Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Central Oregon Villages is collecting donations from residents for a July yard sale intended to raise funds for its services. Donations can be dropped off at 62125 NE Benson Way or scheduled by calling (541) 350-8459. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Members of Team Tempest from Odyssey Martial Arts volunteered at Think Wild Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Center on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of their path to earning black belts in Tong Soo Do karate (they built picnic tables and installed pavers for a mammal enclosure). KTVZ
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Since the Shilo Inn closed in February, Real Taste of India on O.B. Riley Road has seen a 90% drop in business — the owner is urging locals to visit and support the restaurant amid confusion over its 'Restaurant Still Open' sign. Central Oregon Daily
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Randi Viggiano from Ridgeview High School in Sunriver was named Oregon’s 5A athletic director of the year on Monday — earning statewide recognition for her leadership and for building a supportive culture among student-athletes. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Bend-La Pine Schools Board is meeting tonight to discuss its cell phone policy and potential impacts on classroom rules — Spencer Sacks will report on Fox at 10 p.m. and NBC at 11 p.m. KTVZ
- ➤ Crook County School District appointed Dr. Joel Hoff as its permanent superintendent after the board approved a three-year contract on April 13 — a decision backed by 97% community support — building on his interim role to strengthen student outcomes. KTVZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Forestry officials extended the Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project area (commonly known as China Hat) to 32,565 acres until April 30, 2027, keeping popular trails off limits while restoration work continues. Areas west of Highway 97 and near Deschutes River Woods will reopen on May 1. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Bend gardeners are advised to protect sensitive plants by covering them with frost cloth or moving them indoors today as dropping temperatures may harm fruit tree blossoms. Experts recommend taking these steps to prevent future cold damage and secure a better harvest. KTVZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Deschutes County officials are reviewing draft defensible space rules that may require changes in landscaping and tree pruning around homes. Bend is expected to finalize similar home hardening standards for new constructions this week. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Central Oregon fire chiefs have set a burn ban for April 30 to reduce wildfire risks from warm, dry weather — debris burning is closed in some areas until fall, and repeat offenders may face fines. Source Weekly
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Bend Senior High School girls basketball coach Maria Ramirez is recovering in Florida after emergency brain surgery on Apr. 4 for a head injury suffered while snorkeling; she awaits further tests and plans to return by Apr. 20 when her team has awards night. Central Oregon Daily
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THE LIFE WE HAVE - Film, Run, & Raffle for The American Cancer Society
After screening at over 20 festivals in the last year, filmmaker Greg Balkin is bringing the award-winning short documentary, The Life We Have, to Bend. In honor of the film's subject, Rob Shaver, Greg is hosting a fundraiser event for The American Cancer Society that includes a film screening, community run, and raffle.
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Bend Thirsty Third Thursday Networking Event
4-6 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free first drink — Network with design and construction professionals before enjoying local live music.
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Watkins Glen & MFG Live Concert
9-11:30 p.m. — Domino Room — Tickets on sale now — Enjoy an exciting night with the Maxwell Friedman Group and a mega Watkins Glen set featuring surprise guests.
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Reelin In the Years - Steely Dan Tribute
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Cost not specified — Celebrate the smooth grooves of Steely Dan with Bend’s premier tribute band Major Dudes.
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Teen Volunteer Opportunity with Camp Fire Central Oregon
2:30-4:00 p.m. — Family Kitchen — Free — Connect with Camp Fire through exciting volunteer projects and skill-building outings for teens aged 12 to 17.
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Sierra Hull Live Concert
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the dynamic bluegrass and Americana sounds of Sierra Hull, a six-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year.
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Universal Health Plan Town Hall (Free + Open To All)
Oregon is creating universal health care legislation. This Town Hall is currently the only in-person chance in Central Oregon to hear from the people writing the state's legislation and to ask questions/provide comments. This will be historic legislation. If you are interested in the issue, support universal health care, or have questions about it, you have to be at this event to make your voice heard. It is free and open to all. DATE: Saturday, April 25th TIME: 3pm to 5pm LOCATION: Trinity Episcopal Church, 469 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703
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Reiki and Sound Bath for Nervous System Reset
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM — Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, LLC — Cost varies — Experience a restorative blend of Reiki and sound healing to relax and reset your nervous system.
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About Oregon Gold: A History of Mining
7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Tickets required — Explore the untold story of Oregon's gold rush from 1862 to 1910.
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Intimate Night with Eric Leadbetter
7-11 p.m. — McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School — Enjoy a cozy evening of music and storytelling with Eric Leadbetter.
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Chris Beland Live Performance
7 p.m. — McMenamins Pub at Old St. Francis School — $11 — Experience heartfelt songwriting from a passionate artist immersed in the dreams of everyday life.
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
Good habits make time your ally. Bad habits make time your enemy.
~ James Clear
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