Michael Kohn
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Covering Public Lands and the Environment for @thebulletin
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Articles by Michael Kohn
Silver Rail classroom aide speaks publicly about shooting - The Bulletin
A Silver Rail Elementary School educational assistant who was in the classroom during the Oct. 15 shooting at the school has spoken publicly for the first time, expressing gratitude for those that helped end the incident and sorrow for those for the victims and their families.
Blue wave sweeps Deschutes County board of commissioners - The Bulletin
The blue wave that rolled across the country Tuesday didn’t miss Deschutes County. In fact, the results of this year’s Board of County Commissioners races amounted to a Democratic sweep. When the new board takes office in January, all five seats will be held by Democrats — a seismic shift from the current commission, which has two Republicans and one Democrat. Morgan Schmidt and Amy Sabbadini, both Democrats, secured victories Tuesday on the newly-expanded commission.
Oregon's record-breaking 2026 wildfire season winds down - The Bulletin
Oregon’s 2026 wildfire season is coming to a close after a record-breaking year that saw more than 2.5 million acres burn across the state, putting it well ahead of any other year this decade. As of Oct. 13, large fires had burned 2,542,991 acres in Oregon, according to Jeniffer Risdal, public information officer for the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. That’s a record for the state, more than double the acreage burned in 2024, the next-highest year of this decade.
Janelle Bynum holds off Adair to keep U.S. House seat - The Portland Tribune
U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum was leading Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair in the race for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, according to early election results. As of Wednesday morning, Bynum had received 54.1% of the vote, compared with 43.8% for Adair, according to unofficial results. Bynum, a Democrat, said she expected a tighter race and credited the margin to her campaign’s work and her efforts to serve the district.
Ruffwear plans two more China stores in 2027 - The Bulletin
Bend-based Ruffwear is unleashing its next phase of global expansion in China, with two new retail stores set to open in 2027. The maker of outdoor gear for dogs opened its first permanent store in Shanghai earlier this year. The company also has a second, pop-up style location, also in Shanghai. Its Chinese distribution partner, Carez, plans to open another Shanghai store and a “Ruffwear Camp” location outside Hangzhou next year, said Sarah McCandless, Ruffwear’s head of global sales.
Earls leads in La Pine mayoral race - The Bulletin
La Pine Mayor Jeannine Earls was leading challenger Samuel Facey in the race for mayor Tuesday night, according to preliminary election results. As of 8:30 p.m., Earls had received 66.1% of the vote, compared with 33.3% for Facey. A total of 797 votes had been counted. Earls, who was elected mayor in 2024 and took office in January 2025, was seeking another two-year term. She has lived in La Pine for about 26 years and previously served on the city’s Planning Commission.
Dennison leads Curtis in Deschutes County clerk race - The Bulletin
Incumbent Steve Dennison is leading challenger Jonathan Curtis in the race for Deschutes County clerk, according to early election results Tuesday night. As of 8:20 p.m., Dennison had received 86% of the vote, compared with 13.7% for Curtis. Dennison, who has served as county clerk since 2021, has worked in election administration for more than two decades, including roles in Oregon, California and North Carolina.
Dennison leads Curtis in Deschutes County clerk race - Redmond Spokesman
Incumbent Steve Dennison is leading challenger Jonathan Curtis in the race for Deschutes County clerk, according to early election results. As of Wednesday morning, Dennison had received 84.9% of the vote, compared with 14.8% for Curtis. Dennison, who has served as county clerk since 2021, has worked in election administration for more than two decades, including roles in Oregon, California and North Carolina.
Schmidt leads in Deschutes County Commissioner race - Redmond Spokesman
Morgan Schmidt is leading Rob Imhoff in the race for Deschutes County Commissioner Position 5, according to preliminary election results. As of Wednesday morning, Schmidt had received 56.8% of the vote, compared with 43% for Imhoff. Schmidt said she was excited by the early results but wanted to see every vote counted before declaring a winner. “I’m really excited and so grateful for the voters of Deschutes County,” she said.
Schmidt leads in Deschutes County Commissioner race - The Bulletin
Morgan Schmidt is leading Rob Imhoff in the race for Deschutes County Commissioner Position 5 after the first release of election results Tuesday after polls closed. Schmidt had received 58.1% of the vote as of 8:20 p.m., compared with 41.7% for Imhoff, according to preliminary results. Position 5 is a two-year term created following the expansion of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners from three seats to five. The expanded board is scheduled to take office in January.
