Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A Prineville man died Monday, August 18 at Lake Billy Chinook when he suffered a suspected heart attack while swimming to reach a drifting boat—his friend on board was unable to control it. Central Oregon Daily
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Newport Avenue Landscaping deployed robotic lawn mowers at the Bend RV Resort near Murphy Road to mow lawns silently at night—reducing labor, emissions and noise. The machines cost about $4,000 each and use mapping and sensor technology to stop if an object is detected. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Rawmona's Kitchen, a favorite at farmers markets, opened a storefront at 910 NW Harriman Street in downtown Bend. It serves tamales, pastries — and Mexican ice cream, and is open Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central Oregon Daily
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Central Oregon unemployment rates increased in July as all counties reported job losses, with the Bend area losing about 1,600 jobs—its rate rising from 4.6% in June to 4.7% while Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties also saw slight increases driven mainly by seasonal changes in local education. The Oregon Employment Department noted that these figures echo a statewide rise to a 5% unemployment rate, the highest in four years. KTVZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council is inviting residents to join hour-long focus groups on traffic safety in Bend, Madras, Warm Springs, Redmond, La Pine and Prineville—participants will receive a $75 stipend and options are offered in English and Spanish. The sessions will be scheduled soon as part of a public outreach effort to shape future safety messaging. Bend Bulletin
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Bend nonprofit RootedHomes received a $540,000 grant to expand its down payment assistance program for veterans, offering up to $60,000 toward buying a home. The program includes 70 available houses (veterans must show a DD 214 form or proof of benefits and sign a release form) to qualify for the aid. Central Oregon Daily
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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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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.
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2025 Bend Beer Run
9 a.m.–5 p.m. — Deschutes Historical Museum — Entry included in registration — Run a scenic 5K with craft beer stops and enjoy the Little Woody Festival festivities.
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Sunday Morning Worship Service
10-11:30 a.m. — Boys and Girls Club — Free entry — Experience a time of worship, the studying of God's Word, and fellowship.
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
What you resist, persists.
~ Carl Jung
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