Itโs here again: That time of year when we celebrate some of the many makers, dreamers and doers who make our region special. Turn to these pages for some inspiration and information about some of C.O.โs greats.
Pacific Northwest
Natural World: Owls, owls and more owls
Recently I’ve had some interesting phone calls to my home and travelin’ phones, giving me cause to suspect the alien barred owl population (from the eastern United States and Canada) may be on the rise, and people are confusing them with our native great gray owls. Great grays are owls of the open spaces in […]
The Dirt on Dirty Diesel School Buses
“Kids are like hummingbirds. They breathe a lot,” said Dr. Paul Lewis at a recent Oregon Senate committee hearing on Environment and Natural Resources. “Their lungs are small and a lot more of this stuff gets in there…when exposed early in life, there are a lot more decades for those changes to your cells to […]
State Marine Board Considers a Lifejacket Requirement
Lifejacket sales will get a big boost this summer if the Oregon Marine Board gets its way. House Bill 2320โintroduced this legislative session at the request of Gov. Kate Brown on behalf of the Marine Boardโwould require persons using a nonmotorized craftโincluding inner tubes, air mattresses and pool toys, in a river or stream, to […]
Gas, Cars and Roads
Roads are one of those core government services that are a great reflection of a community. It doesn’t matter what your political affiliation, when your right tire goes deep into a pothole, slamming your teeth together, you’re going to curse “government.” The leaders of our cities and states know this, and that’s why no matter […]
The Creators
Art can be something you hang on your wallโbut for those who can’t afford that large painting or print to display, there are thankfully other alternatives. It’s nice when that artful thing you’re seeking is affordable, and even better, when it’s also locally made. Here in Central Oregon, practical, useful art, made by local people, […]
Saving a Town with Cannabis
The Associated Press and the Idaho Statesman, which I believe are a part of the deeply feared and dreaded “opposition party” Emperor Pussy Grabber has spoken of, both ran pieces this week that give us some insight to just how much people enjoy cannabis. The story looks at Huntington, an Oregon town so small I […]
Picks 3/15-3/23
Nell Robinson & Jim Nunally Band Thursday 16 FOLK AMERICANA โ This dynamic talent returns to Bend with a genre-busting, toe-tapping time. Combining jazz and bluegrass with some folky blues thrown in, this is true roots music at its best. Described as a “modern day Patsy Cline,” Robinson is joined by Grammy award-winning guitarist Jim […]
The Dreamers
New businesses pop up year-round in Central Oregon. A special few conceptualize and produce their products locally. Even fewer sell their merchandise with the intention of effecting positive change. The following innovators stand out from the crowd with a vision that goes beyond selling goods. These entrepreneurs are using their inspiration to creating local jobs […]
The Change Makers
Local entrepreneurs are doing big things in the tech world, and some of them are even winning cash awards for their efforts. The 2016 Bend Venture Conference handed out over $3,755,000 in fundingโa new record for Oregon angel conferencesโand some of Central Oregon’s innovators were among the winners. The founders of Cascade Wellness Technology, Investipro […]

