Two big issues were tackled at last week’s Bend City Council meeting.  After three decades, new zoning rules have been put into place and the council implemented new regulations on area payday lenders. In the Zone It has been years in the making and July 5th the city council adopted new city zoning rules designed to protect the very qualities that draw people to the town.  “Our challenge was to write a code that helps ... [full story]

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, WIC invites past and present nursing moms, their children, and all family members to join for a stroll from Troy Field to Harmon Park on Saturday August 5th. Food and refreshments will be provided at the park after the walk. Where: Troy Field Corner of Bond & Louisiana (across from McMenamins) When: 10 am Saturday, August 5th Fore more information, contact Jean Clinton (WIC Lactation Consultant) at 541.322.7476. ... [full story]

BEND CITY POLICE BLOTTER During the week, there were 14 reports of vehicle break-ins, with an estimated $5,098 in items stolen, not including 2 auto titles. Of the 14 break-ins, 12 were from unlocked vehicles. There were also 3 bicycles stolen with an estimated value of $1,340. DUII arrests totaled 8. §         6/27. Two men reported they were followed into the parking lot of Players Bar by suspects who cursed at them, drove their vehicle in a ... [full story]

No one should be required to breathe unhealthy air as a condition of employment. Yet for the 35,000 Oregonians who work in places where indoor smoking is allowed, inhaling toxic fumes is an unavoidable part of the job. U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona has released a comprehensive new report that definitively concludes that secondhand smoke is a killer and must be addressed as a serious hazard to public health. "The debate is over," Carmona said ... [full story]

In late May, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that he would no longer be giving news conferences to the national media. Speaking to A-Channel in London, Ontario, Harper said that, "Unfortunately, the press gallery has taken the view they are going to be the opposition to the government." "They don't ask questions at my press conferences now. We'll just take the message out on the road. There's lots of media who do want to ask questions ... [full story]

A summer-camp counselor has been arrested for harassment of three children and strangulation of a nine-year-old boy, according to the Bend Police Department. Henry A. Holmberg, 20, a counselor for a summer camp held at High Lakes Elementary, was arrested June 30 and was arraigned Tuesday, July 11 facing multiple charges, according to Lt. Gary Mack. Deschutes County District Attorney, Mike Dugan said, “Mr. Holmberg has been charged with count one, strangulation; count two, menacing; ... [full story]

On the mark. Get set. Go! See what is happening at the 27th annual Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic.  The event takes place through July 16 and benefits The Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation.  It is the longest consecutively run elite stage race in the country that brings the crème de le crème of the racing world to Bend.   “It attracts people from all over the world,” said Molly Cogswell-Kelley, the events director for ... [full story]

Olympic Medalist Chris Klug Speaks at Umpqua Bank The title of his book says it all; Chris Klug has gone To the Edge and Back.  The Olympic medalist and former Bend resident is back in town July 18th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Umpqua Bank where he will be speaking and signing copies his newly released book. “It is a story that chronicles my early snowboarding years and my evolution; as well as my ... [full story]

Early this morning on July 13, Bend Police apprehended a burglar in south Bend on Fishhawk Loop in the Greatwood area. A homeowner surprised James Vogel, a 26 year old Bend resident, as he was attempting to break into his residence. Vogel fled and attempted to leave the area, but the home-owner phoned the police with the alleged burglar’s description.   James Vogel, DCJ Photo When police responded to the scene, they located Vogel and took him into ... [full story]

Central Oregon Jobs with Justice has received a $3,000 grant from Resist, Inc., a national progressive foundation located in Somerville, Massachusetts, to provide general support for the economic justice work Jobs with Justice does in the community. Central Oregon Jobs with Justice (COJWJ) is a coalition of 19 community organizations and unions that work together for workers' rights, the right to organize, and economic justice. Over 250 Central Oregon residents have joined the coalition since it was organized ... [full story]