Gov. Kotek signs Executive Order Setting a Statewide Standard for Cell Phone Use in Schools
The following is a news release from the Governor’s office: Today, Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 25-09, which aims to improve student educational outcomes and mental wellbeing across the state by prohibiting cell phone use by students during the school day in Oregon’s K-12 public schools. Model policies for schools that already have prohibitions…
Hospice of Redmond to Host Special Presentation by Project Recover: Bringing Missing Military Home
REDMOND, OR – July 1, 2025 – Hospice of Redmond is honored to announce a special presentation featuring Project Recover, an organization dedicated to finding and bringing home military personnel missing in action (MIA). The event will take place on Thursday, July 9, 2025, from 1:30-3:00 PM at the VFW Deschutes Post 1408, located at…
Downtown Axe-Throwing Spot to Shut its Doors
A local axe-throwing bar, Unofficial Logging Co., announced Monday evening that it will close its downtown Bend taphouse after July 2. The taphouse, located on the corner of Greenwood Avenue and NW Harriman Street, cited a series of challenges since the pandemic. The bar opened in 2019, offering axe-throwing, 18 taps of craft beer and a…
Oregon Ski Resort Operations Hang in the Balance
Oregon ski mountains, recreational companies and nonprofits, are on the verge of an operational crisis involving the difficulty of getting, and retaining, affordable liability insurance — or any at all. As of May 29, ski resorts including Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline and Willamette Pass became uninsured, or stand to become so by sometime this summer…
Governor Kotek Announces Landmark Office to Spur Housing is Open for Business
S alem, OR – Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced the full launch of the Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO), a joint office between the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Building Codes Division (BCD), part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). HAPO is an essential piece of the…
35 Cent Minimum Wage Increase Presents Mixed Challenge
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…
Think Wild Launches Crooked River Park Restoration Project in Prineville
Prineville, Oregon — Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife conservation nonprofit, invites community members to join a volunteer day on Thursday, July 3, to help launch a new habitat restoration project in Prineville. Volunteers will assist with solarization, an eco-friendly, sun-powered method of preparing soil for native planting by laying out large tarps over a 20,000-square-foot…
A Downtown Bend Bar is Closing
Less than two months after 900 Wall closed its doors blaming a significant drop in business, a bar in downtown Bend announced its closing for the same reason. In a posting to Facebook, Unofficial Logging Co. on NW Harriman Street and Greenwood Avenue, said its last day is expected to be Wednesday, July 2. The…
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…
Warby Parker Grand Opening set for July 5
National eyewear retailer Warby Parker is officially opening its doors in Bend’s Old Mill District on Saturday, July 5. A mission-driven retailer that specializes in affordable, accessible and stylish eyewear, Warby Parker will move into 1,800 square feet of space in the heart of the Old Mill District, directly adjacent to J.Jill at 520 SW…
Support Local Veterans at the Cascades of Bend Food Drive
Cascades of Bend invites the community to take part in a special event that gives back to those who’ve served our country. On Wednesday, August 13, residents of Bend and the surrounding areas can show their support for local Veterans by participating in a Drive-Through Food Drive benefiting Central Oregon Veterans Outreach (COVO). This convenient,…
Mt. Bachelor opens for summer activities
Mt. Bachelor opens for summer activities today, June 26 under clear blue skies. The resort will welcome guests with live music by Snowcreek, a BBQ on the West Village Lodge deck, and beer tokens (while supplies last) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. “It’s a gorgeous day to kick off the season,” said Presley Quon…
Workplace Violence Bill Passes the Oregon House and Senate, Heads to Governor’s Desk
The Oregon Legislative Assembly passed groundbreaking workplace violence legislation aimed at keeping frontline healthcare workers safe in hospitals, and home health and hospice settings across Oregon. Senate Bill 537 B (SB 537) was passed by the House just three days after it was passed by the Senate and heads to Governor Kotek for her signature. “I…
Cascade Landing will bring nearly 200 affordable housing units to Bend
Construction is underway at Cascade Landing, a new housing community in Bend bringing 98 well-appointed units for individuals and families earning between 30% and 60% of area median income. A second phase plans to add an additional 96 units to the community with an expected groundbreaking in Spring 2026. Both phases are scheduled to be…
