Local News Archives for 2022-02

Hiring Outpaces Pandemic Related Job Losses

The Oregon Employment Department says rapid hiring in 2021 to replace jobs lost during the pandemic, increased job vacancies to record levels. According to a report released last week, at any point in time during 2021, employers had 97,000 job openings. Unemployment significantly declined, and employers faced hiring challenges including a lack of applicants. The Employment Department says employers raised wages to entice new applicants, offering $19.69 an hour… that’s 4% higher than in 2020. The job opportunities are plentiful for Oregon workers across all parts of Oregon’s economy in more than 430 different occupations.



 

Hospice of Redmond Makes Nation's Top 25 List

Hospice of Redmond has been named one of the top 25 hospice organizations in the nation. Based on survey responses, the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) presents the Award of Distinction annually. Hospice of Redmond is an independent nonprofit, serving Central Oregon since 1981, providing hundreds of Central Oregonians end-of-life care, bereavement, transitions programs, and community support.

Black History Month Panel Meets Tonight

Oregon State University is hosting a panel discussion this evening called “It’s 2022, Do Black Lives Really Matter?” Nearly two years after the murder of George Floyd and promises made to combat racism, Black faculty and staff at Oregon State University will discuss what has happened since then. The talk will cover the history of the Black Lives Matter movement and  address the psychological impact of racism on Black students, faculty and staff at the university. An OSU employee will also share what it’s like to parent Black children in the U.S and offer suggestions for how non-Black community members can be more empathetic to what Black people face in day-to-day life in Oregon. The discussion takes place this evening on Zoom from 6:30-to 8:30 p.m.

Proposed Cline Buttes Land Development Draws Criticism

A potential sale of Oregon Department of State land west of Redmond is creating concern among Eagle Crest residents. On Saturday, dozens of people turned out to tour the 160-acre tract on Cline Buttes. A board member of the Eagle Crest Home Owners Association told Central Oregon Daily News the sale of “tax lot 5300” to the proposed Thornburgh project will bring the development right up to the fence line. Eagle Crest residents say possible development would interrupt an important wildlife corridor and cut off popular trails. The Department of State Lands will hold a virtual public meeting on the issue Thursday, March 10th.

Police Search for Hit-And-Run Driver

Redmond Police are asking for the public’s help finding a man suspected in two hit-and-runs earlier this month that injured three people, including a 12-year-old girl. Officers identified 35-year-old Jose Herrera as the driver in both incidents. The first accident happened around 7 p.m. at Canal Boulevard and Salmon Avenue when a dark gray BMW hit two Redmond residents, a 30-year-old woman and the 12-year-old girl. Both were treated and released from the hospital. The same vehicle was involved in a second hit-and-run minutes later with a silver Chrysler sedan at Salmon Avenue near 25th Street. The 18-year-old driver of the Chrysler was treated at the scene for minor injuries. If you have information about the case or whereabouts of Jose Herrera, please contact police.

Bend-La Pine Schools Forecast Growth

A Bend-La Pine Schools committee is forecasting the need for more buildings to accommodate student growth in the coming years. The Sites and Facilities Committee studying the issue said, as the population continues to grow, there will be a need for increased building capacity beyond the next decade.

Basing its report on Portland State University’s Population Research Center projections for the area, the committee said the district will need three new elementary schools, one new middle school and one new high school to serve students in the next 20 years. Acquiring land for future projects is the district’s biggest concern. With no immediate need for new schools in the next ten years the committee will focus on smaller district land use.

                                           

Redmond Approves Public Safety Facility Bond

The Redmond City Council this week voted to approve placing a 40-million- dollar bond on the May ballot to fund a new police headquarters. The decision is being applauded by Neighbors for a Safe Redmond.

The Redmond Police Department has outgrown its current facility which was originally designed to house around 30 people. Committee Co-Chair for Neighbors for a Safe Redmond said right now the building houses double that number. The building costs taxpayers around 30-thousand in repairs each year.

With Council committing an additional 2.9 Million in ARPA funds, that amount would be drastically reduced with taxpayers paying approximately $12 a month for the new building.

