Good morning, Bend.

A body was found in the Deschutes River near Lava Island Falls Wednesday afternoon by kayakers, and the sheriff's office said rescue teams are working to recover it safely—residents are asked to avoid the area.

The inaugural Bend Comedy Festival begins this Labor Day weekend with headliners Kate Berlant on Friday, Bo Johnson on Saturday, and Susan Rice on Sunday at Riverhouse Convention Center—her set is set as a special brunch show aimed at uniting the community.

The Oregon Health Authority has issued toxic algae advisories for Ochoco Lake — in Crook County — and Lake Simtutus in Jefferson County due to detected high toxin levels, and visitors are warned to avoid water activities.

Authorities are testing to confirm the advisories while advising dog owners to keep pets away from the affected waters.

Elise Wolf and her husband evacuated their wildlife center near Sisters when the Flat Fire threatened the property and used past fuel reduction work to save their home and one aviary—though the blaze destroyed critical bird care facilities.

They plan to rebuild Native Bird Care with strong community support while continuing to treat injured birds.

The City of Bend is planning a $50 million expansion at the Outback Water Facility—located at 18600 Skyliners Road—to add new pretreatment systems, reservoirs, wells, in-conduit hydroelectric, a wildfire water fill station and security upgrades while also acquiring 48 acres of nearby forest land. Officials said the design process may take between 12 and 18 months with a two year construction period and warned residents of possible higher water bills if full funding is not received.

Bend joined the Youth Career Connect internship program to help high school students learn how local government works.

The city hired five interns this summer and will add five more in the fall — its first year in the program.

Infant Bobbi is fighting for her life after developing heart failure and sepsis, and she is now on a ventilator at OHSU.

At five weeks old, she was quickly transferred from a local hospital—doctors are checking if she will need a heart transplant as her mom, Amanda Grippin, said the community has provided vital support.

Summit football coach Corben Hyatt said his team has a strong offensive line and experienced players as they aim to reclaim the IMC title and pursue another state championship following wins in 2015 and 2022—The Storm will open their season Friday at 7 p.m. hosting Sprague from Salem as they look to prove their strength.

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

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.

Party Latino @ The Capitol

8:30-11:30 p.m. — The Capitol — Free entry — Experience the vibrant energy of Latino music and dance with a Bachata lesson and DJ entertainment.

First Friday Art Walk

5-8 p.m. — Downtown Bend Business Association — Free entry — Experience the vibrant monthly celebration of art and community in charming downtown Bend.

Principles of Power Workshop

4 PM – 12 AM — 20123 Cox Ln, Bend, OR — Check event page for costs — Explore the fundamentals of power training to enhance your vitality and independence.

Sunday Morning Worship Service

10-11:30 a.m. — Boys and Girls Club — Free entry — Experience worship, biblical study, and community fellowship in downtown Bend.