The Oregon Department of Geology & Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) has finished the third phase of a multi-year project to develop a digital statewide geologic map and to compile the geologic data in a database form for the entire state. This report brings together the best available geologic mapping and data from all relevant published and unpublished sources: state and federal agencies, university thesis work, and other documents. This updated map and data, Oregon Geologic Data ... [full story]

Federal law enforcement officers want the public’s help in prosecuting those responsible for cutting off the tops of about 50 trees on the Deschutes National Forest about four miles south of Sisters.   “This was a selfish act at the public’s expense,” Perl said. USFS photos. Deschutes National Forest Law Enforcement Officer Fred Perl said it appears someone destroyed the ponderosa pine and western juniper trees in late December because the trees obstructed skyline views.  The site ... [full story]

Oregon State Police are asking the public for their help in locating and prosecuting the person or persons responsible for the illegal killing of three elk, a cow and two calves, in the Terrebonne area on January 4. Troopers were called to 6800 N. Highway 97 in Terrebonne (about 22 miles north of Bend) to investigate three elk heads which were dumped along a private driveway near railroad tracks.   The TIP program offers rewards for ... [full story]

Redmond Mayor Alan Unger and officials from the Oregon Department of Transportation were on hand Monday, January 8 to officially open the Maple-Negus Overpass and activate the new traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 97 and Maple Avenue.   Redmond Mayor Alan Unger activates the new traffic signal at Hwy. 97 and Maple Avenue. The new overpass and traffic signal, in conjunction with the newly opened Maple Avenue Bridge, are designed to improve traffic flow.  The Maple-Negus ... [full story]

(Bend, Oregon)  In the final hours of 2006, one Central Oregon resident was able to grant a wish to her husband—to protect their land forever.  Worried about increased development in the growing Cloverdale area, Bill and Ann Boyer decided last year to enlist the Deschutes Basin Land Trust’s help to permanently protect their land for wildlife.  Bill Boyer passed away in May 2006 after a long illness, but Ann -- along with the couple’s sons, ... [full story]

PORTLAND -- More homebuyers in Deschutes, Jackson, Lane, Marion and Polk Counties may be eligible for FHA insured mortgages and home improvement loans under new mortgage limits effective January 1 announced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. FHA mortgage limits have been increased to better meet the need in the markets of several Oregon counties. Deschutes, Jackson and Lane mortgage limits increased again.  Over the past year, these three counties have seen ... [full story]

Area Boy Scouts plan to willingly go someplace most would rather avoid ... into a frozen wilderness ... at their annual "Freez-O-Ree." It's a chance for them to practice skills that everyone can benefit from. Starting Friday, January 26, the region's Scouts will hike, snowshoe, build snow caves and igloos, and practice winter survival skills. The region-wide event runs through the weekend at Lower Three Creeks Snow Park south of Sisters. Scheduled events start at 12:30 ... [full story]

The Oregon Chapter of the Pajama Program, with the help of the Redmond Chamber’s Leadership Redmond, will be collecting pajamas and books during February to benefit Deschutes County children who have been removed from their homes. The Chapter, based in Bend, Oregon and founded by Deschutes County Road Department employee Wanda Callahan, aims to collect at least 200 pairs of pajamas and 200 books to benefit children ages five-to-17 in Deschutes County by the end of ... [full story]

Stagnant air conditions over North Central Oregon, the Lower Columbia Basin in Oregon, the foothills of the Blue Mountains and the John Day Basin is prompting the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to advise against open burning and limiting use of uncertified woodstoves. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) at Pendleton, a ridge building over Eastern Oregon today through Saturday will intensify stagnant air conditions allowing little or no mixing, keeping pollutants trapped ... [full story]

Says Searching for Work That Pays: 2007 Job Gap Study When it comes to finding a good job in Central Oregon, the numbers just don't add up. For every job opening that pays a living wage in Oregon, there are as many as 20 job seekers. These are the findings of the annual study Searching for Work That Pays: 2007 Northwest Job Gap Study, released today by the Northwest Federation of Community Organizations (www.nwfco.org).  The study compares ... [full story]

Law enforcement agencies from the Tri-County area are joining the state of Washington, Oregon State and the Province of British Columbia law enforcement agencies in a 14-day “Passenger Restraint Enforcement Blitz” from February 5, 2007 through February 18, 2007.  Local agencies include the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Police Department, Redmond Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Prineville Police Department, and the Oregon State Police. Participating agencies will ... [full story]

The Humane Society of Central Oregon has received 72 animals since Saturday, badly overcrowding the shelter and making it necessary that a number of animals be transported to Portland.  The shelter is urgently requesting that anyone who has recently lost a dog or cat to come in to reclaim their pet – and to do so as quickly as possible. The 72 animals include 51 stray animals, 20 owner relinquished pets, and one court ordered ... [full story]

In Central Oregon we have approximately 44,000 children growing up under our protection.  According to national statistics, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are being, have been, or will be sexually abused before they reach their 18th birthday.  This means approximately 8,800 children in Central Oregon will potentially fall victim to this crime.    The KIDS Center (Kids Intervention and Diagnostic Service Center), a non-profit child abuse intervention center serving Central Oregon, ... [full story]