http://www.centraloregonian.com/ Stories from the Central Oregonian (c)2013, Eagle Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved Jack M. Duckett Jack M. Duckett passed away May 9, 2013 in Prineville, Ore. When preparing for this event, Jack composed the following letter for notifying family and friends. “Dear family and friends, http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16184/jack-m-duckett Fri, 24 May 2013 11:59:58 GMT 16184 Sometimes the most challenging part of getting a new business off the ground is coming up with a name. Dr. Bethany Holman will tell you. She and her husband wrestled with this problem as they tried to think of a catchy name for her new veterinary clinic, Crooked Tails. “My husband actually came up with it,” she said. “We thought about it (Crooked Tails), and said, no, that sounds terrible. It’s unprofessional. But I’ve had good responses about it. People like it.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16182/affordable-pet-care-with-all-the-traditional-services Fri, 24 May 2013 11:13:17 GMT 16182 July marks two years for Prineville’s Solstice Brewing Company, an occasion in which owner Joe Barker takes special delight. “I had people tell me to my face that we would be here 90 days, and then we would close,” Barker recalled of some of the less-than-supportive encouragement he received when Solstice opened in July 2011. “I grew up in a small town, and I saw that happen. So we’re looking forward to get to that two year anniversary. That’s a huge success for us.” He’s always wanted to brew beer on site — that is what a brewery does, after all — but funding and other challenges kept this out of reach for more than a year, during which time the brew pub served only guest beer. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16183/solstice-celebrates-two-years-and-seven-different-brews Fri, 24 May 2013 11:13:17 GMT 16183 As an ongoing effort to protect meadows and resources in the McKay Creek watershed, the public is once again being asked to offer comments on the newest project. The Lookout Mountain Ranger District is proposing to implement restoration activities in the riparian zones in these areas to improve watershed function and to protect sensitive resources from damage by uncontrolled motor vehicle access and livestock. The project will also involve stabilizing two head cuts and developing an off-site water source for cattle and wildlife. A similar project was implemented in 2007, when there was considerable resource damage up McKay Creek caused by OHVs. The most current project involves meadows that are being proposed for restoration, including Highland Flat, McKay Saddle, Divide Cabin Meadow, Gopher Flats Meadow, and an unnamed meadow along Forest Service Road 2705. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16181/public-being-asked-to-provide-feedback-on-mckay-creek-watershed-project Thu, 23 May 2013 14:53:17 GMT 16181 In January, about 35 local leaders attended an informational session on urban renewal districts to determine if the program could work in Prineville. They apparently feel it could as the City of Prineville staff has decided to move forward with a feasibility study that will examine the possibility more closely. “So right now, what I’m doing is putting together an RFQ — request for qualifications — that we can put out to solicit proposals from contractors [who are experts in urban renewal districts],” said City Planning Director Scott Edelman. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16180/city-takes-next-step-on-urban-renewal-district Thu, 23 May 2013 14:51:05 GMT 16180 On Memorial Day, people passing through town will be greeted by the sight of nearly 120 flags lining the sidewalks of Third Street. This past week, multiple volunteers completed work on the Flags of Prineville project, which provides people opportunities to purchase flags for display in more than 200 locations in town. “It’s $35 a flag and that includes the pole, all of the rigging, putting it in the hole as well as your name embroidered on the flag,” said Seth Crawford, who is a project coordinator along with Melissa McGrew and Bob Brumagin. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16179/a-patriotic-display Thu, 23 May 2013 14:48:56 GMT 16179 Crook County voters narrowly approved a $33 million schools bond and elected board members for several local districts on Tuesday night. All of the following results are current as of Thursday morning and are unofficial until certified. Measure 7-61 passed by a margin of 2,401 to 2,232. It will provide $18 million for construction of a new elementary school to replace Crooked River and Ochoco Elementary. It will also allocate an additional $15 million to fund much-needed repairs for the other schools throughout the Crook County School District. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16178/voters-approve-school-bond-measure-7-61 Thu, 23 May 2013 14:47:10 GMT 16178 Honoring their comrades in service for the very last time is a final act of respect from the Band of Brother’s Honor Guard to fallen veterans and their families. “The families have always been extremely grateful that we’re there, that we took the time to be there with flags to do a service,” commented honor guard commander Joe Raber. “It’s a pleasure to do it — and just seeing the gratitude on people’s faces. When they come up and say thank you — it makes you feel good.” He reflected on a call they received from a family in Arizona, requesting the Honor Guard to give honors to a deceased veteran. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16177/respecting-the-honored-few Thu, 23 May 2013 14:43:36 GMT 16177 Students from all over the state congregated at Crook County Middle School last weekend to demonstrate their innovations and designs in harnessing the wind. Crook County Middle School hosted the competition last Saturday for the First Annual KidWind Challenge. KidWind is an internationally-recognized organization in K-12 renewable energy education. “It went well,” commented Crook County Middle School science instructor Fred Hisaw. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16176/blown-away Thu, 23 May 2013 14:34:53 GMT 16176 I love mini-vacations that last two to three days, and last weekend my wife and I had one of those at Odell Lake. We stayed at a nice little cabin with a view of the lake. Our goal was not only to go after Odell’s renowned lunker lake trout, aka mackinaw, but also to have a relaxing getaway. We fished for three hours with Mike Jones, who guides for Shelter Cove Resort, but fishing was slow that morning for everybody and we had only two bites, but no fish. However, it was a fun little mini-vacation. I know there are huge lake trout in this lake. I witnessed it firsthand on the outing prior to this one. On that trip, I tagged along with Jones and Rollin Beauchane from Canby. Beauchane fished Odell Lake on two earlier occasions for lake trout, but came up empty, so he decided to go out with Jones. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16175/goin-deep-for-the-big-macks Thu, 23 May 2013 13:41:44 GMT 16175 Youth was the name of the game for the Crook County Cowboy baseball team. The Cowboys had just four seniors on their roster and had three freshmen who played significant time during the course of the season. As a result, the team struggled from time to time with consistency. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16172/youthful-team-makes-progress Thu, 23 May 2013 13:15:23 GMT 16172 The Crook County Cowgirls showed moments of greatness, but also showed their inexperience as the team struggled to a 12-14 record in the 2013 softball season. “If we could have played all of our games like we did the last two we probably would have been in contention for the league title,” said head coach Garry White. Crook County failed to earn a play-in contest for the first time since the new format was implemented. Still, there were a lot of positives in the Cowgirls’ season. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16173/cowgirls-have-up-and-down-season Thu, 23 May 2013 13:15:23 GMT 16173 It was a busy weekend for Carly Hibbs. Friday afternoon, she placed third in the 3,000-meter run at the Greater Oregon League district track and field meet in Ontario. Instead of waiting to receive her third-place ribbon, she jumped into a car and raced to Burns for a high school rodeo. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16174/local-cowgirls-continue-to-impress-at-burns-rodeo Thu, 23 May 2013 13:15:23 GMT 16174 The Oregon Primary Care Association (OPCA) has recognized Megan Haase, CEO of Mosaic Medical with one of its annual Health Center Leadership awards. The awards honor Oregonians who contribute to the success of the state’s network of community health centers. Health centers provide comprehensive, culturally competent primary care to more than 333,000 Oregonians in medically underserved communities statewide. Haase is a family nurse practitioner by training. She has been with Mosaic since 2002 and served in the role of provider and medical director before becoming CEO in 2010. She sits on the Central Oregon Health Council and the boards of the Rimrock Health Alliance and St. Charles Health System. For more information, please contact Mosaic Medical at 541-447-0707 or see: www.mosaicmedical.org. