More than $26.4 million in new state shelter funding has been awarded to regional coordinators serving Southern Oregon, the South Coast, and Central Oregon. The awards are part of more than $102 million announced statewide through Oregon’s Statewide Shelter Program.

Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road are open for the season after Deschutes County crews completed snow-clearing work earlier than many years. County officials said the work moved faster because of this year’s warm winter and limited snowfall in the Central Oregon Cascades.

A 75-year-old motorcyclist was injured Tuesday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash on Old Millican Road in Lake County, about two miles from the Deschutes County line. The rider received medical care at the scene before being transferred to Life Flight Network for transport to a higher level of care.

Two hikers were rescued on South Sister after one suffered a medical issue and mild hypothermia during a descent, prompting an overnight response from Deschutes County Search and Rescue crews.

Nearly $48.7 million in federal Secure Rural Schools funding is headed to Oregon counties, with Southern Oregon communities receiving some of the largest allocations in the state. Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, and Josephine counties are among the top recipients.

A Bend-La Pine Schools bus driver was arrested on suspicion of DUII and reckless endangering after transportation staff reported concerns that she appeared intoxicated while operating a school bus. According to Bend Police, the driver had completed one student route and was preparing for another when she was removed from duty. Authorities later reported she registered a 0.16 percent blood alcohol content approximately seven hours after initial testing.

An injured snowboarder was rescued near Broken Top after a multi-agency response involving a Black Hawk helicopter and 22 SAR volunteers. Crews navigated steep, snow-covered terrain and changing weather conditions to reach the woman. She was stabilized and flown to a Bend hospital for treatment.

A Bend man was arrested for the second time in a month after threatening a deputy and fleeing on a motorcycle in Deschutes River Woods. The incident prompted a large law enforcement response and temporarily halted train traffic in the area. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident and faces additional charges.

An early morning structure fire in Bend caused extensive damage to a home after flames spread through the attic, leading to roof collapse. The occupant safely evacuated after being alerted by a smoke alarm, and firefighters contained the blaze within minutes. Total losses are estimated at approximately $480,000, including damage to the structure, contents, and a vehicle.

Search and Rescue volunteers assisted a 67-year-old hiker who experienced a medical emergency Thursday on the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park. Responders from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Fire & Rescue, and Oregon State Park Rangers coordinated efforts to provide on-scene care and transport the patient down the trail using a wheeled litter to a waiting ambulance.

A Tumalo-area shop fire caused by a vehicle fuel leak destroyed multiple vehicles and caused an estimated $220,000 in damage Friday evening. Fire crews stopped the blaze before it reached nearby homes.

Deschutes County deputies say multiple drivers have been stopped traveling more than 100 mph on Highway 97 in the past week, including one driver arrested for DUII. Officials are urging drivers to slow down as enforcement increases.

An escaped field burn east of Bend was contained at 6.6 acres Monday afternoon after wind pushed flames beyond containment lines. Fire crews from multiple agencies responded quickly to stop the spread, preventing damage to nearby structures and keeping the fire confined to pasture land.

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley will host a series of town halls across Central and Southern Oregon on March 20–21, including stops in Klamath, Lake, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. The events are part of his ongoing effort to hold annual conversations in all 36 counties statewide.

Bend Police are investigating a residential burglary and death after an intruder died following a confrontation with a homeowner on NW Braid Drive late March 12. Officers located the suspect on a nearby golf course with life-threatening injuries after the individual fled the scene following a struggle.

A 65-year-old Portland man died Monday afternoon after a skiing accident on the Wanoga Way trail at Mt. Bachelor, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

A garage fire in Bend displaced a family Tuesday night after improperly disposed woodstove ashes ignited materials inside a garage.

A La Pine man has been arrested after deputies say he reported involvement in the homicide of his mother at their shared residence early Monday morning.

Deschutes County is seeking volunteers to serve on the Deschutes County Fair Board, with three unpaid positions opening in March 2026. Applications are open to residents from across the county.

A man has been arrested following an early-morning homicide investigation near Bend after deputies discovered a woman deceased at a property north of the city, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.