Bend’s water supply stands resilient even as drought persists in Deschutes County.

Residents and businesses are urged to conserve water… aiming for a cut of 17 gallons per person daily, and a 12 percent reduction in commercial use.   Mike Thomas reports:

 

 

Bend Fire & Rescue named Drew Whyte the new deputy chief of prevention, and fire marshal.

With a 29-year career across fire agencies in Texas and California, Whyte will oversee community risk reduction, code enforcement, and fire investigations in Bend.

Fire Chief Todd Riley highlighted Whyte's extensive experience and leadership, noting it will strengthen Bend’s prevention division and public safety.

Oregon drivers saw double-digit increases at the pump this week. 

Bend’s average price is $5.09 a gallon.  That’s up 17-cents from last week.

KBND’s Heather Roberts has more. 

 

 

On Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:59 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to single-vehicle fatal crash involving a bicyclist on Highway 380 near milepost .60 in Crook County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Ford Expedition, operated by Abigail Marie Hedges (36) of Prineville, was traveling southbound on Combs Flat Road (Highway 380) near SE 5^th Street in Prineville, when it struck a bicyclist, Monte Scott Greene (57) of Prineville.

The bicyclist (Greene) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Expedition (Hedges) was not injured.

Impairment is suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash and Hedges was arrested for DUII. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Prineville Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.  

A hiker rescue unfolded on South Sister Wednesday evening when two young men encountered trouble during their descent. After beginning to experience a medical issue, one hiker became mildly hypothermic and called for help. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue responded, deploying thirteen skilled volunteers from medical and mountain rescue units. The team reached the hikers at 8:25 p.m., assisting one to walk out and transporting the other by rescue sled after administering warming treatments. Challenging snow conditions stretched the rescue into early morning hours. Authorities emphasize the importance of preparation and awareness of rapidly changing conditions at higher elevations.