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16171/ceo-of-mosaic-medical-honored-for-leadership-skills Wed, 22 May 2013 13:07:47 GMT 16171 The unofficial results of the 2013 Crook County district election are in. Measure 7-61, which authorizes a tax bond for a new school and repairs to other schools passed 2401 to 2232 . For Crook County School Board, Patti Norris defeated Ray Graves, for Zone 3, 2,169 to 1,070. In the three-way race for Zone 5, Gwen Carr was elected with 1,363 votes versus 1,064 for Brad Peterson and 741 for Mike Stuart. Scott Cooper (Zone 2) and Walt Wagner (Zone 4) were elected after running unopposed. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16170/unofficial-2013-district-election-results Wed, 22 May 2013 08:18:08 GMT 16170 I feel your editorial opinion on the letter from the Central Oregon Patriots proposing ideas for helping local businesses was in very bad taste. Your reporter’s informative interview with Craig Brookhart, the group’s chairman, appeared on the front page of our newspaper and was likely the first time most readers had the chance to hear about the ideas and consider them. The fact that you decided to jump in the same day and offer a negative editorial opinion was rude and preemptive. Brookhart, in addition to suggesting a possible community-sponsored low interest loan for struggling businesses that qualified, emphasized that the COP group really wants to help our community prosper and that the COP letter was an attempt to “stimulate a discussion about what the possibilities really are.” The idea was to get city, county, and community leaders together to evaluate ideas for helping small businesses in Crook County succeed and to develop a plan. Financial aid was only part of the plan. Mentoring, advertising, and other volunteer help from groups like the Chamber of Commerce and EDCO were also mentioned by Brookhart, who emphasized that initiating the conversation was just a start. The fact that you chose to jump on the bandwagon and throw cold water on the COP proposal before it got community-wide discussion was disappointing to me. I have attended many COP meetings and have come to respect the people therein who sincerely want to help revive the economy of this special community in which we live. Anne Porter Prineville http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16167/patriots-business-plan-editorial-was-published-too-soon Tue, 21 May 2013 14:18:13 GMT 16167 Thank you for your recent story placing the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services' notice to Ochoco Care Center into perspective. Seeing the notice of “noncompliance” recently posted in the Central Oregonian could have potentially led some readers to assume the worst — that the Care Center was providing poor care for their residents. Your reporter did an excellent job of informing the community that care is not the issue. As our population continues aging, as 10,000 baby boomers enroll in Medicare daily, the need for quality care for elders whose needs exceed the capability of their families’ will make access to facilities like Ochoco Care Center increasingly important. Roger Endert and his staff are showing proactive foresight by undertaking some major remodeling at OCC. Unfortunately, the review cycles of CMS and the Oregon Fire Marshall are not necessarily in synch. The fact that the Fire Marshall’s signature was not in place when CMS did their review renders OCC’s compliance plan, and the Fire Marshall's scheduled visit, irrelevant. CMS issued their notice for all to read. Casting potential doubt on OCC’s care, and potentially delaying or denying payment to a crucial facility, does not service our community, our elderly citizens, and their families well. I would hope that CMS has the integrity to publish the dismissal of their notice once the Fire Marshall has completed his inspection and submitted his report. Thank you for allaying concerns in the meantime. Michael Knower, M.D. Prineville http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16168/ochoco-care-center-non-compliance-was-accurately-reported Tue, 21 May 2013 14:18:13 GMT 16168 I am once again going to voice my opinion on how I feel about the unfairness concerning the PERS retirement system. I retired from the Portland Fire Bureau in April of 1988 after serving 30 years as a fire fighter paramedic. In all those 25 years, I feel as though I have been being somewhat overpaid from the PERS retirement system. The news media has for quite some time now been talking about making a number of changes in the way PERS is being funded. I will be one of the first to agree there should be major changes in the funding because the system is out of control and is not a fair system inasmuch as it is costing the worker in the private sector too much. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16169/major-changes-to-pers-are-needed Tue, 21 May 2013 14:18:13 GMT 16169 Every day I take my dog for a walk to the little park by the Crook County Library. She gets to run around, play in the water, and dig in the dirt. She also likes to eat any garbage that is left on the ground. The other day she found something on the ground, and picked it up. I ran over to remove it from her mouth, but recoiled when I saw that it was a feminine hygiene product. I was absolutely disgusted. Worst of all, it stayed for days where my dog dropped it — right next to the kids’ play area. Clearly, this park is not getting the attention or maintenance that it needs. I am disturbed by the “camping” areas near the creek that show evidence of people staying there overnight, and beer cans left littering the area. The amount of trash around this small park is abhorrent, especially considering that many people take their kids and pets to play there. I ask two things: first, whenever you visit a park — especially this one — please pick up after yourself. There are trash bins provided for this purpose in every park. Use common courtesy. Secondly, I ask the Crook County Parks and Recreation to frequent these parks often, making sure that visitors are abiding by the park rules. Cleaning crews need to check up on waste in order to avoid incidents like I experienced the other day. The park should be a safe area for people to enjoy with their kids and pets — not an area to avoid. Sarah E. Gallup Prineville http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16166/please-help-keep-our-parks-clean Tue, 21 May 2013 14:18:13 GMT 16166 Memorial Day is at once a day to honor the fallen in our nation's wars and the unofficial start of the summer season when we fire up the barbecues and enjoy our rivers, lakes and beaches. Many veterans and military families voice frustration at this dichotomy and the dilution of Memorial Day. In the lead up to the last Monday in May, we will see many articles, editorial cartoons, blog posts and twitter feeds urging us all to remember the real meaning of Memorial Day. I join them here in highlighting the true cost of war - a cost far beyond dollars and cents. In Iraq and Afghanistan alone, we have lost more than 6,000 of America's best men and women - 138 were from Oregon. We owe them and their families a debt that can never be repaid. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16165/pay-respect-to-our-veterans-this-memorial-day Tue, 21 May 2013 14:04:32 GMT 16165 On June 1, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will celebrate the 15th annual State Parks Day by offering free tent, RV, and horse camp sites and free day-use parking at state parks throughout Oregon. State Parks Day is held on the first Saturday in June each year. It was established in 1998 by a joint resolution of the Oregon State Legislative Assembly. "It's a great way to thank Oregonians and visitors for their support of our state parks," said OPRD Director Tim Wood. "A day of free parking and a night of free camping---it gives everyone a chance to enjoy the experience of being outdoors during the summer." State Parks Day will kick off Oregon Outdoors Week (June 1-9), a new initiative that links other statewide and national events promoting outdoor recreation, including the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Free Fishing Weekend, National Fishing and Boating Week, National Marina Day, National Trails Day, and National Get Outdoors Day. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16164/oregon-parks-and-recreation-offering-free-park-amenities-on-june-1 Tue, 21 May 2013 11:07:42 GMT 16164 All Oregon DMV offices including DMV Headquarters will be closed for the statewide furlough on Friday, May 24, and for Memorial Day on Monday, May 27. Customer waiting times tend to be longer on the days just before and after DMV office closures, and this statewide furlough is in combination with the weekend and Monday closure for a national holiday. DMV urges customers to do business by mail or online, if possible, or plan their visits to DMV before Thursday, May 23, or after Tuesday, May 28. Friday’s closure is the last of 10 statewide mandatory unpaid furlough days for most state agencies during the two-year state budget cycle that ends June 30. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16162/oreogn-dmv-offices-to-close-friday-and-monday Tue, 21 May 2013 08:12:34 GMT 16162 Average retail gasoline prices in Oregon have risen 4.