Bend
Daily News
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Fire crews contained a brush fire in northeast Bend on Thursday after illegal weed burning sparked flames along NE Studio Rd (a resident received a warning for his first offense) and prevented the fire from spreading further. Central Oregon Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dirty Freehub will launch its fourth gravel guide featuring routes in the Deschutes River Basin at a book release party at Silver Moon Brewing on May 3. Kevin and Linda English will host a trivia contest — offering a free guide and a complimentary beverage courtesy of Visit Central Oregon. Source Weekly
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Redmond High School students are building an outdoor communication board at Vern Patrick Elementary to help young children express themselves during recess, with a donation from Parr Lumber supporting the project that will enable more voices to be heard. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Superintendents including Redmond’s Charan Cline and Salem-Keizer's Andrea Castañeda wrote to the State Board of Education on Thursday after federal poverty data cut funding, causing Redmond School District to lose over $700,000 & other districts to face similar losses. They urge lawmakers to use more accurate local data in future allocations. KTVZ
- ➤ Gov. Tina Kotek announced an order that stops Oregon school districts from cutting school days for budget reasons and requires districts that already cut days to restore them by the 2027-28 school year. The order also ends instructional time waivers except in declared emergencies. Central Oregon Daily
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Three Sisters Irrigation District is using a modern pressurized pipe system to deliver water more efficiently amid a severe drought and low snowpack, officials said on Thursday, Apr. 16. They will monitor snowmelt from Whychus Creek for farm allocations (farmers may only get enough water for one hay cutting). Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Bend has seen a 1,500% rise in unhealthy air days from wildfire smoke in the last 20 years, and the Oregon DEQ warns that low snowpack and early drought may worsen the fire season. Residents should limit outdoor time & use HEPA filters during smoky days. Central Oregon Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fire officials from Sunriver warn that low snowpack may lead to a more intense wildfire season and urge homeowners to create defensible space. Two additional wildfire preparedness fairs will be held in Bend and Madras, with details available on the Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative website. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Bend city staff are moving forward with a proposal to charge builders for gas appliances in new homes to reduce emissions & fund climate programs. A final vote is expected later this spring as builder concerns over rising construction costs continue. Bend Bulletin
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Two French au pairs visiting Bend saved a local man who collapsed at a downtown bar on March 25. First responders arrived soon after (Bend Police and Fire Rescue) and confirmed the swift CPR helped his recovery (a testament to lifesaving training). Central Oregon Daily
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mt. Bachelor will finish its short season on Sunday, Apr. 19 after a late storm brought about 17 inches of fresh snow — a rare boost during an unusually dry winter. The resort is hosting the RendezVan spring skiing festival from Apr. 16-19 featuring live music and van-life vibes. KTVZ
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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.
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Purpose Derby
1-4 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Celebrate the Kentucky Derby while supporting StirrUp Purpose through fun activities and auctions.
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
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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