Wildfire Emergency, Local Safety & Community Updates From the Editor Good Wednesday morning, Central Oregon! Today’s Local Buzz includes the latest on a deadly Highway 26 crash, the fast-moving wildfire emergency on the Warm Springs Reservation, and criminal charges filed against a former Bend-La Pine Schools bus driver. We’re also sharing an urgent missing-child alert from Bend, a health advisory at Prineville Reservoir, a new schedule for the Sisters Art Walk, and the outcome of a controversial statewide animal-rights initiative. Here’s what you need to know around the region. ⛑️Fire & Rescue News Fatal Highway 26 Accident Claims Life A Medford man was killed Thursday night after the semi-truck he was driving crashed into the back of another semi that had stopped in a westbound travel lane of Highway 26 near Sandy. Oregon State Police said the collision happened around 10:37 p.m. near milepost 31.5 after a Freightliner driven by a 36-year-old Bend man overheated and became disabled in the roadway.
James Glenn Fisher, 62, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Bend driver was not injured. Highway 26 was affected for about five hours while emergency crews responded and investigators examined the crash. Read more →
Bench Fire Reaches Critical Threshold The Bench and Beachcomb fires merged into a massive wildfire complex on the Warm Springs Reservation after both fires made significant runs over the weekend. By Monday, the combined fire had burned more than 40,000 acres with no containment, destroyed six homes and prompted evacuation orders in and around the Warm Springs community.
Tribal officials declared a state of emergency as crews worked to protect homes, infrastructure and cultural resources. Residents throughout the area were urged to follow official evacuation information and avoid closed roads as shifting winds, extreme heat and dry conditions continued to challenge firefighters. Read more →
Oregon National Guard Expands Wildfire Response The Oregon National Guard activated about 20 additional service members and four helicopters on July 28, expanding its role in Oregon’s wildfire response. Two Black Hawk helicopters and two Chinook helicopters were sent to Pendleton to support aerial suppression on the Hagen Fire in Umatilla County, with water-bucket operations expected to begin as early as July 29.
The new mission builds on an existing round-the-clock MEDEVAC operation that began July 20. With the latest activation, approximately 25 Guard members and five helicopters are now supporting wildfire response efforts across Oregon. Officials said crews are preparing for a long and difficult fire season and will rotate personnel as needed to continue protecting lives and property. 🚨Crime News Bend School Bus Driver Faces DUI and Reckless Endangerment Charges A former Bend-La Pine Schools bus driver has been formally charged with driving under the influence and 18 counts of recklessly endangering another person following an incident in April. Investigators said the driver had completed an afternoon route for Pine Ridge Elementary carrying 18 students before a district transportation supervisor reported concerns that she appeared intoxicated.
Police later arrested the driver at her home. The case now moves through Deschutes County Circuit Court, several months after the initial arrest brought renewed attention to student transportation safety and the district’s response procedures. Read more → ⛰️Bend ODHS Searches for Missing Children The Oregon Department of Human Services is asking for the public’s help finding two Bend children who are believed to be in danger. Julian Hawes, 10, and Mahina Hawes, 9, were reported missing after they were last seen in Bend on Thursday, July 23.
Anyone who sees the children or has information about their whereabouts should contact law enforcement immediately and reference Bend Police Department case number 2026-0004065. Officials cautioned the public not to approach anyone associated with the case and instead report information directly to police. Read more → 🐎Prineville Health Advisory Issued for Prineville Reservoir The Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational-use health advisory for Prineville Reservoir after testing confirmed elevated levels of cyanotoxins associated with a cyanobacteria bloom. Visitors should avoid swimming and other activities that could cause them to swallow water or inhale spray in affected areas.
People should also keep children and pets away from water that appears foamy, scummy, thick like paint, or unusually green, blue-green or brownish red. Boating and fishing may continue, but officials recommend thoroughly cleaning fish and discarding the skin, organs and fat before eating the fillet. Read more → 🌲Sisters Sisters Artwalk Moves to Fifth Friday After Akawa Butte Fire The Sisters Arts Association postponed its monthly Artwalk during the Akawa Butte Fire, when evacuations and public-safety concerns forced many Sisters businesses and galleries to close or operate on limited schedules. Organizers said last Friday was simply not the right time to celebrate while residents were leaving their homes or preparing to evacuate.
The rescheduled Fifth Friday Artwalk will take place Friday, July 31. Participating galleries will be open throughout the day, with featured artists, demonstrations and refreshments beginning at 4 p.m. Visitors can explore watercolor, fiber art, pottery, painting, jewelry, mosaics and wildlife art at galleries and studios around Sisters, along with local artwork displayed at businesses including The Barn, Fika, Sisters Bakery and The Hub. Read more → 📍Regional News Oregon Animal Rights Proposal Excluded from Ballot A controversial proposal that could have dramatically changed Oregon’s laws governing livestock, hunting and fishing will not appear on the November ballot. Initiative Petition 28 needed 117,173 valid signatures but submitted 104,262, with fewer than 74 percent accepted following the state’s review.
The proposal would have removed longstanding exemptions from Oregon’s animal-abuse laws and could have made common farming, ranching, hunting and fishing practices subject to prosecution. Supporters said the measure was intended to change how animals are treated, while opponents warned it would have far-reaching consequences for agriculture and outdoor recreation. Organizers indicated they may try again in a future election. Read more → | 
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