Sunday Update: Eclipse Traffic Light; Fires Still Burning
What will the skies look like for Eclipse Monday? That’s the question a lot of people want to know. For now, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management says traffic was lighter than expected on Saturday—at least in part due to people heeding the suggestion to get where they’re going early. Still, Monday traffic is expected…
Fire Updates: Milli Fire Gets Bigger; Nena Fire prompts evacuations
Noticing all that smoke in Central Oregon right now? That could be a good sign or a bad one, depending on how you look at it. In some cases, it’s an indication that firefighters are putting those fires out—but it also means that homes and wildlife are still in danger. Update: Milli Fire near Sisters…
Eclipse Traffic Has Arrived
As the eclipse draws nearer, so do the tourists — and with them comes traffic. Residents traveling on Highway 26 east of Prineville Wednesday found themselves in the midst of heavy congestion, resulting in a backup estimated to be 14 miles long. In response, the Crook County Sheriff and Prineville Police Departme nt worked with…
Milli Fire Near Sisters Grows
People in three neighborhoods west of Sisters have received pre-evacuation notices, after the Mill Fire west of town grew Wednesday. The fire, burning since last week, grew from 260 acres to about 3,000 acres Wednesday afternoon. The fire is burning 8 miles west of Sisters and approximately 1.5 miles southwest of Black Crater Lake. The…
Water Reduction Encouraged During Eclipse Week
As visitors begin pouring in to Bend to experience the eclipse, the City of Bend is preparing for the increase in water usage that is sure to occur by encouraging residents to watch their water usage. These reduction measures don’t have to be big; most water usage during summer comes from landscape irrigation. By simply…
Mirror Pond: To Dredge or Not to Dredge?
A private business acquired the land beneath Mirror Pond in 2015, but there are at least 10 different stakeholders, including YOU, the public, who own the waters. Now the pond’s owners want to dredge, and they’re asking taxpayers for $3.5 million to pay for it. They’ll kick in $200,000. THE SCENE IS SET I t’s…
A Post-Apocalyptic Primer, in Honor of the Great American Eclipse
L et me get this out of the way up front: I don’t think we’re gonna die in a hail of nuclear fire from North Korea, and the eclipse is going to be over sooner rather than later. With that said, I also have some pretty good ideas for my post-apocalyptic future… just in case.…
Pick’s Eclipse Picks
Odds are you’ve had your eclipse plans cemented for months now—but just in case you’re looking for something to occupy your time prior to and after the (roughly) two minutes of totality this weekend, we’ve got you covered. Safe travels! Thursday 17 Know Cosmos – Weird History of Eclipses HISTORY — Join Meg Thatcher from…
Child’s Play
W hen I first heard they were making “Annabelle 2: Electric Boogaloo,” I rolled my eyes and sighed…something I don’t like to do. I try not to be cynical about a movie before I’ve seen it, because it’s lazy and counterproductive to the actual deconstruction and criticism of art. If we all chose to avoid…
Meet These Profesh Eclipse Chasers
When it comes to eclipse watching, you can’t be much more of a fanboy than these three. Here’s a peek inside the minds of some veteran eclipse chasers. Eclipse Chaser: David Blackmore Age: 63 Nationality: British Occupation: Retired Passion: World travel, vegetarian cooking, outdoor recreation # Total solar eclipses: 11 First total solar eclipse: August…
Bend State Rep. Knute Buehler Announces Run for Governor
I n an announcement on Aug. 2, state Rep. Knute Buehler (R-Bend) announced his plans to run for governor of Oregon in the 2018 election. Buehler was first elected to the Oregon state House in 2015 and is currently serving his second consecutive term. Buehler’s voting history has been somewhat of a mixed bag. He…
A DIY Eclipse Viewer!
