LAPINE, OR -- LaPine is set to receive more than $8 million as part of the new Federal Rural Development Fund in order to upgrade the City's wastewater management system.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- With a string of thefts in the Prineville area, local police are working with other law enforcement officers in the area to identify the culprits.

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners approved a permit for a Cloverdale property, Wednesday, to allow a marijuana production facility on Goodrich Road. The area east of Sisters is currently zoned as Exclusive Farm Use. 

BEND, OR -- A local transient is accused of making and passing counterfeit money in Bend. Police say at least six businesses received fake $50 bills in the past month.

Officers discovered a pattern and identified 24-year-old Travis Nelson as a suspect. Nelson was arrested earlier this month, and was allegedly in possession of a gun stolen in a Deschutes County burglary, as well as a suspected meth pipe. 

Bend Police and Sheriff’s Deputies later searched a Dobbin Court property, east of Bend, where they found computer and other equipment used to make counterfeit cash. Nelson faces seven counts of Forgery, as well as drug and weapons charges; more could be added. 

REDMOND, OR -- A Redmond motorhome was destroyed by a late-night fire that also damaged nearby buildings.

Firefighters responded to the blaze near Antler and Jackson Street, just before 11:30 Wednesday night. Arriving crews found the RV fully involved with flames extending to a large shed, as well as a neighbor’s garage. They quickly knocked down the fire and were able to protect the other structures.

The fire caused about $25,000 in damage and its cause is under investigation. The Red Cross is helping provide basic needs to the one adult impacted by the blaze. 

LA PINE, OR -- La Pine schools were locked down for 15 minutes, at about 4:40 Wednesday afternoon, after Deschutes County 911 received a report of an armed subject on Coach Road.

A woman reported that a man with a gun tried to grab her and she ran to the La Pine Community Health Center for help. Due to the proximity to La Pine Elementary, Middle and High schools, all three were put in lockdown as a precaution.

After witnesses were interviewed, Deputies determined the third-hand report of an armed man was unfounded. 

BEND, OR -- A girl in the Woodside Ranch neighborhood, southeast of Bend, says a suspicious man ran toward her while she was walking to a friend’s house, Wednesday afternoon at about 2:30. The Sheriff’s Office says the 10-year-old’s mother reported the incident last night, and says her daughter was able to safely run away. 

BEND, OR -- Morning Star Christian School won the Firebusters award this year.

REDMOND, OR -- As the Redmond area continues to grow, more infrastructure is needed to accommodate stormwater runoff and create safer streets as traffic increases.

BEND, OR -- Bend Police arrested a West Linn man, yesterday (Wed), after a woman said he took her cell phone while she was in Food 4 Less.

The suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Blakely Hickman, allegedly took the Molalla woman’s phone just after 6:30 a.m. He left the store and took off in a car. When police tried to stop him in the parking lot, he ran from the car and was later tracked down by a K-9 unit.

REDMOND, OR -- Redmond Schools officials are finalizing details for a $70 million property tax levy expected to go to voters next year. But its success could be jeopardized by a proposed public safety fee. Superintendent Mike McIntosh says the school bond would add 50-cents per thousand dollars of assessed property value and is needed to fund safety and security improvements, maintenance, and efficiency upgrades at several schools, as well as reconstruction of Lynch Elementary. "We did the same exact thing with Terrebonne School a few years ago. We looked at that structure and said, ‘how do we make this modern; how do we make this efficient and appropriate?’ And so, we literally tore down Terrebonne and built a new school around the gym. Same kind of thinking with Lynch. It’s probably going to be more cost effective to tear it down and start over, so that’s about a $20 million portion of the $70 million we’re asking for."

McIntosh is concerned about how receptive voters will be to a new property tax in 2018, if the City Council approves a $6 monthly fee on utility bills to fund the hiring of more police officers. But, he he doesn't believe the school district has a choice. "Oregon does not have a mechanism that allows me to do it any differently. There’s no way for a school district to get $70 million to do these urgent and necessary things. So, our way to do that is to go to our voters and ask them to increase their own taxes and, in essence, support their schools." He adds, "What I know is there are people on a fixed income; whether you’re retired, elderly or just out of work, that it’s an incredible inconvenience – not just inconvenience, but imposition. I want to be very, very sensitive to that. And so, having that $6 every month tacked on to your city power bill is going to be a significant issue for those people, as well." McIntosh tells KBND News, "I don’t want to ever say ‘it’s just a small amount.’ I get it; It’s a big amount. But, it’s also important."

The Redmond City Council is expected to decide in the spring whether to approve the public safety fee. Another public meeting to discuss the fee will be held December 5 at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall. McIntosh says the school district hasn’t decided whether to send the bond measure to the ballot in May or November. He plans to meet with a group next week to discuss the formation of a Political Action Committee.  

Click HERE to listen to our full conversation with Superintendent Mike McIntosh, or visit our Podcast Page. 

Photo: Lynch Elementary was forced to close when last winter's immense snowfall caused the roof to sag. It reopened after snow was removed. 

BEND, OR -- A Bend man wanted in connection with a prior domestic assault was arrested Tuesday without incident. Friday afternoon, Bend Police responded to a report of an assault at a home on Northeast 12^th. Ryan Atkins allegedly tried to keep a woman from calling 911 to report that he’d previously assaulted her. The victim is described as a 43-year-old Redmond woman. The CERT team activated and closed streets in the area for a short time, but Atkins escaped.

Law enforcement contacted 45-year-old Atkins at the Mt. Bachelor Motel Tuesday morning, where he was taken into custody. He's charged with Assault IV, Coercion, Interfering with a 911 Call, Criminal Mischief II and Tampering with a Witness. 

SISTERS, OR -- The Sisters Planning Commission is working with the Sisters City Council to determine if vacation rentals in the area should be further regulated.

SUNRIVER, OR -- The beloved Sunriver trumpeter swan 'Chuck' was killed Thanksgiving Day. 

SISTERS, OR -- The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans for small businesses impacted by the Milli and Nash Fires that burned tens of thousands of acres in the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests between August 10 and September 25. A number of Sisters businesses reported big declines in summer revenue due to intermittent road closures and the heavy smoke that blanketed the area. 

The SBA is making $2 million in loans available to help businesses cover financial obligations and operating expenses. The SBA declared a disaster, freeing up the funds, following a request from Governor Kate Brown on November 13. Tanya Garfield, with the SBA's Disaster Field Operations Center, says, "These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can't be paid because of the disaster's impact." Applications will be accepted online through August 16, 2018. Click HERE for more information. 

