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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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New Draft of Wildfire Hazard Maps

The Oregon Department of Forestry is looking for public comment on a new draft of maps that outline fire risks
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On July 18, the Oregon Department of Forestry released draft versions of its statewide wildfire hazard and wildland-urban interface maps. The maps are available to the public for review and comment. They serve as a tool to educate people about the level of hazard where they live, assist in prioritizing fire adaption and mitigation resources […]

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Several Fires Burn Northwest of La Pine

Firefighters work to contain Round Mountain and Wickiup Fires; new fire started Friday
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Firefighters are working to suppress two fires burning in the Deschutes National Forest – the Round Mountain and Wickiup Fires. Both fires, approximately seven miles northwest of La Pine and just north of Wickiup Reservoir, were reported on July 17. As of Fri., July 19, the Wickiup Fire was mapped at 200 acres and the […]

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Redmond City Council Adjusts Public Comment Rules

Redmond City Council aims to conduct city business before public comment, noting an uptick in objectively offensive remarks
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At a July 9 Redmond City Council meeting, Mayor Ed Fitch announced that the City will modify its rules on public comment, allowing it to only occur at the end of council meetings, once official City business has been completed. Before July 9, individuals were allowed the opportunity for public comment both at the beginning […]

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Keeping Staff and Customers Healthy… and Cool

Central Oregon food trucks note the effects of extreme heat on their businesses
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The first two weeks of July brought record-breaking heat to Central Oregon and across the state. With daytime temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for consecutive days in Bend, on July 3, Gov. Tina Kotek urged Oregonians to take extra precautions in advance of the heatwave. During the extreme heat, several local businesses shifted their hours to […]

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East Bend Library Will Cease Operations in 2025

The library will transition its East Bend Library operations to the new Central Library at Stevens Ranch
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On July 3, the Deschutes Public Library announced its decision to not renew its lease for the East Bend Library. The library, located on Dean Swift Road near Highway 20, is set to remain open until the lease ends on Dec. 31, 2025. The decision came after a June meeting, where board members voted unanimously […]

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Redmond Voters Set to Weigh In on Local Marijuana Sales

Redmond City Council will seek input on allowing retail marijuana sales in the city
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The City of Redmond plans to let locals vote on whether they want marijuana dispensaries in city limits. On July 9, Redmond City Councilors voted unanimously to present an advisory ballot measure to voters on November 5, seeking input on whether to change the city code to allow for retail marijuana sales in the city. […]

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Psilocybin Therapy, One Year In

Data from one year of legal psilocybin offers insights
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One year into the rollout of Oregon’s legal psilocybin program, providers and regulators are starting to get a look at who’s been using the program, and why. In January 2023, Oregon launched its state-regulated psilocybin therapy program through the Oregon Health Authority. Clients began receiving access to the services in May 2023. Delivered through the […]

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Wildfire Burns East of Redmond Airport

The McCaffery fire prompted evacuations and a temporary closure of the Redmond Airport
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On July 6, a fire started around McCaffery and Sherman Road, east of the Redmond Airport and south of Highway 126. Firefighters worked to increased containment but faced significant challenges with hot and dry conditions. On Monday at 9am, the fire was 458 acres and 25% contained. The McCaffery Fire was first reported at about […]

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Central Oregon Prepares for Extreme Heat

Local organizations offer cooling centers and caution safety for forecasted heatwave
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Gov. Tina Kotek urged Oregonians on July 3 to take extra precautions in advance of an excessive heat warning, occurring from noon Thursday through Sunday evening. “Oregon will experience record-breaking heat across the state this holiday week,” Gov. Kotek said. “While extreme heat can be deadly for anyone, certain groups – children, elders, people with […]

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The Call for Community Among Veterans

Local veteran service providers encounter challenges and solutions around mental health support
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Jason Whalen entered the military right out of high school, in 1994. He served for three years, spending most of his time in Korea. Born in Minnesota, Whalen moved to Salem, Oregon around 1989 and later came to Bend. Tambi Lane, his partner of 10 years, described him as always caring for others. It didn’t […]

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