Bend
Daily News
Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Bend Public Library begins renovations in February by closing its second floor next month and fully closing in April for a year-long upgrade while staff relocate to the Central Library at Stevens Ranch — opening this spring; the building will reopen with new spaces in spring 2027. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation awarded $759,930 to 93 nonprofits on Thursday at Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville. Their giving now totals over $27 million since 1997 and supports projects addressing food insecurity, housing, youth development and health in Southern Oregon. KTVZ
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched for Bend family doctor 34-year-old William Speed—who was critically injured and hospitalized in intensive care after an SUV ran a red light while he was riding his bicycle Wednesday night—to help cover his medical expenses. Central Oregon Daily
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ COCC is urging locals to sign a petition urging lawmakers to maintain current funding levels, as potential 2%–5% state budget cuts could cost the college up to $1.5 million a year. The call comes ahead of the next legislative session starting Feb. 2. KTVZ
- ➤ Central Oregon Community College will host Oregon Transfer Days on Jan. 26 at the Coats Campus Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students can connect with representatives from 19 universities (registration is not required). Bend Bulletin
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sen. Jeff Golden has proposed a bill that would require insurers to lower premiums for homeowners who improve wildfire protection in Oregon, in response to rising costs after wildfires. The bill would also require companies to share their rate-setting models with the state. Central Oregon Daily
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Bend homebuyers may benefit as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 6.06% this week—its lowest level in over three years amid easing trends and recent Fed rate cuts. Local buyers should check with their lenders for current terms. The Oregonian
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bend High wrestlers rallied to win a dual meet 36-29 over two-time defending champion Redmond on Thursday night at Bend High. The win marks their first conference triumph over Redmond since 2014 as bonus points in four of the final five matches sealed the victory. Bend Bulletin
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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.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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