Bend faces a critical challenge: how to accommodate increased population while preserving its unique character and environmental integrity. Unchecked growth can lead to urban sprawl, traffic congestion and strain on natural resources. To navigate these challenges, Bend is embracing “smart growth” principles, an approach to development that prioritizes sustainability, walkability and community well-being. Smart growth […]
Growing Pains
Posted inMusic
Shook Twins: Separate but Connected
Sisters Katelyn and Laurie Shook have spent more time together than most siblings. While the identical twins from Sandpoint, Idaho, are best known for weaving vocal harmonies and plucked banjo strings into their own idiosyncratic brand of danceable folk-pop as the eponymous Shook Twins, they are not as inseparable today as they’ve been for the […]
Posted inCulture
The World Is a Vampire/Rockstar
While I knew it wouldn’t quite have the same cultural cache of “Barbenheimer,” I was still very excited for the same-day release of the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” and the Robert Eggers remake of the classic vampire film “Nosferatu.” In my mind, the two films wouldn’t be quite as disparate as the same-day […]
Posted inNews
Redmond Ponders New Safe Parking Ordinance
The City of Redmond is set to discuss an ordinance change that would allow micro-shelter units at safe parking sites. Redmond’s current safe parking code only allows vehicles at safe parking spaces. While those in support believe the allowance of micro-shelter units will open up more opportunities for unhoused residents, some wonder if these sites […]
Posted inOpinion
In Bend and La Pine, the Urban-Rural Divide is Apparent in Our Parks
They’re both in the same county, but when it comes to funding for things like park services, it seems that the cities of La Pine and Bend couldn’t be further apart. Over the last year, the La Pine Park and Recreation District board of directors abruptly resigned, leaving the staff out of their jobs and […]
Posted inNews
Bend Parks Looks to Restore Historic High Wheels
The Bend Park and Recreation District plans to restore a cultural artifact after years of deterioration, due to exposure to harsh weather and a lack of significant upkeep. The High Wheels, a piece of equipment used to transport logs in the early 1900s, is displayed in Drake Park as a piece of history, meant to […]
Posted inBusiness
Homeless Leadership Coalition Announces Dates for the 2025 Point In-Time Count in Central Oregon
The Homeless Leadership Coalition (HLC), Central Oregon’s Continuum of Care (CoC), will be kicking off the annual Point In Time Count in Central Oregon on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025. The count is part of a state and national effort to identify the number of individuals experiencing homelessness. An accurate count greatly impacts the amount of […]
Posted inBusiness
The Environmental Center Presents: January Green Drinks Screening of Footprints on Katmai
The Environmental Center is thrilled to be kicking off the 2025 Green Drinks series with the screening of Footprints on Katmai. For this event, we will be showing a thought-provoking film that focuses on Ocean plastic and marine debris in Alaska. We will wrap up with a Q&A with Current and former staff and High […]
Posted inBusiness
Cozy Up with Page-turning Stories: Join the Winter Reading Challenge
Make the most of winter’s long days by joining Deschutes Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge. The Winter Reading Challenge (January 1 – March 20) is your opportunity to explore new genres, read diverse authors, and participate in fun activities for the chance to win great prizes from the library. Beginning January 1, adults (ages 18+) […]
Posted inBusiness
Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon Class
The Central Oregon chapter of OSU Master Gardeners™ present a class: Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon. Learn how to grow your own food. Yes, you CAN have a successful vegetable garden in Central Oregon and OSU Master Gardeners will teach you how. This two-hour free class covers Central Oregon climate, soil amendments, site selection, season […]