photo credit: oregonhikers.org

As spring weather brings more people outside, authorities are urging residents to secure vehicles and keep valuables out of sight at recreation areas.

photo credit: Bend Bulletin

Meta’s data center in Prineville is preparing for significant staff reductions after Milestone Technologies announced it will lay off 66 employees when its contract with Meta concludes.

The workers, whose jobs include data center logistics, operations, and engineering, will begin leaving their positions on June 28.

None of the employees affected are represented by a union, according to the company’s notification.

Meta, the parent company for Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp recently announced a layoff of 10-percent of its staff.

Bend’s water supply stands resilient even as drought persists in Deschutes County.

Residents and businesses are urged to conserve water… aiming for a cut of 17 gallons per person daily, and a 12 percent reduction in commercial use.   Mike Thomas reports:

Bend Fire & Rescue named Drew Whyte the new deputy chief of prevention, and fire marshal.

With a 29-year career across fire agencies in Texas and California, Whyte will oversee community risk reduction, code enforcement, and fire investigations in Bend.

Fire Chief Todd Riley highlighted Whyte's extensive experience and leadership, noting it will strengthen Bend’s prevention division and public safety.

Oregon drivers saw double-digit increases at the pump this week. 

Bend’s average price is $5.09 a gallon.  That’s up 17-cents from last week.

KBND’s Heather Roberts has more.