When people learned of Susan “Phoenix” Lane’s disappearance last November, the mountain community was shaken, even more so when she was found murdered eight days later on Nov. 29, and her husband Michel Fournier was taken into custody. Unfortunately, it wasn’t because something like this has never happened on the mountain, but because of what Lane was to so many — a mother, a sister, a friend. Dozens of people joined the search to look for her, adamant that she wasn’t a “mi

In an era when police departments nationwide are grappling with staffing shortages and strained public relations, finding new ways to connect with the community has never been more essential. The Sandy Police Department is taking a particularly creative approach to that end through a new video project that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the men and women serving the city The project, spearheaded by Sergeant Thornton, whose responsibilities include recruitment, retention,

"A walk in nature walks the soul back home." – Henry David Thoreau In our digital world, it’s all too easy to spend hours scrolling social media, binge-watching shows, or getting lost in online distractions. While these activities can be entertaining, they often keep us sedentary — and our bodies (and minds) pay the price. Physical movement is not just about fitness; it’s about improving your overall quality of life. Research shows that regular activity can boost mood, incre

When Susan “Phoenix” Lane was found last year, and her death ruled a result of domestic violence by those who love her, people on the mountain reached out — to the county, the state, legislators, and anyone who would listen — requesting better resources to help those experiencing abuse in their community. It wasn’t the first time Mount Hood residents had professed a need for this kind of support, but the circumstances and media coverage of Phoenix’s death helped emphasize th

(from L to R): Malika Cox, Julie Lazar, Andrew White, Fran Stier, Cayla Solso, Ryan Ellsworth Folks in the Hoodland area are a pretty insular bunch. Getting to know us is a big job. Fortunately for all of our collective well being, Orchid Health is wrapping up a year of putting in work at their Welches office. Orchid Health was founded 11 years ago in the pursuit of a community-focused approach to healthcare. Their founders hoped to work alongside communities to foster a hol

As we close the chapter on September and Suicide Awareness month, mental health continues to grow into the limelight with different organizations around the country. From small face-to-face groups to large online communities, mental health is seeing advanced awareness in reducing the stigma and focusing on a positive change. And although The Mt. Hood Villages is a small community, the need is not relative to its size. Acknowledging the mental health crisis throughout all wa

Andrew White, PA-C, will be departing his role as a Primary Care Provider at the Hoodland Clinic this fall. Andrew’s last day will be October 20, 2025, as he and his family prepare to relocate out of state. Andrew joined Orchid Health in 2017, and for the past eight years has been an integral part of both patient care and the growth of Orchid’s organization. His thoughtful, compassionate, and dedicated approach has touched thousands of patients. “While we are sad to see Andr