Street Paving Work Kicks off June 30
As part of the City’s annual street preservation program, contractors will begin paving some busy streets around the community starting June 30 and this work will continue through July. With paving, old asphalt is ground out and replaced or a new layer of asphalt is paved on top of the existing roadway. The process can…
Kotek Vetoes Three Bills Relating to Child Welfare
Gov. Tina Kotek issued three vetoes on June 24, all for bills related to child welfare and the Oregon Department of Human Services. Kotek has not often used her veto pen because she’s generally in sync with the Democratic supermajorities in both chambers of the Legislature. But one of the governor’s priority bills—House Bill 3835—put…
Hunters and Environmentalists Join Together to Fight for Lodging Tax Increase
Rural Oregon hunters and the state’s urban environmentalists have joined in a rare public embrace. The two groups, who often fall on opposite sides of the political spectrum, are together pursuing a tax increase that would benefit them both. In the Legislature’s waning hours, these strange bedfellows support House Bill 2977, a bipartisan measure that…
Deschutes County Wants You for Interim Sheriff
A re you still looking for a summer job? Do you have either four years of full-time law enforcement experience, or two years of law enforcement experience and two years of post-high school education? Are you looking to meet lots of people in a role where every day is different — something temporary, but public-facing…
Annual Art in the West Exhibition and Auction Returns to Celebrate the High Desert Region
From canvas to photographs to sculptures, the annual Art in the West exhibition and online auction features the very best of art inspired by the High Desert. On Saturday, July 5, the High Desert Museum will unveil this year’s Art in the West exhibition featuring a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary artworks. The exhibition…
State Legislature Approves Repeal of Wildfire Map
After continuous calls for a repeal of the statewide wildfire hazard map, the Oregon legislature this week passed Senate Bill 83, which does away with the map and its building code mandates, while directing state agencies to develop new model defensible space standards. The bill passed 50-1 in the Oregon House, following a Senate approval…
Prevailing Wage Expansion Advances With Key Questions Unanswered
A bill that would expand the scope of Oregon’s prevailing wage law is moving toward a floor vote with key questions unanswered. That matters because the expansion could impact just about every public works project in Oregon, from roads and sewers to schools—both renovations and new construction. House Bill 2688 “applies the prevailing rate of wage…
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Brian Rankin 🎧
In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Rankin, the City of Bend’s Senior Strategist and one of the key minds shaping how our city grows. From expanding the urban growth boundary to navigating the complexities of housing, transportation, and infrastructure, Brian’s work is all about guiding Bend’s long-term future with intention and care. Host Aaron…
The Psychedelic Frontier
This week, we are honored to feature one of Mary’s teachers, Brittany Jade Wilson, as a guest columnist. Her Eco-Sensual Trauma-Informed Herbalism and Advocacy Training has been an invaluable resource for psychedelic practitioners and a key source for Mary’s own knowledge of herbal allies and the plant kingdom. Q: I have been taking psychedelics, mostly…
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 music—oh, the music—was worth the risk. While many musical genres found their audiences in the…
A Joyful Evening with Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive plays the type of music that makes you want to dance, sing, clap, and cry, all because it sounds so damned good. I spoke with keyboardist and vocalist Akie Bermiss about the band’s intention to create joy even when it feels like the world is falling apart. We also talk about Star…
Why Local Agents Prefer Local Lenders
One of the most crucial pieces of advice I can offer you when embarking on your homebuying journey is to partner with one of our trusted local lenders. A few weeks ago, I wrote about how your lender and real estate agent work together. This article is more about why I often recommend a few…
Dragons, Dancing and the Depth of Love
This week in theaters, we have a wide variety of new releases for just about every discerning cinema-goer. A new romantic drama, “The Materialists,” focuses on a complicated love triangle between Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. Then there is another live-action remake of a beloved animated film (but this time someone other than…
