Your trusted source for local Bend, OR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Eric Zeece has been appointed the executive director of the new Central Oregon Innovation Hub at Oregon State University-Cascades, starting on November 11. This initiative aims to foster innovation in the region, supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises. Zeece's leadership is expected to enhance business management and technological change in Central Oregon.
The Bend-La Pine School Board opted not to fill a vacant board seat during their recent meeting, instead selecting three candidates for a final interview stage. This decision reflects the board's careful consideration of candidates and its commitment to ensuring a qualified appointment. The move is significant for local governance and community involvement in education.
The Bend City Council has enacted new regulations regarding camping and parking for individuals living in vehicles within the public right-of-way. This decision aims to shorten the duration that these individuals can park on the streets, reflecting ongoing concerns about homelessness in the area.
Mountain View High School senior Eli Hogan has won the “I Voted” sticker contest for the November election, as announced by Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison. This contest emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and encourages students to participate in the electoral process. The win reflects a growing initiative to involve youth in democracy and voting culture.
Crews fighting the Pine Fire at Pine Mountain have achieved 50% containment over the 6,500-acre blaze, aided by bulldozer lines and air support. The Little Lava Fire, meanwhile, has grown to over 14,500 acres and is 63% contained. Fire officials are actively managing these significant wildfires impacting the region.
Discovery West celebrated the grand opening of its new gathering spot, Discovery Corner, with a spectacular drone show and a chance to meet former NASA astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa. The event included live music, food trucks, and open house tours, attracting a large local audience eager to engage in the space-themed festivities.
Strong winds tested containment lines on the Little Lava Fire, which has burned 12,120 acres but remains largely controlled. Meanwhile, the Bachelor Complex fire is now nearly two-thirds contained. Updates also include information on the Bingham and Rail Ridge fires in the region.
Bend resident Schuyler Morgan is collecting donations to assist victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, feeling a strong sense of duty to help those affected by the disaster. Having moved to Bend just months prior, he is motivated to support recovery efforts back home. Morgan's initiative highlights community solidarity in times of crisis.
Pacific Power is deploying crews from various locations in the Northwest to assist Georgia Power in restoring electricity following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The response includes personnel and equipment from regions across Oregon and Washington, highlighting the collaborative effort in emergency situations.
A construction-zone electronic reader board near Sisters, Oregon, was vandalized with a political campaign message, prompting immediate attention from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The incident highlights the growing issue of campaign-related vandalism as the election season heats up.