Good morning, Bend.

Redmond firefighter-paramedic Michael Kienzle died Sunday after battling leukemia + his wife coached Caldera High softball team to its first state title the day before.

Two tribute blood drives will honor his legacy on July 24 and Sept. 22 at the Redmond Fire station.

Les Schwab laid off 70 employees (about 14% of its 500-person team) Monday as part of a restructuring aimed at aligning resources for growth; affected workers will receive severance packages and extended benefits.

Visit Bend has awarded $300,000 in grants to 22 organizations to support arts and cultural tourism projects during slower travel seasons.

The grants come from lodging taxes and will fund events like Ballet Bend — a new production, TEDxBend and the Bend Fall Festival.

The Archaeology Roadshow visited the Deschutes Historical Museum Saturday, showcasing Central Oregon’s water and fire archaeology.

Local groups like Bowman Museum and Heritage Apple Corps shared artifacts and local history (inviting community engagement).

Starting Wednesday, the Sisters Rodeo begins its 86th anniversary run through Sunday at a sold-out PRCA event featuring top bull riders and rodeo competitions.

Over 30,000 visitors may use free shuttles from Sisters Parks & Recreation and buy a wristband for food and big-screen viewing at the Red Rock Corral.

A U.S. News report (2026 data) lists 10 high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree for Oregon job seekers, with roles in healthcare, skilled trades, and public safety such as aircraft mechanic and patrol officer.

Graduates can explore these career paths offering six-figure salaries through training and apprenticeships.

Joe Martinez and Joshua Bowden recorded a video showing a black bear spotted in a tree along a Bend trail on Friday.

For the third year, families with school-aged children can get a one-time $120 per child for summer groceries through Summer EBT; households in programs like Oregon Health Plan, SNAP, and TANF got enrolled last Friday, while others must apply by Sept.

1 — if they do not qualify automatically.

The Oregon Health Authority updated its air quality guide today for schools, daycares, camps and youth sports to limit outdoor activities during wildfire smoke events; new science shows kids are at risk at lower PM2.5 levels, so guidelines now limit activity duration at moderate AQI and cancel events above 150.

Sagebrush Social

5-7 p.m. — Miller's Landing Park — Free entry — Celebrate high desert conservation with activities and networking in Bend.

Thursday Night Live at Mountain Burger

6-8 p.m. — Mountain Burger — Free entry — Enjoy great music by Evan Mullins while savoring delicious food in a lively atmosphere.

Picnic With Alpacas on a Working Alpaca Farm

12:30 p.m. — Tumalo Coffeehouse — Age 2+ welcome, up to 8 guests — Enjoy a delightful picnic experience surrounded by friendly alpacas.

Yoga for Sustainable Mobility

8:30-10 a.m. — Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR — Paid parking — Experience a mobility-focused yoga class to enhance strength and flexibility.

SafetyNet: Smart Cyber Choices® Training

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Sisters Library — Free entry — Learn safe and ethical technology use in this informative training for adults and children.

Summer Kickoff Rock Show

6-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Celebrate the start of summer with high-energy performances from youth rock band Young Guns and special guests.

Creative Current Youth Market

4-6:30 p.m. — Bend Brewing Company — $30 for a craft table — Celebrate young artists and support creativity at this lively craft market.

Canapalooza 2026

2-6 p.m. — Newport Avenue Market — Free entry — Celebrate local breweries, cideries, and food at Bend's annual Canapalooza festival.

The Wizard of Oz by Académie de Ballet Classique

6-8 p.m. — Caldera High School — Admission details not specified — Experience the enchanting tale of Dorothy's journey through the magical land of Oz brought to life by talented ballet students.

Father's Day Celebration

9 AM – 5 PM — High Desert Museum — Free admission for dads — Celebrate Father’s Day with free admission for all dads at the Museum.