on multiple occasions inside her living quarters. The Police Department is continuing to investigate whether there are additional victims.

 

 

Share

Scams Target Seniors

An old scam has come to life again. Bend police have been getting an elevated number of complaints about a telephone scam targeting senior citizens. The caller will claim they are a grandchild of the victim, saying they are in another country and in jail and need about $4000 bail money. "And then they'll put somebody else on the phone saying I’m the police officer or the judge or whatever they're putting on there saying 'we need $4000 immediately or he'll be held on this and that and this and that.' of course, grandparents love their grand children, so they get very upset and they want to try to help their grandchild. And to they're sending off some of this money requested. And unfortunately its Western Union, and it's incredibly difficult to track this money, nearly impossible." Lt. Brian Kindel with Bend Police says the callers have been successful in several instances, and wanted the general public to be alerted to the scams. Kindel says it's a good time to talk to your elderly parents about the scam, and check on their bank accounts to see what activity is going on, if there is a red flag, contact police. Information on these and other phone scams is found at the Federal Trade Commission website. You can Google "telephone scams” or “Internet scams.”

 

 

 
Share

La Pine Man Still Missing

Klamath County's Sheriff's deputies continue to search for a missing La Pine man who was last seen on Sunday morning. Donald Jones, 77, took off in his car from his home just south of La Pine. His wife Ruth is distraught because he was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's and shouldn't be driving. “I should have taken his license and keys away, but I just felt it was too much. I just wish I had taken the keys, but he probably would have hit me. He was starting to get violent you know.” Jones is driving a 1994 blue two door Buick Regal, Oregon license plate XLC 991.” He's 5'8" with a thin build, blue eyes and grey hair. His debit card activity shows he stopped to get gas in Eagle Point near Medford on Sunday. Anyone with information is asked to call the Klamath County Sheriff's Office.

 

 

Share

Road Conditions Fairly Calm for Weather

Deschutes County 911 says, despite snow and rain throughout Central Oregon, this morning has been mostly quiet for accidents.  Sheriff Larry Blanton says road conditions across Central Oregon are varied, there's rain in the north, several inches of snow in the south, and in the mountains lots and lots of snow. “People are thinking about spring vacation and travel. Make sure your car is; chains fit, be careful traveling in Central Oregon can be tricky .” Blanton says, with a high wind warning, drivers also need to watch out for downed trees. We'll talk safe winter and spring driving with ODOT's Peter Murphy on Tuesday morning's Your Town coming up just after our 8:30 news.

 

 

Share

Crash Victim Remains in Critical Condition

Oregon State Police identify the second victim in Saturday's fatal Highway 20 crash west of Bend. Jesus Larios, 33, from Washington State was killed, along with Dean Hale of Bend. Hale's wife Patricia Meehan remains in critical condition at St. Charles. The head-on crash occurred when Larios crossed the centerline into the eastbound lane. A witness says Larios was driving dangerously just before the accident happened.

 

 

Share

Women Voting Trends

Both Republicans and Democrats are trying to win women voters in this upcoming Presidential election.  Statistically, more women vote than men. Jim Foster, OSU Cascades Political Science Professor says they are a very important voting block. “And women tend to be in dependent. The Republicans are focusing on reproductive rights and bringing up these wedge issues that took place in the 80's in particular.” Women outnumber men among registered voters.

 

 

Share

St. Charles Charged with Unfair Labor Practices

Service Employees (SEIU) at St. Charles will not vote on whether to get rid of the union this week as planned.  SEIU Local 49 has filed Unfair Labor Practice charges against the hospital, and that is delaying the vote. Will Layng, Organizing Director with SEIU, says there are strict rules about what the hospital can say on these union matters, and they believe hospital administrators crossed the line. “They can say their opinion. They can say this is the company's opinion or my opinion. But you cannot threaten, or intimate workers or surveil workers who speak up in support of a union.” The hospital will be facing Unfair Labor Practice charges in front of the National Labor Relations Board. The union decertification vote will be delayed until a ruling on these charges. Hospital administrators say they've done nothing wrong and will defend itself against all the charges.

