Hanging from the wall of Josh Wedding’s office is a black and white photo from 1954. It shows how the City of Redmond used to pull water from the Deschutes River, storing it in a pond and piping it downhill using gravity to homes and businesses. When demand grew following World War II, the City began supplementing its water supply with a Central Oregon Irrigation District diversion canal […]
Amid Rapid Growth, Redmond Hashes Out Groundwater Future
Posted inNews
Point In Time Counts Show a 19% Reduction in Homelessness across Tri-County Area
The annual Point In Time count for individuals experiencing homelessness shows a decrease for Central Oregon in 2026, due to expanded shelter capacity and housing initiatives, leaders say. The purpose of the PIT is to learn more about people who are experiencing homelessness and the barriers they face to getting constructive resources. Every January, the Homelessness Leadership Coalition sends staff and volunteers to […]
Posted inBest of the Nest
The Gear Fix
Interview with owner, Josh Sims You have a unique business that fills a niche here in Bend. Can you describe what you do? We are a service-based business that falls into two different categories: consignment and service & repair. The soul of the shop is to keep gear going while also providing the best items […]
Posted inBend Nest
All the Buzz
Amazingly, Oregon is home to over 800 species of bees, a stunning figure that may surprise readers. Although most of those 800 are wild bees and not the ones we associate with honey production, all are native pollinators that play a huge role in keeping local ecosystems healthy by helping plants reproduce, which is crucial […]
Posted inCulture
Eyes on the Sky
If you’re looking for a fun, family event, you need only look to the sky! The annual Balloons Over Bend is quickly approaching, with the festivities kicking off Friday, July 24 and concluding Sunday, July 26. “I think Balloons Over Bend is a magical event,” commented Julia Gilley, Event Director for Lay It Out Events. […]
Posted inKid's Corner
Dream Big
Monthly subscription kits for kids—with toys, crafts, science experiments, cooking and so much more—are all the rage these days, and for good reason. With supplies all bundled in one place and clear instructions on what to make or do, these convenient mail-to-your-doorstep boxes pack a ton of fun for a relatively affordable cost. Summer break […]
Posted inOutdoors
Summer Swim Spots for a Cool Off
This summer, whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or just a day at the beach, Central Oregon has no shortage of family-friendly locations, perfect for swimming, floating or boating with the whole crew. When it’s time to beat the heat, look no further than our own backyard. We have compiled a list of […]
Posted inBookshelf
You are a Burst of Color
By Choi Sook-Hee. Translated by Jieun Kiaer and Sarah Kiaer What colors will you see today and what feelings will you discover in a rainbow? This is a dazzling picture book for the whole family. It’s filled with brilliant yellows, fiery reds, new blue, cozy brown and other brilliant colors. “Clear blue arrives once a storm […]
Posted inBookshelf
Goldfinches
By Mary Oliver, Art by Melissa Sweet Do you hear the birds singing? Readers young and young-at-heart will feel like they are in nature while reading this poetry picture book. Discover a new poem filled with the wonder of birds, spring, summer, trees and nests. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver creates a unique perspective shown […]
Posted inBest of the Nest
R.A.D. Camps
Interview with Owner, Chance Caruso With so many kids’ programs and day camps in Bend, what sets R.A.D. Camps apart from the rest? R.A.D. Camps has deep roots in Central Oregon and a philosophy that still feels rare: real free play in real places. We’ve been doing this since 2008, and instead of keeping kids […]