News

A 37-year-old Redmond man was arrested Dec. 2 in the Redmond Walmart the day after having allegedly stolen keys and a demagnetizer used by Walmart employees, according to the Redmond Police Department.

Police say Kenneth Hammerberg took $500 in merchandise on Dec. 1. The following night, Hammerberg returned to Walmart and was caught in the act of shoplifting other goods.

Hammerberg was charged with theft II, regarding the Dec. 1 theft, and two outstanding warrants. He was also arrested for theft III for possession of stolen items. Hammerberg was lodged at the Deschutes County jail in lieu of $72,500 bond.

During the investigation officers developed probable cause to search a purple 2011 Ford Fusion, which was parked in the Walmart parking lot and a room at The Hub Motel where Hammerberg, and a second suspect, 31-year-old Terrebonne resident Ryan Gray, where staying. Police also recovered a small amount of heroin.

Gray was arrested for Theft II and four outstanding warrants. Gray remains in the county jail without bond.

The Redmond police and fire departments were recognized by the National Association of Town Watch, the organization responsible for National Night Out (NNO), for participation in the 2020 NNO event, according to a press release from the police department. Redmond placed 7th overall in the category of cities with a population between 15,000 and 50,000. According to the press release, Redmond stood out for demonstrating the promotion of police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

“National Night Out is an excellent opportunity to develop new and enhance existing relationships between law enforcement and those we serve,” said Chief of Police Dave Tarbet in a press release.

“The ability to connect with our community during National Night Out has created lasting positive impacts with those we serve,” said Redmond Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Jeff Puller.

For more information or to watch the NNO video presentation, visit facebook.com/RedmondPolice/posts/1433350710189306.

Events

A light show will be playing at Redmond City Hall Friday and Saturday evenings through December. The animated light show is 5-10 minutes in length and will play on a loop for a few hours, lighting up the façade of City Hall. Viewers are encouraged to stay in their vehicles to watch the show or practice social distancing and wear masks. The show is put on in association with Lay it Out Events, Visit Central Oregon, and Travel Oregon, the Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB. For more information, visit facebook.com/redmondoregon or Instagram @visitrdm.

Windermere Real Estate’s annual “Share the Warmth” coat and blanket collection is being held as an online fundraiser this year. Donations are being collected through Dec. 21 to benefit the Redmond Family Access Network. “Vulnerable people in our communities continue to be severely impacted by the pandemic and recent wildfires. Helping to ensure our neighbors have the necessities they need to stay warm this winter is just one way we can step up and help,” said Scott Mitchelson, president of Windermere Services Company in Oregon and SW Washington, in a press release. “Though the campaign looks different this year, we know that our communities will continue to come together to take care of each other in times of crisis.” For more information or to make a donation, visit helpsharethewarmth.com or familyaccessnetwork.org/project/donate.

Business

Redmond Kiwanis will close its See’s Candy pop-up store in the former Sears building at the end of this week. Store hours this week are Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Remaining inventory will be available by telephone and email from project chair Hannah Grandey at 503-329-2618 or redmondkiwanis@gmail.com. For more information or to check available candies, visit www.redmondkiwanis.org.