 

 

Share

Two Local Students Honored

Two Central Oregon Community College students are recognized for their outstanding achievements, and now have some doors open to them. COCC spokesman Ron Paradis says the two women both have either a 3.9 or 4.0 grade average. "Well, we have two students, Lisa Barnett and Ruth Yao. Both Bend residents have been chosen as members of the 2012 All Oregon Academic Team, and what that means is that they are going to Salem in April and get a chance to meet with the Governor and have their pictures taken with him and will be recognized at a lunch with students from other community colleges in Oregon.  Among the things taken into consideration is the grade point average and they both have outstanding grade point averages. So they're both exceptional students when it comes to grades. We asked the faculty to look for students who engage other students and assist other students and are involved in both the campus and the community. So both of these women have been very involved in the campus and the community in helping themselves, their faculty members and their peers."   Paradis says by being chosen to the All Oregon Academic team means each scholar is eligible for a scholarship from most of Oregon’s public and private four-year institutions, if they apply and are accepted at the school of their choice. Lisa Barnett and Ruth Yao were chosen out of 7500 students at COCC.

 

 

Share

Bend Ale Trail Get National Recognition

The Bend Ale Trail that started about two years ago, has become much more popular than the originators thought. Visit Bend's President, Doug La Placa says the concept was featured in a world renown newspaper.  "USA Today features the Bend Ale Trail. So we're very excited. Obviously, USA Today has an enormous audience nationwide. The print circulation of the USA Today is just under 2-million papers at this point. And in addition to the article being run in the USA Today, it's also been picked up in several other newspapers across the country. I think it's an exciting day for the Bend beer industry as well as bend tourism industry." The article features Boneyard Beer, whose spokesperson, Melodee Story says the Ale Trail helped make their beer more successful than they ever expected in such a short time. La Placa says they're going to continue to do their part to promote the craft beer culture in Bend.

 

 

Share

Short Sale to Yourself?

Some upside down homeowners in Deschutes County have a rare opportunity to "short sell" to themselves and stay in their homes. Bend real estate agent Kip Lohr does about 80 short sales a year and says this new federal program is being piloted in Deschutes and Jackson counties.  "I think that's a program that has promise. There's funds that have been allocated to the State of Oregon to help people and I think that is the only one out there I see that has a chance of impacting a lot of people here in Central Oregon." Lohr says there was a soft launch of the program in January and the agency ran into a few problems so they had to suspend applications for a few weeks. But now they are planning to officially launch it. The 'Loan Refinance Assistance Pilot Project ‘ is backed by federal dollars and allocated to the state as part of the federal "Hardest Hit" program.

 

 

Share

Forest Service Open House for the SWIP

The Deschutes National Forest Service has completed its analysis of the environmental impact of putting in a new pipeline for the Surface Water Improvement Project.  Rod Bonacker with the Forest Service says they will hold an open house next Thursday, March 22nd to get public input. “No decision has been made. The analysis is done and people can come out and make comments on it. They can provide input and tell us if we missed anything. We'll take it into consideration before we made the final decision.” Bonacker says overall they found minimal environmental impact from the proposed pipeline construction. The Forest Service plans to make a final decision on whether to give the project the o.k. by mid May. The open house is Thursday, March 22nd 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bend National Guard Armory.

 

 

Share

Redmond Hit With Graffiti

Redmond Police arrest an 18 year old for graffiti. Officers arrested Derrick Evans Tuesday. He is believed responsible for numerous recent cases of graffiti in the northwest part of Redmond. Evans has been connected to at least five recent graffiti incidents. In 2011, Redmond Police have investigated 144 cases of graffiti within the city.   These cases caused an estimated $28,000 in damage.

 

 

Share

Bend La Pine Schools to Reorganize

Bend La Pine Schools Tuesday outlined a plan for an extensive administrative reorganization. The school district will reduce five current vacancies to three by changing the responsibilities of existing staff.  The change comes in response to several personnel changes in the district's administration. The three openings will be: Director of Curriculum and Secondary Programs; Director of Instructional Technology and Virtual Instruction; and Business Manager. Superintendent Ron Wilkinson says the reorganization is cost neutral.  Changes take effect on July 1st.

 

 

Share

Commissioners To Decide on Tetherow

Deschutes County Commissioners decide today how to respond to a missed deadline at the Tetherow Resort.  One of the owners there, TD Cascade Highlands LLC,  is more than nine months late meeting a mutually agreed-upon deadline to build roads and other infrastructure. An article in the Bulletin says the work was supposed to be done by June, 2011.  One option is for the County to complete the work and then seize the developer’s bond to pay for the project.

