Data from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commissionโs 2024 Bias Crimes Annual Report reveals the hotline has continued to receive a large number of reports of bias-motivated acts toward Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino community members. Thatโs just one of several key takeaways from the report, which came out in July. The Source also reported on the key […]
Key Takeaways From the 2024 Bias Crimes Annual Report
Redmondโs New Beatย
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 […]
Five Convictions Thrown out Due to Former Sheriff Kent van der Kampโs Dishonesty
Kent van der Kampโs past dishonesty and misconduct have cost the former Deschutes County Sheriff his career in Oregon law enforcement. Now, van der Kampโs transgressions have resulted in five convictions being overturned by the Deschutes County District Attorneyโs Office, the Source has learned. Each of these five cases were tried in Deschutes County Circuit […]
Meteor Shower Lights Up Oregon Dark Skies
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 […]
The New Math
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 […]
A True Trail Leader
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 […]
From Campground to Common Ground
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 […]
Repair Cafe Summer Series
The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project coordinates with an amazing group of volunteer fixers to host Repair Cafรฉs every few months. The goal of these events is to extend the life of our stuff through repair, and build community while we’re at it. You can bring things like jewelry, small appliances and electronics, outdoor gear, […]
2nd Birthday & 300th Adoption Press Release
Playful Paws Cat Cafรฉ, Bendโs 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 Cafรฉ has become a cherished Bend staple, offering guests a one-of-a-kind space to relax, recharge, and […]
Volunteer with ONDA
To improve habitat resiliency and ecosystem health, ONDA offers volunteer opportunities across the high desert. Options include hosted group stewardship trips and independent stewardship projects in beautiful and iconic central and eastern Oregon locations. We encourage people of all abilities and backgrounds to participate. New trips and projects are announced twice per year, with opportunities […]

