News

Charges dismissed against Redmond man: Charges have been dismissed against a 42-year-old Redmond man who had been sentenced to 50 years in prison after being convicted on charges related to sexual abuse, according to a news release from the office of Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel. Hummel announced the decision on the conviction of Joshua Horner after discussions with attorneys from the Oregon Innocence Project, who discussed concerns about the validity of Horner’s conviction, and a state appeals court order for a new trial last month, officials said. The joint investigation between the district attorney’s office and the Oregon Innocence Project determined that a significant claim made by the purported victim in the case was not true, officials said. The victim testified at trial that Horner shot and killed her dog to discourage her from reporting his alleged abuse to police, but it turned out the dog is still alive, officials said. The victim declined numerous attempts to discuss the new revelations in the case with investigators, officials said. Hummel said that, while he’s not certain that Horner did not abuse the victim, he can no longer say that Horner is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt or preponderance of the evidence.

Education

COCC president to retire: Central Oregon Community College President Shirley I. Metcalf has announced she will retire, effective July 1, 2019. The fifth president in the school’s 70-year history, Metcalf is credited with completing a facilities master plan and strategic master plan in her time at the school, where she started working in 2011 and became president in 2014, according to a news release. Metcalf, who will be 67 when she retires, has also served on the boards of Redmond Economic Development Inc. and the education nonprofit Better Together,

Business

Pacific Power customers eligible for electric car discount: Pacific Power customers are being offered a $3,000 incentive to purchase a 2018 Nissan Leaf electric car, according to a news release. Customers can bring a copy of their Pacific Power bill, along with a flier with offer details to a Nissan dealership by Sept. 30 to receive the offer. The flier is available at bit.ly/2MamATm.

Events

Community baby shower seeks donations: The Central Oregon Perinatal Care Team is working with St. Charles Health System and other agencies to collect donations for the Sept. 28-29 Central Oregon Community Baby Shower. The event, which is being held at multiple area locations, celebrates pregnant women in the community, especially those who would not otherwise have a baby shower. Organizers are seeking unopened baby items like car seats, diaper bags and play mats, as well as unopened or catered food items and items to be used in a drawing. Photographers and volunteers are also being sought. For more information, contact communitybabyshower@deschutes.org or 541-385-1401.