 

March 19th -- End of Indoor Masks

Earlier than expected, the Oregon Health Authority is lifting requirements for wearing masks on March 19th. The mandate for wearing masks indoors – including schools – was originally scheduled to lapse by March 31st. OHA says it based the decision on falling numbers of COVID infections and hospitalizations across the state. According to the OHA, daily COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined 48% since peaking in late January. Governor Kate Brown also announced that she will rescind her COVID-19 state of emergency declaration on April 1st.

 

Body of Man Found Outside Coffee Hut Identified

Police have identified the man found dead early Wednesday morning outside a coffee hut in southwest Bend. The man, is identified as a 59-year-old  Bend resident, Jeffrey Lee Knievel. A walk up custumer discovered Knievel's body laying next to Dutch Bros. at 120 SW Century Drive. Police say intoxicants and freezing temperatures are contributing factors in his death. Overnight temperatures Wednesday plummeted below zero, creating dangerous conditions for Bend’s homeless population

Infant Formula Recall

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is warning program participants to be on the lookout for powder infant formulas that could be contaminated with Salmonella. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration announced a voluntary recall of certain formulas manufactured by Abbott at its Sturgis, Michigan., facility. This includes all sized products of powdered formulas, including, Similac’s Advance and Sensitive. WIC participants can check Abbott’s website at similac-recall-DOT-com. Any contaminated products can be returned to the store where they were purchased for an exchange or refund. Anyone concerned about their infant’s health should contact their doctor.

People Needed to Serve Meals to Homeless

During the cold weather spell, shelters are requesting help from the public to provide meals to people experiencing homelessness. Shepherd's House Ministries serves over 130 breakfasts and 130 dinners to the homeless seven days a week, every night of the year. Community groups, churches, neighborhoods, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to participate. Meals are needed in both Redmond and Bend. If interested, sign up online.

 

Bend La Pine Math Teacher Recipient of Prestigious Award

A local teacher has been named one of the top math teachers in the nation. During a ceremony today, Amber Linn from Bend-La Pine Schools will be recognized with theprestigious “Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.” The award is the highest recognition that teachers can receive for outstanding teaching in the areas of science, math or computer science.  Linn worked as an elementary teacher in Bend-La Pine Schools for 13 years, most recently at North Star Elementary School. She is now an instructional coach for elementary teachers to improve mathematics instruction. Out of 117 awardees, Linn is the only one from Oregon.

Report of Gun Prompts Obsidian Middle School Lock Down

No credible threats were found during a lockdown at Obsidian Middle School in Redmond Wednesday.

After a report of a student on campus talking about having a gun, the school went into lockdown at about 11:30 a.m. Spokesperson Sheila Miller said they followed their lockdown protocol of immediately locking school doors, turning off lights with students asked to  remain quiet while police assessed the threat. 

After a thorough sweep of the building by Redmond police and staff it was determined after-school activities could safely continue. The school was able to keep its normal Wednesday release time of 1:15 p.m. 

Miller said additional staff will be available to students today (Thursday) at Obsidian to talk with students about the traumatic event.

Bend Police Investigate Death

Bend Police are investigating after a death this morning outside a coffee hut in soutwest Bend. The man, identified as a 59-year-old  Bend resident, was found near Dutch Bros. on Century Drive. Officers are working to notify next of kin. Bend PD says the death doesn’t look suspicious, but believe intoxicants and weather to be contributing factors. Overnight temperatures plummeted below zero, creating dangerous conditions for Bend’s homeless population.

Power Cut to 130 Electric Customers After Crash

A driver escaped injury Tuesday morning when a pickup truck veered off Deschutes Market Road east of Bend and toppled a power pole. About 130 Central Electric Cooperative customers lost power on a day where temperatures plummeted while repair crews fixed the power lines. The crash happened at 11:45 a.m. between Findley and Margaret lanes shutting off the road to traffic in both directions.

Dog Who Survived Bootleg Fire To Be Reunited with Owner

A dog named “Betty” who survived Oregon's Bootleg Fire, will be reunited today with her owner in California. The Humane Society of Central Oregon arranged for the six year old Newfoundland/English Shepherd mix to fly on a private plane to her owner in Blythe, CA. The dog was left near Klamath Falls last July during a camping trip cut short by the fire. Her owner, Tammie Broggin, was only able to load up six of her dogs before firefighters insisted she leave for her own safety. Eight months later, Betty turned up 150 miles away in Bend where she was picked up as a stray. HSCO Lynne Ouchida with the Humane Society reached out to Nelson Carrick, regional manager of Leading Edge Flight Academy, who connected with local Wings of Rescue pilots Kale and Anji Garcia. The couple agreed to fly Betty to California be reunited with her owner at no cost. Ouchida said Broggins has suffered tremendous personal loss and her dogs are her family.

