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Central Oregon Wildfire Recap

The Flat Fire, northeast of Sisters, is 97% contained; the Marks Creek Fire, near Prineville, has 0% containment
Avatar photo by Peter Madsen

Until recently this year, Central Oregon had experienced a relatively mild wildfire season. That changed on Aug. 21 when the Flat Fire, of still-unknown causes, originated on private land in Jefferson County. Burning with zero-containment for about four days, the Flat Fire eventually destroyed five residences and 11 structures, burning within 2 miles of Sisters. […]

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La Pine Community Wellness Center Back on Track

Construction resumes on new building after a funding delay
by The Source Staff

The La Pine Community Health Center (LCHC) says construction will resume on the highly anticipated Wellness Center. While the facility was originally projected to open in early 2025, work came to a halt in March due to unforeseen funding-related issues that have since been amicably resolved. Once completed, the Wellness Center will provide expanded dental services, diagnostic imaging, and enhanced mental and […]

Posted inLocal News

Central Oregon Book Festival Returns with Storytelling Focus  

Sisters event features 25+ Pacific Northwest authors, community StorySLAM
Avatar photo by Sarah Isak-Goode

The Sisters Festival of Books will showcase more than 25 authors from across the Pacific Northwest during a three-day celebration of storytelling and literature Sept. 12-14 in Sisters.  The festival features a community StorySLAM, author presentations and signings, workshops, and an eight-course literary banquet at venues throughout the town. Events range from free to ticketed […]

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Body Found in River Identified

The man is the missing inner tuber who went over Dillon Falls July 19
Avatar photo by Nic Moye

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man who died after going over Dillon Falls in July as 33-year old Derek Slesinger of Newark, Delaware. He was visiting Central Oregon with five other friends when he and two women went over Dillon Falls while floating on inner tubes. Those women were identified as 39-year […]

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Redmond School District Starts New School Year Ahead of Statewide Executive Order 

Personal electronics ban to start on the first day of school
Avatar photo by Sarah Isak-Goode

Redmond School District will ban all personal electronic devices during school hours starting with the 2025-26 school year, following the statewide Executive Order No. 25-09 signed by Gov. Tina Kotek on July 2.  The district’s “bell to bell” policy prohibits students from using cell phones, smartwatches, smart glasses and earbuds from the start of regular […]

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Death by a Thousand Cuts 

Can volunteers remedy the federal government’s disinvestments?
Avatar photo by Sarah Isak-Goode

It was the type of summer day that makes you wish summer would never end in Central Oregon, so my husband and I decided to go for a hike at Paulina Lake. The thick pine forest encased the shimmering lake in cooling shade. Before starting the 7.5-mile hike, we decided to make a pit stop […]

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Senate Vote on Transportation Bill Delayed

The vote has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 17
by The Source Staff

After the Oregon House passed a transportation bill on Labor Day to fund the Oregon Department of Transportation, the state Senate has delayed its vote due to the health of a state Senator. Below is a release from Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama. Senator Chris Gorsek (D – Gresham) is recovering from complications that arose during […]

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Hawaii Joins Oregon, Washington and California In Western Health Alliance

The move is in response to federal actions and to protect access to vaccinations
by The Source Staff

 Roughly 24 hours after the launch of the West Coast Health Alliance, Hawaii is joining California, Oregon, and Washington in a shared commitment to safeguard public health. Together, these states will provide evidence-based immunization guidance rooted in safety, efficacy, and transparency — ensuring residents receive credible information free from political interference. “We are proud to announce […]

Posted inLocal News

Oregon House Passes Major Transportation Funding Bill 

Package aims to prevent nearly 1,000 ODOT layoffs, maintain road services statewide
Avatar photo by Sarah Isak-Goode

The Oregon House of Representatives passed a significant transportation funding package on Monday, Sept. 1, moving the state closer to avoiding massive layoffs and maintaining critical road services across Oregon.  The bill now heads to the Senate during the ongoing special legislative session. If approved, it would prevent what could be the largest government layoff […]

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Assessing Flat Fire Damage At Whychus Creek Preserves

Decades of restoration projects may have limited the damage done
Avatar photo by Nic Moye

With the Flat Fire raging across more than 23,000 acres, assessment continues on the damage done. The fire burned several Deschutes Land Trust Preserves including Aspen Hollow Preserve, Rimrock Ranch and Whychus Canyon Preserve. Land Trust Engagement Director, Sarah Mowry, wrote in a web post that flames burned a small portion on the southern side […]

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