There’s something magical about shooting stars that brings out the kid in all of us. No matter your age, spotting a meteor streak across the night sky never gets old. This month, Oregon skywatchers have the chance to catch nature’s fireworks show. The Perseid meteor shower runs from July 17 through August 23, hitting its […]
Sarah Isak-Goode
Sarah is a local writer with a knack for interviews and research. She is passionate about representing the human experience, no matter the subject. When not writing, she enjoys painting, reading historical texts and hiking with her dog, Thor.
Posted inLocal News, News
The New Math
Less money equals fewer programs for Central Oregon
Remember when education got a whopping 4% of the federal budget? Well, those days are officially over. The U.S. Department of Education’s budget fell by $73 billion this year, from $268.4 billion in 2024 to $194.7 billion in 2025, bringing the DOE’s spending to a 1.3% trickle. Oregon’s COVID relief funds are also now exhausted, leaving school districts scrambling. Oregon schools […]
Posted inLocal News
A True Trail Leader
Eagle Scout collaborates with community to improve Phil’s Trailhead
When Jake Garner started looking for his Eagle Scout project this summer, he knew he wanted something that would make a real difference for fellow outdoor enthusiasts. The Troop 21 member and avid mountain biker connected with Central Oregon Trail Alliance and found the right match: The Skills Area at Phil’s Trailhead. Phil’s Trailhead attracts mountain bikers […]
Posted inLocal News
From Campground to Common Ground
Redmond facility aims to bridge the gap between street and shelter
Following months of careful deliberation and community input, the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners voted on July 21 to move forward with Central Oregon’s new managed camp for people experiencing houselessness. The vote was 2-1, with Commissioners Patti Adair and Phil Chang voting yes and Commissioner Tony DeBone opposing. The board approved up to […]
Posted inCulture
New Leadership Steps into the Tower’s Spotlight
Executive director shares his vision to expand programming and accessibility
Under the prominent “Tower” sign in downtown Bend stands a theatre filled with history. It first opened in 1940 as a luxurious art deco-style movie theater. Over the next several decades, it evolved to include musical performances, fashion shows and other live performances. By the 1980s, however, the Tower was struggling. A drop in attendance […]
Posted inNews
The New Math
Less money equals fewer programs for Central Oregon
Remember when education got a whopping 4% of the federal budget? Well, those days are officially over. The U.S. Department of Education’s budget fell by $73 billion this year, from $268.4 billion in 2024 to $194.7 billion in 2025, bringing the DOE’s spending to a 1.3% trickle. Oregon’s COVID relief funds are also now exhausted, […]
Posted inNews
From Campground to Common Ground
Redmond facility aims to bridge the gap between street and shelter
Following months of careful deliberation and community input, the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners voted on July 21 to move forward with Central Oregon’s new managed camp for people experiencing houselessness. The vote was 2-1, with Commissioners Patti Adair and Phil Chang voting yes and Commissioner Tony DeBone opposing. The board approved up […]
Posted inNews
Meteor Shower Lights Up Oregon Dark Skies
Peak Perseids on Aug. 12 and 13
There’s something magical about shooting stars that brings out the kid in all of us. No matter your age, spotting a meteor streak across the night sky never gets old. This month, Oregon skywatchers have the chance to catch nature’s fireworks show. The Perseid meteor shower runs from July 17 through August 23, hitting its […]
Posted inNews
Running Out of Fresh Air
Local athletic events adapt to annual smoke season
Central Oregon’s summer recreation season now comes with an unwelcome, routine companion: thick, choking smoke. What was once an occasional annoyance has become a regular threat, forcing everyone from weekend hikers to competitive athletes to rethink their outdoor plans. Smoke threatens vulnerable groups and athletes alike Those with sensitive immune systems, like pregnant women, children […]
Posted inNews
Brewing Up Expansions
Initiative Brewing, Sunriver Brewing Company and Wild Ride Brewing grow regional
Three Redmond-based brewpubs have expanded throughout Central Oregon in the last several years. Wild Ride Brewing expanded to Prineville in 2022, with Initiative Brewing and Sunriver Brewing Company expanding more recently. Brian Mitchell, co-founder of Wild Ride Brewing, agrees that production and taprooms have felt economic challenges but says, “In general, both of our Taprooms […]