LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Peter Hoover 🎧
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Peter Hoover, Executive Director of Sisters Habitat for Humanity. Peter shares his journey from a career in financial services and city management to leading a nonprofit dedicated to creating affordable housing in Sisters, Oregon. With a background in economics, urban planning, and…
Significant Closures Coming to Homeless Encampments throughout Deschutes County
On May 1, the Deschutes National Forest will close a 34,600-acre area south of Bend, off China Hat Road, for a large-scale project to clean up hazardous materials, clear overgrown vegetation and conduct prescribed burns. The closure will restrict all entry to the area — a location where hundreds of houseless people have camped and…
In Oregon, Trump’s Base Would Suffer Most From Medicaid Cuts
On Jan. 28, officials in Oregon and across the country reacted with alarm after being shut out of the reimbursement system for Medicaid, the federal and state health care program for low-income Americans. (The federal government contributes about 70%; states pay the other 30%.) NEW: My staff has confirmed reports that Medicaid portals are down…
Graduation rate is up in Bend-La Pine Schools, with another big increase at La Pine High School
The Bend-La Pine Schools graduation rate rose in 2024 to 85.3 percent – the second-highest rate over the past 10 years. The rate increased from 83.6 percent in 2023 and is 3.5 percentage points above the statewide average of 81.8 percent. Two high schools in the district had higher graduation rates in 2024. Summit High…
Redmond Municipal Airport to Host 2025 TSA PreCheck Enrollment Events
Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) will be hosting multiple TSA Pre✓® enrollment event in collaboration with IDEMIA, a TSA PreCheck authorized enrollment provider. Travelers will be able to enroll at 2252 Jesse Butler Circle, in the terminal between the Terminal West entrance and Airport Gift Shop across from the Airline ticket counters. February 25-28, 2025 April…
Partners In Care Invites the Community to Education Series in 2025
Local nonprofit Partners In Care invites community members in Central Oregon to its revamped, in-person education series this year. For the past 17 years, Partners In Care has been providing no-cost community education on a myriad of topics such as preparing for end of life, facing a serious illness, and caregiver tips and resources. The…
Conquer the Canyon Returns in 2025 with Exciting New Additions and a Commitment to Giving Back
SCP Redmond Hotel’s Conquer the Canyon, will return in 2025 with new race categories and a continued commitment to supporting local. Taking place in the heart of Downtown Redmond, Conquer the Canyon invites runners of all abilities to challenge themselves and embrace the adventure of the canyon’s dynamic terrain. This year, we’re excited to introduce…
The Healy Foundation Donates $100,000 to Support Local Snowsport Programs
A memorable evening at the historic Tower Theatre brought together longtime community members, snowsport enthusiasts, and friends and family to honor the 100th birthday, enduring legacy, and visionary spirit of Mt. Bachelor founder Bill Healy. The evening was crafted to bring Healy’s story to life through photos, memorabilia, and the voices of those who knew him…
Winter Walk Day February 5th, 2025
Winter Walk to School Day is happening on February 5th! Join us to celebrate Winter Walk to School day by walking, rolling or riding the bus to school. This is a great opportunity to shake up your winter routines and get outside before the school day. Check out our website to see how you can…
Plans for West Bend Trail Improvements Finalized
Changes lie ahead for several sections of Bend’s most popular trails, following a proposal to improve heavily used areas west of Bend and Sunriver. The Deschutes National Forest signed the final decision for its West Bend Trails Project on Jan. 14. The project aims to provide more opportunities for all trail users, including hikers, mountain…
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Ellen Waterston 🎧
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with award-winning author and poet Ellen Waterston, the 2024 Oregon Poet Laureate. With four poetry collections and four literary nonfiction titles to her name—including her most recent release, We Could Die Doing This (2024)—Waterston is a force in the literary world. She is…
Toast!
We’ve all heard about drinking’s demise of late. It’s true, there are more sober curious folks out there, and others who are simply cutting back on their alcohol consumption for myriad reasons. Still, there are plenty of people who are sticking with the time-honored tradition of our forebears — we’ve been downing fermented beverages for…
Shop, Sip and Snack
Flatbread, a glass of wine and the harmony of laughter, conversation and live music: If this sounds like your ideal happy hour, you’ll find it all and more at Austin Mercantile. This coffee, wine and beer bar flies slyly under the radar because of its off-the-beaten-path location in the Brookswood Meadow Plaza on the edge…
Sober Curious? Bend’s Got Your Back
“Dry January,” a term used to indicate a break from drinking, may be transcending past a popular month-long challenge. In recent years, studies have shown that younger people are drinking less and becoming more “sober curious,” a movement prompting people to be more mindful of their alcohol consumption. According to a Gallup poll from August…
Feeling Snacky for Some Seafood?
Dissect the name of The Hook & Plow and it’s clear that this restaurant specializes in dishes that fall into two categories: surf and turf. A bright, airy space full of blonde wood located in The Hixon off Century Drive, the Hooked on Happy Hour menu dives into the former, offering an array of seafood…
Pouring Light
Now that Dry January is behind us, you might be taking a moment to rethink your drinking habits. Maybe you’ve fallen for the art of mindful sipping, or maybe you just want to sample a few cocktails without going overboard. Whatever your reason, low-proof cocktails are a solid choice for keeping things balanced without giving…
Family-Friendly Happy Hours
Lifty’s on Chandler Avenue, just off Mt. Washington Drive and across from Skyline Park, is an ideal spot to hang out with kids while still feeling like an in-the-know adult. Opened in March 2022 by local Chris Justema, the restaurant includes a large beach volleyball court tucked away on the side of the patio, which…
Raise a Glass to Cozy Bars in Bend and Redmond
During the brisk, cold evenings in the high desert, nothing sounds better than cozying up in the corner of a candlelit bar or a warm taphouse with a crackling fireplace. Whether you’re looking to sip wine with a good book, enjoy a romantic date night or find a post-adventure pint, Central Oregon offers a variety…
