$9 million for a town hall?

Probably, like me, you read in The Bulletin or heard that Redmond was going to spend $9 million on remodeling the Evergreen school into a new town hall. In my last 50 years, we have lived in a number of major geographic areas, and nowhere would a city the size of Redmond (27,000 people) have $9 million to spend on remodeling a town hall. Two thoughts come to mind: One, where is the money coming from? And two, aren’t there other areas of our community in more need of help than this town hall project?

Bob Roth

Redmond

Protect the Owyhee

I was heartened to hear recently about the KEEN Live Monumental event in Bend and the local businesses that turned out in support of conservation efforts for the Owyhee Canyonlands. Located in southeastern Oregon, the Owyhee country is a somewhat unknown part of the state, but it’s astonishing and unlike anything else. Unfortunately, mining and oil and gas proposals are starting to pop up around it. We should protect the Owyhee, and in my estimation, we should also support businesses that care about the future of public lands.

To recap, Portland-based KEEN Footwear launched in July a campaign called Live Monumental (keenfootwear.com/livemonumental). The aim is to gather 100,000 petition signatures in two months to push for creation of four national monuments nationwide. The KEEN tour recently came to town and was championing Oregon’s Owyhee as one of the four. Companies like Hydro Flask, Ruffwear, Stanley and FootZone all turned out to show their support.

It’s good business for outdoor companies to advocate for protecting the places where we play. But it’s also bold to take a stand and say yes, the rich wildlife, amazing geology, cultural artifacts and red-rock canyons of the Owyhee matter, and lawmakers like Sen. Ron Wyden should take action to make sure they’re here forever. Thanks to all who are supporting efforts like KEEN’s. Learn more about the Owyhee and sign the petition to preserve the Owyhee Canyonlands: wildowyhee.org/act.

Jim Davis

Bend

Too many dead deer

In all my 36 years living in Bend, I have never seen so many dead deer/fawns littering our country roads like this year. The Oregon Department of Transportation signs warning of deer crossings have proved ineffective, as have the posted speed limits in those areas. Few people slow down. They may also not realize that deer travel in groups, with fawns lagging behind the mother. The months May through September take the worst toll. Not only has Bend’s population quadrupled in 36 years, but also during these months, we are dealing with thousands of tourists coming to enjoy our natural beauty and recreation possibilities.

Harper Bridge on Spring River Road and the campground and boat launch at Big River are two examples. Lots of people recreate there and launch their boats. Both are also posted as deer areas. And both have a heavy deer toll. Each time I report a dead deer for pick up by the sheriff, I get sick to my stomach.

I called the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and asked them if they had a solution to put an end to the killing on our highways. They told me the fence along Highway 97 has reduced killings there and that this fence will be going all the way to Klamath Falls one day. But nothing is being done for areas away from it, and that the deer death numbers are comparable in the rest of the state. We must all slow down.

Gisela Ryter

Bend

Advocate for the elderly

It was with great interest that I read the Aug. 13 article in The Bulletin about new memory-care facilities opening in Bend and Redmond. I am a registered nurse who, after retiring three years ago, searched for a meaningful and challenging volunteer opportunity. I certainly found it when I became a Long-Term Care Ombudsman. We ombudsmen come from various backgrounds and work as advocates for residents’ rights in nursing homes, adult foster homes, assisted living and memory-care facilities. The goal is to enhance the dignity and quality of life of residents.

We need more ombudsmen for Bend, Redmond and the surrounding areas. Our office in Salem provides training and support. Please join us. We need you! For more information, call 800-522-2602.

Pam DiDente

Bend