Bynum leads Adair in race for Oregon's 5th Congressional District - The Bulletin
U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum was leading Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair in the race for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District on Tuesday night, according to early election results. As of 8:15 p.m., Bynum had received 53.7% of the vote, compared with 44.2% for Adair, according to results posted on the Oregon secretary of state’s website. Bynum, a Democrat, was elected to Congress in 2024, defeating then-Republican incumbent Lori Chavez-DeRemer with 47.7% of the vote to Chavez-DeRemer’s 45%.
McKenzie Pass to close for winter on Thursday - The Bulletin
The Oregon Department of Transportation will close McKenzie Pass (OR 242) on Thursday as winter weather approaches and the highway begins its annual seasonal closure. The scenic, 5,325-foot-high mountain highway is not maintained during winter because of hazardous conditions, maintenance costs and logistical challenges. ODOT instead prioritizes keeping major highways plowed and open.
Mountain highways set winter closure dates - Redmond Spokesman
As winter approaches, transportation authorities have announced closure dates for several high altitude highways in Central Oregon. Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road will both close at 8 a.m. on Nov. 17. Both roads could close early if significant winter weather occurs. Updates are available through the Deschutes County Road Department website. These high-altitude highways typically remain closed until late May each year.
Silver Rail teacher who confronted Bend school shooter is identified - Your Oregon News
Cassidy Schutz has been identified as the teacher who threw her cellphone at the Silver Rail gunman before tackling him and fighting to take his firearm during the Oct. 15 shooting at the Bend elementary school. Police Chief Mike Krantz described the teacher’s actions during a briefing the day after, saying she almost certainly helped prevent further bloodshed. Krantz did not identify the teacher by name.
Silver Rail teacher identified as educator who confronted shooting suspect - The Bulletin
Cassidy Schutz has been identified as the teacher who directly engaged the shooting suspect at Silver Rail Elementary School on Oct. 15. Schutz is a certified learning instructor at Silver Rail. On Oct. 15, she was one of several teachers in the classroom when Griffin John II entered the school and opened fire on teachers and students in the special education classroom.
Repair Cafe returns to Redmond - The Bulletin
Broken lamps, torn jackets, zippers that won’t zip and other household items have a chance at a second life as the ever-popular Repair Cafe returns to Central Oregon in November. The next Repair Cafe will be held at the Redmond Library (827 SW Deschutes Ave), on Nov. 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Interested individuals can RSVP through the Environmental Center website. Volunteers at the event do their best to fix broken items or offer DIY guidance for items too large to bring to the cafe.
Cascade Natural Gas bills to jump roughly $7 a month - The Bulletin
Cascade Natural Gas customers will pay about $7.38 more per month starting Oct. 31, an increase of about 10.7%, under new rates approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission. The increase is based on a typical household using 57 therms of natural gas a month. It combines changes to the company’s base rates with an annual adjustment for the cost of buying natural gas. The base rate increase will help cover system upgrades, maintenance and environmental requirements.
Cascade Natural Gas bills to jump roughly $7 a month - Redmond Spokesman
Cascade Natural Gas customers will pay about $7.38 more per month starting Oct. 31, an increase of about 10.7%, under new rates approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission. The increase is based on a typical household using 57 therms of natural gas a month. It combines changes to the company’s base rates with an annual adjustment for the cost of buying natural gas. The base rate increase will help cover system upgrades, maintenance and environmental requirements.
Silver Rail teacher undergoes 11-hour surgery to repair arm, hand - The Bulletin
Becky Drury, one of the survivors of the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting, has undergone successful surgery to repair portions of her arm and hand. Will Drury, Becky’s husband, said Becky underwent 11 hours of surgery on Tuesday. The procedure included removing a piece of bone from her leg to replace missing bone in her arm. A skin graft from her leg was used to cover the wound. “The surgeons are all really happy with how the surgery went,” said Will Drury.
Bend firefighters to conduct live-fire training Nov. 2 - The Bulletin
Bend Fire & Rescue will conduct specialized flammable liquids training on Monday Nov. 2, producing large flames and smoke visible from Highway 20 and nearby neighborhoods, the agency said. The training is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. at the department’s North Station (63377 NE Jamison St.) The exercise, conducted in partnership with the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, will use a live-fire prop that produces large flames.
