Good morning, Bend.

Bend man Jared Priestley is training for a 24-hour ultramarathon at Suttle Lake Trail Fest on October 25 to raise money for Christmas gifts for children in need across Central Oregon—he aims to run more than 100 miles while his brother Derek will pace him to boost his progress.

Award-winning wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas—known for capturing images on all seven continents—will speak today at 7 p.m. at the Tower Theatre to share behind-the-scenes details of her work and conservation projects.

Mt. Bachelor got its first snow of the season in late September—spokesperson Presley Quon said the resort might open earlier than the planned Nov.

28 date if the snow continues.

Oregon State Parks began charging a $10 day-use parking fee on Oct.

1—adding fees at 22 parks that were free before while bringing the total to 47 fee-charging sites—and out-of-state visitors now pay a 25% surcharge. The new fees aim to help address a budget shortfall and can be paid by credit, cash, or online.

Today, Oregon implemented a 65-cent tax on nicotine pouches under House Bill 3940 to fund wildfire prevention and recovery—it adds 3 cents for each extra unit beyond 20 and directs funds to the Landscape Resiliency Fund and Community Risk Reduction Fund.

Bend is seeking local residents to join advisory committees that help shape city policy.

Applications must be submitted by Oct. 31 for openings on committees such as Affordable Housing, Budget, Core Area, Human Rights and Equity, Landmarks, and Planning—each offering a stipend of up to $500 per year.

The federal government shutdown yesterday left nearly 30,000 workers in Oregon facing furloughs and delayed pay.

About one-third of the workers are sent home without pay—airport screeners, border agents, and VA staff continue working while some federal services such as passport processing and nutrition assistance may see delays.

Deschutes County landowners with property damaged by the Flat Fire have less than two weeks to apply for recovery aid from the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District, which offers reimbursement up to 75% of treatment costs or $150 per acre.

Applications close Oct. 12 + eligible projects must be completed this year to qualify.

Today in Bend, single-family homes sold at 94.1% of their list price in August—marking the lowest rate since 2011 and the longest market time at 32 days.

With 4.3 months of inventory, homeowners must price correctly since a price hike results in sharply fewer buyers.

Bend High and Summit girls soccer teams ended their Tuesday night match in a 1-1 draw on rain-soaked turf at Summit High (Bend scored first and Summit tied later).

The teams will meet again on Oct. 24 at Bend High.

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

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.

Oktoberfest Celebration at Bend Brewing Co.

5-8 p.m. — Bend Brewing Company — No cover charge — Celebrate Oktoberfest with great beer, German food, and live music in a festive atmosphere.

Fall Foot Races

8 AM – 12 PM — Riverbend Park — Various entry fees — Celebrate fall in Central Oregon with races for all runners, including a half marathon, 10k, and kid's run.

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.

Elton Dan & the Rocket Band

8-11 p.m. — Volcanic Theatre Pub — Ticketed event — Super-fan Dan and his Rocket Band bring to life the iconic hits from Elton John's early albums.

Live Music with Dave LiaBraaten

7-9 p.m. — Currents at the Riverhouse — Free entry — Experience dynamic performances of classic rock, pop, and acoustic favorites by Bend's own Dave LiaBraaten.

"You Are Loved" Mural Painting

Join us for a fun day of painting - a new 25-foot "You Are Loved" mural is going up and we need your help! Bring your friends and enthusiasm - we'll provide the supplies and refreshments - no experience needed.

Not’Cho Grandma’s Bingo

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free – $14 — High energy FUNdraising bingo that guarantees a great experience in Central Oregon.

2025 BOW Annual BootCamp Sessions

9:00 – 11:30 AM — Volcanic Theatre Pub — Tickets start at $30 — Experience the thrill of the outdoor industry pitch contest and witness emerging brands compete for cash awards.

Bend Venture Conference 2025

12:30 PM – 5:00 PM — Tower Theatre — Check the website for pricing — Engage with innovative startups and connect with industry leaders at this renowned entrepreneurial event.