Since Oregon became the first state to legalize supported adult psilocybin use in 2020 under Measure 109, most media attention has focused on the so-called “heroic dose”—the 30-40 milligram, four-six hour guided psychedelic trip that promises a mystical, mind-expanding journey. But for the experts working in the field, the real story begins once the trip […]
Image
Posted inNews
Two Candidates Announce Intent to Run for Deschutes County Commissioner
Next May voters will elect four commissioners in what will soon be a five-member commission
Two people have announced their intention to run for a seat on Deschutes County’s Board of County Commissioners next spring. The current three-person commission is in the process of outlining districts for a five-person commission, after voters approved increasing the size of the commission in 2024. One of the people who led the effort for […]
Posted inNews
Swift Water & K-9 Teams Lead Search at Dillon Falls
Floater Missing Since July 19
Search and recovery efforts at Dillon Falls continued this week for a man swept over Dillon Falls on July 19. Two women died in the same incident. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says swift water experts worked in and around Class 5 rapids, tethered to safety systems while navigating hazardous conditions near the waterfalls. Professional […]
Posted inNews
Ty Rupert, Long-Serving Captain,Tapped for Deschutes County Interim Sheriff
County Commission appoints Rupert to lead the agency through the 2026 election cycle
The Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners appointed veteran Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Captain Ty Rupert to the role of Interim Sheriff on July 29. All five candidates for the position, which will run 18 months through the 2026 Election Cycle, were present for Tuesday’s vote of the Board, including James McLaughlin, Paul Kansky, Deron […]
Posted inNews
Woman Arrested After Setting Two Small Fires
Multiple callers reported incidents
Bend Police arrested a 45-year old Bend woman in connection with two brush fires near Sawyer Park. Shortly after 11pm on Saturday, July 26, multiple callers reported a fire on the west side of the Deschutes River. Bend Fire & Rescue quickly contained the fire, then requested law enforcement assistance for a second fire that […]
Posted inNews
Running Out of Fresh Air
Local athletic events adapt to annual smoke season
Central Oregon’s summer recreation season now comes with an unwelcome, routine companion: thick, choking smoke. What was once an occasional annoyance has become a regular threat, forcing everyone from weekend hikers to competitive athletes to rethink their outdoor plans. Smoke threatens vulnerable groups and athletes alike Those with sensitive immune systems, like pregnant women, children […]
Posted inNews
Brewing Up Expansions
Initiative Brewing, Sunriver Brewing Company and Wild Ride Brewing grow regional
Three Redmond-based brewpubs have expanded throughout Central Oregon in the last several years. Wild Ride Brewing expanded to Prineville in 2022, with Initiative Brewing and Sunriver Brewing Company expanding more recently. Brian Mitchell, co-founder of Wild Ride Brewing, agrees that production and taprooms have felt economic challenges but says, “In general, both of our Taprooms […]
Posted inNews
Governor Kotek Signs Bills that Break Down Barriers to Housing Construction
Bipartisan legislation builds on Governor Kotek’s goal to increase housing supply and bring down costs
Hillsboro, OR – Today, Governor Tina Kotek commemorated the signing of House Bill 2138, House Bill 3031, House Bill 2258, Senate Bill 684, and House Bill 3145, bipartisan bills aimed at building the housing that Oregonians need with the urgency they deserve. These bills are an essential component of the Governor’s work to break down […]
Posted inBusiness
County Residents Now Able To Recycle New Items
Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), passed by the Legislature in 2021, officially took effect on July 1, 2025. With this new change, residents can now recycle food and beverage cartons, pizza boxes and small scrap metal (less than 10 pounds) in their curbside carts. The RMA makes recycling simpler by creating one […]
Posted inNews
Governor Kotek Signs Historic Clean Drinking Water Legislation
Changes take essential steps forward to address water quality and transparency concerns, while protecting the health of all Oregonians
Salem, OR — Last week, Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 1154 and House Bill 3525 into law, two pieces of legislation which take essential steps forward to address water quality and transparency concerns, while protecting the health of all Oregonians. “There is no more essential public resource than water,” Governor Kotek said. “Oregonians are […]
