Despite the rain, hundreds of community members gathered at the Bend-La Pine Schools admin building on Oct. 2 for a pre-bargaining rally, supporting contract negotiations between BLPS and its teachers’ union, Bend Education Association. Bend educators attended a bargaining session with the district on Oct. 2. Certified BLPS staff have been working without a contract […]
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.
Praxis Health Brings Urgent Care to Redmond
Praxis Health, an independent medical group, announced the grand opening of its new urgent care location in Redmond. The urgent care will share the same facilities as High Lakes Redmond on 4th Street. The location, which opened Oct. 4, will be the first Praxis Health urgent care in Redmond, making it easier for locals to […]
Central Oregon Awarded Funding for Youth Homelessness
Central Oregon received federal assistance to support housing programs for its houseless youth population, addressing a growing problem in several regions. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council nearly $1 million in funds in an effort to end youth homelessness in the community. The funding was provided to […]
St. Charles to Continue Medicare Advantage Agreement
St. Charles Medical System reached an agreement with PacificSource on Sept. 29 that will continue its Medicare Advantage plans with no disruption in care or coverage. The agreement will reduce administrative burdens and address previous problems with Medicare Advantage plans, prioritizing the ease of care. Beginning in 2024, patients of St. Charles Cancer Center can […]
A One-Man Point in Time Count
The Coordinated Houseless Response Office held a meeting on Sept. 21 outlining its plans moving forward to address houselessness in Central Oregon. Part of that meeting included conversation around a report that some community members found controversial. City and County staff for Deschutes County, Bend, Redmond, La Pine and Sisters discussed an increase in community […]
Beyond Bloodys
Who doesn’t love brunch? Brunch is extremely versatile, giving people a wide range of options and, not to mention, a great excuse to indulge in a cocktail at noon. When thinking about the go-to brunch cocktail, I’m sure a classic Bloody Mary comes to mind for many. My mom considers it the best hangover cure, […]
Are We Dating the Same Guy? Yes.
In a world full of social media and online apps, the current dating culture is quite different than it was before the advent of smart phones and social media. Redmond local Brandi Klann, after being married for several years, immediately noticed the glaring difference. “Things move so fast, and people can portray themselves totally differently […]
New Art Station Coming to Larkspur Park
Bend’s east side will be the home of a new Art Station building, offering enhanced art programs for locals. Bend Park and Recreation District announced it will build the Art Station at Larkspur Park, following a Sept. 19 agreement by the board of directors. District staff estimate the facility will open by summer 2026. For […]
Franklin Ave. Shelter Turns ‘Congregate’ to Maximize Space
Deschutes County Commissioners approved an amendment to the contract for Bend’s Franklin Avenue shelter on Sept. 13. The Franklin Avenue Shelter, in partnership with Shepard’s House, asked for the word “non-congregate” to be taken out of the contract, allowing larger rooms to be used by non-related groups. According to Evan Hendrix, the director of navigation […]
Central Oregon Awarded Funding for Youth Homelessness
Central Oregon received federal assistance to support housing programs for its houseless youth population, addressing a growing problem in several regions. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council nearly $1 million in funds in an effort to end youth homelessness in the community. The funding was provided to […]

