Bend
Daily News
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Four temporary tiny homes for families were set up at Franklin Avenue and 5th Street in Bend and former homeless grandmother Trish Smith— the first resident—moved in, though one neighbor complained that proper notice had not been given. Source Weekly
- ➤ The Bend Witches Paddle will take place on Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Riverbend Park—participants will donate wipes and diapers to support MountainStar Family Relief Nursery in partnership with the Old Mill District while spectators drop off donations and watch from the riverbanks. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ A Bend developer used her vacant lot on Franklin and 5th to build a tiny home village meant for families and elderly people, and the first resident, a formerly unhoused grandmother, moved in after meetings were held in July. Neighbor complaints about the lack of proper notice have arisen—local officials say the project offers a humane, temporary solution to homelessness. Central Oregon Daily
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bend-based UPP Liquids, launched four months ago by former 10 Barrel and Immersion Brewing staff, won gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Great American Beer Festival this past weekend — the brewery will host a party on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at its Box Factory location. Bend Bulletin
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Andre Gregoriou and Annabel Pineda will compete in Dancing with the Central Oregon Stars on Oct. 18 at Caldera High School—an event benefiting Sparrow Clubs where six duos and two teams will perform. Central Oregon Daily
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ AAA reported that gas prices in Bend dropped about a nickel to $3.95 per gallon—driven by falling crude oil prices, lower demand, and the shift to winter-blend fuel. KTVZ
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ OSU-Cascades added 221 new first-year students this fall—a 3% rise that brings total enrollment to 1,384 and boosts programs such as engineering, molecular biology, and environmental sciences. The school also welcomed 132 transfer students from Central Oregon Community College—many coming from Oregon and 35 other states. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Central Oregon Community College received a $1.36 million federal grant that will help 140 low-income, first-generation students get the help they need to graduate and transfer to a four-year school. The grant started on Sept. 25 and will fund extra staff—like success coaches and tutors—over four years. KTVZ
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Deschutes National Forest announced pile burning operations that may cover up to 15,000 acres starting today if conditions are favorable. Firefighters will monitor burns near Bend, Crescent, and Sisters — working with state agencies to reduce fire hazards and manage smoke. KTVZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sen. Anthony Broadman announced last Tuesday a $4 million state loan guarantee for the Joule housing project at NE 4th Street and Olney Avenue in Bend, which will add 134 multifamily units including housing for middle-income families — construction will begin in mid 2026 and finish by late 2027. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Local governments in Oregon have until Nov. 17 to apply for grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund that help pay for park projects and outdoor recreation improvements — the grants are funded by the National Park Service and managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Bend Bulletin
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Megan Sinclair held a Halloween treat-making demonstration at Arome cafe on Oct 14—she shared simple steps for creating festive treats for local visitors. Central Oregon Daily
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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
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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.
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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.
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Sam Bush Live Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the unique blend of bluegrass and progressive sounds from the iconic Sam Bush.
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Stayin Alive - Bee Gees Tribute
7:30-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the excitement of a full Bee Gees playlist with stunning visuals and heartfelt performances.
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Step Into the Ice Age
3-4 p.m. — Redmond Library — Free admission — Discover Ice Age archaeology with engaging activities and insights from an experienced archaeologist.
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Live Music Friday: Brenna Larsen
7-9 p.m. — Currents at the Riverhouse — Free entry — Experience heartfelt folk melodies and jazz-infused grooves by Portland’s rising star, Brenna Larsen, in a scenic riverside setting.
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Watkins Glen Halloween Dance Party
8-9:30 p.m. — Volcanic Theatre Pub — $23.53 — Experience a groovy Halloween celebration with YAK ATTACK and WATKINS GLEN paying tribute to the music of 1975.
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Beats & Bites Brunch with Samantha Hart
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Currents at the Riverhouse — Free entry — Experience soulful acoustic music by Samantha Hart, blending covers and heartfelt originals by the river.
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Beertown Comedy Open Mic Night
6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter and local talent at Bend's top-rated open mic.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
In life, you need either inspiration or desperation.
~ Tony Robbins
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