For those unfamiliar with the region, Central Oregon is often synonymous with Bend. Bend’s rapid population growth and booming real estate market have been widely documented—but what about the surrounding communities? To understand what today’s numbers really mean, we need to put them into context. Let’s start with a quick snapshot of national trends and […]
Central Oregon’s Decade of Growth
Posted inBusiness News
New Central Library Set to Open to the Public May 11
Deschutes Public Library announced today that the new Central Library in Bend (61956 SE Santorini Street) will open to the public on Monday, May 11, 2026. This comes just less than two years after the official groundbreaking ceremony on the site on May 21, 2024. “We are excited to share the new Central Library with the […]
Posted inLocal News
Alleged Burglar Named in Late-Night Home Invasion that Turned Deadly
In what police suspect was a targeted event, a late-night home invasion turned fatal in the gated Awbrey Glen golf community on Bend’s northwest side on March 12. Zachary Dale Zamzow Douglas, 36 and a Bend resident, allegedly tried to break into the home on the 3500 block of NW Braid Drive around 11:45 pm. […]
Posted inLocal News
Redmond Teenager Dies in Motorcycle-SUV Collision
A Redmond teenager died on March 13 when the motorcycle he was a passenger on smashed into a turning Subaru driver in southeast Bend. At around 6:28 pm, Bend Police officers responded to the crash site at the intersection of SE Second Street and Miller Avenue. Traveling north on Second Street, the motorcyclists, who were […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor, Week of March 26
Privacy belongs in Bend’s public conversation I recently attended my first Deschutes Democrats meeting and came away with a simple conclusion: Bend needs to start talking a lot more seriously about privacy. At the meeting, I asked U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum what national privacy bills are worth tracking and who constituents should contact to better […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Japanese Food To-Go
A new Japanese restaurant is offering food to take home and enjoy. PAN Japanese Kitchen has opened on SE Third Street in the former location of Sweetheart Donuts. It’s owned by Anne Chavaree Matrakul and Pat Oracha Penyachoti who own Thai Table and Dragon Chinese Kitchen along with Chef JJ Jate Jitmetta, who is Penyachoti’s […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor, Week of March 19
ODOT Funding Regarding the Opinion in March 5, 2026, that brought forth the political issues of raising taxes on fuel to pay ODOT services, I wish to highlight the statement: “Due to real progress on the climate front, through electric vehicles and efficiency, the state now has fewer dollars for road maintenance.” First, it should […]
Posted inLocal News
Deschutes River High School Opens Up to Realms, Bend Tech Students
As Bend Tech Academy and Realms High School discontinue their education programs, Deschutes River High School opens up to students coming for the next school year. The school will be located on North East 5th Street, on Bend Tech Academy’s former campus. Deschutes River High School, will be a choice school accepting students in the Bend-La […]
Posted inLocal News
Controversial Bill to Fix Oregon’s Cash-Strapped Public Universities Awaits Gov. Kotek’s Signature
Before adjourning last week, Oregon lawmakers passed a controversial bill aimed at finding solutions for the state’s financially challenged public universities, which chief sponsor Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland) says face “fierce headwinds.” The universities have experienced declining enrollment and consistent budget deficits over the past decade. Members of the state’s Legislature hope they can improve […]
Posted inBusiness News
Summer Recreation Program Registration Opens March 17 – 18
Bend Park and Recreation District is opening registration for summer recreation programs and summer/fall sports leagues on March 17 – 18. The Summer 2026 Online Playlist is available for viewing and download now. Registration will open for programs for mid-June through August. Summer camp payment plan returns After its inaugural offering last summer, a summer camp payment plan […]