Photo: Milli Fire 8/17/17

REDMOND, OR -- The Redmond Airport officially unveils its new Flybrary on Wednesday. Airport Director Zach Bass says the joint partnership with the Deschutes Public Library provides travelers with reading material for their flight, "We’re going to keep it stocked as well as we can, and people can grab a book if they like it and hopefully leave a book if they’re done with theirs." And, it also features information on how to download books and magazines on to a mobile device. "I think it supports about 50,000 books that are available so, even if you don’t want to have a hardcopy of a book in your hand when you’re flying, if you have a Kindle or something along those lines, you can download a free book, too."

BEND, OR -- Smoke alarms woke a sleeping family early Tuesday, prompting them to evacuate their two-story home on NE Decatur and call 911. Bend Fire crews responded at about 2:40 a.m. and arrived to find heavy smoke in the garage, extending to the second story of the house. Two cars in the driveway were also on fire.

Fire officials say the blaze was primarily contained to the garage but smoke damaged part of the house, as well. A fire-rated door stopped the flames from entering the first floor of the home. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

BEND, OR -- Central Oregon unemployment rates stabilized in October, but as the largest private employer in the area begins to dismiss staff, those numbers could climb.

BEND, OR -- Christmas time is here, but a Christmas tree may be hard to come by.

SISTERS, OR -- “Bubbles” the camel has become quite the internet sensation since escaping his tether while visiting Sisters, just over a week ago. Deschutes County Sheriff's Sgt. William Bailey tells KBND News, "One of the deputies was dispatched to a found camel call in a pasture and the deputy was able to get a quick video clip; him and his partner. I put it out on social media and I didn’t expect how big it would get." He adds, "I’ve talked to a lot of the major news stations; it was featured on FOX News. So, it’s been quite a topic of conversation around the office, when it comes to this little brief camel video."

Click HERE to view the video. 

BEND, OR -- Firefighters responded to a blaze in the Cimarron City subdivision, northeast of the Bend Airport, Saturday afternoon, and discovered a detached garage fully involved.

The two-car garage on Lariat was a total loss, as were numerous restored antique motorcycles and other rarities that had been stored inside. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No other structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. 

UPDATE: Following an investigation by the Bend Fire Department, officials say the exact cause of the blaze could not be determined. Investigators say the fire started near a workspace and quickly spread throughout the garage, causing extensive damage. The amount of plastics, foam, paper, auto and bike parts, solvents, equipment and vehicles, as well as numerous combustibles stored in the rafters contributed to the rapid spread fo the fire and heat throughout the enclosed space. 

PRINEVILLE, OR -- The Central Oregon Major Crime Team is investigating a homicide in Crook County. Thursday morning, Crook County Deputies responded to a request to check on a man who lives on Myrtlewood Lane, in the rural Juniper Acres subdivision. 

BEND, OR -- A 69-year-old Tumalo-area man was killed Friday evening, when he was struck by a pickup on Cline Falls Highway. Michael Porter crossed the street to get his mail, just after 5 p.m.  One witness told the Sheriff’s office he’d nearly hit Porter, who was bent over in the middle of the highway, possible retrieving dropped mail. Another driver then struck the man. 

LA PINE, OR -- A Boise man was arrested Friday after allegedly leading Sheriff's deputies on a pursuit near La Pine. A witness reported a man was “going crazy” in the parking lot of Ed Staub and Sons, then stole a pickup and took off. 

MADRAS, OR -- A new residential subdivision may be built near Madras' water tank.

BEND, OR -- For some, Thanksgiving signals the start of the holiday shopping season. But, Rod Porsche, with The Downtown Bend Business Association, hopes Central Oregonians won’t spend too much on Black Friday and save some for Shop Small Saturday. "We get that Black Friday, there’s a role to play. But, let’s remember that Saturday is the place to get items oftentimes locally produced; you can’t find them online. Shopping small really helps your community. I mean, keeping your money in your community is really important on that day and throughout the year." 

• Sisters' annual tree lighting takes place Friday at Fir Street Park at 5:30 p.m.
• The Sisters Christmas Parade is Saturday at 2 p.m.
• In Redmond, the Starlight Parade begins Saturday at 5 p.m., immediately followed by the tree lighting at Centennial Park.
• Prineville’s Lighted Christmas Parade starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, as well.
• Bend and Madras Christmas parades are slated for Saturday, December second.

SISTERS, OR -- The first chance to hit the slopes often happens over Thanksgiving, but skiers and snowboarders will have limited options this weekend. Hoodoo Ski Area had planned to open Friday, but must postpone due to the warm, rainy forecast for the weekend.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- A Prineville man is recovering from stab wounds, suffered during an alleged altercation with his girlfriend at their Barnes Road home, Monday.

According to Deputies, 48-year-old Larisa Rollins was arguing with her roommate when her boyfriend intervened. After breaking up the fight, 51-year-old Michael Cross went into the kitchen and got into another disagreement with his girlfriend. Deputies say she grabbed a knife and stabbed Cross seven times.

He’s being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Rollins is charged with Domestic Assault. 

BEND, OR -- Central Oregon unemployment rates stabilized in October after a volatile September. Regional Economist Damon Runburg says he didn’t expect those previous job losses to continue, "That big drop we saw in September, which was largely effected by the wildfire smoke, was really just some of these seasonal jobs lost sooner than typically would be lost. But they were going to be shed at some point anyway, so we’re kind of back on track." 

Runberg tells KBND News, "We had some pretty significant seasonally adjusted losses; the unemployment rate ticked up significantly in September. And then, we roll around to these October numbers and it turned out that we had actually slight seasonally adjusted gains in the month of October." Deschutes County’s jobless rate held relatively steady at 4.2% in October; Jefferson County’s rate was unchanged at 5.6%; and, in Crook County, the unemployment rate ticked up 2-tenths of a point, to 6.5%.

While unemployment rates are leveling off, more people are looking for work, which is expanding the labor force. And, they're finding jobs. "In general, Central Oregon has this tendency where, if jobs are available, people are going to move here for those jobs," says Runberg. "We have such high quality of life that we don’t have that much of an issue attracting folks. So, the market’s responding; the labor force is growing. With the expanding labor force and the strong population numbers that we just got from Portland State University, the question’s obviously, ‘how are we going to deal with this continuing challenge of housing affordability and availability?’"

