Peyton Thomas

Bend

Reporter at Central Oregon Daily

Telling stories @ Central Oregon Daily News • PNW romanticist, Water Polo enthusiast, likely on a mountain

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Articles

5 Central Oregon schools earn elite national certification for counseling programs

2 weeks ago | centraloregondaily.com | Peyton Thomas

BEND, Ore. -- Only 12 schools in Oregon have earned the RAMP distinction—five of them are in Central Oregon, highlighting a regional commitment to student support. The recognition honors schools with comprehensive, data-driven counseling programs that prioritize college, career, and emotional readiness. RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) recognizes schools that go above and beyond when it comes to supporting students’ academic, emotional and career growth.
Sisters considers new development code to reduce wildfire risk

2 weeks ago | centraloregondaily.com | Peyton Thomas

As Sisters continues to grow, city leaders are hoping to get ahead of wildfire danger by changing how new developments are built—and landscaped. The city is considering updates to its development code that would require fire-safe designs for new construction. That includes spacing requirements and a new “Prohibited Flammable Plant List.”“Part of that is looking at what the flammable list is,” said City Manager Jordan Wheeler.
Sisters aims to reduce wildfire risk as it considers new building, plant rules

2 weeks ago | centraloregondaily.com | Peyton Thomas

SISTERS, Ore. -- As Sisters continues to grow, city leaders are hoping to get ahead of wildfire danger by changing how new developments are built and landscaped. The city is considering updates to its development code that would require fire-safe designs for new construction. That includes spacing requirements and a new Prohibited Flammable Plant List. “Part of that is looking at what the flammable list is,” said City Manager Jordan Wheeler.
Prineville residents push back on potential UGB expansion for biomass plant

2 weeks ago | centraloregondaily.com | Peyton Thomas

Prineville residents packed a city council meeting Tuesday night, pushing back on a proposal to expand the city’s urban growth boundary and build a biomass facility near existing neighborhoods. The expansion would add 671 acres of farmland to the city’s limits, including the Knife River mine site—making room for a city-owned biomass plant.
Tensions rise as China Hat homeless face Forest Service closure in a month

3 weeks ago | centraloregondaily.com | Peyton Thomas

BEND, Ore. -- The clock is ticking for the homeless community along China Hat Road, as a major U.S. Forest Service closure is one month away. The closure, set to begin May 1, is part of a wildfire fuel reduction project that will shut down 40 square miles of land south of Bend. For those living in the area, tensions are rising as many say they aren’t ready to leave.
Bend man, losing his vision, fundraises for inspiring cycling documentary

4 weeks ago | centraloregondaily.com | Peyton Thomas

BEND, Ore. -- Mike Bowen is racing against time to see the world while he still can. The Bend resident was diagnosed in 2022 with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that will eventually leave him with tunnel vision. Instead of slowing down, he’s pushing himself to new limits -- quitting drinking, taking on extreme endurance challenges and now sharing his story through a documentary. “When I'm older, I'll basically just be looking through a small straw,” Bowen said.
Avalanche safety top of mind after recent Central Oregon deaths

1 month ago | centraloregondaily.com | Peyton Thomas

Three recent avalanche deaths in Central Oregon have shaken the backcountry community, raising concerns about safety and preparedness. Now, local experts are stepping up to educate people before they head into avalanche terrain. The Central Oregon Avalanche Center (COAC) is hosting free awareness presentations, teaching backcountry users how to assess terrain, use safety equipment, and make informed decisions that could save their lives.
Seattle skier dies after tree well accident at Mt. Bachelor

1 month ago | centraloregondaily.com | Peyton Thomas

A skier died Friday afternoon at Mt. Bachelor after falling into a tree well. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says it happened just after 3 p.m. in the northwest area of the resort. An emergency SOS text reported a trapped and injured skier in steep terrain on the west side of Mt. Bachelor, known for its steep, unmarked runs. Ski Patrol responded immediately and found 34-year-old Benjamin Shelkey from Seattle buried headfirst in a tree well.
First Look: Bend's historic post office set to become downtown boutique hotel

1 month ago | centraloregondaily.com | Peyton Thomas

BEND, Ore. -- A piece of Bend history is being transformed into a high-end boutique hotel. The Westman, set to open in fall 2025, is taking shape inside the city’s old historic post office on the corner of Franklin and Wall. Crews are currently in the latter stages of the $15 million renovation. The project aims to preserve the building’s historic charm while creating a modern hotel experience.
Deschutes Co. law enforcement teams up with retailers to combat rise in shoplifting

1 month ago | centraloregondaily.com | Peyton Thomas

BEND, Ore. -- Retail theft has been on the rise in Bend over the last four years. Now, local law enforcement is working with business owners to figure out what’s driving the increase and how to stop it. Deschutes County law enforcement is holding listening sessions this month, giving retailers a chance to share their experiences and collaborate with police. One of those was Wednesday night.