EXIT Realty recently announced the addition of John Stanton to the staff of their full-service real estate company’s offices in Bend. Stanton has lived in Oregon since 1989, and has resided in Central Oregon since 2004.  He was previously assigned to the EXIT office in Medford.   Stanton specializes in residential properties, and lives in Redmond with his wife and six children.  He may be reached directly at 541-977-5510.   John Stanton joins EXIT Realty of Bend. [full story]

The Jefferson County School District is hosting a public meeting designed to provide information about Willow Creek Community High School, a new school slated to open in the 2007-2008 school year. The meeting will be held Wednesday, January 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Commons of Jefferson County Middle School. Willow Creek Community (WCC) High School is specifically designed to be a small school with a focus on: • building strong positive relationships so we ... [full story]

I Hear The WordsBy Bill DahlWhen I hear the words,”Let Freedom ring!”I recall the image,Of Dr. Martin Luther KingI hear the words,”Liberty and justice for all!”Why are there exceptions,That exclude me, and make me feel so small?I hear the words,”America. America. God shed His grace on thee.”When will we “crown Thy good with brotherhood,From sea to shining sea”?I hear the words,”No child left behind.”Dad & mom can’t get real jobs or drive a car.This phrase ... [full story]

Being an avid recycler and choosing my groceries by the type of container (i.e. Is it recyclable).  The garbage company has notified me that they will no longer pick up my recycle stuff unless I start garbage service with them or pay a monthly fee. There are plenty of containers out there that can be recycled but the richest company in Bend wants their money and be damned with the recycling. Bend has one of ... [full story]

Deputies have released the name of the driver killed in this morning’s crash on Highway 97 near milepost 158, and say that they now believe that icy road conditions may have caused the head-on accident between a flat-bed pickup and semi-truck. The deceased has been identified as Layne J. Fugate, 34, of La Pine, Oregon.  His name was earlier withheld pending notification of family members. Fugate died at the scene of the accident early Monday ... [full story]

SALEM – State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo today released a web-based video program giving educators and members of the public an overview of the recent review of the state’s Educational Achievement Standards. This review, conducted in a three-day, mid-December meeting, recommended adjustments to the standards that will be considered, and possibly adopted, by the State Board of Education at their March meeting. Over 300 participants from around the state—teachers, administrators, parents and members of the ... [full story]

The Oregon Public Utility Commission cut $49.4 million from Portland General Electric’s (PGE) request to increase rates Friday. The request sought to recover costs for general expenses and for a new power plant.  As a result, customers will see overall rates go up by 1.3%, when rates are fully phased in, instead of the 4.3% PGE had requested.  Customer rates will be adjusted twice. Effective January 14 overall rates will drop by 1.4%.  In early March ... [full story]

We live in Lane County, Oregon. The landlord was shooting a shotgun at our house. You could hear the pellets hitting the side and raining down on us. We called 911, the deputy sheriff went to talk to the landlord. We could hear them laughing. Nothing was done. The landlord said, through his attorney by e-mail, that he was trying to scare off wild turkeys. We checked with the Department of Wildlife. He (the landlord) ... [full story]

A driver was killed early Monday when his flatbed pickup crossed the centerline and crashed head-on into a semi-truck south of Bend on Highway 97, Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies said. The driver of the pickup died at the scene, said Sgt. Deron McMaster. His name is being withheld pending notification of family members,. Deputies, Oregon State Police troopers, and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) personnel responded to milepost 158 of Highway 97 about 5:30 a.m. ... [full story]