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Julianna LaFollette

Julianna earned her Masters in Journalism at NYU in 2024. She loves writing local stories about interesting people and events. When she’s not reporting, you can find her cooking, participating in outdoor activities or attempting to keep up with her 90 pound dog, Finn.

1reporter@bendsource.com
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DMV Offices in Central Oregon Face Staffing Shortages, Closures

Amid local DMV issues, ODOT announces new express kiosks to improve customer experience
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In recent months, several Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle offices in the region have reported closures as a result of staffing issues. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), DMV offices across Central Oregon have closed an average of about eight and a half days since September. From September to January, Madras and Prineville […]

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Homeowners Insurance Continues to Rise in Vulnerable Areas

As fire risk grows, residents and industry representatives worry about the future of insurance in Central Oregon
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On Jan. 7, the Oregon Department of Forestry released the final version of its statewide wildfire hazard map, designating property tax lots as low-, moderate- or high-hazard zones. The purpose of the maps is to educate residents about their level of hazard, assist in prioritizing fire adaptation and mitigation resources for vulnerable locations and identify […]

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City of Bend Welcomes New and Returning City Councilors

Incoming Bend City Councilors made remarks as they were sworn in on Jan. 8
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The Bend City Council welcomed its new and returning council members on Wednesday night with a ceremony at City Hall. Along with returning members Megan Perkins and Megan Norris, newcomers Gina Franzosa and Steve Platt were sworn in by Municipal Court Judge Pro Tem Erin Zemper. Upon reading their oaths of office, councilors offered remarks […]

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Redmond Library Set to Open Jan. 27

Library officials offer a look inside the newly built facility
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After years of anticipation, the Redmond Library will officially open to the public on Jan. 27. Ahead of its grand opening, the Deschutes Public Library provided a look at the new 40,000-square-foot library, which offers up a variety of fresh amenities for the community. The new library is intended to serve as a community hub […]

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Meeting Your Financial Goals in 2025

As the new year begins, get some tips on reaching financial goals
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It’s no secret that the cost of living in Central Oregon is high and continues to grow. As many individuals hope to start the new year off with fresh financial goals, local financial advisor Emma James with Rosell Wealth Management shared some tips to help individuals reach those objectives. Take Inventory According to James, financial […]

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Respiratory Illnesses Rise in Central Oregon

Deschutes County Health Department notes spikes in flu and whooping cough positivity in December
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This week, the Deschutes County Health Department noted an upward trend in cases of the flu and whooping cough in Central Oregon, compared to previous years. Deschutes County Public Health program manager Dr. Rita Bacho shared the department’s most recent data on respiratory illnesses, along with vaccination rate trends in Central Oregon. The most recent […]

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Redmond Ponders New Safe Parking Ordinance

The City of Redmond is set to decide whether to allow micro-shelter units at safe parking sites in City limits
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The City of Redmond is set to discuss an ordinance change that would allow micro-shelter units at safe parking sites. Redmond’s current safe parking code only allows vehicles at safe parking spaces. While those in support believe the allowance of micro-shelter units will open up more opportunities for unhoused residents, some wonder if these sites […]

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Bend Parks Looks to Restore Historic High Wheels

The District is weighing its options for a deteriorating cultural artifact sitting in Bend’s Drake Park
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The Bend Park and Recreation District plans to restore a cultural artifact after years of deterioration, due to exposure to harsh weather and a lack of significant upkeep. The High Wheels, a piece of equipment used to transport logs in the early 1900s, is displayed in Drake Park as a piece of history, meant to […]

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Redmond in Review

Take a look back at significant stories from 2024 in the growing Central Oregon city
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A Redmond Shelter Expansion In February, Shepherd’s House Ministries announced its Redmond location would open its doors as a permanent, low-barrier, year-round shelter. The shelter first began operating in November 2023 as an overnight shelter but expanded due to an increased need. In November 2024, the shelter celebrated its one-year anniversary. Since opening, the shelter […]

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After Closure, New La Pine Park Leaders Move Forward

Following financial troubles and the resignation of the La Pine Park & Recreation board, new board members look to reestablish the district
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In early October, mounting frustrations, complaints and hefty money troubles within the La Pine Park & Recreation District came to a head, leading to the resignation of all of its volunteer board members and the closure of its office. With a full closure, the board laid off all LPRD employees and, subsequently, left all of […]

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