Good morning, Bend.

Bend teen Jake Garner improved safety at Phil’s Trailhead by installing new fencing and clear signage—his Eagle Scout project finished at the end of July with help from COTA, the Deschutes National Forest, and local businesses.

OSU-Cascades released a call for proposals on Tuesday for a developer to lead the first phase of its planned 24-acre innovation district on a former landfill—this project will include labs, classrooms, meeting spaces and housing, with proposals due Sept.

11, a signed agreement expected by August 2026 and construction of the first two buildings set to start early 2028.

Two new fires broke out in southeastern Deschutes County Tuesday afternoon; the 781 Fire near Pine Mountain covered 1.4 acres about an hour after its 2:45 p.m. report and the larger Cougar Fire near Cougar Mountain reached 30 acres shortly before 4 p.m. Multiple interagency crews responded to suppress the Cougar Fire while its cause remains under investigation + additional resources are being deployed.

Deschutes County approved plans for the 2,000-acre Thornburgh resort between Redmond and Sisters that will include 950 homes, golf courses, a private lake and a clubhouse while stating the resort meets no net loss standards for fish and wildlife.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs claim treaty rights were ignored—prompting them to explore further legal actions.

Deschutes County approved up to $250,000 a year for a managed camp in Redmond to support people experiencing homelessness, with the board voting in favor on July 21.

The facility will begin building in the next two months and is planned to open by November or December—offering designated parking spots, tent sites, a shared kitchen, sanitation facilities and case management to help residents meet personal goals.

The Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office overturned five convictions because it found that former sheriff Kent van der Kamp lied under oath in cases from 2012 to 2014.

The cases, which included DUII and other offenses, were dismissed after an investigation exposed his dishonest testimony and aggressive behavior—actions that have damaged trust in his work.

A Bend woman found a severely ill deer in her backyard on Monday evening and reported it to ODFW, which said the animal may have Adenovirus Hemorrhagic Disease—an illness that could spread to other local deer.

ODFW advised residents to remove bird feeders and salt licks to help slow the virus's spread.

Local nonprofit RootedHomes will break ground on Rooted at Antler, its new middle-income housing community in Redmond on Friday, August 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The project will feature ten cottages and four duplexes designed for buyers earning up to 120% AMI (with a lottery for homes expected in January/February).

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

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.

Theater in the Park: Rock of Ages

7-9 p.m. — Drake Park — VIP tickets available — Enjoy electrifying musical theater under the stars with classic 80s hits.

Bikes and Pints

4-6 p.m. — Boneyard Beer — Free entry — Meet fellow cyclists and discuss bikes over pints in a lively taproom atmosphere.