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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
Posted inNews

Annual Count Shows 17% Increase in Homelessness

Local agency, the Homeless Leadership Coalition, released the results of the 2025 Point-in-Time count
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The annual point-in-time count, measuring the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January, was released on May 19, showing a 17% total increase throughout the region. The PIT Count is conducted each year across the tri-county region, including Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, Madras, Prineville and the Confederated Tribes of Warm […]

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Prineville Reevaluates UGB Expansion, Location for Biomass Facility

The City of Prineville tables plans; aims to get more community input on possible locations for a facility moving forward
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The City of Prineville decided this week to pause a proposed Urban Growth Boundary expansion, set to accommodate space for a prospective biomass facility among other expansion opportunities. The Prineville City Council voted 4-2 in opposition of the UGB expansion, following concerns from residents about the planned location and a lack of community input. The […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Dogwood Curates Food Carts for All

The food cart lot at the newly relocated Dogwood at the Pine Shed offers a wide variety of tasty cuisines
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The newly revamped and relocated Dogwood at the Pine Shed just opened its doors in February, offering tasty cocktails and a wide variety of tasty food options for any palate. The carefully curated food carts include Mexican, Vietnamese and Dominican cuisines, along with unique sandwiches, pizza, wings and crepes. With warmer weather ahead, the tasty […]

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Dine-Out Drought

With rising costs and continued traffic impacts on nearby streets, downtown Bend business owners see a drop in foot traffic
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Downtown Bend has traditionally been known as the heart of the city; a charming, pedestrian-friendly area that invites both locals and tourists to walk the streets and indulge in shopping, dining and nightlife. About 40 restaurants occupy the downtown area, offering a wide variety of options for those looking to dine in or grab a […]

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New Roundabout to Close Intersection on Skyliners Road

Construction on a new roundabout is scheduled to last from June through August
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The City of Bend announced on May 12 that a new roundabout will be built at the intersection of Skyliners Road and Skyline Ranch Road, causing a full closure of the intersection for about two months, during construction. According to a press release, the completed roundabout will “facilitate more efficient traffic movement at this very […]

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Prime Time: Amazon Launches New Delivery Hub in Redmond

Amazon purchased a site in east Redmond to help improve deliveries in Central Oregon
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An Amazon delivery center is coming to Redmond in a push to accelerate deliveries for customers in Central Oregon. On May 13, Amazon announced it had closed on land in northeast Redmond, along East Antler Avenue, as part of its “continued investment in rural communities.” According to a press release, the purchase aims to support […]

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Deschutes County Approves Program for RV Housing

Commissioners unanimously approved a program allowing RVs as rental housing
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On May 7, Deschutes County Commissioners voted to allow RVs as rental dwellings, authorizing property owners to let someone in an RV live on their land and pay rent. The program, aimed at providing low-income housing opportunities, is set to go into effect immediately. The County’s initial interest in this program came after the passage […]

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Police Investigate Homicide in NE Bend

Police arrested a suspect in connection with a deceased man found in Bend Wednesday
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Bend Police found the body of an unidentified middle-aged white man who had suffered a fatal injury in NE Bend on Wednesday night. At approximately 7:16pm, Bend Police responded to the area of the 100 block of NE Emerson Avenue, after police dispatchers received a report of a deceased person in the area. Once officers […]

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Deschutes County Delays Movement on East Redmond Encampment

County Commissioners will discuss plans for its property in east Redmond at the end of May, to factor in timelines for other proposed projects in the area
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The Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners is looking at plans to evacuate those in a growing encampment on east Redmond property following a code violation in the area. The violation is on County-owned property near the garbage facility, Negus Transfer Center. After years of discussing the removal of houseless people living on the nearly […]

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Forest Closure Takes Effect as Houseless People Attempt to Relocate

Local service providers are working to help relocate an estimated 40 to 60 people remaining in the China Hat Area following the May 1 forest closure
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People living on U.S. Forest Service land south of Bend have been forced to relocate following a May 1 closure of the area. A collection of lived-in vehicles lined the streets of China Hat Road on Thursday morning, just outside of the now-restricted area that hundreds of houseless residents called home. The closure, in effect […]

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