MADRAS, OR -- A Madras man is accused of trying to kill his girlfriend's two-year old son. Jefferson County Deputies arrested 21-year-old Josue Jair Mendoza-Melo early Monday morning on several charges, including Attempted Murder and First Degree Assault. He's scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

SISTERS, OR -- The City of Sisters is preparing for winter, and they have a plan to make the City as friendly as possible for both residents and guests.

DISTRICT 59, OR -- Commissioners from the four counties that make up District 59 met yesterday to choose a new representative to finish out the remainder of John Huffman's term. Daniel Bonham of The Dalles was appointed with 39 of the 46 votes, with Redmond's Robert 'Bob' Perry and Jefferson County's Mae Huston splitting the remainder. 

LA PINE, OR -- The body of a La Pine man was discovered by elk hunters near Davis Lake, Sunday afternoon.

Gary Humbard was reported missing in September. His pickup was discovered near Davis Lake about a week later but several search efforts were unsuccessful. The body was found less than a mile from where Humbard's truck was parked. Based on evidence located at the scene, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office identified the remains as 61-year-old Humbard. 

BEND, OR -- Despite recent high-profile reports, workplace sexual harassment isn't limited to Hollywood and Washington, D.C. It's happening in Central Oregon, too. Local Employment Attorney Geoffrey Chackel says there is a lot of confusion, right now, for both business owners and employees. Although, he admits, most supervisors understand they can’t make a sexual relationship a condition of employment. "That’s called ‘quid pro quo harassment,’ and that’s the type that people readily understand. It’s the hostile work environment harassment – the second form of sexual harassment – that people are struggling with. They don’t understand that it’s a form of unlawful gender discrimination."

TERREBONNE, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s office is looking for a Terrebonne man who allegedly ran from a car chase, Monday morning.

A Deputy attempted to pull over a car for a traffic violation at about 9:45 a.m., near Lower Bridge Way. The driver failed to stop and eventually turned on to BLM land where the car high centered on a rock. Despite an extensive search by multiple agencies and two K9 units, the driver wasn’t found.

Investigators worked throughout the day and determined 34-year-old David Stryffeler was the driver. He has a felony outstanding warrant. The investigation is ongoing; anyone with information on Stryffeler's whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 541-693-6911. 

BEND, OR -- A Redmond man was hurt in a rollover crash, Monday morning, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the second vehicle involved. 

BEND, OR -- A bicyclist was killed in a car crash near downtown Bend. It happened Monday at about 11:15 a.m., on the corner of Olney and Wall, across from Pioneer Park. 

REDMOND, OR -- The historic Redmond Depot finally has a potential buyer. Redmond City Manager Keith Witcosky says the deal with Staffenson Resources LLC is for them to purchase the Depot for $250,000, and still make it available for the City to use.

BEND, OR -- Several schools in the Bend LaPine District are slated to receive security feature upgrades over the next two years.

BEND, OR -- Bend Fire crews responded to a small brush fire in a vacant lot, early Monday morning, that started several "spot fires" near Pilot Butte.

The first firefighters on scene near 12th and Hawthorne discovered flames in brush and a Ponderosa pine pushed by high winds, at about 3:30 a.m. They called for additional units, including a brush engine and water tender. Crews held the fire at about a half acre. The cause is undetermined. 

BEND, OR -- The latest statewide population study reveals what most Central Oregonians already know: the region continues to grow. "There’s demographers at Portland State that estimate population based on building permits, based on building permits and a whole formula. And they do that every year," says Bend City Manager Eric King, "So, Bend’s population based on their estimate was 86,700-something, and that’s about a 3.9% increase, year over year." In fact, according to PSU's Population Research Center, Bend has over 3,200 more people than a year ago and now has a population near 86,800.

King wasn’t surprised by the numbers. "It just confirms what we all sometimes – you know, there’s the anecdotal information and there’s the actual data. And, those two things match up." He tells KBND News the data is important for planning future infrastructure, housing and other needs. "Our population forecast and all the land that we have available, and the infrastructure that serves that land, it’s all based on basically a 2030 forecast of 130,000 folks. And, we’re on track to meet that."

MADRAS, OR -- A Madras man was cited for bringing a deer infected with Chronic Wasting Disease into Oregon. A Montana hunter harvested a deer that tested positive for the disease, last week - the first in that state. CWD is a neurological disease that Fish and Wildlife is trying to keep out of Oregon. 

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, OR -- Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team members discovered a Butane Honey Oil lab in Crooked River Ranch while searching a neighboring property for heroin and meth. In the first search, last week, police arrested 41-year-old Justin Hamilton (pictured), who lives at the Buckskin Lane home. He faces numerous drug charges, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm. Detectives say they found a small amount of meth, heroin, digital scales and cash, as well as a handgun. 

Brandon Darrow, of Redmond, was also arrested. He arrived at Hamilton's house while police were executing the search warrant. He's charged with frequenting a place where drugs are used. Both men were taken to the Jefferson County Jail. 

(Sisters, OR)  -- Oregon's camel incident is over but it took a little effort by Descutes County authorities.  Sheriff's deputies got a call the day before yesterday about the animal walking around near the high desert town of Sisters.  They managed to corral it relatively easily and say it was pretty good-natured about the whole thing.  To make things even more smooth, there just so happened to be someone in the area who had experience with camels, and that helped get a halter on it.  Its owner had brought the animal from Bend on a visit to a friend and the camel is doing just fine.

REDMOND, OR -- On Monday, Commissioners from the four counties that make up House District 59 will appoint a candidate to finish out the remainder of Representative John Huffman's term.

REDMOND, OR -- Redmond officials continue to discuss the possibility of imposing a six dollar monthly public safety fee, "To bring on board six officers," says Mayor George Endicott, "So, some would go on patrol duty, some would be specialized into things like some of our task forces."

• Tuesday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, January 22 at 5:30 p.m.

BEND, OR -- Bend voters could be asked in May to renew an operating levy for the fire department. Deputy Fire Chief Bill Boos told City Councilors this week a recent survey of 600 residents showed broad support for the department, "60% of those people said, ‘yes, we do excellent service;’ 21% just below excellent. The one piece I think we were kind of shocked about, only 1% said we did a poor job. If you think about government, we thought it was going to be higher than that."

To listen to our full conversation with City Manager Eric King, click HERE or visit our Podcast Page. 