Ochoco and Deschutes national forests hiring for 2027 fire season - The Bulletin
The Ochoco and Deschutes national forests are hiring temporary seasonal employees for the 2027 fire season, with applications opening tomorrow and closing Nov. 12 on USAJobs.gov. Positions include wildland firefighters, hotshot and handcrew members, engine crew members, smokejumpers, dispatchers, engine operators and fire lookouts. Jobs are available in Prineville, Bend, Redmond, Crescent and Sisters.
Most Silver Rail Elementary families prefer a quick return to their school - The Bulletin
An overwhelming majority of Silver Rail Elementary families want their children to return to the school, according to a survey conducted by Bend-La Pine Schools. The school remains closed for repairs through Nov. 6 and the district said it hopes to reopen as soon as repairs are complete and safety requirements are met. In the survey, 60.4% of families said they want their children to return to learning within two weeks while 14.1% favored returning immediately after fall break (Nov.
School district weighing options for Silver Rail, superintendent says - The Bulletin
Bend-La Pine School District is still determining when and where Silver Rail Elementary students will return to classrooms following the Oct. 15 shooting at the school, Superintendent Steven Cook said. In an interview with The Bulletin, Cook said the district must balance families’ desire to resume learning with the needs of traumatized students and staff, and the safety requirements of any temporary location, such as another school or facility outside the district.
Silver Rail Elementary victim to undergo hand and arm surgery - The Bulletin
Becky Drury, one of the survivors of the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting earlier this month, is undergoing surgery today. Zack Hall, a family friend, said the procedure is extensive and described it as reconstruction surgery to rebuild her left hand and arm. Three surgeons are collaborating on the procedure. According to GoFundMe, nearly $200,000 has been raised to help pay for Drury’s medical costs.
Man found dead near Bend Bi-Mart in September identified - The Bulletin
A man found dead near the Bi-Mart parking lot in Bend on Sept. 1 has been identified as Simon Grant McCamy. McCamy had been staying at the nearby Lighthouse Navigation Center, according to police records obtained by The Bulletin. McCamy, 47, was found in a rocky landscaping area between the store’s parking lot and Northeast Second Street, according to Bend Police Department reports. Police previously confirmed the death was not considered suspicious but did not publicly identify the man.
Les Schwab Foundation pledges $100,000 for Silver Rail recovery - The Bulletin
Les Schwab Tires has established a charitable foundation and pledged $100,000 to support recovery efforts following the Silver Rail Elementary School tragedy, the company announced Tuesday. The newly formed Les Schwab Foundation will direct $40,000 to Silver Rail Elementary and its parent-teacher organization, $30,000 to Bend-La Pine Schools and $30,000 through the Oregon Community Foundation to address emerging needs in the community. The Oct.
Kotek declares state of emergency for Silver Rail recovery - The Bulletin
Gov. Tina Kotek issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for the Bend-La Pine School District and High Desert Education Service District on Monday. She pledging sustained state support for the community as it recovers from the Silver Rail Elementary School tragedy. Speaking at a press conference in Salem, Kotek announced a coordinated response involving multiple state agencies, including assistance with recovery funding, mental health services, paid leave and staffing.
Sawyer Park parking lot closes for improvements - The Bulletin
The Sawyer Park parking lot has closed as part of an improvement project to upgrade several areas at the park situated along the Middle Deschutes Deschutes River. The park, one of the oldest in Bend, will remain open to pedestrians and bicyclists using the Deschutes River Trail. Pedestrian access from O.B. Riley Road will be maintained along the park’s southern edge.
Cascade Natural Gas abandons Knott Landfill renewable gas project - The Bulletin
Cascade Natural Gas has decided not to move forward with a proposed renewable natural gas facility at Deschutes County’s Knott Landfill, citing rising development costs and changes in the company’s projected demand for the fuel. The company and the county have worked together since 2023 on a project to capture methane produced by decomposing waste at the Bend landfill and convert it into renewable natural gas.
Redmond seeks collaboration on groundwater recharge following Jefferson County concerns - The Bulletin
Redmond is shifting from a potential legal challenge to a collaborative effort to address groundwater concerns as the Central Oregon Irrigation District moves ahead with plans to pipe 18.5 miles of the Pilot Butte Canal between Bend and Redmond.
