Beyond the Click
In today’s digital-first world, a potential homebuyer’s journey almost always begins online. They’re scrolling through listings on their phone, swiping past properties in a matter of seconds. In this high-speed, visually saturated environment, real estate photos aren’t just an accessory — they are the front door, the first impression and often the deciding factor that…
When Good Directors Make Bad Movies
I would never make a ridiculous statement like Ron Howard and the Coen Bros. are remotely in the same league as filmmakers, but I also think Howard isn’t necessarily accorded the respect he deserves from his nearly 50 years a director. Sure, he introduced the world to JD Vance with “Hillbilly Elegy,” which is definitely…
Redmond School District Starts New School Year Ahead of Statewide Executive Order
Redmond School District will ban all personal electronic devices during school hours starting with the 2025-26 school year, following the statewide Executive Order No. 25-09 signed by Gov. Tina Kotek on July 2. The district’s “bell to bell” policy prohibits students from using cell phones, smartwatches, smart glasses and earbuds from the start of regular…
Horoscope Week of Sept. 4
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The Gross National Product (GNP) is a standard of economic success by which countries gauge their health. It reflects the world’s obsession with material wealth. But the Buddhist nation of Bhutan has a different accounting system: Gross National Happiness (GNH). It includes factors like the preservation of the environment, enrichment of…
Death by a Thousand Cuts
It was the type of summer day that makes you wish summer would never end in Central Oregon, so my husband and I decided to go for a hike at Paulina Lake. The thick pine forest encased the shimmering lake in cooling shade. Before starting the 7.5-mile hike, we decided to make a pit stop…
New Country Bar is Opening in Downtown Bend
A new country music bar is opening in downtown Bend. The Coyote is taking over the space vacated by Unofficial Logging Co. on the corner of NW Harriman Street and Greenwood Avenue. Co-owner Jordan Houle says it’ll be a mix of oldtown Scottsdale and downtown Nashville with the pink hue of neon light partnered with…
More Questions Arise About State Investments in Private Equity
As Oregon state treasurer for eight years, Tobias Read didn’t have a discouraging word for “private equity,” the secretive investments that account for one quarter of the state’s $100 billion Public Employees Retirement System fund. At least not publicly. But privately last summer, Read told key aides he worried the costly investments might pose too…
Chill Out, They’re on an E-Bike
Every day, like it or not, more people move to Bend, putting a strain on our roads and adding more traffic at our stop lights. Ridesharing is part of the solution.
Nationally Acclaimed Author Hannah Pittard to read at OSU-Cascades
The acclaimed novelist, short story writer and memoirist Hannah Pittard will read from her work at Oregon State University–Cascades on Sept. 25 as part of the Distinguished Visiting Writer series. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Charles McGrath Family Atrium in Edward J. Ray Hall and will be followed by a…
County Offering Grants to Reduce Wildfire Risk
Deschutes County has earmarked $125,000 for fuel reduction grants aimed at helping local communities reduce wildfire risk. Residents can apply for grant funds beginning Sept. 1. Since 2022, the County has allocated $425,000 in support of the Fall Fuel Reduction Grant program, which has funded 68 communities. Grants are intended to help communities with specific,…
Heart of Oregon Corps Launches Food Heroes Program in Jefferson County
Heart of Oregon Corps is excited to announce the launch of its Food Heroes program in Jefferson County, a hands-on initiative that empowers local youth to address the growing issue of food insecurity. Open to local young people ages 17–24, Food Heroes participants will serve as AmeriCorps members, earning a stipend while helping end hunger…
Join a Beaver Celebration on Sep. 12
Join Western Environmental Law Center’s Deputy Director Dr. Sristi Kamal in conversation with Think Wild Beaver Works Program Manager Dr. Maureen Thompson for beaver trivia, fun activities, and an interactive discussion on legislative updates to beaver protection work in Oregon. WHEN: Friday, Sept. 12th from 6-8 pm WHERE: 10 Barrel Brewing, 62950 NE 18th St, Bend, OR…
Oregon House Passes Major Transportation Funding Bill
The Oregon House of Representatives passed a significant transportation funding package on Monday, Sept. 1, moving the state closer to avoiding massive layoffs and maintaining critical road services across Oregon. The bill now heads to the Senate during the ongoing special legislative session. If approved, it would prevent what could be the largest government layoff…
Holiness, Alacrity and Silence
If you’re already confused, bear with me, please. This whole message is about how to bring more aliveness into our daily lives. It’s one thing to just show up and do what we’re supposed to do, day-after-day, week-after-week, year-after-year…until it’s over. It’s a whole ‘nother thing for us to bring our spirit, essence, enthusiasm, delight,…
The Big Re/Think
This fall, arts and culture leaders across Oregon will unite to launch a movement to build a more sustainable, resilient cultural arts core. Called The Big Re/Think, the challenge is being led by the Cultural Advocacy Coalition Foundation, which is a nonprofit advocacy organization that lobbies state lawmakers on behalf of arts, culture, history, heritage…
Bamboo Sushi Opening in Bend
A big, bold sign hanging in the window of a vacant restaurant space on Oregon Avenue in downtown Bend announces the future location of Bamboo Sushi. Marketing Manager Ava Brenneke says if all goes well, the restaurant will open in late December. The company has 10 locations, including six in the Portland area, as well…
High Times Is Dead.
In a time when the majority of information and entertainment is consumed through screen time and not the printed page, it can be difficult to express the importance that the lowly magazine once held. Not just Life, Time and other mainstream publications, but those written and published for niche interests such as music, skateboarding, and…
Assessing Flat Fire Damage At Whychus Creek Preserves
With the Flat Fire raging across more than 23,000 acres, assessment continues on the damage done. The fire burned several Deschutes Land Trust Preserves including Aspen Hollow Preserve, Rimrock Ranch and Whychus Canyon Preserve. Land Trust Engagement Director, Sarah Mowry, wrote in a web post that flames burned a small portion on the southern side…
Prep Kitchen Bids Farewell After Eight Years of Feeding Creativity
For eight years, Prep–A Chefs’ Kitchen on NE Revere Avenue in Bend, has been more than a set of ovens and countertops. It has been a lively hive of energy and ideas, a testing ground for food ventures that would go on to feed Central Oregon in food trucks, farmers markets, cafes and grocery store…
Matsutake Mushroom Season Opens Sept. 2 on Deschutes National Forest
Whether you’re foraging for fun or for profit, mushroom foraging in the Pacific Northwest can be very rewarding. The commercial Matsutake mushroom season opens Tuesday, Sept. 2, in the Deschutes National Forest, giving harvesters a 62-day window to collect the prized “pine mushrooms” through Nov. 3. Commercial permits cost $200 for the full season, $100…
Letters to the Editor
Bend’s Midtown Crossings: Moving through the muddy middle This summer, the build-out of the voter-approved 2020 Transportation Bond projects (looking at you, Greenwood and Olney) has tested the patience of our community — but it is a test we can pass. The win on the horizon is a safer, more balanced transportation system with better…
Open Mic Nights in Central Oregon
This story has been updated to clarify information in the description of events at Commonwealth Pub. My task was to experience three different open mic nights in Central Oregon and share insights with readers who may not be getting out to experience them regularly or haven’t been to one yet. I am happy to report…
Mid Oregon Launches Flat Fire Relief Fundraiser
BEND, OREGON—In the face of the rapidly spreading Flat Fire, Mid Oregon Credit Union announced the launch of a special fundraising effort to support those affected by the devastating wildfire. The credit union will be accepting donations from the community and will match the first $10,000 raised, underscoring its commitment to the well-being of Central…
