In this episode of Bend Donโt Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Clayton Franke, reporter for the Lay It Out Foundation and The Source, to talk about local journalism, community accountability, and what it means to report from the inside of a rapidly changing city. Clayton shares his path from growing up in Missoula to […]
Video
Posted inElections
Vote Jamie Collins for Deschutes County Commission, Pos. 1
We agree with challenger Jamie Collins when he says whatโs needed is a more strategic, thoughtful approach to the challenges ahead
In a May primary that might have otherwise been ho-hum, voters are selecting candidates in a raft of positions for the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners, after voting previously to expand the commission from three members to five. Each race has a fairly large slate of candidates โ except for Position 1, in which […]
Posted inElections
Vote Jason Kropf for House District 54
In the May Democratic primary, the incumbent should keep his seat
Oregon House District 54โs Democratic primary got interesting this election season when Andrew Caruana elected to run against incumbent Jason Kropf. Caruana is a newcomer to being a candidate in the public sector, but his knowledge of the Oregon State Legislative Assembly is surprisingly deep. Andrew serves on the Disability Health and Employment Equity Coalition […]
Posted inPodcasts
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Casey Andrews ๐ง
Executive Director for COTA (Central Oregon Trail Alliance)
In this episode of Bend Donโt Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Casey Andrews, Executive Director of Central Oregon Trail Alliance, to talk about stewardship, public lands, and the people who make Central Oregonโs trail system possible. Casey shares her path from working in national parks and forests across the country to leading one of […]
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets
Central Oregon Pets 2026
It’s Here!
Iโve always held a strong belief that my two dogs and cat have unique personalities, but after reading all the entries for the pet contest, I must acquiesce that other peopleโs fur-babies โ and even feathered ones โ are just as special. The paddleboarding cat on the cover seems remarkable as does the chicken that […]
Posted inPodcasts
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Selin Sevincฬง ๐ง
Managing Director at Bend Film Festival
In this episode of Bend Donโt Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Selin Sevinรง, Managing Director of Programming and Artistic Vision at Bend Film Festival, to explore her journey from Istanbul to Bend and her lifelong devotion to storytelling. Selin shares how she moved through the film world as a critic, screenwriter, and festival juror […]
Posted inOutside Features
Shredder Bend
A year-round, indoor ski school for children opens March 18
Getting youngsters excited about skiing for the first time can be a challenge. Itโs cold, and for some, intimidating. Morgan Schaening and his wife, Natalie, are opening Shredder Bend, an indoor, year-round ski and snowboard school for children ages one to 10. โWe get them in real skis, real boots, real snowboards and we help […]
Posted inPodcasts
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Casey Munck ๐ง
Regional Director for NAMI Central Oregon
In this episode of Bend Donโt Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Casey Munck, Regional Director of NAMI Central Oregon, to explore the evolving landscape of mental health support in our region. Casey shares her journey from a fastโpaced tech career to deeply meaningful grassroots work, guided by lived experience, community connection, and a passion […]
Posted inLocal News
Free & Low-Cost Sewing Classes & Community
Fashion Workshop is on a mission to make design and sewing accessible to everyone
Qristy Kurtz became obsessed with fashion when, as a teen, she took a sewing class at Mountain View High School. She earned a business degree in college and worked in fashion retail in Bend and Portland for many years. Fast forward to present day, and Kurtz is animated while talking about her new venture, Fashion […]
Posted inPodcasts
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Holly McCown Harris ๐ง
In this episode of Bend Donโt Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Holly McCown Harris, Health Services Director for Deschutes County, to explore the realities of providing public and behavioral health care in a rapidly growing region. Holly shares her journey from juvenile probation work in rural Texas to leading one of Central Oregonโs most […]