A simple how-to for viewing the eclipse safely—by even using a copy of this newspaper. Whatever your reasons for missing out on buying that simple pair of NASA-approved ISO 12312-2 eclipse viewing glasses, here you are, without a pair just before the eclipse. Maybe you’re holding a copy of the physical paper in your actual hands,…
Jeff Sessions Is Going To Hell
A recent column, “Scenarios for Cannabis under Trump,” a topic which has been explored by my far smarter canna-lawyer colleagues, has already grown outdated. That’s because the cannabis policy undertaken by Attorney General Klu Klux Keebler is perfectly in line with the various national “policies” set forth by Fake Tan Hitler. Both are unhinged, unpredictable,…
E-Day: A One Week Timeline for the Eclipse
As the countdown begins, here’s a timeline to better prepare for the Great American Eclipse Wednesday Aug. 16 FOOD Help local businesses weather the coming storm by stocking up on a 10-day supply of groceries by this date, including non-perishables that won’t spoil easily and extra bottled water. Stock up on ice and of course,…
Getting Better
K arl Denson plans to get organized about his next album—right after playing a string of eclipse-related shows in Oregon this weekend. The saxophonist and funk master has developed quite the following with his band, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, and even finds time to play with The Rolling Stones. On Friday night, Karl Denson’s Tiny…
A Noob’s Guide to Special Oregon Stuff
Yeah, yeah, we get it—you came for the eclipse… but it doesn’t hurt that Oregon happens to have great beer and legal weed, too. While the cannabis community will be happy to indoctrinate you and make you an evangelist for their special brand of flower/extract/dabs/etc., check this guide first, to help you learn a little…
Eclipse-Worthy Jams
“I saw an eclipse when I was a kid,” says Chris Funk, curator of Funk’s Solar Obscuration Festival and multi-instrumentalist for The Decemberists. “I was probably seven or eight years old and I remember wearing the little glasses you’d wear in a tanning bed and people yelling at us not to look at the sun.…
Science Advice Goddess: Knight Of The Living Dead
When my husband comes home from a stressful day at work, he likes to play shoot-’em-up games on his phone. He says it relaxes him. I’d like to connect and talk before he goes into his mental man cave. Also, when he’s into a game, it’s annoying even to ask what he wants for dinner.…
Tara Bilanski
“I thought I got into coaching really to win games. Now I realize that is important to me, but I just love… changing kids and changing people.” — Tara Bilanski C entral Oregon has more than its fair share of high-achieving athletes—so in that regard, Tara Bilanski fits right in. At the University of Washington,…
Artist Profile: Sweet Pea Cole
T here’s always time for laughter—at least in Sweet Pea Cole’s area of The Workhouse. That’s where you’ll find her collaborating with fellow artists on new designs, screen printing her most recent inspiration or chatting with locals and tourists about the delights of Bend. Cole, a graphic designer and screen printer, moved into the The…
Real Estate Statistics for July 2017
The Beacon Report, based on real estate statistics from our local MLS, released its report on July 2017 figures, which allow some interesting comparisons to last month’s and last year’s Bend single family residence sales of 1 acre or less. According to the report, closed sales in Bend for the month of July 2017 decreased…
Scrounge Food
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple months, the eclipse is happening this week, and the moon coming to block the sun has many of us wondering what will ensue. I know from interviewing the manager at Market of Choice that he’s having trouble sleeping at night because he’s not…
Letters to the Editor: August 7-14
In Response to, We’ve Hit Peak “Us vs. Them” Ire. Is This Who We Want to Be? (08/09) Nope. It’s starts at home. Parents talk in private or on social media and kids act out the aggression. My hometown of South Portland, Maine, I went through this twice. I lived on Maui and they’re always…
Little Bites: The Most Famous Farmers in the World Speaking at Madras Farm
Have you ever heard of Joel Salatin, the most famous farmer in the world? You probably have if you’ve read the Omnivore’s Dilemma or watched the documentary “Food Inc.;” He was featured in both. He’ll be speaking at Organic Earthly Delights this weekend to discuss his regenerative model of food production, a process that turns…
Little Bites: Learn to Brew Your Own Kombucha
