Bend
Daily News
Friday, December 12th, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Artist Joshua Cook and community volunteers will build the annual Snow Dragon art installation at Meissner Sno-Park from Feb. 7–13 — lighting is planned for Feb. 20 to invite families to enjoy a magical winter play space. Source Weekly
- ➤ Les Schwab concluded a six-week toy drive on Thursday, Dec. 11 with 3,500 donated gifts collected at its Bend headquarters & organized for distribution by 24 nonprofits to local families, ensuring every child feels valued. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Volunteer groomers from Dogpac, led by Jeff Johnston, groom trails at Wanoga Sno-Park to offer a rustic skiing experience while allowing off-leash dogs to play. The grooming — done with snowmobiles and specialized attachments — keeps 10 km of Nordic ski trails fresh on winter mornings. Source Weekly
- ➤ The Bend High dance team wrapped up a five-week donation drive by delivering hundreds of essential items such as diapers and blankets for pregnant teenage mothers at Grandma’s House Wednesday. Genesis Marlowe—who spent her early life at the shelter—led the effort that rallied school and neighborhood support. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Gingerbread Junction at Sunriver Resort marks its 30th year with free gingerbread house displays from over 70 local groups, including families, businesses, and schools. The event runs through Jan. 7 and donates entry fee funds to Habitat for Humanity. Source Weekly
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Brim Bar is a mobile accessory bar (customizing hats and bags with various patches) set to host an event at 10 Barrel Westside Saturday from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to offer personalized holiday gifts. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ NW Natural's hydrogen blending and renewable natural gas projects with Tyson and Modern Hydrogen have faltered amid layoffs and plant closures — prompting a review of future project options by the utility. The company plans to reassess its emissions strategy to address customer affordability concerns. Bend Bulletin
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ AAA projects record holiday travel with 1.7 million Oregonians expected to drive, fly, or take other modes from Dec. 20 to Jan. 1. Bend tops the list among regional destinations — gas prices drop while busy roads prompt drivers to plan ahead. KTVZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Oregon officials applied new SNAP work rules statewide after the USDA ended waivers in November; about 37,000 people with ABAWD status must complete 80 hours of work or training per month (tribal members and others receive exemptions). KTVZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health care experts are urging Congress to extend ACA tax credits this week — tax credits that kept over 97% of Oregonians insured. If the credits end, many will lose financial help and face high premiums, with rural areas and small businesses likely hit hardest. Bend Bulletin
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Sen Thai Hot Pot and Noodle House launches an Asian-inspired brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 2pm starting Saturday, Dec. 13 at its NW Newport Ave spot. The menu offers beef satay+ egg, Thai curry baked egg and fried chicken Benedict with a veggie option and Thai drinks. Source Weekly
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Three Sisters Backcountry has passed the ownership of its mountain yurts at Tam McArthur Rim to outdoor enthusiasts Syver and Lisa Pearson, who will soon offer new backcountry skiing courses, wellness retreats and avalanche safety classes. The historic site near Broken Top has hosted skiers for 17 seasons and continues to update its community programs. Source Weekly
- ➤ Wool from Central Oregon’s Imperial Stock Ranch will be used in Ralph Lauren-designed U.S. Winter Olympic uniforms for the 2026 Milano Cortina games — marking the fourth time in a decade that local fiber supports the team. Bend Bulletin
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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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SantaLand Celebration
11 AM – 5 PM — Old Mill District — Free entry — Experience the festive spirit with Santa, holiday gifts, and special moments in SantaLand!
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Open Mic Night at Silver Moon Brewing
1-4 a.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Hone your craft in a supportive environment during this lively open mic night.
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SHINE Acoustic Performance
8-10 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Enjoy classics from the '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond with SHINE's acoustic trio.
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Swingin' Tower Christmas
7-8:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre, Bend, OR — RSVP required — Experience a festive holiday show with swingin' Christmas songs and local performers against a backdrop of a live big band.
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Swingin' Tower Christmas
2-5 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a festive family holiday show filled with swingin’ Christmas songs and seasonal stories.
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No School Day Camp
9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Amity Creek Magnet at Thompson School — Registration fee applies — Turn a day off into a fun-filled adventure with creativity for kids K-5.
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Christmas Eve Dinner at Juniper Preserve
9 AM – 4 PM — Juniper Preserve — Cost varies — Enjoy a lavish holiday brunch buffet with festive cheer and seasonal favorites.
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Tony Smiley Live Performance
7 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience a vibrant evening of live music from Tony Smiley.
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JuJu Eyeball New Year's Celebration
8-10 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Ticket information not provided — Celebrate the year's end with live Beatles tunes from Bend's very own JuJu Eyeball.
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Sunday Swim: Cold Plunge in the Deschutes
7:30-8:00 a.m. — Riverbend Park — Free entry — Start your Sunday with a refreshing cold plunge in the beautiful Deschutes River for an energizing morning experience.
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