Deschutes County
Latest Stories

Warm Springs Tribes challenge Deschutes County resort development over treaty rights
A local-land use skirmish raises big questions about tribal sovereignty and groundwater.
Deschutes Commissioner Phil Chang announces reelection campaign
When first elected, Phil Chang was the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners' lone Democratic member.

Exploding lithium batteries are causing fires in Oregon’s landfills
Lithium batteries typically aren't allowed in landfills, but many still make it into the garbage supply.
Deschutes County to consider petition for a new city
Oregon hasn't had a new city incorporated since 2006

With water rights in limbo, Deschutes County OKs Thornburgh resort wildlife plan
County leaders were not swayed by opposition from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and hundreds of public comments.

Central Oregon governments butt heads, with fate of shelter projects in the balance
The animosity between the Bend City Council and Deschutes County Commission reached a boiling point last week. Caught in the middle are hundreds of unhoused people seeking shelter.
Deschutes County nixes managed camp, rankling Bend officials
A week after saying yes, Deschutes County officials reneged on a collaboration that was central to Bend's homelessness response.
Man reportedly fires rifle at Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, leads deputies in high-speed chase
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a man Thursday after he reportedly fired a rifle at the sheriff’s office, then engaged deputies in a high-speed chase.

Environmental regulators to test well water for contaminants in Central Oregon
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will be offering free well testing in Deschutes County next year to collect more data for a statewide groundwater contamination study.

Accused man’s fiancée testifies in Bend murder trial, as prosecutors hone in on perceived threat
Prosecutors attempted to establish that Ian Cranston was not in danger when he shot and killed Barry Washington Jr.