It’s been a bit of a relearning experience this week for driving on the icy roads in Bend, especially in the roundabouts that tend to act more like skating rinks than traffic control.

With a series of snowstorms descending on Central Oregon, The Bulletin has been ahead of the weather, warning our readers of the impending snowfall and winds. We hope that helps drivers prep for the icy conditions and slow down a bit.

The Bulletin staff jumped on the snowstorm stories with gusto, gathering helpful tips on how to protect one’s home during the cold snap, and how to be a good neighbor by adhering to the local laws about clearing one’s sidewalks, and an explainer about what roads are plowed first and why after a snow dump. We’ll look at historic storms from the past, too.

That’s the beauty of subscribing to our digital format. It’s live 24/7 and is updated regularly with fresh information.

There’s also plenty of fun to be had. Our coverage — available at bendbulletin.com and on our news app and social media channels — includes where to take the youngsters sledding, or go cross-country skiing or ice skating, and where to eat and drink after all your outdoor adventures.

And we have regular updates from Mt Bachelor on its skiing conditions. You can get news alerts and details by signing up for a variety of our newsletters, here.

The cold snap, of course, can be dangerous for the unhoused, and we have a list of places where people can go to get warm and a hot meal, too.

All of this information comes to you via our digital platforms, e-edition, Instagram and Facebook sites.

Fluff stuff

This past week we had some entertaining content in GO! Magazine.

Reporter Janay Wright took on “Dry January” with a review of alcohol-free “mocktails,” or drinks for the “sober curious,” as she writes. Wright reviews several concoctions at local taverns and restaurants. It’s a refreshing alternative to the usual beer and wine scene.

New state flag?

And why not get the juices flowing by suggesting Oregon has a boring state flag?

Redmond Spokesman Editor Tim Trainor suggested just that in a recent editorial.

Here’s a snippet: Utah and Minnesota recently finished years-long efforts to design new state flags. Both states had boring blue backgrounds and yellow lettering, Latin words and complicated seals similar to Oregon’s current design. Both states emerged with bold designs that symbolize their state’s geography and its people.”

Should Oregon do the same? Take our online poll here.

And send us your suggestions for a redesign at letters@bendbulletin.com

Remember it’s all in fun as we wait for the storms to abate, and we can navigate the roundabouts with a little less anxiety.

Thanks for reading.

If you like what we are doing, please support our local journalism by subscribing.

Gerry O’Brien, Editor