Cover Story
The Beer Issue 2020
Intro Goes Here… Trailblazing: From Low-Cal to Big Gains Deschutes Brewery steps away from lighter beers, making a powerful & tasty hazy IPA in the process. By Isaac Biehl Pivoting to Seltzer The White Claw era inspires local brewmasters to bring on the bubbly. By Cayla Clark Best New Brewery A chat with Central Oregon’s own Boss…
Coronavirus HQ
The information about COVID-19 in Oregon, and in Central Oregon, is moving fast. Believe us when we say we’re deploying all our resources to bring you the most up-to-date information that’s relevant to Central Oregonians. Part of that is helping you find our stories easily and quickly. You’ll find our stories collected around our website,…
Updated: City Council Votes to Remove Transportation Bond
Update 3/18, 7:28 pm: The Bend City Council voted unanimously tonight to take the city’s proposed transportation bond off the May ballot. Below is the story we posted Tuesday night. O n Wednesday, the Bend City Council will meet in its usual location in the Council Chambers—with one big agenda item on the table. The…
Unemployment Numbers Spike from 800 to 18,500 in Two Days
Numbers released Wednesday from the Oregon Employment Department show an economy in freefall due to COVID-19. OED had 800 new unemployment claims on Sunday. By Tuesday, that number was 18,500. The sharp uptick came after Gov. Kate Brown’s announcement that all bars and food service establishments would need to go to take-out or delivery only…
The Local’s Bin: A Central Oregon Music Playlist for Troubled Times
The music scene is hurting right now. For fans, sure. We aren’t able to go out and see shows. But for artists, bands and venues, the struggle is much more acute. Touring and playing concerts are a giant part of a musician’s livelihood, and right now that’s not an option. One thing listeners can do to…
New Local Phone Line Ready For Calls
St. Charles Health System and Deschutes County Health Services joined together to open a new phone line to answer questions from the public about COVID-19. Call 541-699-5109 Monday – Friday from 8am-5pm. The line is staffed by caregivers and county health services professionals. The service is free and open to individuals in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties who…
Connecting to Local Resources: Find Them All Here. (Incluye enlaces a recursos españoles)
This page will be regularly updated with services, contact information, and ways you can stay connected with the community and help others as we weather the storm created by COVID-19 together. Many thanks to Pandemic Partners-Bend for compiling a list of helpful resources that we used to create this article. Connect with Pandemic Partners-Bend on…
Bars and Food Service Going to Carry-Out or Delivery Only
Last night, rideshare drivers were lamenting about how many people they continued to drop off at bars and restaurants, while health experts continued to explain why people shouldn’t. Starting tomorrow, that all ends in Oregon—at least for the next four weeks. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced Monday afternoon that she would be issuing an executive…
…In Addition to Rotting in Hell…
You might have caught the firestorm over the weekend, after The New York Times published the story of a pair of Tennessee brothers who had grabbed up all the hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies they could find, in an attempt to make “crazy money” re-selling the stuff on Amazon. Amazon and E-Bay got wind…
One More Case for Deschutes County
Deschutes County’s total number of COVID-19 cases went to four Sunday, after the Oregon Health Authority announced a total of three new cases statewide. Officials believe the case in Deschutes County was spread through community transmission, they announced this afternoon. Other presumed positive cases announced today include a case in Yamhill County—also thought to be…
Here’s Where Kids Can Get Meals Starting Monday
Monday will be a quiet day at schools across Oregon—but one of schools’ most vital resources will continue to be available. On Thursday night, Gov. Kate Brown ordered all Oregon schools to close as of Monday, March 16, and to remain closed through March 31 due to concerns around COVID-19. That left many concerned about…
How Can I Help?
A crisis of the magnitude that COVID-19 represents can reveal the lack of sustainable social safety nets in American society. Local, state and federal government assistance is on the way, but more help is needed to make sure everyone has access to services and assistance. Closures of vital resources, such as libraries where many people…
Where, Oh Where Has the Toilet Paper Gone?
