Bend
Daily News
Saturday, August 16th, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Bend Police warned residents that electric motorcycles—machines that exceed 28 MPH or lack pedals—are illegal and have increasingly been ridden by young kids on sidewalks and streets, prompting a call for community vigilance. KTVZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality released its 2025 Wildfire Smoke Trends Report today showing that the 2024 wildfire season led to longer smoke days and more unhealthy air quality in Bend and elsewhere. The report recalibrated data back to 2000 (using new EPA standards) to help local officials and residents monitor air quality risks. KTVZ
- ➤ Oregon DEQ released the 2025 Wildfire Smoke Trends Report which shows that the 2024 wildfire season started earlier and lasted longer, causing more unhealthy air quality days in Bend & other areas. Jillian Fortner spoke with DEQ representatives and the Regional Health and Climate Coordinator for Deschutes County Health Services on Friday, and her report aired on KTVZ News at 5:00 p.m. KTVZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The House Committee on Conduct cleared Rep. Dwayne Yunker of misconduct charges after a 2–2 vote, saying his reading of an explicit passage on the House floor did not break rules. He read the passage in March to protest that a book was easily available to high schoolers and later celebrated the decision on social media—claiming it defended his free speech. The Oregonian
- ➤ After state efforts failed, Deschutes County restarted its review of wildfire protection codes for new construction and renovations. County leaders said last month that planners are drafting amendments that might change building requirements—experts expect local feedback once the new rules are proposed. Bend Bulletin
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Thomas 'Tommy' Mercer—a 56-year-old man living in a juniper forest east of Bend for seven months—said he struggles to pay for food and keep his insulin cold as high costs and car trouble stop him from reaching town. A survivor of a severe motorcycle accident who lost his former life, Mercer now relies on community meals and hopes to secure rental housing as ongoing encampment sweeps push him further out. Bend Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After reaching the state championship match at Hillsboro Stadium (last fall), the Bend High girls soccer team has trained hard all summer to build their skills and teamwork. The team will open the season with a match at 15th Street Field (Sept. 2) against South Medford and aims to show that their success was earned. Bend Bulletin
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Hike the Waterfall Loop at McKenzie River with Lunch
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Tumalo Coffeehouse — Free — Explore beautiful waterfalls on a dog-friendly hike followed by a social lunch.
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The Northern Light
7-8:30 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — $13-$15 — Experience an evening with the alternative/psych rock sounds of The Northern Light.
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Bend Comedy Festival
3 PM – 7 PM — The Capitol — Festival passes on sale starting March 1st — Enjoy an unforgettable weekend filled with top comedians and local talent.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You cannot find yourself by going into the past. You can find yourself by coming into the present.
~ Eckhart Tolle
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