Cascade Swim Center reopens in Redmond

Just in time for summer, pools are preparing to open under Phase 2 guidelines.

Redmond’s Cascade Swim Center opened Monday, by reservation only.

“We’ve been closed for about 80 days and we’ve been developing plans for reopening that entire time,” said Jessica Rowan, aquatics director at Cascade Swim Center. “We didn’t have solid directives until last week so it’s been a game of choose your own adventure.”

The center is open for lap swim or water walking by reservation only, one person per lane.

“Wencourage you to come to the facility prepared to get into the water as only one shower per locker room will be open,” according to a post on its Facebook page.

The hot tub is closed. Face coverings are encouraged while you are not in the water.

The Madras Aquatic Center is working on a reopen plan for its pool, which they expect to announce later this week.

And in Bend, the Juniper Swim and Fitness Center says it plans on bringing back swimming and aquatic activities in the near future, but a firm date hasn’t been set.

 

Prineville Man Killed in O’Neil Highway Crash

A Prineville man was killed Thursday evening in a two-car crash on Highway 370, the O’Neil Highway just east of Redmond.

Oregon State Police said a Chevy Impala, operated by 43-year-old Matthew Herrera of Prineville, was driving east at a high rate of speed when he lost control on a corner and slid sideways into the westbound lane.  The Impala collided with a westbound GMC pickup truck driven by 37-year-old Aaron Ruhl of Prineville.

Herrera sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ruhl and his passenger, 32-year-oold Jessica Heggie of Prineville, were taken to St. Charles for injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

▶️ Redmond Group Looking For Public Input on City’s Future

By Dalton Roth
Central Oregon Daily

Central Oregon’s growth is unavoidable and many of the local communities we know and love are changing with it.

The city of Redmond held an open house Thursday night to get community input on future growth.

“We need to keep on top of things, don’t let it fall behind,” said Eric Sande, director of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce. “If you fall behind then you’re playing catch up and then things usually cost more.”

Twenty years may seem like a long time, but for the city of Redmond, 2040 is right around the corner. To stay ahead, the city is asking the community for input on what makes Redmond unique, what is important to preserve and what they would like to see changed.

“It really does help guide the leaders of the community,” Sande said. “It gives them a sense of what is needed and what’s wanted.”

The people of Redmond know their voice matters.

“One of the things I love about Redmond is that a person or a group of people can make a difference and can turn the tide and can make things happen,” said Redmond resident Diana Barker. “I think that transportation is one of the things that is starting to become top of mind … Right now we don’t have a traffic problem but we know that with the population that we know is moving here we will have a transportation problem if we’re not ahead of it.”

Keeping Redmond, Redmond, is the most important part for city planners.

“I think people really love what’s happening in Redmond and they want to be a part of it. We want to make sure families can live here; families can have a place to play with their children,” Sande said. “They want to know their neighbors and be a part of their neighborhoods. It’s nice to see that sense of community is strong here. We’re in a unique position because we are a growing community with a lot of forethought in our city council and staff with the city. We’re lucky to have a city that wants to maintain excellent services and afford-ability is something they keep top of mind.”

Change is coming to Central Oregon, but with a little planning, Redmond is ready.

 “Why would anyone want to live anywhere else; there’s everything here,” Barker said. “We have a great park system, it’s getting better all the time. The weather is great, so why would you want to live anywhere else.”

If you missed the open house, you can visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/redmond2040vision to contribute your opinions on the future of Redmond.

Fourplex Under Construction Collapses in Redmond

Two men escaped serious injuries Monday afternoon when a fourplex under construction in Redmond collapsed on their scissor lift.

Redmond Fire reported workers on the scene at 15th and Glacier heard a loud cracking noise before the trusses collapsed about 3:45 p.m.

The trusses were stabilized before paramedics were able to remove one of the men who suffered minor injuries.

A second worker was able to get himself out from the lift from under the collapse.

 

 

 

Central Oregon Couple Detained in Malaysia Heading Home

Samantha Henry and her boyfriend Will Lucas were traveling abroad in Asia for most of the summer – backpacking and helping families across the continent.

They were supposed to be on a plane headed back to the United States last Monday. That’s when Henry’s father said they went missing.

Turns out, the couple was being held in a detention center in Malaysia.

A week later, they’re on their way home. Central Oregon Daily’s Anyssa Bohanon spoke with the woman’s father about how the harrowing story unfolded.

 

Tons of Fun, Plenty of Traffic – 100th Deschutes County Fair Begins

The 100th Deschutes County Fair officially started Wednesday – as if you hadn’t noticed all the traffic heading into Redmond. It’s the most-attended county fair in the state of Oregon with more than a quarter million people expected through the gates.

As the weekend approaches, fairgoers can expect traffic delays, a crowded parking lot – but also a lot of fun.

Central Oregon Daily’s Meghan Glova has more on what you can expect as you head to the fair.

 

Damaged Equipment Keeps Redmond Airport Closed Tuesday

The Redmond Airport remained closed on Tuesday after the latest round of a winter storm damaged vital equipment used to help pilots land when there are no visual references for them to use on approach.
Central Oregon Daily’s Anyssa Bohanan looks at the problem and why airport officials are hoping to reopen by Wednesday morning.

War Stories: Barry Hebert

One out of every seven Central Oregonians is a veteran. In our weekly War Stories series, we introduce you to the stories of Central Oregon war veterans. This week, War Stories producer Warren Shultz introduces us to the story of Vietnam Air Force veteran, Barry Hebert.

special thanks to Gary Gruner Chevrolet Buick GMC for sponsoring War Stories.