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.96/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 1,307 gas outlets in Oregon. This compares with the national average that has increased 8.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.67/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. Including the change in gas prices in Oregon during the past week, prices yesterday were 24.5 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 35.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 16.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 3.0 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago. "The last seven days have delivered some shocks at the pump for motorists in the nation's Midwest," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "I don't believe I've ever seen gasoline prices in the Midwest surpass California- areas of Nebraska, Minnesota, Oklahoma, North and South Dakota, and Kansas- have done that. Gas price records in these areas aren't being quietly replaced, they're being blown out of the water. I don't believe I've ever seen such crazy trends in gasoline prices occur all at one- prices spiking in one area, falling in another, and holding steady in others. What we're seeing today is certainly rare," DeHaan said. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16163/gas-prices-keep-climbing Tue, 21 May 2013 08:12:34 GMT 16163 Prineville/Crook County Airport Manager Kelly Coffelt can certainly relate to the old adage, “Ask and you shall receive.” About one month ago, a story was published in the Central Oregonian that highlighted the 70th anniversary of the airport, and focused on the lack of history available on the facility. It concluded with a request from readers to supply Coffelt with any airport history they had available. The readers came through, and the airport manager had plenty of history to digest. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16161/high-flying-history Mon, 20 May 2013 15:26:38 GMT 16161 Prineville law enforcement is putting the county on the map by sending a local Crook County Sheriff’s Office sergeant to the FBI National Academy. CCSO Sergeant James Savage is one of two law enforcement staff in Oregon who was selected to attend the academy for a 10-week leadership training. “I thought it would be a great idea to send someone from our office, so we put his name in,” said Crook County Sheriff Jim Hensley. He also emphasized that Savage is the first from CCSO to attend the academy. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16160/crook-county-sergeant-attends-fbi-national-academy Mon, 20 May 2013 15:23:19 GMT 16160 Recent data gathered from Oregon’s 2013 Exemption Day demonstrates an alarming increase in non-medical vaccination rates in the state. The non-medical vaccination exemption rate for this group of students has increased to an all-time high of 6.4 percent. This is the highest rate for non-medical exemptions in the United States, and data collected during the 2013 Exclusion Day reflected that there were increases from 2012 in 26 Oregon counties. In Crook County, the rate for kindergartners with a non-medical exemption for required vaccinations went from 5 percent in 2012 to 7 percent in 2013. Deschutes County is at 8.1 percent, and Jefferson is at 1.9 percent. The highest county in Oregon for non-medical vaccination exemptions is Wallowa County at 15.2 percent. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16158/vaccination-exemptions-are-on-the-rise Mon, 20 May 2013 15:18:41 GMT 16158 Last week, the Crook County Parks and Recreation District found itself in a financial bind that was going to require community help. However, an incorrect supplies delivery has changed that situation for the better. On Tuesday, May 14, Parks and Recreation District Director Maureen Booher asked the Prineville City Council for money from its discretionary fund to help pay for some replacement pool equipment. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16159/pool-problems-and-paint Mon, 20 May 2013 15:18:41 GMT 16159 During the last few years, several steps have been taken to increase the quantity of voters in Oregon and increase voting access to eligible citizens. First, in 2007, legislators lowered the voter registration age from 18 to 17, while maintaining the minimum voting age of 18. This year, lawmakers are considering a bill that lowers the voter registration age to 16. In both cases, they are trying to capture more voters and get them registered. Apparently, those efforts are not enough. Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown is also sponsoring House Bill 3521, which will automatically register eligible voters once they reach the age of 18. The bill was referred to the House Rules Committee, and received a public hearing on May 8. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16157/automatic-registration-will-not-enhance-the-voting-system Mon, 20 May 2013 15:13:16 GMT 16157 (BPT) — Warmer temperatures often mean a busier social calendar. So whether you're planning a meal to enjoy al fresco, or whipping up a sweet treat for a neighborhood block party, it's a great time of year to experiment in the kitchen. But when you're trying out a new recipe, do you hesitate when it calls for certain ingredients? Ted Allen, television personality and cookbook author, suggests making simple substitutions in your cooking and baking to cut back on added fat and calories and improve the nutrition profile of favorite dishes. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16156/warm-weather-entertaining-made-easy-with-expert-tips-and-recipes Mon, 20 May 2013 14:37:14 GMT 16156 TYPE OF BUSINESS: Fresh produce OWNER: Dominick Martinez LOCATION: 1231 N.W. Dodson http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16154/new-business-profile-pickles-produce-new-business-profile-pickles-produce Mon, 20 May 2013 14:30:47 GMT 16154 The Oregon Primary Care Association (OPCA) has recognized Megan Haase, CEO of Mosaic Medical with one of its annual Health Center Leadership awards. The awards honor Oregonians who contribute to the success of the state’s network of community health centers. Health centers provide comprehensive, culturally competent primary care to more than 333,000 Oregonians in medically underserved communities statewide. Haase is a family nurse practitioner by training. She has been with Mosaic since 2002 and served in the role of provider and medical director before becoming CEO in 2010. She sits on the Central Oregon Health Council and the boards of the Rimrock Health Alliance and St. Charles Health System. For more information, please contact Mosaic Medical at 541-447-0707 or see: www.mosaicmedical.org. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16155/ceo-of-mosaic-medical-honored-for-leadership-skills Mon, 20 May 2013 14:30:47 GMT 16155 Nearly 400 runners braved the elements, Thursday evening, to compete in the annual Crooked River Elementary Fun Run. The 1.5 mile race, which is the culmination of the year for the school’s Cougar Club, attracted 380 runners, despite a heavy rainstorm just prior to starting time. “It rained pretty good right before the race, but then it cleared out and was perfect for the race,” said race co-organizer, A.J. Pickhardt. “We had a lot of kids that were determined to do it no matter what the weather was like.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16151/nearly-400-brave-elements-at-fun-run Mon, 20 May 2013 14:12:52 GMT 16151 Central Oregonian “It was one of those meets that come together and you have kids that excel under pressure,” Crook County head coach track and field coach Ernie Brooks said following the Greater Oregon League District Meet. “Some kids crumble under pressure, but most of our kids set personal records.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16152/cowboys-finish-second-cowgirls-third-at-district-championships Mon, 20 May 2013 14:12:52 GMT 16152 All season, Crook County High School girls tennis coach Lloyd Rodgers has been saying that sophomore Elsa Harris is one of the top tennis players in the Northwest. This weekend, Harris proved Rodgers right as she played her way to a third-place finish in the singles portion of the OSAA Class 4A/3A/2A/1A State Tennis Championships. “I feel good about how I played,” Harris said. “For the most part I played my best, but I could have been a little more consistent and more mentally tough.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16153/harris-takes-third-at-state-tournament Mon, 20 May 2013 14:12:52 GMT 16153 The modified lockdown in place at Pioneer Memorial Hospital has been lifted and operations are back to normal. All entrances that are normally open to the public during business hours are open at this time and doors requiring caregiver badge access are functioning again. The facility was locked down for most of the day Thursday after a caller made threatening remarks. Police contacted the caller and the lockdown was modified late that afternoon. St. Charles officials now feel it is safe to reopen all public entrances and those that require badge access. