Good morning, Bend.

Next month, a new tool lending library will open at the Bend Habitat for Humanity ReStore parking lot—nonprofit COTool will let residents check out tools for home repair and gardening while hosting workshops with Habitat for Humanity.

Membership fees will depend on income and volunteers and tool donations are needed.

A study by Portland State University found that rising crime and overdose deaths in Oregon were driven mainly by the COVID-19 pandemic and fentanyl, not by decriminalizing small amounts of drugs under Measure 110.

The report showed that overdoses peaked in 2023 and declined in 2024, indicating the trend began before the law change.

Deschutes County Sheriffs Office rescued 21 Toy Australian Shepherds from a Tumalo property—adding to 12 rescued last week for a total of 33—with the owner saying he hid the dogs and gave officers wrong details.

Bend-La Pine Schools will host bus safety sessions for new riders on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.—held at the Transportation Department and La Pine Elementary—and will hold bus registration events on Aug.

18 and 20 from 1:30-6:30 p.m. where Spanish-speaking staff will help with the My Ride K-12 app and offer refreshments.

Thomas Mercer is a 56-year-old man struggling with serious health issues and low disability benefits after a motorcycle accident left him with Type 1 diabetes and other injuries while officials continue to clear homeless encampments east of Bend.

He depends on community meals and his service dog—who helps alert him during diabetic episodes—to manage his health as he hopes to secure stable housing soon.

In July, Bend home prices bounced back as the median price for a single-family home reached $750,000—matching last year’s value—and marketing time dropped from 24 to 21 days; in contrast, Redmond saw a slight price dip to $506,000 with marketing time increasing to 26 days.

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

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.

Sunday Morning Worship Service

10-11:30 a.m. — Boys and Girls Club — Free entry — Experience a time of worship, studying God's Word, and community fellowship.

SafetyNet: Smart Cyber Choices® Training

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Becky Johnson Community Center — Free entry — Learn how to safely navigate technology and manage online lives for adults and children.

Third Thursday Spoken Word Night

6-8 p.m. — SCP Redmond Hotel — Free entry — A lively open mic night for poets, writers, and storytellers to share their creative works.

Mt. Joy Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the indie-rock sound of Mt. Joy and their exciting new album live.

Oregon Cascades 100 Trail Race

6 AM – 5 PM — Pacific Crest Middle School — Registration Fee Required — Experience an epic 100-mile trail race from Bend to Sisters with breathtaking elevation challenges.

Farmer’s Market at Worthy Brewing

10 AM – 2 PM — Worthy Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy farm-fresh produce, unique products, live music, and local beer every Sunday!

Photography Workshop: Capturing the Milky Way

6-7 p.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Discover tips and techniques for photographing the stunning Milky Way under the stars.

Have you considered the lifestyle this La Pine home offers?

Have you considered the amazing lifestyle in Wild River, a river front neighborhood in La Pine Oregon? This amazing home has all the right features and a stunning location a block from Pringle Falls!