Bend-La Pine Schools, the city’s largest water consumer, is ramping up conservation efforts. Facility Operations Director Rodger Moore says the district is working with the city on both immediate and long-range solutions, aiming to make the most of every drop. By targeting low-priority irrigation spots—like grassy strips along roadways—the district expects to save millions of gallons and cut maintenance expenses. Plans are underway to transform those areas into visually appealing, drought-tolerant native landscaping. The big-picture goal is to safeguard local water supplies while ensuring athletic and play fields remain healthy for student use.

Deschutes County Election results here

PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS                                                  052026

(contested races as of 11:15 PM Tuesday)

Deschutes County Commissioner Position 1 – Jamie Collins is winning the seat with more than 50-percent of the votes in the three-way contest.

Position 3 has Lauren Connally followed by Amy Sabbadini advancing to November’s runoff election.

Rick Russell is leading for the new position 4 seat.

Position 5 would have Morgan Schmidt and Rob Imhoff move to November as the respective top vote-getters.
 

Crook County Commissioner position 2 has Rick Steber and Julie Thompson the top vote getters.

Jefferson County Commissioner has March Wunsch in Position 1 and Kelly Simmelink in Position 2 with each over 50-percent.

The Jefferson County Library Bond is failing.

US Congressional Races:

Republican nominee Patti Adair will face Incumbent Democrat Janelle Bynum in the 5^th District.

Incumbent Republican Cliff Bentz will have Chris Beck as the Democratic challenger in the 2^nd District.

Governor will be a rematch of 2022 with Republicans choosing Christine Drazan while Democrats approved incumbent Tina Kotek.

The levy for the Alfalfa Rural Fire Protection District failed, while the others for Sisters-Camp Sherman and Cloverdale are passing.

State Measure 120- the Fuel and Transportation Tax is getting handily defeated.

The Point in Time Count shows a 19 percent decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness across Central Oregon compared to last year. The Oregon Governor's Office says by last June, more than 62-hundred shelter beds were funded, 55-hundred Oregonians who were homeless got into shelters or housing, and nearly 26-thousand households were prevented from eviction.

Central Oregon is tightening fire restrictions starting today, with a "High" danger rating now in effect across the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District BLM. Forest Service spokesperson Jaimie Olle says the early move is a result of above-average temperatures, low humidity, and forecasted winds—conditions that increase fire risk. Stage one restrictions prohibit most open fires, except in developed campgrounds and designated wilderness areas. Residents and visitors are urged to stay informed and follow the new rules. For the latest information, check CentralOregonFire.org.

Fifty years after its debut, the Pole Pedal Paddle returns tomorrow, uniting Bend’s community for a unique multi-sport challenge and a major fundraiser for youth athletics. The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, which benefits from the event, currently serves around 800 young athletes, offering programs in snow sports and cycling. Seven-time elite division winner Marshall Greene highlights the spirit of the event as a celebration of Bend’s active lifestyle. Due to minimal snowfall, this year’s race features running instead of skiing. The competition kicks off at 9:15 a.m. at Mt. Bachelor, with festivities continuing at River Bend Park.