BEND, OR -- Four candidates vying for the top job at one of Bend’s new small high schools will take part in a community forum Friday afternoon. The educators applying for the principal job at the school slated to open next fall are:

• Michael Franklin, assistant principal at Bend's Mountain View High School,
• Brad Linn, principal at Clackamas Web Academy,
• Linda O’Shea, former principal at an arts and tech school in Eugene and
• Dr. Phillip Pearson, principal of Corbett High

Friday's forum starts at 4:15 p.m.  at the Bend-La Pine Schools Education Center at 520 NW Wall Street. Attendees will see presentations from and interact with each candidate.

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel launched a new countywide initiative Thursday, designed to help low-level drug offenders get addiction treatment instead of jail time. Hummel calls it Goldilocks, "We're going to find the intervention that's just right for each suspect. We're not going to be too hot or too cold."

PRINEVILLE, OR -- A Prineville man faces charges of Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child, following a month-long investigation. Prineville Police received information in October that 31-year-old Patrick James Adams was sending explicit photos and trying to lure girls from the Prineville area, through social media.

Officers executed a search warrant on his home this week and found items linking Adams to the crimes. Investigators believe he may have had multiple online interactions with underage girls. Juveniles who have had contact with Adams are encouraged to contact police at 541-447-4168. 

BEND, OR -- Central Oregon Irrigation District plans to begin piping 3,000 feet of its main canal west from the Brookswood Bridge, in southwest Bend. 

COID's ShanRae Hawkins says this move will not only benefit the ecology of the Deschutes River, but also the residents of the area. "Piping canals is a really important part of the irrigation system. When we have open canal systems, we lose about 50% of the water that's coming in off the Deschutes River to evaporation and leakage. And so, by piping the canals, we're able to conserve a significant amount of water and all of these conservation efforts directly benefit the wildlife." But, conserving five cubic feet of water per second won't be the only benefit of the piping project, according to Hawkins. "The pipe is going to be buried, and we're going to build trails over the top of it, we're working with Bend Parks and Rec, and so people won't even realize that they're walking over the top of a piped canal. And so, aesthetically, it's going to be very appealing, and it's a great partnership between Bend Parks and Rec and Central Oregon Irrigation District and we're excited to have a great new trail system that really hasn't existed in the past."

REDMOND, OR -- As the holiday season approaches, more people will be using the Redmond Airport to travel, and parking their cars for long periods could lead to a parking shortage.

Bass says more people travel during the holidays, which can make for longer wait times and some frustration. "What we're seeing, and what we have seen for the last few years, is pretty exponential growth each year and when we built the terminal and we built the parking lot about ten years ago, we built for growth, but we're starting to see that we're meeting that capacity. We are expecting or anticipating to run out of parking spots."

Bass is also suggesting travelers arrive at the Redmond Airport two hours before their scheduled flight during the holiday season, instead of the more typical hour and an half.

BEND, OR -- A Bend man is accused of stealing at least 10 coats since 2015; police say 51-year-old Mark Mahoney admitted to taking the coats for sexual gratification.

Bend Police began investigating the thefts after receiving a theft report from a Central Oregon Community College student, November 7. She said someone stole her coat from inside the Barber Library. Police contacted COCC Public Safety, which reported thefts from the library had been taking place since November 2015. Some cases were reported to BPD, some to COCC, and some were reported to both agencies.

Campus Public Safety identified Mahoney as a suspect in all of the thefts. He was contacted at his southeast Bend home on November 8, where Bend Police recovered several stolen coats, including the one reported taken November 7. Another coat was reported stolen from OSU-Cascades in April. Officers also say Mahoney stole two coats from the same victim, on two separate occasions, while she was inside Barber Library.

Mahoney was arrested and charged with Theft II, and Criminal Mischief II. Bend PD asks other potential victims or anyone else with information in the case to call 541-693-6911. 

BEND, OR -- An inmate in a Georgia prison is accused of posing as law enforcement in a scam targeting Deschutes County residents. Since late 2015, The Sheriff’s Office has investigated reports of calls threatening victims with arrest, saying they failed to appear for jury duty or had an outstanding warrant. 

BEND, OR -- Oregon State University released its Master Plan for expansion of the Bend campus, Wednesday night. Christine Coffin, with OSU-Cascades, says it’s the result of two years of talking with area residents and students about how the school should grow. 

Coffin tells KBND News public feedback revealed a desire that matched that of school leaders: a campus that's less traditional and more integrated into the surrounding area. "So, that means, in terms of the natural areas that the campus might provide – the trails to walk and bike through, meeting spaces that might be offered as part of the campus, and gathering spaces for the public; dining facilities that would be open as restaurants for community members, too."  It also includes recreation fields and parking, as well as academic residential and research space. Coffin adds, "One additional aspect of the 128-acre campus is the Innovation District area. It would integrate commercial, retail and industry partnerships; so it might be where some of our faculty researchers partner area tech companies to advance their work – both the company’s work and the faculty researchers’ work. And, it’s an opportunity to engage students in that work."

OSU-Cascades continues to gather community input, "We’ll have an online feedback form where community members can contribute their feedback up through November 29. By the end of the calendar year, the plan will get submitted to the city of Bend, and the city of Bend will then start its Master Plan process, which includes a public comment period, also." Click HERE to view the full Master Plan presentation and to submit feedback.

BEND, OR -- A lawyer, an economist, and a businessman will take on the topic of immigration in Central Oregon, Thursday.

BEND, OR -- Three healthcare experts answered questions at a forum Tuesday evening about the current medical system, possible changes, and the importance of dialogue.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- The Great American Smokeout is Thursday, to encourage smokers to kick the habit. It's also the day a new rule takes effect in Crook County, requiring tobacco retailers to post the contact information for the state’s quit line. County Tobacco Prevention and Education Coordinator Kris Williams says the timing is purely coincidental, "The County Court passed the ordinance in August – August 16th, actually." Unless deemed an emergency, ordinances take effect 90 days after approval, which puts it on November 16.

BEND, OR -- The Bend-La Pine School board got an early look at the proposed location for the district's new elementary school at Tuesday night's board meeting. The new 600-seat school could be built near the intersection of O.B. Riley Road and Cooley Road on the north end of Bend.

REDMOND, OR -- A section of Downtown Redmond is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Community Development Director Kate Porsche says the district includes 43 buildings mainly along SW Sixth Street, between Forest and Cascade avenues. "We’ve got this really great collection of historic buildings in the downtown core; many of them from the ‘30s." Porsche has worked on the designation request since spring.

