The Bend-La Pine School Board will consider adjustments to the school calendar at their June 13 meeting. A review committee has recommended that elementary and middle schools continue releasing students early on Wednesdays, giving staff time for collaboration and school improvement initiatives. However, the committee has suggested that the school improvement time at the high schools be consolidated with work days at the end of the quarter and at parent-teacher conference times. For the 2005-06 ... [full story]

Oregon's Recreation Trails Advisory Council has presented the Doug Newman Memorial Trails Award to long-time trails advocate Jack Remington of Bend, Oregon. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Director Tim Wood presented the achievement award to Remington on behalf of the council during a Willamette River Water Trail dedication on National Trails Day and Oregon State Parks Day June 3. Named in memory of a former council member, the award recognizes significant contributions to the ... [full story]

At 2:46 pm today, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Central Deschutes County.  The warning remained in effect until 3:45 pm. Golfball-sized hail and wind gusts to 60 miles per hour were reported as likely, according to the warning.  For your protection, the Weather Service recommends that residents move to a sturdy shelter until the storm passes. At 2:30 pm National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated the storm was located 14 miles ... [full story]