BEND, OR--- Mt. Bachelor annnouces it will be operating Little Pine Chairlift for "HOPEning weekend from 9AM --4PM. In addition to skiing and riding, there will be a season kick-off celebration starting at 12PM in the West Village base area Friday. The day will include activities at Woodward Mountain Hike Park, walk-up tubing, scavenger hunts, giveaways, music, on-snow family activities, hot treats and a winter toast. All West Village services will be open, including our Nordic Center with 10km of groomed trails. Single day lift tickets for Little Pine lift can be purchased in advance online for $39 at mtbachelor.com. Tickets for children 5 and under are free. 

Mt. Bachelor plans to remain open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Operations beyond Sunday will "be determined later this weekend based on an evaluation of the snow depth and the weather forecast."

Since crews are currently preparing the mountain for opening, which includes grooming operations to track-pack the snow, the Winter Uphill Travel Policy is now in effect. This means ALL OF MT. BACHELOR IS CLOSED TO HIKING with the exception of the Cinder Cone at West Village.

Please also be aware that Mt. Bachelor will be completely closed Thanksgiving Day, including our call center. Please do not visit the mountain on Thanksgiving, as there will be no staff and no services available.

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has posted informatioon on Facebook regarding warming shelters in Central Oregon.

CURRENT DESCHUTES COUNTY WARMING SHELTER LOCATIONS

Bend
Bethlehem Inn:
3705 N Highway 97, Bend, OR 97703
541-389-2820
bethleheminn.org
Hours: call for availability
Will offer very limited space this winter.
Temperature Dependent: no

Shepherds House
1854 NE Division Street, Bend, OR
541-388-2096
myshepherdshouse.org
Hours: Intake 3-5pm, must leave after breakfast next morning (approx.. 7:15am)
Men only, approx. 20 beds
Temperature Dependent: no

Redmond
Rotates between churches November 15- December 7: Highland Baptist 3100 SW Highland Ave, Redmond, OR 97756 December 8- February 15: Mt. View Fellowship 1475 SW 35th St, Redmond, OR 97756 February 16-March 15: Redmond Christian Church 536 SW 10th St, Redmond, OR 97756
(541) 788 – 8098
myshepherdshouse.org
Hours: Check in 6-10pm, close 7am; meals served at opening
Men and Women, 25 beds
Will be open every night November 15-March 15

LaPine
Single Location: Calvary Chapel 16430 3rd St., 97739 La Pine, Oregon
(541) 241-8872
Facebook: La Pine Warming Center (best way to contact)
Open October to March
Hours: Check in 4pm, close at 7am and serving a meal
Men, Women and Families
Temperature Dependent: 15 degrees or below
May open in day in severe storm

Sisters
Rotates between churches November 25- December 15 Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 386 N Fir St, Sisters, OR 97759 December 16- January 12: Sisters Community Church 1300 McKenzie Hwy, Sisters, OR 97759 January 13-February 1 Westside Church operating out of their second building (New Hope Christian Center) 222 Trinity Way, Sisters, OR 97759 February 10-29: Church of the Transfiguration: Episcopal Church 68825 Brooks Camp Rd, Sisters, OR 97759
Phone number to be announced
Facebook: Sisters Cold Weather Shelter (best way to contact) (541) 640-9801
Open every night 6-10pm check in— close 7am and serving a meal.
People can come for the meal even if they do not want to stay for the night
Men, Women, Families: max 25 beds
Madras

OPENING SOON
Deschutes County Work Center
63360 NW Britta St #2, Bend, OR 97701
Open December 15 (hopefully) - March 15 every night
Men and women: 48 beds
Temperature Dependent: no

REDMOND, OR -- The Redmond School Board is moving ahead with the search for a new superintendent to replace Mike Mcintosh, who has announced his retirement. McIntosh says, "The job will get posted in December and close at the end of January. The school board will spend February doing interviews and hiring. We should have someone named before Spring Break."  At the last board meeting, a consultant outlined some characteristics the board should consider when hiring a new supperintendent. McIntosh says, "Those characteristics include an understanding of rural communities...an understanding of how to put students first...and an understanding the school budgeting process in Oregon."  iMcIntosh is retiring at the end of the school year. 

BEND, OR -- A man who was found on a stage last Saturday morning at Les Schwab Amphitheater has been identified. Bend Police Lieutenant Juli McConkey says Bend Fire and Rescue attempted lifesaving efforts but the man was dead. She says 49 year old Damon H. Roberson, identified as a Bend area transient, was not a victim of foul play. McConkey says, "The officers were able to view surveillance video and with the help of the Old Mill got video's quickly. It was determined Roberson was alone and death was an accident." She says the investigation is now closed.     

BEND, OR -- The National Weather Service has issued a Winter  Storm Warning for Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond that’s in effect until 4-tomorrow morning. Heavy snow is expected with accumulations of 4-to-9-inches. Winds will be gusting to 30 miles an hour into this morning and afternoon. Travel could be difficult due to blowing snow that could reduce visibility. Log onto ODOT’s TripCheck website for the latest traffic and weather conditions.

A Strong winter storm has shut down three mountain highways, caused several accidents and a quite a bit of traffic around Central Oregon. Meteorologist Scott Elnas of Central Oregon Daily reports that a bomb cyclone (when there is a drop of 24 millinars in 24 hours) is dumping snow in the higher elevations with lower totals around Bend. ODOT says to expect delays and poor driving conditions through Wednesday. US 97 North was temporarily shut down near Colorado due to a crash but has since been reopened. Travel is treacherous on more than a dozen highways but especially around the Southern I-5 corridor where witeout conditions have been reported. ODOT urges drivers to use caution and avoid driving if at all possible. 

Check Tripcheck for updates.

BEND, OR -- Shepherd’s House Ministries is inviting the public to a special Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, Wednesday, at their Bend facility on Northeast Division Street.  The dinner starts at noon. Shepherd’s House will also provide other services including overnight housing, food and clothing for up to 30 people struggling with homelessness.   