BEND, OR -- Democrats hoping to unseat Congressman Greg Walden in 2018 took part in a forum Monday, in Bend. Eric Burnette, Jamie McLeod-Skinner, Jim Crary, Michael Byrne and Tim White are vying for the Democratic nomination for the Second Congressional District. A sixth candidate, Ross Wordhouse, withdrew from the race during his opening statement Monday evening.

BEND, OR -- With more snow in the forecast for this week, Mt. Bachelor announced Tuesday it would open for the 2017-2018 winter season on Saturday, November 18. The ski hill's Drew Jackson says, in addition to new runs and different activity sites this year, there's also new technology available, "It's real important to check our website conditions page before you head up; you can see what the actual weather is doing. There's a web-camera there, so you can see for yourself. And, new this year, ODOT has installed a camera along Century Drive, just close to Mt. Bachelor. So, for the first time ever, you'll be to see what the road conditions look like before you come."

Jackson tells KBND News, there will be plenty of new runs and old favorites for snow enthusiasts, this year. "If you haven't been to Mt. Bachelor in a while, you're certainly going to notice the new CloudChaser lift and all the new runs and terrain around that, over on the east side of the mountain, the weather-protected side of the mountain. It opened last winter. We've made improvements this winter, though, so even if you skied it last year, some of the runs will still feel new and different this year."

REDMOND, OR -- Redmond Fire crews were kept busy Monday, with two gas line breaks caused by excavation equipment. The first occurred at 8 a.m. near NW 23^rd and Hemlock. Cascade Natural Gas quickly contained the leak. However, a few hours later, the same crews were called to a much more serious leak.

The second incident, near SE Deschutes and Franklin, forced the evacuation of several homes and businesses and roads were closed for four hours while the gas company worked to restore service to 30 customers. The area reopened at about 5 p.m.

BEND, OR -- The calendar may say winter is more than a month away, but the Oregon Department of Transportation started winter operations, Monday, in the High Desert. ODOT Assistant District Manager Jim Scholtes says traffic cameras are now outfitted with infrared capabilities so road conditions can be assessed at night, even in the most remote locations. "We may only have one truck that’s going to take care of Highway 20 from Brothers, all the way to basically Burns. So, which way does he need to go? So, we’ve got cameras that are up on Horse Ridge, if he has to come back and go west, if it’s snowing there. Or, we have cameras all the way out to Hampton. So, that way, he can make an informed decision on which direction he wants to go." Crews are now scheduled for near round-the-clock coverage, and they've already been out de-icing chronic trouble spots, like Lava Butte, over the past couple weeks.

ODOT has expanded its Incident Response program in Central Oregon, just in time for winter. Incident Response Specialist David Moyer tells KBND News they help drivers stranded on the side of the road, whether from a crash or simply needing help chaining up. It’s work that used to be done by snow plow drivers. "So, it keeps that snow plow on the road longer, so they’re not having to be outside their vehicle. Maybe if it’s a crash, we might be there for two hours. Well, if that snow plow guy is sitting there for two hours, that’s one loop of 12’ of highway that’s not getting plowed."

PHOTOS: (Top) An Incident Response crew assists at a crash on Highway 97 in Bend.

(Right) ODOT Dispatchers monitor traffic cameras around the region. 

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County investigators say they recovered a stolen ATV and other evidence linking a Prineville man to multiple thefts, following a two-month investigation. 

BEND, OR -- While Veterans Day signals a long holiday weekend for most, it hasn't typically been a very busy time for tourists in Central Oregon.

BEND, OR -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says there’s a high likelihood a La Niña weather pattern will persist through winter; a warning that has many Central Oregonians bracing for another year of heavy snow.

BEND, OR -- Special Olympics Oregon has announced the cancellation of this year's Winter Games in Bend. CEO Margie Hunt tells KGW-TV the nonprofit needs to save money after several years of explosive growth. In 2003, Special Olympics Oregon served 1200 athletes; today, Hunt says the number is closer to 14,000.

REDMOND, OR -- A Redmond retiree active in local politics is seeking the appointment to the District 59 House Seat, vacated last month by long-time State Representative John Huffmann (R-The Dalles).

Bob Perry spent 40 years in marketing, retiring as Director of Marketing for the Gillette Company. He served one four-year term on the Redmond School Board, beginning in 2011. And, since 2004, he's been a Precinct Committee Person for the Deschutes Republicans; he was elected Chair in 2015. In 2010, he founded the Redmond Patriots, serving as Chair for the last seven years. 

The House seat Perry hopes to fill came available at the end of last month when Rep. Huffman resigned to take a position with the Trump Administration, within the Department of Agriculture. County Commissioners from Deschutes, Jefferson, Wheeler, and Wasco counties are charged with filling the open seat by the end of this month.

BEND, OR -- While most people honor veterans this weekend for their service, criminals focus attention on vets and their families for a different reason. "Unfortunately veterans and active-service military members are one of the most highly targeted groups by scammers," says Stephen Mayer, with the Oregon Better Business Bureau.

Mayer tells KBND News, "There’s many scams that scammers use to try to rip off veterans. One is, they’ll call you and say, ‘Hey, we’ve got to update your military file.’ They claim to be from the Department of Veterans Affairs and really what they’re doing is just phishing. They’re hoping you’ll give them you address, your Social Security number, you know, as much information as they can get."

He says the best scams have some truth to them; one claims that the victim qualifies for a lower VA mortgage rate, "They’ll call and say, ‘Hey, interest rates are incredibly low right now. We’d like to guarantee you a new interest rate. We want to refinance that loan for you.’ And, the second you hear the word ‘guarantee,’ that is a huge red flag.” 

To hear our full conversation with Stephen Mayer from the BBB, visit our Podcast Page or click HERE. 

BEND, OR -- This is the last weekend to visit two popular scenic areas by car - at least until spring. Access to Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road will close for the winter next Wednesday. 

REDMOND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners heard from numerous neighbors, during a Wednesday public hearing, concerned about a marijuana operation proposed for the outskirts of Redmond. Evolution Concepts LLC wants to develop a 56-acre property near Highway 126 and Helmholtz, which would include four greenhouses and a processing facility.

