Bend
Daily News
Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Transportation announced a 6.2-mile multi-use path connecting Bend to Lava Butte for walkers and cyclists to avoid Hwy 97. Construction will begin in fall 2026 using Federal Lands Access Fund money to boost local recreation. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Bend Pavilion will mark its 10-year anniversary next week at the park and recreation facility that opened on Dec. 26, 2015. The venue’s ice skating, roller skating, and curling programs have grown steadily over time. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ The 18th annual Dirksen Derby was postponed because Mount Bachelor had no snow, and its community fundraising continues with an art auction at Tactics downtown + more events supporting local causes. KTVZ
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bend-based real estate developer Brooks Resources Corporation earned the Community Applause award from the Oregon Bankers Association on Friday, Dec. 19 (recognizing its support for local nonprofits) according to the company. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Pine Tavern in Bend plans a new restaurant venture by opening the Brooks Street Boat House in a neighboring building next year. An interview with the owner early next week will reveal further details & explain how the concept differs from the longtime restaurant. Central Oregon Daily
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bend Park and Recreation reports storm damage at Shevlin Park on the west side—fallen trees and standing water have prompted a trail closure on the north end and minor flooding along Tumalo Creek, urging visitors to use caution. Central Oregon Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon Supreme Court ruled this month that Bend doctors may be liable if they oversaw the prescription of addictive drugs, arising from a 2017 accident where an impaired driver fatally struck dentist Marika Stone; the case is now with Deschutes County Circuit Court. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ The City of Bend and Housing Works replaced aging, high-volume toilets at Summit Park Apartments in northeast Bend, cutting water use to 1.28 gallons per flush and reducing utility costs, with city rebates expected to cover the installation cost in 1.5 years (saving $80 per unit). Central Oregon Daily
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Registered nurse Jessica George visited Chelsea Mendoza’s home in Madras three weeks after her daughter’s birth to answer questions about swaddling, feeding and baby safety; the free Family Connects program (funded by state and insurance) has supported 237 families in Central Oregon over the past year. Bend Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ OregonLive announced its all-state girls soccer selections for the 2025 high school season. Bend’s Shea Manfredi earned first-team honors after scoring 26 goals and 16 assists to help the Lava Bears win their first 5A state title since 2009. The Oregonian
- ➤ Mckinley Sloper, a Crook County freshman, and Gabe Perez, a Caldera junior, earned Athletes of the Week honors from Bulletin readers after key Dec. games + further nominations will be revealed next week. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Former Summit High baseball player Slater de Brun was traded on Friday, Dec. 19 from the Orioles to the Tampa Bay Rays in a deal that sent three teammates and a Competitive Balance Round A pick for pitcher Shane Baz (Central Oregon's highest drafted since Madras’s Jacoby Ellsbury). Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Under construction in the backyard of Bend Brewing Company—just feet from Drake Park—a wall ride ramp will host 25 competitors for the 'Deck the Walls' snow competition on Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Organizers arranged for snow from Mt. Bachelor due to limited local snowfall. KTVZ
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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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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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Beertown Comedy Open Mic
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a hilarious night of local comedy at Bend's favorite open mic night.
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New Year’s Eve 2026 Celebration with Watkins Glen
9 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — $28 — Celebrate the New Year with live music, specialty cocktails, and a midnight champagne toast.
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Gino Vannelli Concert
8-10 p.m. — Oxford Hotel Bend — Ticket price unknown — Experience the timeless jazz vocals of Gino Vannelli at this unique venue.
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Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) Class
8 AM - 4 PM — Ewing Outdoor Supply — Exam registration required (additional fee) — Gain essential skills for irrigation contract execution with provided lunch.
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