La Pine mayor race pits incumbent against unknown challenger - The Bulletin
Jeannine Earls and Samuel Facey are in a race for to serve as mayor of La Pine. The term length is two years. Earls is the incumbent, having won the 2024 election. She is a small business owner and a La Pine resident of 26 years. Facey has previously ran for a Deschutes County Commissioner position and is a small business owner. Jeannine Earls When Jeannine Earls ran for mayor in 2024, her focus was on community safety and preventing human-caused wildfires.
'Pretend to be dead': Silver Rail teacher recounts shooting - The Bulletin
Becky Drury, a teacher in the special education classroom on the day of the Silver Rail shooting, continues to recover from her injuries. She is now able to get out of bed and move around, according to Zack Hall, a family friend. Drury, 54, has endured multiple surgeries and more surgeries are scheduled, but Hall said she is improving. Drury also provided a statement that clarifies some details of what occurred on Thursday at Silver Rail.
'Pretend to be dead': Silver Rail teacher recounts shooting - Your Oregon News
Becky Drury, a teacher in the special education classroom on the day of the Silver Rail shooting, continues to recover from her injuries. She is now able to get out of bed and move around, according to Zack Hall, a family friend. Drury, 54, has endured multiple surgeries and more surgeries are scheduled, but Hall said she is improving. Drury also provided a statement that clarifies some details of what occurred on Thursday at Silver Rail.
Annual fish rescue nets more than 8,000 fish at Lava Island Falls - The Bulletin
Over three days last week, an annual fish rescue effort at Lava Island Falls in the Upper Deschutes netted and released more than 8,000 fish. A total of 8,113 fish were recovered from the side channel at Lava Island Falls, which dries up each October due to Wickiup Dam operations. The total included 6,466 rainbow trout, 37 brown trout, five mountain whitefish, 1,578 sculpin and 27 kokanee.
Bend fish rescue saves more than 8,000 at Lava Island Falls - Redmond Spokesman
Over three days last week, an annual fish rescue effort at Lava Island Falls in the Upper Deschutes netted and released more than 8,000 fish. A total of 8,113 fish were recovered from the side channel at Lava Island Falls, which dries up each October due to Wickiup Dam operations. The total included 6,466 rainbow trout, 37 brown trout, five mountain whitefish, 1,578 sculpin and 27 kokanee.
Bend fish rescue saves more than 8,000 at Lava Island Falls - Your Oregon News
Over three days last week, an annual fish rescue effort at Lava Island Falls in the Upper Deschutes netted and released more than 8,000 fish. A total of 8,113 fish were recovered from the side channel at Lava Island Falls, which dries up each October due to Wickiup Dam operations. The total included 6,466 rainbow trout, 37 brown trout, five mountain whitefish, 1,578 sculpin and 27 kokanee.
BLM to begin Riddle Mountain wild horse gather in SE Oregon
The Bureau of Land Management plans to begin gathering up to 140 wild horses Tuesday from the Riddle Mountain Herd Management Area in southeast Oregon, following a delay caused by litigation. The emergency operation comes after the Bald Mountain Fire burned nearly half of the area, significantly reducing forage available for winter. Ongoing drought has compounded the shortages, threatening the herd’s health and survival, the BLM said in a statement.
Silver Rail Elementary shooting victim continues recovery - The Bulletin
Becky Drury, the 54-year-old special education teacher who was shot Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary, continues to receive medical treatment in Bend. Drury suffered wounds to both arms and one hand, said Zack Hall, a family friend who has known the Drurys for years. Will Drury, Becky’s husband, said in a statement that his wife’s condition is improving, but she still has a long road to recovery ahead. “She’s an amazing woman who continues to show courage and resolve through all this.
Silver Rail Elementary shooting victim continues recovery - Your Oregon News
Becky Drury, the 54-year-old special education teacher who was shot Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary, continues to receive medical treatment in Bend. Drury suffered wounds to both arms and one hand, said Zack Hall, a family friend who has known the Drurys for years. Will Drury, Becky’s husband, said in a statement that his wife’s condition is improving, but she still has a long road to recovery ahead. “She’s an amazing woman who continues to show courage and resolve through all this.
BLM to begin Riddle Mountain wild horse gather Tuesday - The Bulletin
The Bureau of Land Management plans to begin gathering up to 140 wild horses Tuesday, from the Riddle Mountain Herd Management Area in southeast Oregon, following a delay caused by litigation. The emergency operation comes after the Bald Mountain Fire burned nearly half of the area, significantly reducing forage available for winter. Ongoing drought has compounded the shortages, threatening the herd’s health and survival, the BLM said in a statement.