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16150/pioneer-memorial-lockdown-update Fri, 17 May 2013 11:41:09 GMT 16150 New federal legislation intended to ensure that states collect sales taxes from internet purchases is expected to create bookkeeping problems for Oregon businesses. The Marketplace Fairness Act (S. 743), which passed the U.S. Senate earlier this month by a 69-27 margin, would require retailers who sell items online to collect the appropriate sales tax from the person making the purchase. In other words, if a person in Arizona is buying a product online from a vendor in Oregon, that vendor would be responsible for collecting the amount of sales tax applicable in Arizona and then send the tax money to that state. While the bill passed the Senate by a wide margin, Senators Ron Wyden (D) and Jeff Merkley (D), who represent Oregon where no sales tax exists, voted against the bill and feel it would stifle small businesses. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16148/internet-sales-tax-bill-may-cause-problems-for-oregon-small-businesses Thu, 16 May 2013 15:21:37 GMT 16148 With few days remaining before local voters decide the school bond measure 7-61, those charged with promoting it feel good about its chance of success. “What we are getting is positive,” said Betty Roppe, a member of the 7-61 political action committee (PAC). The approximately $33 million school bond will allocate about $18 million to pay for a new school that would replace the aging Crooked River and Ochoco Elementary schools. The remaining $15 million will fund maintenance of the remaining schools in the Crook County School District. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16149/school-bond-measure-promoters-like-its-chances Thu, 16 May 2013 15:21:37 GMT 16149 Prineville hosted more than 15 agencies Tuesday and Wednesday for an emergency training exercise. The event was initiated by the Oregon National Guard, 102nd Civil Support Team (CST), as a joint training exercise in Prineville. The CST team trained with multiple federal, state, and local agencies in a predetermined scenario, which was designed to test (CST’s) their ability to respond to potential Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) threats. The exercise also supported essential interagency coordination and partnered with first responders. The 102nd CST is made up of 22 members, and their sole purpose is to plan and train with first responders for an impending disaster. In the scenario that transpired over the two days, perpetrator, Ricardo Gallardo is sought after by authorities for possession of materials intended to harm students and residents at Southwest Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, Ore. He has vanished from the public, but has refined a biological agent and has used it against a homeless victim, bearing evidence of his capability to harm on a small scale. He has now left a message with law enforcement threatening to use it on a large scale, by targeting the Crook County Fairgrounds during a rodeo event. He was a former student of S.W. Oregon Community College as a fire science student. He was also a probationary firefighter with the Coos Bay Fire Department, until he was arrested for DUII and possession of a controlled substance. He targeted Prineville because his former Fire Chief was from Prineville, and the fairgrounds was where he decided to disperse the agent to harm Gibson and his family, and as many other victims as possible. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16147/training-exercise-prepares-for-worst Thu, 16 May 2013 15:19:31 GMT 16147 There are seven candidates vying for positions on the Crook County School Board, and Tuesday evening they squared off at a forum sponsored by the Central Oregon Patriots. The meeting, attended by approximately 50-60 community members, was held at the Bowman Museum Annex. It provided an opportunity for the candidates to express their views on several topics that are relevant to the local school district. Craig Brookhart facilitated the discussion, which was conducted in a jeopardy-style format. The main topics included role of education, issues facing the schools, issues affecting students, the school budget, Measure 7-61, and the Common Core Standards. Candidates were given an opportunity to present opening and closing remarks, and were given two minutes for each set of questions. All of the candidates running for the school board attended the forum. Zone 3 includes incumbent Patti Norris, who is being challenged by Ray Graves. Zone five has three candidates; Brad Peterson, Gwen Carr, and Mike Stuart. Zone 4 is unopposed with incumbent Scott Cooper, and Zone 4 is also unopposed by Walt Wagner. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16146/school-board-candidates-express-views-at-forum Thu, 16 May 2013 15:17:11 GMT 16146 When visitors walk through the front doors of Crook County High School, they will see some new additions gracing the atrium as they look through the windows to the outside area. Two concrete ping pong tables and a concrete chess table now preside over the space, adding not only a unique beauty to the area, but an activity outlet for students during break time and before and after school. The tables were purchased by ASB (associated student body) funds, and according to CCHS Leadership instructor Vicki Duncan, the students chose to dedicate them in honor of CCHS Principal Rocky Miner. A concrete chess table was also purchased by the Leadership students. “When we told him we were going to do it, he jumped up and down, he was so excited,” exclaimed Duncan. “He just believes they are a positive addition to the school.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16145/bring-on-the-ping-pong Thu, 16 May 2013 15:13:20 GMT 16145 In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. To pay tribute to their fallen officers, local law enforcement paid honor to the event on Thursday, and went to the Crook County Courthouse, the City Plaza, the Crook County Sheriff's Office, and the Prineville Police Department to lower the flags to half-staff. Crook County Sheriff Jim Hensley commented on Thursday that in 2012, 120 law enforcement officers nationwide lost their lives in the line of duty. In 2011, there were 169. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16144/in-honor-of-the-fallen Thu, 16 May 2013 14:35:34 GMT 16144 Lisa Trask Randall passed away Saturday, May 11, 2013. Services will be held Saturday, May 18, 2 p.m., at the Prineville Nazarene Church. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16142/lisa-randall Thu, 16 May 2013 14:06:30 GMT 16142 Jack Duckett passed away May 9, 2013, in Prineville, Ore. There will be no services held at this time. Jack was born Feb. 4, 1926, in Lewiston, Idaho to Armel and Rowena (Johnson) Duckett. Whispering Pines is in charge of these services. A full obituary will follow. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16143/jack-duckett Thu, 16 May 2013 14:06:30 GMT 16143 In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. To pay tribute to their fallen officers, local law enforcement paid honor to the event on Thursday, and went to the Crook County Courthouse, the City Plaza, the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, and the Prineville Police Department to lower the flags to half-staff. Crook County Sheriff Jim Hensley commented on Thursday that in 2012, 120 law enforcement officers nationwide lost their lives in the line of duty. In 2011, there were 169. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16141/honoring-the-fallen Thu, 16 May 2013 13:58:10 GMT 16141 Mark Kingman Mark Kingham, 53, passed away in Prineville May 14, 2013. He was born June 23, 1960 in Portland, Ore. to Marion and Esther (Edelmann) Kingham. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16137/mark-kingman Thu, 16 May 2013 13:55:46 GMT 16137 April 30, 1966 - May 11, 2013 Lisa Ann Trask Randall of Prineville, Ore. passed away May 11, 2013 at the age of 47. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Nazarene, Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 2 p.m. All are invited to come and share memories of Lisa. She was born April 30, 1966 in Lebanon Ore. to William (Bill) Trask and Mary (James) Trask. Lisa grew up in Sweet Home and Prineville Ore., graduating from Crook County High School in 1985. She worked for Woodgrain Molding of Prineville and the Church of the Nazarene as nursery attendant where she took care of her "babies" each Sunday. Lisa enjoyed collecting cookbooks, gardening and going to yard sales. Lisa was a precious child of God and will be cherished in memory by her co-workers, friends and family. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16138/lisa-randall Thu, 16 May 2013 13:55:46 GMT 16138 May 16, 1951 - May 3, 2013 Youngest daughter of the late John M. and Floreine A. Hudspeth of Prineville, Susan graduated from Crook County High School in 1969. She then married Andy W. Thomas and divorced in 1983. She was preceded in death by her eldest brother Ronald J. Hudspeth of Prineville in 2006 and is survived by brothers Roger L. Hudspeth of Prineville, John R. Hudspeth of Sausalito, Calif. and her sister Anne E. Jackson of Durango, Colo.. