My first experience with lead toxicity as a veterinarian was in a sweet basset hound that developed acute lead poisoning from licking lead paint dust from his paws. Currently, in the wildlife hospital at Think Wild in Bend, we see a different manifestation of the same toxicity, from an avoidable source. In mid 2025, a […]
Lead Toxicity in the Wild Ones
Posted inLocal News
City Council Moves Home Hardening Code to a Vote, Discusses Defensible Space Code
Oregon cities including Ashland and Sisters have recently adopted new home hardening requirements in their development codes, and it appears that Bend may soon follow suit. On Feb. 25, the Bend City Council moved a home hardening code proposal forward for an April 1 vote, with May 15 discussed as the proposed effective date. The proposed requirements, which fall under Oregon Residential Specialty code Section R327, would mean new homes need […]
Posted inLocal News
LOGE Camps Head Toward Bankruptcy, Slapped with $9.4 Million Foreclosure Lawsuit
Troubles at the company that owned LOGE Entrada in Bend are affecting its properties throughout the American West. Further reporting has borne out: LOGE Camps ousted its CEO for misrepresenting a real estate portfolio that is in “significant distress.” Then came a $9.4 million foreclosure lawsuit. A Montana staff has since been rendered jobless and […]
Posted inLocal News
Classified Staff at Central Oregon Community College Could Strike for the First Time
The clock is counting down to what could be the first-ever strike of classified union workers at Central Oregon Community College. At an impasse over contract negotiations, the union started a 30-day cool-down period on Feb. 23. After that, the union could vote to authorize a strike at any time, with a 10-day notice. Contract negotiations have been underway since […]
Posted inLocal News
Some Members of Kotek’s Prosperity Council Unhappy About Tax Change
One of the most contentious issues in the current legislative session revolves around an issue called “bonus depreciation.” It’s a tax break that business groups hope could spur purchases of everything from tractors and commercial fishing boats to high-tech machinery and new housing. To progressive groups, it’s a giveaway to businesses that were going to […]
Posted inBusiness News
Jackpot Burning Planned on Crooked River National Grassland
Fire managers on the Ochoco National Forest plan to conduct prescribed burning on the Crooked River National Grassland beginning Monday, March 2, at approximately 10:00 a.m., pending all required approvals. Operations are expected to continue through Tuesday, March 3, weather and conditions permitting. The project will treat approximately 404 acres within the Pace Jackpot burning […]
Posted inBusiness News
Sunriver Music Festival Announces 49th Summer Concert Series
From August 10-20, 2026, Sunriver Music Festival presents its 49th season in two spectacular, historic Central Oregon venues—the Sunriver Resort Great Hall and the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. Performances feature world-class orchestra musicians and renowned soloists, led by Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell. This summer’s concert series includes a celebration of American orchestral music as part of the nationwide commemoration of the country’s 250th Anniversary. Page 2Sunriver Music Festival Announces 49th Summer Concert […]
Posted inBusiness News
Mortgage Rates in Historical Perspective
With mortgage rates recently dipping slightly below 6%, many buyers are asking the same question: is that actually a good rate? The answer depends entirely on perspective. Compared to just a few years ago, anything above 5% can feel high. But historically speaking, today’s rates are far more reasonable than many headlines — and group […]
Posted inFilm
Sahasi Chori (Brave Girl) Puts a Human Face on Trafficking
For the last few years, I’ve been the lead shorts programmer for the Bend Film Festival, which has involved me watching hundreds and hundreds of short films over several months of submissions. One thing I’ve learned in that time is that it’s easy to tell when you’re watching a terrible one, but when you discover […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Sip Happens at Minnie’s
On any given evening in downtown Bend, the sidewalks along Wall and Bond Streets hum with the usual mix of après ski glow, Patagonia puffers and the anticipatory buzz of dinner reservations. But inside the newly opened The Westman is a softer scene. One that invites you to sink in, warm up and linger over […]