Occupants Escape House Fire

Bend fire and rescue crews responded to a reported house fire shortly at 2:15 am this morning at White Rock Loop.The occupant of the house awoke to the sound of his fire alarm but was able to get out of the structure safely before calling 9-1-1. Units with Cloverdale and Redmond Fire Department arriving on the scene found the home’s attic engulfed in flames. The fire, which caused an estimated 150,000 dollars in damage, remains under investigation.

Crews Worked All Night to Reopen I-84

The Oregon State Police along with several local agencies worked together throughout the night to open Interstate 84. Yesterday afternoon, snowy roads led to nearly 100 crashes on I-84, closing both directions to all traffic in Eastern Oregon at about 1 o’clock. Troopers and crews worked all night to remove more than 170 vehicles out of the almost 2 mile stretch of interstate. Seventy-one uninjured people who could not drive due to the blockage or damaged vehicles were transported to the Pendleton Convention Center. A local taxi company and a church provided vans to transport persons from the convention center to local hotels as needed. Medics transported 19 patients. There are still several sections of I-84 with extreme winter road conditions, so traveling is still hazardous. OSP recommends staying home, but if you do have to travel consult www.tripcheck.com for conditions and alternate routes.

Westbound I-84 to Remain Closed Until Tuesday Afternoon

The Oregon Department of Transportation just released this statement: I-84 remains closed eastbound and westbound to all traffic in eastern Oregon. Eastbound is closed between Exit 216 (six miles east of Pendleton) and Exit 265 (La Grande). Westbound is closed to between Exit 374 (Ontario) and Exit 216. The closures are due to multiple vehicle crashes near milepost 230 that occurred around noon today, 2/21/22. The westbound freeway remains closed at Ontario due to limited parking space in Baker City and La Grande. Local traffic may be able to access the westbound freeway between Ontario and Baker City to get home (check for more information by clicking the closure icon on TripCheck.com). Due to the number of vehicles that still need to be towed the westbound freeway is not expected to be open until tomorrow noon or later. Crews are working to get the eastbound freeway open in the next few hours. It is currently closed to allow emergency responders and numerous tow trucks safe access to the crash site.

 

OR 204 (Tollgate Highway) and OR 245 are also closed to all but local traffic. These are not viable detour routes for freeway traffic.

 

Three busloads of stranded motorists were transported from the crash site earlier today and most drivable passenger vehicles have been routed to Pendleton or La Grande, along with a few semis. Several dozen crashed semis and passenger vehicles remain on the freeway, as well as several dozen blocked semis with drivers remaining on site, waiting to get unblocked.

 

Westbound travelers stranded in Ontario are encouraged to stay there until the freeway opens tomorrow. If you feel you must travel, U.S. 20 is the recommended alternate route when I-84 is closed for long periods. It is also in better condition (minimal snow) than U.S. 26 or other state routes in the area. Be aware that U.S. 20 already has heavy truck traffic and there are many curves and few safe passing opportunities. Please take it slow and do not attempt to pass.

 

Avoid following GPS navigation app or devices, as they can lead you onto remote routes with little or no winter maintenance. If you travel, stay on state highways and expect winter conditions and heavier than normal traffic.

 

Conditions can change quickly. Continue checking TripCheck.com for update conditions or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside Oregon, call 503-588-2941.

Update information will be release as it becomes available.

Shooters Security Guard Faces Sex Abuse Charges

A Bend man faces charges of sex abuse and harassment. Sunday morning, the Crook County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible sex crime in the parking lot at Shooters Bar in Prineville. After investigating,  a Crook County Deputy arrested 27-year-old Christian Tucker. Officials say when the crime occured, Tucker was working as a security officer for Trident Security, which provides security services for Shooters Bar. Tucker is charged with third-degree sex abuse and harassment. He was released after posting bail.