Marijuana-related businesses are not allowed inside Redmond's Urban Growth Boundary (UGB); the proposed property is just west of that line. Redmond City Councilor Tory Allman says the business doesn't fit the values of the community. "This is located right at the western gateway to our community. I understand that right now it’s outside our UGB; it does border our Urban Reserve, so currently it’s governed by the county. But some of that land is scheduled for later residential development. We do not feel this would be an appropriate location for an operation like this at all." Mayor George Endicott also submitted a letter opposing the operation due to its proximity to churches and private schools.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Prineville Police say they've caught a prolific car prowler, possibly responsible for a string of break-ins. Officers received seven reports of car break-ins, September 14, with more coming from outlying areas.

Evidence linked 53-year-old Martin Hollowell to the crimes, as well as to similar activity reported in Deschutes and Jefferson counties. The Bend man was arrested on an unrelated charge and car break-ins around Prineville dropped off.

SISTERS, OR -- Volunteers from the Sisters Rotary are teaming up with the Oregon Liquor Control Commission to help victims escape human trafficking.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- The Crook County Court unanimously approved a controversial Natural Resources Plan, Wednesday, following two days of public testimony.

BEND, OR -- Wildlife biologist Lauri Turner says visitors to local forests often don't realize the impact their presence has on the animals that live there.

MADRAS, OR -- The Jefferson County District Attorney has cleared two officers involved in last week’s shooting in Madras.

Investigators say 18-year-old Christopher Sweeney, of Sunriver, walked away from the J Bar J Youth Ranch, November first, six hours after he arrived. He was placed in an independent living program at the ranch after having been paroled from a youth correctional facility for an unrelated matter.

His grandparents were out of the area, but grew concerned he might burglarize their Deschutes County home. A family member checked the property and discovered two vehicles were missing. The two cars were later spotted on Highway 97, near Lava Butte.

One was stopped on the north end of Bend, and 19-year-old Corey Gallagher was arrested. The minivan continued to Madras where it crashed. Sweeney got out of the car and allegedly pointed a gun at officers and fired. A Jefferson County Deputy and State Police Trooper returned fire, hitting the teen. He is recovering at St. Charles Bend. 

The gun allegedly used by Sweeney was recovered at the scene with a damaged bullet casing indicating a malfunction. 

REDMOND, OR -- Airbnb, one of the largest community driven hospitality companies in the world, will now be responsible for collecting eligible transient room taxes and paying them directly to the City of Redmond.

MADRAS, OR -- The Madras Aquatic Center will continue to receive steady funding. More than 68% of voters approved the five-year operating levy, in Tuesday's special election. The measure continues the current property tax rate of 40-cents per thousand dollars of assessed value. MAC Director Joe McHaney has said the funding was necessary to maintain current athletic and recreation programs.

BEND, OR -- A Bend man faces criminal charges after police say he filed a false robbery report to cover up his own crime. Billy Showen told police he was robbed Monday afternoon, in the Bend Albertsons parking lot. The 39-year-old claimed he had a bag of cash from the 7-Eleven where he worked, and was on his way to make a deposit at the bank inside the grocery store, when someone hit him and took the bag of money.

BEND, OR -- A Eugene teen is believed to be responsible for last week’s bomb threat at Mountain View High School. Bend Police say the 14-year-old boy sent the threat through the school’s website, last Wednesday, saying a former student would blow up a math class on Friday. By Monday, school district IT staff and the FBI were able to track the IP address of the sender and agents contacted the suspect at his Eugene home.

REDMOND, OR -- Redmond's newest City Councilor is a familiar face around town. Tuesday night, City Councilors approved the appointment of Jon Bullock to the vacant seat created by the August resignation of Anne Graham. The appointment is effective immediately. 

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes National Forest will start selling Christmas tree permits Thursday, about a week earlier than in past years. "According to our folks that deal with the Christmas tree permits, people are buying them earlier and earlier every year," says Jean Nelson Dean, with the Forest Service. "You don’t have to go out and get your tree, but we’re selling them November ninth at all of our offices and then our vendors. Some of our offices are also going to be open on Saturday, so people should check. And then, of course, we have the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station that is open on the weekends and they will be selling the tree permits."

The $5 permit is require for each tree cut down on National Forest land, "Don’t go out and think ‘Ok, I have a permit to cut as many trees [as I want].' When you get your permit, there will be information attached to it to talk about the height of the tree you need to get. We prefer people to get trees that are in crowded conditions; it helps create a healthier forest." There's a five tree maximum. Click HERE for more information on size and location restrictions, as well as vendors where the permits are available. 

For our full conversation with Jean Nelson Dean, visit our Podcast Page or click HERE.

BEND, OR -- Fall 2017 enrollment for Oregon State University across the three campuses grew 1.9%, and a lot of that growth was at OSU Cascades.

BEND, OR -- Representative and Oregon Gubernatorial Candidate Knute Buehler has sent a letter to Governor Kate Brown asking her to join him in getting to the bottom of the Oregon Health Authority's money problems.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County officials are asking residents to start thinking about getting ready for winter weather now, by considering lessons learned last year. County Judge Seth Crawford says long-term forecasts predict another cold winter with above average snow pack. "It’s looking like a bad winter, so get prepared. If you live on a non-county maintained road in Crook County, come up with a plan. There are a lot of people that have plans, but if you don’t have a plan, start working on it today."

In January, a number of rural communities found themselves cut off after massive snowfall left eight to 10-foot drifts in some areas, and no plows were available to dig them out. Crawford tells KBND News it's not too early to start planning so the problem doesn't occur again, "Sit down with your neighbors, talk to a contractor and get them out there. Because, the county does a really good job of maintaining our county-maintained roads, but we do not have the resources to go out there on the non-county-maintained roads and take care of those roads, and I want to make sure everybody is safe and ready for this winter."

SISTERS, OR -- A Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Captain injured six months ago in a 40-foot fall is now back at work. Capt. Thornton Brown was rappelling in Death Valley with two other firefighters when fell; he spent the night in a remote canyon and had to be air lifted out the next day. 

Firefighters Rally To Help Injured Captain

MADRAS, OR -- It’s election day, and Jefferson County voters have two tax levies on the ballot. 

The first would renew funding for the Madras Aquatic Center. The original five-year operating levy was narrowly approved in 2013. MAC Executive Director Joe McHaney says the money allowed for exponential growth in both programs and participants. If approved, the levy would continue the current property tax rate for another five years. 

REDMOND, OR -- Redmond’s Airport Director has been named 2017 Oregon Airport Manager of the Year. Zach Bass has led the airport since January 2016.