At this point we’ve probably all seen the hilarious “Panic at the Costco” meme that’s been circling the internet for the past few days. Nice one, guys. As the old quip goes, “It’s funny because it’s true.” People have been panic-buying toilet paper in bulk for days now, leaving grocery store shelves completely bare and…
This is Not a Snow Day
No, this is not a drill. And no, it’s also not the type of snow day you’re used to. On this snow day and in the days going forward, health officials continue to press for more social distancing—and local businesses are playing along. In the continuing tsunami of closures due to COVID-19, Mt. Bachelor announced…
Man Dies of Virus in Portland
A 70-year-old man in Oregon died Saturday from COVID-19. The patient was a resident of Multnomah County and was a patient at the Portland Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center in Portland. He was the first reported person in Oregon to die from the virus, the Oregon Health Authority stated Saturday night. OHA said the patient is not…
Deschutes Public Libraries to Close
The Deschutes County Library announced Saturday evening that it would close all its locations at 7pm Monday, and would not reopen until at least April 1. That includes its two locations in Bend, as well as La Pine, Redmond, Sisters and Sunriver locations. Library Director Todd Dunkelberg said due to concerns about COVID-19, they made…
Two New Cases in Deschutes County
This story will be updated. Deschutes County Health Services announced Friday evening that it has seen two more presumed positive cases of COVID-19 in Deschutes County. The individuals are adults, the County announced tonight, and are complying with public health recommendations, the department stated. The County’s press release stated that local communicable disease nurses are…
Bend Park and Recreation Shuts Down Facilities
TUpdate 3/13: From end of business on March 15 through March 29, all Bend Park and Recreation facilities will be closed. This includes Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, The Pavilion, Art Station, Bend Senior Center, District Office and Park Services. Facilities will continue to have administrative staff in the buildings but will not be open…
National Coronavirus Confusion
Is the U.S. government doing enough to slow the spread of this potentially lethal pandemic? President Donald Trump and national agencies ranging from the Center for Disease Control to the Federal Drug Administration have been the target of a never-ending stream of criticism: They’ve had disorganized response a highly contagious virus that poses a new…
City and County Declare State of Emergency
Eric King, Bend City Manager, declared a local state of emergency at 1 p.m. this afternoon in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. City Council will vote to ratify the declaration on Wednesday. President Trump declared a national emergency at noon PST today. Gov. Kate Brown announced a state of emergency for Oregon on Thursday morning.…
Small Group of State Legislators Will Meet Next Week
Some members of the Oregon Legislature will meet virtually as the Special Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response. The Legislature has not yet announced the timeline and location of the meetings. The purpose of the committee is to quickly make recommendations for legislative action to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The committee will work to: Provide…
Record Store Day Pushed Back
Due to the spread of COVID-19 and recommendations to withhold from attending large gatherings, the organizers of the nationally-celebrated Record Store Day announced this morning that this year’s Record Store Day has been postponed until June 20. The day was originally set for April 18. “We think this gives stores around the world the best…
Schools to Close Statewide
Gov. Kate Brown announced late Thursday night that public K-12 schools across the state would close Monday, due to concerns around novel coronavirus. In a signal of how quickly things change, this is a reversal from yesterday’s announ cement from Brown, in which she said she would keep schools open. Schools will be closed through…
Parks Dept. Shuts Senior Center
Today Bend Park and Recreation District announced it will suspend service at the Bend Senior Center effective at 5pm Friday. Other programs at Juniper Swim & Fitness are also canceled, as they also include many older adult participants—a population known to be more susceptible to serious complications from COVID-19. In addition, BPRD’s adult and kid…
Cancel Culture
Local businesses are actively doing their part to prevent community spread of COVID-19, though staying afloat financially amidst the current social climate has already proven difficult. On Wednesday evening, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced that all public gatherings including 250 or more people will be banned until April 8. While shopping centers, retail stores and…