Have you ever wondered how kombucha, that bubbly, fermented black or green tea drink, is made? You can learn how to brew at home from the experts at Humm Kombucha. Michelle Mitchell, Humm co-founder, has talked about how her first introduction to kombucha, made by her mother-in-law, tasted pretty awful. Mitchell took the time to…
Picks of the Week: August 16-23
Thursday 17 Toll Runners COOL JAMS — We’re fortunate to attract artists and musicians from all over to call our mountain town home—including the Toll Runners, who made Bend their home base after being founded in Providence, Rhode Island. The band combines rock, rap and reggae to create jams you can’t help but rock out…
The Eclipse: Another Excuse for Good Beer
Just in case this is the first piece of media readers of this column have seen all year, there’s going to be a total eclipse north of Bend on Monday morning. It’s a lifetime event, the first total one the US has seen since 1979, and—this being the United States, after all—companies nationwide are seeking…
Burning Eclipse Questions Answered
Wondering something about the Great American Eclipse? Here are the answers. 1. If you live in Bend, does it make sense to try to go to Madras for totality or should I just stay put? Source Says: It’s the difference between night and day. Pun intended. Expert Says: “A solar eclipse is nature’s grandest spectacles.…
Natural World – The Best of Birding
T he Source’s “Best of” issue has always been a challenge for me. When it comes to birds and birding, there are so many birds and so many wonderful places to go birding in and around Central Oregon, I simply can’t decide what to call the “best” trip. There are the warblers along the Deschutes…
Choosing A Place To Watch An Eclipse
The T shirts, fridge magnets and solar glasses are all ready to go, but are you? It’s 10:15 am on the coast of Oregon, and the moon’s shadow races across the Pacific. “The Great American Solar Eclipse” has begun its journey across the Continental U.S.A., leaving in its path a bit of history and a…
Fraught with ongoing issues, we’re making progress, Central Oregon
O n regular weeks, this section of our publication is reserved for commentary and inquiry, and often, constructive criticism about the things going on in Central Oregon. It’s an important facet of a vibrant newspaper that aims not only to report on the news and happenings of the region, but also to get people thinking…
StreetBeat: We Ask You What You’re Doing For the Eclipse
Locals and visitors weigh in on what they’re doing for the #OREclipse
Best Coffee Shop
O ver the last several years, the face of coffee in Sunriver has changed. The scene used to consist of a drive-thru coffee hut in the Business Park and Bellatazza across the street from the Village. Now, it includes a Starbucks and our readers’ favorite: Brewed Awakenings. When the Village underwent a massive remodel a…
Best Grocery Store
F amily-owned Oregon grocery store chain Market of Choice opened its 10th store—right here in Bend—a little over a year ago. The bright, modern building is nestled between downtown and the Old Mill District on Colorado Avenue., making it convenient for both locals and visitors. Store manager and Bend native Casey Capell said, “The support…
Best Pothole
“T he saga of this thing is f**king incredible,” begins Wyatt Gaines, Source Weekly production manager and Bend east-sider. “It all started in the winter when this thing was a 6-foot icy gash in the road. You had to drive to the right — almost onto the curb — to try and avoid sliding into…
Best Way to Defy Gravity
W hen the front wheel of a bicycle meets an immovable object and the rider tomahawks over the handlebars, time has a weird way of slowing down. Amongst the chaos, riders often hear the beautiful sound of a violin. But if you manage to avoid such calamities, downhill riding can be pretty fun. The best…
Best Asian Food
W hen it comes to Best Asian, Noi is the star of the show. It seems like it wasn’t long ago when there wasn’t much to choose from for Asian cuisine in Central Oregon. Now we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Thai and Japanese food (although we could still use a…
Best Way to Get Around
W e all know that the traffic in Bend is insane, especially in the summertime. But if you’re driving your car, you’re part of the problem. Sure, you could bike to work, but there’s always the possibility that you’ll get hit by a texting driver, inching along Third Street. There are runners who would tell…
Best Excuse for Public Nudity
C all it the mark of a changing Bend. Call it a load of fun, or a load of hooey, but we’re pretty sure you have an opinion about the World Naked Bike Ride that came to Bend July 8. Organizer Lief Bamberg—who’s quick to point out that he’s not from weird Portland, but from…
Best Cocktail Menu & Bar