BEND, OR -- The October unemployment rate in Deschutes county last month stayed close to where it was in September at 4-point-1-per cent. Economist Damon Runberg says back in March it looked like employment growth had peaked. But he says, "We got employment numbers through June 2019 in the last few weeks and made adjustments. Through the summer months we were seeing job growth at 3-and-half percent year-over-year and we thought we were seeing only 1-per cent growth." Runberg also says the Crook and Jefferson county unemployment rates in October were 5-point-5-per cent and 5-point-3-per cent respectively, essentially the same as September.

MEDFORD, OR -- If you are driving to northern California or South Central or Southwest Oregon, including Klamath Falls,  Medford, Grants Pass or Brookings on the Oregon coast, be prepared for severe winter weather.  ODOT officials say the weather from today into Wednesday afternoon is expected to be the worst. At the coast, winds could hit 75 miles an hour. Winds will also be high and potentially damaging in inland areas of southwest Oregon as well. ODOT says Interstate-5 could see 6-to-12 inches of snow from Grants Pass south into California with even higher amounts in the Cascades.  Travelers should check the ODOT website, Tripcheck-dot-com for road and weather conditions before leaving home.

REDMOND, OR -- Holiday travelers who haven’t been on a commercial flight lately may not know what is allowed…and what isn’t…when they go through TSA Security.  Redmond Airport Director Zach Bass says passengers should log onto the website, TSA-DOT-GOV. He says, "It's pretty straight forward on what's required and what's restricted. It's probably the best place to find the most updated requirements on bringing things through security." Bass also says if you plan on taking a gift to a relative this holiday, do not wrap it. He says the TSA agent is likely to ask that it be unwrapped.   

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes National Forest is closing some gates for the season today. The gate on Forest Road 16 outside of Sisters near the Three Creek Sno Park will close today. The forest will also close the gate to Tumalo Falls outside of Bend today. On Sunday, December 1^st, the Deschutes Forest will also close winter wildlife areas at various locations. The closures include Cabin/Silver Lake, the Metolious Winter Range, the Opine Travel Management Area and the Tumalo Winter Range. The closures include snowmobiles and electric bicycles to protect deer and elk over the winter

BEND, OR -- The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect from Noon today until 4-in the morning on Thanksgiving.  Central Oregon could see 4-to-9-inches of snow with winds gusting to 35-miles an hour. The heaviest snow is expected on the east slopes of the Cascades.  Travel could be difficult in our area with blowing snow reducing visibility. The heaviest snowfall is expected from 4-this afternoon until midnight with snowfall rates of one half to one inch of snow per hour.    

BEN D, OR -- The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has closed the gate to the Pilot Butte summit road. The road will be closed until next spring due to safety concerns. The summit road closes to cars every winter. However the eastside parking lot remains open which gives hikers year-round access to the butte’s hiking trails.

SUTTLE LAKE, OR -- A Cloverdale man who was reported missing was found dead Sunday. Police say 22 year old Connor Lake was last seen Friday night at his home. Lake reportedly headed toward  Bend and was later reported missing. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reported last night that Lake was found dead at about 5-Sunday afternoon southwest of Suttle Lake. Police say no foul play is suspected. 

REDMOND, OR -- The City of Redmond has received money from the 2017 State Transportation Improvement Plan, known as STIP. Mayor George Endicott says they’ll use the more than half a million dollars to establish two fixed bus routes that will operate 10 hours a day, five days a week. Endicott says Redmond fixed route bus system will coordinate schedules with Cascades East Transit which provides intercity bus service to transit centers in the region.

BEND, OR -- ODOT is launching a new, online Open House and Survey tomorrow. They are asking drivers who use the Highway 97 Parkway to voice opinions about congestion and safety problems on the Parkway. ODOT has proposed new auxiliary vehicle lanes, interchanges and overcrossings. Other ideas include fixing or closing some roads, changing signals and improving bike and pedestrian crossings. For more information contact ODOT Community Liasion Alia Burck. 

LA PINE, OR -- A La Pine man is jailed on mail theft charges after police were notified of a suspicious person near mailboxes early Friday morning. Police went to an area near Elderberry Lane and Forest Drive and found 20 year old David Stephen Nessly. Police say Nessly had mail in his possession and was arrested on 20 counts of Mail Theft. Police are asking any other La Pine mail theft victims to contact the sheriff’s office. 

BEND, OR -- A Utah man is in jail in Bend following a Friday night high speed chase that started in Harney County. The driver ended up in Deschutes County where he led a deputy on a chase that reached 115-to-120 miles an hour. Police used spike strips to slow the vehicle which eventually led to the driver’s arrest at gunpoint. 21 year old Blair Nathanial Titus of Salt Lake City is facing 7-charges including drug and weapons violations.  Police also learned a 21 year old woman in the car had a Restraining Order against Titus. The woman was not arrested. 

SISTERS, OR -- NeighborImpact is accepting applications for affordable homes in Sisters. A non-profit called First Story is selling the homes to qualified applicants through a 30-year, zero interest loan. The income limitations for home buyers are a monthly gross income of between 4-thousand and 51-hundred dollars, depending on family size. Applicants must first complete a NeighborImpact Homebuyer Education Class before becoming eligible. Applications are due no later than January 17^th. 

LA PINE, OR -- A man who tried to help a woman who was being assaulted was shot early Sunday morning. Police say 43 year old Cheyenne Wilson of Marcola and a woman left a tavern in La Pine and he allegedly began assaulting the woman, who yelled for help. 37 year old Jonathon James Arnold was outside of his home and heard the woman yelling. He contacted her to check on her condition. Police say Wilson approached Arnold and pulled a handgun. Arnold tried to leave the area but Wilson fired a shot hitting him in the buttock. Arnold ran to the tavern where police were called. He was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The woman received minor injuries. Wilson is jailed on charges of Assault, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.  Police believe alcohol is a factor in this case.   

BEND, OR -- The Bend City Council is looking at asking voters for a bond measure to pay for improvement projects on Reed Market Road. City Manager Eric King says the road has several problem points. The railroad is at grade, causing backups. The intersection of Reed Market at 3^rd needs more turn lanes. And Reed Market at the Parkway on and off ramps, create confusion. King says the City Council is working on a $37,000,000 Transportation Bond measure to resolve these issues. It would go to voters in May 2020. 

