Bend
Daily News
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 3rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Forest Service will close 40 square miles along China Hat Road starting May 1 for a wildfire fuel reduction project, and anyone who stays may face fines up to $5,000 or jail time. Local advocates, including the Bend Equity Project and Home More Network, submitted an 81-page letter—citing civil rights and disability concerns for more than 80 homeless individuals directly impacted by the closure. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Shiv Shakti of Shakti Farm Design builds custom greenhouses and Zen gardens for local schools in Bend—he uses organic methods like companion planting to grow fresh food in our high desert. He will share his sustainable techniques through public courses and talks—efforts that aim to expand community-driven agriculture and local food networks. Source Weekly
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the City of Bend finished its first big economic study in 20 years that shows four main sectors—healthcare, bioscience, tourism, and technology—are growing fast. City officials said the report will shape urban planning and new business incentives to help local workers. Central Oregon Daily
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality said it will add six forever chemicals to its hazardous substances list and start new rules to reduce PFAS exposure. The Environmental Quality Commission will vote on the new rules on or after May 21 and the state plans to protect water, soil and air—its first update in nearly 20 years. Central Oregon Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Bend will hold an Open House for a new bicycle and pedestrian improvements project along northeast Neff Road and Norton Avenue on April 7 from 4-6 p.m. + the project will combine three key route improvements for safer access for walkers, rollers, or cyclists + residents can share input online from April 7 through April 21. KTVZ
- ➤ Rep. Jason Kropf blocked a bill to end criminalization of minors for prostitution in Oregon, meaning children will still be charged if they are exploited. Rep. Annessa Hartman, who introduced the bill, said she plans to reintroduce it in the 2026 session — a decision that keeps the current law in place. The Oregonian
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cowboys and cowgirls and thousands of rodeo fans gathered in Redmond as the High Desert Stampede began yesterday and events continue through the week. KBND
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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.
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Bend 10km Race
12 AM - 4 PM — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Check event page for registration fees — A scenic 10km race featuring beautiful trails and a manageable elevation gain.
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
A happy person isn't someone who's happy all the time. It's someone who effortlessly interprets events in a way that benefits them.
~ Naval Ravikant
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