Month: March 2013

The Bend-based Oregon Natural Desert Association and the Audubon Society of Portland said Thursday they have filed a petition asking Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to revoke a 2011 decision allowing “industrial-scale” wind development on southeast Oregon’s Steens Mountain. “The crumbling financial and regulatory framework for a proposed industrial wind facility on Steens Mountain has spurred

Just in time for spring break travel, Redmond Municipal Airport said Thursday it is losing an advanced security screening machine, so it’s advising air travelers to arrive 90 minutes before they are scheduled to depart. Passenger traffic through RDM is anticipated to increase in March during spring break season. “Due the increased traffic and changes

For decades, the U.S. Forest Service let small fires in remote areas burn naturally – in recognition that fire was part of the natural landscape, and that by letting some fires burn, larger fires could be prevented. But last year, every fire was battled unless granted special status. That’s been acknowledged as part of the

Excitement for a new flight option in Central Oregon is taking off. It was announced Wednesday that American Airlines is interested in establishing non-stop flights between Redmond and Los Angeles — if local interest, in the form of pre-sold tickets and a separate revenue guarantee are arranged by the end of next week. “We’re looking

In a string of fires apparently set intentionally by an arsonist this week, Trinity Episcopal Church and St. Helens Hall, which houses the Family Kitchen, were badly damaged. Church members and volunteers still dished out dinner Thursday night, using the space offered by a nearby church that wanted to help out. “That is what Family

Oscar Mayer’s Wienermobile is visiting Central Oregon this week. Spokeswoman “Pepper Jackie Cheese” said they “will have the famous Oscar Mayer Wiener Whistles. We will also have the door open to the vehicle during each of our events, so guests can take a peek into the interior of the 27-foot-long hot dog hot rod.” Date:

Attendees at Central Oregon Community College Foundation’s recent benefits set a 38-year fundraising record: $265,000 was raised for COCC student scholarships. Last year., 320 students received foundation scholarships. “This is truly an awe-inspiring testimony to the generosity of Central Oregonians and how much they believe in our students,” said Jim Weaver, executive director of the

BendFilm announced that it has added three new board members and pays recognition to its advisory committee. New board members James Foster, Karen Koppel and Pam Wakefield join President Frank Groundwater and Secretary April Munks, along with Kim Cooper Findling, Michael Gough and Gina McClard. The organization also recognizes its advisory committee, which consists of

The Bethlehem Inn has elected Pat Ackley, President of the Bethlehem Inn’s Board of Directors. She has served on the board for two years, and chaired their Governance and Program Committees. Ackley is a retired organization development consultant and local community activist. The Bethlehem Inn elected four new Board members: Pete Sandgren, former data management

A neighbor’s call to 911 has led to the arrest of two La Pine men on several charges in the burglary of an unoccupied La Pine home, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said Thursday. Shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday, deputies assisted by Oregon State Police responded to a call of a suspicious circumstance at a home

The Office of State Fire Marshal is urging residents to test their smoke alarms before routinely changing the batteries. Sunday, March 10 marks the spring tradition of changing clocks an hour forward and it serves as a good reminder for Oregonians to test their smoke alarms. “Smoke alarm technology has advanced and many now come

Last year, Oregonians reported sending more than $300,000 — most often, by wire transfer — to scammers pretending to be a relative in trouble in a foreign country, and the true figure is likely in the millions, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said in a “scam alert” Thursday. Their story usually follows a familiar line:

The string of fires early Wednesday morning did extensive damage to the Trinity Episcopal Church and their building next door, St. Helens Hall that houses the Family Kitchen, where they serve hundreds of hot meals to the community. A small crowd gathered Wednesday morning behind the yellow crime scene tape, recalling special moments in the

The Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places with the City of Redmond have issued a call to who wish to be part of the “Passport to the Arts” celebration Saturday, August 17, 2artists 013 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This exciting event will take place in downtown Redmond’s Centennial Park and will feature

These last few years, getting through airport security can be a challenge. And it always seems like you have to part with something before getting on board. But thanks to some new rules from the Transportation Security Administration, Redmond traveler Dick Wild soon won’t have to spend as much money on new knives. “I have

Bend High students joined together Wednesday for a rally to help get rid of the “R-word,” a slang word for mental retardation. The sixth annual rally helped to support people with intellectual disabilities and to promote the negative effects of the harmful word. “I get really upset, said Celia Grijalva,organizer for the rally. “I just

Police are not saying if they believe a string of fires set in downtown Bend early Wednesday morning are connected, but residents affected by the flames find it hard to think about anything besides arson. Police taped off seven different crime scenes Monday morning. Five of them were in the alley near St. Helens Place.

Voters have until March 12 at 8 p.m. to cast ballots in the election to renew the Sisters School District Local Option. But Thursday, March 7, is the final day to mail in ballots and still have them count. This election requires at least 50% of registered voters to cast ballots in order for the

The March for ONE Oregon bus tour is an effort to advocate to provide 11 million undocumented citizens a path to citizenship. A group of Central Oregon activists boarded the bus that left Bend on Tuesday. It’s a five day tour through cities in Congressman Greg Walden’s district.The group will listen to the concerns and

Central Oregon has a shot at bringing back daily direct flights to Los Angeles that were lost nearly three years ago. But as has been done in the past, the High Desert must do some quick fund-raising to lure new flights, this time with American Airlines, to Redmond Airport. Roger Lee, executive director of Economic