Local News Archives for 2019-12

A Good Year For United Way Of Deschutes County

BEND, OR -- The United Way of Deschutes County says this was a big year for the organization. The Over The Edge Fundraiser was held in early September. At that event, 30 people rappelled off the roof of the Oxford Hotel scaling 7-stories and 70 feet down the side of the building. The Oxford Hotel is the tallest building in Central Oregon and the event raised 40-thousand dollars. The United Way Campaign has a goal this year of 1-point-2-million dollars. United Way has 26 non-profit and 100 corporate partners.  

Senator Merkley Holds Three Town Hall Events This Saturday

CENTRAL OREGON -- Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley will hold three Town Hall meetings on Saturday in Central Oregon. The first meeting is in Redmond on Saturday, January 4th at 9am at Ridgeview High School. Merkley’s second Town Hall is in Madras at Noon in the Madras Performing Arts Center. The third Town Hall is in Prineville at 3pm Saturday at Barnes Butte Elementary School. Merkley will update constituents on his work in Congress and take questions at all of the meetings.

Redmond Increases Fines For Illegal Fireworks Use & Possession

REDMOND, OR -- Last month the Redmond City Council approved a change to the 1998 fireworks code. The new ordinance takes effect tomorrow, January 1st. The use of illegal fireworks will then carry a 500-dollar fine. Repeat offenders can be fined up to 25-hundred dollars and/or six months in jail. Under the old 1998 ordinance the fine was 100-dollars. Redmond Police say in the last four years they have received an average of 136 fireworks related calls for service per year, most for use and possession of illegal fireworks.

Saint Charles Health Hit With Wrongful Death Lawsuit

BEND, OR -- The Family of a Jacksonville woman who died of septic shock has filed a 26-point-5-million dollar wrongful death lawsuit against Saint Charles Health System. 32 year old Casey Galusha-Beck was visiting family in Sisters in January 2017 when she became ill with mastitis, a breast infection associated with breastfeeding. The Bulletin reports the suit says doctors failed to diagnose Galusha-Beck with symptoms of cortisol deficiency, or treat it with hydrocortisone. The lawsuit says despite a test showing a cortisol level of zero, doctors did not administer hydrocortisone. On January 9th 2017 Galusha-Beck had a circulatory collapse that resulted in severe brain damage and she died 8 days later. Saint Charles has declined to comment due to pending litigation.

Police I-D Man Killed On Highway 97 Friday Morning

BEND, OR -- Bend Police have identified the man who was struck and killed on Highway 97 last Friday morning as 32 year old Michael Powell. Police say Powell, a transient, was dressed in dark clothing and was trying to cross Highway 97 near Grandview Drive. There are no crosswalks, traffic signals or street lights in the area.  Police say a car driven by 26 year old Harley Comstock of Bend hit Powell. Comstock stopped, called 9-1-1 and remained on scene. No citations were issued. Anyone with more information is asked to call Bend Police.

Check FLYRDM-DOT-COM For Possible Flight Changes Due To Ice Fog

REDMOND, OR -- If you have a flight to catch from or are expecting someone on an arriving flight today, check the Redmond Airport website, FLYRDM-DOT-COM. Ice fog yesterday resulted in several flights being delayed or canceled. The ice fog conditions reduced visibility to a quarter mile or less. Today there have been several cancellations and delays of both in-coming and out-going flights. 

 

Republicans Start Process This Week To Replace Senator Bentz

BEND, OR -- Republicans will meet next week to begin the process of picking a replacement for State Senator Cliff Bentz of Ontario. Deschutes and Jefferson County Commissioners will have a say in Bentz’s replacement. Bentz has announced he is running to take retiring Congressman Greg Walden’s seat.  Central Oregon Daily reports Republicans from Senate District 30 meet Saturday, January 4th to nominate three to five people for the position. On Monday January 6th the county commissioners in the 11 counties that make up Senate District 30, will make the final decision.  

For more on this story click here

 

OSP Asks Public Help On Unlawful Take Of Buck Deer

BEND, OR -- Oregon State Police are asking the public to help them regarding the unlawful killing of a buck deer east of Bend near Pine Mountain. Police say the deer, which they think was killed  last week, was shot and left to waste. Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers Hotline by dialing star-OSP-Mobile. Information that leads to an arrest also offers cash rewards.

 

Unemployment Levels Holding In Central Oregon

CENTRAL OREGON -- The unemployment rate in Deschutes county dropped from 4-point-1-per cent in October to 3-point-9-per cent in November. A year ago the rate was 4-point-3-per cent. In November Deschutes county lost 490 jobs. Economist Damon Runberg says the decline in jobs was fairly consistent with the season. Crook county’s unemployment rate fell from 5-point-5-per cent in October to 5-point-4-per cent in November. Jefferson county’s unemployment rate also dropped, from 5-point-3-per cent in October to 5-per cent in November.  

Hummel Clears Deputy Of Any Wrongdoing In Shooting Incident

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County D-A John Hummel says Deputy Clint Baltzor followed state law when he shot a suspected car thief on Black Friday. 28 year old Adam L. Gilliam was shot trying to escape from police. Hummel says Gilliam’s decision to drive a car in a dangerous manner towards Deputy Baltzor and others, is what resulted in shots being fired.  None of the deputies were injured and Gilliam is recovering from his injury.

