News

Redmond woman killed in Highway 97 crash: Kylee J. Bruce, 24, of Redmond, was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash Dec. 20 on U.S. Highway 97 south of Redmond near milepost 126. An investigation revealed the 2006 Saturn Ion sedan Bruce was driving was traveling south on Highway 97 when it lost control while making a pass. The Saturn slid sideways into the northbound lanes where it was struck by a 2005 Pontiac sedan that had been traveling northbound in the fast lane. The Saturn then struck a northbound 2017 BMW X5, which was traveling in the slow lane, before coming to rest on the highway. The driver of the BMW and Saturn were both treated for non-life-threatening injuries. In a Facebook post, Bruce’s boyfriend, Brandon Forseth, said Bruce was pregnant with the couple’s first child. The post attracted national attention and was “liked” by more than 334,000 people and shared more than 223,000 times.

Two killed in crash South of Madras: Two people died as a result of a Dec. 19 car crash on N. U.S. Highway 97 near milepost 102 between Madras and Redmond. Investigations revealed a 2007 Honda Ridgeline was traveling northbound when it drifted over the centerline and clipped a southbound 2012 Toyota Corolla. After clipping the 2012 Toyota, the Honda struck a southbound 2003 Toyota head on. Richard R. Mullins, 34, of Madras, a passenger in the 2003 Toyota, was pronounced dead at the scene, as was a 10-year-old male passenger seated in an unknown location of the same vehicle. Among those injured was Nicole A. Sly, 36, of Crooked River Ranch, the driver of the 2003 Toyota, who was flown to St. Charles Bend, along with an 8-year-old girl passenger.

Local SmokeJumper dies after fall: Firefighter and smokejumper Ray Rubio died Dec. 19 in the Grandview Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, from injuries he suffered in a Nov. 23 fall. Rubio, a smokejumper, RAC 95, with the Redmond Air Center at Deschutes National Forest, had been assigned to the southeast during an outbreak of multiple large fires in the region. Rubio was reported to be preparing to travel home to Oregon and was staying overnight in Birmingham at the time of his injury.

Shop With A Cop completes its 16th year: More than 123 students took part in Shop with a Cop events at Redmond and Bend Wal-mart stores. Their shopping lists included 558 family members with 100 percent of the donations being applied to the local program. The program would like to thank all the citizens who donated to the “cherished” annual event, and they would like to thank the members of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Police Department, Redmond Police Department, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Division, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Prineville Police Department, Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement Divison and Crook County Sheriff’s Office who took the children shopping and delivered them and their presents to their home.

Tree disposal options: Local Boy Scout troops will collect and recycle Christmas trees in the community the weekends of Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and Jan. 7 and 8. They request a $5 to $10 donation with 100 percent of the money raised going directly to the individual scout troop. Individual troops will post door flyers specifying which days they will be picking up trees in your neighborhood. Trees will be recycled, so please have them cleaned of all lights, decorations and tinsel. For more information, call 541-385-3989. If that does not work, High Country Disposal will dispose of them the week of Jan. 9-13 for a $5 charge. Just set the tree out next to the roll cart. Finally, at no charge, Negus Transfer Station in Redmond will take Christmas trees through Jan. 31. Trees must be free of flocking and tinsel.

Fire off East Antler avenue: Redmond Fire & Rescue responded Dec. 20 to a reported travel trailer on fire in the 1100 block of East Antler Avenue in Redmond. All occupants were able to evacuate before firefighters arrived. While responding, units observed a large column of black smoke coming from the area of the reported fire. As units neared the fire they observed a large explosion and fireball from the fire. Upon arrival units found a fully engulfed trailer and built-on structure. Redmond Police sheltered the occupants from weather in their patrol vehicles and requested Red Cross. Fire units extinguished the trailer and structure, which were both total losses.

Redmond Rotary to Host Leadership Panel: Redmond Rotary Club is set to host its annual City Leadership Panel from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 5 at Juniper Golf Course in Redmond. The panel-style forum will feature Jon Stark, Redmond Economic Development executive director; Keith Witcosky, Redmond city manager; and Mayor George Endicott. These community leaders will discuss what’s new and on the horizon for the community. This event is free and open to the community. Lunch will be provided for all attendees. Due to limited seating, guests are encouraged to RSVP as soon as possible. Those interested in attending may contact Lynn Evans, at rotaryofredmond@gmail.com.

Events

holiday blood donation: The American Red Cross has blood donation events scheduled in Redmond at a time when donations decline but the needs of patients remain steady. Donors of all blood types are needed this holiday season to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. Participants in Redmond can donate Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Highland Baptist Church, 3100 SW Highland Ave., and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at LDS Redmond Stake, 450 SW Rimrock Drive, or 1 to 6 p.m. at Grange 812, 707 SW Kalama Ave. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767. Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

COCC offers “getting started”: Central Oregon Community College will offer a “Getting Started” presentation at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Redmond campus. This is an opportunity for prospective students, whether seeking a degree or just a few classes, to meet with a COCC admissions representative for guidance through time-sensitive steps for enrollment, including federal financial aid, choosing appropriate courses and the use of academic support services. The session is in Room 218 of the Technology Education Center at the COCC Redmond campus. For information or to RSVP, call 541-383-7500.