Good morning, Bend.

A 50-year-old Bend man, Brian Thomas Roberts — a skilled skier and coach — died in an avalanche last Thursday on Mt. Bailey during a backcountry ski trip at Diamond Lake Resort when his group quickly dug him out and two nurses tried to save him.

A Deschutes County judge lifted the no-contact order between Sunriver-area couple Gary Hardenburg and Paula Hardenburg but told them not to talk about the case without their lawyers as their plea hearing is set for May 5 and their adult daughter Sarah Session—facing charges including attempted murder and assault related to an alleged severe case of child abuse—is part of the case.

A heavy wet snowstorm dropped one to two feet of snow in La Pine-Sunriver on March 16th that closed roads, cancelled classes, and raised avalanche warnings—Bend received several inches that delayed school and left roads slick.

Recent reports by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management—an agency working on air pollution—show that Oregon and nine other states met a 2013 goal by registering 3.3 million electric vehicles over 12 years to reduce pollution.

In Oregon, over 100,000 vehicles have been registered, which is nearly 5% of all new cars—highlighting local progress—and the $7,500 rebate program is expected to resume in 2025.

Deschutes County Road Department is hosting an online open house from March 17 through April 17 to gather community input on roundabout designs at key intersections along South Century Drive.

The project will improve traffic flow and safety for drivers — cyclists and pedestrians, and a follow-up open house will review plans for a Huntington Road roundabout before summer construction begins.

A new center will offer medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in Redmond and will open on March 24 at 865 SW Veterans Way.

It will accept Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance and self-pay options—improving local access to care and supporting state efforts to reduce opioid deaths.

On the latest Beat Check podcast, reporter Jonathan Bach said that local mountain enthusiasts' bid to buy Mt. Bachelor ski resort died last week when their GoFundMe and political support could not match expected offers near $200 million—facing a steep financial challenge.

Oliver Hazard Live Concert

Oliver Hazard will perform live at the Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex in Bend, Oregon.

Free Community Tour of KIDS Center

A one-hour tour of KIDS Center focused on educating the community about efforts to end child abuse and support children’s healing journeys.

Thrive Central Oregon Drop-In Consultations

This event offers drop-in social services assistance, connecting attendees with resources for housing, medical access, mental health, and veterans services.

Robert Neary Live in Concert

Experience a live performance by Robert Neary at the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend Spring Break Program

The Spring Break Program offers children engaging activities from March 24-27, 2025, at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend.

Quiet Writing Time

9:30-11:00 a.m. | Downtown Bend Library | Free entry | Enjoy the focus of a quiet space with the benefit of others' company.

Dungeons and Dragons: Spring Break One-Shot

12-3 p.m. | Downtown Bend Library | Free entry | Engage in a fun one-shot D&D adventure with other teens during spring break.

Technology Troubleshooting

1:30-3:00 p.m. | Downtown Bend Library | Free service | Get personalized help with your technology issues in one-on-one sessions with library staff.

Travis Ehrenstrom Live Performance

6 PM - 12 AM | McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School | Check venue for costs | Enjoy an evening of quality musicianship and original songs from Travis Ehrenstrom.

Flea Market at Deschutes County Fairgrounds

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Free entry — Explore over 130 vendor tables showcasing a variety of unique items from electronics to antiques.