 

Family Confirms Plans To Sell Les Schwab Tires

PRINEVILLE, OR -- As KBND reported last week, the family of Les Schwab is planning to sell the company. The family has confirmed they are working with Goldman Sachs to find a buyer.  In 2018, Schwab executives told the Bend Bulletin their annuial revenue was $1.8-billion. Bloomberg Business estimates the sale could bring in $3-billion. The company was headquartered in Prineville for many decades but recently moved to the Bend area. The company operates 429 Les Schwab Tire Centers in 10 states including Oregon, California and Washington.  

Flu Cases On The Rise In Central Oregon

BEND,. OR -- The flu season has arrived in Central Oregon. Deschutes County Health Services reports flu cases have picked up noticeably in the last few weeks. A new report on confirmed flu cases will be released later today. Deschutes Health urges anyone with the flu or flu like symptoms to stay home and don’t go to work or school as you’ll only spread the virus. The agency says flu shots are strongly recommended for babies but only after they are 6-months old.

 

Update On La Pine Officer Involved Shooting

LA PINE, OR -- As we reported yesterday there was an officer involved shooting in La Pine Christmas night. The Major Incident Team has released the name of the person who was arrested as 29 year old James Lamkin of Bend. Police say Lamkin is lodged in the county jail. He is charged with DUII, Felony Attempting to Elude, two counts Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts Menacing and four counts Recklessly Endangering Another Person. Police have not released any other information about the investigation which is on-going.

Bend Police Looking For DUII Drivers Tonight

BEND, OR -- Bend Police will be out tonight looking for drivers who are under the influence. Bend Police Lieutenant Clint Burleigh says last month alone, 32 people were arrested for driving while impaired. He says impaired drivers may be under the influence of alcohol and / or recreational marijuana. Burleigh says the mistake of driving impaired can lead to serious injury or death for the driver and other motorists. He says people celebrating the holidays with alcohol should plan ahead. Get a designated driver to take you home…take a cab or use a ride service.

Hummel To Announce Results Police Shooting Investigation Today

BNED, OR -- Deschutes County D-A John Hummel will hold a 2-o’clock news conference this afternoon. The topic is the officer involved shooting of a suspected car thief that occurred on Robal Road, north of Bend, on the evening of Black Friday. Earlier this month, Hummel released the name of the only officer who fired his weapon as Deputy Clint Baltzor, a 12 year veteran of the sheriff’s office. The 28 year old suspect in the car theft, Adam L. Gilliam, was injured in the shooting and was hospitalized before being released into the county jail.    

 

The Christmas Tree Project of Bend Gives Away Over 100 Trees

Bend--A local volunteer and activist Lindsay Greco is in her 6th year organizing The Christmas Tree Project of Bend. Greco founded the organization following the passing of her husband in 2013 and wanted to share the Christmas spirit with families who were unable to purchase a Christmas tree. Greco says folks can come by to pick out a tree or even have it delivered if no car is available for transport. Greco says she anticipates providing "well over a hundred trees" to families in need this holiday season. The Christmas Tree Project also provides lights, ornaments and all the fixings for families to enjoy. 

 

Visit the website for more details about how you can donate or volunteer. 

Central Oregon Locavore Launches Adopt a Farmer Program

BEND-- Central Oregon Locavore has helped highlight the connection between the food we eat and the land we live on for over a decade. They launchded the 'Adopt a Farmer' program to help farmers rise to their greatest solvency and potential. The program strives to educate the community about the benefits of buying local. Founder Nicole Timm-Branch says farmers face some significant challenges farming in Central Oregon, "Farming in the high desert in particular is not for the faint of heart. We have a short growing season, high desert climate, volcanic soils, so growing produce in our area requires season extenders like greenhouses or some sort of heated crop extention." In addition to variables in weather, climate and water availability, cheaper food products at big box stores puts the farmers at a competitive disadvantage. Branch says, "Since we've started at locavore ten years ago, we've seen many many farms go out of business, becuase they simply could not afford to be a farmer anymore," Locavore sets up an indoor farmers market on 3rd street in Bend that is open year round. To find out more about the 'Adopt a Farmer' program or other programs, visit their website. 

Hummel Says Victims Advocate Yanked His Arm At Parole Hearing

SALEM, OR -- Deschutes County D-A John Hummel says crime victims advocate Steve Doell, yanked his arm during a hearing before the Parole Board on November 14th. The Oregonian reports Hummel says Doell was "whisper shouting" after he testified he believes convicted murderer Mark Wilson is cap[able of rehabilitation.  Hummel says Doell demanded that he (Humnmel) sit closer to Wilson than the Houser family. Wilson was convicted of murdering Rod and Lois Houser in 1987. Hummel says after his arm was yanked he told Doell to take his hands off of him. Doell told The Oregonian Hummel lied and he did not grab his arm. The Oregonian reports video of the incident was inconclusive.

Redmond City Council To Consider Roundabout & Snow Removal Machine Purchase

REDMOND, OR -- The Redmond City Council meets tonight at 6-o’clock. On the agenda is a request by Redmond Airport to buy two snow removal machines at a cost of 1-point-3-million dollars. The two machines would replace four machines staffed by four people. Commercial airports are under federal regulation to clear runways and other important areas within 30 minutes. Also on the agenda is a request for an exemption from competitive bidding for a roundabout project at South Canal Boulevard and Pumice Avenue.  The estimated cost of the roundabout is 660-thousand dollars. By exempting the project from the competitive low bid process, Redmond can consider the complexity and other variables. South Canal Boulevard is one of Redmond’s most heavily traveled arterial streets.

