Month: September 2014

They are sometimes called the best form of medicine. But starting Oct. 1, St. Charles Health System is cracking down on what could be called an epidemic of unruly pets in the hospitals’ rooms and hallways. “It’s just grown in volume, and we’ve lost some control,” St. Charles Chief Nursing Executive and Vice President Pam

“In order to better maintain the cleanliness of its facilities and protect patients from potential infections,” St. Charles Health System said Wednesday it will change its pet visitation policy as of Oct. 1 to allow only service animals and approved therapy dogs inside its hospitals and clinics. The organization said the move “is in alignment

The La Pine Fire District Firefighter Scholarship Program makes the dream of being a firefighter a reality. Six new firefighters start their first shift next week, but first they had to learn all the tools of the trade. “Today we’re actually more hands on,” student firefighter Dylan Weimer said Wednesday. When disaster strikes, first responders

Stage Right Productions, the nonprofit organization that operates 2 nd Street Theater, has received a $10,000 grant from the Kevin J. Mossier Foundation in support of their ongoing efforts to stage innovative, unique theater productions. The mission of the Mossier Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The community has spoken out about fairness, when it comes to Bend sewer and water utility rates. The city is now stepping up to make a change. On Wednesday, a board of city councilors, community members, school board representatives, brewers and others met with a group of outside analysts to discuss ways to change the

A state wildlife biologist was able to shoot a dart and tranquilize a deer wandering Wednesday on Bend’s Westside with an arrow in its head, but he said an examination showed serious jaw damage that led to a decision to euthanize it. “Things went well – we got the deer down” near Bend’s Colorado and

A power outage hit about 4,500 Pacific Power customers in downtown Bend and on the city’s Westside for nearly a half-hour Wednesday afternoon, setting off alarms, darkening traffic lights and trapping at least a couple of people in elevators. It apparently was caused by electrocution of a juvenile red-tailed hawk, according to Jeannettte Bonomo of

The city of Bend is beginning a Land Use and Transportation Plan for the Central Westside of Bend in anticipation of growth, and seeking applicants for a citizen advisory panel to help guide its course. “The plan is a fresh look at the future of land use and transportation,” the city said in Wednesday’s announcement.

Redmond Fire and Rescue once again has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. “I am extremely proud to announce that Redmond Fire and Rescue, for the second year in a row, has received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award,” stated Tim Moor, Fire Chief for Redmond Fire and Rescue. “This award reflects

Prineville Reservoir State Park Campground will be closed in October for a paving project. The day use area will remain open, along with Jasper Point Campground on the reservoir’s northeast shore, which has 27 first-come, first-served campsites with waterfront views and boat ramp access. The paving project – which will cost approximately $420,000 – will

Central Oregon students have a chance to devise new ways to supply food to the world in the 23rd annual Inventerprise contest sponsored by Bend Research, a division of Capsugel Dosage Form Solutions, with support from Bend-La Pine Schools and Central Oregon Community College. The theme of this year’s contest addresses the growing nutritional needs

With the arrival of fall and return of wet, stormy weather, ODOT is advising motorists to prepare their vehicles in advance – and encouraging everyone, including pedestrians and bicyclists, to plan for extra traveling time. Adjusting your speed or changing a route based on the weather, and then being extra cautious, all play up the

A veteran “hotshot” firefighter was struck and seriously injured by a falling snag Sunday evening while helping battle a 2-week-old wildfire on the Oregon side of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, officials said Monday evening. Richard (Wally) Ochoa Jr., 51, a member of the Winema Interagency Hotshot Crew, suffered a fractured skull, two broken

Oregon will receive $2.6 million a year for seven years for college readiness initiatives as part of the statewide GEAR UP program, the U.S. Department of Education announced Monday. Oregon GEAR UP — an acronym for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs — is a federally-funded college access and success program that increases

It’s been a long road toward the finish line for residents and businesses surrounding Bend’s Murphy Road Project, and although portions of the project are ahead of schedule, some neighbors said Tuesday the working hours seem to be getting longer. “The first thing we hear are back up alarms,” nearby resident David Spry said Tuesday.

Is it a measure that’s going to change the way you live? Probably not, unless you’re a state judge. And according to experts, probably not even if you ARE a state judge. But Measure 87 is still necessary bureaucratic work that could use your vote. The measure was passed unanimously by the state Senate, and

Hurricane Odile ripped through the resort town of Cabo San Lucas in Mexico just over a week ago, stranding tourists for days. Redmond resident Dutch Hockett was visiting with his wife, and they finally got home Saturday night. Hockett and his wife had been planning a trip to Cabo for quite some time.This trip was

The High Desert Museum’s 25th Annual Rendezvous netted more than $322,000, the highest amount in several years. “We’re thrilled that the Rendezvous was such a big success, and we owe many thanks to our sponsors and donors. We greatly appreciate their generosity,” said Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, PhD. Proceeds from the fundraiser, held in late

On August 21st, La Pine firefighters welcomed six new student firefighters starting the 2014 Firefighter I Academy. The intensive academy consisted of 32 full days with over 250 hours of class room, practical skill and exercise scenarios for basic firefighting and rescue which will be completed on Sunday, September 28 th . After hours, the

The Ochoco National Forest has issued a Record of Decision for the Wolf Fuels and Vegetation Management Project, an analysis that began in 2013 and incorporated significant input from the Ochoco Forest Restoration Collaborative and other members of the public. The project name comes from Wolf Creek and North Wolf Creek, which intersect the 24,500-acre