La Pine Man Convicted of Child Rape

A Deschutes County jury has convicted a La Pine man of raping and sexually abusing three children. In 2019, 50-year-old Rusty Pugh, was initially charged with nearly 60 child sex abuse charges. District Attorney John Hummel told Central Oregon Daily News one of the victims came forward to the Bend Police Department to report the abuse she experienced as a child. Hummel said detectives were able to identify and interview more victims in the following months. Pugh was subsequently arrested and charged with having sexually abused six children. Last week, a jury convicted him of 17 counts of felony sex crimes of three children. Sentencing, and the trial related to the abuse of the three remaining children, will be determined later this month.

Proposed Gas Tax Blasted by Governor

OREGON GAS TAX BLASTED

(Olympia, WA)  -- Oregon leaders are blasting a new Washington state proposal that would enact a tax on Oregon-bound gasoline. The proposal introduced earlier this month would create a tax of up to six cents per gallon for some fuel being exported from Washington to states with lower gas taxes than Washington's. In a tweet Oregon Governor Kate Brown called the proposal "unacceptable" and indicated she is discussing the matter with Washington Governor Jay Inslee. Oregon Republican state Representatives Shelly Boshart Davis and David Brock testified against the proposal in the Washington Legislature. Boshart Davis calls the tax proposal "offensive." 

 

President's Day Celebrated Around Country

Bend City Hall and administrative offices are closed today, February 21 in observance of Presidents Day.

Banks, most government offices and the post office are all closed for the holiday. First responders and emergency services will be on duty as the country observes the federal holiday. Presidents Day, first observed in 1971, began as a celebration of Washington's Birthday, which is Feb. 22nd 

It has since expanded to include a celebration of all the U.S. presidents. 

Chinese Restaurant Robbed

A northeast Bend Chinese restaurant was robbed Saturday night. Police responded to the Double Happiness Chinese Restaurant off Northeast Highway 20 shortly after 9 p.m. Police conducted a lengthy search of the area with sirens heard for close to an hour, according to local homeowners. Residents who called 9-1-1 say they were advised by dispatchers to remain indoors. A police drone was also reported to be used in the search. Sgt. Erick Supplee confirmed that a search perimeter was established but no further details have not been released at this time.

Bend Drops Prospective Juniper Ridge and NE Ninth Street Homeless Sites

The Bend City Council announced this week that the Northeast Ninth Street and Juniper Ridge sites are no longer under consideration as temporary outdoor homeless shelters. The Ninth Street site resulted in a huge backlash given its close location to two schools and a nearby walking path used by children. More than 100 school staff signed their names to a letter in a signal of strong opposition to the idea. The proposed Juniper site had also drawn a negative reaction from nearby neighbors. The site also lacked transportation and access to utility infrastructure. During Wednesday’s Council meeting, City Councilor Megan Perkins said the city continues to listen closely to the concerns of residents when it comes to the location of potential homeless shelters

Bend-LaPine Schools to Comply with Mandate

Bend La-Pine Schools this week informed parents that they plan to follow state and federal guidelines and will not drop their mask mandate for students or staff until Oregon lifts its mandate on March 31st. Until that time school educators will continue to recommend the use of face coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19. School officials say they do not wish to violate current state laws regarding mask wearing because of the consequences. Those consequences include revoked licenses for educators, fines and a loss of funding. 

This week, the Redmond School Board approved a resolution to end their mask requirement early.

On March 31st, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will lift the mandatory masking rule for schools placing authority regarding required indoor masking in the hands of local school boards.

 

Wilson Corridor Project Enters First Phase

The Wilson Avenue Corridor is a multi-phase modernization project to improve safety and east-west connection for motorists along Bend’s Wilson Avenue from 2nd Street to 15th Street. City Manager Eric King says the project is the first phase of the city’s 190- million-dollar transportation bond.On Wednesday, the City approved construction for the roundabout at 9th and Wilson. King said work on the roundabout will begin in the next couple of weeks. The Wilson Corridor project will take over a year to complete and the motorists will be kept informed with regular raod construction progress reports. King said the good weather has allowed construction crews to complete minor repair projects ahead of schedule.

 

 

 

 

Man Arrested in Connection With Car and Storage Thefts

A Bend man faces multiple charges for a series of thefts from cars and storage facilities.

Bend Police started receiving reports of break-ins on January 8th and identified 29-year-old John Sue Vierra as the suspect. On February 6th, officers recovered a stolen vehicle driven by Vierra near Parrell Road and Hawes Avenue. Inside the car, investigators found several stolen items from other thefts spanning between late January and February 10th. On Tuesday, Bend Police learned that Vierra was at St. Charles Bend and had an active warrant  for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody without incident and jailed on multiple charges.

