The Juniper Ridge project has brought up many issues since its inception and now the matter of who will run the schools has become a question. The City of Bend would like to see the children who live in Juniper Ridge attend schools in the Bend-LaPine School District.  However, Juniper Ridge is in both their district and the Redmond School District.  Approximately two-thirds of the 1,500-acre development is in Redmond’s district and Bend would like ... [full story]

Taxpayers beware.  Congress has given private collection agencies the green light to go after delinquent taxpayers, a direct effect of piles of campaign dollars tossed at the feet of congressmen. Privatizing debt collection is certain to cause a snowball effect of perverse corruption at its finest. This new decision can only be calculated as a huge loss to everyone involved, except the collection agencies. Under privatized debt collection, the IRS will only collect $1.4 billion ... [full story]

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life, Berthold Auerbach once said.  Music lovers are invited to do just that at the 25th Annual Cascade Festival of Music that runs August 26 -- September 2 in Drake Park. “I think it is one of the cultural corner stones of our community,” said Sally Russenberger, the executive director of the Cascade Festival of Music.   August 26 -- September 2 “We are very proud of the ... [full story]

Jurors were selected Tuesday in the murder trial of Zellnar Franklin Hicks, 65, who allegedly shot and stabbed his stepdaughter, and shot his wife twice in the chest during a domestic dispute in August 2005.   Zellnar Franklin Hicks, DCJ Photo Hicks is charged with murdering his stepdaughter, 49-year-old Sharon Lindlief.  He is also charged with attempted murder and first-degree assault of his wife, Donna Hicks, 80, and three counts of unlawful use of a weapon in ... [full story]

Friday U.S. Senator Ron Wyden announced a new initiative to help bolster growth of early stage and entrepreneurial tech-based ventures in the tri-county area of Central Oregon.   The concept, named Bend Venture Catalyst, was initiated by local business leaders and will be funded by a federal appropriations championed by Senator Wyden.  Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) will implement the three-year pilot program.    Senator Ron Wyden Led by innovative companies and a truly remarkable gathering of ... [full story]

If you had to venture a guess, how much time would you say the average American wastes dealing with paperwork each week? Before you answer, keep in mind all those incoming and outgoing contracts and purchase orders you handle on a daily basis at work, permission slips for the kids’ field trips and extracurricular activities, progress reports you have to sign for school, etc. “Lost count yet?” asks Jeff Zwelling, a businessman from California. He ... [full story]

Childhood is a critical time for establishing lifelong eating habits. Kids who grow up in a household that promotes healthy eating are more likely to adopt those habits as their own. Luckily, nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated or labor-intensive. You can find information about how to keep your kids eating healthy at http://wwwmedtronic.com/healthykids. Raising Healthy Kids also is available in a four-page translated version for parents whose first language is not English; translations are ... [full story]

Talk to Gary Bonacker and it is easy to see that he has an amazing passion for life, his family, cycling and his shop Sunnyside Sports.  The 53-year-old shop co-owner has what most people dream of; a great business, a wonderful wife, Susan, and a precious nine-year-old little girl, Frankie.  He was content with where he was in life and what he was doing.    Gary Bonacker, co-owner of Sunnyside Sports    (L) Lance Armstrong, (R) Gary BonackerThen ... [full story]

BEND CITY POLICE BLOTTER During the week, there were 15 reports of vehicle break-ins, with an estimated value of stolen items at $4,878.  Of the 15 reports, 8 vehicles were unlocked.  There were a total of 5 bicycle thefts, all unlocked, with an estimated value of $1,015.  DUII arrests totaled 5, and there were 15 warrant arrests made.  One vehicle was impounded when the driver was found to have a suspended license. §         8/16. Central Oregon Community ... [full story]

For nearly 15 years, sellers have been living the high life - a hot seller's market that saw home prices rise from 10 percent to more than 30 percent per year over the last five years alone.Those days, at least for the moment, are gone. And their place is a much more balanced market - if not a buyer's market.A balanced market means there's about an equal number of buyers and sellers in an area. ... [full story]