Good morning, Bend.

Heart of Oregon Corps was named 2025 nonprofit of the year on Jan.

15 by the Central Oregon Builders Association. It is nearing its $7.3M goal to complete a 3.4-acre campus (serving 225 youth in trades) in Redmond, scheduled to open in fall.

St. Charles Health System awarded community benefit grants totaling more than $143,000 to 34 local organizations on Wednesday.

One grant of $5,000 will help the new nonprofit Unity4Inclusion, founded by Madras resident Sam Robinson, start offering inclusive programs to support people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Local business owners in the Bend Central District urge officials to consider relocating the BottleDrop facility to improve safety and quality-of-life concerns.

The Bend Urban Renewal Agency is reviewing property options as part of efforts to revitalize the area.

Wildfired Pizza food truck crafts artisanal Neapolitan pies with locally sourced ingredients and allergen-friendly options behind GoodLife Brewing in Bend, operating Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 4:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. with pizzas priced $14 to $22.

A LendingTree study finds that Oregon families with two children must earn $468,000 annually to meet the federal 7% affordable child care guideline—well above the state’s average income of about $140,000, stressing rising child care costs and the challenge for families.

A Central Oregon jobs report shows Bend area unemployment holding at 5.0%, up from 4.3% last year.

Deschutes County added over 2,000 jobs in health services and hospitality while Crook and Jefferson counties saw slight declines — most public-sector growth came from local government.

Tamara Enz's guide Birds of Washington and Oregon, The East Side is now available at Roundabout Books & Cafe and Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe, covering over 100 common species with nearly 300 photos by Greg Smith and providing birdwatching tips for conservation, spotlighting eastern Oregon's diverse habitats from desert to alpine.

Deschutes County adopted new wildfire building codes for rural homes that require fire-resistant materials for construction (effective April 1) to reduce wildfire risks.

The measure supports community efforts that began in 2020 to boost safety in an area facing increasing wildfire threats.

City crews are wrapping up the Dry Canyon Improvement Project in Redmond’s Dry Canyon Park, with water mains, stormwater facilities and trail resurfacing finishing by June.

Most areas remain open, but Dry Canyon Trail between 15th and Rimrock Way is fenced (please use Rimrock Way or Antler Avenue to detour).

Deschutes County Health Services said a four-year evaluation of its Healthy Schools program showed a 21-percent decline in emergency visits for students aged 11-17 and up to $1.5 million saved.

The findings were shared on Jan. 26 at 9 a.m. at the Deschutes Services Building.

Caldera’s boys basketball team rallied to beat Ridgeview 58-56 after overcoming a second-half run on Tuesday night at Ridgeview High; sophomore Evan Thompson scored 14 of his 21 points, and the team now prepares for a home game against undefeated Crook County at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Galentine's Brunch at The Coyote

10 AM – 2 PM — The Coyote — Celebrate sisterhood with brunch, mimosas, karaoke, and giveaways.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter at the #1 Open Mic and Locals Night in Bend.

Capoeira - Introductory Session

7:00 – 8:45 PM — High Desert Martial Arts — Workshop fee includes a T-shirt — Experience the rhythm and movement of Afro-Brazilian martial arts in a beginner-friendly session.

Bigfoot County Live Performance

7-1 a.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy soulful blues-rock and country tunes from Bend's very own Bigfoot County.