Bend is in the process of compiling five years of traffic crash data to help inform future safety plans and wants the public to help point out problem areas. The City of Bend launched a new survey and an interactive comment map for people to say which areas they think need safety improvements and share challenges of traveling around Bend. More than 800 people have already […]
Bend Compiles Traffic Crash Data for New Safety Plan
Posted inCulture
Free Will Astrology, Week of April 23
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’re finished with energy-draining indulgences. No more seductive perils or cute ailments, either. Once you wriggle free from the tangles that have been hobbling your style, I suspect you will also renounce anything that resembles joyless restraint, naive certainties, pointless cravings, numbing comforts or misplaced bravery. May it be so! Abracadabra! […]
Posted inMusic
Fern Spores Tours the Pacific Northwest
After leaving her partner, homestead and job in Idaho and moving to Olympia, Washington, Alyssa Nunke desired only one thing: start an explicitly all-female band. The strategy was simple. Host an open mic night. Listen for potential members. Rinse. Repeat. And it worked, perfectly. On just her fourth night she struck gold in the form of Jade Kovatz, the other frontrunner of the band. The rest of the femme-folk-rock band Fern Spores members […]
Posted inLocal News
U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Resigns Amid Investigation
U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned her position April 20, amid an investigation into various allegations of professional misconduct. Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican who got her start in politics on the Happy Valley City Council, represented Oregon’s 5th Congressional District from 2023 to 2025. With strong support from the Teamsters union, Chavez-DeRemer won Senate […]
Posted inElections
Vote Amanda Page for Deschutes County Commission Pos. 3
With a handful of people in the race for Position 3 on the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners, chances are we’ll see a rematch between some of these candidates during the November go-round. That might be a good thing, because we admit that this race involves some tough choices. Amy Sabbadini is a beloved […]
Posted inLocal News
Without an Operator, Managed Homeless Camp in Redmond Sits Vacant
In March, Deschutes County and the City of Redmond completed construction on a 36-site campground for people transitioning out of homelessness, complete with new gravel roads, water and power infrastructure and a black slatted chain link fence. More than a month later, the campground remains empty, a padlock and chain latching the gate shut. Meanwhile, hundreds of […]
Posted inNews
BioBlitz Aims to Gather Data for New Wildlife Crossings
A collaboration between students and biologists is moving forward in gathering data on flora and fauna on the fatal-for-wildlife Highway 20. The program contributes to the Bend to Suttle Lake Wildlife Passage Initiative, managed by Central Oregon LandWatch the Oregon Wildlife Foundation, COLW’s fiscal sponsor. The Initiative aims to create a solution to the hundreds of wildlife-vehicle collisions along the 35 miles of Highway […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Bend Savory Spice Rebrands as Top Hat Spice Shop
Bend Savory Spice is undergoing a rebrand in May, but the products will largely remain unchanged. Owner Matt Perry says after 15 years, he’s decided to stop operating as a franchise and take local control. He’s changing the name to “Top Hat Spice Shop.” “The biggest difference is that we’ll now be able to create […]
Posted inBusiness News
Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo Announces Sara Evans Will Perform
The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is proud to welcome multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans as part of the Kendall Toyota of Bend Free Summer Concert Series. Taking the stage on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Evans will kick off a week of live music, summer nights, and unforgettable fair experiences right here in Central Oregon. […]
Posted inBusiness News
Haulin’ Aspen Trail Race Returns August 8 with Scenic, High-Elevation Challenge in Bend
Trail runners from across the Pacific Northwest will gather in Central Oregon this summer for one of the region’s most scenic and challenging races, as the Haulin’ Aspen Trail Run returns on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Hosted by Bend Races, the event features a full marathon, half marathon, and 6.5-mile course (“Half As”), all set entirely on […]