Gov. Tina Kotek issued three vetoes on June 24, all for bills related to child welfare and the Oregon Department of Human Services. Kotek has not often used her veto pen because she’s generally in sync with the Democratic supermajorities in both chambers of the Legislature. But one of the governor’s priority bills—House Bill 3835—put […]
Kotek Vetoes Three Bills Relating to Child Welfare
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Hunters and Environmentalists Join Together to Fight for Lodging Tax Increase
Rural Oregon hunters and the state’s urban environmentalists have joined in a rare public embrace. The two groups, who often fall on opposite sides of the political spectrum, are together pursuing a tax increase that would benefit them both. In the Legislature’s waning hours, these strange bedfellows support House Bill 2977, a bipartisan measure that […]
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Deschutes County Wants You for Interim Sheriff
A re you still looking for a summer job? Do you have either four years of full-time law enforcement experience, or two years of law enforcement experience and two years of post-high school education? Are you looking to meet lots of people in a role where every day is different — something temporary, but public-facing […]
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Annual Art in the West Exhibition and Auction Returns to Celebrate the High Desert Region
From canvas to photographs to sculptures, the annual Art in the West exhibition and online auction features the very best of art inspired by the High Desert. On Saturday, July 5, the High Desert Museum will unveil this year’s Art in the West exhibition featuring a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary artworks. The exhibition […]
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State Legislature Approves Repeal of Wildfire Map
After continuous calls for a repeal of the statewide wildfire hazard map, the Oregon legislature this week passed Senate Bill 83, which does away with the map and its building code mandates, while directing state agencies to develop new model defensible space standards. The bill passed 50-1 in the Oregon House, following a Senate approval […]
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Prevailing Wage Expansion Advances With Key Questions Unanswered
A bill that would expand the scope of Oregon’s prevailing wage law is moving toward a floor vote with key questions unanswered. That matters because the expansion could impact just about every public works project in Oregon, from roads and sewers to schools—both renovations and new construction. House Bill 2688 “applies the prevailing rate of wage […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Brian Rankin 🎧
In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Rankin, the City of Bend’s Senior Strategist and one of the key minds shaping how our city grows. From expanding the urban growth boundary to navigating the complexities of housing, transportation, and infrastructure, Brian’s work is all about guiding Bend’s long-term future with intention and care. Host Aaron […]
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Volunteers Fill Gaps in Rural Oregon Emergency Medical Care
On New Year’s Day in 2023, Erik Kerr met up with a snowmobiling group near Crescent in south-central Oregon, intending to ride through the forest to the rim of Crater Lake. But he never made it that day. “I hit the tree dead between the skis,” Kerr said recently. “My torso went forward. My head […]
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Redmond City Council Approves Emergency Firework Ban Effective July 5
REDMOND, OREGON On Tuesday, July 1, Redmond City Council unanimously approved an emergency declaration, banning the personal use of all fireworks effective 12:01 a.m. July 5, 2025, due to high fire risk in Redmond and across Central Oregon. The declaration, which allows the city to efficiently mobilize resources to respond to public needs during an […]
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Deschutes Trails Coalition Stewardship Grant Projects Reach Completion
The $600,000 Deschutes Trails Coalition Stewardship Grant Program funded by Deschutes County unrestricted Transient Room Tax dollars was granted in 2023 to support trail or trail-related infrastructure projects. This 2-year program recently came to a close, resulting in nine projects funded by local organizations. Awardees include: Bend Parks and Recreation District – Shevlin Park […]