REDMOND, OR -- The Redmond City Council has approved a 5-and-a-half year contract extension with CourseCo, which operates Juniper Golf Course. Mayor George Endicott says the company will make $100,000 of improvements at Juniper. He says the city also met  with a consultant to discuss adding an event center at the course. Endicott says golf isn’t as popular around the nation as it once was. He says golf courses are adding new attractions to try to generate more revenue.

BEND, OR -- Bend City Council members met this week with the Streets Department to discuss strategies for emergency management, snow removal and extreme weather events. Operations Director David Abbas says they’re prepared for the average storm but occasional extreme events can be a challenge. Bend receives 20 inches of snow on average and clearing berms away from driveways is always a shared responsibility between homeowners, neighbors and the city. Abbas says the city is committed to being proactive with snow removal in the downtown core area this winter.

BEND, OR -- Franklin Avenue was closed at the underpass for more than 2-hours yesterday. At about 9:00 a.m. Thursday after a semi towing an excavator hit two bridges. Police say 46 year old John Marsden IV, of Bend, was traveling east on Franklin Avenue when the main boom on the excavator hit both the Parkway and Railroad Bridges.  Police say debris fell from the bridges onto the roadway, however no other vehicles were involved or hit.  Bend Public Works assisted in closing Franklin Avenue at the underpass. ODOT and Burlington Northern Rail sent engineers to inspect the bridges. Franklin Avenue was re-opened just before 11-30 yesterday morning. The driver was not cited.

SISTERS, OR -- The Oregon State Police responded to a reported utility line down in Sisters at about 5-o’clock on Tuesday as a result of a dump truck leaving its box in the “up” position. The truck reportedly drove from Highway 20 toward Locust in Sisters. The owner of the dump truck company was contacted and reported to be Robinson and Owen Heavy Construction. State police say there were no obvious signs of damage to any trucks in the fleet and the incident is still under investigation.

REDMOND, OR -- The City of Redmond is a step closer to approving a 40-acre land donation from Deschutes County. Mayor George Endicott says the donation agreement will be finalized at an early December meeting. The donation is the linchpin to the Skyline Village Project which will include both affordable and market rate housing.  Endicott says the project is a positive step toward more housing which is needed here and across the state. 

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff is looking for Search and Rescue volunteers. Applicants must be 21 and are required to complete 100 hours of Search and Rescue Training.  The training begins March 30^th and volunteers graduate in May. In addition to classroom training on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, there is outdoor training on Saturdays. Applications are online at Deschutes-dot-org-slash-jobs and must be submitted by January 17^th.

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes and Ochocco National Forests have Christmas Tree Permits for sale. Kassidy Kern at the Deschutes says there’s a new way to buy and pay for the permit. She says, the Deschutes is part of a 13 forest pilot project that allows people to get their Christmas tree permit online. Permits cost $5 each. Kern also says if there is a 4th grader in your family they can get a free Christmas tree permit. She says all they have to do is print a paper voucher from the Every Kid Outdoors website and present it at the Forest Service office.

REDMOND, OR -- Last November the Redmond Airport had 70-thousand passengers move through the facility. Airport Director Zach Bass says this November they expect a record 85-thousand passengers. He says travelers should check the airport website, FLYRDM-DOT-COM as it will update how many parking spots are available every 30-minutes. Bass urges passengers to get to the airport in plenty of time to clear security and get to the departure gate. He says travelers can also check the TSA website, TSA-DOT-GOV for information about what is required or restricted at security.

A former Crook County jail inmate intends to sue the sheriff saying he was not provided medication for his ailments. His allegation is one of several recent claims that jail staff reportedly withheld medical care from some inmates. Central Oregon Daily's reports Sheriff John Gautney took to social media to dispute the allegations in a letter to citizens of Crook County. He says every inmate is asked if they have medical issues, and are monitored by a nurse, if their condition warrents the need. Gautney says statements made on social media are exaggerations and, in some cases, totally false. 

For more details on the story check the Central Oregon Daily link. 

BEND, OR -- The United Way Campaign serves 26 non-profit organizations that provide a wide range of social services in Central Oregon. Executive Director Ken Wilhelm says they look for social service organizations that build resiliency and how well they work with other social service organizations. Wilhelm says this is important for organizations serving children who have experienced poverty, a parent in prison or, domestic violence. He says the United Way has a fund raising goal of 1-point-25-million dollars and at this time they’ve raised about 450-thousand dollars.  

BEND, OR -- This Saturday, the Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Awareness Alliance is hosting an event for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. The event, which falls on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, will include a screening of a documentary produced by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that offers messages of growth, resilience and connection. Prevention Coordinator Cassidy Brewin says there are events being hosted around the world on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance has been hosting a local event for the past five years.

SALEM, OR -- The Oregon Legislature meets for a short session in February but some think legislative leaders may try…again…to pass a Cap and Trade Bill.  State Senator Tim Knopp says the walkout this year by Senate Republicans was the only way they could stop a bill that had many flaws. Knopp says the majority party ignored the concerns of many of the constituents of Republicans. He says if a Cap and Trade bill resurfaces next year, he hopes legislative leaders will deal with it in a more bipartisan manner.

BEND, OR -- The Worthy Garden Club has launched a campaign with several partners to plant one million trees in the next three years. Club Executive Director David Blair says the goa of "Operation Appleseed" is to restore damaged forests in Central Oregon and two others areas of the state. Operation Appleseed’s efforts will support reforestation activities on both private and public lands. One area is the Audubon Society's Ten Mile Creek Sanctuary. Blair says the Worthy Garden Club, philanthropic arm of Worthy Brewing, has put up $1,000,000 in seed money for the project. He says they have partnered with the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests as well as non-profit organizations to plant trees on federal and private lands.