City of Bend Cancels Some Meetings and Events
Anne Aurand, Communications Director for the City of Bend, announced this afternoon that in accordance with State guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Central Oregon, numerous meetings and open houses are canceled today through April 8. The first presumed case of COVID-19 in Deschutes County was reported March 11 by Deschutes County Public…
Big Events Out: Gov. Kate Brown Announces Orders to Slow Spread of Coronavirus
Gov. Kate Brown issued immediate new rules this morning to slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout Oregon. She based these on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public health experts in the state, epidemiologists and other health professionals. Health officials said they’ve estimated that as many as 75,000 Oregonians could be infected…
Update: “Evolve” Postponed at the Tower
Editor’s note: In response to coronavirus concerns, the Tower Theatre announced today it would suspend all performances through April 9. On Wednesday night, Gov. Kate Brown announced a ban on all gatherings of over 250 people. Organizers for the “Evolve” shows said Thursday they are planning to bring the show back to the Tower in…
Screening vs. Testing
By now, the basic advice around preventing the spread of novel coronavirus has been widely distributed: Stay home if you’re sick, wash or sanitize your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and have your home emergency kit stocked. In an Oregon Public Health Division press briefing Monday, health officials also mentioned extra precautions, such as…
Trailblazing: From Low-Cal to Big Gains
When I first heard about Deschutes Brewery’s new beer, I almost couldn’t believe it. Bulk pHaze, a hazy double IPA, that’s heavy on the calories, carbs, ABV and made with protein malt—was it for real? Turns out, yes. Inspired by Lead Brewer Tanner Hulse, who decided to embrace being the “resident bro” amongst his coworkers,…
The Republican Walkout RULZ!!!
You guys, wasn’t this latest Republican walkout THE BEST? I mean, we’ve been waiting a long time to do away with that pesky thing we call democracy, haven’t we? We may routinely tell minorities in society that they should just buck up and assimilate… that they should just adhere to the melting-pot theory and lie…
Pivoting to Seltzer
Do you remember Zima? I don’t, as I was only 3 when Coors Brewing Company introduced the light, lemon-lime flavored alternative to beer. Considered a “premium malt beverage,” drinks like Zima, Mike’s Hard Lemonade and Smirnoff Ice had their day… and then their popularity plummeted. But why? It could be because they’re high-calorie, insanely high…
Let the Madness Begin
Update 3/12: The NCAA announced today that due to concerns around novel coronavirus, both the Men’s and Women’s tournaments will be canceled. Every year March comes around same as always, and every year I’m still pumped for March Madness. It’s truly a beautiful thing—and should perhaps be considered the ninth wonder of the world. It’s…
Best New Brewery
Boss Rambler Beer Club did a cool thing, taking home the Best New Brewery award at the Oregon Beer Awards Feb. 18. The spot opened in April, bringing a brightness to the local beer scene. Instead of the typical industrial feel, the Beer Club looks like something straight out of a home magazine. With the…
OAS Ski For All
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of shushing down a mountain, hair blowing in the wind. And thanks to the efforts of Oregon Adaptive Sports, that feeling is extended to a lot more people. This weekend, OAS hosts the Ski For All event at Mt. Bachelor— “an all-abilities ski-a-thon at Mt Bachelor and a full…
Daddy Tissues
If we’ve learned one thing in the 25 years since Pixar released its first film, “Toy Story,” it’s that the studio is master at balancing emotion, comedy and excitement. You’re guaranteed not only a visually stunning cartoon that kids will enjoy, but also a story that will absolutely wreck you as an adult. Whether it’s…
Drink This Here
In honor of the Beer Issue, I’ve created my own curated list of what beers to drink when visiting some of Central Oregon’s breweries. I’ve selected beers that are available on the regular, so there’s no need for you to rush. Enjoy at your own pace! In other words, do not attempt to hit all…
St. Patrick's Day Fun
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance A special spring celebration! Dance to music by the Notables Swing Band, a 17-member Big Band bringing back the “golden oldies.” Dinner starts at 6pm; dancing commences at 7pm! $12/adv., $20/door. Fri., March 13, 6-9pm. Bend Senior Center 1600 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend. St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Celebration Celebrate…
Four Great Oregon Cannabis Brands
