Bend
Daily News
Wednesday, March 4th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of March.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, Deschutes County Search and Rescue responded to three calls—rescuing a solo hiker stranded on South Sister, an injured Nordic skier between Todd Lake and Dutchman Flat, and an injured dirt bike rider on Ford Road who was taken to the hospital by Bend Fire & Rescue. KBND
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bend native Bella Emry advanced to the Top 30 on 'American Idol' at a Monday night watch party in Redmond — supporters cheered her performance as judges gave a standing ovation. Emry, who calls the milestone a blessing, will kick off concert season at General Duffy's later this year. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Winter PrideFest 2026 returns to Bend and Mt. Bachelor from Thursday to Sunday, showcasing skiing, parties, dancing, comedy and bingo. Organized by OUT Central Oregon, the event (a key fundraiser for the local queer community) kicks off with a reception at UPP Liquids in the Box Factory on Thursday evening. Bend Bulletin
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Two Suns Art Studio has launched its Tiny Artist series for toddlers and young kids in Bend, offering sensory play — art play — and five-week story time art sessions for children up to age 6. Central Oregon Daily
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ South County families have faced dangerous nitrate levels from 5,700 septic systems that affect 18,000 people for over 30 years. New SB 1154 offers a plan for rural sewer upgrades, and candidate Jamie Collins vows to pursue the designation if elected. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Central Oregon Trail Alliance finished 11.41 miles of new trails at Cline Buttes, connecting the area to Cascade View while protecting wildlife (eagle nesting sites) and improving mountain biking access for local riders after two years of work starting in October 2023. KTVZ
- ➤ State climatologist Larry O’Neill warned Oregon's snowpack is 32% of normal, the second-lowest reading on record, which could raise drought and wildfire risks and prompt an earlier irrigation season in parts of Central and Southwest Oregon. Nearby states show better conditions and water supplies should be evident by early April. Bend Bulletin
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Central Oregon Irrigation District is asking for public input on its Pilot Butte Canal piping project to reduce water loss for farms and wildlife. Comments are accepted through March with an open house March 17 at the Redmond Senior Center. Central Oregon Daily
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ RootedHomes is accepting applications for its second affordable housing community in Redmond at 1699 W. Antler Ave. The project — offering duplexes and cottage homes priced from $256,000 to $432,000 with down payment assistance—is set to complete construction this fall. Bend Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show returns from Mar. 5 to 8 at Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center (3800 SW Airport Way) featuring hunting, fishing, and camping exhibits and a kids' trout pond. Adult tickets are $15, juniors $5, children under 5 enter free, and Pioneer License holders get free entry. KTVZ
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Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show
12:00 – 3:00 p.m. — Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Admission details not specified — The largest hunting and fishing show in the region featuring numerous outdoor recreation products and services.
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Kids Night Out Fundraiser for Camp Fire Central Oregon
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Amity Creek Magnet at Thompson School — Fun for kids ages 4-11 — Enjoy an evening of games, crafts, activities, and a meal while supporting teen programs.
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Dad Bods Live
8-10 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Enjoy a high-energy night of 80's hits with the lively Dad Bods ready to make you dance.
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Raging Writers Spoken Words
2-4 p.m. — Spork — Free entry — Ignite your creativity with writing prompts followed by an open mic for passionate performers.
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KIDS Center 101
5:30-6:30 p.m. — Deschutes Children's Foundation - Rosie Bareis Community Campus — Free entry — Discover the essential programs and services offered by KIDS Center for children and families.
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Trivia Night at Wonderland Chicken and Worthy Brewing
7-9 p.m. — Wonderland Chicken Co X Worthy Brewing — Free to play — Join a lively trivia competition with food and drinks and win prizes.
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Art & Health: Scalehouse x Health Care for All Oregon
Free and open to all, with food, drink, artwork, and conversation included. Join Scalehouse and Health Care for All Oregon (HCAO) on Friday, March 13, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, for an Open House to learn about Oregon's universal healthcare legislation and what it means for all of us. Also experience the new art exhibition, “Seeds of Abundance: Limits, Loss & Regeneration.” Donations from the night will support HCAO and Scalehouse.
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OHA Bend Chapter Banquet
4-10 p.m. — Riverhouse Lodge — Pre-registration required — Enjoy a festive evening of raffles and auctions including a State-Wide Elk tag highlight.
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Paint Your Own Pet with Sandy Klein
2-5 p.m. — Playful Paws Cat Café — Cost not specified — Unleash your inner artist while painting a portrait of your pet with guidance from an expert.
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Beertown Comedy Open Mic
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs at the #1 Open Mic for locals in downtown Bend.
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
Everyone you admire started as a version of themselves that they didn't admire.
~ James Clear
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