BEND, OR -- A Prineville man was arrested Tuesday morning after colliding with another vehicle, causing a traffic jam on Highway 97. Police say 32 year old Timothy Leahy Junior was southbound near Grandview Drive about 7-yesterday morning when his Jeep crossed all lanes of traffic and collided with a Honda, driven by 30-year old Joseph Soto of Bend. The Jeep rolled and blocked northbound lanes of Highway 97. Both drivers were treated at the scene for non-life threatening injuries. Police then arrested Leahy for DUII-drugs and Reckless Driving.

Central Oregon's Council on Aging anticipates serving more than 500 seniors during 6 upcoming seasonal lunches across Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties. Executive Director Susan Rotella says the events are much more than just a meal. They provide comraderie, a sense of community and holiday cheer for seniors who many not have family in the area. Close to 1/5 of all Central Oregon residents are seniors over 60 and that number will climb to 1/3 by 2050. Rotella says the next generation will have to face new challenges as the demographics shift in Central Oregon. Rising costs for senior services like healthcare, housing and assisted living facilities presents new challenges as the population ages. 

The lunches include seasonal fare and decor, music, raffles and local guest speakers. They are free for anyone over 60 and a small fee is required for younger guests. You can attend or volunteer at any of the upcoming lunches:

La Pine: Nov. 21 at La Pine Senior Center, 16450 Victory Way

Bend: Dec. 5 at the Council On Aging Community Dining Hall, 1036 ND 5th St., Bend

Sisters: Dec. 10 at the Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. McKenzie Highway

Redmond: Dec. 16 at the Redmond Senior Center, 325 NW Dogwood Ave. 

Prineville: Dec. 18 at the Prineville Soroptimist Senior Center, 180 NE Belknap St. 

For more information about local events and resources for older adults, or to volunteer call Council On Aging at: 

(541) 678-5483 or visit www.councilonaging.org 

BEND, OR -- Bend-La Pine Schools has approved a Safe Gun Storage resolution in an effort to prevent gun violence in local schools. Central Oregon Daily Brooke Snavely reports school board members Caroline Skidmore and Amy Tatom co-authored the resolution and it was unanimously approved. The school will send gun safety messages to the parents of 18,000 students. Skidmore says the safety messages won’t tell anyone what to do but will explain why safe gun storage is so important. The Bend Police Department offers free gun cable locks. For more details click here.

REDMOND, OR -- Police are looking for a man who allegedly fired a gun at a transient camp in Northeast Redmond early Monday morning. A woman called 911 to report a fight over a stolen utility trailer. She said gunshots were fired between the 60 year old victim David Ybarra and a suspect Earl Noble. Police and a SWAT team arrived, evacuated the camp and started searching for Noble.  Ybarra suffered minor injuries. Noble is considered armed and dangerous and anyone with information should call 911

SALEM, OR -- State lawmakers are in Salem this week for Legislative Days in preparation for the session in February. State Senator Tim Knopp says his priorities for bills he’d like to get passed include getting a new judge in Deschutes county and providing low income seniors with property tax relief. Knopp says he thinks the state senate will work on a technical fix to the death penalty bill because it retroactively covers old death penalty cases. Supporters of the bill said it was not retroactive but the Oregon Department of Justice said some months ago, it is retroactive.

BEND, OR -- The 1987 murders of Rod and Lois Houser is considered one of the most brutal and senseless murders in Deschutes county history. District Attorney John Hummel told the Oregon Parole Board last week, he believes convicted murderer Mark James Wilson is capable of rehabilitation. Hummel says he understands the Houser family’s pain and suffering because of the terrible crime. He says however, the only question before the board was whether Wilson is capable of rehabilitation. Hummel says during 32 years in prison, Wilson completed all alcohol, drug and mental treatment programs…started a Hospice program, and…got a degree from the University of Oregon. The Parole Board is expected to rule next month on Wilson's request to be released.

PORTLAND, OR -- The booming growth rate of Oregon's population is starting to slow. Charles Rynerson with P-S-U's Population Research Center says preliminary population numbers show Oregon's population has increased just one percent in the last year. Since 2010, Oregon added 400-thousand residents. The state's rate of job growth is slowing and that's bringing fewer people into Oregon. Other reasons for the lower growth rate are the high cost of housing, lower birth rates and deaths of baby boomers.

BEND, OR -- In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, COCC is presenting two free concerts this week. Musician Clem Picard, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, will perform Native flute music tonight and tomorrow night. Tonight’s concert is in the Community Room at the COCC Madras campus at 6-o’clock. Picard performs again tomorrow night in White Hall on the Bend campus at 6-o’clock.

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County has openings on two of its advisory committees. The Project Wildfire Steering Committee implements strategies to lessen the negative impacts of natural disasters in Deschutes county. The county’s Noxious Weed Board also has an opening. The board identifies the priorities that need to be addressed under the county’s noxious weed program.  Anyone interested in serving on either committee has to submit an application no later than Friday, December 6^th. Contact the Deschutes County Forester for more information.

BEND, OR -- The Bend Fire Department has launched its 4^TH Annual Warm Clothing Drive. Battalion Chief Dave Howe says they need hats, scarves, gloves, socks, coats and blankets. Donations can be dropped off at any fire station in Bend or Tumalo. Howe says the clothing that’s donated will be given to Bethlehem Inn and Central Oregon Veterans Outreach. The clothing drive ends November 26^th.

BEND, OR -- The COCC Board of Directors meets at 5-45 on the Bend campus this afternoon and spokesman Ron Paradis says the agenda includes an enrollment update report. He says enrollments have dropped in recent years due to the strong economy. Paradis says the board will also receive an update on the Strategic Plan and the four goals related to student success. He says the student success effort helps new students improve their math and reading skills so they can get to the college level faster.  

SISTERS,M OR -- An 89 year old Sisters man reported missing Friday night was located Saturday morning. The Deschutes County Sheriff says James Fisher left his home about 10-Saturday night. Police say Fisher has difficulty hearing and suffers from memory loss.  At about 6-Saturday morning Fisher knocked on the door of a home in Sisters seeking shelter from the cold temperatures. The resident immediately contacted 9-1-1 and deputies responded. Fisher was taken by EMS to a hospital for evaluation.

BEND, OR -- Bend Police received a report just after 5-yesterday afternoon of a man who was hit by a car while in a crosswalk. The man was hit by a westbound car on Northwest Newport Avenue at Northwest 11^th Street.

