Suspect ID’d in hydrant vandalism

Investigators named a 16-year-old Bend resident Tuesday as a suspect in the alleged criminal mischief involving vandalized fire hydrants, according to a news release from Bend Police Lt. Nick Parker.

Around 1 a.m. on Sunday Deschutes County 911 received reports of a fire hydrant with an open valve near the 19000 block of Wild Rapids Drive in southwest Bend. Approximately 20 minutes later, authorities received information that at least two homes flooded as a result of the unauthorized hydrant opening.

Chase Ricker has been identified as a suspect but has not been arrested. Bend Police are forwarding information gathered in the investigation to Deschutes County District Attorney Patrick Flaherty and the Deschutes County Juvenile Division for consideration, Parker said.

“The damage to one of the homes included several inches of standing water,” Parker said. “Mud and debris was also forced into the home interior.”

Parker said damage to the homes is estimated in the thousands of dollars, though no definite number has been announced.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police at 541-693-6911.

—Bulletin staff report

Kindergarten influx expected in Bend-La Pine

Parents are urged to sign their kids up for kindergarten early, as Bend-La Pine Schools officials predict more than 1,200 new students will enter kindergarten this September.

Starting today, parents of future kindergartners can sign their children up any school day between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to a news release from communications director Julianne Repman.

Parents registering students must bring the child’s birth certificate, immunization record, social security number, proof of address and the names and phone numbers of two local emergency contacts, Repman said.

Immunizations do not have to be up to date at the time of registration, just by the first day of school.

Proof of address may include a driver’s license with current address, a rental agreement or a utility bill, among others. These documents allow the district to determine the correct attendance area for the student.

Maps outlining school attendance areas are available at the district website at www.bend.k12.or.us. Attendance area information is also available by calling 541-355-1000.

— Bulletin staff report