There are thousands of growers, edible makers and concentrate processors in Oregon, and I partake in a great deal of cannabis in many forms. Despite my best efforts, I haven’t tried everything, and new products drop all the time. So, these are just a few of the brands I consider favorites and is not a…
We're Here, We're Beer, Get Used To It
The definition of “dive bar” varies immensely depending on who you ask, though there are certain components of every classic dive that remain rather consistent. A 2010 issue of Playboy Magazine defined a dive bar as, “A church for down-and-outers and those who romanticize them, a rare place where high and low rub elbows—bums and…
Updated: Kacy & Clayton, more of Sisters Folk’s upcoming shows canceled
UPDATE, 3/12, 6:20 pm: Sisters Folk Fest, which organized the Kacy & Clayton show as well as a number of upcoming shows in Sisters, alerted us tonight that this show, along with upcoming shows, such as Sierra Hull on April 9, are canceled for now. Sisters Folk has updated information on its website about other…
Getting Wiser
Portland’s Lost Ox first became a band in 2017, then released its debut album in March of 2018. The two-year mark is upon “Wildheart,” and the boys of Lost Ox have grown plenty since then. They’ll look to improve off an already well-received album with the band’s sophomore effort. Guitarist Dylan DiSalvio tells me that…
Housing for All
The separation of wealth across this nation has been growing for years and Central Oregon is not immune to this. An enormous influx of people from out of town purchasing homes at top dollar continues to drive sale prices higher and higher, demonstrating the simple law of supply and demand. The critical factor to recognize…
Free Will Astrology—Week of March 12
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I suspect your fantasy life will be especially potent in the coming weeks. Your imagination will have an enhanced power to generate visions that could eventually manifest as actual events and situations. On the one hand, that could be dicey, because you can’t afford to over-indulge in fearful speculations and worried…
Letters to the Editor
Editor’s note: Beer. And coronavirus. And the Republican walkouts. And beer. This might be a small sampling of what goes through my mind as we’re planning a special issue—like the Beer Issue—in the midst of some big news stories happening in our state. Our special issues let us shine a light on things our community…
Meet your Farmer Dinner
Central Oregonians have another chance to connect with the farmers who produce their food through the 5th Annual Meet Your Farmer dinner, hosted by Central Oregon Locavore. The evening features products from Barley Beef, a group of small, family-run local farms producing hormone-free beef. The event takes place at the Deschutes Brewery Mountain Room, at…
Not OK, Cupid
Not OK, Cupid A gay male friend set me up on a date. The man was HORRIBLE. He spent the entire date talking about himself. Everything was a brag. He didn’t ask one question about me. Now I’m wondering whether my “friend” knows me at all. Why would he set me up with someone so…
Cabin 22 Expanding
Cabin 22, the popular bar and fire-pit spot on Bend’s west side, is planning an expansion into a location on the south side. “Cabin South” is set to open in Brookswood Meadow Plaza, in the former Local Slice location on Amber Meadow Drive, off Brookswood Ave. Cabin South will offer a bar, grill and lottery,…
IndieWomxn Film Festival + Trashformations
IndieWomxn Film Festival debuts In honor of Women’s History Month, BendFilm and Scalehouse have partnered up to bring a festival of films made by women and about women. The mini-fest happens March 12 to 16, with screenings at the Tower Theatre, Tin Pan Theater and McMenamins. The short festival will also include panel discussions with…
The Barred Owl is Here—to Stay!
First it was rumors: “The barred owls are coming, the barred owls are coming…” Next, it was the dire warnings that the barred owls were going to either chase all the Northern Spotted Owls out of the Northwest, or breed with them and bring forth a whole new sub-species called, “Sparred Owls.” Then the warning…
The Spirit of Collaboration
From hot sauce to dehydrated adventure meals to coffee fruit tea to toffee candy to organic nut butters, an array of food products are produced in Central Oregon. Despite the geographic challenge (over two hours to nearest metropolitan area) which contributes to distribution hurdles, among other things, local food product producers seem to agree there’s…
Disappointing Finish
In the game of Oregon politics that was the short session this winter, no one wins. Not the Democrats, not the Republicans, not the people of Oregon. A week and a half ago, most House and Senate Republicans in Salem abandoned their jobs as lawmakers. This is the fifth time in 10 months Republicans have…