 

Hummel Speaks About Mark Wilson case

BEND, OR -- As we reported yesterday the Oregon Parole Board will hold a hearing in April to determine a release date for convicted murderer Mark Wilson. He was sentenced to two life terms in prison for his role in the 1987 murders of Rod and Lois Houser of Terrebonne. Deschutes County D-A John Hummel said he was asked to reviewed Wilson’s record in prison and concluded he is capable of rehabilitation. But Hummel also told Central Oregon Daily reporter Anyssa Bohanon his recommendation to the parole board about Wilson  was not out of disrespect or lack of feelings for the Houser family. Hummel says, "i will carry their burden with me, the rest of my life."

For more on this story, click here.

COCC Offers Addiction Counseling Programs

BEND, OR -- A career field that shows promise for future job growth is in addiction counseling. Monica Vines at COCC says they offer a 2-year certificate in Addiction Studies and also an Associate’s Degree for those who want to transfer to a four year college. Vines says many COCC students take the 2-year certificate program in part because demand for addiction counselors is strong throughout Central Oregon. For more information about Addiction Studies, contact COCC

 

Bend Police Warn Of New Phone Scam

BEND, OR -- The Bend Police Department has issued a phone scam alert about a man claiming to be a Captain with the department. The man has a southern accent who calls from a spoofed number that shows caller ID as being from a number associated with Bend Police. The man demands payment for unpaid court fines or says there is a warrant for the person’s arrest.  Bend Police remind everyone that no government agency will ever call you and demand payment for anything over the phone. They also will never ask for payment via gift cards of any kind. If you receive one of these phone scam calls you are asked to file a report with Bend Police.

Parole Board To Consider Release Date For Mark Wilson In April

SALEM, OR -- The Oregon Parole Board has concluded that Mark Wilson is likely to be rehabilitated. The now 50 year old Wilson was convicted of the double murder of a Terrebonne couple during a home invasion in 1987. The Oregonian reports Wilson shot 53 year old Rod Houser 20 times with a rifle. His co-defendant, Randy Guzek (goo-zek) shot 49 year old Lois Houser three times with a handgun. Wilson confessed and was sentenced to two consecutive life terms. Guzek is on death row. Houser’s daughter, Sue Shirley said she was sickened and saddened by the parole board’s decision. Last month Deschutes county D-A John Hummel told the Parole Board he believed Wilson was capable of rehabilitation. The Parole Board will meet April 16th to determine Wilson’s release date.

Two Volunteers Needed For Bend La Pine Schools Budget Committee

BEND, OR -- Two volunteers are needed to serve on the Bend La Pine Schools Budget Committee starting in February. Alandra Johnson at the schools, says Budget Committee members serve a 3-year term and attend several meetings in the spring to review the proposed budget. The volunteers must live in the Bend La Pine Schools District and be registered to vote. More information is on the Bend La Pine Schools website. Applications are due Wednesday January 8th.

 

Wyden To Hold Wild & Scenic River Forum Tomorrow In Bend

BEND, OR -- Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is in Bend tomorrow for a Wild and Scenic River Forum. Wyden says the forum is designed for citizens to educate and give him input about their priorities for the rivers they want designated as Wild and Scenic. Wyden says he believes recreation has become a significant economic engine in Oregon. He says there are more than 21-hundred miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers in Oregon, the most in the lower 48 states. The forum starts at 10-tomorrow morning at the Bend Park and Recreation District on Columbia Street

La Pine Man Arrested For Burglary

LA PINE, OR -- Yesterday afternoon sheriff’s deputies were sent to a home in the 16-thousand block of Cassidy Drive in La Pine. Homeowners had heard their dog barking and discovered a man, 23 year old Dakota Daniel Willis of La Pine, in their child’s bedroom. They chased Willis who fled the area. Deputies arrived and found Willis running down a street and then trying to hide in a garage where he surrendered. Police say Willis had entered the home through an unlocked door but was unable to steal anything. He is jailed on Theft, Burglary and Trespass charges.

 

Phil Chang Running For County Commissioner

BEND, OR -- A Bend man has filed to run for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners.  Phil Chang is running as a Democrat to challenge incumbent Republican Commissioner Phil Henderson. He has lived in Bend 16 years and worked for the Oregon Department of Forestry the last two years. Chang worked as a Field Representative in Central Oregon for U-S Senator Jeff Merkley from 2014 to 2017.  Chang is the second Democrat to file for Henderson’s position. A retiree, Greg Bryant, filed for the same position in October.

 

Prineville Man Arrested After High Speed Chase

REDMOND, OR -- Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Prineville man after a hi-speed chase. Sergeant William Bailey says the incident started just after 7-30 yesterday morning when a deputy spotted a vehicle without a front license plate. Bailey says the chase started northeast of Redmond and hit speeds of 78 miles an hour. He says the driver lost a right rear tire shortly after the pursuit started then, a short time later, lost a second tire and ended up in a ditch. 27 year old Kent A. Vannorsdall is jailed on several felony drug charges as well as Reckless Endangering and Driving While Suspended. 

Photo from DCSO

Police Looking For Distracted Drivers This Holiday Season

BEND, OR -- With the holidays coming up, police agencies will be looking for drivers who aren’t following traffic laws, including those who are talking, texting or emailing from their phones. Bend Deputy Police Chief Paul Kansky says, "Even to the casual observer it’s hard to go to an intersection and not see people on their phone". Kansky says he’s not sure the battle against distracted driving is being won. He says more public education is needed about the many dangers of distracted driving and it can't come just from police.

Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act Takes Effect Soon

BEND, OR -- On June 25th, President Trump signed the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act which takes effect January 1st. Deschutes County Veterans Service Officer Carrie Lucas says this is something many veterans have waited for, for decades. She says, "Navy veterans who served less than 12 nautical miles off the coast of Vietnam between January 1962 and May 1975 can file disability claims with the VA." Lucas says any Navy Blue Water veterans who already filed for Agent Orange disability between September 1985 until now, need to re-file the claim. She says veterans should contact the Deschutes County Veterans Service office for help.
 

State Lands To Sell 382 Acres at Stevens Road And 27th Avenue

BEND, OR -- The State Land Board has approved the sale of 382 acres of land at Stevens Road and 27th Avenue. Money from the property sale will go to the Common School Fund. Ali Ryan Hansen at State Lands says the property was brought into the Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary three years ago. Hansen says, "This land is within the Bend Urban Growth Boundary and can be developed. The Bend Comprehensive Plan calls for a mix of housing types and this will allow for development of housing Bend so desperately needs." Hansen says marketing of the land at Stevens Road will begin in January. The state expects it to sell within 3 to 6 months.

 

Bend Police Using Drones To Fight Crime

BEND, OR -- The Bend Police Department has been using hi-tech drones to help with their law enforcement duties. Deputy Police Chief Paul Kansky says drones are used in a variety of ways such as helping arrest suspects. He says drones are also used to keep police safe with a 360-degree view of an area where there may be an armed suspect. Kansky says drones are also a valuable tool during search and rescue missions. Training for police using drones includes reviews of state and federal laws about what can and cannot be done with the drones. 

Bend Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Butane Honey Oil Explosion

BEND, OR -- A Bend man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for illegally manufacturing and possessing marijuana during a Butane Honey Oil explosion in March of 2018. 33 year old David Carl Paulsen will serve one year and a day and then be on two years of supervised release. Police responded to the explosion at the home where Paulsen and his wife Jennifer lived with their three year old daughter.The Paulsen couple suffered severe burns. Witnesses said after the explosion the Paulsens told neighbors not to call police. In the home police found 34 pounds of marijuana, butane cans and a BHO extraction device. 

Photo from Central Oregon Daily News

Black Ice & Fog Factors In Multi Vehicle Wreck On Highway 26

MADRAS, OREGON -- Black ice and fog contributed to a 9 vehicle wreck 3-miles north of Madras on Highway 26 just after 8-yesterday morning. It was dark before the highway reopened. The incident involved six cars and three truck trailer rigs in what state police call a chain reaction type collision. The driver of a jet fuel tanker truck that overturned was helped out of the rig by firefighters just as the truck caught fire. Crews then used extinguishers to keep the fire from spreading until more firefighters arrived. Two people were hospitalized at Saint Charles Madras after the wrecks. No citations were issued.

Buehler To Run For 2nd Congressional District In GOP Primary

BEND, OR -- Former Gubernatorial candidate Knute Buehler posted a video on his website Tuesday announcing he will seek the Republican Party nomination in the 2nd Congressional District. Incumbent Congressman Greg Walden announced earlier this fall he won’t seek re-election. Republican State Senator Cliff Bentz of Ontario has already filed for the position. Former State Senatior Jason Atkinson says he is running for Walden's seat in the 2020 primary. In the video, Buehler says he will be a conservative voice for the people and the place he calls home.

Social Media Video Shows Man Riding Mule Deer Buck

EASTERN OREGON -- A man who was caught on video riding a Mule Deer Buck in eastern Oregon has been arrested. The deer got trapped in a fenced enclosure. Oregon State Police say 18 year old Jacob Belcher, from Riley...near Burns...rode the deer causing it to be distressed. The video was posted on social media. It shows the deer frantically and repeatedly crashing into the fence enclosure in an attempt to escape. The deer was eventually freed. Belcher is charged with wildlife harassment and animal abuse. The D-A will determine whether the person who recorded the video will be charged with aiding of a wildlife offense. That person not identified by police. Photo from video sent by OSP.

Buehler Announces Run For Congress

BEND, OR -- Former Republican Gubernatorial candidate Knute Buehler is in the race to succeed Congressman Greg Walden in Oregon's 2nd Congressional District.  Buehler announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in a video on his website

County Commissioners Okay Warming Shelter Agreement With Neighbor Impact

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Commissioners have approved an agreement with Neighbor Imapct to operate a warming shelter. in November the City of Bend declared a weather emergency and a shortage of 100 warmingh beds a night.  The agreement with Neighbor Impact will allow the warming shelter to be set up in the now remodeled Work Center area at the sheriff's office.  The shelter will operate with about 50 beds from 6pm to 7am, seven days a week through the end of March. The agreement requires Neighbor Imapct to be responsible for all facets of the warming shelter operation,. 

Memorial Fund Established For Charlotte Van Valkenburg

BEND, OR -- Brooks Resources and the Bend La Pine Schools Education Foundation have joined the Van Valkenburg Family to establish a memorial fund. The fund will honor Charlotte Van Valkenburg who was head coach of the Summit High Robotics team.  She died in September in a car accident. Valerie Yost at Brooks Resources says Charlotte’s impact on young women in the community was profound. The memorial fund will provide help to high school robotics teams and programs throughout Central Oregon

Sunday Is Deadline For Health Insurance Coverage With Subsidy

SALEM, OR -- Oregonians who don’t get health insurance from their employer and who don’t qualify for the Oregon Health Plan have a Sunday deadline to buy it and get help to pay for it. People looking for insurance can log onto, OregonHealthCare-dot-gov before 11-59 Sunday night, December 15th. The Marketplace is a state government resource that connects people to health coverage. Marketplace partners with HealthCare-dot-gov, which is a website where people can apply for federal subsidies.  Last year 74-per cent of the people who enrolled for health insurance through Marketplace received subsidies that averaged 140-dollars a month. 

