Bend
Daily News
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Employee-owned stores and shoppers raised a record $85,236.70 in the 15th annual Food for February fundraiser held in December with over $30K matched by Rudy’s Markets. The funds supported Family Kitchen and the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank to ease winter hunger challenges. KTVZ
- ➤ The Downtown Bend Library will begin its remodel on Feb. 2 by closing its second floor, prompting community groups to seek new meeting spaces while library staff help find alternatives (including local suggestions). It will offer drive-up services at the Central branch before downtown reopens in spring 2027. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Tim Gibbons, a 67-year-old former substitute teacher, shares his journey into homelessness after a costly car repair bill left him without stable housing. He now receives meals and support from case managers at Shepherd’s House Ministries Lighthouse in Bend. Bend Bulletin
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Powder House is expanding with a new venue called Base Camp on the West Side. The (8,000 sqft) space offers outdoor seating with fire pits, 36 taps, handcrafted cocktails and live music, with construction set to finish late April or early May. KTVZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ JD Simo and Luther Dickinson will perform at Tower Theatre in Bend on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The 'Do the Rump!' show features electrifying blues that let the artists blend styles (psychedelic, rock, bluegrass) in a relaxed jam session. Bend Bulletin
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ COCC faculty and classified staff unions rallied at Boyle Education Center for higher wages on Wednesday night — with classified members calling for a $27 starting wage while the college proposed a modest raise— and the faculty union held its first contract bargaining session on Thursday. Bend Bulletin
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents near the Bend Airport remain concerned that small aircraft still use leaded aviation gasoline (which was banned for cars decades ago); the FAA is working to approve unleaded alternatives by the end of 2030. KTVZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local health officials in Bend warn that 7-OH, a new concentrated form of kratom that mimics opioids, is raising addiction concerns as it remains easily available over the counter. The FDA is reviewing its status while treatment centers report an increase in withdrawal cases. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ A Class I recall by Ambriola targets grated Pecorino Romano sold between Nov. 3 and Nov. 20 (with expiration dates through May) after tests found listeria; the recall affects Oregon retailers and others, and it advises consumers to return the cheeses for refunds. Central Oregon Daily
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ IMC basketball conference play starts today at 6:30 p.m. with Bend High boys hosting Crook County and Ridgeview matching Mountain View while girls play at opposite venues; Caldera teams open on Tuesday with a home doubleheader (girls at 5:45 p.m., boys at 7:15 p.m.) to set league standings. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Bend Endurance Academy will host a three-day performance bouldering camp for youth climbers from Oregon, Washington, California and Canada at its state-of-the-art facility in southeast Bend from Saturday through Monday (featuring guest coach Alex Johnson). Athletes will also take part in mock competition rounds and workshops on fueling, recovery, and mindset. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Mild winter weather has kept central Oregon golf courses busy, with every tee time booked at Eagle Crest recently and activity 150% above last winter. Locals are advised to book tee times early as courses use shotgun starts to accommodate demand. Central Oregon Daily
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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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Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Training
5:30-8 p.m. — Deschutes Children's Foundation - Rosie Bareis Community Campus — Free entry — Learn vital skills for preventing child sexual abuse in your community.
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Life During Wartime - Talking Heads Tribute
8 PM — Volcanic Theatre Pub — Cost not specified — Dance to the eclectic sounds of LDW playing Talking Heads music and original funk.
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Resilience Workshop for Young Entrepreneurs
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Discovery West — $15 — Engage in movement, breathwork, and journaling to build confidence and resilience.
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Live Music with Brandon Campbell Trio
7-9 p.m. — Currents at the Riverhouse — Check venue for entry fee — Experience the genre-bending sounds of the Brandon Campbell Trio with a mix of gypsy swing and rockabilly.
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KANALES & GRUPO ESCOLTA Live Concert
9 p.m. — Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex — Ticket info at Tickeri — Enjoy a night of vibrant music and dancing with Kanales and Grupo Escolta.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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