Last Thursday morning, Sen. Jeff Merkley dropped by the Source offices—cowboy boots and all. We were impressed. During our endorsement interview last fall, when Sen. Merkley was campaigning for re-election, we were lukewarm about the senator and his knowledge about Bend and what issues are pertinent to the region. At that time, he spoke in […]
Glass Slipper
Posted inOpinion
Putting Money Where It Belongs
A year ago, Congress’ “job approval” rating hit an all-time low, 13 percent. Over the past year, that approval rating has climbed to 23 percent, which yes, is an improvement, but still dismal, and still hamstrung by the constant partisan bickering and stunts like writing letters to Iran’s leaders. But not everything at the U.S. […]
Posted inOpinion
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
We have a closet full of Boots and Slippers this week. SLIPPER: Heisman: The University of Oregon QB Marcus Mariota could have gone pro last year. He didn’t. Instead, he returned to the University of Oregon—and, in the process, has led the Ducks toward a national title. On Saturday, he won the Heisman trophy—and did […]
Posted inOpinion
Fueling the Fire Department
Back in May, voters approved a property tax levy to raise much-needed funds for the Bend Fire Department. With resources stretched thin, response times for emergency medical services (which the fire department provides) throughout Bend have become dangerously long. The five year levy—which voters overwhelming approved—is intended to raise money to improve response times for […]
Posted inOpinion
GIVE! Thanks!
Among holiday traditions growing up, each December my mom would gather all the solicitations she had received from the previous 11 months from various nonprofits, from the mega-national organizations like the Red Cross to the local nonprofits that were staffed by volunteers and run out of some board member’s kitchen. She would pile all the […]
Posted inOpinion
Flowing Forward
A year ago, a major leak sprung in the concrete base of the 103-year-old Newport Avenue dam, allowing river water to surge through the hole and essentially drain Mirror Pond. It was hoped that the leak—the third in six years—would finally force a conclusion to the debate over what to do about Mirror Pond. Yet, […]
Posted inNews
TGIF! What To Do This Weekend #inBend
Just think…all you have to do is make it through the final few hours of your work week and then you can enjoy your days off with these awesome weekend events! Here’s what we suggest checking out… friday 7 First Friday ART! ART! ART!—With fresh art gracing the walls of your favorite shops downtown (including […]
Posted inCulture
Our Picks 11/5-11/13
thursday 6 An Evening of Empowerment SOUL FOOD—Four artists gather to inspire and empower you! Yes you! Brianna Mercado put on one of this year’s most memorable TEDxBend talks, discussing her cancer survival mixed with beautiful and deeply inspired modern dance. Naomi Wachira is a stunning folk musician who came to Seattle via Kenya and […]
Posted inOpinion
Hats Off!
In the three races for City Council positions, our editorial team had an incredibly difficult time choosing which candidates to endorse, and for the best reason—we were impressed by all of the candidates. Over the past few months, we have had the opportunity to profile each of the candidates, and additionally hosted them for endorsement […]
Posted inOpinion
Get Spinning!
In a recent letter to the editor, one of our readers pointed out that it isn’t the lack of bike racks downtown that limits bike commuting, but the lack of good, safe pathways for cyclists. Yes, we agree. And, in a final report released by the Growth Management Department released this month, it seems as […]