 

Crater Lake Offering Ranger Guided Snowshoe Walks

Crater Lake Park, OR -- Crater Lake National Park has started ranger led snowshoe walks for the 2019-20 season. The free walks take place Saturdays, Sundays and holidays except Christmas, through April 26th. The walks begin at 1-p.m. and last about 2-hours covering 1-to-2-miles of moderate to strenuous terrain. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call the Crater Lake Park Visitor Center to make a snowshoe walk reservation. Participants must be at least 8 years old.

 

One Person Killed In Crook County Trailer Fire

PRINEVILLE, OR -- The Crook County Sheriff is conducting a death investigation following a fatal fire in a travel trailer on Beech Lane Sunday morning. Deputies were headed to the fire when they learned there had also been an explosion. Deputies arrived and determined a person died in the fire. The victim’s name and the cause of death has not been released pending an autopsy by the Medical Examiner. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire and the explosion. 

Electric Motor Boats Requested On North and South Twin Lakes

SALEM, OR -- The Oregon State Marine Board is taking public comment on a petition they received last week. The petition asks that boats with electric motors be allowed on North and South Twin Lakes at a slow, no wake speed.  Written comments will be accepted until 5-p.m. Wednesday, January 8th. The comments can be emailed to the Oregon State Marine Board. The board will discuss the petition when they meet, January 22nd in Salem.

 

Bend La Pine Schools Hold School Boundary Meeting Today

BEND, OR -- Bend La Pine schools are asking the public to attend an Open House-style meeting today  regarding school boundary changes. Alandra Johnson says changes to boundaries are the result of construction of a new high school in Bend that opens in 2021. Today’s meeting is at Three Rivers School from, 4-30-to-6-30 p.m. Johnson says the public can see new boundary maps and ask questions of the Attendance Review Committee at the meeting. The public can also view the boundary change maps and take a survey on the Bend La Pine Schools website. Boundary changes will not take effect until 2021.

Redmond Man Arrested on Drug & Theft Charges

REDMOND, OR -- Redmond Police have been investigating and doing surveillance at a house in the 2-thousand block of Southwest 21st Street after citizen complaints of drug activity. On Friday police used a search warrant at the home and seized large amounts of heroin, methamphetamine and stolen property.  36 year old Mark Peck is charged with several drug and theft crimes and is in the county jail. Redmond Police recovered stolen items. They encourage people to make a list of their valuable items with make, model and serial number information. Police say doing that increases the chances of stolen property being returned.   

Bend Man Arrested For Hit And Run, DUII

BEND, OR -- A hit and run wreck on a roundabout Friday afternoon led to the arrest of a Bend man. Police responded to a report of the wreck at Southeast 15th Street at Southeast Golden Gate Place. Witnesses said a man in a Honda drove the wrong way into the roundabout and hit a Jeep driven by a 52 year old Bend woman. She was injured and taken to St Charles. The man fled the scene. About a half hour after the wreck a Bend officer spotted the suspect near Southeast 27th and Stevens.  Police arrested 41 year old Harry Clifford Shearer who was hospitalized and later cited for Felony Hit and Run, DUII/alcohol and Attempting To Elude.

 

Early Bird Ticket Sales For Sisters Folk Festival Starts At 10 A.M.

SISTERS, OR -- The popular Sisters Folk Festival is offering early bird tickets for sale this morning at 10-o’clock. There are only 500-discounted tickets for sale, limit 2 per customer. Go to the festival website and follow the link to the Early Bird Ticket sales. The tickets are good for all three days of the festival, September 11th to the 13th and cost 145-dollars each. There are also 3-day Passes for young people under age 18 for 55-dollars.  The Sisters Folk Festival usually sells out by early summer.  

Infant Seized From Father Found; Mother Arrested

DESCHUTES COUNTY -- Over the weekend, police were called to a domestic disturbance in the Deschutes River Woods Neighborhood. Deputies learned two women struggled with the father of an infant child and then fled with the baby. Police say 30 year old Amber Joy Skeele is the child’s mother but lost custody after being arrested for child neglect. Police learned Skeel was from the Eugene area and early Sunday a state police officer spotted the car with the women and baby. Skeele was arrested and the infant returned to the father. Skeele is jailed in Bend on charges of Custodial Interference, Burglary and Contempt of Court.  Possible charges for the other woman will be forwarded to the District Attorney for review.

Governor Brown Orders Flags At Half-Staff On Saturday

SALEM, OR -- Governor Kate Brown today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, December 7, 2019.
"We benefit every day from the bravery and sacrifice of our U.S. service members, and especially owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who served and gave their lives in World War II," said Governor Brown. "I encourage all Oregonians to take a moment to reflect on that sacrifice and express gratitude for the freedoms their fellow Americans have ensured through their service."

 

SUV Crashes Into La Pine Post Office Building

BEND, OR -- The La Pine Post Office was damaged Thursday afternoon when an SUV crashed through the south wall of the building, coming to rest in the lobby. No one was injured. La Pine Fire Chief Mike Supkis told Central Oregon Daily News, many P-O Boxes were damaged. Firefighters were able to stabilize the SUV and evaluated the structural integrity of the building. Post office officials told Supkis they will keep the front counter open in a different part of the building but access to the parking lot and PO Boxes might be blocked.

