Good morning, Bend.

The former Shilo Inn on Bend’s northside will reopen as Field & Stream Lodge with a mountain-town theme in 2028.

However, UNITE HERE has criticized AJ Capital Partners for its past community disputes.

Central Oregon students are slowly improving their Smarter Balanced test scores in English language arts, math, and science (with Bend-La Pine Schools showing above‐average performance) but remain below pre-pandemic levels, reflecting ongoing recovery in testing participation.

SafeSplash Swim School opened Sept.

8 in north Bend next to Bailey's Sports Complex to teach 30-minute water safety classes for babies to adults; founders Chase and Grant Jaffarian say the school fills a local need in a town circled by rivers and lakes.

The Oregon Natural Desert Association worked along the South Fork Crooked River to restore beaver homes by planting trees and building structures that slow water flow.

Beavers came back, building dams (and raising two kits) that help keep water in the stream, while ONDA expands its restoration work.

Ridership on fixed route buses has fallen by 51% since CET reintroduced fares in February in Bend; the agency is surveying residents and partnering with local groups to expand reduced-fare programs and adjust routes.

Central Oregon Community College will offer free rides for fall term.

Mt. Bachelor plans to open December 4 for the 2026/2027 ski season.

The mountain will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (conditions permitting) with events including first chair at 9:00 a.m., a DJ set at 10:30 a.m. and a toast at West Village Lodge at 11:00 a.m.