Oregon Will Exit the Dog-Racing Business
Governor Tina Kotek shut the door this week on Oregon’s large, if largely invisible, role in the rapidly declining sport of greyhound racing. On May 7, Kotek signed House Bill 3020, which, according to a staff summary, “prohibits any person from wagering on the outcome of a greyhound or other dog race, or accept or…
Portland Trail Blazers are For Sale
The estate of Paul Allen, which owns The Portland Trail Blazers, announced its begun a formal sales process for the NBA franchise. A post on Instagram states it was Allen’s wishes that his sports holdings eventually be sold, with all estate proceeds going to philanthropy. The sales process is expected to continue into the…
New Roundabout to Close Intersection on Skyliners Road
The City of Bend announced on May 12 that a new roundabout will be built at the intersection of Skyliners Road and Skyline Ranch Road, causing a full closure of the intersection for about two months, during construction. According to a press release, the completed roundabout will “facilitate more efficient traffic movement at this very…
Prime Time: Amazon Launches New Delivery Hub in Redmond
An Amazon delivery center is coming to Redmond in a push to accelerate deliveries for customers in Central Oregon. On May 13, Amazon announced it had closed on land in northeast Redmond, along East Antler Avenue, as part of its “continued investment in rural communities.” According to a press release, the purchase aims to support…
A GoFundMe Account is Raising Money for Sandos & Smash Food Truck
Mother’s Day, May 11, was a record day of sales for Sandos & Smash since opening in Tumalo’s The Bite in February. Just hours after closing, the truck ignited around 10:30 pm, according to owner Andrew Vijarro. “It’s a complete loss, unfortunately,” Vijarro said. Bend Fire & Rescue and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to…
Oregon Developers Build Few Condos
CHIEF SPONSOR: State Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland) WHAT IT WOULD DO: House Bill 3746 A would shorten the time frame for condo owners to sue for construction defects in condominiums from 10 years to seven years. (Colorado, Nevada and Washington allow six years, as this bill originally did before being amended.) The bill would also require…
2024 Annual Drinking Water Quality – Consumer Confidence Report Now Available
The City of Bend’s Water Services Department’s 2024 Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report is now available. The report shows that City customers’ drinking water continues to meet all health standards and that the City is 100% compliant in water quality testing and in meeting and exceeding water quality standards. “Our highest priority is protecting public…
Five Oregon High Schools Win Prizes in Media Contest to Promote Young Worker Safety
Students at Sherwood, Parkrose, Lincoln, Cleveland, and Bend Senior high schools have earned top prizes in a media contest designed to increase awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers. High school students across Oregon were invited to participate in the annual contest organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition. The 2024-25…
Bob Newhart selected as Bend Visitor Center Artist-in-Residence for July 2025
Bend Visitor Center -750 NW Lava Rd, Suite 160 (corner of Oregon Ave and Lava Rd) July 2025, July 11th (First Friday) Local Bend artist Bob Newhart (newhartist.com) has been selected as the Artist in Residence at the Bend Visitor Center for July 2025. Because 1st Friday falls on the 4th of July national holiday…
Archaeology Roadshow at the Deschutes Historical Museum June 7, 2025
Portland State University’s Archaeology Roadshow returns to the Deschutes Historical Museum in Bend on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 2025 theme is “The Archaeology of Art and Craft.” The open-air event introduces the public to local heritage and the science of archaeology in a fun, hands-on way, while instilling a…
Roundabout Books to Host Geology Enthusiast Alison Jean Cole to Discuss the Pacific Northwest’s Complex Geologic History
Roundabout Books is pleased to host Alison Jean Cole, geology enthusiast and author of “A Rockhound’s Guide to Oregon & Washington”. She will share stories of her adventures rockhounding in the Pacific Northwest and the geologic history of our lands going back hundreds of millions of years. The event takes place on June 20 at…
OSU-Cascades to host Indigenous author Beth Piatote for conversation on stories and language on May 19
Oregon State University – Cascades will host Nimi:pu, also known as Nez Perce author Beth Piatote for an evening of storytelling and discussion on May 19. The event, titled “Indigenous Futures, Ancient Echoes: A Conversation in Story and Language,” will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Charles McGrath Family Atrium in Edward J. Ray…
It’s Baby Season! Join Think Wild’s Wildlife Baby Shower Fundraiser on May 18
