Month: July 2011

It’s a celebration we all look forward to every year. Fireworks displays across Central Oregon are annual events, along with the personal fireworks families use in their own backyards. And it’s those fireworks that had Bend fire and police on edge every year. “It’s a really hard enforcement action for us to take, only because

A 28-year-old Bend man ? urged by friends not to drive drunk — was arrested and briefly jailed on DUII and reckless driving charges after crashing into a power pole and shearing it off in northeast Bend late Monday night, police said. The crash knocked out power to more than 250 Pacific Power customers for

Central Oregon firefighters were scrambling Monday night to handle a flurry of fires across the region, most apparently sparked by illegal fireworks — but some also by the big professional Fourth of July pyrotechnic displays igniting grass and brush below. At least two significant spot fires were tackled on the slopes of Bend’s Pilot Butte

The Fourth of July was no day off for Central Oregon firefighters, as they battled an escaped burn in a field east of Bend and a string of brushfires along Highway 97 north of Terrebonne, several hours before the big nighttime fireworks shows. The largest of those fires burned about 12 acres and sent smoke

Think you can guess the date the Redmond Airport will record a temperature of 100 degrees? If you’re right, you could win a free air conditioning unit courtesy of Central Oregon Heating & Cooling! Take your best guess below, and good luck! Guess the day it hits 100 as recorded at the Redmond Airport and

On Saturday, La Pine’s Frontier Days annual Fourth of July celebration drew hundreds, but the fun didn’t end there this weekend. The ninth annual La Pine Rodeo drew nearly 300 competitors in events ranging from riding to roping, barrel racing and more. These cowboys came to compete and have a fun time. The La Pine

It was all fun in the sun on the slopes of Mount Bachelor this weekend, as the mountain opened for summer operations. There was little snow but lots of smiles, and it’s a popular tourist attraction every year. The Pine Marten Lodge is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day through Labor Day.

We’ve been following the recovery of a badly hurt bald eagle found near La Pine two weeks ago, and we’re happy to report he is continuing to get better as raptors vets are staying optimistic. On Sunday, Dr. Jeff Cooney was excited to tell NewsChannel 21 the poor guy stood up on his good leg

The wolves came within howling distance of the house, but were gone by the time Kim Jacobs found dead lambs on her family’s eastern Oregon ranch that spring morning. While many conservationists welcome the return of gray wolves into the Pacific Northwest, Jacobs wants to shoot them if they harm her livestock. “A lot of

Nearly 100 breeds of four-legged friends are competing, to be the top dog in one of Central Oregon’s biggest shows. The Mount Bachelor Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show began Friday morning and runs through Sunday at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. More than 1,500 owners and handlers come together with their canines to compete in

This Fourth of July weekend is packed with activities on the High Desert — and for those in La Pine, it’s the most anticipated event of the year. The 12th annual Frontier Days celebrates the heritage and culture of La Pine. This year’s event is bigger and better than years past, and hundreds of people

Deschutes County sheriff?s deputies on Saturday identified three other people injured, one critically, in a three-car crash late Friday afternoon on Hwy. 20W near Black Butte Ranch. Joan Cook, 67, of Corvallis, remained in critical condition Saturday evening at St. Charles Medical Center-Bend, according to a nursing supervisor. Cook’s car veered into the oncoming lane

Mount Bachelor kicked off its summer operations Friday under bright blue skies, and with a rare treat as well — skiing and snowboarding through the Fourth. A popular tourist attraction every summer, too, the Pine Marten Lodge is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day through Labor Day. Visitors can take the lift

A Portland police officer who accidentally shot a suspect with lethal rounds from a shotgun made “a tragic mistake,” Portland’s mayor said Friday. Portland police Officer Dane Reister fired his shotgun four times, striking suspect William Monroe on Thursday morning with live rounds. Portland Police Chief Mike Reese said Reister thought he was firing less-lethal

After 150 days, the Oregon Legislature closes up shop and heads home Thursday night, marking the shortest session in 42 years. The five-month 2011 session was marked with three historic firsts: it was the first annual session, the first time the House was split 30-30 between the major parties and the first time for a