For many buyers, the most intimidating part of purchasing a home isn’t choosing the house—it’s choosing the loan. With so many acronyms and options, mortgages can feel unnecessarily complicated. The good news? Most buyers fall into just a handful of common loan categories. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the most popular home loan options, explained […]
Home Loans Made Simple
Posted inColumns
Peace on Earth and the Daily News
In my humble opinion, the majority of people in the world prefer Peace on Earth to the alternative. I’ve asked around, not exactly a scientific survey, and everyone I’ve asked prefers Peace on Earth. What exactly are we preferring when we contemplate this ever-prayed-for dream? Peace on Earth is way more complex and soulful than […]
Posted inLocal News
Statewide Graduation Rates Are Up for Nearly All Student Groups
Four-year high school graduation rates in Oregon have inched up, but still remain below the most recent national average. Data released on Jan. 29 by the Oregon Department of Education shows the state reached an 83% graduation rate across the state’s 197 school districts. That mark is Oregon’s highest in a decade. Nationally, a recent […]
Posted inCulture
Special Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
There are several ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day, from an intimate evening at home to a splurge on a special dinner at a local restaurant. We’re highlighting just a few of the events happening over Valentine’s weekend. Dinner & Wine Pairing A pop-up dinner and wine pairing is being held at The Winery at […]
Posted inChow
Sweet on Local
Valentine’s Day has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute it’s January gloom and wool socks. The next you are staring down Feb. 14 wondering how to say, “I love you,” without resorting to a drugstore heart box that could have been bought anywhere by anyone at the last minute. This is where […]
Posted inBusiness News
City of Bend Hosting Open House for 15th Street and Ferguson Road Roundabout Project
The City of Bend invites community members to attend an informational Design Open House for the 15th Street and Ferguson Road Roundabout Project on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Larkspur Community Center 1600 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend, OR 97702. This drop-in event offers community members an opportunity to […]
Posted inBusiness News
NeighborImpact Serves More Than 1 Million
Central Oregonians came to NeighborImpact for services more than a million times last year, according to new data published by NeighborImpact analyzing annual impact. The organization recorded 1,011,391 individual services provided to Central Oregonians assisted during the 24-25 program year—more than double the 460,802 services provided 5 years ago. Individual services are counted each time a person […]
Posted inBusiness News
“BAT”-ten Down the Hatches This Winter to Prevent Wildlife Conflicts
Winter is the most effective time to prevent wildlife conflicts before they start. With many species less active, homeowners have a limited opportunity to address entry points, complete humane exclusions, and install habitat features that reduce conflicts before spring nesting and activity increases. Think Wild encourages property owners to schedule humane wildlife services during the […]
Posted inBusiness News
Heart of Oregon Corps Named Nonprofit of the Year by Central Oregon Builders Association
Heart of Oregon Corps is proud to announce it has been named 2025 Nonprofit of the Year at Central Oregon Builders Association’sannual Excellence Awards ceremony held Thursday, Jan. 15. The award was generously sponsored by Miller Lumber. The recognition comes on the heels of a successful year of community fundraising for Heart of Oregon Corps, which has now raised […]
Posted inBusiness News
St. Charles Awards $140K to 34 Local Organizations
St. Charles Health System announced today Community Benefit grants of more than $143,000 to 34 local organizations in Central Oregon. The grants were awarded to provide basic needs, sponsor local events and as part of St. Charles’ Priority Grant to increase a sense of belonging and reduce loneliness and isolation. One of the grants awarded […]