After some public outcry and tense meetings, on March 7, the hearings officer for the City of Bend gave the go ahead for the planned 170-unit apartment building near The Pavilion off Colorado Avenue. But that doesnโt mean the fight over the apartment building is over. On March 19, William Smith Properties filled an appeal […]
Chris Miller
On the Chopping Block: Afterschool Funding
If approved, the president’s 2020 budget proposal would eliminate federal funding for afterschool programs. It’s a cut that could impact 1.7 million children, according to Afterschool Alliance, an advocacy group that works to ensure that all youth have access to affordable, quality afterschool programs. The chief federal funding stream for afterschool and summer learning programs […]
To The Rescue
Picture it: You and a buddy take off for a late afternoon snowmobile session, get a bit off trail and end up in the City of Bend’s watershed. You’re tired of shoveling snow, only to get stuck again and again. Your cell phone battery is running low and the weather is starting to dip into […]
What’s Happening in the World of Weed
As anyone who follows marijuana laws knows, things change often. To keep you up to date, here’s a rundown of recent events. An effort against drug testing During the 2019 Oregon Legislative session, the Senate Interim Committee on Judiciaryโchaired by Sen. Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene)โproposed Legislative Concept 2151, which would make it against the law to […]
Where to Get Your St. Paddy’s Day On
McMenamains Old St. Francis school Fri., March 15 to Sun., March 17 All day As part of St. Patrick’s Day Across the Land, McMenamins is hosting its weekend-long party with food and drinks specials and live music. Tony Smiley kicks off the weekend at Father Luke’s Room from 7 to 10pm on Friday. Live music, […]
Lights Out on Lighting Efficiency?
On Feb. 28, the Department of Energy held a public meeting to announce its plan to revoke Obama-era rules that required higher energy efficiency standards for lighting. According to Environment Oregon, the rollbacks, if approved, would result in an additional 34 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by 2025. The Appliance Standards […]
The Mean Streets of Winter
The end of winter came in like a lion, covering Bend with record snowfall in February. Even though the snow’s largely stopped falling and the temperatures are rising, plenty of reminders from the storm remain on roadways and sidewalks. That’s left many wondering about the protocolsโif anyโcity officials follow for snow removal. Some might wonder, […]
Bend Garbage & Recycling Selling to New Owners
On March 6, Bend Garbage & Recyclingโwhich also operates High Country Disposal and Deschutes Recyclingโannounced an agreement to sell its services to Republic Service of Phoenix, Ariz. The company operates hauling services in Bend north of Greenwood Ave. and in Redmond and Sisters. โWe have been honored to work with our cities, counties and such […]
Snow Storm Causes School Year Extension
The area’s record-setting snowfall in February resulted in Bend-La Pine Schools canceling four days. On March 7, the district announced it would extend the school year until Friday, June 14. The revised 2018-2019 calendar is as follows: BEND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ยท Wed., April 10 โSchool Improvement Wednesday schedule ยท Thu., April 11 โ Full school […]
DA’s Office Seeks Budget Increase
Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel is making a big ask for staffing during this year’s budget setting. In a letter to the Deschutes County Budget Committee, dated March 4, Hummel said the department needs an increase of 12 full-time employees in order to provide full prosecution services in the county. Hummel said if the […]

