Kent van der Kamp’s past dishonesty and misconduct have cost the former Deschutes County Sheriff his career in Oregon law enforcement. Now, van der Kamp’s transgressions have resulted in five convictions being overturned by the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, the Source has learned. Each of these five cases were tried in Deschutes County Circuit […]
Local News
Posted inLocal News
Meteor Shower Lights Up Oregon Dark Skies
Peak Perseids on Aug. 12 and 13
There’s something magical about shooting stars that brings out the kid in all of us. No matter your age, spotting a meteor streak across the night sky never gets old. This month, Oregon skywatchers have the chance to catch nature’s fireworks show. The Perseid meteor shower runs from July 17 through August 23, hitting its […]
Posted inLocal News, News
The New Math
Less money equals fewer programs for Central Oregon
Remember when education got a whopping 4% of the federal budget? Well, those days are officially over. The U.S. Department of Education’s budget fell by $73 billion this year, from $268.4 billion in 2024 to $194.7 billion in 2025, bringing the DOE’s spending to a 1.3% trickle. Oregon’s COVID relief funds are also now exhausted, leaving school districts scrambling. Oregon schools […]
Posted inLocal News
A True Trail Leader
Eagle Scout collaborates with community to improve Phil’s Trailhead
When Jake Garner started looking for his Eagle Scout project this summer, he knew he wanted something that would make a real difference for fellow outdoor enthusiasts. The Troop 21 member and avid mountain biker connected with Central Oregon Trail Alliance and found the right match: The Skills Area at Phil’s Trailhead. Phil’s Trailhead attracts mountain bikers […]
Posted inLocal News
From Campground to Common Ground
Redmond facility aims to bridge the gap between street and shelter
Following months of careful deliberation and community input, the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners voted on July 21 to move forward with Central Oregon’s new managed camp for people experiencing houselessness. The vote was 2-1, with Commissioners Patti Adair and Phil Chang voting yes and Commissioner Tony DeBone opposing. The board approved up to […]
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2nd Birthday & 300th Adoption Press Release
Playful Paws Cat Café, Bend’s favorite place to relax with rescue cats, is thrilled to celebrate two paws-itively exciting milestones: its 300th successful cat adoption and its 2nd birthday! Since opening its doors in August 2023, Playful Paws Cat Café has become a cherished Bend staple, offering guests a one-of-a-kind space to relax, recharge, and […]
Posted inNews
The New Math
Less money equals fewer programs for Central Oregon
Remember when education got a whopping 4% of the federal budget? Well, those days are officially over. The U.S. Department of Education’s budget fell by $73 billion this year, from $268.4 billion in 2024 to $194.7 billion in 2025, bringing the DOE’s spending to a 1.3% trickle. Oregon’s COVID relief funds are also now exhausted, […]
Posted inNews
Source Warmup
Quick news for Central Oregon
Suspect Arrested in Gas Station Stabbing A 36-year-old man from Apple Valley, California, is in custody in connection with a stabbing at a Bend gas station. Bend Police believe the suspect stabbed a man in the arm at the ARCO on South Highway 97 just after 9:30pm on Friday, July 25. Witnesses and responding officers […]
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Bend Police see uptick in recent scams targeting community members
The Bend Police Department would like to alert community members to an uptick in scams we are frequently seeing in an effort to help you avoid becoming a victim. So far in 2025, we have received at least 243 calls reporting scams and fraud attempts. In July alone, 20 people reported to the Bend […]
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Five Convictions Thrown out Due to Former Sheriff Kent van der Kamp’s Dishonesty
The Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office concluded an investigation into five cases between 2012 and 2014
Kent van der Kamp’s past dishonesty and misconduct have cost the former Deschutes County Sheriff his career in Oregon law enforcement. Now, van der Kamp’s transgressions have resulted in five convictions being overturned by the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, the Source has learned. Each of these five cases were tried in Deschutes County Circuit […]
