Heather Roberts

Posted A Few Minutes Ago by BEND, OR -- Several Central Oregonians have reported receiving ballots addressed to a deceased voter, despite claims by the Secretary of State's Office that voter rolls are constantly updated to remove people who have moved or passed away. Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison says his office even checks published obituaries to keep registrations updated, but admits some names may slip through the cracks. He recommends marking the unopened ballot "return to sender" so the registration gets inactivated. A family member can also call the clerk's office to have the name fully removed from the rolls.

Posted A Few Minutes Ago by BEND, OR -- Bend City Councilors will discuss a joint resolution for Juniper Ridge at a special meeting Tuesday. It follows Deschutes County's approval of the resolution earlier this week. If the city approves, Bend and the county would share the cost of running a 40-acre site where people living in their vehicles can legally stay, while receiving case management services, with the goal of getting them into housing. Tuesday's Council meeting is at 3:30.

Posted A Few Minutes Ago by Bend, OR -- Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson retires in January, after more than three decades in law enforcement. He says he's proud of the positive relationship the agency has with the community but acknowledges the next Sheriff will face ongoing challenges related to funding, growth and illegal drugs. DCSO employees Captain William Bailey and Sgt. Kent Vander Kampo are on the November ballot in what has been a contentious campaign to replace Nelson.

Posted A Few Minutes Ago by An investigation is underway into ballot box arson in Portland, and across the river in Vancouver. Fires damaged a total of three ballot dropboxes, two of the incidents were early Monday. Portland Police say someone put an incendiary device on the outside of the box just outside the Multnomah County Elections office. The fire suppression system inside the box limited the damage to three ballots and those voters are being contacted. Authorities believe all of the cases are related.

Posted Less Than An Hour Ago by BEND, OR -- The Pavilion ice rink opened several days ahead of last year's schedule. Julie Brown, with Bend Parks and Rec, says hockey and skate lessons are filling up fast, but more sessions will be offered during the second half of the season, which starts in January.

Odds are your jack-o-lanterns won't be around long after Halloween this Thursday. But, before you pitch that pumpkin, Susan Baker, Deschutes County Waste Diversion Manager, said you don't want to put it in the trash.

Posted Less Than An Hour Ago by Bend, OR -- The Bend City Council unanimously approved a joint resolution Tuesday to create a Temporary Safe Stay Area for people camping in Juniper Ridge. Deschutes County Commissioners approved their portion last week. The two jurisdictions will share the cost of providing sanitation services and case management, to help campers move into safer housing. The site will likely close at the end of 2026, when federal funding for the project runs out.

Despite recent rain and the end of fire season, much of the Pacific Northwest remains very dry.

The first case of bird flu found in a pig appears to be here in the Northwest. State health officials say a pig was infected with bird flu at a

The USDA has awarded a million dollars in grants to 17 small specialty-food businesses across Oregon, in an effort to increase production.