Good morning, Bend.

Officials from the Oregon Department of Human Services said on Aug.

18 that 11-year-old Christopher Brayton went missing with his father from Redmond and may be at risk—they are believed to be traveling in a maroon Toyota truck possibly headed for Disneyland, and anyone with information is urged to call 911 immediately.

Samson Garner's ex-wife testified by video at his trial, saying their troubled marriage ended in divorce after she moved with their children to Michigan—she also said Garner stopped paying $2,615 monthly child support, took money from their savings and retirement, and made threats that led Michigan police to increase patrols as he now faces charges for planning a mass shooting at a Smith Rock climbing event.

Landscapers in Bend are shifting from maintaining lush lawns to installing xeriscaped yards as the city offers rebates that pay homeowners $3 per square foot for grass removal.

Brandon Engebretson of Lawn Ranger and projects like those at Central Oregon Pediatric Associates are replacing traditional grass with native plants and rock work—this change is expected to cut water use and lower bills.

On Thursday, Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read rejected a Justice Department request for voter data that might violate privacy rights — saying there was no federal authority for the demand.

He also noted that while some voter data can be accessed for a fee — it does not include sensitive details like birthdays, Social Security numbers or driver’s license numbers.

Bend will host its biggest cigar and spirits event at Tetherow on Friday from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. featuring premium cigars, whiskey and food—tickets are available online and at The Cigar Chapel with a five pack of cigars and 10% off for in-store purchases.

Mountain bikers on the North Fork-Flagline Loop ride 21 miles starting and ending at Tumalo Falls with a 3,000-foot climb before steep descents into old forests and meadows—riders enjoy scenic waterfalls and alpine views during a roughly 4½-hour ride.

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

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.

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.

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.

2025 Reggae Rise Up Oregon Festival

August 29th-31st — Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Tickets available soon — Experience top reggae artists and vibrant art in beautiful Central Oregon.

Finding Gobi: A Journey of Friendship

10-11 a.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Hear Dion Leonard share the heartwarming story of his bond with a stray dog during an ultra-marathon across the Gobi Desert.

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.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs at the top-rated locals' open mic event in downtown Bend.

Child Abuse Awareness Training

5:30-7 p.m. — Sisters Library — Free entry — Learn to recognize child abuse signs and prevention strategies for community protection.

Worthy Brewing Summer Concert Series

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Worthy Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live music every Wednesday night in the heart of Bend.