Between 1,500 and 2,000 homes in the Forked Horn Butte area of south Redmond are without power and water this morning. City of Redmond Water Division Manger Pat Dorning says a vehicle struck a power pole in southwest Redmond this morning, knocking down power lines. Dorning says Public Works crews are on the scene there is no estimate as when water and power will be restored.

It ‘s a conflict headed for federal court. Deschutes County resident Steve Kulin wants a variance for the county’s home occupation ordinance. Local officials say his business is too big to be considered a home-based business and want him to have four employees or less, or move to an area with commercial zoning. Kulin says he needs the extra employees to help him due to sight and mobility impairments, and he considers this an “American’s with Disability’s Act” claim, not a zoning question.

The Redmond Humane Society is getting some immediate help from the county as it struggles with $1.4 million dollars of debt. The Deschutes County Commissioners have agreed to make a simple zero percent promissory loan from the Business Loan Fund to bring the Society’s monthly bills up to date and cover the debt service through September 30^th. This is to give the Society Board time to complete an independent audit, make a long-range business plan and develop a fund raising plan. The Commissioners made the decision today (Wed). Commissioner Mike Daly says it is important that the Redmond shelter remain open because the county has the ultimate responsibility to deal with stray and abused animals.

Meanwhile, the Society has tabbed Diane Goke to serve as Interim Executive Director of the shelter, replacing Jamie Kanski. Kanski resigned without notice in June just before the board discovered the extreme debt and financial problems of the shelter.

It's proving to be an especially challenging year for high desert gardeners. Sneaker frosts are continuing to creep into certain parts of Central Oregon, even in late July. Nancy Mabee lives in southeast Bend and it was 31 degrees when she got up this morning (Wed), freezing her tomato plants for the third time this season. Doug Stott with Redmond Greenhouse says the frosts do seem to be hammering us a little later than usual this year. Stott says cover your tomatoes at night if you live in an area where late frosts can hit. He also says it's too late this season to plant new tomato starts.