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16139/susan-hudspeth Thu, 16 May 2013 13:55:46 GMT 16139 December 9, 1929 - May 8, 2013 Beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away May 8 at his home in Prineville, Ore. He was 83 years old. He was born in Menominee, Mich. to Joseph and Blanche Bebeau. Richard served in the US Army during WWII. He moved to Sutherlin, Ore., in 1954. He worked at Nordic Plywood then worked at Fowlers Auto Body for several years. He moved to Tacoma, Wash., working as maintenance supervisor at The Carlton Center for 15 years. He retired and moved to Prineville, Ore., where he lived on the Keystone Ranch to be near his children and grandchildren. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16140/richard-dick-bebeau Thu, 16 May 2013 13:55:46 GMT 16140 When the first Prineville Endurance Ride was held in 1971, few could imagine what the horse event would eventually become. Just a handful of riders took part in that first event. Now, 42 years later, the event has grown into a major endurance event. This year’s race was especially significant as organizers have changed the name to honor Charlotte and Cole Still, long-time members of the Pacific Northwest Endurance Rides. Charlotte passed away in December of 2012, while Cole passed away in February of this year. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16132/blakeley-glowaski-win-still-memorial-ride Thu, 16 May 2013 13:04:13 GMT 16132 Although several members of the Tri-County rodeo club felt they could have performed better, the team still looked strong at last weekend’s home rodeo. The team, which is made up of cowboys and cowgirls from Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties, were responsible for hosting the rodeo, not just competing. “Home rodeos are always a little more stressful because there is more to do,” said Crook County cowgirl Carly Hibbs. “But the weather is good and the stock is even, so the rodeo is going pretty well.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16133/rodeo-team-looks-strong Thu, 16 May 2013 13:04:13 GMT 16133 The Crook County Cowgirls finished in the middle of the pack at this year’s OSAA Class 4A/3A/2A/1A State Golf Championships. “It was just a learning experience for the team,” said Crook County head coach Grant Patterson. “They were disappointed today, but looking back, I think they will be pleased.” The Cowgirls fired their lowest score of the year on Monday, recording a score of 413 at the tournament, which was held at Eagle Ridge Golf Course in Redmond. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16134/cowgirls-finish-ninth-at-state-championships Thu, 16 May 2013 13:04:13 GMT 16134 One of the interesting parts of being a small town sports reporter is the ebb and flow of the respective sports seasons. The spring sports season is especially hectic. It is not uncommon to have 10-15 high school events in a week, sometimes even more. As a result, it is impossible to cover everything that happens during that time frame. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16135/spring-sports-season-coming-to-an-end Thu, 16 May 2013 13:04:13 GMT 16135 One of my favorite outdoor activities is fishing the John Day River. Earlier this week, I got to do just that – an all-day float trip starting at Service Creek. I would actually float the river for the scenery and solitude alone (we didn’t see a single boat), but I’m glad we had fishing gear along. I caught 69 smallmouth bass. Steve Brown, who I fished with last year on the river, caught 93. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16136/floating-and-fishing-the-john-day Thu, 16 May 2013 13:04:13 GMT 16136 Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Prineville was placed under lockdown This morning due to a security threat and reported threats of violence. Police confirmed the lockdown but could provide few details as of press time. According to Prineville Police Department Captain Michael Boyd, the Bend St. Charles Health System campus received a threatening call, and Prineville Police Department assisted with the lockdown procedure at Pioneer Memorial Hospital on this morning. "Last night, we essentially got an angry phone call from a patient who made a threatening comment," said Media Coordinator for St. Charles Health System Lisa Goodman. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16131/pioneer-memorial-hospital-on-lockdown-this-morning Thu, 16 May 2013 11:59:48 GMT 16131 The North Fork Crooked River begins its journey to the Pacific Ocean from Sera Spring in Williams Prairie high in the Ochoco Mountains, merging with the Crooked River, Deschutes and Columbia on its way to the sea. Along the way, the North Fork provides water for wildlife, livestock and trees, a home for redband trout, recreation at Deep Creek Campground and Prineville Reservoir, fishing opportunities, and water for irrigation and power generation. The natural beauty and solitude of the river have earned it designation as a National Wild and Scenic River. This brief sketch of the North Fork Crooked River is similar to the story of many streams. From its beginning as a small trickle in the forest, its water serves many needs and uses critical to the well-being of our land and people. Without water we cannot survive, and our prosperity and ability to thrive depends on a continued, abundant supply of clean water. Healthy forests and grasslands provide clean, cool water by minimizing soil erosion, filtering surface water through vegetation and soils, and shading land and water with trees and other vegetation. They provide a sustainable quantity of water by allowing snowmelt and rain to soak into the ground, where water is stored in aquifers. Stored water is released over time to provide flow for streams, lakes, ponds, springs, wetlands, and meadows during dry periods. A reliable, sustainable flow of water is important for ecosystem health and for drinking water, irrigation, recreation, power generation, and other business and community needs. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16130/watershed-evaluation-identifies-three-waterways-for-restoration Thu, 16 May 2013 08:28:11 GMT 16130 Thank you for the article on the seven candidates running for the local school board. It is refreshing to see new candidates stepping into the ring and showing an interest in our school system. Getting involved in local issues is a key to continuing to improve our county. New prospective is always a welcome sight. I especially appreciated the comments made by Ray Graves. To quote “nowadays you mention God in school and you almost get expelled, and “more than anything I am willing to listen to the people and what they have to say.” Isn’t that what it’s all about, listening to the people? That is what a republic is, representation by the people and for the people. I encourage you to get involved in local issues, become informed and place an educated vote. As for me, I have become acquainted with Ray and I intend to vote for him in the May election. Get to know Ray, stop in at PrepperUp and see what he is all about. Jane Aggers Prineville http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16126/ray-graves-deserves-your-vote-for-ccsd-school-board Wed, 15 May 2013 16:10:07 GMT 16126 I’d like to throw my support behind Gwen Carr as the at-large candidate for the Crook County School Board. If you’re wondering about the last name, yes, Gwen is my wife. Obviously, I’m biased in my choice for candidates but I think for good reason. Let me explain why. Gwen and I are both native Oregonians. We have two kids attending Crooked River Elementary School, and as a family we hold community service and involvement in high regard. Gwen is a small business owner and has worked as a medical transcriptionist for the past 10 years. She understands what it takes to manage employees and a budget. Those are practical skills that would bring great value to the school board. While Gwen has devoted most of her attention to our children and her business in recent years, she decided it was time to step out and give back to the community. Last year she joined the school district’s facilities committee and worked on the upcoming school bond measure that will appear on the May Ballot as 7-61. She supported the idea of making the needed improvements to our school system without raising additional taxes. This is a win-win for both taxpayers and our children. She also serves on the Keep it Going 7-61 committee that is promoting the bond measure. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16127/vote-gwen-carr-for-school-board Wed, 15 May 2013 16:10:07 GMT 16127 I’m Barbara Pennington and I’m seeking a second term on the Parks and Recreation Board of Directors. I was born and raised in Prineville as were my children. I spent every day all summer long hanging out at the pool and perfecting my belly flop off the high dive (there really was one). For those of you who haven’t had the treasured experience I assure you it hurts as much as you would think. As my children were growing up, they took swimming lessons and played baseball for years. It’s as rewarding to watch your children go through the programs as it is to do it yourself. My current term has been a wonderful and eye opening experience for me. I have come to know and work well with the Parks and Rec staff and other board members. I’ve worked on many of the events in the community that make our Parks and Recreation District so popular and successful. During my term, I’ve been involved with the Daddy Daughter Dance, Santa’s Workshop, Annual Fishing Derby, SOLV cleanup, and the bike path renovation project. It is so much more than just board meetings. Prior to my term on the board I was involved with Parks and Rec through other volunteer opportunities. My commitment is to Parks and Recreation, not simply being on a board. The next four years will be an exciting time in Prineville that will require experience and dedication. With my understanding and willingness to roll up my sleeves for the District throughout the year, I am especially qualified to hold Position 3 on the Parks and Recreation District Board. I hope when you cast your ballot you’ll consider me for Crook County Parks and Recreation Position 3. Barbara Pennington http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16128/barb-pennington-seeks-your-parks-and-rec-board-vote Wed, 15 May 2013 16:10:07 GMT 16128 I am sorely missing the adventures of “Pitchfork Guy” written by Nancy Knoche. Her light-hearted philosophy of farm life is such a relief from all the gloom and doom of today’s news. I’m sure others will join me in waiting for more adventures. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16129/please-bring-back-the-pitchfork-guy-column Wed, 15 May 2013 16:10:07 GMT 16129 At the request of President Obama, Governor Kitzhaber today ordered all flags at public institutions statewide to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, May 15, in observation of Peace Officers Memorial Day. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16125/governor-orders-flags-flown-at-half-staff-on-wednesday Tue, 14 May 2013 10:27:01 GMT 16125 Having access to a four-year university in Central Oregon has been the dream of many local students. As the dream becomes a reality, Oregon State University (OSU) Cascades is ramping up their plans to bring this opportunity to a Bend campus. Becky Johnson, vice president of OSU Cascades in Bend, did a presentation to an eager audience last Wednesday at the weekly “What’s Brewing?” She presented an overview of the project, “4 Central Oregon,” a campaign to expand the Oregon State University-Cascades campus into a four-year university. She said that the goal is to have the first freshmen class enroll in fall 2015, and they forecast they should have approximately 2,000 students. By 2025, they forecast the campus will have 5,000 students. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16122/what-will-a-central-oregon-four-year-university-mean-for-crook-county Mon, 13 May 2013 14:23:51 GMT 16122 The City of Prineville enters the 2013 budget cycle several reasons for optimism — and one major PERS hurdle to overcome. City staff is completing the final number-crunching for the various departments and funds in time for the first budget meeting early next week. “The City continues to be fundamentally very sound and strong,” said Prineville City Manager Steve Forrester. “Our fund balances are adequate or above (policy dictated thresholds). We have been able to continue to invest in critical infrastructure.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16123/city-preparing-for-pers-budget-crunch Mon, 13 May 2013 14:23:51 GMT 16123 People driving past the west ‘Y’ on Saturday may have noticed a group of teens clad in yellow t-shirts sprucing up the landscape. Perhaps a family enjoying some time at Ochoco Creek Park found another group of them cleaning up the playground, or maybe someone else saw them working on the exterior of the new Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce building. All of these projects and more were part of the Crook County Young Life work-a-thon that involved as many as 70 local teens. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16124/young-life-teens-work-on-entrance-to-city Mon, 13 May 2013 14:23:51 GMT 16124 It’s not a good sign when the Forest Service is predicting an early fire season. “The forecast for us is that it’s going to be warmer and drier than normal in this part of Oregon,” commented Ochoco National Forest Supervisor Kate Klein last Friday. She said that forecast will also include the southeast part of Oregon. She added that the snow melt and runoff happened a month earlier than last year. The Ochoco Mountains are at approximately 70 percent of the normal snowpack for this time of the year. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16121/fire-season-expected-to-come-early Mon, 13 May 2013 14:22:16 GMT 16121 Ochoco National Forest Supervisor Kate Klein has confirmed that the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center will be moving its facility to the Redmond Air Center. The discussions about a possible move for the dispatch center began in 2011, and it appears that discussions have dovetailed into definite plans to build at the new location. Klein noted last Friday that the plans are for the staff to be moved and ready for the 2015 fire season. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16120/forest-service-continuing-with-plans-to-move-dispatch-center Mon, 13 May 2013 14:20:33 GMT 16120 Late last month, the 2013 Central Oregon Film Festival hosted its awards night in Madras, as young hopefuls from Prineville and other communities awaited results. This weekend, local residents can check out some of the top entries from filmmakers ages 10 years and up at the Crook County Library. “I’m having additional showings throughout Central Oregon this spring and summer,” said Festival Organizer Shannon Winegar. “We just wanted to include the other areas and have the showings. Not everyone was able to make it to our awards ceremony.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16119/locals-compete-in-film-festival Mon, 13 May 2013 14:18:26 GMT 16119 The term ‘unintended consequences’ is often tossed around by legislators when they explain their reasons for not supporting a particular bill. Laws are often crafted with good intentions, but include a poor provision or fail to account for potential pitfalls. Such is the case with Senate Bill 721, which would require youth sports programs to detect and react to concussions. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16118/unintended-consequences-plague-sb-721 Mon, 13 May 2013 14:17:21 GMT 16118 Timing is everything. Last week our washing machine literally died on us, I do not know what washing machine years are compared to human years, but our Neptune had served us for 14 years, so it was ready to retire. It is now sitting in our garage with several other old appliances that ran their course of usefulness. Like I said before, timing is everything. This weekend, Sat., May 18 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., our dead and unwanted appliances can be taken to the Crook County Landfill for FREE, when they hold their annual free electronics and appliance recycling day. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16116/its-time-to-get-rid-of-those-old-appliances Mon, 13 May 2013 13:29:23 GMT 16116 (BPT) — Preparing a meal that will please everyone at the table is something that every host strives for. The vibrant flavors of Asian food are surprisingly easy to create at home — particularly when you have the right ingredients — and so versatile that they can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion. “There’s a perception that making Asian food is challenging,” says Asian cuisine expert Corinne Trang. “But really, simple family cooking is at the heart of so many Asian cuisines.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16117/easy-asian-recipes-for-entertaining-and-every-day Mon, 13 May 2013 13:29:23 GMT 16117 The season ended in disappointing fashion for the Crook County Cowboys with an 11-1 pounding by the Summit Storm in Friday afternoon Intermountain Hybrid Conference baseball action. “I don’t have much to say about Friday,” said Crook County head coach Frank Martinez. “They out hit us that’s for sure.” The Storm pounded 13 hits in the contest while Summit pitching limited the Cowboys to just two hits. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16112/cowboys-blasted-by-storm Mon, 13 May 2013 12:56:12 GMT 16112 Redmond won the boys title, while Summit dominated the girls competition at Thursday afternoon’s Intermountain Hybrid Track and Field Championships. Meanwhile, Crook County finished a distant fifth in the girls competition and sixth in the boys scoring at the meet. Although they didn’t fare well in the team competition, Crook County head coach Ernie Brooks was still pleased with how the team did at the meet. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16113/munn-lone-winner-for-cchs-at-imc-championships Mon, 13 May 2013 12:56:12 GMT 16113 Elsa Harris dominated the competition to win the singles championship at the Special District 5 tennis championships. Harris rolled through the field taking a 6-1, 6-1 victory in the championship finals. “She’s got a thing about her,” said Crook County head coach Lloyd Rodgers. “When she gets in a match she just goes to work. She’s very precise and she just picks them apart.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16114/harris-wins-district-singles-title Mon, 13 May 2013 12:56:12 GMT 16114 Thunder and lightning, a dust storm, darkness, and even missing coaches couldn’t keep the Crook County Cowgirls from finishing their season in style. Friday afternoon, the Cowgirls battled adversity to take a pair of hard-fought victories over the Summit Storm. “It feels fantastic to finish the season with a pair of wins,” said Crook County JV?coach Jessica Cross. “The girls worked hard.