 

 

Share

911 Measure on May Ballot

Deschutes County 911 officials are hoping that voters will approve a measure on the May 15th ballot that will provide stable funding for the agency. Currently, they have to go to voters every 3 to 5 years to ask for money.  Director Rob Poirier was a guest on 1110 KBND’s Your Town on Wednesday. “It’s difficult, especially in this day and age when you're doing long term capital it. Planning for things like Nextgen 911, and when you only have a 3 to 5 year window on.” And then we have to go out every 3 to 5 years that obviously takes time and money from the District.  He says it can also be stressful for 911 employees who may fear that their jobs are in jeopardy if the new levy doesn't pass.  He says that can hinder their ability to get and keep good workers. 

 

 

Share

Bend-La Pine Schools Leadership Transitions Announced

During tonight’s meeting of the School Board, Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Ron Wilkinson announced several organizational changes that will take place on July 1, 2012. The moves come as four senior leaders retire and one takes on a new role outside of the district.

  
Wilkinson said that Steve Carlson, Technology Director; Bob Jones, Director of Student Safety, Athletics, Virtual Programs, and Alternative Learning Options; Jim Widsteen, Human Resources Director; and Pat Yaeger, South County Administrator will have retired by the end of the school year. John Rexford, Deputy Superintendent, has been named as the incoming Superintendent at the High Desert Educational Service District and will assume the role on July 1.
 
 
“Their departure calls for a major reorganization of the district leadership team,” Wilkinson said. “While I am sad to see such exceptional people with an incredible depth of experience leave our ranks, I believe that they have great opportunities ahead of them and wish them all the best.”
  
“Change in leadership can be a time of concern, but we are fortunate to have depth and experience in our ranks and good people who are ready to step into new roles and take on added responsibility,” he added.
 
Wilkinson said that several cost-neutral reassignments are being made to ensure that teachers, staff and students have the support they need to continue to move forward and excel in the classroom and beyond.
  
Wilkinson said that the leadership reorganization includes:
•     Shifting Vicki VanBuren’s position to Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Education and Work Readiness
•     Shifting Lora Nordquist’s position to Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Education and Student Services
•     Expanding Jay Mathisen’s role to Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources and Strategic Planning
•     Promoting Brad Henry to Chief Operations and Financial Officer
•     Naming Ben Hansen to Director of Information Technology and Operations
•     Promoting Jim Boen to Executive Director, South County Schools and Principal of La Pine Middle School
 
 The district will also hire for the following three positions: Director of Instructional Technology and Virtual Instruction, Director of Curriculum and Secondary Programs, and Business Manger.
  
Wilkinson said he was able to adjust the organizational structure and personnel duties and responsibilities without adding administrative positions.
 
 
Share

CODE Team Busts Two for Meth

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) successfully executed two search warrants last week and seized methamphetamine paraphernalia, and arresting two men. The first happened in Prineville, where Alton Sisson, 32, was arrested in his home after a lengthy investigation by the CODE team and Prineville Police and Crook County Sheriffs Office showed Sisson was involved in the manufacturing and distribution of meth, as well as possession. The second involved Mark Johnson,33, of Bend, who was arrested during a traffic stop on NE Dalton at NE Sedalia. Johnson was taken into custody after a long investigation revealed he was involved in the manufacturing and distribution of meth throughout out Central Oregon.

 

 

Share

Mountain View Hospital Pastoral Care Program

An outpouring of support from the Jefferson County Faith Community to help Mountain View Hospital fill a void was a very pleasant reward for hospital CEO Jeanine Gentry. Gentry said they placed a call to the faith community for volunteers to serve patients, visitors and caregivers on a rotating basis. “We had an overwhelming response from them, that they are very interested and committed to being here regularly here for our patients, and helping them with the things they are going through." Gentry says the faith leaders spent five hours of training with the Mountain View hospital staff, to learn about patient privacy and treatment protocol.  She adds that the hospital is dedicated to treating the whole patient and having spiritual leaders in the hospital or on call just completes the treatment.