Judge Denies Accused Murderer's Request for New Attorney

A judge has denied a request for a new attorney for accused murderer Ken Atkinson.

Judge Ray Crutchley scheduled the next hearing date in the murder-for-hire case for June. A trial date may be set at that time. Fifdty-seven year old Atkinson, and his nephew, 31-year-old Nathane Shane Detroit are accused of killing Bend couple Ray Atkinson Jr. and Natasha Newby in a murder-for-hire scheme. Atkinson is a former prison guard who grew up in Bend. The two are being held in the Deschutes County jail on four counts each of second-degree murder and two each of conspiracy to commit murder.

Upcoming Ground Opening Ceremony for Redmond's Midtown Place

Housing Works is officially opening an affordable housing complex in Redmond. Midtown Place, a 12.4  million dollar project, is  a 47-unit apartment community on 5th Street. It’s the first affordable housing development in Central Oregon to include apartments for households earning up to 80% of the area median income. Plans started in 2018 to transform a vacant lot into workforce housing for downtown and medical district workers. The City of Redmond funded over 3 million dollars for the complex through an Urban Renewal Loan and Community Development Block Grants. The ground opening celebration takes place next Wednesday.

Redmond School District Passes Mask Resolution During Contentious Meeting

In a contentious meeting, the Redmond School Board Wednesday approved a resolution to make masks optional for students and staff by March 2nd. District spokeswoman Sheila Miller said the board essentially placed the decision to wear masks or face shields in the hands of parents. The resolution allows the school board to direct the superintendent and administration to implement a new “omicron COVID plan.”

Until the plan is implemented, masks will continue to be required in all Redmond Schools and on school buses. Other COVID mitigation measures will also remain intact until March 2nd, including social distancing and quarantining. Board member Liz Goodrich, the lone dissenting vote, called the resolution “poorly constructed” and questioned why the rush since the state has already set a date for masks to become optional in schools. The 4-1 decision defies the current state mandate which requires masks to be worn in schools until March 31st. 

Man Threatens Woman with Firearm

A Bend man faces charges for using a sawed-off shotgun to threaten an 18-year-old woman. Early Monday morning, Bend Police responded to a report of a man with a gun near Hunnell and Loco roads. Officers say the suspect, identified as 46-year-old William Butler, went to a trailer  holding a large firearm, banged on its door, and told the victim he was going to kill her. Butler left the scene by the time PD arrived, but they were able to get a search warrant for his RV on Claussen Drive. Wednesday morning, arrested Butler on the corner of Grandview and Highway 97. He was jailed and charged with unlawful use of a weapon, menacing and unlawful possession of a weapon.

 

Oregon Marks Annual Exclusion Day

Today is Oregon’s annual immunization school Exclusion Day. County health officials have sent written notification to parents if their children’s school or daycare records are missing proof of immunizations. Parents who receive the letter should update the school or day care when the child receives the shots or contact 211 to get help finding a clinic. Under state law, children in public and private schools must have up-to-date documentation on their required 11 immunizations, or have an exemption to avoid being sent home. The COVID-19 vaccine is not required for children.

Redmond School District Proposes Changes to Mask Policy

Redmond School Board meets this afternoon to discuss a resolution that would make wearing masks in school optional. The state lifts its indoor-mask mandate on March 31. Proposed changes include a resolution to give parents more control over pandemic mitigation efforts. The resolution will be the subject of a virtual special meeting today at 3:30 p.m. The resolution includes the creation of an “Omicron COVID plan that allows parents or guardians the right to make the decision about the use or non-use of masks, face shields, vaccinations, or other COVID-19 mitigation strategies for their students. State, federal and local guidelines will be considered in the creation of the resolution. If passed, the district would have two days to plan for any changes. Zoom Link

 

 

Pet Parade Returns to Bend

After a two-year pandemic-related hiatus, Bend’s 4th of July Pet Parade is set to return this summer. Yesterday, the Bend Park and Recreation District announced its plan to resume the pet parade. A tradition since 1932, the parade was canceled in 2020 for the first time since World War II. As in the past, the parade will be open to any and all who wish to participate in the parade or start the holiday as spectators. In years past, the parade has attracted between six and eight thousand people to downtown Bend.

