Bend’s City Councilership is under scrutiny for potentially reducing opportunities for public input. While casting a ballot remains paramount, an editorial suggests there may be another way to shape Council decisions—leaving citizens to debate the impact of fewer voices on local democracy.

Facing a significant reduction in staff due to budget cuts, the West Central Montana Avalanche Center is turning to the public for critical observations to help monitor avalanche dangers across western Montana’s vast backcountry. As more people venture into the winter wilderness, the need for community involvement in avalanche safety has never been greater.