Good morning, Bend.

Family Access Network has welcomed local community advocate Megan Geiss to its board this month; she formerly served at the Boys & Girls Club and will help boost programs supporting Central Oregon families with essential needs.

J Chester Armstrong finished his wood sculpture (High Desert Majestic) early this week to be displayed at Dry Canyon Community Art Center's second gallery show opening Friday, Feb.

6. The piece, carved from black walnut and featuring six pronghorns, reflects his 55 years of carving experience.

Summit (Gold-star) and Caldera (Silver-star) high schools in Bend earned spots on the 2025 AP honor roll by expanding access to college-level courses; Summit saw 77% of its graduates take AP exams and Caldera saw 55%.

Seasonal forest road and wildlife range closures (through March 30) remain to protect vulnerable trails from damage despite a lighter snowpack; restrictions ban motorized vehicles, snowmobiles, and electric bikes in areas west of Bend, northeast of Sisters, and southeast of La Pine.

Local lawmakers may soon consider a proposal that would opt Oregon out of DIDMCA, limiting state-chartered banks’ ability to match national lenders on loan rates.

Critics say the measure could reduce affordable credit options for families and spur a lengthy legal fight.

Deschutes County hired Jeff Curtis as the new director of its 340-acre Fair & Expo Center in Redmond; he will start Monday and replace Geoff Hinds, who resigned last September.

Curtis, formerly CEO of the Alaska State Fair and Portland Rose Festival Foundation, was chosen from a nationwide pool.

An east west segment of Olney Avenue will reopen to traffic on Wed, Feb.

11 after improvements that upgraded sidewalks, bike lanes, and underground utilities. City engineers (after resolving unexpected issues under the railroad) expect that the renewed road will boost mobility in our community.

Free pet care clinics run by the Companion Animal Medical Project are underway for pet owners who cannot afford routine veterinary care.

Vaccines, parasite treatments and flea and tick prevention are offered, with a clinic in Bend scheduled for Feb. 19 at Lighthouse Navigation Center.

Bend native Hunter Hess will attend Friday’s opening ceremonies in Milan and compete in Livigno on Feb.

19 and 20 at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He trains full-time in Salt Lake City after growing up skiing at Mount Bachelor (a longtime local favorite).

Hoodoo Ski Area closed Wednesday (Feb.

4) as crews checked thin snow conditions due to a below-normal snowpack. The resort will reopen Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering ticket refunds or transfers.

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.

Live Comedy with Scott Losse & Andrew Rivers

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy laughter and relatable humor from Scott Losse and Andrew Rivers in Bend, Oregon.

Sonic Benders - Dance-Driven Roots Funk

8-11 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Experience local talent creating booty-shaking boogaloo soul jazz funk.