Bend-La Pine Schools to reopen Wednesday after three-day closure - The Bulletin
Bend-La Pine Schools will remain closed Monday and Tuesday before welcoming students back Wednesday on an early-release schedule, the district announced in a message to families. Schools will return to their regular schedules Thursday and Friday. District schools were also closed Friday, following the active shooting incident at Silver Rail Elementary on Thursday. All school events and activities will remain canceled during the closure and will be rescheduled, the district said.
Bend-La Pine Schools to reopen Wednesday after three-day closure - Your Oregon News
Bend-La Pine Schools will remain closed Monday and Tuesday before welcoming students back Wednesday on an early-release schedule, the district announced in a message to families. Schools will return to their regular schedules Thursday and Friday. District schools were also closed Friday, following the active shooting incident at Silver Rail Elementary on Thursday. All school events and activities will remain canceled during the closure and will be rescheduled, the district said.
Youngest victim, teacher, in Bend school shooting identified
Bend Police released information about some of the victims of Thursday’s shooting at Silver Rail Elementary. Bend police confirmed that 5-year-old Rhoam Summer was one of the victims. According to the Associated Press, Summer is the youngest victim of a school shooting in the United States dating back to at least 1966. Two other students, ages 8 and 11, were also killed Thursday. Bend police said Friday their families asked that their identities not be released.
North Coast mourns with Bend: 'Heartbreaking' - The Astorian
Three students and a teacher were shot and killed Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend by a teen gunman who was later killed by a bystander. Bend Police confirmed at a press conference Thursday night that the three students — ages 5, 8, and 11 — died at the scene after a 16-year-old Bend resident entered the school and opened fire. A teacher was also killed. A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured and transported to St. Charles in Bend.
North Coast mourns with Bend: 'Heartbreaking' - Seaside Signal
Three students and a teacher were shot and killed Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend by a teen gunman who was later killed by a bystander. Bend Police confirmed at a press conference Thursday night that the three students — ages 5, 8, and 11 — died at the scene after a 16-year-old Bend resident entered the school and opened fire. A teacher was also killed. A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured and transported to St. Charles in Bend.
Bend Park and Recreation District cancels programs through weekend - The Bulletin
Bend Park and Recreation District has canceled all recreation registration programs through the weekend in response to the Silver Rail school shooting. Cancellations include youth soccer, flag football and swim lessons. Drop-in use will continue at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center and Larkspur Community Center. The district is communicating cancellations directly to patrons and posting updates on its Delays and Cancellations webpage.
Youngest victim of school shooting identified - The Bulletin
Bend resident Kelik Summer has posted a message on a Facebook that his 5-year-old son Rhoam was one of the victims of the Silver Rail School shooting. “Today has been the worst day of my life. My son Rhoam was killed in a school shooting. We are broken and lost, but are surrounded by friends and family who are keeping us safe,” Summer posted to the social media site. Two other students, ages 8 and 11, were also killed Thursday. A teacher was also killed.
Youngest victim, teacher, in school shooting identified - Your Oregon News
Bend police have released information about some of the victims of Thursday’s shooting at Silver Rail Elementary. Bend police confirmed that 5-year-old Rhoam Summer was one of the victims. Two other students, ages 8 and 11, were also killed Thursday. Bend police said Friday their families asked that they not be named. Rhoam’s father Kelik Summer posted a message on Facebook. “Today has been the worst day of my life. My son Rhoam was killed in a school shooting.
Three children, teacher killed in shooting at Oregon elementary school - Central Oregonian
Three students and a teacher were shot and killed Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend by a teen gunman who was later killed by a bystander. Bend Police confirmed at a press conference Thursday night that the three students — ages 5, 8, and 11 — died at the scene after a 16-year-old Bend resident entered the school and opened fire. A teacher was also killed. A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured and transported to St. Charles in Bend.
Shock, confusion spread across Bend in wake of Silver Rail school shooting - The Bulletin
An active shooter situation at Silver Rail Elementary School sent shockwaves through Bend on Thursday afternoon, as anxious parents scrambled for information about their children and nearby schools went into precautionary lockdowns. Hundreds gathered near the school as police and fire crews converged on the area. Parents watched their phones for updates, desperate for information about what was happening inside.
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