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16115/cowgirls-take-two-from-storm Mon, 13 May 2013 12:56:12 GMT 16115 An inmate who walked away from a Deer Ridge Correctional Institution work crew on Tuesday is now in custody in the Washington County Jail. Officers with the Beaverton Police Department arrested Jason Michael Donaldson Friday morning, after information led them to his whereabouts. Donaldson was lodged at the Washington County Jail and is awaiting transport back to the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections. Donaldson walked away Tuesday afternoon from a work crew that was clearing debris from Phil's Trail west of Bend. A full-scale investigation led by Oregon State Police ensued, with cooperation from DOC, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Bend Police Department, Lane County Sheriff's Office, Eugene Police Department, Lincoln City Police Department, the Lincoln County Interagency Narcotics Team, Portland Police Bureau, Washington County Sheriff's Office, and Beaverton Police Department. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16110/deer-ridge-inmate-back-in-custody Mon, 13 May 2013 08:32:25 GMT 16110 Average retail gasoline prices in Oregon have risen 24.1 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.90/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 1,307 gas outlets in Oregon. This compares with the national average that has increased 6.2 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.57/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. Including the change in gas prices in Oregon during the past week, prices yesterday were 26.3 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 25.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 5.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 15.4 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago. "The national average has perked up again in the last seven days across the nation," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "Many motorists remain skeptical of the so called reasons that we blame higher prices on: refinery production and maintenance, tightening supply, and the now completed switch over to EPA mandated cleaner summer gasoline. Tight gasoline supply exists especially along the West Coast, and other factors are coming into play in some of the bigger metro areas where more expensive reformulated gasoline has hit pumps," DeHaan said. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16111/gas-prices-skyrocket-statewide Mon, 13 May 2013 08:32:25 GMT 16111 Early Friday morning, Prineville Police Officers responded to a report of broken windows at “Price Slasher” grocery store at 930 N. Main Street, in Prineville. An store employee reported the broken window and door at approximately 2:30 a.m. on May 10. Upon arrival, police determined that glass on one window and one door had been shot out. Additional damage from bullet strikes was also located on the building. No injuries and no other damage has been reported. Police are investigating and more information will be released when it is available. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16109/windows-shot-out-at-local-business Fri, 10 May 2013 09:05:55 GMT 16109 It is easy to take one’s health for granted — until a life-changing event leaves you fighting for your life. This was the case for local resident Bob Layne, who recently received a miracle kidney transplant. Last November, Layne was put on the Oregon and national kidney transplant list. At that time, he was participating in a program at Stanford University to try to lower the antibodies in his system, so his body wouldn’t reject a kidney when it became available. The problem was that he had already had three other transplants, and his chances of finding a match were less than one percent. He went in on a Monday in February 2013 to Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., to begin treatments for his de-sensitivity. His doctor thought it would be a while before he would find a match for a kidney. He would have been facing treatments three times per week. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16108/local-man-beats-the-odds-to-find-a-miracle-match Thu, 09 May 2013 14:59:08 GMT 16108 Several Oregon county leaders delivered a unified message to the State Legislature on Monday. Our road funding is in serious trouble. In recent years, Secure Rural Schools Act payments (county payments) have slowly dwindled and face an ongoing risk of disappearing altogether. Consequently, Crook County and other counties that depend on the money for road department revenue could find themselves cutting services to make up the loss. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16106/declining-county-road-funds-may-affect-future-service Thu, 09 May 2013 14:53:32 GMT 16106 For recreationists who utilize the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forest and Crooked River Grasslands, some changes are in the works for Special Use Permits. A Special Use Authorization is a permit, term permit, temporary permit, lease, or easement that grants rights or privileges of occupancy and use that are subject to specified terms and conditions on National Forest land. The occupancy and use may be for a one-day event such as a wedding or bicycle race, or for up to 40 years such as a ski resort permit. The biggest change is the time frame for which the Forest Service accepts proposals. Currently, people requesting Special Use Permits must submit a proposal 60 days prior to the event or activity. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16107/changes-coming-soon-for-special-use-permits-in-forests Thu, 09 May 2013 14:53:32 GMT 16107 Nancy Jayne Nagi, 55, of Madras Ore., passed away on April 29, 2013 in the company of her family. The memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., May 19, at Laurel Community Church, located at 30640 S.W. Laurel Road, Hillsboro, OR 97123. Nancy was born in Columbus City, Ind., on Nov. 23, 1957. Nancy was a graduate of East Bakersfield High School and attended Bakersfield Community College. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16103/nancy-jayne-nagi Thu, 09 May 2013 14:52:36 GMT 16103 September 27, 1945 – May 5, 2013 Diana passed away quietly Sunday evening, May 5 at her home in Bend, Ore., surrounded by family. Diana’s memorial service will be at the First Presbyterian Church in Bend, Ore. on Saturday, May 25, 2013. Diana’s family suggests that those who would like to make a gift of remembrance to do so to Food First or Sojourners in Diana’s name. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16105/diana-gayle-castro Thu, 09 May 2013 14:52:36 GMT 16105 When it comes to regulating farm crops, a small majority of Oregon senators believe the State should make the rules, not individual counties. Senate Bill 633 recently passed the Senate with a 17-12 margin, and now awaits further action in the House of Representatives. The legislation comes on the heels of a Jackson County initiative to ban the growth of genetically modified plants. The initiative will appear on the May 2014 ballot. If SB 633 passed, it would supersede that initiative. Senator Doug Whitsett (R-Dist. 28), who represents a portion of Jackson County as well as all of Crook County, voted in favor of the bill. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16104/who-should-regulate-local-crops Thu, 09 May 2013 14:50:07 GMT 16104 The City of Prineville is currently revising its noise ordinance, but not everyone agrees on what the law should entail. City planning staff recently began work on a new draft of the ordinance because the existing one only addresses car stereo noise and hours allowed for construction, making it difficult for local police to enforce. “We are mainly trying to broaden out the things you can be cited for to include any noise that you can make that is unreasonable,” said City Planning Director Scott Edelman. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16102/city-council-says-noise-ordinance-needs-work Thu, 09 May 2013 14:50:07 GMT 16102 What do sea stars, anemones, sea urchins, and barnacles all have in common? The ocean, of course. Wednesday morning, the students at Cecil Sly, Crooked River, and Ochoco Elementary were treated to an interactive marine science presentation from the Oregon Coast Aquarium outreach team. The program focused on invertebrate marine animals, and eager students watched with bright eyes and smiling faces as the aquarium staff entertained their young audience with hands-on lessons. Education Specialist for the Oregon Coast Aquarium Jenni Remillard, along with a staff helper, enlisted the help of four young volunteers to illustrate the eating and survival habits of barnacles, sea urchins, sea stars, and anemones. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16101/bringing-the-ocean-a-little-closer Thu, 09 May 2013 14:47:30 GMT 16101 The Crook County Cowboys went into the Greater Oregon League Golf Championship hoping to pull off an upset. However, even playing on their home course wasn’t enough as the Cowboys finished fourth — well behind the district champion Baker Bulldogs. “It was kind of what we’ve been doing,” said Crook County coach Zach Lampert. “We have a pretty inexperienced team. They have all shown that they are capable of shooting well, but we had too many big holes and were too inconsistent to get it done.