Month: January 2015

Bend 2030 has released an amended version of its Housing Affordability Report to reflect a change in the results of one question on a recent housing affordability survey. But the group said its overall recommendations on solutions to the housing affordability crisis remain unchanged. Question 13 of the Bend 2030 Housing Affordability Survey, conducted last

Drivers in the U.S. are paying the lowest average gas prices in nearly six years, and the national average is likely to slide below $2 per gallon before the end of the month, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday. For the week, the national average slips six cents to $2.05 per gallon. The Oregon average falls nine

“American Sniper” shattered January box office records in its opening weekend, and by the looks of the line outside Bend’s Regal Old Mill Cinemas Monday night, it’s still doing very well amid some debate and controversy. Clint Eastwood’s latest Oscar-nominated film collected $105 million over the weekend. The biography stars Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller,

The Association of Oregon Counties is urging President Obama to use his office and influence in order to avoid a costly and disruptive shutdown of West Coast ports. In a letter signed by AOC President Gary Thompson, the group asks the president to intervene in the labor dispute that has slowed the movement of cargo

Central Oregon’s economy relies heavily on tourism, and in the winter months, the lack of new snowfall could put a dent in the tourism season. “Tourism continues to be the single largest economy for Central Oregon, generating over three-quarter of a billion dollars annually,” Alana Hughson, president and CEO with the Central Oregon Visitors Association,

More than 380 Central Oregon volunteers came out to take part in a variety of projects on Monday’s sixth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Nonprofits across Central Oregon in Bend, La Pine, Prineville and Redmond developed 20 projects — utilizing over 1,100 hours of volunteer work to paint, build, arrange flowers, craft

Flu season so far has tread lightly on the High Desert, compared to other, harder-hit regions. But consider yourself warned, the tide is turning. “Oregon is now definitely on the uptick,” Kari Coe, St. Charles Director of Infection Prevention and Caregiver Health, said Monday. In Central Oregon, Coe said, the Madras area has been hit

Oregon students who want to major in hotel management have to leave the state to do so. That is, until now. “Once they leave, we lose them,” OSU-Cascades instructor Todd Montgomery said Monday. The major came to be after local industry members went to OSU-Cascades with a need. They wanted students with a business background

Monday marked 60 days until spring, but this week will not feel anything like winter. Up at Mt. Bachelor, it looks like a lot of snow but that actual numbers may surprise you. “Usually we see about 10 feet of snow coming over Hoodoo. Unfortunately, this year, not so much,” skier Mike Middleton said. But

Central Oregon’s iconic museum is offering free admission this Saturday, thanks to a generous sponsorship by Mid Oregon Credit Union. “Family Free Day” is a rare opportunity to enjoy the amazing wildlife, artful exhibits and meaningful history offered at the High Desert Museum — at no cost. “This is always a very fun and busy

The city of Bend looks to add about 30 new positions in coming weeks, primarily to staff up the Bend Fire Department under the voter-approved tax levy to speed response times to critical medical calls. But it’s also restoring the position of economic development manager, one of many cut when the recession hit. The 30.25

Central Oregon Community College has set a series of community meetings around the region for the public in coming days to meet and talk with the four finalists to become its next president. Here’s that schedule: Bend COCC Boyle Education Center Lobby Dr. Leah BornsteinTues., Jan. 205 to 5:45 p.m. Dr. Jimmie BruceThurs., Jan. 225

Deadlines are approaching for families interested in applying for Attendance Area Change Requests and magnet and charter schools at Bend-La Pine Schools. Parents interested in these magnet and charter school options should consider attending upcoming parent information sessions and tours of local schools. The deadline to apply for a magnet or charter school is 4

Mosaic Medical is pleased to announce that Todd Gould has joined the Mosaic Medical Madras team as the Madras Clinic Manager. Todd comes to Mosaic Medical with a very strong background in business and healthcare management. After spending several years working in a variety of management positions in the Salem area, Todd was instrumental in

The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association has issued a pair of news releases in recent weeks to voice their concerns over wolf attacks on cattle and a recent large purchase of a large ranch along the John Day River. Here’s Friday’s news release, entitled ‘Danger in the Private to Public Trend’: A new trend has started in

Five days a week, hundreds of Bend parents pick up their kindergarteners before lunch, including Meredith Planegger. “I have twins, and one of them is full-day and one of them is half-day,” Planegger said Friday. In Oregon schools, half-day kindergarten is free, while a full day of class costs about $3,600 a year per student,

Central Oregon lawmakers said this week they stand united behind OSU-Cascades’ plan to become a four-year university. “It’s really important not only for our economy in Central Oregon but just the overall culture and feel of the area, and people need the access to a four-year university locally,” state Rep. Knute Buehler, R-Bend, said earlier

Oregon State University plans to launch the state’s only four-year degree in hospitality management beginning this year at the OSU-Cascades campus in Bend. The proposal was approved Friday by the OSU Board of Trustees. The multi-disciplinary degree will include options for eco-tourism and sustainability, a business minor, and practicum/internship requirements. In Oregon, hospitality is a

The year 2014 was the hottest on Earth in 134 years of record-keeping, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported Friday , continuing a pattern of global warming that is attributed primarily to rising levels of greenhouse gases. Oregon was not exempt from the warming and logged the second-hottest year since records were kept beginning

The United States Air Force is scheduled to sponsor a major high school rivalry basketball game between the Bend Lava Bears and the Mountain View Cougars. The first annual “Air Force Invitational” is set to take place on Friday, February 6 th at 6:45 pm at the Bend High School gym. The winner will take