When police arrived they found an injured man being helped by people including a medical professional.

The man was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the car stayed at the scene and was cited for Failure To Stop For A Pedestrian.  

SALEM, OR -- Oregon is no longer a leader in recycling and waste reduction. A new study from the Environment Oregon Research and Policy Center indicates Oregon's recycling efforts continue to slide. State Director Celeste Meiffren-Swango says the latest data shows the recycling rate has dropped 4.8% since 2014.  And she says China's actions won't help because they stopped accepting American waste due to contamination. Meiffren-Swango says Oregon needs a plan to keep waste out of the environment. They're calling for a state comprehensive plan to deal with waste- especially plastics that are choking the recycling system.

SALEM, OR -- The fee for registering your car is going up next year. The fee will be based on your car’s mileage. The DMV says hybrid and electric vehicle owners will pay more to make up for the reduced amount of gas tax revenues flowing to the state. The fee for electric vehicles will be 612-dollars for two years and 304-dollars for hybrids.  But if people enroll in the OREGO program the fee drops to 172-dollars for two years. The new fees apply to all vehicle registrations that expire on or after January 1^st 2020 regardless of when the fee is paid.   

BEND, OR -- The Oregon Housing and Community Services has awarded a 150-thousand dollar grant to NeighborImpact to support warming shelter efforts in Central Oregon. Rachel Haakenson at NeighborImpact says 60-thousand dollars will be distributed to eight non profits and faith-based shelter providers in Central Oregon. She says the remaining 90-thousand dollars will be used to implement a warming shelter location in Bend. Haakensen says the declaration of a weather emergency in Bend is real and there is now a shortage about 100 beds per night in Bend.    

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Road Department will close access to the Cascade Lakes Highway west of Mount Bachelor next Thursday. The department will also close Paulina Lake Road known as Forest  Road 21 the same day. Chris Doty at the department says the closures are for the safety of travelers because they are not maintained in the winter.  While the Cascade Lakes Highway will be closed to cars, recreation areas like Devils Lake and Elk Lake can be accessed by snowcat or snowmobile

SALEM, OR -- Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel told the state parole board in salem yesterday he believes Mark James Wilson is capable of rehabilitation. Wilson was convicted in the double murder of 53-year old Rod Houser and his 49-year old wife Lois during a home robbery in 1987. The Oregonian reports Wilson was 18 when he shot Rod Houser 20 times. Co-defendant Randy Guzek shot Lois Houser three times. The question before the parole board is whether the now 50 year old Wilson is capable of rehabilitation. Hummel told the parole board, “Mark Wilson has convinced me he is.” The brother of Rod Houser, Doug Houser said Hummell does not speak for his family and called him an embarrassment to Deschutes county. Houser urged the parole board to listen instead to Ron Brown. It was Brown, now Clatsolp County D.A. who prosecuted Wilson. Brown said Wilson and Guzek were there to specifically kill the Housers. He told the parole board Wilson tried minimize the crime, claiming it was a burglary gone bad. Brown said Wilson’s distortion of the truth should raise questions about his rehabilitation. It may take a month for the parole board to make a ruling.

REDMOND, OR -- Deschutes county is donating 40 acres of land it owns to the City of Redmond for a housing project known as Skyline Village. Assistant City Manager John Roberts says the project will be built in northeast Redmond. He says Skyline Village will include half affordable housing and half market rate housing with a mix of styles and cost ranges. The donation was approved at a joint meeting Tuesday night of the County Commissioners and the Redmond City Council.

TERREBONNE, OR -- ODOT is inviting the public to an Open House in Terrebonne tonight to discuss traffic problems in the community. ODOT’s Peter Murphy says the meeting is designed for public input. Murphy says among the options…developing a 5-lane highway through Terrebonne… a couplet with 2-northbound lanes and another couplet with 2 southbound lanes…a roundabout and…some under crossings to help people go in and out of Lower Bridge Way. The Open House starts at 6-tonight at the Terrebonne Community School and begins with a presentation followed by Q&A.

BEND, OR -- A Bend man is facing 27 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse after police received information from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Bend Police were told 20 year old Wyatt Anthony Carrell had allegedly uploaded at least 27 images and videos to the internet depicting child pornography. On Tuesday, police made a traffic stop and took him into custody. Search warrants were executed at Carrell’s home on Sonata Way and on his car. Evidence was seized and Carrell is now in the county jail.

BEND, OR -- The March of Dimes has given Oregon a grade of A- for a low rate of premature births. Last year more than 10-per cent of babies were born premature in America. Central Oregon Daily reports that in Oregon the rate of premature births is less than 7%  Premature babies often need intensive and expensive medical care. The March of Dimes Report Card noted preterm births got worse in 30 states last year. It says six states earned a failing grade compared to four last year. For more details click here.

REDMOND, OR -- Redmond police are asking the public for help in locating the driver of a stolen car. Police received a report of a stolen Volkswagen Sunday morning. Several hours later the stolen vehicle was spotted in the Wal Mart parking lot. Police tried to contact the suspect but the vehicle drove away and into Terrebonne. Later, the vehicle went back towards Redmond on Highway 97 driving southbound in the northbound lanes, hitting 80 miles an hour. Police broke off the chase in the interest of safety. Anyone with information about a 2012 black Volkswagen convertible with a damaged front bumper is asked to call Redmond Police. 

BEND, OR -- Large crowds lined the streets of downtown Bend Monday morning for the 20^th Annual Veterans Day Parade. A large contingent of motorcycle riders, many of them veterans, got things started as a Civil Air Patrol plane did a flyover. Veterans from World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan marched in the parade and were cheered and thanked by many along the parade route. In turn veterans smiled, thanked the crowd and waved flags. Marching bands from area schools were represented in the parade along with service clubs from throughout the area. 