For more on this story click here
Photo from Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

New Truck Crashes Into La Pine Storage Units

LA PINE, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff received a call last night that a 2019 Ford F-250 had crashed into two storage units in La Pine. Police say 73 year old John Roger Pasma, of Bend was traveling from Grants Pass to deliver the truck to a Bend dealership. Investigators say the truck’s front tire had separated from the wheel but Pasma continued to drive and the front wheel was ground down to the wheel studs. When Pasma tried to pull the truck into a tire store, police say he hit the accelerator instead of the brake. The truck left the road, crashed through a fence and into two storage units. No one was injured. The truck sustained moderate damage but the building was heavily damaged. No citations were issued.  Photo from Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

Hummel Updates Deputy Shooting Incident

BEND, OR -- From Deschutes County D-A John Hummel

This statement provides an update into the investigation of the deputy-involved shooting that occurred on Friday, November 29, 2019, on Robal Road at the north end of Bend. Most interviews have been conducted, most video evidence has been reviewed, and all physical evidence from the scene has been processed.  Forensic and toxicology test results are still pending. The male who was shot, Adam L. Gilliam, continues to recover at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.

The deputy who shot Mr. Gilliam was Clint Baltzor. Deputy Baltzor began his career in law enforcement with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections deputy in November of 2007, and was reclassified to a patrol deputy in November of 2012.  Deputy Baltzor is a member of the SWAT team and is a firearms, baton, pepper spray, and defensive tactics instructor for the Sheriff’s Office.  He currently holds an Intermediate Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

No other law enforcement officer or member of the public fired a gun during this incident.

Before Mr. Gilliam was shot his car was temporarily disabled by a PIT maneuver performed by Deputy Megan Lymath.  Deputy Lymath began her career in law enforcement with Cottage Grove Police Department in 2016 as a Community Service Officer.  She was hired by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office as a Patrol Deputy in July 2018.

Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel does not anticipate releasing further updates prior to his final decision which will be rendered in weeks, not months. 

 

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Bend Chamber Launches Welcome To Bend Website For Newcomers

BEND, OR  -- If you know someone who is moving to the Bend area there is a new website with a wide range of information that has been developed by the Chamber of Commerce. It is called movingtobend-dot-com. The site includes information newcomers need, everything from information about schools and neighborhoods to culture and recreation. The website also connects newcomers to local businesses through a Referral section on the website.   

 

Mid Oregon C-U Launches Workforce Housing Initiative

CENTRAL OREGON -- The Mid Oregon Credit Union has launched a Workforce Housing Initiative.  Mortgage Manager Matt Mitchell says, "We are providing a discount to investors on the interest rate. The discoubnt can be as high as 2.5% for the first 5 years of the contract."  Mitchell says the real need for workforce housing is at 60-per cent of the median income in Central Oregon. He says to make the housing affordable, rent needs to stay under 30-per cent of a family’s income. Mitchell says< "If it goes over 30%, it’s not considered affordable." He notes that many families in Central Oregon are now paying 50-per cent of their income in rent.    

City of Redmond, Deschutes County Receive Grants To Fight Crime

BEND, OR -- Deschutes county and the City of Redmond have been awarded federal grants. The money will be used to enhance state, local and tribal law enforcement operations and reinforce public safety.  The Department of Justice awarded 10 cities and counties in Oregon a total of 3-point-4-million dollars. Deschutes county will receive more than 28-thousand and the City of Redmond will get more than 10-thousand in grants The grant awards will support a wide range of crime fighting initiatives.

St Charles Caregivers Being Trained To Spot Human Sex Trafficking Victims

BEND, OR -- Caregivers at Saint Charles Health have been receiving training about human sex trafficking. The training is being provided by a Guardian Group, a non-profit that fights sex trafficking in partnership with Saint Charles. Amanda Gow is with Guardian and says, "Health care is one of the most impactful places where people have the opportunity to recoghnize somebody who possibly might be being victimized, because many human trafficking victims report being seen in emergency departments or oither health services while being trafficked."  The Partnership Manager at Saint Charles, Carlos Salcedo says the training is very valuable, adding, "We've already benefitted from it because we've been able to identify a trafficking victim." Nine human trafficking training sessions have been held with seven more scheduled in coming months.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Event On Saturday

BEND, OR -- On December 7th 1941, the Japanese launched an attack on Pearl Harbor which led to America entering World War Two. That infamous attack will be remembered Saturday. Dick Tobiason with Bend Heroes Foundation says they’ll honor the last Bend survivor of Pearl Harbor, Dick Higgins. He says, "I  think the public knows a lot about Pearl Harbor. What they might not know is there are some Pearl Haerbor survivors, although not many. At one time there were six here in Bend, now we're down to one. His name is Dick Higgins." Tobiason added, "Higgins will be the honored guest at our ceremony on Saturday."  The Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day will also honor World War Two veterans.  Tobiason says the special event is at the Bend Heroes Memorial in Brooks Park at Newport Avenue and Northwest Drake Road at 8-o’clock Saturday morning.

