Good morning, Bend.

March data from the Oregon Employment Department showed that unemployment rose slightly in Crook and Deschutes counties while Jefferson held steady, and total nonfarm jobs increased modestly across Central Oregon counties.

Job gains occurred in professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and mining and logging, although Crook County saw a small drop in jobs compared to last year.

A 14-year-old from Sisters is mapping the Metolius River wolf pack using trail cameras near Camp Sherman—he reports sightings of four wolves to wildlife officials—while learning tracking techniques from local mentors.

Bend-Fort Rock District firefighters conducted a 169-acre prescribed burn Tuesday about five miles northeast of La Pine near Ogden Group Camp and McKay Crossing Campground to lower wildfire risk.

Smoke from the burn may affect air quality overnight and early in the morning, so residents in La Pine and Newberry Estates were advised to keep doors and windows closed (using air cleaners is recommended if available).

Peter J. Rasic was hired as the new police chief for the Sunriver Police Department.

With nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience — including work with patrol, emergencies and budgets — he will lead 13 officers serving a community that has 1,700 residents and grows to over 20,000 visitors during peak times.

Today, the U.S. Forest Service is hiring permanent wildland firefighters for the 2025 fire season in Oregon and Washington and is accepting applications until April 24.

The positions include roles such as firefighters, equipment operators and fire prevention specialists — jobs that will boost the agency’s readiness for wildfire emergencies.

Yesterday, the Oregon Senate voted unanimously to repeal the state's controversial wildfire hazard map and remove property maintenance rules for high-risk areas.

The measure now heads to the House for further review.

Four residents at the China Hat Road homeless encampment filed a legal request with the U.S. District Court of Oregon to pause the Forest Service’s planned closure on May 1—part of a 26,000-acre wildfire mitigation plan.

The lawsuit, filed on April 18 with homelessness service providers, argues that closing the site will harm over 100 residents and expose them to fines and incarceration.

Redmond will add 74 new cottage-style homes by April 2026 for homeless residents 55 and older with disabilities through a lease of nearly 10 acres of land to Mountain View Community Development.

Hayden Homes will design and build units sized between 400 and 600 square feet, and rent will be set at 30% of income — a first for the region.

Sheriff Kent van der Kamp postponed his planned announcement about his future at the Sheriff's Office until today after the DA placed him on the Brady List on April 14—he said he is waiting to get answers before deciding his next steps.

April 2025 Central Oregon PubTalk

4:30-7:00 p.m. — Worthy Brewing Company — Ticket includes drink and snacks — Network with local business leaders and discover innovative pitches.

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition

7 p.m. — Mountain View High School — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fantastic youth production of the classic tale with a talented student cast.

Kids Night Out with Camp Fire Central Oregon

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Amity Creek Magnet at Thompson Elementary — $40 suggested price — Let the kids enjoy games and crafts while parents take a night off.

Sleeping Beauty - The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine

2-3:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting love story of Sleeping Beauty with a dazzling ballet performance featuring 50 dancers and over 200 exclusive costumes.

Robert Cray Band Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — VIP Package Available — Enjoy an evening with five-time Grammy winner Robert Cray as he brings his distinctive blend of blues and soul.

Yelawolf 45 Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room/Annex — All Ages — Experience the unique blend of hip-hop and rock from the chart-topping artist Yelawolf and special guests.

Reno and Cindy Musical Duo Performance

6-8 p.m. — Silverleaf Café — Enjoy an evening with talented duo Reno and Cindy featuring great vocals and engaging performances.

Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights

2:30-5 p.m. — Downtown Bend Business Association — Ticketed event — Explore Bend's vibrant craft beer scene with tours and tasting flights at local breweries.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

6-8 p.m. — River's Place — Cost TBA — Celebrate with live music, handmade tamales, elotes, and specialty cocktails.

Happy Hour in the Garden

4-6 p.m. — The Environmental Center — Free entry — Enjoy volunteering in the garden while sipping beverages with family-friendly activities.