2nd Street Homeless Camp Determined "Unsafe"

The homeless camp area on 2nd Street has been deemed an “unsafe campsite” by the Bend Police Department. Numerous community complaints initiated a review and on Monday, Chief Mike Krantz submitted the conclusion report to City Manager Eric King. Tents line and spill into the street and block sidewalks in the area, not too far from Emerson Avenue, where the city cleared out another homeless camp deemed unsafe last summer. The reports states as of last week there were 25 structures erected in the right of ways and “clearly block access to public rights-of-ways, including sidewalks.” More than 250 police calls to that area over the last 90 days, which the report says is “not typical for other similarly measured geographic areas within the City of Bend.” The city manager is reviewing the assessment.  If he declares the area "unsafe," the city will take steps to clear the camp and evict its tenants.

 

Identities of Skiers Released

The two skiers who died at Mt. Bachelor over the weekend have been identified. 66-year-old Thomas Schuberg and 60-year-old Theodore Speer suffered fatal injuries in two separate ski accidents. Shuberg died in a crash Friday, Speer on Saturday. Both men were residents of Bend. Mt Bachelor officials have yet to release details surrounding the ski deaths. On Sunday, a third skier was airlifted to St. Charles Bend after experiencing an unknown medical emergency.

Senate Bill 1511 Could Vacate Convictions for Hundreds

Senate Bill 1511 could vacate convictions for hundreds of people found guilty by non-unanimous juries. Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel tells KBND News in 2020 the US Supreme Court said the Oregon system was unconstitutional. Hummel says since 2020, he and his deputies can only get a conviction with a unanimous jury. Currently in committee, Senate Bill 1511 addressed cases prior to the Supreme Court ruling. To hear the entire interview go to Your Town podcasts. 

Governor Names New Crook County District Attorney

Governor Kate Brown has named a former Deschutes County prosecutor the new Crook County District Attorney. Kari Hathorn fills the shoes of Judge Wade Whiting who was recently appointed to the Circuit Court for Jefferson and Crook counties. The announcment was made Monday. Hathorn worked as a Deputy DA in the Deschutes County District Attorney’s office from 2010-2019 and currently serves as a pro-tem judge for the City of Bend Municipal Court.

Deputy Involved in fatal Shooting Identified

The Crook County Sheriff's deputy who shot and killed a man with a known mental health condition near Prineville last week has been identified. Stephen Hatcher has worked for the Crook County Sheriff's Office since 2016. He is accused of shooting 35-year-old Nick Rodin. Rodin was walking down SE Maphet Road when he was stopped by the deputy before being fatally shot. Hatcher remains on administrative leave pending the conclusion of an investigation by the Central Oregon Major Incident Team, headed by Oregon State Police in collaboration with the Crook County District Attorney’s office.

Deaths at Mt Bachelor prompt concern

Recent deaths at Mt. Bachelor are raising concerns about the risks of skiing in less than ideal conditions. Central Oregon Daily's Brooke Snavely reports that following the deaths of two men in their 60's over the weekend, skiers are nervous and avoiding the slopes. With warmer temperatures more skiers were hitting the slopes but with icier conditions there have been concerns expressed about the number of near collisions. However, a data analyst told Snavely skiing and snowboarding in a resort environment is extremely safe.

International DAISY Award Honors Four St. Charles Nurses

Four St. Charles nurses are being honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Nominated by patients, families and colleagues the nurses represent all four St. Charles hospitals: Bend: Page Ogden; Lactation; Madras: Emily O’Hearn, Family Birthing Center; Prineville: Jennifer Lewis Welch, Float; and Redmond: Jessica Aragon, Medical Services

Fire Damages Redmond Door Manufacturer

Officials are investigating the cause of a fire that damaged a Redmond commercial door manufacturer. Early yesterday morning, Redmond Fire & Rescue arrived at Chase Durus Doors and found an industrial oven on fire. No one was injured and the fire caused an estimated $325,000 in damage.

DCSO Arrested Arson Suspect

A Bend man has been arrested on felony arson charges after a garage and RV fire in Deschutes River Woods earlier this week. Allyn Dubief, 34, was stopped by Bend Police Thursday night. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Jayson Janes said Bend PD contacted them and he was interviewed. Dubief was known to the property owners, but no other information was provided. 

