Good morning, Bend.

Crook County Search and Rescue teams worked overnight after 26-year-old Brian Ichkhanian was reported missing near Lookout Mountain in the Ochoco National Forest.

He reached safety around 7:00 a.m. Monday at a local residence — he was tired but unharmed after challenging, icy conditions.

Tributes are coming in for Bend splitboarder Stratton Matteson, who died last week in an avalanche near Whistler and was honored by organizations like Protect Our Winters (POW) and Patagonia for his climate advocacy and sustainable approach to snowboarding.

Mike Richardson (who built Dark Horse Comics from a Bend comic shop) is no longer CEO as Embracer names interim CEO Jay Komas to guide the company forward.

Richardson stepped down after years of leadership in a transition announced to better align Dark Horse with its expanding ventures.

Cascade Natural Gas proposed a 17% rate hike for residential customers starting Oct.

26 to cover rising system costs + the Public Utility Commission is reviewing the proposal and will decide in October, which could raise bills by about $11.07 for an average user.

Redmond city officials plan to remove homeless encampments from Desert Rise (between East Antler Avenue and Northwest Greenwood Avenue) by June to ready the property for future development.

Outreach and resource notifications will begin this month with police support assisting in the transition.

Oregon will be the first state to require insurers to cover out-of-pocket costs for cervical cancer diagnostic testing after abnormal Pap smears.

The unanimous law passed by the legislature awaits Gov. Kotek’s action and will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

Gov. Tina Kotek signed a law Wednesday that makes March 4 an annual HPV Awareness Day to help Oregonians learn about the virus + boost vaccination efforts as federal guidelines now recommend a single dose.

The Bend High boys basketball team ended a cherished era with a 59-50 win over Mountain View in the final game at the historic gym, which opened in 1956.

The school will replace the gym with a new facility opening in 2028.

High school basketball fans are asked to vote for the top 5A guard during the 2025-26 season—the poll ends Sunday, March 29 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

Candidate profiles from various schools help guide the vote.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Child Abuse Awareness Training

5:30-7 p.m. — Becky Johnson Community Center — Free entry — Learn to recognize signs of child abuse and discuss prevention strategies to protect children and families.

Josh Blue Live Stand-Up Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the humor of Josh Blue, a celebrated comedian with a vibrant and evolving stand-up routine.