Deschutes County is rolling out a new rural recycling service, with a six-dollar monthly fee applied broadly rather than through individual subscriptions. Commissioner Tony DeBone tells KBND News the state required the county to offer the service universally if it chose to move forward.

DeBone says the program will accept most common recyclables, including plastic and cardboard, but not glass. He says it also ties into Oregon’s recycling modernization efforts and the county’s work on a new landfill site with material processing.

The change gives residents in distant rural service areas recycling access more similar to what’s already available inside city limits.

 

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is adding a wellness coordinator to support deputies and staff facing the long-term stress of difficult calls.

Sheriff Ty Rupert says caring for employees is essential to serving the public.

“The best way that we can serve our community is making sure that the men and women that I work with are taken care of first…”

Rupert says the coordinator will work directly with personnel, joining ride-alongs, visiting jail floors, and offering private meetings when needed.

The goal is to keep first responders healthy and ready to serve. The county hopes to have the position filled by this fall.

 

 

Bend Fire and Rescue is investigating a fire and reported explosion near the entrance of the Deschutes County Knott Landfill last (Tuesday) evening. Crews were called around 6:40 to the landfill area at 27th Avenue and Knott Road. Firefighters arrived within minutes and found two front loaders engulfed in flames, with fire spreading to a third machine and nearby mulch piles in the recycling area. Crews put out the equipment fires, then spent about an hour dousing the burning mulch. Deschutes County Solid Waste and Republic Services staff assisted on scene. No injuries were reported. Damage is estimated at $150,000.

As summer trail traffic picks up, Bend Parks and Recreation is urging families to check local rules before buying or riding an e-bike. Julie Brown says pedal-assist e-bikes are welcome on district trails and can help more people enjoy Bend’s outdoor areas. The concern is with faster, throttle-powered devices that resemble e-motorcycles, often without pedals and not street legal. Brown says those are limited to bike lanes and parking lots, not park trails. Riders and pedestrians are also being reminded to stay alert as parks and river trails grow busier through the season.

Ring camera footage shows Deschutes County Sheriff's Office employees outside a home in the Sunriver area discussing Lorena Akhurst. Akhurst filed a complaint in April against a deputy and James McLaughlin, who is running for Deschutes County Sheriff against Ty Rupert. She says the deputy made her feel targeted and threatened because of her race. In June, Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert placed three sheriff's office employees on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation. McLaughlin said he believes in transparency and will apologize for anything he has done to hurt someone.