Good morning, Bend.

Dancing with the Central Oregon Stars held its competition Saturday and raised $108,000 for Sparrow Clubs—an organization that empowers students to raise money through volunteer work.

Rebecca Maloney won the Shining Star award for highest individual fundraising while Soul Sisters and a Brother and Love in Motion earned group awards for their fundraising efforts.

On Saturday morning, Silver Rail Elementary School hosted phone calls where state and local leaders—such as Gov. Tina Kotek and Bend-La Pine Schools officials—praised families for improved attendance after a pandemic-driven decline.

Officials completed calls for 1,500 families and shared that regular attendance is helping students stay engaged in class.

Volunteers netted 5,000 fish during the annual recovery effort at Lava Island Falls as they rescued rainbow trout, brown trout, and sculpin from shallow river pools— a stop-gap measure until winter flows increase.

Gov. Tina Kotek and partners launched the first online meeting of the Statewide Resilience Forum on October 20 to gather public input on planning for wildfires, floods and earthquakes—feedback that will shape the Plan for a Resilient Oregon due in September and guide disaster funding in the next state budget.

Oregonians who receive SNAP benefits will not get new benefits after Oct.

31 because of the ongoing government shutdown, according to Gov. Tina Kotek's office. The change could affect about 757,000 people—including 210,000 children and 130,000 older adults—and the Department of Human Services will notify recipients about the interruption.

The Deschutes National Forest said Monday it is hiring for several seasonal positions including wildland firefighters and smokejumpers—jobs vital to wildfire preparedness and disaster response.

Applicants can apply through USAJobs.gov until October 29.

Summit clinched the Intermountain Conference championship on Saturday with a 37-7 win at Crook County—coach Corben Hyatt said the team did not play great but will work hard to improve for the playoffs, marking their first IMC title since 2022.

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

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.

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.

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.

Home Design Workshop at Wild Ride Brewing

12-2 p.m. — Wild Ride Brewing — Paid tickets include a free gift — Unleash your creativity by designing mood boards and receiving expert decor tips.

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.

APWA Oregon Fall Conference

October 28-31 — Riverhouse Lodge — Cost not specified — Connect with public works professionals for education, networking, and innovation.

The Emo Night Halloween Bash with Chandler P

8:00 – 11:59 p.m. — The Capitol — Free entry — Celebrate Halloween with a night of 2000’s pop punk and a live performance by Chandler P.

Five For Fighting with String Quartet

7-9 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful music of Five For Fighting accompanied by a string quartet.

Bend Witches Paddle

4-6 p.m. — Riverbend Park — Fundraiser event — Dress as a witch and paddle for a good cause along the river with family and pets.

PUNK-O-WEEN 4 Costume Party

12-11 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — $20 — Experience Bend's annual punk rock Halloween party with 17 bands and all ages welcome.

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