Bend
Daily News
Friday, May 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Powdr Corp, having reversed its sale decision, now is set to upgrade Mt. Bachelor by adding 12 miles of new power lines between the resort and Sunriver to double its capacity from 5 megawatts to 10 megawatts—anticipated to be completed by next summer. The resort will also finish a biomass facility that converts forest debris into heat to cut propane use, with operations expected by September 2026. The Oregonian
- ➤ After Powdr Corp. retained Mt. Bachelor, the ski area is planning upgrades that include installing 12 miles of new power lines to double its supply from 5 to 10 megawatts and building a biomass facility to cut propane use; John Merriman said the improvements will boost lift reliability on busy days — the power upgrade is expected to finish by next summer and the biomass facility by September. Bend Bulletin
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Oregon education leaders said they are already following federal student privacy laws after the Department of Education issued a Dear Colleague Letter on March 28 urging states to prove compliance — the state explained its training and clear procedures let parents access and correct student records and vowed to protect federal funding for local schools. Bend Bulletin
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Deschutes National Forest lifted the Bachelor Complex emergency fire closure on Thursday, reopening Edison Sno-Park and Forest Service Road 4525—drivers are advised to drive carefully as hazard trees and snow patches still create risks. The fire burned over 15,000 acres near Mt. Bachelor and visitors should follow local safety guidelines in the affected area. KTVZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ DMV offices in Bend are busy as Oregonians rush to get their REAL IDs before the new federal rule—set to begin May 7—requires a REAL ID or passport for air travel. Applicants will receive a temporary paper version at the DMV but cannot use it at the airport, while other services are available online, by phone, or via mail. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ On May 1, the Forest Service began removing hundreds of unhoused campers from a 900-acre area near China Hat Road in the Deschutes National Forest—campers were warned they could face fines up to $5,000 and a year in jail if they stayed. Local advocates say the move, which follows a denied restraining order request, leaves many with few safe options for shelter. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Federal officials closed 40 square miles of the China Hat area south of Bend at 12:01 a.m. on May 1 for wildfire risk reduction and habitat restoration, forcing the eviction of dozens of homeless residents. A restraining order effort by some residents and advocates was denied, and officials said those who resist could face up to six months in jail or $5,000 in fines — while recreation sites and trails remain closed until April. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield is hosting a town hall in Bend Saturday at OSU-Cascades Edward J. Ray Hall Atrium—9:30 to 11:00 a.m.—to discuss federal budget cuts affecting organizations and individuals. He will be joined by Representative Janelle Bynum, State Senator Anthony Broadman and Representative Jason Kropf. Central Oregon Daily
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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.
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Cinco de Mayo Celebration
6-8 p.m. — River's Place — Cost TBA — Celebrate with live music, handmade tamales, elotes, and specialty cocktails.
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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.
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Pollinator Pathway Bend Spring Kick-Off
4-6 p.m. — Wintercreek Nursery — Free entry — Celebrate spring with native plants and gardening stories at a local nursery.
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Kids' Cooking Class Series
3:30-4:30 p.m. — Hanai — Check event page for pricing — A fun and educational cooking series for kids aged 8 to 12 with parental guidance.
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Grease - The Musical
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Cascades Theatrical Co — Affordable tickets — Experience the excitement of Grease live on stage in Bend.
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Bend Beauty Expo 2025
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — $5 benefiting the Humane Society — Explore beauty with food, fun, and a chance to win prizes.
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Mother's Day Brunch Celebration
10 a.m. — Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge — $30-75 — Treat the queen of your crew to a bold and beautiful brunch crafted by Chef Carlos Anthony.
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Beertown Comedy Open Mic Night
6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs at this local favorite open mic event.
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Free Internet Safety Training Workshop
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Becky Johnson Community Center — Free entry — Learn safe and ethical technology use for children and adults in this informative training session.
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
Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.
~ Cornelius Vanderbilt
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