In 2020, Oregon voters put a lot of stock in Measure 110 โ the groundbreaking citizen initiative that made the state the first in the nation to decriminalize user amounts of drugs. The decriminalization portion of Measure 110 was rolled back by the legislature in 2024 โ but the part of Measure 110 that took […]
What We Learned from Oregonโs New Audit of Measure 110
Posted inLocal News
Central Oregon Mayors Reflect on 2025
Bend Itโs been a busy year for the Bend City Council. An expanded meeting schedule and a focus on strategy have brought forth ambitious and community-driven goals, setting out how weโll continue to make progress for our local community. And in 2025, weโve been doing it all in the midst of chaos and confusion at the […]
Posted inCulture Features
Redmond Woman is a โResilient Warriorโ Hoping to Inspire Others
Mindy Dougherty has had a challenging life, going through numerous traumatic events dating back to her earliest memories at age 4 when she says she was sexually abused by one of her brothers. She spent her childhood split between Florida with her mother and California with her father whom she describes as a drug addict […]
Posted inBusiness News
Hayden Homes Amphitheater is a Leader in Sustainability at Live Nation Outdoor Venues
The Hayden Homes Amphitheater continues to lead the industry in sustainable venue operations, delivering consistent, measurable results that make every show more environmentally responsible. During the 2025 season, the venue achieved a 93.5 percent landfill diversion rate through its commitment to eliminating single-use plastic water bottles, reducing overall waste, and empowering fans to make greener […]
Posted inCulture
The Last First Friday with Red Chair
The first Friday of 2026 will also be a goodbye party for a downtown staple. The Red Chair gallery is closing permanently around 8pm on Jan. 2 after the First Friday event. It opened in the historic OโKane Building on NW Oregon Avenue in 2010 to support local artists who needed a location to show […]
Posted inBusiness News
Massive Turbine Shut-Off Valve Replaced at Round Butte Hydroelectric Facility
Portland General Electric (PGE) and The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) are undertaking a complex project to replace the original turbine shut off valves at their jointly owned Round Butte Hydroelectric Facility. This critical infrastructure upgrade demonstrates PGE’s and CTWSโs commitment to maintaining reliable, clean hydroelectric power generation while supporting the continued safe operation of […]
Posted inBusiness News
Vanquishing Winter Blues with Winter Wonder Women
As we all know, short days and bitter cold make maintaining fitness a daunting prospect during Bendโs winter season, but Ceiling: Unlimited Health Coaching is stepping in to fill the gap with a returning 8-week program, Winter Wonder Women! Winter Wonder Women is designed to help women keep moving, all winter long. The foundation of […]
Posted inBusiness News
City Rebate Program Saves Water, Reduces Bills for Housing Works
The City of Bend and Housing Works have partnered to increase water savings and reduce utility bills for the Housing Authority through a City rebate program that replaced 101 high-volume toilets with high-efficiency models in all 88 units at Summit Park Apartments in Bend. Housing Worksโ estimated annual savings is $10,600 total, or $105 per toilet. […]
Posted inBusiness News
City Club of Central Oregon to Host Forum on Oregonโs Recreational Liabilityย Waiver Issue
Oregonโs recreation economy, long a cornerstone of Central Oregonโs identity and quality of life, is facing a growing legal and financial threat. On Thursday, January 8, the City Club of Central Oregon will host a public forum examining how unenforceable recreational liability waivers are driving up insurance costs, straining small businesses, and putting the future of recreation […]
Posted inBusiness News
Bend WinterFest 2026 Lights Up the Old Mill with Neon Nights, โ80s Trivia & the Hot Cocoa Run
The Boss Mortgageย Bend WinterFestย returns February 13โ15, 2026, transforming the Old Mill District into a winter playground packed with music and immersive experiences for all ages. New this year, WinterFest is turning up the glowย with the introduction ofNeon Nightsย โ a colorful, illuminated experience designed to bring extra warmth and visual excitement to the festival after dark. […]