 

Bend Fire And Cascade Natural Gas Respond to Gas Leak

BEND, OR -- Bend Fire and Cascade Natural Gas responded to a natural gas leak yesterday. Crews were excavating in a parking lot near Southwest Bond and Wilson at about 2-20 Tuesday afternoon when they hit a 2 inch gas line. The line was out in the open and there was no fire or explosion. Cascade crews found the valve and shut it off quickly. Bend Fire officials remind construction companies that the law says they must call 8-1-1 before beginning excavation work to find out where gas lines are located.  

 

Bend La Pine Schools Holding Open House Style Meetings On Boundary Changes

BEND, OR -- Bend La Pine schools are inviting the public to attend Open House-style meetings regarding school boundary changes.  Alandra Johnson says changes to school boundaries are the result of a new high school being built in Southeast Bend that opens in 2021. She says, "To determine which students will attend the new high school we will redraw our attendance areas for Bend High Schools." Johnson added, "We will also balance enrollment and redraw some attendance areas for our middle schools in the area." The Open House-style meetings will be held tomorrow at High Desert and Pacific Crest Middle Schools and each one is from 430-to-630 p.m. Boundary changes will not take effect until 2021.

 

Buehler Giving Sondland Campaign Donation To Charity

BEND, OR -- Former Republican Gubernatorial candidate Knute Buehler says he will give 22-thousand-500-dollars that was donated to him by Gordon Sondland to two charities, Bethlehem Inn and CASA of Central Oregon. Last week three women accused Sondland of unwanted touching and kissing. The Oregonian reports Sondland called a the accusations untrue. Buehler received Sondland’s donation during his campaign for governor. Buehler is considering a run for Congress in the 2nd District following Greg Walden’s announcement he will not seek reelection. 

Redmond Ice Rink Opens For Season

REDMOND, OR -- The Redmond Ice Rink has opened for the season. The 4-thousand square foot rink will operate seven days a week through the end of March, weather permitting. The ice rink is open from 3-to-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday…2-to-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2-to-9 p.m. on Sunday. Hours may change on holidays or during bad weather.

Humane Society Urges Pet Owners To Protect Their Animals From Cold Weather

BEND, OR -- The Humane Society of Central Oregon reminds pet owners to protect their dogs or cats from the cold weather as we’ve had the last week. Lynne Ouchida with the society says pets need to be protected. She says "They need to take some precautionbs. Dogs and cats can get frostbitten ears, nose and feet if left outside too long." She added, "There are laws thast you must provide a dog house with a bed and a fglap to block cold air." Ouchida says northern breeds of dogs with their thick fur do better in cold weather than single coated dogs like pit bulls. She says however all animals must be protected in severe weather situations. Ouchida also says pet owners need to take extra care to protect their senior age animals in cold weather.  

Bend Fire Launches Annual Santa's Express Food Drive

BEND, OR -- The Bend Fire Department has launched their annual Santa’s Express food drive. The department decorates a fire engine and they walk and ride through pre-selected neighborhoods where residents come out and donate food, toys or clothing. Battalion Chief Dave Howe says, "If people want to donate items for the annual Santa’s Express drive they can do that at any Bend Fire Station where we have boxes for donations. In addition every Starbucks in town has a donation box  for Santa's Express." Howe says the annual food, toy and clothing drive will run through Thursday night.      

 

 

COCC Presentation Tonight On Patient Rights At The End Of Life

BEND, OR -- A Nancy Chandler Visiting Scholar Program presentation tonight at COCC will explore  laws affecting the terminally ill. The coordinator of the program, Charlotte Gilbride says the speaker is an attorney, Kathryn Tucker who will discuss, “Patient Rights at the End of Life: The Evolving Landscape of Law, Medicine and Policy.”  Gillbride says Tucker believes people who have a terminal illness need to know what their rights are, even if they don’t agree with end of life laws. The presentation tonight is at 6-30 in the Coats Campus Center. Tickets are 10-dollars and available at the COCC Foundation website.

 

Highway 58 Now Closed, Won't Reopen Until 12:30 P.M.

OAKRIDGE, OR -- If you are traveling to Eugene today, avoid Highway 58. ODOT is closing Highway 58 between the east end of Oakridge and Crescent Lake as they work to recover a semi that went over a bank last week. The closure will start at 8-30-this morning and is expected to reopen about 12-30-this afternoon. Three wreckers will pull the semi up the embankment and the process will block the entire road.

 

D-A Hummel Updates Information On Deputy Shooting Incident

                                                    From Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel

BEND, OR -- On Friday, November 29, 2019, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office released a statement regarding a deputy-involved shooting that involved at least one of their deputies in the area of Robal Lane and Hunnell Road, at the north end of Bend.  The shooting occurred at 6:08 pm.  This statement provides further details and updates the public on the status of the investigation. Shortly after the shooting, the Tri-County Major Incident Team was deployed to the scene and the Bend Police Department was assigned as the lead agency.  District Attorney John Hummel and Sheriff Shane Nelson responded to the scene shortly after the incident.  Also responding to the scene were members of the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory who processed the on-site evidence. 

The male who was shot is Adam L Gilliam, a 28-year-old resident who is currently houseless and was raised in John Day, Oregon.  Gilliam was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend where he remains admitted.  He is expected to survive.

District Attorney John Hummel is not yet releasing the name (or names) of the deputy or deputies who fired their weapon(s) because the investigation regarding the details of the actual firing of the weapon(s) is still active and releasing DA Hummel’s impressions of who fired might subtly influence eyewitnesses’ memories.  Hummel expects to release the name or names of the deputy or deputies who discharged their weapon(s) within a few days.

