Posted inLocal News

Medicine on the Move

A year in, a roaming clinic brings health care to houseless residents in rural parts of the region

Every other week, a team of local health care providers suits up to bring an on-the-go clinic to rural areas with significant unhoused populations, providing a steady stream of medical services to those in need. In the last year, Mosaic Community Health, a local health organization, has built up its Street Medicine program into a […]

Posted inLocal News

An additional 21 Toy Australian Shepherds are Surrendered in Tumalo

The Sheriff’s Office says the owner was hiding them.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says an additional 21 Toy Australian Shepherds were surrendered by a Tumalo man for a total of 33 dogs.ย A dozen dogs were originally surrenderedย on Sunday Aug. 3. The rest of the dogs wereย surrendered this past Monday, Aug. 11. The owner is facing a Class C Felony charge of Animal Neglect […]

Posted inLocal News

‘It can wreck you’: Bend man holding on as homeless pushed farther out

Thomas Mercer was on his way to earning a degree in electronics engineering before a motorcycle accident changed his life forever.

Though Thomas “Tommy” Mercer has been living in a juniper forest east of Bend for only seven months, the 56-year-old said it “feels like a lifetime.” “I mean, we’re surviving,” he said on a hot morning in June. “But we run out of food stamps in the middle of the month. I go into the […]

Posted inLocal News

Below the Surfaceย 

Inside the challenging world of water search and recovery at Dillon Falls

When tragedy strikes, search and rescue teams face some of the most demanding and dangerous conditions imaginable. Whether responding to water rescue emergencies or recovery operations, these specialized units must often navigate dangerous underwater environments.   Search and recovery operations can happen at any time, in any weather. Teams often work with a sense of urgency. […]

Posted inLocal News

Redmondโ€™s New Beatย 

$49 million police facility opens with community celebration

Redmond residents will celebrate a major milestone in the community’s growth when the City officially unveils its new public safety facility at 111 N.W. Teak Ave. The ribbon cutting ceremony starts at 10am Tue., Aug. 12.  The new two-story building cost $49 million and spans 42,000 square feet. It was built to help the police […]

Posted inLocal News

Five Convictions Thrown out Due to Former Sheriff Kent van der Kampโ€™s Dishonesty

Kent van der Kampโ€™s past dishonesty and misconduct have cost the former Deschutes County Sheriff his career in Oregon law enforcement.  Now, van der Kampโ€™s transgressions have resulted in five convictions being overturned by the Deschutes County District Attorneyโ€™s Office, the Source has learned. Each of these five cases were tried in Deschutes County Circuit […]

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.ย  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 Philโ€™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 […]

Verify your email

We'll send a verification code to .

Sign up for newsletters

Get the best of The Source - Bend, Oregon directly in your email inbox.

Sending to:

Gift this article