I f you haven’t had beets, habaneros, dill or shiso leaf infuse your cocktails, then you’ve clearly been missing out on the best libations in town. The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin is known for finely balancing out unique and peculiar ingredients —such as dill, carrots or egg whites — with top shelf liqueurs and spirits, creating…
Best Auto Repair
D espite its name, the folks at Import Performance fix more than just imports. From Sprinter vans to heavy duty Chevy pickups, all the way down to the Honda Civic you’ve been driving since high school, Import Performance can not only fix it, but does so with excellent customer service that keeps Bendites coming back.…
Best Dental Group
F or many, the mere thought of a trip to the dentist can invoke paralyzing anxiety—but if this award can be evidence, it seems the patients at Bend Family Dentistry have nothing but confidence in their dental care providers. The Bend-based dental group offers preventative, general and cosmetic dentistry to Central Oregonians, prioritizing both patients’…
Best Lunch
S ssssshhhh…There’s been a not-so-well kept secret in Redmond for the past 20 years. The 7th Street Brew House has some delicious eats — and mighty fine brews that keep locals coming back. “It’s definitely the Redmond version of ‘Cheers,'” begins co-owner Rick Orazetti. “Everyone knows your name at 7th Street.” As the third brewery…
Best Place to Escape the Eclipse Madness
W ith the Great American Eclipse descending upon us this weekend, many of us dread going out into the world for fear of traffic and general chaos. Have no fear! The best place to escape the eclipse crowds and still not forfeit your right to culture and entertainment can be found in the heart of…
Best Bang for Your Buck
W hether dropping by after school for a milkshake or making a pit stop for burgers on your way home from an adventure on the McKenzie River, Sno Cap Drive In has been an institution in Sisters since 1952. Sno Cap is a must for both locals and visitors alike, not only for the quality…
Best Escape for Parents
W e know you love those little critters—but let’s face it, there’s a time when the responsibilities of jobs and homes and kids weigh so heavy, that the only thing to do is endeavor to escape it all. And if we know you like we think we do, Central Oregon, then your idea of “escape”…
Best Tinder Date Blowoff
Looking for your sun, moon and stars? Don’t expect this account to encourage you. W hen online dating first started ramping up, people put a lot of time and effort into their profiles—or at least my girlfriends and I did. You’d write the perfect headline, be sure to include all of your favorite music just…
Best Fitness Studio
G etting in the ideal workout doesn’t have to be as infrequent as the moon blocking the sun. In Bend, exercise, health and wellness come as a top priority. We love yoga, we love ballet barre, we love Pilates and we love combining all of our favorite workouts to strengthen our entire bodies. Barre3 blends…
Best Tour Company
W hether it’s the dog days of summer, the tooth-chattering winter, a blossoming spring or a crisp fall, Wanderlust Tours delivers on the mission dreamed up back in 1993. For nearly a quarter century, Wanderlust has been successfully guiding brilliant, exhilarating and informative outdoor tours. The adventure menu varies with the seasons. In the summer,…
Best Local Fundraiser
C entral Oregonians love to support a good cause—especially when it protects the area’s furriest citizens. Perhaps that’s why Bend Spay+Neuter Project’s annual Fur Ball was voted Best Local Fundraiser—or maybe it’s the stars of the show that won the community over. With dogs dolled up and strutting their stuff on the catwalk, it’s no…
Best Barrel Aged Beer
Compared to other barrel-aged beers, this one blocks out the sun. I knew I was in love with craft beer the moment I took my first sip of The Abyss by Deschutes Brewery. Seasonal, black as the darkest night and lovingly aged in wine, whiskey or scotch barrels, The Abyss isn’t just a beer. It’s…
Best Happy Hour
I t’s the respite at the end of the day. Sometimes, it’s the only thing keeping you going through a busy work week. It’s called “la hora feliz”… the witching hour… the time to unwind. Whatever you call it, one thing is plain: we Central Oregonians love us some happy hour—as evidenced by the vast…
Best of Central Oregon Winners 2017
BEST EATS in BEND Best Asian 1st Noi Thai Cuisine 2nd Chi Chinese & Sushi Bar Best Bagel 1st Big O Bagels 2nd Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro & Backstage Lounge Best Bang for your Buck 1st Spork 2nd Parrilla Grill Best BBQ 1st Baldy’s Barbeque 2nd Wubba’s BBQ Shack Best Breakfast 1st McKay Cottage Restaurant 2nd…
Best Bartender
I can’t get into all the details about the last time I went to Maverick’s, but it was one hell of an evening. All I can really say is that it was whiskey night and I was drinking Pendleton with my lawyer and writing partner. By the end of the night I had had a…
