Good morning, Bend.

Bend fans will support kids during today's Oregon vs Washington game as Les Schwab Tires collects toys and online donations through an online challenge where Ducks and Huskies fans compete—donations from Washington fans benefit The Forgotten Children's Fund while those from Oregon fans aid The Salvation Army S. Willamette Valley Corps. Fans who cannot attend may donate new, unwrapped toys at Western Washington stores until Dec. 13th and at Eugene-area stores until Dec. 20th.

Central Oregon families interested in cutting their own Christmas tree can now secure permits online or from local vendors in the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests.

Permits cost $5 plus a $2.50 fee when purchased online and come with rules on tree size, location, and tag limits—fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free permit.

Trinity Diggs was named telecommunicator of the year by public safety officials yesterday — Bend Northstar Travel Group advisor Anneke Marchese was chosen for an invitation-only Global Travel Marketplace Luxury event and Molly DelCurto, Austin Osborne, and Javier Ruiz joined Kernutt Stokes Bend.

Santa landed in Bend Friday morning by helicopter at the Old Mill District — marking the start of his seasonal visit; he will meet families at Santa Land every weekend until Dec.

23.

Local columnist Michael Zapp argued on November 28th that Oregon’s law making companies cover packaging waste costs offers a strong model for reducing environmental harm—he urged Congress to adopt similar federal standards to protect public health and support fair competition.

The column stressed that Oregon’s proactive approach shows how state innovation can drive sustainable practices when federal action lags.

The Forest Service announced that winter wildlife closures will begin Monday in four areas of Deschutes National Forest to protect vulnerable deer and elk herds through the winter.

The closures, which include Cabin/Silver Lake, Metolius Winter Range, Opine Travel Management Area and Tumalo Winter Range, will ban motorized vehicles — including snowmobiles and e-bikes — until Mar. 31.

Photographer Kiliii Yuyan will visit Bend on December 4 at Tower Theatre — he will share his forthcoming book Guardians of Life and insights on Indigenous conservation during Central Oregon LandWatch’s 2025 Livable Future Forum.

Road repair projects will begin tomorrow and run through December 6 as crews install concrete at South Century Drive—Huntington Road, trim near the Redmond Wetlands Complex, complete utility work on U.S. 97 in Terrebonne, and close China Hat Road and FS Road 1815 for forest thinning. Drivers should expect detours and delays during work hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and winter closures on Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road until Memorial Day depending on weather.

Residents in Petrosa and Easton are upset as developers change the plan by converting commercial land into affordable housing.

City leaders and developers now plan to revisit state laws and consider incentives to bring back the retail services that were promised—hoping to balance housing needs with expected community amenities.

Runners and walkers braved early sleet and cold on Thanksgiving morning during the I Like Pie fun run organized by Cascade Lakes Relay — they ran through the Old Mill to Riverbend Park.

More than 5,000 locals enjoyed over 400 pies while the event raised over $50,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bend.

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

Annual Holiday Marketplace at the Vineyard

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards — Free entry — Explore local crafts and enjoy award-winning wine and food while soaking in beautiful vineyard views.

Natural History Pub: The Recipe for Healthy Soil

7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free, RSVP required — Discover what makes healthy soil essential for a thriving garden with local experts.

O Christmas Tea - A British Comedy

3-6 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Cost Info — Enjoy a hilariously inventive show that blends British humor with unexpected twists.

FunkShui & Guests Live Show

7-10 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Enjoy a fun night with live funk music by FunkShui and guests.

Kids Night Out with Camp Fire Central Oregon

1:30-4:30 a.m. — 437 NW Wall St, Bend, OR — Donation-based event — Kids enjoy games, crafts, and dinner while parents have a night out.

Schilling's 2025 Holiday Makers Market

6 PM - 12 AM — Schilling's Garden Market — Parking ticket required — Celebrate creativity and community with local vendors, festive food, and holiday cheer.

Community Leaders Christmas Party 2025

6-8 p.m. — The Haven Coworking — Free entry — Celebrate the Christmas season with leaders from across Central Oregon in a casual holiday gathering.

Evan Mullins Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — Silverleaf Café — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of amazing covers and original music with talented local musician Evan Mullins.

Holiday Lights Paddle Parade

4-10 p.m. — Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe — Free entry — Experience the enchanting spectacle of illuminated kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards on the Deschutes River.

SantaLand Celebration

11 AM – 5 PM — Old Mill District — Free entry — Experience the festive spirit with Santa, holiday gifts, and special moments in SantaLand!