A 19-year old Albany man was arrested early Saturday morning on multiple charges including drunk driving, assault, strangulation and the rape of a Redmond girl, police reported.  According to Redmond Police Captain Al Maich, officers responded to 3095 SW Obsidian Lane shortly before 2:30 a.m., May 26, to a report of an assault and a crash involving a drunk driver. During the investigation, officers determined that the driver, 19-year old Andrew Dale Baker of Albany, ... [full story]

Four people were injured, two seriously, Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 between Grass Valley and Kent. The crash closed a small section of Highway 97 for a few hours during the investigation, and this is a reminder of what Oregon State Police, County Sheriff Departments, and city police departments are attempting to prevent through extra enforcement this Memorial Holiday weekend.   Marlene and Arnold Thomas of San Jose were injured when the ... [full story]

BEND, Ore. - Last week The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) awarded grants to nonprofit organizations in Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and Wasco counties totaling $436,119. These grants were part of OCF's recent distribution of $10.1 million to 627 nonprofits across the state.  OCF is a permanent endowment built from funds created by donors who are dedicated to improving the quality of life in their communities.  Since its establishment in 1973, OCF and its donors have distributed more than $422 million in grants ... [full story]

After logging 10,000 miles on the roads of Central Oregon since June 2006, VanGo is concluding its pilot year as Arts Central’s innovative community outreach program. To celebrate the success of VanGo’s art students, exhibits are being held in the public libraries of three communities where VanGo has provided art classes over the past year – La Pine, Madras, and Prineville. The VanGo art exhibits are in the libraries through June.   Above: Arts Central's VanGo. Below: ... [full story]

Murder-suicide hasn't been ruled out, police say A neighbor who was investigating the sound of gunshots found a 73-year old La Pine-area man dead in the driveway of his mobile home late Tuesday afternoon, and police later discovered a woman and dog, also dead of gunshots inside the single-wide trailer. Oregon State Police (OSP) are investigation the deaths, and haven’t ruled out that it may be a murder-suicide.  A firearm was found next to the deceased ... [full story]

A Fossil, Oregon man was seriously injured when his vehicle crossed the centerline of Highway 97 south of Madras Tuesday morning and struck a truck and trailer then collided with another car.  The occupants of the second car, a Madras man and an infant, were able to escape with minor injuries just as their vehicle caught on fire, Oregon State Police (OSP) reported.   Burke Smejkal was cited for failing to drive in the right lane ... [full story]

A 36-year old Redmond woman was arrested early this morning for drunk and reckless driving after she sped off during a traffic stop for speeding, leading deputies on a chase before ultimately being stopped by a “PIT” maneuver.  According to Sgt. Joe DeLuca and Deputy Ron Brown with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy stopped a tan four-door car for speeding 90 mph at Highway 97 and Deschutes Market Road about 2:45 a.m. May ... [full story]

A 14-year-old Redmond boy was arrested Monday night in connection with a knife attack on another boy that caused minor injuries not requiring hospitalization to the victim’s chest, authorities reported. Redmond Police responded to SW 34th Street and SW Quartz Place in Redmond, Oregon about 9:35 p.m. to a report of a stabbing.  The 13-year-old victim was found with cuts in the chest area, officers said, and was treated on scene by medics and released. ... [full story]

For the third time in two months, and twice in less than one week, a bomb threat written on the boy’s bathroom wall of Elton Gregory Middle School in Redmond, Oregon has prompted a search and evacuation.  This time, however, school officials are offering a $200 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible party.   School officials grow weary after the third bomb threat in less then two months, and offer a $200 reward for ... [full story]

A 54-year old La Pine man was arrested Thursday after he allegedly went to a La Pine residence and attempted to murder a man with a machete, authorities reported.   Richard Steven Winnop - DCJ photo Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call at 52525 Riverpine Drive, and found that the intended victim, Richard Todd Marcum, 43, and his friend Aaron Joseph Nesbaum were able to subdue and disarm the suspect, holding him until law ... [full story]

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will be increasing traffic patrols as part of the upcoming “Three Flags Traffic Safety Campaign” scheduled May 21 to June 3.  During daylight hours, deputies will be enforcing seatbelt and child restraint violations, with additional emphasis placed on the proper wear of the seatbelt and passengers riding in pickup beds.  Deputies will be enforcing other traffic violations as well.  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will also be increasing traffic patrols ... [full story]

Today Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) announced the selection of Jason Carr to manage a new economic development program focusing solely on Prineville and Crook County, effective June 4th.  Carr brings over 10 years of media and community experience to the position and a strong knowledge base of individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the region.    Jason Carr Central Oregonians may recall Carr as KTVZ NewsChannel 21 primary anchor from 2002 to 2005.  Carr spent nearly ... [full story]

In late May, Oregon Department of Corrections minimum-security inmate work crews will begin a ninth year working with the United States Forest Service to restore forest health and reduce fire hazards in Central Oregon.  The 110 inmates assigned to the award-winning Deschutes Conservation Camp will be supervised by correctional officers and receive technical direction from Forest Service employees.  The 11-man crews typically work six days a week and live in tents in a remote forest ... [full story]