On July 1, the minimum wage in Deschutes County increased from $14.70 to $15.05 per hour. An hourly increase of 35 cents could be challenging for some small businesses. With 9 out of 10 restaurants being small businesses and most paying minimum wage to food service workers, the increase can significantly impact whether the restaurant […]
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.
Hundreds Answer the River’s Call
Hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers gathered Saturday along the Deschutes River for the 29th annual Deschutes River Cleanup, hosted by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council . This beloved community event was an all-ages opportunity for locals to show their love of the river through hands-on restoration and care. The monumental effort covers six sections and nearly […]
Pink Martini's 30th Anniversary Tour
Imagine this: It’s 1943, and somewhere in Nazi-occupied Europe, a group of young people huddles around a crackling radio, desperately tuning through static to catch the forbidden sounds of swing. The penalty for being caught? Imprisonment, or worse. But the musicโoh, the musicโwas worth the risk. While many musical genres found their audiences in the […]
Kid-Approved Cheap Eats
Going out to eat with kids can be a challenging experience. Someone is bound to be picky, and spending a small fortune on a barely-touched sandwich can be disappointing for everyone. To save your sanity when going out to eat, take the advice of local kids about some kid-approved cheap eats around Bend. Breakfast Mother’s, […]
Big Ponderoo
One of the best things about Central Oregonians is our love of nature. So it’s no surprise that the SFF Presents outdoor festival, Big Ponderoo, is returning for its fourth year. Nestled beneath the giant shade trees of the idyllic Village Green Park in Sisters, this family-friendly event promises to be a summer sensation. With […]
The War and Treaty
To many, country music conjures up the image of rednecks in pickup trucks, drinking whiskey and singing about heartbreak. Yet, country music actually represents a blend of folk, Western and blues music from the Southern United States. Stylistically, these forms were deeply influenced by Black spirituals and work songs, while the lyrics reflected the trials […]

