Local News
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‘An Expression of Community Values’

Deschutes County is set to review comments and concerns about its 2024 draft comprehensive plan after May 30
Avatar photo by Julianna LaFollette

Deschutes County held its final public hearing on May 8 to hear comments regarding its draft 2024 comprehensive plan. The 111-page plan, which serves as the County’s map for the future, has garnered over 300 public comments since its inception. The County is set to review the plan’s comments and make a decision sometime in […]

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Redmond Proposes Increased Transportation SDCs

Hub City looks at updating its methodology for the first time since 2008
Avatar photo by Julianna LaFollette

On May 1, the City of Bend approved changes to how it calculates system development charges. Now, Redmond plans to follow suit. The City of Redmond is proposing an increase in its transportation system development charges, which are one-time charges developers pay to cover infrastructure-related improvements in the city. City staff members presented a proposed […]

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Building Belonging

Local organizations join the fight against a major health concern: loneliness
by Jim Tolles

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General’s office issued its “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” report, which found that loneliness and social isolation are massively detrimental to health. One of the most shocking statistics: “The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,” the […]

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Q&A with New CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette

Dr. Sara Kennedy talks about PPCW and her goals within the organization
Avatar photo by Julianna LaFollette

Dr. Sara Kennedy is the new President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette. Before coming to PPCW, Kennedy was the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Planned Parenthood Northern California. Kennedy is an OB-GYN and also has a master’s degree in public health. She’s passionate about helping address obstacles toward better health. […]

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City of Bend Approves Revised System Development Charges

Bend City Councilors approve changes to how water, sewer and transportation fees are calculated
Avatar photo by Julianna LaFollette

The City of Bend adopted changes on how it calculates fees associated with new development. System development charges are one-time charges developers pay, intended to help pay for growth-related infrastructure. The changes will take effect on July 1. The Bend City Council approved changes to water, sewer and transportation SDCs at a May 1 council […]

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Source Warmup

Quick news for Central Oregon
by The Source Editorial Board

Redmond to Retain Two High Schools In 2023, the Redmond School District began discussions about combining the district’s two high schools to address needed repairs at Redmond High School. After hearing staff, parent and community feedback, the district chose to continue pursuing options to keep Redmond High School open, according to a press release. While […]

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‘You Belong’ Campaign Addresses Surge in Hate Crimes

The Oregon Department of Justice aims to bring awareness to its Bias Response Hotline
Avatar photo by Julianna LaFollette

On April 22 the Oregon Department of Justice launched its “You Belong” campaign to increase awareness for Oregon’s Bias Response Hotline, which provides support and options for people targeted in hate crimes or bias incidents. The campaign, which will continue for three months, will put out public service announcements, radio ads and social media ads […]

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Wild Horses Find Sanctuary at Skydog Ranch

Over 300 wild horses and 50 burros saved after their capture now call 9,000 acres of breathtaking, rugged land in Prineville home
by Tiffany Neptune

Witnessing a wild horse run free is an experience unlike any other, but these sights are more rare as more horses are captured from their lives in the wild. As uncertain fates await those still roaming the American West as well as the mustangs and burros already detained, some, like the hundreds who graze the […]

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Irrigation Practices Called Into Question

Analysis of federal data shows a large portion of local irrigators are still hobby farmers, continuing to worsen drought conditions
Avatar photo by Julianna LaFollette

Recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provides a complete count of farms and ranches in the state and its various counties, shows that many Central Oregon irrigators are hobby farmers. The USDA conducts a census every five years and looks at land use, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. The 2022 […]

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Deschutes County Psilocybin Decisions

Hearings officer denies Juniper Resort application; decision remains on facility near Pine Nursery Park
Avatar photo by Julianna LaFollette

Two separate proposals, each looking to establish a new psilocybin service center in the County, were seeking approval from a Deschutes County hearings officer. On April 9, Deschutes County held a public hearing regarding a land use decision that would allow a psilocybin manufacturing and service center to be permitted on a property across the […]

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