Bend
Daily News
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 2nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bend has reached the final four in the Strongest Town Contest that highlights smart growth and improved livability—voting remains open until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. Local developer Jesse Russell nominated Bend for its progress in boosting housing density and making streets safer for pedestrians and bikes—the city now faces Marion, Ohio in the next round. Central Oregon Daily
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon Employment Department reported Tuesday that the Bend MSA added 1,090 jobs in February, with gains in local government and business services and with unemployment rates holding at 5.4% in Crook County, 4.1% in Deschutes County, and 4.6% in Jefferson County. Over the past year, the Bend MSA’s nonfarm employment increased by 2.9% while Crook County lost 140 jobs+ the trends varied across other counties. KTVZ
- ➤ Gas prices have risen this week due to seasonal changes and issues at California refineries—Bend now sees regular gas costing about $3.80 a gallon, up roughly 10 cents from before. KTVZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The permit system for overnight trips in popular wilderness areas such as Mount Jefferson, Three Sisters and Mount Washington will return this summer from June 15 to Oct. 15 by letting people reserve spots on Recreation.gov, though staffing cuts raise concerns about enforcement (most Willamette rangers were let go). The Forest Service said a ranger presence on the Deschutes side and trained volunteer backcountry rangers will help enforce the rules (while uncertainty remains on future staffing). Central Oregon Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield will hold town halls as part of his Safeguarding Oregon Forums to discuss federal oversight and state rights. The events are scheduled for April 9 in Eugene, April 10 in Portland and May 3 in Bend — with more planned for the summer. KTVZ
- ➤ Rep. Bynum and Senator Merkley introduced a bill on Tuesday to reauthorize $2 million a year in federal funding for the Deschutes River Conservancy—supporting water quality and conservation work in the river basin. KTVZ
- ➤ The U.S. Forest Service will close 40 square miles south of Bend on May 1, and homeless residents along China Hat Road say they are not ready to leave — law enforcement will impose fines up to $5,000 or jail time if people stay. Local advocates, including the Bend Equity Project and Home More Network, submitted an 81-page letter citing civil rights and disability concerns — and they will fight for a delay or changes as the deadline nears. Central Oregon Daily
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Toddler Story Time
4-5:30 p.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free — Enjoy a fun afternoon of art, games, and free stories for all ages.
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Teacher Workshop: The Restorative Power of Nature Journaling
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — The Environmental Center — Free! — Discover the benefits of nature journaling for personal wellness and classroom integration.
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Run for the Nations 5k
7-10 a.m. — Old Mill District — Family-friendly run/walk — Celebrate multicultural community spirit with a fun 5k event.
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Sacred Alaska - Film Screening with Q&A Session with Producer
🌿✨ Step into the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska and uncover the stories that shape its people. @sacredalaskafilm is a visually stunning documentary exploring indigenous and Orthodox traditions—where faith, culture, and nature intertwine. 📽 Join us for an exclusive screening & discussion with director Simon Scionka and Fr. Jason Roll on Saturday, April 5th at High Desert Music Hall in Redmond, OR @ 3pm. 🎟️ Tickets just $5 | Kids under 12 FREE! 🍷 Light appetizers will be provided + cash bar.
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Bend Cars & Coffee
8-11 a.m. — Dilly Dally Coffee Co. — Free entry — Gather with fellow car enthusiasts and enjoy coffee while showcasing unique vehicles.
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Beertown Comedy Open Mic
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter at Bend's favorite open mic for comedians and spectators alike.
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Community Tour of KIDS Center
5-6 p.m. — KIDS Center — Free entry — Explore KIDS Center and discover how the community is addressing child abuse through healing journeys and supportive resources.
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Food Waste Prevention and Composting Workshop
5:30-7 p.m. — The Environmental Center — Free entry — Learn about preventing food waste and composting strategies from local experts.
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Oregon Timber Trail Presentation
7-8:30 p.m. — Pine Mountain Sports — Free entry — Experience an inspiring slideshow of a 670-mile bike-packing journey for ovarian cancer awareness.
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SHINE Acoustic Trio Performance
8 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Enjoy classics from the '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond with this talented local trio.
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Central Oregon Wildlife Neighbors Talk
10 - 11:15 a.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Discover the wild animals near your home with expert Alysia Wolf during this engaging, family-friendly talk.
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
Reading changes your mind, applying changes your life.
~ James Clear
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