Cover Story
Powerhouse Under Pressure
The Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center has been coined the “premier facility of its kind” in the Northwest, boosting the region’s tourism economy and drawing impressive crowds with its year-round events. With a focus on providing a variety of opportunities for residents and visitors, the campus holds more than 400 events annually on its…
New Meissner Bus to Shuttle Skiers & Snowshoers
Avoid the stress of jockeying for parking spots at the ever-popular Meissner Sno Park this winter by taking a new shuttle. The Meissner bus is scheduled to make three trips every Saturday and Sunday through March. The best part? It’s a bargain at $5 roundtrip! Visit Bend, Deschutes Trails Coalition and an anonymous donor contributed…
Shakespeare in Loss
“Hamnet” opens on Agnes (a primally explosive Jessie Buckley) waking at the foot of a massive tree in the depths of an old-growth forest. She (as was her mother before her) is treated as a Woods Witch, a blend of mysterious naturopath and rugged outdoorswoman, more comfortable as a quiet falconer than engaging in society.…
Free Will Astrology Week of Dec. 18
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): According to legend, the genius composer Mozart heard entire symphonies in his imagination before he wrote down any notes. That’s a slight exaggeration. The full truth is that he often worked hard and made revisions. His inspiration was enhanced by effort and craft. However, it’s also true that Mozart wrote at…
Shepherd’s House Redmond Center Provides a “First Step Out of the Dirt”
Shepherd’s House Ministries has been operating in Deschutes County for 18 years. The nonprofit was founded and is still based in Bend, but has operated a shelter in Redmond since November 2023. As reported by the Source, the Shepherd’s House Redmond Center became a 24/7 shelter in February 2024, “providing meals, showers, mobile outreach, day services, job readiness programs and wrap-around services.” It also doubles…
‘Implausible,’ ‘Inconsistent’ and ‘Unsubstantiated’ by Evidence
After the dramatic departure last September of Andrés Portela III, the City of Bend’s equity and inclusion director, City officials vowed to hire a third-party consultant to investigate the allegations Portela listed in his Sept. 12 resignation letter. The allegations include a racially hostile environment inside City Hall, mismanagement of racial incidents by City Manager Eric King and a DEI department stripped of staff and organization. The results of that report, prepared by Amy Ahrendt, owner of Attorney-Conducted Workplace Investigations, suggest that the allegations of…
E-Bikes are Coming to Bend Area Trails. It Seemed Only a Matter of Time.
When e-bikes began to enter the mountain bike scene, trail users were concerned. Getting out into the forest in this way was inherently an activity that required committment — and anyway, wouldn’t those fast new bikes ruin the trails, and add more congestion in our already crowded network? Those were just some of the assumptions…
Bill, Killed
I have a complicated relationship with Quentin Tarantino. I rented “Reservoir Dogs” on VHS when I was 12 years old and it was the first movie that ever made me really understand the importance of dialogue in filmmaking. The way QT balanced tough guy dialogue with flawless needle drops and character-driven ultra violence felt like…
Incoming Snowstorms Could Blow Away Warm Weather Worries
This December, an unseasonable warmth has had Bend residents and tourists alike sweating and shedding layers. Data from the Bend Municipal Airport weather station indicates recorded temperatures this month have exceeded high monthly averages by over 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and low monthly averages by over 25 degrees. Weather has been sunny and in the mid 50s for much of this month so far. Of course, heat in December also impacts the mountains. Without suitable snow on the slopes, some ski…
As CDC Changes Vaccine Guidance, Deschutes County Health Providers Stay the Course
On Dec. 5, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a significant shift in vaccine policy. The federal health agency will no longer recommend that newborn babies receive Hepatitis B vaccinations. For over three decades, the CDC universally recommended this shot. This change in policy came on advice from its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which “develops recommendations on the use of vaccines in…
Letters to the Editor, Week Dec. 18
Deschutes County Commission’s Not So Funny Comedy of Errors Oh, the irony! Last Wednesday [Dec. 3], I watched with incredulity as Patti Adair and Tony Debone called for public comment in a room full of interested citizens they themselves had silenced. Per The Source, “Adair requested that a public hearing be held [emphasis added] before any decision-making by…
Heartburn! Risks of Long Term Use of Acid Blocking Drugs
The health of the digestive system is in many ways one of the cornerstones of overall health and vitality. When there is ongoing inflammation, or other chronic issues affecting digestive tract function, it can pave the way for other downstream health concerns over time. It makes sense, as this system is where we break down the…
A New Way to Enjoy Crispy, Cheesy Comfort Food at Home
Cotto Italian Street Food has launched an Arancini Club. Arancini are golden, crispy Sicilian rice balls traditionally stuffed, breaded and fried. “They’re comfort food with soul,” Cotto co-owner Sarah Fink told the Source. “Creamy risotto on the inside, an irresistible crunch on the outside, made for sharing, celebrating and savoring.” For $20 a month, members…
Galley Bend Lifts Off With Far East Flavor
Galley Bend has slipped into the old Longboard Louie’s space off Highway 20 on Dean Swift Road and the transformation is a pleasant surprise. The new remodel features both low and tall tables, plenty of natural light and a full bar. The restaurant is the creation of two former flight attendants, Krid Sathirawongwan (Kris) and…
Climbing Program Aimed at Unexpected Audience has Inspiring Results
Seven years ago, Jess Burke was living in Portland, working as a disability analyst for the State of Oregon, and regularly hiking upward of 60 miles a month with her husband, Rod. She began experiencing stiffness in her neck, shoulders and right side, so her doctor prescribed physical therapy. “It wasn’t helping much, but I…
COCC Professor and Conductor of Central Oregon Symphony to Retire
Central Oregon is preparing to say thank you, and somewhat of a goodbye, to a man who has been an absolute pillar of the musical community for almost 30 years. Michael Gesme has been the conductor of the Central Oregon Symphony for his entire career here in Bend, in addition to his work as professor…
Navigating Negotiations
In an uber-competitively paced real estate market negotiations are often extremely limited. But good news for Central Oregon buyers … we are no longer in 2021 conditions! While we may not truly be in a “buyer’s market,” most sellers are actually quite willing to negotiate and you can (and should!) use your agent to do…
