Good morning, Bend.

Joan and Lewis Walton celebrated 76 years of marriage in Bend Monday with a dinner among friends.

The couple, aged 96 and 97, plan to reach 80 years together as they credit their long-lasting love to humor and friendship.

Bend Park and Recreation District's $8 million project at Pine Nursery Park nears completion with a new full-court basketball court, eight pickleball courts, dark sky lighting and improved ball fields now open—final touches including a pedestrian connection and off-leash area will finish by fall.

The Northwest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market in Bend is nearing capacity (with up to 3,000 visitors weekly) and adds 30 to 40 new vendors each week.

The market runs until Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on NW Crossing Drive between Mt. Washington Drive and Compass Park.

A permit filed Monday shows Panera Bread will repurpose the old Cracker Barrel building on Bend’s north side; another permit filed Aug.

6 shows the space will also house a Carhartt store, with plans including updated finishes and kitchen equipment.

High Desert Chamber Music is moving its Concert Series to First Presbyterian Church of Bend and its Annual Gala to Riverhouse Convention Center as it enters its 19th season.

The season starts Sept. 25, 2026 and will open with the Yu and I Duo performance.

Drivers in Central Oregon may face higher gas prices as crude oil prices jumped nearly $9 per barrel in the last two weeks; analysts warn a 10 cent rise could occur soon since regional prices remain above the national average (Central Oregon at $4.66 vs. $4.15 nationally).

Bend La-Pine Schools is hiring nutrition servers and substitutes for its nutrition team.

The positions offer pay rates from $22.99 to $26.69 per hour for servers and $20 per hour for substitutes (application details coming soon).

A local hiker recounted a trip along the Obsidian Trailhead near McKenzie Pass where a limited-entry permit preserves dramatic views of North and Middle Sister during an 11-mile trek from Bend.

The route features black obsidian rock, alpine meadows, and steep climbs that showcase unique outdoor adventures.

The U.S. Forest Service is accepting online wildfire firefighter applications for permanent and seasonal roles today in the Deschutes National Forest, including openings for hand crews + engine crews.

Applicants must submit materials on USAJobs.gov by Sept. 22.

Fifteen Central Oregon high school cross-country runners are returning for the season; local athletes (including those from Bend, Summit, and Caldera) aim to build on last season's successes at upcoming meets.