Posted inLocal News

New Year, New Look: City of Bend’s Website Gets a Redesign

The update is intended to “focus on clarity, accessibility, and getting you to the right place faster”

On Jan. 26, the City of Bend unveiled its new website to the public. With big, bubbly visuals, a prominent search bar atop the homepage, and revamped menu organization across the board, the new bendoregon.gov is quite a departure from the previous iteration. The redesign project began in the summer of 2024 when the City issued […]

Posted inLocal News

Dispersed Camp Sites North of Bend Will Close in June 2027 

The City of Bend and Deschutes County are seeking housing solutions for those remaining at the site

In a joint meeting on Jan. 20, leaders from Deschutes County and the City of Bend agreed to extend the date of permanently closing the Temporary Safe Stay Area to June 30, 2027. That’s 170 acres in the Juniper Ridge area east of Highway 97, north of Bend, comprised of 50 acres of county land and 120 acres of city land.   In 2024, county and city officials agreed to jointly manage the TSSA […]

Posted inLocal News

Oregon’s Crashing Pot Prices Put Drug Treatment at Risk

The state’s Behavioral Health Resource Network faces a multimillion-dollar shortfall

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the percentage decline in marijuana tax revenues since 2021. Since 2022, the state’s cannabis taxes have paid for free behavioral health and addiction treatment for more than 35,000 Oregonians all across the state, a first-of-its-kind program. “But plummeting pot prices have resulted in a significant decline in marijuana tax […]

Posted inLocal News

Tax Money Put to Quick Use for Flat Fire-affected Landowners

Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District quickly put tax monies to effective use for wildfire-stricken landowners

Last summer, on Aug. 21, Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District staff delivered a presentation to its board of directors about a potential pilot program to, among other things, aid wildfire-affected landowners. Literally that same day, the Flat Fire broke out near Sisters. It ultimately burned more than 23,000 acres and prompted that pilot program […]

Posted inLocal News

Pattie Gonia Sued by Patagonia for Trademark Infringement

The outdoor company is seeking monetary damages of $1

Pattie Gonia, a nationally touring drag queen, entrepreneur and activist for LGBTQ and environmental causes, has been sued by Patagonia, the outdoor brand, for six claims of trademark infringement. The company is seeking a jury trial and damages of $1. The lawsuit may complicate Pattie Gonia’s upcoming national drag show tour, which will visit nearly […]

Posted inLocal News

Fresh Legislative Concepts from Central Oregon Lawmakers

Local lawmakers roll out legislative concepts in anticipation of the upcoming short legislative session

In the upcoming legislative session that begins Feb. 2, each lawmaker is allowed to introduce two legislative concepts. The short session runs just 35 days, and there’s no guarantee these concepts will become bills. These are the concepts introduced by local lawmakers. Rep. Jason Kropf, HD-54 LC 273 would make changes to the gun permit […]

Posted inLocal News

Third — Fourth? — Time’s the Charm

State lawmakers introduce new potential bills aimed at (finally) shoring up Oregon’s outdoor recreation liability conundrum

Snapping a fibula while helping a nonprofit repair a damaged trail. Dislocating a shoulder during cyclocross because the Belgian stair runup is slippery. The Fonz waterski-jumping a shark, biffing it and being eaten by said shark. The first two scenarios illustrate the inherent risks of various outdoor fitness and recreation pursuits. The injuries incurred might […]

Posted inLocal News

Weighing the Cost and Constitutionality of Deschutes County’s Districting Proposal

Former Oregon Deputy AG claims a proposed district map could run taxpayers a six-figure bill

Editor’s Update (1/21): After hearing from hundreds of constituents from all over the county (the majority of whom opposed Map C), the Board of County Commissioners moved 2-1 to wait another “two weeks,” Commissioner Patty Adair said, before making any decisions on advancing Map C to a future ballot. In November, Sisters resident and former […]

Posted inLocal News

Artists Wanted at RDM

Officials invite creatives to be part of the Redmond airport’s Public Art Program

Ever locked eyes with “Blucifer” the killer horse on your way to the Denver airport? Or flown into Tampa and taken a selfie with the 21-foot-tall Phoebe the Flamingo? Memorable art installations can make airports destinations in their own right.   While the Redmond Municipal Airport isn’t looking specifically for oversized, unsettling animal sculptures, the City […]

Posted inLocal News

Hunger Prevention Coalition of Central Oregon Dissolves After 26 Years

The nonprofit will make its final contribution to local food agencies in July

The Hunger Prevention Coalition, a charitable nonprofit that has raised and provided funds to support food distribution in Central Oregon since 2000, has announced its dissolvement.  “This was not an easy decision,” HPC Board Chair Robin Popp told the Source. “But the entire board agrees that the HPC has come to a point where the needs […]

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