 

 

Share

Deschutes County Commission Candidates Debate Tonight

All four Deschutes County Commissioners will take the debate stage tonight in Redmond. The Central Oregon Patriots group is hosting the free event. Spokesman Robert Perry says the audience will be able to ask questions, and a special crossfire section allows the candidates to ask tough questions of one another. He believes its important for people to get involved in local politics: "We always seem to talk about the federal government and the state government about what they are doing or not doing; but let's face it, we as individuals do not have a lot of influence on federal and state government. That's not true about local government. We can make a big difference in speaking out to our city councilors, our mayors, our county commissioners and that's one of the reasons why we chose the county commissioner candidates for our very first candidate forum." The debate starts at 6:30 in Redmond at the Highland Baptist Church. It’s free and open to the public.

 

 

Share

Miller Retiring from NeighborImpact

Despite recent positive jobs reports, many people in Central Oregon continue to struggle. NeighborImpact Executive Director Sharon Miller has been at the agency for 26 years. She says unfortunately right now, the need is greater than ever. “I just look at the growth of the Food Bank program. We're serving 19,000 people a month. Before the recession, we served maybe 13,000 or 14,000. That's a huge jump and that's a consistent number every month coming into one of our member agencies. Miller says they've seen numbers increase in the energy assistance program and well as Head Start that provides preschool for low income children.

 

 

 
Share

Eager Says SWIP is Not The Reason He’s Moving On

Bend will be getting a new mayor come November. Current Mayor Jeff Eager has decided not to run for re-election. But he insists the intense debate over the Surface Water Improvement Project did not play a role in his decision to step down. “One of the things I was weighing that made me want to run more, was a single issue advocacy group that wants the City of Bend to give up its dual water source. I think that would be a big mistake. Hopefully, there will be people who will run and they'll make the right decision going forward.” Eager will remain mayor until November. He says he hopes to contribute to the community in other ways.

 

 

Share

Glen Lasken to Step Down

After 13 years on the Sisters School Board, Glenn Lasken wants to step aside for someone else. Both his boys who went through the school system are now in college and Lasken feels now is a good time, to get some new faces on the board. “I would have to say next to raising my two sons, this has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done with my adult life. It’s been challenging and time consuming, but I got to meet amazing teachers and administrators. It's been great. I have no regrets whatsoever. Lasken will step down from the Board in June. The Board will appoint a successor to fill out the remaining year of his term.

 

 

 

Share

Walden Wants To Make Sure Oregon Stays Attractive to Advertisers

It was a missed opportunity in Central Oregon and Congressman Greg Walden wants to make sure it doesn't happen again. Following up on the missed chance to secure a car commercial filming in the Deschutes National Forest, U.S. Representative Greg Walden of Oregon has asked U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell how he plans to ensure that a similar economy opportunity is not missed again. In the letter he wrote that “The U.S. Forest Service needs to understand that Central Oregon is open for business and that the Forest Service should have taken a cue from Oregonians’ famous attitude ‘how can we make this happen?’ attitude.”   Instead, he says the justifications for blocking the commercial shifted course faster than a snowboarder carving up Mt. Bachelor.  One day, the permit wasn’t granted because officials didn’t want to set a precedent in that area of the forest.  The next day, when contacted by media, the reason was a nebulous catch-all of ‘public safety.’”

 

 

Share

Redmond Man Arrested for Drugs, Witness Tampering

 

 
Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team
Media Release
Date: March 8, 2012                                                                    
Date & Time of Incident: Friday, March 2, 2012 @ 1353 hrs.              
Type of Incident: Search Warrants           
Location of Incident: 937 11th Street #3, Redmond, OR
                                         1062 SW 18th Street, Redmond, OR
                 
Suspect Information:
Barrett Hamilton        39 year old Redmond, OR resident             
Narrative:
On Friday, March 2, 2012 at approximately 1353 hrs. Detectives assigned to the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team executed a search warrant at 937 11th Street #3 in the City of Redmond, OR. The execution of this warrant was the result of a short term investigation into the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, as well as other crimes.
 
At approximately 2100 hrs. Detectives executed a second search warrant at 1062 SW 18th Street in the City of Redmond, OR. The execution of this warrant was the result of the ongoing investigation into Hamilton’s illegal activities. Hamilton has been the subject of previous CODE investigations and was most recently arrested by Detectives in October, 2011 on various drug related charges.
 
