Entering Bend’s downtown, I’ve often wondered about the origins of the street names there and in the mill worker’s neighborhoods. Wall, Hill, Harriman, Steidl, Tweet and many more are attributed to significant people who developed the town. Over the years, Bend has transformed from a tent and shanty village, occupied by a handful of families, […]
outside features
Posted inOutside
What to do about outdoor cats?
If you’re dealing with feral or outdoor cats in your own yard, here’s what to do—and what not to do
A somewhat recent news story featured a dead cat, hung over a fence for all to see. Very sad, but one-sided. Sure, the guy who did it was wrong—very wrong—and broke the law killing his neighbor’s cat. But what about the cat, who was trespassing on that neighbor’s and others neighbors’ private property? As readers of […]
Posted inOutside
Get Your Gravel On
Winter, spring, summer or fall, cycling on pavement is not your only option
Central Oregon is a prime destination for cyclists, with recreational and professional spinners alike coveting the diversity and accessibility of the road and trail networks. Mountain bikes get the most attention—and for good reason. Over 300 miles of single track await those who like the dirt. Plenty of road riders seek the roadways as well, […]
Posted inOutside
River Talk
A three-year-long study of the Upper Deschutes is nearing completion. Here’s what two local river advocates think so far
Like a Central Oregonian impatiently waiting to go for a swim on a hot high desert day, Natasha Bellis and Gail Snyder jumped right into the hyped Upper Deschutes River Basin Study. After rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands wet, Bellis, program manager for the Deschutes River Conservancy and Snyder, co-founder and executive […]
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Tunes for Owls
Local violinist brothers to perform in support of a Great Horned Owl
It’s safe to say that the Oncken brothers, 9-year-old Ezra and 11-year-old Nicolas, have spent their lives growing up with the sounds of violin strings. Elder brother Nicolas can distinctly remember the first time he heard a violin and how powerful that moment was; and so can his mom, Akiko. “From that first day Nicolas […]