Good morning, Bend.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace—a national nonprofit with a chapter in Central Oregon—has built about 2,000 beds for kids in need since 2020 and now seeks donations and a community space to store supplies and tools for its builds.

The group keeps 97% of its donations for its work and hopes local helpers will support its mission.

E2 Solar in Bend was named a top solar contractor by Solar Power World on August 1 — the company is the only Central Oregon installer to appear on the 2025 list for 10 consecutive years.

It installed 729 kilowatts in 2024 and a total of 6,152 kilowatts since starting in 2005.

The Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ) warned Oregonians about scammers posing as banks or government officials to steal savings by urging victims to buy gold or silver, and a recent case left a woman losing tens of thousands while more investigations continue.

Bend Police arrested a 24 year old resident, Carlos Miguel Harpole, on Friday evening in southeast Bend after a manhunt following reports of a stolen 1996 Toyota Tercel and probation violation warrants—he was caught riding a bike near SE Wye Lane and Fifth Street.

Central Oregon residents can now recycle old mattresses and box springs for free at locations including Deschutes Recycling Center in Bend and Box Canyon Transfer Station in Madras — the Mattress Recycling Council launched the program on Jan 1st under a new state law and the network is growing statewide.

Deschutes County will chip seal Huntington Road, Crescent Creek Drive, and 1st Street in the La Pine area Monday through Thursday from Aug.

3rd to Aug. 9th, causing single-lane closures and delays of up to 20 minutes. The City of Bend and other agencies will close sections of Knott Road, Tumalo Reservoir Road, Skyliners Road/ Skyline Ranch Road intersection, Deschutes Market Road/Yeoman Road intersection, and parts of U.S. 97 for utility, roundabout and bridge work—drivers should follow signed detours.

More candidates have filed to run for four of the five Deschutes County commissioner seats on next May's ballot, including challenges for the seats held by Tony DeBone and Patti Adair and for two new positions created after voter approval.

A seven-member citizen advisory committee was appointed to draft a district map that will take effect in 2028 if it is approved by the board and voters.

The melting snow now opens high-elevation trails in the Central Oregon Cascades—giving hikers five late-summer routes from No Name Lake to South Sister Summit that require a wilderness permit and have clear access from Bend, Sisters, and Todd Lake.

Permits cost $1 per person for day trips or $6 per group for overnight outings and are available online or by phone.

Christmas in July with Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive Santa

Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive has taken over for the Toys for Tots which has suspended operations in Central Oregon and Marines from MCL 1308 with support from Summit Health are taking over with our Santa on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st of July and 7 of August every Thursday at 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm BRING A TOY PLEASE its needed

Joe Bonamassa Live Performance

1-9:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience the virtuoso blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa live in concert.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter at Bend's top open mic event for locals.

Tedeschi Trucks Band & Whiskey Myers Concert

6-8 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of roots rock with two powerhouse bands in a scenic outdoor venue.

Munch & Music Concert Series

5:30-9 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Celebrate 34 seasons of free live music, family fun, and delicious food vendors.

Fourth Annual Antique Fair

9 AM – 4 PM — Deschutes Historical Museum — Free entry — Explore a curated collection of antiques, collectibles, music, and food.

High Strung Bluegrass Performance

3–4 PM — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Experience a lively performance of traditional bluegrass instrumental pieces from various cultures.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the genre-defying sounds of Rainbow Kitten Surprise with their latest album 'LOVE HATE MUSIC BOX'.

RÜFÜS DU SOL Concert

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Get your tickets now — Experience a transcendent performance from the world’s leading live dance act as they debut their new album.

The Lumineers Concert

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the dynamic sound and storytelling of one of the most beloved bands in alternative rock.

Scotty McCreery Live Concert

4:00 – 5:30 PM — General Duffy's Waterhole — VIP packages available — Experience the rich vocals and storytelling of country music star Scotty McCreery.