About 10 years ago Willis Mitchell was invited to forage for mushrooms. “I was just fascinated. Oh my God! This is food? This tastes amazing! And then I found out they’re highly medicinal and I could not stop educating myself about them!” His passion eventually led to the recent opening of an apothecary, The Loving […]
The Loving Fungi
Posted inColumns
Cannabis Edibles and Children
Oregon is considering legislation to address an issue no parent should ever have to contend with – non fatal pediatric cannabis overdoses. While childless, I have been enlisted by friends with children who have eaten cannabis edibles, and had adverse reactions. Thankfully, the worst of it was their offspring being, well, really high, then sleeping […]
Posted inLocal News
BOLI Reverses Ruling That Derelict Vessel Removal Is Subject to Prevailing Wages
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries has reversed an earlier finding that the Port of Newport should pay prevailing wages for the removal and disposal of derelict boats from port waters. “On December 11, 2025, BOLI issued a determination that the prevailing wage rate (PWR) laws would apply to the project. The purpose of […]
Posted inBusiness News
Roundabout Books to Host Memoirist, Brianna Madia, Author of Homesick Nomad
Roundabout Books is excited to host New York Times bestselling memoirist Brianna Madia at an event at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon on April 9 at 6:30 pm, to discuss and read from her newest memoir, Homesick Nomad: Settling into an Untethered Life. On sale April 7, this profound and moving memoir delves into the complexities […]
Posted inBusiness News
Rock Star Turned OSU Soil Scientist to Present at OSU-Cascades Science Pub on Mar. 17
The earth beneath our feet will be the topic of Oregon State University – Cascades’ Science Pub on March 17 when rock star turned soil scientist James Cassidy presents “The Amazing Story of Soil.” Cassidy is an award-winning instructor and soil expert in OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences. He is the founder of OSU’s two-acre […]
Posted inBusiness News
Oregon Lottery Supports Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Oregon Lottery is focusing on collaboration and enhanced community outreach to increase awareness of problem gambling in March – also known as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). By participating in this annual grassroots campaign, Oregon Lottery works with local and national partners to promote available prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” […]
Posted inBusiness News
Kiwanis Launch Ticket Sales for Annual Wine Dinner
On-line tickets are available for the 20th Annual Redmond Kiwanis Vintner’s Dinner and Auction on May 8. Diners may log on to www.redmondkiwanis.org to purchase their tickets for $125 or sponsorships. They should be prepared to make an entrée choice of filet mignon, halibut or stuffed mushroom raviolis. The festive meal is scheduled at St. Thomas Catholic […]
Posted inBusiness News
OHA Highlights Rising Injuries, Safety Risks Tied to E-Bike & E-Scooter Use
What you should know: Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging riders to take safety precautions when using e-scooters and e-bicycles, as new data show a sharp increase in serious injuries associated with these “micromobility” or motorized devices. An analysis by OHA’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program (IVPP), using Oregon hospital and emergency department discharge data, shows that e-scooter-related injuries more than […]
Posted inBusiness News
Partners In Care Announces Mother’s Day Tea
Local nonprofit Partners In Care is delighted to announce its upcoming Mother’s Day Tea, an elegant gathering created to honor and celebrate mothers in our community. The event will take place Sunday, May 3, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at the beautiful Tetherow Resort in Bend. Tickets cost $50, which include food and beverages. Visit www.partnersbend.org/mothersday to learn more […]
Posted inBusiness News
Bend Winterfest Donates $7,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon
The magic of winter and the power of community were on full display at the 2026 Bend WinterFest, raising $7,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon (BBBSCO). Held February 13–15 in the Old Mill District, the annual celebration once again brought together thousands of locals and visitors for a weekend of music, winter […]