Good morning, Bend.

Bethlehem Inn launched its annual Harvest for Hope Food Drive—donations can be dropped off at its Bend campus on Mervin Sampels Road and at its Redmond campus from Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.—to help stock pantries for a meal program that provides three daily meals for up to 180 residents.

More than 40 poodles taken in an alleged puppy mill neglect case are up for adoption at the Humane Society of Central Oregon today—extra dogs will join once they are medically cleared.

Blockbuster’s Bend store—the last one in the world—is celebrating its 40th birthday this month, inviting film fans to enjoy a unique nod to its ’90s and 2000s legacy.

Three Bend athletes with spinal cord injuries will be featured in the new documentary 'ADAPTED' at next week’s Bend Film Festival, which will show the film on Saturday, Oct.

11 at the Volcanic Theatre Pub and on Sunday, Oct. 12 at Regal 7. The film follows their daring outdoor expeditions—Soens aiming to summit Mount Baker, Hancock leading a custom raft down the Salmon River, and Doelling hand-cycling through Canyonlands—sparked by their work with Oregon Adaptive Sports.

Central Oregon school districts were mostly above state averages in English language arts, math and science even though their scores remained below pre-pandemic levels based on state testing data released Thursday.

Bend-La Pine Schools showed strong performance with 53% proficiency in English along with improved results for fourth and seventh graders—other districts reported mixed trends as they worked to boost core subject skills.

The Deschutes County District Mapping Advisory Committee will hold a listening session on Oct.

16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Barnes and Sawyer Conference Room at the Deschutes Services Building—1300 NW Wall St. in Bend to get public input on new district maps for the county commission, and the seven-member group plans to finish a final map by November before the commission reviews it for voter approval in 2026.

Bend city leaders have planned walkable community projects to make stores, parks, and seating areas close to homes, but many new housing areas still need more local stores so people rely on cars.

Officials are testing relaxed zoning rules and new commercial corridors—changes that could bring more amenities to neighborhoods.

Some state lawmakers are questioning if Oregon’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout was fast enough and are considering a bill—possibly for 2026 or later—to let medical providers follow West Coast Health Alliance guidance instead of the CDC panel.

Gov. Tina Kotek and state agencies said two weeks ago that any Oregonian can get the vaccine.

Friday night, several local football games are set as unbeaten Summit hosts Ridgeview at 7 p.m. in the Intermountain Conference—Bend High will travel to face Lebanon while teams like Mountain View, Sisters, Madras and Culver take the field.

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

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.

Next Stop Comedy Showcase

7:30-9 p.m. — Bridge 99 Brewery — Tickets may apply — Enjoy a night filled with laughter featuring a fresh line-up of stand-up comedians.