Bend is putting one-million dollars from its Affordable Housing Fund toward two homeownership projects. Mayor Melanie Kebler says the annual process supports developments for residents earning below the area median income, with recommendations coming from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee before final council approval.

Three-hundred-fifty-thousand dollars will go to Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, helping eight local households purchase homes near Bear Creek Road and Northeast 15th Street. The homes will include down payment assistance to help keep monthly costs affordable.

Thistle and Nest will also receive funding as it continues building homes at Woodhaven Estates.

 

 

Federal investigators are investigating a fatal plane crash west of Bend that authorities say was intentional.

Deschutes County deputies say 48-year-old Steven Charlton took off from Bend Airport around 1:30 Tuesday afternoon and remained airborne for more than five hours. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jason Carr says concern grew after Charlton called his wife from the plane, prompting her to contact authorities.

Carr says deputies and negotiators tried to reach Charlton during the flight, while the FBI coordinated with Klamath Falls Air Force Base. Charlton reportedly only wanted to speak with family.

He was the only person aboard. No other injuries or property damage were reported.

The NTSB is asking witnesses to email witness@ntsb.gov.

 

 

Fire officials say Central Oregonians remain a key part of preventing new wildfires, even as lightning has sparked many of the region’s largest recent burns. Forest Service spokesperson Kaitlyn Webb says a mid-July lightning storm drove several major starts, but human activity is still a major concern, with 101 human-caused fires reported so far this year. Central Oregon has already seen more fire starts than the 10-year average, and far more acres burned than usual. Updates are available at Central Oregon Fire dot org, including text alert sign-ups, and through the interagency Central Oregon Fire account on X.

 

 

National Night Out returns Tuesday in Bend and Redmond, offering families a chance to meet police, firefighters, and community groups outside of emergency situations.

Redmond Police Lieutenant April Huey says the event is about building trust, calling it a yearly highlight for officers to talk safety and connect with residents on positive terms.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz says the national effort has a local focus: getting people involved in the community while strengthening relationships with public safety agencies.

Bend’s event runs from 4 to 8 at Mountain View High School. Redmond’s runs from 6 to 8 at Centennial Park.

 

 

A human services worker for the state is charged with child neglect after leaving a baby in a Department of Human Services van after a visit with family in Bend. Kenneth Anderson parked the van and forgot about the eight-month-old baby that was sleeping in the vehicle. He left in a different vehicle and about a half hour later remembered the baby. He contacted his supervisor. The baby was taken to a hospital for evaluation and released. Bend Police say it's an unfortunate reminder for anyone caring for a child to always check the vehicle before walking away.