The honor, from the Oregon Airport Management Association (OAMA), is in recognition of a high level of service to the aviation community and the traveling public, as well as improving safety. Bass says the award is a testament to the hard work, dedication and professionalism of all airport employees and stakeholders. At the OAMA annual banquet, Bass said, "Over the past year, the RDM team successfully managed the $18 million construction of the airport's main runway and subsequent three-week closure, construction of a new USFS Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center, reconstruction of taxiway Bravo, added a new direct flight to Phoenix and five daily flights to existing destinations, as well as multiple customer service initiatives. 

REDMOND, OR -- A Redmond barn was damaged by a Saturday morning fire, on NW 39th Street. According to Redmond Fire and Rescue, crews responded at about 8:30 a.m. and found fire on the outside of the building, with the interior "fully charged" with smoke and heat. 

Firefighters ventilated the 1200 square-foot building, extinguished the blaze and checked for hidden hot spots. The property owner was able to salvage numerous tools and equipment from inside. The blaze left about $22,000 in damage. 

Investigators believe the fire started with an electrical short caused by heat tape. Redmond Fire reminds everyone that "Artificial heat generating equipment or devices can be very dangerous and could potentially cause a catastrophic fire if not properly installed or used as per the manufacturers' recommendations," the department said in a statement. "With temperatures recently dropping significantly, extreme caution should be used when trying to keep pipes, rain gutters/down spouts or stock/pet water tanks from freezing by means of such devices."

BEND, OR -- It's been a year since marijuana land use regulations have been enacted for Deschutes County, and as promised, the Commissioners are reviewing the rules' effectiveness. 

LA PINE, OR -- Two people and their two dogs were able to safely escape a fire inside their La Pine mobile home, Sunday morning. The residents called 911 after finding the ceiling around the woodstove pipe on fire. They tried unsuccessfully to put it out on their own, with a fire extinguisher.

Arriving fire crews found smoke coming from the eves of the 140 square-foot double-wide mobile home. They were able to quickly knockdown the fire and stayed on scene just over an hour. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

BEND, OR -- State Representative John Huffman (R-The Dalles) resigned a week ago, to pursue a job with the Trump Administration. Commissioners who represent the vast area in his district are now responsible for choosing his replacement.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- The first of two public hearings will be held Monday evening for Crook County’s latest draft of a Natural Resources Plan. County Judge Seth Crawford says it's necessary to better manage local public lands.

Barbara Fontaine worked for the Forest Service for 30 years, and plans to attend the meeting. She worries the plan would jeopardize the county’s relationship with the Forest Service and BLM. "It’s putting forward this inflated idea of coordination that isn’t a real thing. They’re expecting that the county will then have a relationship as ‘government-to-government,’ with the federal agencies that manage public lands."

BEND, OR -- The FBI and local law enforcement continue to investigate a bomb threat made last week, against Mountain View High School. Principal Katie Legace told families in a Thursday night email that someone had threatened to "blow up a math class."

The school was also the focus of a rumored planned shooting, October tenth. "There’s no indication that this is related to the incident last month, but certainly possible that you would see copy-catting; that’s something we anticipated," Repman tells KBND News.  Lt. Burleigh says all threats are taken seriously, "The percentages on these threats are fairly low, on how legitimate they are. But, that doesn’t take away from how much time we put into them."

MADRAS, OR -- A Sunriver man shot by police in Madras after a car chase remains hospitalized. Investigators have released more details of last week's shooting. According to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office, Deschutes County deputies noticed two stolen cars traveling northbound on Highway 97 near Lava Butte, south of Bend, late Thursday. They pulled over the SUV near Robal Road, on the north end of Bend, and arrested 19-year-old Corey Gallagher of Portland (pictured). 

PRINEVILLE, OR -- The city of Prineville and Crook County's Air Quality Committee will provide four giant dumpsters, Saturday, to help residents clean up their yards before winter. City Planning Director Phil Stenbeck says the "100 Yards of Yard Debris Challenge" is designed to get rid of stuff that would otherwise be burned. "There's a lot of folks that will possibly rake up leaves and these kinds of things, and then burn them in their yard and put smoke in the air," Stenbeck tells KBND News, "And so what the committee is aimed at doing is reducing the amount of particulate, and this is one of the ways we do that. Just to make people breathe cleaner air, nicer air. Prineville has good air, but we're still making an effort to eliminate particulate when we can."

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County Commissioners will hold two meetings next week, to gather public input on the latest draft of a county Natural Resources Plan. The plan has become a controversial topic for some residents, but County Judge Seth Crawford says it simply lays out guidelines for working with the federal government to manage forestland. "The Forest Service and BLM are not policy organizations. They’re there to do a job that they get rules from Washington, DC that they’re asked to follow. The county, though, it’s our job to look out for the best interest of the citizens. What I see is us working with the Forest Service to show them what the best use of our forest is, for our citizens, and come together and come up with a plan."

BEND, OR -- Bend’s Equine Outreach has agreed to shut down after a lengthy investigation by Oregon’s Department of Justice. The DOJ investigation began when the entire board stepped down, last year. Investigators closed the case after the current board agreed to sever ties with the nonprofit’s co-founders who own the ranch where Equine Outreach keeps nearly 70 rescued horses. In a letter to attorneys dated October 25, 2017, the DOJ says it closed the investigation despite lingering concerns about how finances were managed by co-founders Joan Steelhammer and Gary Everett. 

SISTERS, OR -- Two people were killed in a crash on Santiam Pass, Thursday afternoon. Emergency crews responded to Highway 20, just east of the Santiam Summit, at about 1:15 p.m. 

BEND, OR -- The FBI and local law enforcement are investigating a bomb threat made against Bend’s Mountain View High School. Principal Katie Legace emailed families Thursday night (below), explaining the school would open Friday as scheduled, although sweeps of the property will continue throughout the day. The district is also increasing the police presence at Mountain View and other schools. 

MADRAS, OR -- The Central Oregon Major Incident Team is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Madras that shut down Highway 97, overnight. According to the limited information released by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, the incident began as a car chase in Deschutes County, involving a vehicle reported stolen. The pursuit ended in Madras, near 'L' Street.

REDMOND, OR -- Travelers using the Redmond Airport will soon have another option to entertain themselves. The Airport is partnering with the Deschutes Public Library to provide reading material at the airport "Flybrary."

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Health Services began tracking the flu in October, and this year, they have confirmed cases a little earlier than usual. Heather Kaisner, with County Public Health, tells KBND News, "We get weekly reports from most local labs and they let us know how many flu tests they've performed and how many of those were positive. In the last couple of weeks, we're definitely seeing an uptick in cases, which means flu is here in our community."

