Prineville, Oregon Development News
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Council Meeting 7-14-2026
Published: Jul 14, 2026
Hemp Company Assures Council on Safety and Community Commitment Post-Fire
Ted Swindell, representing GVB Biopharma, addressed the council regarding the recent fire incident at their hemp processing facility. He emphasized the company's commitment to the Prineville community, their employees (70 currently, aiming for 100), and investments in local youth organizations. Swindell described the specific building where the fire occurred as designed for safety against fires and explosions. He clarified that the fire resulted from an employee not following training procedures with flammable liquids, but thankfully, no employees or equipment were harmed. He stated that all safety systems are currently up to code, pending final inspection. Swindell also addressed potential community misunderstandings about the business, noting that it is federally legal and has received benefits from Medicare/Medicaid. Tyler Montoya, production manager at GVB Biopharma, echoed the commitment to safety, community, and employees, highlighting that most staff are local residents. Lyndon Jones, Director of Facilities for GVB, confirmed his experience in hazardous manufacturing and assured the council of the company's dedication to compliance with safety regulations, noting the building is concrete block, not metal-sided, and was designed to withstand incidents.
Fire Department Raises Safety Concerns at Hemp Processing Facility After Fire Incident
Krook County Fire and Rescue presented concerns regarding public safety threats at 1948 North Main Street, occupied by Prineville Campus LLC and GVB Biopharma (Central Oregon Processing). A fire occurred on June 19, 2026, in Building M, a hemp processing facility. Responding crews found the on-site fire suppression system non-functional due to a shut-off valve and a failed pressure switch. The facility was ordered closed until repairs were made. The fire was caused by employees emptying product containing heptane into an open drum, which ignited from an unknown source. The suppression system was later tested and deemed operational, but Building M remains closed for repairs. Additional agencies, including OSHA and the Oregon Department of Agriculture, have been contacted due to the hazardous nature of the process and safety system failures. The Fire Chief stated that allowing employees to perform hazardous work without functional safety systems constitutes an imminent threat.
City Council Approves Fiber Optic Installation Contract for New Well System
Casey Kaiser, Public Works Director, presented a request for the intent to award a bid for the ASR2 fiber optic installation project. The project aims to connect the new ASR2 well to the city's SCADA communication system. The installation will include approximately 3,500 feet of conduit and 14,500 feet of fiber optic cable. This project leverages existing conduit installed during the 30-inch waterline project for cost savings. Two bids were received: Robinson Brothers Construction (RBC) and McCernan Enterprises. RBC was the apparent low bidder at $266,15.34, which is significantly under the engineer's cost estimate of $366,000. The council approved the intent to award the contract to RBC.
City Manager Reports on Public Safety, Infrastructure, Airport Growth, and Development Progress
The City Manager's report provided updates on various city operations and projects. Key highlights include the successful Crooked Roundup event, preparations for upcoming horse races, completion of taser certifications, a hiring need in 911 dispatch, progress on the ASR2 wellhouse construction, and the upcoming North Main paving project. Other updates covered the horizontal well design, water/sewer area improvements, a dock replacement at Barnes Butte Recreation Area for pond filling, railroad team expansion, fire activity being low despite thunderstorms, busy summer fuel sales, and ongoing overlay projects. The airport is experiencing growth with five fixed-base operators and over 40 employees. Planning updates mentioned the opening of the first building for rent at Millside apartments, LAR starting construction, and two subdivision applications under review. Residential development, particularly south of the fairgrounds, is resuming after a previous halt. Updates were also given on AI policy development, radio upgrades, the new city website launch, the annual audit schedule, and irrigation district status. The Crook County Irrigation District is doing well, anticipating a full irrigation season with water available through September, although reservoirs will be low by season's end. Economic development efforts include grant submissions for the railroad and the appointment of Caroline as the new board president for Prineville Edco.
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The Prineville News archive
Planning Commission Meeting 07-21-26
City Council Meeting 4/14/2026
City Council Meeting 3/24/2026
Planning Commission Meeting 3/17/2026
City Council Meeting 3/10/2026
City Council Meeting 2/24/2026
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