Restrictions on firewood cutting and other industrial activities will soon increase on Central Oregon federal lands because of increasing fire danger. Today, at 12:01 a.m. on July 24, the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland and Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management moved move to an Industrial Fire Precaution Level-III. The regulation is commonly known as a partial shutdown and affects industrial operations where spark-emitting equipment such as chainsaws, welders ... [full story]

Campers in some areas of the Deschutes National Forest will be inconvenienced with the unavailability of drinking water in some facilities until late August, when completion of a water system replacement project is expected. Drinking water is unavailable at some Deschutes National Forest campgrounds at South Twin Lake and Wickiup Reservoir; according to Roland Giller of the Office of Communications for Ochocho and Deschutes National Forest, and Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management. While water systems ... [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]

Effective July 1st, 2006, water rates will increase 5.0% and wastewater rates will increase 6.0% in the City of Bend, Oregon. The rate increases, according to the City Finance Department, allow services to continue at the same levels as in the past. The increase is required to cover rising operating costs due to added regulations, inflation, and aging infrastructure replacements. Residents with questions should contact the City at 388-5515. [full story]

Fireworks go on sale in Bend on Friday, June 23rd. In hopes of helping families avoid a holiday tragedy, Bend Fire and Rescue offers the following safety information. §         Purchase and use only Oregon legal fireworks, which are available at licensed outlets in Bend. §         You must be at least 18 years of age to use, purchase, or sell fireworks in the city of Bend. Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by ... [full story]

The Deschutes County Road Department announced today that on Wednesday, July 5th, construction will start on the widening and realignment of Huntington Road and 1st Street. The project consists of the following: 1.      Widen Huntington Rd with a left turn lane and extending the bicycle lane along the west side. 2.      Replace sidewalks around the Medical Center and the Public Library. 3.      Install sidewalks around the block at Ace Hardware and the Fire Department. 4.      ... [full story]

A joint Deschutes County Planning Commission & Redmond Urban Area Planning Commission Hearing will be held June 8th at 6 pm.  Location: Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, 3800 Airport Way, South Sister Main Hall Conference Center. The hearing will cover comprehensive plan amendments for the proposed Redmond Urban Growth Boundary Expansion. Anyone needing accommodation to participate in the meeting must notify Sharon Harris, ADA Coordination, at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 923-7738. [full story]

The City is seeking members for its Downtown Advisory Committee (DAC). The DAC provides recommendations to the Urban Renewal Agency. The application deadline is February 28th, 2006. For an application, call 330-4021 or you may download the pdf application. [full story]

The next scheduled Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled in the City Hall Council Chambers on Monday, February 13th at 7 pm. 1.   ROLL CALL:       Michael Holtzclaw, Chair      Don Leonard              Cliff Walkey       Patrick Oliver, Vice-Chair           John Guyer                      Jodie Barram       Nathan Hovekamp 2.   APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  3.   VISITORS: 4.   QUASIJUDICIAL PROCEDURE STATEMENT AND/OR DECLARATION OF CONFLICTSOF INTERESTS 5.   PUBLIC HEARINGS:       5.1        Zone Amendment:  Add a Residential High Density Multiple-Family Overlay District,Applicant:  West Bend Property Company LLC         ... [full story]

The Bend Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) will meet in the City Council Chambers on Monday, February 13th at 5 pm.  For more information, please contact Terri Shepherd at 330-4021 or email. [full story]