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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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Bend Set to Pursue Fast-Tracked UGB Addition

The one-time UGB expansion comes out of Senate Bill 1537 and could accelerate housing
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On June 20, the Bend City Council decided to pursue a one-time urban growth boundary expansion, giving staff direction to move forward and solicit applications for the expansion. The expansion, which came out of Senate Bill 1537 as a possible means of expansion for cities that meet the qualifications, would help speed up growth. The […]

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La Pine Fire Reaches 60% Containment

Firefighters focus on keeping the fire within its current footprint
Avatar photo by Julianna LaFollette

Firefighting crews made significant progress over the weekend in containing the Darlene 3 Fire, east of La Pine. On Sunday morning, the fire had grown to 3,889 acres and was 60% contained. Crews will continue to focus on increasing containment and keeping the fire within its current footprint, according to a press release from Central […]

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La Pine Fire Expands East Thursday

As the fire moves east, some evacuation zones have been downgraded
Avatar photo by Julianna LaFollette

The Darlene 3 Fire in La Pine, which started Tuesday afternoon, reached 3,889 acres with 30% containment on Thursday at noon. Winds and warm temperatures have caused the fire to expand east into the Deschutes National Forest. Thursday, firefighters focused on strengthening existing lines, while temperatures and wind were favorable. While some areas are still […]

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La Pine Fire Grows Wednesday

Fire grows to over 2,400 acres, with 30% containment Wednesday afternoon
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As of noon on Wednesday, the La Pine Darlene 3 Fire, located east of town near Darlene Way and Ice Cave Road, was about 2,415 acres and 30% contained. Firefighters worked overnight to establish control lines around the fire perimeter. According to a press release, winds and warm temperatures Wednesday afternoon will test established lines. […]

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Bend Pushes Water-Saving Landscapes

City initiatives attempt to conserve more water, offering incentives for low-water landscaping
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In the spring of 2024, the City of Bend launched its new turf removal rebate program, which allows households to receive a rebate to convert their grass lawns into low-water landscapes, saving water and money. The pilot program came out of the City’s 2021 Water Management and Conservation Plan analysis. Dan Denning, the City of […]

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Expanding Access to Water Leasing

The Deschutes River Conservancy works with area irrigation districts to improve streams and rivers through water leasing
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When it comes to protecting local water sources, one important mechanism – a process called water leasing – allows someone to loan or rent their irrigation water to another user if they don’t need it, allowing it to be utilized for conservancy purposes. In this process, a water right holder can temporarily and voluntarily defer […]

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Redmond Awaits Results on Application for More Groundwater

Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch on Redmond’s future water supply
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In 2023, Redmond applied for an Oregon groundwater permit, which would allow it to access more groundwater as the town prepares for the future. The Oregon Water Resources Department indicated to Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch that the permit application could potentially get denied. The Source Weekly spoke with Fitch on the permit and the need […]

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Governor Declares Emergency Conflagration in La Pine Fire

Darlene Fire at 1,700 acres Tuesday night, with threats to life and property
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Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Darlene 3 Fire burning near La Pine, which was estimated to be 250 acres in size by 4pm June 25. By 9pm, the fire was estimated at 1,700 acres. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office had level 2 “Be Set” and level 3 “Go Now” evacuations […]

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Local Citizen Assemblies to Start in the Fall

The first assembly will focus on finding potential solutions for youth homelessness
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The City of Bend and the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Central Oregon Civic Action Project, agreeing to receive and potentially implement recommendations that come out of citizen assemblies. In April, Josh Burgess, the executive director of COCAP, spoke at a City Club of Central Oregon forum, introducing […]

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