Bend News: Transport Cuts & Environmental Alerts From the Editor Welcome to Central Oregon Local Buzz. This issue covers St. Charles ending its partnership with the Air Link Program and growing debate over a proposed Deschutes River bridge. Discover the new ODF app for burn regulations and a public forum on the Redmond East Gateway Project. Plus, Redmond Airport introduces new seasonal flights and residents voice concerns at a La Pine meeting. Enjoy free swim lessons in Sisters, explore Redmond's transformation plans, and learn tips to protect your home from water damage. Also featured: the return of the Old Mill Classic Cruz, police response at Bend High School, invasive weed removal at Shevlin Pond, drought impacts on Mayfield Pond, and the threat of bark beetles to Oregon trees. š°Local News Featured St. Charles Ends Long-Standing Partnership with Air Link Program In a surprising move, St. Charles Health System has decided to sever its long-standing partnership with the Air Link Critical Care Transport program that it originally founded in Bend 40 years ago. This decision marks the end of an era for a program that played a pivotal role in regional emergency healthcare. While no specifics have been provided on the exact reasons for the split, the separation is set to take effect in the coming months, signaling a new chapter for both entities.
Since its inception, the Air Link program has been instrumental in delivering rapid response and emergency medical transport services across Central Oregon and beyond. The program's helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft have become a familiar sight in the region's skies, providing life-saving services in critical moments. St. Charles' decision to cut ties with the program has raised questions about the future of air medical services in the area and what changes might lie ahead for both providers and patients.
Local residents who have relied on these critical transport services might be concerned about continuity and service quality. As St. Charles moves forward without its traditional air support, there may be potential impacts on response times and availability of medical flights. Community members and stakeholders will need to stay informed about the evolving landscape of emergency medical services, as alternative arrangements and partnerships are considered and solidified.
The key takeaway from this development is that changes are on the horizon for Central Oregon's emergency medical infrastructure. Both St. Charles and the Air Link program face new operational dynamics and their response will be critical in ensuring that the community continues to receive timely and effective care. As the transition unfolds, open communication with the public and transparency about the impacts will be paramount. Read more ā ā°ļøBend š Debate Grows Over Proposed Deschutes River Bridge A proposed new bridge over the Deschutes River in south Bend is drawing growing debate as city leaders explore ways to ease traffic congestion near Reed Market Road. Local advocacy group Connect Bend recently released conceptual renderings showing a possible vehicle bridge connecting neighborhoods near Powers and Murphy roads to Century Drive, but the group says the project could create major environmental and neighborhood impacts.
Instead, Connect Bend is pushing for a southern pedestrian and bike-only footbridge, arguing that steep canyon terrain and nearby homes would make a full vehicle crossing highly disruptive. City officials say formal evaluation of the proposed crossing could begin as early as this year or next as Bend continues planning for future transportation needs on the cityās rapidly growing south side Read more ā
š„ ODF Launches App for Burn Regulations As wildfire concerns grow across Oregon, the Oregon Department of Forestry has launched a new āBefore You Burnā website and mobile app designed to help residents quickly check whether outdoor burning is allowed in their area. The tool provides real-time local burn regulations, safety tips, and guidance aimed at preventing escaped debris burns ā still one of the leading causes of human-caused wildfires in the state.
The launch comes as parts of Central Oregon have already entered fire season early due to dry conditions and low snowpack. Fire officials say the app is meant to simplify confusing burn rules while encouraging safer practices heading into what could be another dangerous wildfire season. Read more ā āļøRedmond š Public Forum on Redmond East Gateway Project Scheduled A proposed development project known as āRedmond East Gatewayā is heading to a public hearing on May 20 as city planners consider zoning changes that could reshape part of east Redmond. The proposal, located at 901 E. Highway 126, would allow a broader mix of commercial and industrial uses while establishing a long-term master development plan for future infrastructure, transportation, and utilities in the area.
The hearing will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Redmond City Hall, with both in-person and virtual testimony options available. City officials say community feedback is an important part of the process as Redmond continues planning for future growth and economic development on the cityās east side. Read more ā
š«New Seasonal Flight Routes Introduced at Redmond Airport SeaPort Airlines is expanding service into Central Oregon, announcing new commuter flights connecting Redmond with Portland, Seattle, and Spokane. The airline says the new routes are aimed at business travelers looking to avoid the congestion, security lines, and delays common at larger commercial airports by operating out of smaller regional terminals instead.