Cracking Open the Childcare Crisis

City Club of Central Oregon is hosting a forum on “Cracking Open the Childcare Crisis.” Panelists will discuss the structural, economic and regulatory barriers to creating more childcare options in Central Oregon. The forum will be held in person as well as livestreaming on City Club of Central Oregon’s YouTube Channel. One panelist is Kelly Sparks, from OSU Cascades /  Little Kits Early Learning & Child Care Center. She was our guest this morning on Your Town. Entire Interview.

“Cracking Open the Childcare Crisis”

Thursday, February 17, 2022

12-1 p.m., Register Here

In Person at the Riverhouse Convention Center

City Club of Central Oregon YouTube

 

 

DSCO Looking for Suspect in Suspicious Fires

Officials are investigating two suspicious fires in Deschutes River Woods. Bend Fire Department responded yesterday evening to a reported garage fire on Cinder Butte Road. As crews arrived, they discovered a second fire in an adjacent motorhome. Crews were able to quickly contain the flames. Bend Fire says the blazes appear to be intentionally set by a suspect seen leaving the area. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the person and will provide further details. Between the two fires, there is approximately $20,000 in damages.

 

Motorcycle Crash Kills Bend Man

A motorcycle crash killed a Bend man last night in Lake County. Around 5 p.m., Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the incident on Highway 31. Investigators say 39-year-old Trustin Hudson was traveling north, failed to negotiate a corner, went off the roadway and struck a tree. Hudson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

Senator Jeff Merkley Hosts Town Hall

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley is holding a remote town hall Wednesday, February 9, for Deschutes County. The Senator will update constituents on his work in Washington, D.C., and will take questions. Since joining the Senate in 2009, Merkley has held a town hall in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year. The meeting takes place at 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. You can also call in: 

Call 669-254-5252

Enter meeting ID: 161 178 9072

Enter participant ID: #

Enter passcode: 51072659#

 

Bend Police Arrested Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking

An Oregon man is sentenced to 104 months in federal prison for sex trafficking.  According to court documents, Eddie West transported a woman from California to Bend with the intent of selling access to her for sex.  In April 2019, Bend Police saw the ad on a dating website called “Skip the Games” and set up an undercover meeting with West, and arrested him.

 

Oregon to Remove Indoor Mask Requirements

Oregon is set to remove general mask requirements for indoor public places by the end of March. State health officials made the announcement yesterday and say mask requirements for schools will be lifted on March 31, 2022. However, officials say mask requirements need to stay in place for now, as hospitalizations crest. Oregon has the third lowest case rate in the nation since the start of the pandemic. 

Oregon Health Authority says the State’s compliance with mask rules and its high vaccination rates blunted the Omicron surge and prevented hospitals from breaking.

 

Ian Cranston Denied Bail

Accused killer Ian Cranston will remain behind bars until his murder trial in November. Yesterday, after hearing from Cranston’s attorney Kevin Sali and Deputy District Attorney Michael Swart, Circuit Court Judge Beth Bagley denied bail. Cranston  is accused of shooting to death 22-year-old Barry Washington Jr. in downtown Bend last September.

 

Bend Value Inn to Add 40 Shelter Beds

Houselessness in Central Oregon continues to be a growing issue. As we already reported last week,the Bend City Council approved a contract for NeighborImpact to run temporary operations of Bend Value Inn. In a Your Town interview, Councilor Megan Perkins tells KBND News the City planned to renovate the Division street shelter, but the increased need for housing, particularly during the winter, made them switch gears. Perkins says the Bend Value Inn will add temporary 40 beds through May. She’s also talking with the community to listen to their concerns about the local houseless population. Yesterday morning, Perkins met with a group, in Drake Park. For more information, go to https://www.houselessindeschutes.org

 

 

Crook County Shooting Leaves One Dead, and a Deputy on Leave

A person is dead and a Crook County Sheriff’s deputy is on administrative leave after a shooting on Friday. The incident happened on Maphet Road about 10 miles south of Prineville. Few details of the incident have been released, including the name and age of the victim. A statement from the sheriff’s office says the individual who was shot received immediate medical aid from deputies, but died. Sheriff John Gautney could not elaborate on the fatal shooting, saying further information will come from the District Attorney’s Office. Crook County has an acting district attorney from the Oregon Department of Justice after former DA Wade Whiting was appointed to the Jefferson/Crook County Circuit Court. We’ll have more information on this story as it becomes available.