During the execution of these warrants, Detectives located and seized a small amount of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and other evidence of the sales and manufacturing of methamphetamine, as well as evidence of the crimes of Tampering with a Witness and Obstructing Governmental Administration.
 
Hamilton was lodged at the Deschutes County Correctional Facility on the below listed charges.
 
Charges:
 
·        Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine
·        Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine
·        Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine
·        Tampering with a Witness
·        Obstructing Governmental Administration
 
 
 
The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the following Central Oregon law enforcement agencies:  Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department,  Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, Oregon State Police, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County District Attorney’s, and the Oregon National Guard.
 
The Oregon HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement task forces to disrupt or dismantle local, multi-state and international drug trafficking organizations.

Drunk Bicyclist Hit By Car

 

Date:  Thursday, March 08, 2012                               Case # 12-03-01725
 
Date & Time of Incident:      March 08, 2012 @ 4:21 PM
Type of Incident:                    Motor Vehicle vs. Bicycle Injury Crash
Location of Incident: SE Centennial & Woodland
 
Mentioned Information:
Hudson, Mary Ellen; 21 year old Bend Resident; Veh: 1992 Jeep Wrangler
 
Suspect Information:
Walker, Brad Allen; 50 year old Transient; Veh: Trek Mountain Bike/No Helmet
 
 
Narrative:
On Thursday, March 8, 2012 around 1621 hours Officers from the Bend Police Department responded to a reported bicycle vs. motor vehicle crash with injuries. The investigation revealed Walker was riding a mountain bike northbound on Centennial toward Woodland. Hudson, who was driving a Jeep Wrangler was southbound on Centennial from Woodland. Walker was riding his bicycle in the middle of the roadway, so Hudson moved to the far right of her lane. Walker then swerved toward Hudson’s vehicle, which caused Hudson to try and swerve to her left. Walker then swerved to his right and rode his bicycle into the path of Hudson’s vehicle. Walker crashed into Hudson’s vehicle causing severe injury to Walker’s left leg and an injury to his forehead. Walker was transported to St. Charles Medical Center by Bend Fire with the above listed non-life threatening injuries. It was determined that Walker was intoxicated and alcohol was a factor in this crash.

This investigation is ongoing, however it has been determined Hudson was not at fault. Charges against Walker will be determined at the conclusion of the investigation.
 
Charges:
Charges pending further investigation.

SWIP Critic Speaks Out

Critics of the Surface Water Improvement Project (SWIP) were out in force at the Bend City Council meeting last night, and they came away unsatisfied with the Council's vote to proceed. "Stop the Drain" spokesperson Moey Newbold says while Councilors agreed that some aspects of the project need reviewing, it didn't go far enough: "The bottom line is: this resolution doesn't change the original critiques of the project. One: the City Council and it's staff has never addressed the fact that the foundation of the project was shaky; the studies released have shown to be seriously flawed. And secondly, it's not going to change the overall cost of the project, because by committing to build the $30-million pipeline they're in essence committing to build the rest of the project, which is the very expensive treatment plant." Newbold says moving forward, they will continue with public outreach and education about the expense of the project and what they see as inaccuracies in the design. She adds that they are planning to target City Council seats that are up forelection in November; and support candidates that want to stop or completely revise the current project.

 

 

Share

Where Were You When SWIP was in the Planning Stages?

A member of the Infrastructure Advisory Committee was one of many people who spoke at Wednesday's City Council meeting about a resolution that would delay parts of the $68 million Surface Water Improvement Project (SWIP).

 
Jim Gattey says, on the Advisory Committee, he spent many hours looking into details of potential project and wished that others would have also gotten involved earlier: “I had never seen many of the people who were testifying on and objecting to the project until that public hearing, and it surprises me that so many people are willing to put off their objections or responses to a project that would make it better until after the decision has been made the money has been paid and then they come forward with their own individual problem." Most councilors voted in favor of the resolution with Jim Clinton dissenting. The resolution calls for the Council to move forward on replacing the aging pipe and delaying about half of the project that involves a water treatment facility and hydro-plant.
 
 
Share

Councilor Clinton Dissents on SWIP

The Bend City Council is moving forward on a controversial Surface Water Improvement Project. Debate over the $68 million dollar project drew a spillover crowd to Wednesday night's City Council meeting. People testified against and in favor of a resolution that focuses the City's attention on first replaces old pipes.