With a record number of wildlife patients already admitted this spring, Think Wild is rallying community support through its 5th Annual Wildlife Baby Shower. The event will help raise critical funds and collect essential supplies to care for injured and orphaned native wildlife during the busiest season of the year. This year’s Wildlife Baby Shower…
Auditorium Design Revealed for Bend Senior High School
Bend-La Pine Schools invites the community to see the preliminary design for the new Bend Senior High School Auditorium during an open house on Thursday, May 15, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the school’s main gymnasium. Use the gym entrance to the left of the main entrance. Architectural renderings will be on display and…
Deschutes County Approves Program for RV Housing
On May 7, Deschutes County Commissioners voted to allow RVs as rental dwellings, authorizing property owners to let someone in an RV live on their land and pay rent. The program, aimed at providing low-income housing opportunities, is set to go into effect immediately. The County’s initial interest in this program came after the passage…
Leash Your Doggo — Fur Real
‘Will you please leash your dog?’ It’s a simple request. Yet, depending on a person’s sensitivity level, it comes off as either a neighborly reminder of Bend’s leash ordinance, or a micro-aggression worthy of a shouting match. From Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16, this directive will come from Bend Park and Recreation District…
Higher Reimbursements for Primary Care Providers Would Exempt a Powerful Special Interest
One of the bonuses—and drawbacks—of a citizen Legislature made up of part-timers is that the lawmakers bring real-world expertise, but also their own financial interests, to Salem. Senate Bill 28 would require private insurers to pay independent primary care providers, such as pediatricians and internists, the highest rate their counterparts who work for hospitals receive—a…
Police Investigate Homicide in NE Bend
Bend Police found the body of an unidentified middle-aged white man who had suffered a fatal injury in NE Bend on Wednesday night. At approximately 7:16pm, Bend Police responded to the area of the 100 block of NE Emerson Avenue, after police dispatchers received a report of a deceased person in the area. Once officers…
Suspect Arrested in 2023 Homicide
Bend police say a Canadian man has been arrested for the homicide of a Bend woman in 2023. Twenty-five-year old Cole Nikolaus Sinclair was arrested last December under Canada’s extradition process and remains in Canada pending the outcome of his extradition proceedings. Police believe he killed 28 year old Evelyn Jeanette Weaver who was found…
Why Invest in Central Oregon?
In today’s unpredictable economic landscape, smart investors seek stability. While stocks fluctuate, Bend’s real estate market offers something increasingly rare: tangible value. I’ve tracked Central Oregon’s growth for years, and what stands out isn’t just the spectacular setting but the fundamentals that drive sustainable appreciation. When economic uncertainty looms, physical assets like property in desirable…
Source Warmup
Attorney General Rayfield Stops in Bend for Town Hall State Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined a panel of local leaders in Bend on Saturday, May 3, to discuss how the state is pushing back against federal policies impacting communities like Bend. Rayfield was joined by Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, State Sen. Anthony Broadman (D-District 27) and…
Understanding Intimacy
Dear Dr. Jane, My husband and I have some minor communication problems, but overall we get along pretty well. Last summer, we started couples’ counselling because I discovered that he was secretly watching porn. My sister said that it wasn’t a big deal, but it feels terrible to me. We have a pretty good sex…
Sourdough, Chocolate and a Cookie That Doesn’t Quit
There’s a moment — right as you break one open — when time stops. Warm chocolate oozes from the center like lava. The golden edges crackle. The aroma of brown butter and vanilla fills the air like a spell and suddenly… nothing else matters. That’s the power of these sourdough discard chocolate chip cookies. And…
From Fruit to Fizz
There’s something magical about summer on the patio, bare feet, golden light, and a cold drink in hand. And when the fridge is full of ripe market fruits, it’s the perfect time to get playful with your drinks. Let’s talk shrubs—but not the kind that grow in your yard. The shrubs I’m talking about are…
A Call to Ease Screen Addiction Among Students
A bill in the Oregon legislature aims to restrict the use of cellphones in schools statewide. The bipartisan bill aims to cut down on student distractions, social media incidents and other challenges schools are grappling with in an age of cellphone addiction. While Central Oregon school districts already have policies in place that limit the use…
Preserving History Nearly Lost in Time
A little-known piece of Bend history, nearly lost in oblivion, has been recovered and pieced together. The project was inspired by one tiny newspaper article from 1925 titled, “Colored Men Form Club for Betterment of Race.” “I have no idea how long ago I found that story and printed a clipping of it for future research,”…
