It’s just a few days until the May 16 election, which has numerous contested races for school and parks boards in Redmond.

Your vote is likely to carry more weight than usual too, because just a few days before Election Day just 14. 2 percent of Deschutes County voters had returned a ballot. If you want to hear direct from many of the candidates, read through their columns here.

Votes are due by 8 p.m. on May 16. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day in order to be counted. Keep an eye out at redmondspokesman.com for updates right after polls close and in the hours and days that follow.

There’s more than just election news this week’s paper. We’ve got two updates on homelessness services in Redmond, including a new low-barrier shelter currently under construction and two new safe parking sites along Highway 97.

We’ve got fun stuff, too. How about a piece about a couple who recognized themselves in a local artist’s painting?

If you’re on the lookout for weekend fun, check out Wild Ride, which is celebrating their 9th anniversary. A local singer/songwriter has a big show in Bend, too.

We also brought back our first “Chuck of the Week” of 2023. Meet Sir Charles! If you’ve got a photo and story about a beloved or bedeviled local marmot, send it to us at news@redmondspokesman.com and you could win a free subscription to the paper.

In much less fun news, keep an eye out for a big jump in costs for garbage services in Redmond, as Republic has asked for a 24 percent increase in town.

Lots of stuff going on in town and we’re doing our best to keep up with it. We added COCC intern Serena Zohbe Garcia earlier this month and next week Snowden intern Janea Melida joins the team.

Thanks so much for your support. Call 541-923-1370 or go to redmondspokesman.com and we’ll get you signed up for home delivery or web access an affordable price. That’s the best way to support our work and stay informed about your community.

To reach our newsroom, stop by our office — located at 361 SW Sixth — from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We’re happy to chat about anything.

— Tim Trainor is editor of the Redmond Spokesman.