Beaver Works Oregon has been busy as the proverbial beaver to restore beaver habitat in LaPine and Collier Memorial State Parks. Along with Oregon State Park staff and other partners, Beaver Works has been planting willow, dogwood, and black cottonwood cuttings along stream and river banks, then installing wire fencing to allow the cuttings to […]
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Oregon Will Exit the Dog-Racing Business
Gov. Kotek signs a bill prohibiting the state’s vast online gambling books from taking bets on greyhounds.
Governor Tina Kotek shut the door this week on Oregon’s large, if largely invisible, role in the rapidly declining sport of greyhound racing. On May 7, Kotek signed House Bill 3020, which, according to a staff summary, “prohibits any person from wagering on the outcome of a greyhound or other dog race, or accept or […]
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Portland Trail Blazers are For Sale
The news comes a day after the draft lottery
The estate of Paul Allen, which owns The Portland Trail Blazers, announced its begun a formal sales process for the NBA franchise. A post on Instagram states it was Allen’s wishes that his sports holdings eventually be sold, with all estate proceeds going to philanthropy. The sales process is expected to continue into the […]
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New Roundabout to Close Intersection on Skyliners Road
Construction on a new roundabout is scheduled to last from June through August
The City of Bend announced on May 12 that a new roundabout will be built at the intersection of Skyliners Road and Skyline Ranch Road, causing a full closure of the intersection for about two months, during construction. According to a press release, the completed roundabout will “facilitate more efficient traffic movement at this very […]
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Prime Time: Amazon Launches New Delivery Hub in Redmond
Amazon purchased a site in east Redmond to help improve deliveries in Central Oregon
An Amazon delivery center is coming to Redmond in a push to accelerate deliveries for customers in Central Oregon. On May 13, Amazon announced it had closed on land in northeast Redmond, along East Antler Avenue, as part of its “continued investment in rural communities.” According to a press release, the purchase aims to support […]
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A GoFundMe Account is Raising Money for Sandos & Smash Food Truck
The Tumalo food truck, located at The Bite, suffers total loss but no injuries
Mother’s Day, May 11, was a record day of sales for Sandos & Smash since opening in Tumalo’s The Bite in February. Just hours after closing, the truck ignited around 10:30 pm, according to owner Andrew Vijarro. “It’s a complete loss, unfortunately,” Vijarro said. Bend Fire & Rescue and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to […]
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Oregon Developers Build Few Condos
A pending bill aims to increase production
CHIEF SPONSOR: State Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland) WHAT IT WOULD DO: House Bill 3746 A would shorten the time frame for condo owners to sue for construction defects in condominiums from 10 years to seven years. (Colorado, Nevada and Washington allow six years, as this bill originally did before being amended.) The bill would also require […]
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Deschutes County Approves Program for RV Housing
Commissioners unanimously approved a program allowing RVs as rental housing
On May 7, Deschutes County Commissioners voted to allow RVs as rental dwellings, authorizing property owners to let someone in an RV live on their land and pay rent. The program, aimed at providing low-income housing opportunities, is set to go into effect immediately. The County’s initial interest in this program came after the passage […]
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Leash Your Doggo — Fur Real
Authorities remind owners to leash dogs in parks — or face $250 fine, potential 30-day park ban
‘Will you please leash your dog?’ It’s a simple request. Yet, depending on a person’s sensitivity level, it comes off as either a neighborly reminder of Bend’s leash ordinance, or a micro-aggression worthy of a shouting match. From Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16, this directive will come from Bend Park and Recreation District […]
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Higher Reimbursements for Primary Care Providers Would Exempt a Powerful Special Interest
Pediatricians in private practice get paid less than hospital doctors
One of the bonuses—and drawbacks—of a citizen Legislature made up of part-timers is that the lawmakers bring real-world expertise, but also their own financial interests, to Salem. Senate Bill 28 would require private insurers to pay independent primary care providers, such as pediatricians and internists, the highest rate their counterparts who work for hospitals receive—a […]