Oregon State Police detectives arrested a Bend-area cement contractor Monday for allegedly soliciting the murder of a Crook County customer who failed to pay for cement work. Jonathan Fred Andrews, the 44-year old owner of Merkin Concrete, LLC was arrested by Oregon State Police (OSP) detectives November 13, said authorities.   Jonathan Fred Andrews, CC DA Photo Andrews was lodged in the Crook County Jail in Prineville for two counts each of attempting to commit aggravated murder, and solicitation ... [full story]

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for Central Oregon from Wednesday morning throughout Wednesday evening, with sustained winds of 40 mph and gusts in excess of 60 mph possible. A powerful pacific storm moving onshore with a strong cold front is expected to move across the central and northeast portion of Oregon, as well as southeast Washington on Wednesday.  “At this time it appears that the areas at greatest risk for the ... [full story]