Bend
Daily News
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rock chip season is on as traction gravel is spread on roads to boost grip, which can cause small chips that may lead to a full windshield replacement if left unrepaired. Auto glass expert Blake Quant—based in Redmond—says a quick $60 fix can help avoid more expensive repairs. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Residents at Shepherd’s House Men’s Recovery Center in Bend celebrated community healing today by joining the Giveback Quilt Project and a gingerbread house contest that honored volunteer Diane Miles returning to the United Kingdom after five years of service. Source Weekly
- ➤ Central Oregon in 2025 saw a boom in housing with new projects (like Jackstraw and Wildflower), rising homelessness, severe wildfires, and evolving transportation projects amid shifts in local government leadership. These trends shaped everyday life across the region. Bend Bulletin
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Former owner Matt Bardy has rebranded Lombardy's Tavern as an official Packers bar at 827 SW Seventh St., serving Wisconsin-inspired fare like butter burgers and cheese curds from the Midwest plus local beers; the bar — featuring Packers memorabilia — remains open daily and plans a cheese curd festival in April. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Mountain Dogs in Bend now offers overnight boarding in 32 sqft suites and will add full-service grooming with nail trimming & haircuts in the coming weeks. The daycare expands services to give pups a fun and comfortable stay. Central Oregon Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The final episode of Stranger Things ended on New Year's Eve at Regal Old Mill in Bend with five showings at 5 p.m., and it is playing today with over ten showings as part of a nationwide screening in more than 500 theatres. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will perform at Tower Theatre on Monday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with tickets from $34 to $54 and the band brings decades of celebrated New Orleans jazz, funk and soul to Bend. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Local instructors host workshops this week blending gentle movement, meditation and sound baths — events include a Chakradance session Saturday at Hanai Foundation, a Wolf Moon restorative class at Namaspa and Winter Wonder Women runs beginning Jan. 7 at Ceiling: Unlimited. Bend Bulletin
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pacific Power customers see a modest decrease in electric bills today as the Oregon Public Utility Commission approved new rates that lower a typical 900 kWh bill by about 0.7% to roughly $153.28, with further adjustments planned for April 1. KTVZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Think Wild treated 893 wildlife patients from 127 species in 2025 and continues caring for 11 cases today—its team of staff, interns, and volunteers made the work possible. Central Oregon Daily
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Chimney Rock is a 2.7-mile moderate hike with 600 feet gain ending at a dramatic rock formation with views of Crooked River Canyon (and Cascade Range). Hikers from Bend drive east on Highway 20 then left on Highway 27 to reach the trailhead with a nearby campground. Bend Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bend High’s Leif Larwin aims to boost his wrestling career beyond state titles as he competes this Friday at the Rollie Lane Invitational in Nampa (Idaho) against top West competitors. The 175-pound star stays focused on defending local titles while preparing for national challenges ahead. Bend Bulletin
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Gino Vannelli Concert
8-10 p.m. — Oxford Hotel Bend — Ticket price unknown — Experience the timeless jazz vocals of Gino Vannelli at this unique venue.
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Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) Class
8 AM - 4 PM — Ewing Outdoor Supply — Exam registration required (additional fee) — Gain essential skills for irrigation contract execution with provided lunch.
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Bend Thirsty Third Thursday Networking
4-6 p.m. — The Cellar — First drink free for registered attendees — Network with design and construction professionals in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Maxwell Friedman Group Concert
7 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — $19.25 — Enjoy an evening of live music in a vibrant local venue.
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CORK Mom Squad Running Group
9-10 a.m. — Miller's Landing Park — Free entry — A welcoming running group for moms of all running levels to connect and share experiences while staying active.
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Comedy Night with Anthony Poponi
8-9 p.m. — Bangers & Brews Westside Bend Oregon — Ticket price not listed — Enjoy a night filled with sharp wit and quick crowd work from comedian Anthony Poponi.
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Sierra Nevada Red Fox Discovery Night
7-8:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Free entry — Discover the elusive Sierra Nevada red fox with expert insights and captivating field stories.
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Archery Summit Wine Dinner
5-9 p.m. — Tetherow Resort — Cost varies — Experience a multi-course dinner paired with exceptional wines amid the winter charm of Bend.
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Western Sky Choir Concert
3-7 p.m. — Open Space Event Studios — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Enjoy a vibrant concert featuring hits from Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Olivia Rodrigo.
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