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Peter Madsen

Peter is a feature & investigative reporter supported by the Lay It Out Foundation. His work regularly appears in the Source. Peter's writing has appeared in Vice, Thrasher and The New York Times. Recently, Peter worked on the Canadian Screen Award-winning film “It’s Not Funny Anymore: From Vice Magazine to Proud Boys." He's also the author of Dealers, published by powerHouse Books.

peter@layitoutfoundation.org
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets

Cruisin’ with Canine Combustion

Mark Schuette makes dog-powered scooters that put the woof in vroom
Avatar photo by Peter Madsen

Mark Schuette spent a recent Sunday morning rolling through Drake Park. A roving landmark in Bend, Schuette delights passersby with his novel mode of transportation — a dog-powered scooter.  “When I roll past people, I get lots of ‘Look at that!’” Schuette said. “I like passing by the crowds at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater. People […]

Posted inLocal News

Fired Cop’s Lawsuit Against City of Redmond Results in Mistrial

Ryan Fraker, former Redmond police sergeant and whistleblower, filed the $5 million lawsuit in 2021, alleging a bullying work culture
Avatar photo by Peter Madsen

The jury in a $5 million lawsuit filed by a former police sergeant against the City of Redmond and the police department’s top brass couldn’t reach a verdict, resulting in a mistrial on Oct. 16. In the lawsuit, Donald Ryan Fraker said that his February 2020 termination for alleged dishonesty was instead retaliation for filing […]

Posted inLocal News

Falling through the Cracks at Cleveland Commons

A 55-year-old climbing pioneer, recovering from traumatic injuries, says he was forced out of a new supportive permanent housing facility for publicizing an alleged drug culture that involves a murky death, a fired counselor and dueling restraining orders
Avatar photo by Peter Madsen

By most appearances, Cleveland Commons, Central Oregon’s newest permanent supportive housing facility, was built for someone like Shawn Snyder.  A retired professional rock climber and an SUV-dweller before the lifestyle became socially acceptable, Snyder, 55, has lived his life mostly on his own terms. He’s also been a divisive personality in the climbing community, banned […]

Posted inNews

Decision Delayed Regarding Expansion of Sisters’ Urban Growth Boundary

A potential appeal of a recent rezoning has given city councilors pause
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Sisters City Council has delayed its decision on the proposed expansion of its urban growth boundary until Nov. 5. That’s due largely to the recent rezone Deschutes County granted McKenzie Meadow Village, a 58-acre multifamily development north of Sisters High School. That Oct. 6 rezone brings the parcel from Forest Use 2 to Multiple-Use Agricultural […]

Posted inNews

Swatting Away the ‘Creepshow’

A local massage therapist’s images were appropriated by porn websites. Now she’s going public about the harassment that ensued
Avatar photo by Peter Madsen

Deanna Brodsky, who is a licensed massage therapist living and working in Bend, has something to say:  No, creeps; she doesn’t offer happy endings.  Brodsky has worked as an LMT for a combined 10 years in upstate New York, Colorado and now in Bend. As the owner of her practice, Brodsky registered Sweet Dee Massage, […]

Posted inNews

A Good Man to Have in Your Corner

Mark Goodman, a sports medicine doctor, has found a creative way to blend outdoor recreation with philanthropy
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At one point during the Cascade Cycling Classic, Mark Goodman found himself hanging halfway out of a moving vehicle. Near Prineville, a professional bicycle racer had crashed. Despite rips in his cycling kit and road rash on his arm and leg, the racer hopped back on his bike in pursuit of the field. Goodman, who […]

Posted inCulture

The Wild Styles of the Kook Cruise

A particular lived-in clothing style has been kickin’ up dust on a weekly bicycle group ride; we invited the Kooks to a post-ride photo shoot at the Source office.
Avatar photo by Peter Madsen

Maybe it’s just me, but has anyone noticed that clothing styles in Bend have gotten a little bit …hipper? And, to that end, dirtier?   I moved back to Bend from Portland in April. In the years I’ve been gone, a lot’s changed — not least of which are the varieties of styles cyclists are rocking […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Locals Night Ain’t Exclusive if Everyone’s Invited

Whether you were wet-birthed in the Deschutes River or you’re a tourist who’s just happy to be here, area breweries serve up discounted pints for all
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There are several benchmarks for new arrivals in achieving “local” status in Bend. They include: while floating the river, foregoing flip-flops (or — gag — canvas Vans) for strappy Chacos, knowing that Sizemore doesn’t rhyme with “…That’s Amore!” and being a regular at any of Bend’s fine drinking establishments’ Locals Night. Wait, do places not […]

Posted inNews

A New Bronze Plaque Will Honor the Life of Barry Washington, Jr.

The memorial for a man killed in 2021 will be permanently installed in downtown Bend
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A bronze memorial plaque for Barry Washington Jr., a man shot and killed in downtown Bend, will be unveiled in late September or early October. Washington was 22 when he was killed at the corner of NW Wall Street and NW Oregon Avenue, on Sept. 19, 2021. Hundreds of people attended a vigil to honor […]

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