Good morning, Bend.

Phil and Megan Gordon in Bend faced housing challenges as rising rents forced them from living in an RV and hotel stay (which lasted nearly one year) into a townhouse that was abruptly put on sale at peak market prices, leaving the family vulnerable amid the high cost of living.

Team Kia of Bend and Team Hyundai of Bend donated $4,000 to local nonprofits through a new partnership with Purpose in Expenses.

Neighbor Impact and the Humane Society of Central Oregon each received $2,000 yesterday.

Rudy's Markets Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a monthly Gold Bar Giveaway and $100K donation match to help fight hunger in Central Oregon.

The initiatives run year-round in all nine stores, including Bend (official rules are available in store and online).

Shaniko Wool Company’s wool, used in Ralph Lauren’s Team USA Opening Ceremony sweaters, will be celebrated at Wool Town Bend on Friday, Feb.

6 during Downtown Bend's First Friday. The event will feature an educational display and a rare in-person viewing of the Olympic sweater — highlighting local craftsmanship.

A new study finds that Oregonians earning $200,000 have the lowest take-home pay nationwide due to high income taxes; single filers net $130,601 and married filers take home $142,004.

The report highlights tax burdens of 33.52% and 27.82% and shows Oregon relies on income taxes to fund state services.

Oregon high school graduation rates reached a state record of 83% for the Class of 2025 with over 40,300 students, including local gains such as Bend-La Pine Schools (which climbed to 85.8%).

The rate remains below national averages near 87%.

Central Oregon Community College marks National Career and Technical Education Month in February to address a worker shortage by sending a team to a Salem CTE event on Feb.

18 and hosting a Manufacturing and Trades Job Fair on Feb. 19 at its Redmond campus — connecting job-seekers with employers.

Crook County schools posted a 97.8% graduation rate in 2025, beating the state’s 83% record average as all Central Oregon districts recorded strong performance.

The district will host listening sessions next month—Feb. 11 to Feb. 26—for staff, students, and the community to consider making interim superintendent Dr. Joel Hoff permanent.

Deschutes County’s Board of Commissioners approved new wildfire-resistant building standards for unincorporated areas that require all new homes be built with fire-resistant materials – rules set to take effect April 1.

Lawmakers will review four outdoor bills and Gov. Kotek’s nomination of Kacey KC — the proposed new state forester — in the 2026 session starting Feb.

2. The bills would let ski areas use liability waivers, add hotel tax money for wildlife programs, and clarify land access and waterway permits.

On Jan. 20, the Bend Park & Recreation District board discussed three indoor rec projects to meet growing community needs.

Proposals include a westside aquatic and fitness center, a year-round indoor ice rink, and an athletic center that would likely open around 2030 — with funding options under review.

Local health agencies confirmed a breach at TriZetto Provider Solutions that exposed insurance eligibility details for patients from several providers, and more than 4,000 affected residents will receive notification letters in February while free identity theft protection (covering 12 months of credit monitoring) is offered. Officials report there is no evidence the data was misused.

A new mobile dog fitness service called Bend Barks & Rec is helping dog owners keep their pets active in Bend by bringing a climate-controlled gym to homes for 30-minute sessions using *specialized slatmills*.

Visit their website for details.

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.