Central Oregon
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St. Charles nurses in Bend begin countdown on strike
Nurses say working conditions have grown unsafe for staff and patients.

Central Oregon cities diverge on rules for homeless camping
Rules on camping outside must be "objectively reasonable." Cities across Central Oregon are still interpreting what exactly that means..

Nurses at St. Charles Hospital in Bend vote to authorize strike
Nurses say chronic understaffing has led to unsafe working conditions. It's the first time nurses at St. Charles have voted for a strike since 1980.
Nurses at St. Charles Bend will vote on a potential strike
The vote comes amid increasing tensions between the hospital and nurses, who say staffing shortages are leading to unsafe conditions.
Prescribed fire training in Central Oregon aims to make communities safer, forests more resilient to wildfires
Forty firefighting professionals took part in a two week-long training program in the Deschutes National Forest in Central Oregon to gain hands-on experience with igniting prescribed fires.

Oregon parks officials plan changes at Smith Rock
The new master plan would address parking and traffic problems after more than 30 years of visitor growth at Smith Rock State Park.
Oregon governor declares drought emergencies in Deschutes, Grant counties
Despite snow falling in several parts of Oregon on Friday, Gov. Tina Kotek warned conditions remain very dry in parts of the state.

Oregon housing package leaves existing shelters at risk of closure
Gov. Kotek's new housing package will only apply to new shelter spaces. Cities say they can't singlehandedly foot the bill.
What Bend’s anti-camping code means for people experiencing homelessness
For the first time, Bend will impose restrictions on where, when and for how long people can camp on city property.

Deschutes commissioner urges Bend officials to delay camp sweep
Commissioner Phil Chang said there isn't a new site ready for the almost 100 people living on Hunnell Road.