Best Locally Brewed Beer: Best IPA
I n five scant years, the beer scene has changed dramatically in the United States. The number of operational breweries now exceeds 5,500. Massive, vibrant craft scenes have emerged in cities including Miami, Tulsa, and Bellingham that would never have been associated with beer before this millennium. And the mega-brewers that defined the beverage in…
Best Sign from the Women’s March
O n Friday., Jan. 20, the man who was caught on tape boasting about how he would “grab her by the pussy” was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States. The next day, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer announced: “That was the largest audience to witness an inauguration, period.” (According to Politifact,…
Best Beauty Boutique
T wenty years ago, a young, exhausted raft guide with aching feet and the knowledge of a master gardener created Skin Doctor—a salve for dry cracked hands and heels. Before she knew it, naturopaths, physicians, and estheticians carried it nationwide. This initial success led to the birth of Angelina Organic Skincare, a beauty boutique and…
Best Lunch & Best Salad
Croutons restaurant was founded in 2003 and has been running strong ever since. Founders James Watts and Frank Farella are fully committed to their mission of combining “unique flavors with premium ingredients to create an innovative selection of menu items.” The fresh, balanced menu offers something for everyone. That’s why Croutons stands at the top…
Best of Central Oregon 2017
When it comes to Bests, this year may very well eclipse the rest. We just endured one of the snowiest (and best for snowriding!) years in decades, for one. For two, we’re in an area known for being best for viewing the Great American Eclipse. Add in the nods and accolades we continue to get…
The Best Place to Work (Under 50 employees)
I n as little as four years, Oregrown — the cannabis dispensary turned lifestyle brand — has doubled its storefront, become its own Tumalo-based supplier and grown sizably in both community support and brand recognition. Its key to success? Unconditional belief in the staff. “We think of ourselves as one big family — helping each…
Best Budtender
S ometimes being the best takes years of practice, but for Justin McCune, voted Best Budtender, it’s only taken him three months to “eclipse” all other budtenders. A relatively new hire at Miracle Greens, McCune hit the ground running, hitting the books and doing some experiential learning. “I picked two strains and got really familiar…
Best Place to Park Your Van for Longer Than 12 Days
Like beautiful women, appetites and phalluses, they come in all shapes and sizes. Mobile homes, that is. Whether it’s a colossal fifth wheel, a janky motorhome or a hip Sprinter van, the rate of those parking — and living—on the street is growing. As is the disdain. “How convenient to have a freshly-changed bathroom for…
Best Local Bumper Sticker
I’ve lived in Bend for 18 years, and one thing I can definitely say about the city is how much it has changed. Some of those changes are great, such as more diversity and culture, better food and more stuff to do on a Saturday night—but some of those changes can make Bend unrecognizable to…
Best Patio
Y ou just crushed it on the mountain and you’re looking for a sweet place to chill. Or maybe your house on the west side is way too crowded with roommates or Airbnbers these days, and you’re looking for a sizeable outdoor spot to be with some of your yet-unknown friends, grab a bite and kick…
Best Clothing Consignment
W hile many Bendites may have written the former name on the ballot, Cosa Cura, formerly Rescue Collective, rises highest in the sky when it comes to Bend consignment shops. As Rescue Collective, the business focused on offering consignment clothing and providing a place for local artists and fashionistas to sell their goods. In 2016,…
Best Place to Work (Over 50 employees)
F ounded in 1988, Deschutes Brewery—and its downtown Bend public house—are two Bend icons, providing beloved beers and a beloved gathering spot for both visitors and locals. Revered for its full-flavored craft beers, this ale-producing giant earns its staff’s (and our readership’s) adoration with unique employment policies and a dedication to fostering a healthy company…
Best Up and Coming Neighborhood
H ave dreams biking or walking to work downtown? Are you in the “middle income” bracket, which means you’re probably newish in your career, juggling student loans, payments on a 4WD, your organic produce budget and maybe even daycare, on top of your home costs? Sorry, up-and-comer who’s looking to buy property, but it appears…