New Indoor Golf Simulator Opens
A new Bend business featuring indoor golf simulators is a family affair. Steve Lobis, his wife and son are opening X-Golf on Scalehouse Court near the Old Mill District. Lobis retired from the corporate world and wanted to keep busy. His son suggested opening an X-Golf franchise after visiting one in Washington. Lobis says it was…
Passages of Time
Story is a part of life in how we exist and make meaning. Lucky for us, Central Oregon is home to a number of museums that hold history, science, and nature in deepening our understanding of the world and our experience of wonder. Spring is a great time to delve into some of the regional…
The May Market has Something for Everyone
The May Market in Prineville is fast becoming an annual tradition. Brandi Ebner, from One Decision Management, puts on the event. Now in its third year, Ebner says she intentionally keeps it on the smaller side for a better experience, although it has grown. “This event is very well attended, and vendors do excellent at…
May 2025 Electoral Endorsements: Pos. 4
Cary Schneider has been serving as an appointed member of the Bend Park & Recreation District board since last year, when he filled the place left by Zavier Borja. Voters should support Schneider continuing in the work. Having served on the BPRD budget committee prior to his service on the wider board, Schneider has displayed…
Horoscope Week of May 8, 2025
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Classical ballet dancers often seek to convey the illusion of weightlessness through highly stylized movements. Innovative Taurus choreographer Martha Graham had a different aim, emphasizing groundedness. Emotional depth and rooted physicality were crucial to her art of movement. “The body never lies” is a motto attributed to her, along with “Don’t…
May 2025 Electoral Endorsements: Pos. 1
Ashley Proctor is a person Redmond voters should be proud to welcome to the school board. She cites the support of educators and other community leaders in motivating her to see beyond her at-risk childhood — enlisting in the Army, and later, into a career as a social worker helping those with intellectual and mental…
Letters to the Editor 05/08/2025
Local law enforcement’s stance on cooperation with the Trump administration I think it would be interesting to hear from the leaders of our local, county and state law enforcement agencies regarding their opinions of the overreach by the current president and his administration. Especially with regard to honoring sanctuary status, or cooperating with the federal…
Forest Closure Takes Effect as Houseless People Attempt to Relocate
People living on U.S. Forest Service land south of Bend have been forced to relocate following a May 1 closure of the area. A collection of lived-in vehicles lined the streets of China Hat Road on Thursday morning, just outside of the now-restricted area that hundreds of houseless residents called home. The closure, in effect…
Backcountry Paradise
Summer is in the air in Central Oregon and flowers are blossoming! Merino wool layers and puffy jackets are being replaced by shorts and blouses; big insulated boots replaced by sandals and Birkenstocks. Summer sports such as biking and hiking are defrosting and the transition from winter to summer is almost complete. A lot of…
Deschutes County Delays Movement on East Redmond Encampment
The Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners is looking at plans to evacuate those in a growing encampment on east Redmond property following a code violation in the area. The violation is on County-owned property near the garbage facility, Negus Transfer Center. After years of discussing the removal of houseless people living on the nearly…
Not-So-Superheroes
It’s no secret that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been struggling lately. Post-“Endgame,” the MCU has fumbled extensively with telling stories in their intricately interconnected universe, while films like “The Marvels,” “Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania” and “Captain America: Brave New World” didn’t come close to reaching their projected grosses (which was still more than…
The War and Treaty
To many, country music conjures up the image of rednecks in pickup trucks, drinking whiskey and singing about heartbreak. Yet, country music actually represents a blend of folk, Western and blues music from the Southern United States. Stylistically, these forms were deeply influenced by Black spirituals and work songs, while the lyrics reflected the trials…
All-Time Great Bassist Coming to Bend
One of the world’s all-time great bass players is coming to Bend. Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers will play at the Volcanic Theatre Pub on May 10. I spoke with five-time Grammy award winner Victor Wooten and Wooten brothers Regi, Roy, and Joseph about six decades of making music together, how George Clinton and…
