John Hodecker inherited a vast potato empire from his father Fred. For decades, the Hodeckers were one of the largest employers on the wide stretch of Highway 97 that was called Redmond.

John died last week at the age of 90. Before he did, he and his wife gave away more than $1 million to a wide variety of charities. He was a nearly 50-year member of Kiwanis. He organized a left-handed golf tournament. And he showed up at his office at Midstate Fertilizer every morning at 7 a.m. long after he retired.

Remembering John, and people of his generation, is a reminder of how much the potato meant to Redmond and Central Oregon in general from the early 1900s through the 1960s. Potato was king of the local economy and the Hodeckers owned the largest company that processes, stored and shipped them across the country.

Also in this week’s paper we have an update on a tax abatement a developer is demanding in order to build affordable housing in Redmond. Redmond City Council gave their blessing, but after a presentation March 6 the Redmond School Board is not so sure.

Ready to hear some sweet sounds in downtown Redmond? Check out the new Central Oregon School of Modern Music.

For some not-so-musical news, read the latest about a stabbing that took place in broad daylight in downtown Redmond on March 14.

Need something to do on Saturday? What about checking out the JROTC league championships on Saturday. And don’t forget the finale of our thrilling series on Donald Duck! 

Quote of the Week

“He had his routine. He had to go to the post office, he had to get the mail, he had to take it to the plant. I think that is how you live to be 90 though. Every day you’ve got to get up and you’ve got to do these things.”

— Lynn Hodecker on her father, John

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— Tim Trainor is editor of the Redmond Spokesman.