The Central Oregon Trail Alliance would like to thank and recognize Emmy Andrews, COTAโs first Executive Director, for her five years of leadership. Emmy has been instrumental in COTAโs growth: growing volunteer participation by 100%, increasing COTAโs budget fourfold and building COTAโs staff from one to several. During Emmyโs tenure COTA has built the capacity […]
COTA Seeks New Executive Director
Looney Bean Coffee Rebrands
We’re excited to announce our rebranding to the new name Watershed Coffee Roasters!ย It’s still us (same owners), same staff, same menu, and same vibes so it will feel pretty seamless as a transition.ย watershedroasters.com Formerly the Looney Bean of Bend, our new brand reflects our watershed moment of installing an electric roaster in house […]
New Law Aims to Improve Court Experiencesย For Survivors of Abuse and Assault
Senator Janeen Sollman (DโHillsboro, Forest Grove & the Rock Creek area)ย was among the state officials and community leaders gathered by Governor Tina Kotek at the State Library for a ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 710.ย The legislation recognizes that survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse deserve a court experience of protection, not further harm. […]
Rent Stabilization Percentages for 2026 Released
On Sept. 30, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) published the maximum rent increases allowed by law for 2026. Per statute, the Office of Economic Analysis calculates the maximum rent increase by adding 7% to the average change in the cost of living over the past year. Only one rent increase is allowed every […]
BLM Cleans Homeless Camps near La Pine
The Bureau of Land Managementโs Prineville District completed a major cleanup effort near La Pine at several long-term camps. The effort required a coordinated response from the BLM and Deschutes County officials before the BLM implemented a cleanup. The clean-up was necessary to address hazardous materials, trash and abandoned vehicles remaining in the area. The […]
Apply for City of Bend Community Advisory Bodies
Community committees, boards and commissions are a great way to get involved with local government. The City has several Council-appointed advisory groups that make recommendations to City Council or City administrative staff. Applications are being accepted for the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Budget Committee, Core Area Advisory Board, Human Rights and Equity Commission, Landmarks Commission, […]
Open Barn Day
On Oct. 11, Happy Trails Horse Rescueย will be holding anย Open Barn Day from noonโ2 pm. We are asking a donation ticket of $20 per person (kids under 18 free). Tickets can be purchased on our website atย www.happytrailshr.org Happy Trails Horse Rescue, located in Tumalo on Couch Market Road, just west of Bend, is dedicated to […]
Top Docs of Central Oregon
Central Oregon has no shortage of impressive people in any professional field, but this week weโre shining a spotlight on a handful of the โtop docsโ โ or more accurately, โtop medical professionalsโ โ of our region. These โtop docsโ are not just serving their community in their practices, but also, going above and beyond […]
Sondra Marshall, Ph.Dย ย
Sondra Marshall, Ph.D has become a familiar name across Central Oregon over the past two decades. The Bend-based psychologist founded the Programs of Evaluation, Development and Learning at St. Charles Health System, creating what has become a lifeline for local families navigating developmental and medical challenges. Marshall also helped launch the Central Oregon Concussion Program […]
A Good Man to Have in Your Corner
At one point during the Cascade Cycling Classic, Mark Goodman found himself hanging halfway out of a moving vehicle. Near Prineville, a professional bicycle racer had crashed. Despite rips in his cycling kit and road rash on his arm and leg, the racer hopped back on his bike in pursuit of the field. Goodman, who […]

