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Friday, September 26th, 2025

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Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of September.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Wanderlust Tours is hosting three free clean-up events this fall to help local volunteers care for Central Oregon’s natural spaces. Volunteers will plant 200 native plants at Ryan Meadow on Tuesday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.—collect trash at Cascade Lakes on Oct. 5 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.—and perform trail maintenance at Blue Lake on Oct. 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Bend Bulletin

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Bend Outdoor Worx is hosting its annual business spotlight on October 15th at the Volcanic Theatre Pub, which starts with a BootCamp offering learning sessions with local speakers — then emerging companies will pitch their ideas to win a $20,000 cash prize.  Bend Bulletin

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Bend-La Pine Schools is in the final stages of upgrading security by replacing about 3,200 door locks and updating fire alarm systems across 18 schools—most work should finish by January. The district is also moving forward with renovations at Bend High, with phase two scheduled to start next summer.  Bend Bulletin
  • Central Oregon Community College announced Thursday a $1.33 million federal grant that will provide scholarships and paid field placements in behavioral health for 18 students each year—helping to address a local shortage in mental health professionals.  KTVZ
  • Central Oregon Community College received a four-year, $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration on September 25, which will pay for scholarships and field placements for up to 18 behavioral health students per year—helping meet the local need for mental health workers.  Bend Bulletin

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Commute Options is launching its annual Get There Challenge from October 1st to October 14th to encourage greener transportation methods—such as walking, biking, transit, carpooling, and remote work—to reduce traffic and boost air quality. Top trip loggers will be eligible to win $100 e-gift cards in 10 categories while all participants are entered in a raffle for prizes.  KTVZ

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Greenwood Avenue's year-old road diet lowered vehicle speeds and increased cycling and walking, yet a survey of nearly 2,000 residents shows 80% of drivers disliked the change—citing more congestion and fewer parking spaces. City officials will gather further feedback before making a final decision about the program.  KTVZ
  • Arnold Irrigation District is seeking new funding for its canal-to-pipe project in southeast Bend as rising construction costs have delayed phases three and four until next winter. The district will continue preparation work and now targets the first half of 2027 for full completion — the first two phases have already been completed.  Bend Bulletin
  • The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office celebrated one year of its Deflection Program today at The Taylor Center in Bend when nine participants graduated from the voluntary program that connects people to addiction treatment instead of jail. Officials say the program has helped 28 individuals complete 33 cases and provided vital support—linking clients to housing, job search help, and treatment—with community partners to break the cycle of addiction.  KTVZ

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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

    Thu, 7/3/25

    View event
  • Oktoberfest Celebration at Boneyard Pub

    6 p.m. — Boneyard Pub — Beer and food specials — Celebrate the season with live music and craft brews at this annual fest.

    Sat, 9/27/25

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  • Neil Simon's Rumors

    2 PM — Cascades Theatrical Co — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter and chaos in this clever comedy about misunderstandings and gossip among friends.

    Sun, 9/28/25

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  • Broken Compass Bluegrass Concert

    7:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the vibrant sounds of contemporary bluegrass with Broken Compass Bluegrass as they blend tradition and innovation.

    Mon, 9/29/25

    View event
  • Ryan Meadow Restoration & Planting Project

    1:30-4:30 p.m. — Fred Meyer — Free entry — Participate in planting native species to boost local wildlife habitats while learning about environmental stewardship.

    Tue, 9/30/25

    View event
  • Brother Gabe Trio Concert

    7-10 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free show — Enjoy a lively performance by the Brother Gabe Trio in a cozy setting.

    Wed, 10/1/25

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  • Bend Fall Festival

    11 AM - 10 PM — Downtown Bend Business Association — Free entry — Celebrate autumn with live music, delicious food, and artisan vendors in a vibrant community atmosphere.

    Fri, 10/3/25

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  • Bend Festivals Volunteer Sign Up

    7-11 p.m. — 704 NW Georgia Ave, Bend, OR — Free entry — Experience the joy of volunteering and connect with your community for a fun-filled weekend.

    Sat, 10/4/25

    View event
  • Crystal Singing Bowls Sound Bath Experience

    4-5 p.m. — CONTINUUM, A School of Shadow Yoga — Ticket required — Immerse yourself in soothing sounds to release tension and renew your spirit.

    Sun, 10/5/25

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  • Life in the Forest Canopy

    7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free entry — Discover the secrets of the forest canopy with expert insights on biodiversity and ecological balance.

    Mon, 10/6/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

If you're not willing to be mocked, you're not going to do anything new.

~ Jeff Bezos

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