This incident started with a call to law enforcement from the Shepherd’s House on NE Division Street in Bend.  The caller reported that Mr. Gilliam had stolen a car belonging to the Shepherd’s House.  Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies spotted the car shortly after the call and attempted to stop it.  They initiated overhead lights and sirens, but Mr. Gilliam did not stop. The deputies continued to follow the car to NW Robel road near the PetSmart store. 

As Mr. Gilliam approached the rear of the PetSmart store on NW Robel road, a pursuing deputy requested supervisor approval to conduct a pursuit intervention technique (PIT maneuver).  A PIT maneuver is a technique law enforcement officers are trained in and involves a pursuing car striking a fleeing car, forcing the fleeing car to turn sideways abruptly, causing the driver to lose control and stop.  Supervisor approval was provided for the PIT maneuver, the maneuver was initiated, and Mr. Gilliam’s car was stopped. 

Mr. Gilliam was shot after the PIT maneuver was successfully initiated.  The details of how he was shot, such as: whether he was in or out of the car; whether any officers were out of their cars; how many shots were fired; why the deputy or deputies who fired chose to fire; are all part of the on-going investigation and will not be released at this time.

Statement from District Attorney Hummel:

“Fortunately, Adam Gilliam is expected to survive and we can all be thankful for that.  A law enforcement officer’s decision whether to discharge a weapon is the most serious and consequential decision they have to make.  When they decide to shoot, the public rightfully asks why, and whether the decision was appropriate and legal. My job is to answer these questions, and I will.  I expect this investigation to be completed relatively soon and at that time I’ll release to the public my legal conclusion and the factual basis for it.”

 

Warming Shelter Expected To Open Mid-Month

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson has started some remodeling work at his department’s work center to add a 48-bed warming shelter in Bend. The request for a warming shelter came from county commissioners in November. They said Bend is about 100 beds short of enough beds on any given cold night. Sheriff's Sergeant William Bailey told KBND News, "We were able to do some consolidation and with some remodeling and building a wall, they'll be able to open one half of the Work Center. " Bailey added, "They'll hand it over to the Homeless Leadership Coalition and they'll operate the 48 bed Warming Center for men and women." The new shelter is expected to open on or about December 15th

 

Fuel Tanker Fire At ODOT Weigh Scales Last Friday

CULVER, OR -- Jefferson County Fire District #1 responded to a fuel tanker fire on Friday morning at the ODOT weigh scales at Juniper Butte on Highway 97 south of Culver. When crews arrived they found a semi with a trailer hauling gasoline on fire. The Incident Commander brought in an Airport Crash Rescue Firefighting truck which made the first knock down while other engines helped to completely extinguish the blaze. Firefighters were able to save the front half of the fuel tank and the cab and front end of the semi and the entire fuel tanker trailer. The fire was caused by the brake system which the driver said had locked up.  

Sheriff Credits Deputy For Saving Man

DESCHUITES COUNTY, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office gave a public thanks to a sergeant who helped a passenger in a crash from being run over by a pickup. Police say the wreck last Wednesday on Tumalo Road near Swalley Road was being investigated when a pickup began sliding toward a stuck vehicle. A passenger from the stuck vehicle got out and saw the pickup sliding toward him and tried to run, but fell down. Sergeant James McLaughlin ran between the two vehicles and grabbed the passenger under the armpits as the man was under the truck and about to be crushed. McLaughlin was able to free the man just before the two vehicles collided. No one was injured.   

 

Four People Trapped In SUV's After Wreck

TERREBONNE, OR -- Redmond Fire and Rescue responded Thanksgiving morning to T-bone wreck on Highway 97 at Northwest 10th Street. The vehicles were both SUV’s and one of them, a Ford Explorer was pushed against a guardrail. Three people were trapped in the Explorer and it took more than a half hour to get them all out. One of the people in the Explorer was pinned between the center console, the dashboard and the driver’s door.  A fourth injured person in the other SUV also had to be extricated. All four were taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Deputy Shoots Man Near Cascade Village

A Deschutes county deputy shot and wounded a man Friday night near Cascade Village Shopping Center. The shooting was near Robal and Hunnell Roads shortly after 6-Friday evening. The sheriff had received a report of a vehicle stolen from Shepherd's Ministries. The vehicle was spotted but the driver fled the scene, leading to a chase that ended with the suspect being shot. The deputy was not injured and was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.  Deschutes County D-A John Hummel says the man who was shot was taken to Saint Charles and is expected to survive.

 

 

Redmond Schools Likely To Ask Voters For Bond Measure Next Year

REDMOND, OR --The Redmond School District is looking at November 2020 to ask voters to approve a $55,000,000 bond measure. Superintendent Mike McIntosh says, "In the $55,000,000 range we'll be able to replace Lynch Elementary School and do many of the safety and security upgrades that we hoped to do." Among the safety upgrades is a plan for vestibules in the entryways of schools where visitors would have to speak to a secretary before being allowed in by a camera and buzzer system.

Shilo Inn Outbuilding Fire Causes $30,000 Damage

BEND, OLR -- A fire in a furnace in an outbuilding at the Shilo Inn on Sunday morning caused 30-thousand dollars damage. The outbuilding was not attached to any buildings with hotel rooms. Bend Fire crews evacuated people in two adjacent buildings as a precaution. The fire caused a loss of heat for the hotel lobby, restaurant and the heated driveway. All three will be without heat until repairs are made. Fire crews stopped the fire from spreading beyond the outbuilding. The cause of the fire is listed as an electrical short in a light fixture.   

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