Pronghorn are perhaps the most graceful animal native to the high desert country of central and eastern Oregon. Golden eagles are the most majestic, greater sage-grouse the most emblematic. And burrowing owls? They’re the funniest. For starters, burrowing owls have the peculiar habit of living in underground burrows — not the trees that most birds […]
Species Spotlight: Burrowing Owl
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor, Week of Dec. 4
Parking Problem Parking on Deschutes Market Road adjacent to the Pine Nursery dog park has been in the news recently. There used to be access to the dog park from Deschutes Market Road before the roundabout was put in. Some residents from the apartment complex Solis also used to park there. Safety may be a […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Brewery Mug Clubs are the Gifts that Literally Keep on Giving
There are two kinds of gifts: things and experiences. The beauty of gifting someone a mug club membership is that you’re giving them both (tangible or, rather, drinkable beer plus the mug itself and perhaps some swag, as well as the community and comradery that is baked into the membership. It was when I’d run […]
Posted inMusic
Nina and The Rebel Rockers Bring Laid Back Vibes to Bend
Get ready, Bend! Nina and The Rebel Rockers are bringing that cool reggae style with a blend of rock guitar, pulling inspiration from legendary performers like Sublime and Pepper, that will keep the audience on its toes. “When I first heard the dub style, reggae, rock, with a dash of punk and ska I was […]
Posted inChow
One Lot, Six Remarkable Carts
When I was growing up, I was what teachers called an “indoor kid.” Someone so preoccupied with the life of the mind that I never played team sports or did much more than write stories that I tried and failed to get everyone to read. So when I initially heard about the new Ballers & […]
Posted inFilm
Two Mothers
It’s rare that two movies are both released around the same time and have profoundly interesting things to say about similar subjects. Yeah, you’ll get Twin Films like in 1997 when we were lucky enough to get “Volcano” and “Dante’s Peak” in the same calendar year, or even better, in 1998 when Hollywood bestowed upon […]
Posted inCulture
Three Week Holiday Faire Raises Money for a Good Cause
With the revolving door of holiday craft fairs each weekend, there’s one open from Black Friday through Dec. 20, seven days a week. The Three Sisters Lions Club is opening its 14th Holiday Faire on Nov 28. It’s in a new location this year on South Cedar Street behind High Camp Taphouse. The service club […]
Posted inCulture
Free Will Astrology, Week of Nov. 27
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Some seeds can remain dormant for centuries, waiting for the right conditions to germinate. The oldest successfully germinated seed was a 2,000-year-old date palm seed. I suspect you will experience psychospiritual and metaphorical versions of this marvel in the coming weeks. Certain aspects of you have long been dormant but are […]
Posted inPodcasts
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Greg Pereira🎧
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dr. Greg Pereira, the seventh president of Central Oregon Community College. Greg shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Clackamas to leading one of Oregon’s most respected colleges. His career path spans work in homeless shelters, nonprofit leadership, and higher education […]
Posted inBusiness News
Wildlife Winter Range Closures in the Deschutes National Forest Start Dec. 1
Starting Monday, December 1, four winter range closures take effect across the Deschutes National Forest to provide critical habitat for deer and elk. Beginning December 1, 2025, four annual wildlife winter range closure areas including Cabin/Silver Lake, Metolius Winter Range, Opine Travel Management Area and Tumalo Winter Range will begin. Motorized vehicles (including snowmobiles and […]