The Council voted for the resolution; the one dissenting vote came from Jim Clinton. "I have been, I think everyone knows a critic of this project since it came up for discussion. Tonight we have a resolution before us and I tried to look at it to see if it makes my criticism of the project in any way diminish or helps the City in the direction it could possible go at this moment. It doesn't meet that standard to me." The new piping will cost around $30 million and the City is delaying the portion of the project that involves hydro-power and a possible water treatment plant.

 

 

Share

Packed House at Bend City Council RE: SWIP

Last night, a packed house, many urging the Bend City Council to vote against moving forward with the Surface Water Improvement Project (SWIP) unless there will be a re-evaluation. Some of Bend's Community leaders and former Mayors spoke passionately about the project. Business owner, Ed Barbeau says they want the Councilors to stick with a new plan to reduce costs. "Stick with your plan to reassess this project. You said this in the media that you're going to look at different aspects. You're going to eliminate some of the more costly aspects of this project. I want you to be sincere in this. As you've noticed, we've got a whole room of people here, and we've got a room outside, and all of them would like to speak to you about the project. I have never seen this kind of activity for a project and I don't think you have either." There were a number of business leaders who spoke out in support of the resolution, saying changing the plan would be short sighted, and the current plan is a good long-range plan. 

 
The Council voted to pass the resolution with one provision, voiced by Councilor Tom Greene: "So could you do the hydro study next month, with somebody giving us some reworked numbers to say whether it pencils or not. And then when we know from the state, where we are, we day ok, now we know a time line, our options or, if we're forced to do treatment, we're forced to do UV or membrane and we re-look at the numbers on those and pros and cons of both options." Greene said we was more comfortable with additional study and allowing for more public input and most Councilors agreed. The resolution passes with Councilor Jim Clinton dissenting.
 

Before the vote; several Councilors spoke out about how emotional this project is, and they appreciated the many voices raised, but they had confidence in their staff's report.

 

 

Share

Flaherty: Not Guilty

An investigation by the Oregon State Police concludes Deschutes County D.A. Patrick Flaherty is not guilty of official misconduct. The Oregon Sate Police was asked to look into whether Flaherty did anything wrong when he convened a grand jury against County Counsel Mark Pilliod. Flaherty claimed Pilliod knowingly released records to the media with confidential information on them. The D.A. of Washington County, Bob Hermann looked into the allegations against Flaherty and found he did nothing wrong when he wanted a grand jury to look into charges of misconduct against Pilliod. Hermann also concluded any other allegations of criminal conduct against Flaherty were based on unsubstantiated rumors and in his opinion were frivolous.

 

 

Share

Sportsman’s Show This Weekend

Hundreds of people are expected to descend on Redmond starting tomorrow for the Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.  Spokesman Bill O'Loughlin says the show features fishing and archery for kids; outdoor cooking tips for others, and lots of big toys to look at.  He says the event always draws a big crowd: “This is Central Oregon; it’s the area rich with recreation, camping, fishing,biking, RV-ing, hunting, it’s all right here in Central Oregon." He says they usually see well over 10,000 spectators that come out to the show, which runs from Thursday through Sunday at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

 

 

Share

Bend Ice Rink Could Be Possible

Leaders with Bend Park and Rec continue to explore the possibility of bringing a full sized ice rink to Bend.  The large facility would be located on the property just purchased by the Parks District at the old Mount Bachelor Park and Ride property. A spokesman with a non-profit group called "Bend Ice" says the local community could support it, and it would serve many different interests. "That community ice rink would be for open skate or public skating for the community that use would also include adult and kids hockey leagues and learn to skate programs and figure skating programs and then a small portion of the use would be for non-skating uses like curling." Blaise Carcciola with Bend Ice says they've studied several similar communities throughout the northwest and have found that even smaller towns can support a full sized rink.  It would cost an estimated 700,000 to $1.1 million. The non-profit group would need to raise about $300,000 by next March to get the rink started.

