David Klugh

Jan 9, 2025 | centraloregondaily.com | David Klugh

Bend Police released its annual report on crime numbers for 2024 last week. But those numbers only tell part of Bend's story when it comes to how safe it is to live in the region's largest city which, in comparison to places like Portland, Seattle and San Francisco, is still small. To look beyond the numbers, I sat down with the one man who has a unique perspective and significant influence on your safety -- Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz. "Bend is a very safe community.

Oct 10, 2024 | centraloregondaily.com | David Klugh

In 2020, the voter-approved Measure 110 legalized the possession of some very dangerous drugs. Four years later, it became clear on both sides of the political aisle that it was not working. During the last legislative session, lawmakers reversed parts of 110, re-criminalizing drug possession. On September 1, that reversal went into effect. But this time, millions of dollars were added to the pot and used to offer those being arrested for possession a choice: go to jail or get help.

Oct 1, 2024 | centraloregondaily.com | David Klugh

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is issuing an indefinite pause on any new permits for an expansion of the Knife River gravel mining operation in Crook County. Dozens of property owners blame the mine for high levels of manganese and aluminum in their wells. They also claimed the state was ignoring the issue and simply siding with the mining operation.

Aug 29, 2024 | centraloregondaily.com | David Klugh

Clean, drinkable water. It is a precious resource in Central Oregon. But for dozens of property owners just outside Prineville, a battle over tainted groundwater has been raging for years. They say that about the time that a billion-dollar mining company began operations nearby, decades of crystal clear well water became unusable. They also say the State of Oregon and Crook County have discounted their concerns about what might be responsible.

May 9, 2024 | centraloregondaily.com | David Klugh

Voters in the Bend-La Pine School District will decide by May 21 if now is the right time to pass a $21 million levy that would impact the district for the next five years. Some could argue the timing is less than ideal with a city transportation fee coming in July, the potential for a city gas tax and skyrocketing energy costs. The Bend-La Pine School Board’s own survey of the most likely voters shows a very narrow margin this levy will pass (53%).