 

SAR and Airlink Rescue Injured Snow Biker

An injured Bend man is recovering after hitting a tree  on his snow bike Saturday afternoon. At about 2:30 p.m., Deschutes County Search and Rescue volunteers responded to a call of a 46-year-old who had been injured near Kwohl Butte, around two miles south of Mt. Bachelor. Six SAR volunteers traveled to the scene with the snowmobile and medical teams. Close to 5 p.m, the crews arrived at the man’s location where they evaluated him and called for Airlink. The helicopter arrived near the Kwohl Butte Shelter at around 7 p.m. and transported the patient to St. Charles in Bend.

 

Student Arrested

A seventh grade boy was arrested yesterday for making phone calls threatening staff and students at Powell Butte Community Charter School. Law enforcement found enough evidence to arrest him and deputies took the boy to the Deschutes County Juvenile Detention Center.

Fallen Hero Sign to be Posted on Cascade Lakes HWY

A “Fallen Hero” sign memorializing a U.S. Marine from Bend will soon be placed along the Cascade Lakes Highway. Jack-Ryan Ostrovsky was one of nine service members killed two years ago when an amphibious assault vehicle sank during training off the southern California coast. The sign honoring Lance Corporal Ostrovsky will be placed near the turn to the Meadow Picnic Area about 5 miles up the highway from Bend. The Ostrovsky family requested the sign be placed along the Cascade Lakes Highway in honor of their son who drove the road to go snowboarding at Mount Bachelor. The family thanks Senator Tim Knopp for passing a resolution in the Oregon Senate making the sign possible, and the Oregon Department of Transportation for placing it where thousands of people will see it.

 

 

Car Crash Knocks Out Power to 1,100 Customers

Last night, an intoxicated Redmond driver crashed into a power pole on the Bend Parkway, knocking out power to about 1,100 Pacific Power customers. Bend PD says officers responded about 8:40 p.m. to the crash on the northbound parkway (Highway 97) at the Southeast Division Street on-ramp. Investigators discovered the 29-year-old Redmond resident drove his truck into a Pacific Power pole, blackening out the nearby intersection of Reed Market Road, as well as the parkway on- and off-ramps in both directions. Officers also learned the man’s truck had struck a Subaru occupied by three juveniles, who didn’t require medical attention. The driver was arrested on charges of DUI, reckless endangering, reckless driving and first-degree criminal mischief. Bend PD said parts of Division Street remained closed late Wednesday night as Pacific Power crews worked to restore service. Pacific Power’s outage map indicated about 1,100 customers lost power, and about 50 were still out after midnight.

 

Highway 26 Closed for a Law Enforcement Matter

Highway 26 between Warm Springs at the Deschutes River and Madras at the top of the grade near Columbia Drive is closed in both directions for a law enforcement matter. There is no detour. Authorities will advise when the situation has been resolved. Dispatchers say the closure occurred before 9 a.m. near milepost 111, at Pelton Dam Road, and extended between Warm Springs and Columbia Drive.

 

Threats Prompt Closure of a Powell Butte School

A voicemail and text threatening violence prompted the closure of Powell Butte Community Charter School this morning. Prineville Police and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office are investigating. In a Facebook post, the district made the decision to cancel school for the day to allow police to search the property. Officials said the threat was specific to the small community school, which houses about 200 students in grades K-through-12. It’s located on Highway 126 between Redmond and Prineville. Classes for all other schools started on time and bus routes are running on their normal schedules.

 

Crash Kills Driver Near Alfalfa

A Bend woman was killed last night  in a one-car crash after she drove away from authorities during a traffic stop. According to Oregon State Police the incident happened on Johnson Ranch Road near Alfalfa around 9 p.m. when a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputy tried pulling over 50-year-old Lisa Peaslee. OSP says Peaslee fled and crossed over the southbound lane and hit a rock embankment about a half-mile south of Sterns Road. Peaslee was pronounced dead at the scene. Johnson Ranch Road was closed for about 7 hours while OSP and Bend Police investigated.

 

Archives:

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

On Air Now

Lars Larson
Lars Larson
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Lars Larson

FlashAlert

KBND ON FACEBOOK

News Disclaimers