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16097/cowboys-take-fourth-at-district Thu, 09 May 2013 13:06:26 GMT 16097 Crook County High School is looking for new boys and girls head basketball coaches. The school posted both openings on their jobs board on Thursday, May 2, after announcing that boys coach Jeff Lowenbach and girls coach Dave Johnson have resigned. “They both talked to me about the time commitment and wanting to spend more time with their families,”?said Crook County High School Athletic Director Scott Polen. “There wasn’t any more to it than that.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16098/lowenbach-johnson-resign-as-basketball-coaches Thu, 09 May 2013 13:06:26 GMT 16098 The Summit Storm was red hot, and the Crook County Cowboys were unable to keep pace as the Storm blasted the Cowboys for a pair of impressive Intermountain Hybrid baseball victories. The Storm pounded out 15 hits on Monday en route to an 18-7 win, then blasted 12 more hits Wednesday during a 12-3 win. “Summit hit the ball pretty good,” said Crook County head coach Frank Martinez. “What else can you say?” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16099/storm-blasts-cowboys Thu, 09 May 2013 13:06:26 GMT 16099 The Crook County Cowgirls used steady play to finish second at the Special District 5 Girls Golf Championships. The Cowgirls shot rounds of 425 and 415 to finish with a 36-hole total of 840 and a return trip to the state championships. “After Ridgeview finished ahead of us at Eagle Ridge last week, we really dug down,” said Crook County head coach Grant Patterson. “They shot their best round of the year on the second day despite having some big holes.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16100/cowgirls-reach-state-tournament Thu, 09 May 2013 13:06:26 GMT 16100 As the high school rodeo season rolls into high gear, several Crook County cowgirls are poised to earn possible state championships. Never was this more apparent than the last weekend of April when the Crook County athletes dominated the Hermiston Rodeo. Harley Byrum sent a message that she’s the cowgirl to beat in barrel racing, easily winning both go-rounds of the event. Byrum finished the first go-round with a time of 17.75, nearly half a second better than the second-place run. Byrum came back in her second round with a time of 17.953 to edge fellow Crook County athlete Bailey Beall, who finished second with a time of 17.965. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16095/crook-county-cowgirls-shine-at-hermiston-rodeo Thu, 09 May 2013 13:06:26 GMT 16095 Thunder rolled and lightning filled the sky, cutting short Wednesday’s softball doubleheader between the Crook County Cowgirls and the Summit Storm. The Storm won game one of the series 9-3, and were leading 4-1 in the top of the third inning of game two when conditions became unplayable. Although weather was the big story, it was not the only fireworks of the afternoon. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16096/cowgirls-fall-to-storm Thu, 09 May 2013 13:06:26 GMT 16096 I saw a ferruginous hawk the other day and it brought back some memories of long ago. A raptor of the open country of the West, the ferruginous hawk is the largest American hawk. It has a wingspan of 52 to 55 inches and weighs up to 4 ½ pounds. The tail is white, or light gray, its head is mostly white and its back and shoulders are rufous. When seen from below, the hawk looks mostly white and its rufous legs form a dark V. The ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) has been identified as a species of conservation need in many western states, yet has received little attention in the form of coordinated inventory and monitoring efforts relative to other raptor species. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16094/big-bird Thu, 09 May 2013 13:02:32 GMT 16094 Governor Kitzhaber ordered all flags at public institutions to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 10, 2013, in honor of Specialist Brandon J. Prescott. “SPC Prescott enlisted from Oregon and was proudly serving this state and nation,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “My thoughts are with his family and his unit during this difficult time. SPC Prescott’s death is tragic and he will be missed by many, but we will not forget his legacy of service and sacrifice.” SPC Prescott, 24, of Bend, Oregon, died May 4th, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan of injuries sustained when his vehicle was attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16093/governor-orders-flags-flown-at-half-staff Thu, 09 May 2013 08:47:59 GMT 16093 Deer Ridge Correctional Facility work crew member Jason Donaldson escaped on Tuesday afternoon, May 7, between 1:15 and 1:45 p.m. The crew was working off of USFS Road 4604 near Phil's Trailhead at the time of the escape. Donaldson was serving time for burglary and theft-related charges and it is unknown at this time if he has family or friends in the Bend area. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16092/prison-work-crew-inmate-escapes Tue, 07 May 2013 16:03:36 GMT 16092 It’s official. The 2013 Central Oregon rodeo season is underway. The season started this past weekend with the opening Central Oregon Pee Wee Rodeo of the year. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16085/rodeo-season-is-in-full-gear Mon, 06 May 2013 16:33:12 GMT 16085 The Ridgeview Ravens edged the Crook County Cowgirls by seven strokes to win a two-team tournament at Eagle Ridge Golf Course Thursday afternoon. “It was so-so,” said Crook County head girls golf coach Grant Patterson. “There were some bright spots, but they are having a couple of big holes.” Led by a 17-over-par round of 89 by Megan Lau, the Ravens finished with a team score of 421 strokes. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16086/cowgirls-fall-to-ravens Mon, 06 May 2013 16:33:12 GMT 16086 The Bend Lava Bears completed a three-game sweep of the Crook County Cowboys with a 12-1 win over the Cowboys Friday afternoon in Bend. “They hit the ball good,” Crook?County head coach Frank Martinez said of the Bend team. “It was just like Monday’s game (also a 12-1 Lava Bear victory). I told the kids to keep positive. I know it sucks to lose, but we’ve got to keep working at it.” The Lava Bears pounded out 14 hits in the contest compared to just four hits by the Cowboys. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16087/lava-bears-overpower-cowboys-12-1 Mon, 06 May 2013 16:33:12 GMT 16087 Elsa Harris had possibly the best match of her career as she knocked off Summit’s Haley Younger 6-2, 6-4 to win the No. 1 singles match in Thursday afternoon’s Intermountain Hybrid tennis dual meet. “She finally got the monkey off her back with Younger,” said Crook County head coach Lloyd Rodgers. “Harris did a great job. She has only one loss all year and that was really close. She is going to move right up to be one of the top players in the Pacific Northwest and I think she will be nationally ranked before very long.” Unfortunately for the Cowgirls, Harris had the team’s lone victory in a 7-1 loss to Summit. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16088/cowgirls-fall-to-storm Mon, 06 May 2013 16:33:12 GMT 16088 The Keep On Track Fund Run continues to grow. The annual event, which is a fundraiser for the Crook County High School track and field team, had a record turnout on Saturday as 131 runners competed in either 5K or 10K races. “It was a good turnout and good weather,” said Crook County head track and field coach Ernie Brooks. “We served lunch to 214 people and ended up making about $4,000 for the team.” http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16089/fund-run-has-record-turnout Mon, 06 May 2013 16:33:12 GMT 16089 The Crook County High School boys tennis team had possibly their best outing of the season on Thursday in a 6-2 loss to the Summit Storm. “I’m very proud of our boys,” said Crook County head coach Michael Boyd. “Summit is considered the Acme of tennis teams in this region.” Crook County No. 1 doubles team Ory Foltz and Oliver Peterson earned their first victory of the season with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Hunter Zanchin and Wyatt Fetrow of Summit. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16090/storm-tops-cowboys-6-2 Mon, 06 May 2013 16:33:12 GMT 16090 Despite taking an early lead, the Crook County Cowgirls couldn’t maintain the momentum as the Bend Lava Bears roared to an easy 13-4 Intermountain Hybrid softball victory. “You know, when you look at it after the third inning, we played pretty well,” said Crook County head coach Garry White. “We did the same thing against Ridgeview and we’ve done that on a pretty regular basis. We just need to bring those innings at the beginning of the game and then build on that.” The host Cowgirls blasted three extra base hits in the bottom of the first inning as they took an early 2-1 lead over the Lava Bears. http://www.centraloregonian.com/archives/story.aspx/16091/bears-blast-cowgirls Mon, 06 May 2013 16:33:12 GMT 16091