Good morning, Bend.

Better Together Central Oregon becomes fully independent on June 30, ending its partnership with the High Desert Education Service District to manage operations and staffing across Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties (and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), and will begin running its Juntos Aprendemos program on July 1.

Yesterday, a resource fair at the Bend Elks Lodge connected dozens of homeless and low-income veterans with housing, health, and support services.

Frank Strupith from Central Oregon Veterans Outreach said the event helped vets discover options they might have otherwise missed.

The Deschutes Trails Coalition is hosting Trails on Tap – a happy hour mixer for trail lovers – on Wednesday, April 29 at Bend Brewing Co. on the banks of the Deschutes River to share volunteer opportunities and support trail maintenance efforts.

Cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts will gather at The Pavilion on SW Bradbury Way this Saturday and Sunday for the Bend Bike Festival, featuring live music, gear swaps and local vendors to launch the mountain biking season; Saturday runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday opens at 7:30 a.m.

Bend’s Homegrown Music Festival will run May 7-9 at the Century Center near SW Simpson Ave and SW Century Dr, featuring 40 bands with 24 local acts playing styles from indie to folk.

Central Oregon Community College will open its 24,000 sqft Madras campus expansion on April 30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; the two-story facility features training programs in nursing, medical assisting, and a 100-slot child care center, along with a ribbon cutting and self-guided tours led by COCC president Greg Pereira.

The U.S. Forest Service is thinning dense forest, clearing illegal campsites, and grinding brush southeast of Bend as part of the 32,565-acre Cabin Butte Forest Restoration Project.

Public access will remain closed until Apr. 30, 2027 (areas west of Highway 97 will reopen May 1).

Cascades East Transit will boost bus service frequency across Bend from May 4, with Routes 1 and 4 running every 15 minutes on weekdays between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Route 6 serving the new Deschutes Public Library opening May 11.

Bend Police will host a drive-through DEA Drug Takeback event on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the PD parking lot (555 NE 15th Street) to let residents safely dispose of unused prescriptions and protect the community’s water supply.

Cocina Flores, a new Mexican food truck, began serving authentic Mexican dishes outside Cascade Indoor Sports early this month—its menu features popular Quesabirria tacos.

It operates on select days at 20775 High Desert Lane.

A long-delayed land sale in southwest Bend nears closing after federal approval cleared the way for COID to sell 80 acres to Pahlisch Homes.

Survey work is underway & parties expect closing by July 1, though future development is restricted by a view easement until 2034.

Mountain View Cougars are having their best season since 2016 with 10+ wins in 12 games.

The team is pushing for a playoff spot while facing top-ranked rivals in upcoming games as they aim for a state championship.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Purpose Derby

1-4 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Celebrate the Kentucky Derby while supporting StirrUp Purpose through fun activities and auctions.

Fresh Finds Market at Juniper Preserve

11 AM – 5 PM — Juniper Preserve, Golf & Wellness Resort — Free entry — Celebrate spring with local produce, artisan goods, and adoptable pups at this community farmers market.

Charting American Pika Resilience

7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free, RSVP required — Explore how American pikas adapt to climate change in Central Oregon's wilderness.

Let's Talk About It – Free Child Development Training

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Deschutes Children's Foundation - East Bend Campus — Free entry — Gain valuable insights into child development and learn effective communication strategies for discussing sensitive topics with children.