BEND, OR -- A Bend man took advantage of the unseasonably-warm temperatures on Friday by going for a jog, naked, until authorities were able to stop him. The pursuit occurred about 3- Friday afternoon on NE Jamison Street. 27-year-old William Thomas Matthias slowly ran down the sidewalk. Central Oregon Daily reports cellphone video from a witness shows Matthias smiling and waving as sheriff’s patrol cars followed him. Police tried to block his path when he crossed a business driveway, but Matthias ran around it. He was finally stopped and arrested. Matthias is jailed on charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and a probation violation.

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office used Search and Rescue volunteers on Friday to do a grid search of a field where human remains were found last Thursday. The remains are believed to be those of an adult female and were found in a field in the 21-thousand block of Butler Market Road. Police say based on their investigation an autopsy is not planned and no foul play is suspected in the death. Detectives are still working to identify the remains and locate her family.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Fire managers on the Ochoco National Forest plan to take advantage of recent warm, dry weather to implement two prescribed burn projects north of Big Summit Prairie. The burns will start tomorrow and continue through the week. Firefighters plan to ignite 144 acres of juniper jackpots and a 157-acre understory burn, just north of Big Summit Prairie, about 40 miles northeast of Prineville. The goals for the prescribed burns are to improve wildlife habitat and to remove hazardous fuels.

BEND, OR -- Police arrested a Bend woman last night and charged her with hit-and-run and DUII. 26 year old Katie Elizabeth Hall is accused of causing a crash involving three cars near Northwest Olney Avenue and Wall Street at about 8-25 Sunday night. Hall drove away in her silver Chevrolet. A short time later, 9-1-1 received a report of a car matching the description of Hall’s car that had crashed. The car was facing the wrong way on the southbound off ramp to the parkway at Revere Avenue. The caller said the woman driver fled the scene. A short time later a state police officer spotted Hall and arrested her.  She is facing felony charges of Hit and Run, DUII and Reckless Endangering.

BEND, OR -- The 20th annual Veterans Day Parade is today and will move through downtown Bend beginning with a Civil Air Patrol flyover at 11-this morning. The flyover will be in honor of Bob Maxwell, Bend's own Medal of Honor Veteran who passed away in May. The parade route begins on NW Newport at Veterans Memorial Bridge and ends at Northwest Harmon Boulevard. This year's theme is ‘Saluting our Women Veterans'.  Grand Marshals are women whose military service spans the decades.

BEND, OR -- A Bend man is jailed following a fight on Saturday at a home where two men were watching the LSU-Alabama football game. Police say a verbal argument became a physical fight at the home in the 21-thousand block of Bear Creek Road. They say 51-year old Christopher A. Honey allegedly grabbed a shotgun and fired at a 40 year old man who he had been fighting. The victim was hit in the back of the head and neck. Police arrived and a deputy transported the injured man to Saint Charles Bend for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Honey later surrendered to deputies and is jailed on charges of attempted murder and assault.  Police say alcohol is believed to be a factor in the incident.

BEND, OR -- So many people wanted to speak about the Climate Action Plan at the Bend City Council meeting Wednesday, they were asked to keep remarks to about 90-seconds…instead of the usual 3-minute time limit. Mayor Sally Russell said the speakers agreed and got right to the point. Russell says most spoke in favor of the plan but many also raised questions, others voiced concerns and others needed clarification about parts of the proposal. The Bend City Council is expected to make a final decision on the Climate Action Plan in early December.

BEND, OR -- The Centennial Anniversary of the Deschutes Library System in 2020 means renovation, new construction and expanded library services throughout Deschutes County. Library Director Todd Dunkelberg says to prepare for the next chapter Deschutes Libraries invites residents to take part in interactive discussions with library architects to learn more about the renovation and enhancement plans throughout the county. Library staff are eager to hear resident’s thoughts to gain insight into what learning tools are most important for the community.

BEND, OR -- The Bend City Council is in the process of developing a new Transportation Plan to meet community needs to the year 2040. Mayor Sally Russell says, all together, the plan could end up with a 1-billion dollar price tag. She says the council is considering asking voters to approve a 250-million dollar bond measure next May to get some projects started. Russell says the city will also seek financial help from the state and federal governments for some of the projects that come out of the new transportation plan.  

BEND, OR -- earlier this week KBND reported that the sheriff was asking the public to come up with a name for their new Bloodhound K-9. Sargent William Bailey says almost 3-thousand name suggestions were posted to Facebook, Instagram and emails. He says they narrowed the list down to the Top 20 names. Bailey says you can cast your vote on the sherrif’s Facebook page. He says they’ll post the winning name when the voting winds down, probably this evening.

SUNRIVER, OR -- A Sunriver couple was arrested and jailed on drug charges this week following an investigation. The Deschutes County Sheriff had received  information about possible illegal drug activity at a home at 62 Meadow. On Wednesday deputies stopped a car driven by 45 year old Thomas J. Martinsen as he drove away from the home. A short time later Sunriver Police stopped a car driven by 42 year old Jennifer Martin who also had left the home.  A search warrant turned up evidence of drug sales and commercial amounts of methamphetamine.  Martinsen is jailed on charges of possession, delivery and manufacture of methamphetamine.  Martin is jailed on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff is investigating the discovery of human remains found in a field yesterday afternoon. The remains are believed to be those of an adult female and were found in the 21-thousand block of Butler Market Road. An employee of the property owner found the remains while checking the field before doing work at the site. Detectives and deputies were helped at the scene by the office of the DA, the County Medical Examiner and the State Police Crime Lab. 

BURNS, OR -- The Harney County Sheriff's office has released the cause of the crash that  killed T-V personality Jessi Combs in  August. She was at the Alvord Desert attempting to set a land speed record.  The report says one of the front wheels on her jet car failed after apparently hitting something. The car was travelling 550 miles an hour when the crash  happened. Combs was 39 years old.

CRESCENT LAKE, OR -- The Deschutes National Forest is planning to set a prescribed burn today 12 miles west of Crescent on the south shore of Crescent Lake. The 32 acre Marsh Unit is scheduled to begin at 10-this morning if weather conditions remain favorable. Forest officials say  smoke may be visible from Highways 97 and 58 and surrounding areas. The goal of the prescribed burn is to reduce the hazardous fuel build up near private property.

