Deschutes County

Organizers need to gather over 6,500 signatures in two years, but if they want the initiative on the November ballot, they must gather those names by Aug. 5. The petition has just under 500 signatures so far, and its backers will keep trying if they don’t gather the required number in time for this election cycle.

Two wildfires break out near Redmond; Coyner Fire triggers evacuations

State health experts say their goal is to keep schools above 90% up-to-date on vaccinations. But many now fall short of that number.

Rabies-infected bats have recently been detected in two Oregon counties. Here’s what to watch out for and what to do if you encounter a sick animal.

The only incumbent in a hotly contested county commission race trailed by significant margins.

Deschutes County Commission candidates raised over $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions ahead of the May primary election. The record-setting fundraising comes as four commission spots appear on the ballot, three of which are wide-open seats.

Fire officials have called in aerial resources to attack the flames.

Voters in three Deschutes County fire districts are being asked to decide on levies that could fund emergency staffing and cut response times.

Deschutes County Health Services is warning the community of a recent increase in opioid overdoses on Friday.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has declared a drought emergency in three central and eastern Oregon counties after an abnormally dry and warm winter brings concern of water availability.

Races that could remake Central Oregon politics draw a competitive pool of candidates.

William Bailey, a once-rising star in the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, has been fired. Bailey, who was fired last week, saw his 25-year career ascension at Central Oregon’s largest law enforcement agency take a sharp downward turn after he unsuccessfully ran for sheriff in 2024. In the wake of that loss, Bailey criticized the newly-elected leader on a local radio show — remarks that ultimately led to his dismissal.