Thursday, March 20th, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Six local community projects received over $560,000 in grants from the Bend Sustainability Fund after Visit Bend’s board approved the awards Tuesday morning. The funds, ranging from $19,660 to $193,000, will support improvements such as lighted pickleball courts at Pine Nursery Park and new mountain bike trails at Wanoga Trailhead Sno-Park—voters will soon have a chance online to award an extra $1,000 each to two projects. KTVZ
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Travelers on spring break road trips will pay less to fill their gas tanks this month than they did last year — KBND's Heather Roberts reported. KBND
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Recent storms dumped nearly 5 feet of snow in the high Cascades, pushing the snowpack to 131% of normal and setting record depths at Irish and Taylor lakes—an event that could break the region's five-year drought. Officials say the deep snow will melt into rivers, lakes and reservoirs to boost summer water supplies. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Oregon State Parks saw nearly 53.85 million visits last year that strained facilities and natural resources. The agency raised visitor fees and will hire 200 seasonal rangers this summer—steps taken as costs now exceed revenue by more than 30%. KTVZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Deschutes County is accepting sealed proposals for architectural services to improve the Gray Courthouse at 1164 NW Bond Street—proposals are due Tuesday, April 15 at 2:00 p.m. The county will select one A/E team—construction management services will be provided during a project estimated to cost between $2.75m and $3m. County of Deschutes
- ➤ Lawmakers are considering House Bill 3140 to give more legal protection to our recreation businesses—this is the third attempt in ten years to set clear rules for when companies are held responsible for injuries. The proposal follows a case where a snowboarder hurt himself badly on a jump. The Oregonian
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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.
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Robert Neary Live in Concert
Experience a live performance by Robert Neary at the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Not'cho Grandma's BINGO
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Reserve your seats ahead of time — Play bingo for a good cause with food, games, and laughter.
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Thrive Central Oregon Drop-In Consultations
10 AM - 1 PM | Downtown Bend Library | Free assistance | Connect with vital resources for housing, medical, and social support.
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
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
~ Les Brown
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