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Investigations

Ochoco West water district continues with illegal meetings lacking timely notice; Missing public records deadlines

The Ochoco West Water & Sanitary Authority (OWWSA) is again poised to violate Oregon’s public meetings law, this time by giving just one day’s notice for its upcoming Aug 12th regular meeting — well below both statutory expectations and state guidance

City omits narrative about limiting public comment in meeting minutes amid controversy; Draft video policy revealed

The City of Prineville appears to have significantly sanitized its official meeting minutes from a contentious July discussion about adding video access to public meetings — omitting any reference to the controversial remarks by several city councilors who previously argued against adding video for remote access unless the public was required to give testimony in person — a position which also violates a provision of the State's public meetings law.

Off Target: How the managers of Oregon’s $100 billion pension fund ignored expert guidance and lost big

Earlier this year, Grant School District Superintendent Mark Witty faced a $900,000 hike in what his district needs to pay this coming year to the Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund.

Prinevile City Council opposes video for meetings if public allowed remote testimony—despite it already being required by law

The majority of the Prineville City Council signaled resistance last week during its latest public meeting to allowing the public to testify remotely at council meetings, even as it weighs whether to expand video access—something already selectively offered to some individuals, including members of the council.

Ochoco West water board held illegal public meeting with only hours’ notice despite warnings; Attorney resigned before meeting

The board of the Ochoco West Water & Sanitary Authority (OWWSA) held an illegal special meeting Tuesday night, July 29th, after issuing just four hours’ notice to the public and media—far short of the 24-hour bare minimum required by Oregon law.

Prineville car salesman arrested; Indicted on 35 counts for multi-year fraud scheme

Mike Smetzer, the owner of the now-defunct Central Oregon Motors, was arrested Wednesday, July 2nd, by the Crook County Sheriff’s Office following a grand jury indictment that returned on June 27th, according to court records.

Grievance filed over lack of required notice for controversial solar expansion hearings

The Prineville Review filed a formal grievance Wednesday morning against the Crook County Board of Commissioners, alleging the county failed to provide timely and specific notice of a public hearing concerning a controversial expansion of the TSR North Solar Facility near Powell Butte.

City Council to rehold postponed hearing on Republic Services controversial rate hike

The Prineville City Council will hold its previously postponed public hearing on a proposed 10% rate increase for Republic Services at its regular public meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10 at City Hall.

Republic Services again seeks rate hike; City gives last minute meeting notice

Republic Services is once again asking the Prineville City Council to approve a rate increase for solid waste collection services. A public hearing on the request is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 387 NE Third Street.

Oregon Ethics Commission opens investigation into Crook County High School principal

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) voted unanimously Friday to launch a formal investigation into Crook County High School Principal Jake Huffman, finding there is “a substantial objective basis” to believe he may have violated state ethics laws by using his public position and school district facilities to benefit a private wrestling business he owns.

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