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A “Minor” Homeless Concern

Over 10% of Central Oregon’s homeless population is under 18, by the most conservative estimates, and they have distinct challenges
Avatar photo by Jack Harvel

Central Oregon’s Homeless Leadership Coalition counted 1,647 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in its 2023 Point in Time Count, a 28% increase from 2022. Nearly 200 of the survey’s respondents were under 18 years old, and another 133 were between 18 and 24 years old and considered “unaccompanied youth.” But Bend-La Pine Schools […]

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The Red Light Website

In the wake of federal prohibitions against once- common escort advertisements, a scam-ridden online black market takes its place
Avatar photo by Jack Harvel

John” wanted to be a John. He’s recently widowed and sought paid female companionship through several of the dozens of websites that appear in a Google search for “Bend escort.” But “John” was actually a Mark, and he’d been duped by whoever was behind the screen asking for deposits from unrenewable cash cards or online […]

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Pedestrian Bridge Gets Funding

A long-term priority for cyclists and pedestrians gets cash from state and federal sources
Avatar photo by Jack Harvel

The City of Bend received over $19 million in grant funding for the Hawthorne Bridge from a U.S. Department of Transportation grant and $5 million from the state legislature through House Bill 5030, which should cover the full cost of the planned bridge. The City first explored pedestrian overcrossings over Highway 97 in 2016 as […]

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Governor Appoints New Secretary of State

Gov. Kotek hopes the retired auditor can restore trust in the Secretary of State’s Office after alleged ethical violations by the previous Secretary
Avatar photo by Jack Harvel

Gov. Tina Kotek appointed LaVonne Griffin-Valade to serve the remaining 18 months of former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan’s term. Fagan resigned after Willamette Week uncovered her $10,000 a month side gig consulting for the dispensary chain La Mota, and several subsequent allegations of ethical violations. Griffin-Valade started working as an auditor in 1998, when […]

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LISTEN: Commuting via Bike, Walk or Roll with Brian Potwin 🎧

A chat with the Executive Director of Commute Options
by The Source Staff

Brian Potwin is the Executive Director of Commute Options. He has lived in Central Oregon since the year 2000 and loves to ride bicycles and work with the community. Working for Commute Options since 2008, Brian has learned many techniques for outreaching and engaging communities in Central Oregon. He is passionate about creative change and […]

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It’s Time to Talk About E-Bikes

With the explosion in use of electric assist bicycles comes the need for more education about safety, usage and learning to coexist
by David Sword

Central Oregon loves bicycles. Bikes give people a sense of freedom and independence, and with the growing necessity of environment-friendly transportation, the popularity of bicycles and bike riding is booming. The benefits are numerous and include reduced CO2 emissions and air/noise pollution, savings on fuel costs, less congestion on roadways and saving of construction and […]

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Hunnell and Juniper Ridge Camp Removals Looming

Two of the largest homeless encampments in and around Bend are scheduled for closure
Avatar photo by Jack Harvel

The Bend City Council and the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners have both announced plans and timelines to clear large homeless encampments. The City of Bend said it’ll clear the encampments on Hunnell Road on July 17. City Manager Eric King said the decision to clear the camp stemmed from health and safety concerns identified […]

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Wolves in Deschutes and Funds for Farmers

Wolves established territory in Deschutes County two years ago, allowing the county to set up a committee that prevents attacks on livestock and reimburses ranchers for kills
Avatar photo by Jack Harvel

Deschutes County took a first step toward wolf reimbursements, two years after grey wolves settled in the county. The Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance Committee met for the first time on June 26 to establish rules of the committee that is tasked with establishing reimbursement for farm animals and direct grants for wolf-prevention strategies. […]

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Tears and High-fives: Session Ends, But More Work to Do

Gov. Tina Kotek, who’s signed about 250 bills, has about 350 more to review
by Lynne Terry and Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle and Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle

The 2023 legislative session is over, drawing smiles and high fives in the wood-paneled chambers. There were tears, too, on Sunday: Lawmakers and observers said the session was one of the most chaotic, frustrating and, at times, suspenseful sessions in recent history. “Six long months ago we came here with high hopes and great expectations,” […]

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LISTEN: Delicious Provisions with Nancy Zadoff of Wild Petals Provisions 🎧

A chat with the owner of a new shop in Brooks Alley in downtown Bend
by The Source Staff

Nancy Zadoff and her husband Paul relocated to Bend several years ago after working and living in various locations around the globe including  Australia, Europe and California. They vacationed in Central Oregon for years and always knew they would make Bend their final stop. Nancy, one of seven children, grew up in her parent’s gardens […]

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