TERREBONNE, OR -- Redmond Fire and Rescue had to use a Jaws Of Life tool to free the driver of a street sweeper after he became trapped following a collision. The incident occurred on Highway 97 in Terrebonne about 3-30 yesterday afternoon. The sweeper hit the rear of a full size Dodge pickup causing heavy damage to the cab of the sweeper. Redmond Fire crews worked for 20 minutes to get the driver out. He was pinned into the seat and his lower extremities were wrapped into the pedals and the steering column. The driver was transported to Saint Charles Redmond with possible internal injuries and fractures.

BEND, OR -- The Bend Chamber Of Commerce and a regional oversight group have come together to tackle the childcare crisis in Central Oregon. They hired a Childcare Accelerator to broker collaborative projects to create additional childcare options. Megan Norris, the newly appointed hire, moved from Sacramento to work on a pilot project with OSU Cascades and COCC.

McKENZIE PASS, OR -- The Old McKenzie Pass Highway will close for the winter starting tomorrow. ODOT says  crews will close the west side of the highway from the lower gate on Highway 126 to the upper gate west of Dee Wright Observatory. Next Tuesday ODOT crews will close the eastern access at the gate west of Sisters.  ODOT says the west side has already seen some winter conditions. The Old McKenzie Pass Highway is expected to reopen in mid-June.

REDMOND, OR -- Deschutes County Search and Rescue says a missing 75 year old woman, Marion Price, was found this morning. Price went on a hike with her dogs yesterday and was reported missing just before 6-o’clock last night. Price did not have a cellphone with her. Deschutes County Sheriff's Office SAR Volunteers continued searching for Price until about 1:00am this morning.  DCSO Deputies remained in the area throughout the night.  At about 7:48am, Deputies received a report that a man walking his dog in the area came across Price and her dogs, and helped her back to the search staging area near Eagle Crest. Price was in good health and declined medical attention.  No further details are known at this time.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office would like to remind those recreating in the backcountry or rural areas such as this, to always be prepared for unexpected events that may cause extended return times.  At a minimum, have a communication device, such as a cell phone, or whistle.  Extra clothing, food and water are among other key items listed in the "10 Essentials".

UMATILLA, OR -- A 68-year-old Prineville man has died at Two Rivers Correctional Institute in Umatilla. Terry Lee Allen was convicted of attempted murder in 2013 for firing shots at his daughter’s home in Tumalo. Allen went to prison in 2015 and was not expected to be released before November 2022. Corrections officials announced Tuesday that Allen died in hospice at Two Rivers on Monday evening.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Police have released the name of the man whose body was found last week in Ochocco Creek as 64 year old Brian Lee Colbert. Prineville Detective Kathryn Bottoms says police knew Colbert. She says he was homeless and had a history of mental illness, drugs and alcohol. Bottoms says the autopsy found no evidence Colbert was robbed, was a victim of foul play or, had been in a struggle. She says lab test results and a final medical examiner report could take several weeks.

BEND, OR -- The Bend-La Pine Schools has announced Superintendent Shay Mikalson is resigning to take a new job with the High Desert Education Service District. He will make the official announcement next Tuesday at the school board meeting. Central Oregon Daily reports  Mikalson is taking the job of Chief Student Success Officer at the E-S-D, which will begin in July. The Bend La Pine School Board will launch a search for a new superintendent next week.

DESCHUTES COUNTY, OR -- A Redmond woman was killed in a wreck on Highway 97 just before noon yesterday. Police say 76 year old Linda Dent was southbound when, for unknown reasons, she drove her 2017 Subaru across four lanes and into the slow lane of northbound Highway 97. Dent collided with an ODOT Incident Response Vehicle and died at the scene. The driver of the ODOT vehicle, 38 year old John Benson, was taken to Saint Charles Redmond with minor injuries. It took until about 4-o’clock to get all lanes of the highway re-opened.     

Photo courtesy Central Oregon Daily 

BEND, OR -- There is not a lot of new office space being built in Central Oregon these days. Pat Kesgard at Compass Commercial Real Estate says it may be due to a growing number of work-at-home jobs. For example, he says, if you call Alaska Airlines you are likely speaking to someone working from home. Kesgard says the vacancy rate for office space is up to 3-point-9-per cent in this area. He says California wildfires however, may force some office based businesses to think about relocating out of state and Central Oregon could become a destination. 

PRINEVILLE, OR -- The man found in Ochoco Creek has been identified as 64-year-old Brian Lee Colbert. He was found beneath a bridge at St. Charles Way, east of Combs Flat Road in Prineville at about 5:30PM. Police have determined there was no criminal acts or signs of struggle. The policed noted the bridge is an area where homeless community has gathered on the past. Colbert had a history of mental illness and had been visited by the Police on one previous occasion when they pulled him from the river. 

BEND, OR -- People with Diabetes…including parents, spouses and children of people with the disease…are invited to attend a free workshop this Saturday, “Navigating Diabetes Distress.” Rita Shearer with Synergy Health and Wellness will lead the workshop. She says it will help people understand the work they have to do to stay healthy when dealing with diabetes. The workshop is from 10-to-11-30 this Saturday morning at the downtown library in Bend. To register log onto the Synergy Health and Wellness web page.

LA PINE, OR -- A La Pine family that had a fire at their home last December were victims of another fire Sunday night. Chief Mike Supkis says last year’s blaze at the home on Pine Forest Road was an electrical fire in a wall. He says the cause of Sunday’s fire has not been determined but residents said the home had on-going electrical issues. The home and all of the contents were destroyed. No one was injured but a family dog died. Firefighters had to shuttle 25-thousand gallons of water to fight the blaze as there are no hydrants in the area. The Red Cross provided shelter and other help for the displaced family.

Photo courtesy of Central Oregon Daily

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff has a new K-9 that was donated last month by Tamaron Ranch Bloodhounds and it needs a name.  After the dog was donated the sheriff started a  process to pick a handler for the Bloodhound. The sheriff announced yesterday Deputy Donny Patterson will be the dog’s partner and the two head to California next week for training. The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to help name the new K-9. Anyone with an idea for a name is asked to go to the Sheriff’s Facebook page and post their suggestions. The most popular names submitted will be put to a vote later this week.

