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News

Government

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

August 2, 2025

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.

Central Oregon

Alaska Airlines to add Redmond–Burbank service as Avelo exits

July 31, 2025

Alaska Airlines will launch a new daily nonstop flight between Roberts Field (RDM) and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) beginning October 26, the airline announced this week.

Public Transparency

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

July 31, 2025

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.

Crime

Several hour standoff in Prineville ends peacefully with arrest; Suspect identified

July 25, 2025

A tense standoff between police and a suspect off NE Belknap Street in Prineville ended peacefully just after midnight, following a heavy law enforcement response that drew a crowd of more than 100 onlookers.

State

Destiny Wecks reinstated as 2026 Miss Rodeo Oregon following controversy and board reversal

July 18, 2025

In a dramatic reversal following public backlash and internal review, the Miss Rodeo Oregon Board has reinstated Destiny Wecks as the official winner of the 2025 Miss Rodeo Oregon pageant, officially naming her Miss Rodeo Oregon 2026.

Business

Breeze Airways announces new Redmond flights to Burbank, Las Vegas and Provo — days after Avelo Airlines cuts Oregon routes

July 17, 2025

Just days after Avelo Airlines announced sweeping cuts to its Oregon service — including the cancellation of flights from Burbank to Redmond, Eugene, and Salem — another low-cost carrier is stepping in to fill the gap.

Local

Highland Fire under investigation, CCFR says “human caused”

July 14, 2025

The brush fire that erupted Saturday afternoon near SE Highland Road is now believed to be human-caused, according to Crook County Fire and Rescue officials. A joint investigation is underway to determine exactly how the blaze started.

Local

Wildfire prompts evacuations in Juniper Canyon south of Prineville

July 12, 2025

A fast-moving wildfire is threatening homes and property in the Juniper Canyon and Davis Road area south of Prineville, prompting immediate evacuation orders and a large-scale emergency response from local, state, and federal agencies.

Columns & Editorial

When customer service is a priority

July 8, 2025

It is 9:00 a.m. on Monday morning, and customers are already waiting outside for the Prineville DMV office to open.

Crime

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

July 2, 2025

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.

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