At what moment is a divorce final?  When the judge signs the order of dissolution?  When notice of the order is served upon one of the parties?  When notice of the order is served upon both parties? The answer to that question will determine the disposition of assets owned by a man who died six days after the court entered a decree of divorce and two days after his wife received notice of the order, ... [full story]

Oregon State Police detectives arrested a Bend-area cement contractor Monday for allegedly soliciting the murder of a Crook County customer who failed to pay for cement work. Jonathan Fred Andrews, the 44-year old owner of Merkin Concrete, LLC was arrested by Oregon State Police (OSP) detectives November 13, said authorities.   Jonathan Fred Andrews, CC DA Photo Andrews was lodged in the Crook County Jail in Prineville for two counts each of attempting to commit aggravated murder, and solicitation ... [full story]

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for Central Oregon from Wednesday morning throughout Wednesday evening, with sustained winds of 40 mph and gusts in excess of 60 mph possible. A powerful pacific storm moving onshore with a strong cold front is expected to move across the central and northeast portion of Oregon, as well as southeast Washington on Wednesday.  “At this time it appears that the areas at greatest risk for the ... [full story]

An 85-year old Bend woman died Friday afternoon when her station wagon pulled out into the path of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) at the intersection of Cooley Road and Highway 20 in northwest Bend, said police. The two-vehicle crash occurred about 3:30 p.m. November 10 after Hettie Peck, 85,  pulled out into traffic following a stop at the stop sign on Cooley Road, where her vehicle had been facing west.  Peck pulled out to ... [full story]

Bend, Oregon Banker Will Serve the Central and Southern Oregon Market West Coast Bank has named Kelley Mears Vice President and Relationship Manager of the Government Guaranteed Lending Group. Mears expertise includes numerous loan programs such as USDA, OCEDD and Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 real estate loans. She will assist business owners in the purchase of businesses or business assets through a wide variety of SBA loan programs and will serve the Central and ... [full story]

Idaho-based RNR Enterprises, Inc., doing business in Central Oregon as Roto-Rooter Service, has been assessed an $8,238 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) penalty for performing sewage disposal services without a license between July 1, 2005 and Feb. 28, 2006. The company did not appeal the penalty by the deadline, and the full penalty amount is now due. In early November 2005, the Crook County Environmental Health Department received a “Final Inspection Request” form from ... [full story]

With autumn upon us, it's time to dress the doorways with a festoon of fall foliage. Make sure yours is right for your space. "When creating a floral garland for the entryway, color, size, shape and the door's architectural style should all be considered," said Elizabeth Souders, a marketing manager with door manufacturer Jeld-Wen Inc. "Homeowners often take their inspiration from the shape of the door itself or personalize their decor using plants from their own ... [full story]

At a party over the weekend, I meet a recently divorced homeowner who'd received the house in his divorce settlement and was now trying to sell it.The house has been on the market for seven months -- which might as well be an eternity for a home seller. On the plus side, there have been more than 60 showings. Clearly, there's interest in the property -- just not at the list price. The owner said ... [full story]

I was picking lint from my collar when my editor called with a dangerous mission: to get a Brazilian bikini wax and report back to you. Apparently, men are ripping hair from the shyest parts of their body, and no one knows why. They needed someone on the inside.  I arrived at the day spa without a reconnaissance. Lauren the hostess guided me through the cutting and curling and dyeing to a waiting room. Scratch ... [full story]

Whether you begin buying gifts after Thanksgiving on Black Friday or online on Cyber Monday, you're contributing to the busiest shopping season of the year. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent $438.6 billion during the 2005 holiday shopping season. This number is expected to increase by five percent this year to $457 billion. That's good news for retailers. It may also be good news for thieves. "Credit card fraud can affect anyone, at ... [full story]