Good morning, Bend.

Today, Dave Maragas of Maragas Winery is harvesting a small batch of grapes near Pelton Dam to test for smoke damage from nearby fires that could affect his 'Legal Zin' wine.

He also moves events indoors at his Terrebonne tasting room when air quality drops.

Indie-pop artist JW Francis will perform with Goth Babe on Saturday at Silver Moon Brewing (51 NW Greenwood Ave.) at 8 p.m., after doors open at 7 p.m. The show costs $43.68 and features music inspired by his extensive travels.

NatureConnect (nonprofit) has launched the Youth Nature Access Fund to help kids get outdoors in central Oregon.

The program will let local groups cover transportation and scholarship costs for field trips, summer camps and after-school programs.

Firefighters nearly contained the Akawa Butte Fire on Wednesday when it burned over 27,800 acres near Sisters; all evacuation orders have been lifted, though some restrictions remain in the Central Oregon Forest Protection District + crews stay on scene to monitor lingering hazards.

Deschutes County is evaluating a plan for a utility-scale solar project — Lava Bear Solar — that may produce a quarter of Bend’s energy.

Community outreach will be held at Hanai on Aug. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. while the campground option remains under consideration.

Oregon wildlife officials will close steelhead and salmon fishing on much of the Deschutes River beginning Aug.

15 as wild summer steelhead returns remain record-low (7,388 fish passed Bonneville Dam in July). The fishery may reopen if numbers improve significantly by late August.

A former British airliner now flying as an air tanker dropped 27,000 pounds of fire retardant on the Bench Fire near the Warm Springs reservation to help slow the blaze.

The pilot from Aero-Flight is among crews battling rising wildfires through Central Oregon.

Oregon extended the deadline for SNAP replacement benefits to Aug.

14 for households in 12 counties that lost food during July wildfires. Residents can report losses by phone, online, or mail through the Oregon Department of Human Services (this extension replaces the usual 10-day reporting period).

Bend Fire and Rescue is offering two free monthly classes that teach hands-only CPR and how to stop severe bleeding to help in emergencies.

The sessions, open to individuals, schools and workplaces, give locals practical skills for a crisis (check local listings for class times).

Central Oregon offers many summertime adventures by hiking to remote mountain lakes near Bend (including trails with both active and relaxed options) that give locals a refreshing dip amid nature's beauty.

The 12-year-old Bend North Little League team plays Washington at 6 p.m. on Saturday in San Bernardino, and the winner will advance to the Little League World Series.

Fresh off an undefeated district and state run, the squad looks to make history on ESPN+ broadcasts.

Sarah McLachlan Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience the soulful melodies of Sarah McLachlan performed live in a beautiful outdoor venue.

Tedeschi Trucks Band Live

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the incredible fusion of soul, blues, and rock from a powerhouse 12-piece band.