 

 

Share

Bend City Council to Vote on SWIP

The Bend City Council will take up a new plan to cut back on its Surface Water Improvement Project at their meeting this Wednesday. The plan delays some aspects of the project; saving about $30 million. But opponents like Bruce Aylward, who formed a Political Action Committee against the project, says the Council is not in a position to make any final decisions. They don't have all the information.  “They've already spent $6.5 million dollars of our money so far on this project and I suspect it will never be built. They should put everything on hold and reassess it when we hear back from the state.” The state still hasn't decided whether the City will be able to get an extension on meeting EPA deadlines of April of 2014 to meet water treatment requirements.

 

 

Share

St. Charles Service workers Vote in Two Weeks

Service workers at St. Charles will vote in two weeks whether they want to get rid of their union. They narrowly voted to unionize a year ago, but have been unable to reach a contract agreement with the hospital. Chris Buck has worked as a tech in the emergency room for six years. He voted against the union a year ago, and will again when they vote again. “We are a hospital divided when it comes to service employees. People feel so passionate about this issue they're willing to forego personal relationship and that shouldn't be. I tried to be open that I'm against this movement, but I respect your right. But there definitely seem to be a division at work unfortunately.” The hospital is looking to vote sometime the week of March 19th.

 

 

Share

Can’t Get a Good Night’s Sleep? Could be Apnea

It's estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. They actually stop breathing while sleeping, and it causes them to wake up several times an hour. It causes people to be tired during the day, though they actually spent plenty of time in bed. Dr. Thomas Kelly with BMC's Sleep Disorders Center explains what happens: “And obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that creates a situation of fragmented sleep. they may be in bed ten hours but because they have episodes where they can't breathe or their mind keeps waking up, they're waking up 30,40, 50 times an hour. It’s not restorative sleeps and leaves them feeling tired during the day. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to depression, heart disease, diabetes and even fatal car crashes.

 

 

Share

Oregon Declared Disaster Area

Some federal funds are available to Oregon communities hit by a severe winter storm back in January.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency is making additional money available to supplement state and local recovery efforts. The winter storm caused flooding, landslides and mudslides back in middle January.

The funds can be used for repair or replacement of facilities mainly in southwestern Oregon, damaged by the storm.

 

 

Share

Redmond Man Convicted for Wire Fraud

The Boston Globe is reporting that a Redmond Oregon man has been convicted in federal court in Boston on wire fraud charges.  Federal officials say the charges are in connection to a $1 million scheme to steal Internet access and sell products that allowed others to do the same.  Yesterday the jury convicted Ryan Harris of Redmond on seven counts of wire fraud.  From 2003 to 2009, Harris developed and distributed hardware and software tools that allowed his customers to modify their cable modems so they could disguise themselves as paying subscribers, and get Internet service without paying for it. Each count carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. The sentencing for Ryan Harris is scheduled for May 23.

 

 

Share

Blanton Supports Gun Bills Passage

Deschutes County Sheriff Larry Blanton says he supports a House Bill that protects gun owners' privacy.  The bill passed in a 24 to 5 vote. It prohibits public agencies from disclosing the names and other private information of concealed weapons license holders. Blanton says many Sheriff's are concerned about identity theft and have worked hard to protect gun owners privacy. "We have about 7000 of them in Deschutes County. I support people’s right to have those guns and to carry them concealed if they are law abiding citizens. We have not had any issues with those permit holders in terms of how they are displayed; and if we do, I'll take their permit.” In 2010, a State Appellate Court decision made information on the concealed carry applications public record. But sheriffs in Oregon have refused to disclose the information.

 

 

Share

Mt. Bachelor Loves The Weather!

The big blast of winter during the past week brought in 49 new inches of snow on Mount Bachelor. Bachelor spokesperson Andy Goggins says the season started weak, but is now back on track. "Right now our total base is about 138 inches at West Village; at and 142 at Mid Mountain.”   KBND: “How does that compare to what you normally see this time of year?” Goggins: “We're right at above average in terms of total snowfall and right now its looking like its set up good for this time of year and we're set up for a good second half of the season. We have a lot of fun events and activities planned between now and the end of May." Goggins says the quality of the snow is also impressive right now; it’s very light and dry and more typical of the snow normally seen in Utah and Colorado. 

