Bend City Manager Eric King

Automated traffic enforcement is moving forward in Bend, with city officials preparing to launch traffic cameras aimed at slowing down speeders. City Manager Eric King emphasized that the initiative is all about public safety, pointing to numerous crashes caused by excessive speed. The cameras will record violations, but each ticket will be reviewed by law enforcement before being issued. Revenue generated is designated solely for covering the program’s expenses, not for city profit. The new system is set to roll out next spring, as Bend officials strive to reduce accidents and make streets safer for everyone.

The Bend City Council is weighing options for winding down the Temporary Safe Stay homeless camp at Juniper Ridge. City Manager Eric King explained that the site is a collaborative City-County effort to connect individuals with tailored services, recognizing the diverse needs of people in the area. After the recent relocation of campers from China Hat, more than one hundred individuals moved to Juniper Ridge, increasing strain on resources. Officials are focused on avoiding a sudden influx should the site close abruptly, instead opting for a gradual reduction in occupancy. The camp is scheduled for complete closure by December 2026.

Following the release of recommendations from the West Coast Health Alliance Wednesday, the Oregon Health Authority has issued its own guidelines for COVID, flu and RSV shots.  

Chris Doty - Director, Deschutes County Road Department

Deschutes County is watching closely as the legislature postpones the vote on a revamped transportation funding package.  The vote has been delayed until September 29th. 

An elderly LaPine woman lost more than 57-thousand dollars to scammers posing as her neighbor.  As KBND’s  Heather Roberts reports, investigators warn it serves as a cautionary tale… and are looking for other potential victims.

credit C.O. Daily News

A man found guilty of plotting a mass shooting at Smith Rock State Park faces sentencing this fall.  Samson Garner was convicted Thursday on all counts, including attempted murder, attempted assault, and unlawful use of a weapon, following a unanimous jury verdict.

Authorities argued he planned to attack participants and spectators at the Craggin' Classic climbing event in 2023. Garner was arrested before the plot could be carried out.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 2.

Yamaha Electric Motorcycle

Redmond is looking to address the safety risks posed by electric bikes and small motorcycles on public trails and roads.   

Bend Police are seeing a steady stream of DUII arrests this year.

While there have been high-profile animal neglect cases this summer, not all stem from malicious intent, such as illegal puppy mills.

photo: Flat Fire

The Big Hole Fire, sparked by lightning, continues to burn north of 300 Road in the Deschutes National Forest near the Klamath – Lake County line.

Now mapped at over 54 acres, the fire threatens a local powerline corridor, and gusty winds from possible thunderstorms are raising new containment concerns. Full containment is anticipated by Tuesday.

The Marks Creek Fire east of Prineville on the Ochoco National Forest is around 1700 acres. It’s now fully lined. Its cause is under investigation.  Crook County Sheriff’s Office evacuation orders remain in place.

Central Oregon remains on high alert after recent storms brought both rainfall and more than 70 lightning-sparked incidents, with 46 wildfires reported this month alone.

The Black Rock fire is the region’s largest at over 32-thousand acres affecting Wasco, Sherman, Wheeler, and Gilliam counties.

Despite brief relief from rain, fire danger persists as grass, brush, and timber stay extremely dry.

Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions continue across the region, limiting campfires and the use of internal combustion engines during peak afternoon hours, except in certain developed campgrounds.

Melanie Kebler - Bend Mayor

The first meeting for the Deschutes County Commissioners Mapping Advisory Committee is next week.
The public is encouraged to get involved.  

Gordon Grafton III

The search continues in southeast Crook County for 29-year-old Gordon Grafton III, who has been missing since August 28th.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office began their investigation after receiving a report on August 29th.

Grafton’s vehicle was found on August 31st in a rural section of the county. Despite a thorough search on Tuesday involving deputies, drones, and a tracking K9 on, there has been no sign of Grafton.

He is described as having tattoos on his neck and hands.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Crook County Sheriff’s Office.

Jaimie Olle - D.N.F.

Deschutes National Forest officials warn that fire season is far from over in Central Oregon, despite moving into September. Mike Thomas reports:

VIM Cascades…a-k-a Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades is expanding its Health Within Reach initiative.  KBND's Mike Thomas has more on a program that pairs primary care with dental hygiene for uninsured diabetic patients.