Source Warmup
Pilot Butte Access Limited for Fireworks Show The road up Pilot Butte State Park will close to all vehicle traffic starting at 10pm July 1. It will remain closed until the afternoon of July 5. The closure is to allow preparation and cleanup of the July 4 fireworks display. Walkers and bicyclists can access the…
The Horror of Franchise Filmmaking
Danny Boyle is a master filmmaker who has never quite received the accolades he deserves, while also never really achieving the level of mastery he’s capable of, like Scorsese or Kubrick. While his films like 1996’s “Trainspotting” changed how drug movies were made and 2002’s “28 Days Later” redefined zombies forever, it wasn’t until 2008’s…
Deschutes Trails Coalition Stewardship Grant Projects Reach Completion
The $600,000 Deschutes Trails Coalition Stewardship Grant Program funded by Deschutes County unrestricted Transient Room Tax dollars was granted in 2023 to support trail or trail-related infrastructure projects. This 2-year program recently came to a close, resulting in nine projects funded by local organizations. Awardees include: Bend Parks and Recreation District – Shevlin Park…
The Third Act: A Column on Ageism and Ageing
The sign said “Free Tomato Plants!” Why not, I thought. I randomly picked one. Turning to leave, a voice from alongside the house asked. “Do you know which kind you got?” She was every inch the gardener, this Madam Appleseed…wide brimmed sun hat, trowel, weeder and hand rake sticking out from her apron pockets. She’d…
Not a Wine Bar
I’ve never been much of a wine guy, so I couldn’t really tell you what differentiates one from the other in a town like Bend where it can sometimes feel like every street corner is either a brewery, dispensary or wine bar. For this reason, I had never been to Portello (a cornerstone of Northwest…
Your Next Beach Read… A History Book
As summer gets underway, you might be looking for the perfect beach read: a book that’s engrossing, entertaining and fun to read. Why not try a history book? History books are ideal for the beach or any other summer destination. Learn something new without sacrificing entertainment. In fact, David McCullough has a new book coming…
4th of July Events
Bend A popular annual tradition continues in downtown Bend with the July 4 Pet Parade. It started in 1924 with only three cancellations for World War II and the Covid-19 pandemic. Pet owners are encouraged to dress their furry friends in patriotic costumes to walk a loop starting at Harmon Park. The parade heads east…
Horoscope Week of June 26, 2025
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Welcome to a special edition of “What’s My Strongest Yearning?” I’m your host, Rob Brezsny, and I’m delighted you have decided to identify the single desire that motivates you more than any other. Yes, you have many wishes and hopes and dreams, but one is more crucial than all the rest!…
Redmond City Council Approves Emergency Firework Ban Effective July 5
REDMOND, OREGON On Tuesday, July 1, Redmond City Council unanimously approved an emergency declaration, banning the personal use of all fireworks effective 12:01 a.m. July 5, 2025, due to high fire risk in Redmond and across Central Oregon. The declaration, which allows the city to efficiently mobilize resources to respond to public needs during an…
Letters to the Editor 06/26/2025
Thornburgh Resort Development This week, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners is deliberating again on the proposed Thornburgh resort development. We want our children and grandchildren to be able to call Central Oregon home, and the Thornburgh resort puts that vision in peril. We are concerned that indigenous science and the treaty rights of the…
Authentic Mexican Cuisine in a Historic Train Depot
A new restaurant is getting ready to open in the historic Terrebonne Depot. The menu at La Catrina Chingona will feature authentic Mexican cuisine. “We understand that our establishment may not appeal to everyone who’s not open to change in the community or new flavors and that’s perfectly fine,” one of the owners, Danielle Nogosek, told…
Tourism Could Play a Role in State Economic Recovery — But the Agency Overseeing It Needs More Accountability
A series of articles produced by the Oregon Journalism Project and published on the Source website this past month have highlighted an ongoing concern regarding the state’s tourism promotion agency, Travel Oregon. According to OJP reporting, Travel Oregon’s executive director — who’s formally retiring this week — has earned a salary that far outstrips the…
Cancellation of Oregon High Desert Classics Disappoints Locals
If you’ve driven down the northeast section of Hamby Road in late July, you’ve probably noticed the colorful show rings and throngs of horses and riders at J Bar J Boys Ranch. This year, those grounds will be empty for only the second time in decades as the Oregon High Desert Classics horse show, slated…