 

 

Share

St. Charles Support Staff To Vote on Union Soon

It was a close vote when service workers at St. Charles voted to unionize last year, and now they're going to have another vote. This time workers will vote whether to get rid of the union, since they've been unable to reach a contract with the hospital during the past year. Kerry Hayes is a cook at the hospital and has worked there for ten years. He filed the paperwork to take the decertification vote, since last year's vote was so close.  “It still comes down to only seven votes difference out of 600 cast and almost 100 didn't vote at all. I think there's a big question there.” The signatures on the petitions for decertification have been verified and so the vote will be held in the next three weeks.

 

 

Share

More on Foreclosure Bill

There’s been a lot of debate in Salem this session over foreclosure bills designed to help struggling homeowners. One Bend real estate agent who does a high volume of distressed properties says he's "worked in the trenches" and doesn't see how the bills would help. One bill calls for more disclosures to the consumer when the bank is pursuing a foreclosure, while also considering a loan modification. Real Estate Agent Kip Lohr says the people already know that: “There's no tracking system that's necessary for that. They can just call their bank and they will disclose that to them readily! That info, most of the folks I deal with in the short sale process they have had a notice of default filed they know the bank's intention is to exercise its right to take the home back. It’s not really a question. So if they are choosing to do a loan modification or a short sale, they know that the bank is going to also move forward with their other options.” The other bill would require a face-to-face meeting between the bank and homeowner.  But Lohr says that doesn't do much either if the person doesn't have the income to stay in their home.

 

 

Share

Archives:

2024-03 | 2024-02 | 2024-01 | 2023-12 | 2023-11 | 2023-10 | 2023-09 | 2023-08 | 2023-07 | 2023-06 | 2023-05 | 2023-04 | 2023-03 | 2023-02 | 2023-01 | 2022-12 | 2022-11 | 2022-10 | 2022-09 | 2022-08 | 2022-07 | 2022-06 | 2022-05 | 2022-04 | 2022-03 | 2022-02 | 2022-01 | 2021-12 | 2021-11 | 2021-10 | 2021-09 | 2021-08 | 2021-07 | 2021-06 | 2021-05 | 2021-04 | 2021-03 | 2021-02 | 2021-01 | 2020-12 | 2020-11 | 2020-10 | 2020-09 | 2020-08 | 2020-07 | 2020-06 | 2020-05 | 2020-04 | 2020-03 | 2020-02 | 2020-01 | 2019-12 | 2019-11 | 2019-10 | 2019-09 | 2019-08 | 2019-07 | 2019-06 | 2019-05 | 2019-04 | 2019-03 | 2019-02 | 2019-01 | 2018-12 | 2018-11 | 2018-10 | 2018-09 | 2018-08 | 2018-07 | 2018-06 | 2018-05 | 2018-04 | 2018-03 | 2018-02 | 2018-01 | 2017-12 | 2017-11 | 2017-10 | 2017-09 | 2017-08 | 2017-07 | 2017-06 | 2017-05 | 2017-04 | 2017-03 | 2017-02 | 2017-01 | 2016-12 | 2016-11 | 2016-10 | 2016-09 | 2016-08 | 2016-07 | 2016-06 | 2016-05 | 2016-04 | 2016-03 | 2016-02 | 2016-01 | 2015-12 | 2015-11 | 2015-10 | 2015-09 | 2015-08 | 2015-07 | 2015-06 | 2015-05 | 2015-04 | 2015-03 | 2015-02 | 2015-01 | 2014-12 | 2014-11 | 2014-10 | 2014-09 | 2014-08 | 2014-07 | 2014-06 | 2014-05 | 2014-04 | 2014-03 | 2014-02 | 2014-01 | 2013-12 | 2013-11 | 2013-10 | 2013-09 | 2013-08 | 2013-07 | 2013-06 | 2013-05 | 2013-04 | 2013-03 | 2013-02 | 2013-01 | 2012-12 | 2012-11 | 2012-10 | 2012-09 | 2012-08 | 2012-07 | 2012-06 | 2012-05 | 2012-04 | 2012-03 | 2012-02 | 2012-01 | 2011-12 | 2011-11 | 2011-10 | 2011-09 | 2011-08 | 2011-07 | 2011-06 | 2011-05 | 2011-04 | 2011-03 | 2011-02 | 2011-01 | 2010-12 | 2010-11 | 0000-00

On Air Now

George Noorey
George Noorey
10:00pm - 12:00am
Coast to Coast

FlashAlert

KBND ON FACEBOOK

News Disclaimers