SeaPort recently relaunched regional operations in the Pacific Northwest and now offers shuttle-style service using nine-passenger aircraft, with travelers able to check in just 20 minutes before departure. The company says Redmond service will initially operate on a limited basis as it continues building out its regional network across the Pacific Northwest. Read more ā šLa Pine/Sunriver š£Residents Voice Concerns at La Pine Council Meeting Tensions ran high at La Pine City Hall Wednesday night as hundreds of residents packed a public meeting to voice concerns over a proposed 20-megawatt data center in southern Deschutes County. Community members questioned the projectās potential impact on power costs, water usage, and infrastructure, while many also criticized what they felt was a lack of public awareness as discussions surrounding the proposal moved forward.
City leaders stressed that no final decisions or land sales have been approved, but opponents argued the project should not proceed without broader community input ā and possibly a public vote. Residents also raised concerns about potential legal and financial risks tied to large-scale tech development projects. Any future project would still require city land use review, county building approval, and final authorization from Deschutes County, which currently owns the land under consideration. Read more ā š²Sisters šāāļøFree Swim Lessons Make a Splash in Sisters Free swim lessons have made a notable return to Sisters, offering students an essential opportunity to acquire life-saving skills. This program, celebrated by the community, ensures that children gain vital water safety knowledge and the ability to swim competently. As water-related activities are popular in Central Oregon, learning to swim is particularly crucial for young residents. The initiative, driven by collaboration between local schools and swimming facilities, aims to make swimming education accessible to all students.
This development is particularly important for residents of Sisters where outdoor aquatic adventures are abundant but often require swimming proficiency for safety. With more students gaining access to these lessons, the community can look forward to a reduction in water-related accidents. Parents, local officials, and educators align in support, recognizing the benefits of equipping kids with skills that go beyond recreational activities, fostering a safer and more inclusive community. Read more ā šļøReal Estate š”Redmond's Transformation Awaits Redmondās housing market is continuing to gain momentum in 2026 as more Central Oregon buyers look for affordability outside of Bend. A new market analysis highlighted by Bend Source shows lower-priced homes in Redmond are outperforming other segments of the market, with buyers drawn to comparatively lower home prices, newer neighborhoods, and easier access to the regionās growing job market.
The report notes that while the overall real estate market has slowed from the frenzy of recent years, demand in Redmond remains strong ā especially for entry-level and midrange homes. Buyers are becoming more selective and price-conscious in 2026, but Redmond continues evolving from a ābackup optionā to a first-choice destination for many Central Oregon residents looking for more value and space. Read more ā
š§Protecting Your Home from Water Damage Water damage remains one of the most common ā and costly ā problems homeowners face, often starting with small issues like slow leaks, worn appliance hoses, clogged gutters, or poor drainage around foundations. A recent Cascade Business News article highlights plumbing failures, roof leaks, faulty appliances, HVAC condensation, and basement moisture as some of the biggest culprits behind expensive home repairs and mold problems.
Experts say many of these issues can be prevented with regular maintenance, including checking plumbing connections, cleaning gutters, inspecting roofs after storms, and making sure water drains away from the home properly. Catching warning signs early ā such as musty smells, damp spots, or unexplained increases in water bills ā can help homeowners avoid much larger repair bills down the road. Read more ā šFeatured Events Old Mill Classic Cruz Returns to Bend Rev up your engines and head to Bend for the Old Mill Classic Cruz this weekend, where automotive enthusiasts and classic car admirers will come together for a nostalgic journey through iconic automobiles. This annual event not only offers a visual feast with vintage cars gleaming under the Central Oregon sun, but it also solves the need for a family-friendly outdoor activity that combines entertainment with a dose of car culture history. Whether you're a dedicated car lover or just looking for a unique outing, this car show in Bend promises an engaging experience for all ages. Mark your calendars and cruise down to the Old Mill for a day of fun, history, and auto thrills. Read more ā | 
Reply