BEND, OR -- Every year, Bend firefighters and paramedics respond to cold-weather related emergencies, and they’re asking the community to help, before winter returns, "We are collecting warm clothing, hats and gloves that we’ll gather up and then donate to various organizations in town that will help distribute those items to people in need," Firefighter Mitch Webb tells KBND News, "To try and mitigate the amount of cold weather-related issues that people in Bend experience."

Webb says, "Every year, we respond to multiple cold-weather related emergencies. We usually see first-hand the effects of people who aren’t warm enough with the clothing that they have." He adds, "Hypothermia would be the common one. Those cold nights that you and I are at home, bundled up, there are some citizens that don’t have the means to heat their house properly. Other citizens that we see that recently relocate to Bend from warmer climates that simply aren’t prepared and don’t have the financial means to get the entire family coats. Then, there’s also some of the population that is without a home."

Donations of all shapes and sizes will be distributed through local service organizations, including the Bethlehem Inn and WIC. For the first time, the fire department is also collecting professional clothing. "Suit jackets, sport coats, things like that," says Webb, "and we’re donating those to Bethlehem Inn, as well, to try and give those people that are trying to get jobs and trying to get back into the workforce, give them a chance to go into an interview feeling prepared for it and feeling properly dressed." Donations can be dropped off at any Bend Fire station through November 10. 

BEND, OR -- A local maker of outdoor gear for dogs needs to expand its Bend facility and aims to help other start-ups in the process. Ruffwear President Will Blount says over the last decade, the company has seen consistent growth at its building near Summit High. "We have roughly a 20,000 sf facility here that used to house all of our warehousing and distribution. We outgrew that in March 2016, and so we saw an opportunity to open up this space and invite other outdoor-oriented companies to co-habitat, if you will, with us."

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners Wednesday approved the permit for the 2018 Four Peaks Music Festival, with an additional requirement for extra security measures. Neighbors had complained the event brought too much traffic, dust and noise to the area when it moved from Tumalo to Stevenson Ranch off Knott Road, this past summer. 

BEND, OR -- Snow is expected to return to the High Desert as early as Friday morning, and the city of Bend is working to make sure those without permanent housing will have a warm place to sleep, this winter. City Manager Eric King told City Councilors at Wednesday night’s meeting, "I will be declaring an emergency – weather emergency that allows for temporary shelters to be opened, later this week." That declaration is expected to be made Friday. "We’ll come back to Council at the next Council meeting for you all to ratify that," King told Councilors.

In the past, declarations have specified that temporary shelters are allowed to open when temperatures dip below 25-degrees, and only in approved locations. King said Wednesday, "There will be some information coming out later this week about what’s the process to get certified. Traditionally, it’s been churches that have stepped up, but there’s other organizations that can offer assistance to those needing to get out of the cold and offer up their place for shelter, as long as they meet basic safety requirements."

REDMOND, OR -- A 75-year-old bicyclist was hurt in a hit and run crash south of Redmond, Tuesday afternoon, and Deschutes County Deputies are now searching for the suspect vehicle. According to the Sheriff's Office, Robert Thomas was riding northbound on S. Canal Blvd., north of 61st, when he was struck by a white "dually pickup" towing a white utility trailer. Investigators say the Bend man was side-swiped by the trailer at about 3 p.m.

State Police, Redmond Paramedics and DCSO responded to the crash. Thomas was treated at the scene and taken to St. Charles Redmond with non-life threatening injuries.

Despite a check of the area, Deputies were unable to find the pickup and trailer; the driver is described as "an older male." Anyone who saw the incident or has any information on the case is asked to call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

BEND, OR -- Snow returns to the forecast this weekend, and for many Central Oregonians, it’s too soon.

Gretchen Woodruff, owner of Northwest Quality Roofing in Bend, says all the attention paid to roofing problems during last winter’s extreme weather led to heightened awareness and a backlog of work. "A lot of people in the community wanted to be pro-active and have their roofs inspected this year; also, there were a lot of people with repairs and/or re-roofs needing to be done, which caused a high volume for all of us roofing contractors." According to Woodruff, the promblem is compounded by a shortage of qualified workers. 

She says crews can typically work through the winter, but that wasn't possible last year; and they're still catching up. "For someone to come take a look at your roof and give you a free estimate and/or an inspection, we’re the last week of December; and that’s, of course, weather permitting. And, right now for repairs, we’re January/February. And then, re-roofs are currently being scheduled into spring." Woodruff tells KBND News, many of their current jobs are for repairs to damage caused by last year’s ice dams - and the fixes some homeowners attempted themselves, "People tried to take axes and hammers just to get those suckers out of there, so it would eliminate the melting into their homes, and that caused a lot of damage. But, I think people were so desperate, everyone was so busy, not all of us contractors could get to them. So, they kind of just did what they thought was best at the time."

REDMOND, OR -- Brightside Animal Center in Redmond has a plethora of pit bulls available for adoption. Kennel Manager Emily Rucker says they can be a difficult to get into permanent homes due to their bad reputation, especially when histories are unknown. "A lot of the ones we have right now were actually owner-surrenders, so we know a lot more about their history than if they would have come to us as strays. Then, one of them came to us from a high-kill shelter in California."

MADISON, WI -- TDS Broadband Service LLC, the parent company of Bend Broadband, has completed its acquisition of a second Central Oregon cable provider. The Wisconsin-based company, operated by TDS Telecom, purchased Crestview Cable, which serves more than 21,000 homes in Prineville, Madras, La Pine, Crooked River Ranch, Culver and Metolius.

In a statement issued Wednesday, TDS Telecom COO Jim Butman says the company will make significant investments in Crestview's network and infrastructure, "to prepare these communities for long-term growth." TDS had previously announced plans to further expand fiber-to-the-home services in the La Pine area. It also plans to accelerate broadband speed upgrades along with modernizing video products and services in Jefferson and Crook counties.

"We welcome the employees from Crestview to our team," says Butman, "They will be working closely with their fellow employees in Bend, helping to create and implement expansion plans while continuing to serve customers as they do today."

TDS purchased Bend Broadband in 2014. 

BEND, OR -- Studded tires are legal on Oregon roadways, starting Wednesday.

Local Tire Shops Already Busy

TERREBONNE, OR -- Three people were hurt in a four-vehicle chain-reaction crash in Terrebonne, Tuesday afternoon, and investigators say it was caused by a driver distracted by his cell phone.