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]

Every year many Oregonians are unnecessarily hurt or injured while enjoying the outdoors because they fail to follow some basic fire and life safety rules. Common sense and taking a few simple precautions can keep a fun experience from turning into a tragedy. The Office of State Fire Marshal recommends following these outdoor fire safety rules. When tent camping always avoid open flame of any kind in or near the tent or canopy and never cook ... [full story]

State and federal wildlife biologists will be testing wild birds in Oregon this summer and fall as part of a nationwide effort aimed at the early detection of HPAI H5N1 “bird flu” virus in North America. Sampling will focus on several species of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl that are most likely to have interacted with birds from Asia, where the disease has been established, while in the Arctic this summer. Oregon and other states cooperating ... [full story]

GreatOutdoors.com, a leading online website for outdoor gear, clothing, and information, today announced its plans to expand operations into Redmond, OR, just 15 miles from the outdoor mecca that is Bend, OR. GreatOutdoors.com has experienced rapid growth in online sales and as a result has outgrown its existing facilities in Washington State. The decision to expand into Central Oregon reflects the attractiveness of both the quality of life in the region and business environment of ... [full story]

To recognize National HIV Testing Day next Tuesday, the Deschutes County Health Department will offer free rapid HIV testing on a walk-in basis at the Downtown Health Center on June 27. An HIV rapid test allows for quick results in 20 minutes. To recognize National HIV Testing Day next Tuesday, the Deschutes County Health Department will offer free rapid HIV testing on a walk-in basis at the Downtown Health Center on June 27. An HIV ... [full story]

On Saturday, June 17th at about 8 pm, volunteers of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit responded to the scene of a hiking accident at Smith Rock State Park near the Red Wall. A 13 year old climber had been hiking in the area above Red Wall and somehow slipped and fell, sliding down a slope an unknown distance before landing on a ledge left of Misery Ridge.  According to a news release ... [full story]

As a property owner I think its ridiculous that this affordable housing battle is even an issue.  Why should people who live in trailer parks be compensated if the property owner decides to develop their own land?  It is THEIR land to do with as they choose.  I just don’t get it.  I once lived in an apartment building in Portland that was torn down to make room for condos and I wasn’t compensated, although ... [full story]

My initial response to reading about the new fixed-route public transportation system  for Bend was “It’s about time.”  Upon further thought, I believe the system as planned is not adequate by any means, but certainly an improvement over the old Dial-A-Ride System. I think, and others I’ve talked with agree, that the coverage area is sadly inadequate.  It doesn’t service the entire city and doesn’t begin to address the real need of public transportation to ... [full story]

West Coast Collegiate Baseball League Bend Elks at Wenatchee AppleSox - Play-by-Play Jun 20, 2006 at Wenatchee, WA (Paul Thomas Stadium) Score by Innings R H E ------------------------------------------- Bend Elks........... 002 000 000 - 2 3 2 Wenatchee AppleSox.. 000 001 000 - 1 7 2 ------------------------------------------- Bend Elks starters: 30/lf Dean; 34/rf Wentzell; 14/1b Yates; ... [full story]

West Coast Collegiate Baseball League Bend Elks at Aloha Knights - Play-by-Play Jun 17, 2006 at Gresham, OR (Oslund Field) Score by Innings R H E ------------------------------------------- Bend Elks........... 100 010 210 - 5 11 3 Aloha Knights....... 000 240 00X - 6 9 0 ------------------------------------------- Bend Elks starters: 9/cf Rife; 34/1b Wentzell; 12/rf Desme; 14/3b Yates; ... [full story]