EMERGENCY ADVISORY A bat has tested positive for rabies in Bend, Oregon.  The rabid bat was found at Pioneer Park (1525 NW Wall and NW Portland Avenue ) on Sunday, July 9th between 11 am and 12:00 noon. Anyone who touched the bat in that location on that date should immediately go to an emergency room for treatment.  It has been reported that a woman and child touched the bat, but left the park before they ... [full story]

The Greater Redmond Community Wildfire Protection Plan is now underway with one important goal: to protect against loss of life, property and natural resources as the result of wildfire.  With a long history of wildfire in the Redmond -- Eagle Crest -- Terrebonne area, and the continued expansion of residential growth into the wildland urban interface, the greater Redmond community is urged to participate in the development of a wildfire protection fire plan that will ... [full story]

Leland Smith resigned from the Deschutes County Home Rule Charter Committee this morning when he sent an email to Edward Fitch, chair, and other committee members. In his resignation dated July 12, he expressed concerns with decisions made by the committee, and disappointment that the committee did not seriously consider other forms of Home Rule charters. The other committee members in addition to Fitch are Dana Bratton (Vice Chair), Kathie Eickman, Scott Waters, Leonard Knott, ... [full story]

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking the assistance of anyone who may have witnessed a possible intentional vehicular assault at TJ’s Quick Stop on Highway 97 in Lapine. The incident occurred at about 12:15 pm on Tuesday, July 11th, in the parking lot, and sent one man to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. According to Sgt. Kevin Dizney, officers who responded to the scene found that a 1983 Ford F-250 pickup driven by Joe ... [full story]

On July 10, only one day after the most recent drowning of Young-Sook Kuga on the Deschutes River in Bend, an Oregon Army National Guard Soldier rescued a young girl from the same fate. Four Oregon Army National Guard soldiers were participating in recruiting activities on Newport Avenue near the river about 5 pm when they saw three children on inner-tubes, with no life jackets, floating downstream dangerously near a spillway.   Newport Ave. Bridge -- ... [full story]

United Way of Deschutes County recently announced a program investment package of $1,003,750 as it unveiled its funding plan for 2006-2007. The bulk of the funds, approximately $800,000, will go to 24 partner agencies, including initial awards to new partner agencies -- Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers and El Programa de Ayuda. Another $200,000 in donor directed funds will go to a variety of other agencies specified by donors. Community Impact Chair Terri Rahmsdorff said, "The 31 ... [full story]