Photo courtesy of Central Oregon Daily.

CORVALLIS, OR -- Two million year old ice found in Antarctica is helping to answer some questions about Climate Change and an Oregon Scientist is working on the project. OSU Scientist, Ed Brook says they measure carbon dioxide levels trapped in the ice and it helps them better understand the effects of climate change. Brook says that by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere the average temperature will continue to rise. Brook and his team looked at trapped air bubbles to determine we are changing the earth’s system with our carbon dioxide output.

BEND, OR -- Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 30^th year and 149^th house built.  Director of Development Robin Cooper Engle encourages local individuals and groups to get involved, as Bend LaPine Schools leadership recently did.  With Habitat’s homeownership program, families and individuals are required to volunteer hundreds of hours as the down payment for the home, and participate in a matched savings program for the closing costs.

BEND, OR -- COCC is holding its annual Preview Day this Friday. Admissions Coordinator Kayleen Schweitzer tells KBND, the event draws a lot of Central Oregon High School students who want to get a sample of college life. She says students can take two, 45 minute mini classes, interact with students and faculty, have lunch and take a campus tour.  The annual COCC Preview Day starts this Friday morning with check in at 9-30 in Mazama Gym.

BEND, OR – Fire managers are planning to ignite a prescribed understory burn tomorrow and Wednesday on the Deschutes National Forest.  Prescribed burning will help maintain the Ponderosa Pine ecosystem by reducing heavy accumulation of ground fuels and improving habitat for native plants and wildlife. The prescribed burn unit is 700 acres and part of the Deadlog project area on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District.  It is located about 28 miles east of La Pine. Ignition will begin on tomorrow and is expected to continue into Wednesday.  

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Oregon Republican Congressman Greg Walden is a part of a bi-partisan group asking the Federal Drug Administration to toughen inspections of foreign drug makers. The group is concerned that prescription drugs manufactured in other countries may be used as a potential weapon during wartime.  Other concerns are that the cost of critical drugs could be raised to unaffordable levels or supply could be reduced in an effort to hurt the United States.

ONTARIO, OR -- Two kayaks contaminated with quagga mussels...an invasive species...were stopped before they launched in the Deschutes River. Central Oregon Daily reports Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife technicians intercepted and decontaminated the kayaks at a boat inspection station near Ontario. Martyne Ressman with ODF&W says inspectors found quagga mussel shell debris. She says had the layaks launched mussel tissue from the shells would have been shed and could have led to quagga mussels getting into the Deschutes River. 

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK, OR -- Crater Lake National Park’s North Entrance Road and Rim Drive is now closed for the season.  All visitors to the park must use Highway 62 to access the park from the south or west during the closures.  The North Entrance Road and Rim Drive will reopen in the late spring or early summer of 2020.  Exact dates for road openings depend on snow depths each year. And Crater Lake Park is now charging its winter entrance fee which is 15-dollars per car or motorcycle and $10 per person. It’s good for 7 days, and will be collected at the Annie Creek Entrance Station or at park headquarters. Visitors can also buy an annual pass for Crater Lake National Park for $50 but the pass will increase to $55 beginning January 1, 2020.

(Salem, OR)  --   The Democrat who challenged Republican Congressman Greg Walden for his seat in 2018 will not make another run for the U.S. House.  Jamie McLeod-Skinner says she will continue to focus on her campaign for secretary of state.  Many assumed McLeod-Skinner would shift gears to run for the Second Congressional District after she lost the 2018 race by 16 points, giving Walden the closest call he had ever seen in the traditionally Republican area.  Republican State Senator Cliff Bentz has already declared his intent to run for the seat, but so far, no Democrats have stepped into the race.

REDMOND, OR -- The Redmond-based organization, In Our Backyard, has dedicated many years to prevention of human trafficking. Executive Director Nita Belles says one form of trafficking is for labor and the other is for sex trafficking. She says both forms of trafficking are designed to make money for the perpetrators. Belles says traffickers use social media to target young people, particularly girls. She urges parents to educate their children about the dangers of social media, which is the most common way traffickers reach out to lure their victims.

BEND, OR -- This weekend is time to fall back an hour. The end of daylight savings is on Saturday and it comes with an extra hour of sleep and the slow disappearance of early-evening sunlight. Getting an extra hour of sleep might seem nice, but Shelley Snow with ODOT, says it can actually make you more tired due to a change in sleeping habits which could make you drowsy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says 18-percent of adults get less than seven hours of sleep, despite most people needing between 7 and 9 hours night for a healthy sleep routine.

BEND, OR -- A Bend brewery owner, Roger Worthington spoke at a conference this week about the need to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Bill, House Bill 2020. The bill would have put a cap on greenhouse gasses but did not pass the legislature. Republicans walked out of the state senate which prevented a vote due to a lack of a quorum. Worthington is one of the lead petitioners for the measure. He urges other business owners in Central Oregon to recognize the long term financial benefits of clean energy. Worthington says solar energy provides about 30-percent of the power at his brewery.

BEND, OR -- The City of Bend and ODOT are cleaning the median along the Parkway beginning  Monday night. The Director of the Bend Streets Department, David Abbas, says the cleanup follows a median cleanup in 2018. Abbas says the Parkway cleanup will start near Colorado Avenue and work north 4-miles to Cascade Village Shopping Center. All of the work will be done at night from 7-pm to 6am starting Monday  and continue until November 14^th. The left lane next to the median will be closed during the work. No clean-up work is scheduled on weekends.

METOLIOUS, OR -- A Metolious man has been jailed on 24 charges including sodomy, sex abuse and coercion, after an investigation by the Deschutes County Sheriff. Police received a report last week of alleged sex abuse by 72-year old Louis T. Apo. He lived in La Pine for five years before moving to Metolious last year. Police say they have identified three victims in La Pine. Investigators say Apo had contact with numerous children in La Pine and befriended families and often babysat for neighbors. Apo has also lived in Denver, San Francisco and Eureka. Police ask anyone who has children who had contact with Apo to call Detective John Barker at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s office.