In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Holly McCown Harris, Health Services Director for Deschutes County, to explore the realities of providing public and behavioral health care in a rapidly growing region. Holly shares her journey from juvenile probation work in rural Texas to leading one of Central Oregon’s most […]
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Holly McCown Harris 🎧
Posted inLocal News
From Trauma to Triumph: Two Young Men Overcome Childhood Homelessness with Poise and Perseverance
The annual Point in Time homeless count just wrapped up, with results expected in March. During last year’s count, on Jan. 27, 2025, 268 people under the age of 25 were reported unsheltered in Bend. Each of those young people have a history that many of us will never hear. Two young Bend men, one who just turned 18 and one in his early 20s, agreed to talk with the Source about their experience growing up without a […]
Posted inLocal News
The Faces of Homelessness – More Than Numbers
Central Oregon is no exception to the issue of folks without permanent housing at any given time throughout the year. On a single night in January each year, the Point-in-Time Count takes place nationwide to count sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness. In Central Oregon, this takes place in La Pine, Sisters, Bend, Redmond, Madras, […]
Posted inCulture
Free Will Astrology, Week of Feb. 12
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Poet Mary Oliver asked her readers, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” This Valentine season, I propose a collaborative version of this prod: Ask those you care for to help you answer Oliver’s question, and offer to help them answer it […]
Posted inPolitics
Bipartisan, Bicameral Central Oregon Caucus, Announces2026 Legislative Priorities
Oregon State Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) and Representative Breese-Iverson (R- Prineville) co-chair the bipartisan, bicameral Central Oregon Legislative Caucus, to facilitate collaborative policy-making and improve the livelihood of Central Oregonians. The caucus priorities for the 2026 session focus on the region’s needs in Economic Development, Housing and Community Services, and Emergency Preparedness. “These caucus priorities reflect our focus on continuing […]
Posted inPolitics
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Shares Results of Natural Hazards Survey
In December of 2025, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management asked local residents to share their experiences, concerns, and priorities related to natural hazards and emergency preparedness in a community-wide survey. The response was strong: 771 citizens participated in the Natural Hazards Survey, providing valuable insights that will help shape the 2026 Deschutes […]
Posted inLocal News
My Journey Through Homelessness
I am the current face of homelessness in Bend and Central Oregon. I am 67 years old, highly educated and without a place to live. Thankfully, I found Shepherd’s House Ministries Lighthouse – a shelter for the homeless in Bend. Initially, it began as the 2nd Street Shelter as a low-barrier emergency shelter in June […]
Posted inLocal News
AI and iPads: ‘Ed-Tech’ Draws Skepticism from Bend-La Pine Parents
Parents of Bend-La Pine Schools students, supported by local advocacy group Well Wired, have joined forces to express their collective concerns about the district’s implementation of educational technology, or “ed-tech.” A statement, presented at the Tuesday, Feb. 10 school board meeting, asks the school board to “reduce screen time in schools and reevaluate the District’s […]
Posted inOpinion
A County Map in Search of a Problem
Deschutes County government is embarrassing itself. Earlier this month, the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners voted 2-1 to put a map, dividing the county into five districts, before voters. In a subsequent 2-1 vote the Board voted to put that map before voters in November. The Commission could have gotten this painful map process […]
Posted inLocal News
New County Fair and Expo Director Is ‘Looking Forward’ to Being Back in Oregon
When first reached by the Source for a phone interview, newly hired Deschutes County Fair and Expo Director Jeff Curtis was in the process of having his car shipped from Alaska down to the lower 48. Once he and his vehicle arrive, plenty more logistics will be waiting for Curtis in Central Oregon. Curtis has […]
