Local News

For the Kids

After a foray into Hollywood and back, a suicide awareness art exhibition leads to a program supporting kids in Bend

In September 2019, a Source Weekly cover featured artist and musician Nicola Carpinelli gazing upward at one of his own paintings. It was the launch of Carpinelli's exhibit for Suicide Awareness Week, titled "Dead Poets"—an exhibit featuring artists who had died by suicide.

By Nicole Vulcan Aug 3, 2022

Cline Butte Sale Terminated

Environmentalists claim victory in preserving public natural land, but the developer leasing it says Thornburgh, his proposed destination resort, is moving forward

The owner of the proposed Thornburgh Resort withdrew an application to purchase about 400 acres of property from the Department of State Lands on July 29, after a significant amount of backlash to the sale from nearby Eagle Crest residents, environmental advocates and people who recreate in the area.

By Jack Harvel Aug 3, 2022

Lightning a Fire

A week of high heat followed by a week of fire

Thunderstorms ignited wildfires across Central Oregon on the night of July 31. As of this writing firefighters have responded to 15 wildfires and are seeking to locate the source of six reported smoke sightings.

By Jack Harvel Aug 3, 2022

Don’t Trip

Deschutes County voters will decide to reaffirm or reverse course on Measure 109, the bill that legalized psilocybin-assisted therapies

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners is sending a ballot measure to voters this November that would ban psilocybin clinics and manufacturing on unincorporated Deschutes County land. Measure 109 legalized psilocybin-assisted therapies in 2020, but some details are still being worked out at the state level as the program’s start date approaches in January 2023.

By Jack Harvel Aug 3, 2022

Listen: Central Oregon's Transit System with Andrea Breault 🎧

Why don't we have more routes? Any chance of an airport shuttle? ...and lots more questions answered from CET's transportation director

Andrea Breault is the Transportation Director for Cascades East Transit.

By Nicole Vulcan Jul 28, 2022

Podcast

My Time with Tom

As the fifth anniversary of Tom Petty's death approaches, a former pro ski racer recalls his adventures with the legendary singer

Breakdown: Dedicated to the memory of Tom Petty The roots of this story go back long before I met Tom Petty or even knew who he was.

By Dan Mooney Jul 27, 2022

Can't Stand the Heat

Central Oregon battles three-figure temperatures, with average temperatures above 100 all week long

Central Oregon was projected to have several days of high heat, exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit Tuesday through Saturday. With last year's heat dome fresh in the minds of Oregonians, local governments are urging people to take precautions.

By Jack Harvel Jul 27, 2022

Floater Drowns in Whitewater Park

A death occurred at Bend's Whitewater Park, the park's second of all time — and this year

Joseph Clarence Torkelson died on Friday, July 22, one day after being recovered from Bend's Whitewater Park, officials said.

By Jack Harvel Jul 27, 2022

Camping Code Continues

Regulations on campsites on City property could be put in place as early as October

The Bend City Council continued its efforts to manage campsites in public right of ways at its regular meeting on July 20. Over a month prior the City Council directed staff to establish a work group to tackle the time, place and manner restrictions that could be placed on campsites on City property; the decision at its most recent regular meeting reversed course and instead opted for a faster option that skips over the lengthier option of creating a work group.

By Jack Harvel Jul 27, 2022

Efficient Electricity?

The City of Bend invites locals to weigh in on a home energy score system for houses on the market

Bend is hosting a community Q&A on its potential Home Energy Score Program, which the City's Community Climate Action Plan listed as a priority in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Bend by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. The program requires that all homes listed for sale obtain a home energy score, a U.S. Department of Energy tool that ranks the efficiency of residences on a scale of 1-10.

By Jack Harvel Jul 27, 2022

Legal Help Wanted

Oregon's Chief Justice demands plan to address public defender shortage as the state is sued over failing to provide attorneys to low-income defendants

On July 13 Oregon's Public Defense Services Commission convened to take the first steps on plans to reform Oregon's public defense system. As of July 8, there were 39 unrepresented people incarcerated in Oregon jails and 65 out-of-custody people who've been arraigned without representation.

By Jack Harvel Jul 20, 2022