Salem, OR โ On the evening of July 12, 2025, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Highland Fire in Crook County. The Crook County Fire Defense Board Chief requested assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection, and the state fire marshal concurred with that request. Following ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek […]
Section Feature
County Transitions Online Dog Licensing Program
Deschutes County is moving its online dog licensing program to DocuPet, simplifying the process for owners to license their dogs, comply with state regulations, and ensure a quick reunion if their dogs go missing. Under Oregon law, all dog owners are required to vaccinate their pets against rabies and obtain a license in the county […]
Central Oregon Health Council Launches โBe Well Central Oregonโ Campaign
The Central Oregon Health Council (COHC) is pleased to introduce a bold new campaignโBe Well Central Oregonโto mark the launch of the 2025โ2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan (RHIP). This initiative represents a transformative shift in how partners work together to build a healthier, more connected region. โBe Well Central Oregon is more than a sloganโitโs a community […]
As Kotek Scrambles to Save ODOT Union Jobs, Here Are Positions Being Cut and Vacated
ODOT cut 22 jobs in Deschutes County including Transportation Maintenance Specialist, Professional Engineer, and Heavy Equipment Technicians to name a few. Read more about it below: As Gov. Tina Kotek works the phones in an effort to stave off hundreds of layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation July 31, the lists of proposed layoffs […]
Redmondโs Neighborhood Art Walk Puts National Talent on Display
Taking a stroll through Redmond to discover sculptures tucked into parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces offers a unique way to experience art without any admission fees. This free outdoor gallery lets people explore at their own pace, whether out for a morning walk or planning a dedicated art tour around town. “What I like about […]
The New Reality of Power Outages in Fire Season
After several power outages hit thousands of residents over the past few weeks, many people are frustrated. Long outages during peak summer heat can put vulnerable residents at risk, disrupt daily routines, and spoil food as refrigerators and freezers sit without power. According to Simon Gutierrez, a spokesperson from Pacific Power, Bend and Redmond experienced […]
Pacific Power Foundation Provides Over $300K in Grants
The Pacific Power Foundation is proud to provide grant funds and support to 89 nonprofits and community organizations that are expanding access to quality STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and strengthening learning opportunities in the communities that Pacific Power serves. โThe foundation is delighted to support local organizations that uplift the next generation […]
Cascades East Transit to Launch Route 8 in Northeast Bend on July 14
Cascades East Transit (CET) will launch Route 8, a new fixed-route bus line serving Northeast Bend, starting July 14, 2025. The new pilot service will operate Monday-Friday from 6 AM to 7 PM to help connect people to jobs, schools, shopping, and recreation opportunities. Route 8 will start and end at Hawthorne Station, which is […]
Veterans Can Now Receive Up to $50,000 in Down Payment Assistance
Thistle & Nest has been awarded $540,000 to help veteran households purchase a home! These funds, provided by the Oregon Housing and Community Services’ HOAP program, will offer critical down payment assistance, allowing first-time and first-generation veterans to build wealth and stability, and to establish lasting roots in their local communities. Program Details: โข First-time […]
Pac Nor Westy Opens Flagship Store in Bend’s Box Factory
Pac Nor Westy, the Pacific Northwest lifestyle brand known for its ethically made apparel, artisan-made goods, and PNW inspired collections, opened its new flagship retail store on Saturday, July 5th in Bendโs Box Factory at 550 SW Industrial Way, Suite 105. Founded in the spirit of connection: to nature, to memory, and to place โ […]

