Local Frequency - Bend

Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Saturday, December 27.

Rise and shine, Bend! After those holiday power outages spoiled some fridges around Central Oregon, great news from the Oregon Department of Human Services: you've got until January 16 to report lost food and snag replacement SNAP benefits, giving families extra breathing room to restock without the pinch. Meanwhile, Hayden Homes and Simplicity just dropped eighteen thousand five hundred dollars right here to local heroes like St. Vincent de Paul of Bend, NeighborImpact, and Thrive Central Oregon, plus over two thousand five hundred pounds of food and dozens of volunteer hours. That's real firepower against hunger, ensuring kids, families, and seniors keep meals on the table year-round, not just during the holidays. Speaking of community spirit, a heartbreaking reminder from the roads: a Bend woman, Cindy Rose Pearce, was involved in a fatal three-vehicle crash on Highway 97 in Klamath County earlier this month due to icy conditions, claiming the life of Kristara Leah Lopez from Coos Bay. It underscores why we're all doubling down on cautious winter driving as we shake off the snow.

Shifting to brighter skies, Mt. Bachelor is your holiday playground today with festive fun packed in. Kick off with Passholder Early Ups on Red Chair from eight to nine a.m. if you've got that season pass, then hit Kids Après at West Village Lodge from noon to two for free cookie decorating – sprinkles, icing, pure magic for the little ones. Unwind at the Side Bar by Red Chair from eleven a.m. to three with cold brews, burritos, and chill vibes. Cap the day with the Sunset Snowshoe Tour at the Nordic Center starting three thirty p.m. – join local historian Glenn Voelz for a two-mile trek through alpine wonders, hot chocolate at sunset overlooking the Three Sisters, and cozy fireside snacks for fifty-nine bucks, gear included. Headlamps encouraged!

Downtown, catch Tony Smiley looping raw rhythms live at McMenamins Father Lukes Room tonight from seven to ten, free and all ages – his one-man global beats will have you hooked. Craving bold flavors? Swing by Yokocho Izakaya off the beaten path, open noon to three and five to nine today, dishing Japanese small plates that turn any meal into an adventure.

On the civic front, a guest column in The Bulletin calls out the City of Bend for missing a key equity chance, sparking talks on how we build a fairer community for all. And a quick safety note: with outages lingering, Oregon State Fire Marshal warns of carbon monoxide risks from generators – stay vigilant to keep the new year safe.

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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for today.

If you are just rolling out of bed and looking for someone else to handle the cooking, Christmas Day brunch is in full swing out at Juniper Preserve, with seatings running late into the afternoon so you can linger over coffee and mimosas while soaking in those high desert views. A bit closer to town, Currents at the Riverhouse is hosting a festive holiday dinner tonight, so if your roast did not quite work out, you still have a riverside backup waiting.

Downtown, the streets are lively with last minute shoppers and returners, especially around spots like Leapin Lizards Toy Store, where staff say puzzles, games, and hands on activity toys have edged out simple fidgets as this year’s big hit. That means a lot of Bend families are looking for things they can do together around the table once the wrapping paper settles.

Speaking of traditions, one of Bend’s most beloved holiday rituals is back at the Downtown Bend Library. The Train Man, Michael Lavrich, will open his 25th annual vintage model train display tomorrow, with free viewing sessions in the late morning and again in the afternoon. Families who first came with small kids are now bringing grandkids, all to watch restored Lionel and American Flyer trains from the 1920s and 30s weave through snowy miniature towns. If you need an easy, screen free outing this week, that is a great bet.

For sports fans, Central Oregon is also turning into a holiday hoops hub, with boys basketball tournaments bringing teams and visitors into local gyms. It is a reminder that those busy parking lots around the high schools are also dollars flowing into nearby restaurants and shops during an otherwise quiet week.

On the public safety front, Bend Fire and Rescue is using yesterday’s electric vehicle related garage fire in Northwest Bend as a timely reminder to charge EVs and e bikes safely, keep combustibles away from chargers, and make sure your smoke alarms are working. No one was hurt and crews kept the fire from spreading into the home, but neighbors were asked to briefly shelter in place because of lithium ion battery smoke.

Out on the roads, Deschutes County deputies are stepping up patrols through New Year’s Eve as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, after a string of serious crashes on icy highways across Oregon this week. If you are heading over the passes or just across town for dinner, build in extra time, watch those changing conditions, and line up a sober ride home.

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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Wednesday, December 24th. Merry Christmas Eve, Bend! As we dive into the holiday spirit, lets kick off with a heads-up on the weather thats got everyone talking. A strong windstorm is barreling toward Central Oregon today, with gusts possibly hitting 70 miles per hour from mid-morning through midday, right when many folks are hitting the roads for family gatherings. ODOT is urging you to secure those holiday decorations, garbage bins, and anything outdoors that could turn into a flying hazard, because wet soils from recent storms mean trees could come down, sparking power outages and road debris. If youre traveling over the Cascades, brace for snow and slick passes too—check TripCheck.com before you go, and skip the peak wind hours if you can to keep everyone safe. These gusts could make driving tricky, so grip that wheel tight and watch for fallen lines.

Shifting to brighter holiday lights, families are flocking to the Downtown Bend Library where The Train Man, Michael Lavrich, has set up his legendary model train display running through December 28th. This 25-year tradition delights kids and adults alike with chugging locomotives and festive scenes—just note the capacity limits and 20-minute viewing slots to keep the line moving smoothly. For a fancy feast tonight, Juniper Preserve is hosting a Christmas Eve Dinner starting at 4 PM for $75 a person, promising a cozy spot to savor the season amid our stunning high desert views. And if youre brushing up on Spanish for future adventures, join the Meetup groups Travel Essentials session from 11 AM to 2 PM—a fun way to mingle with fellow explorers right here in Bend.

On the local scene, a Central Oregon man is heading back to Deschutes County jail after an appeals court upheld his conviction reversal, reminding us justice moves deliberately in our courts. Meanwhile, the Deschutes County Courthouse expansion is pushing through the noise, set to make visits smoother for everyone once complete. And kudos to the Sheriffs Office under new leadership aiming to rebuild trust after past drama. Looking ahead, a recent shooting incident in nearby Sisters led to a suspects arrest, underscoring our commitment to quick community response.

As 2025 wraps, were reflecting on wins like e-bikes conquering trails and Prineville residents nixing a biomass plant to protect the environment—proof our voices shape Central Oregons future. Stay warm, stay safe, and embrace these small choices that make big holiday impacts, like bundling up for winter work or pitching in locally.

This has been Bend Local Frequency. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Monday, December 22nd.

We're starting this week with some important news about a program that's been making a real difference in Central Oregon. The WorkSource Oregon Reentry program, which has been helping formerly incarcerated people find jobs and rebuild their lives, is facing serious funding challenges. The program launched back in 2022 and has been operating at Deer Ridge and Warner Creek correctional facilities, providing one-on-one career coaching and job training to people preparing to leave prison. But here's the problem: Oregon lawmakers failed to pass a bill this summer that would have allocated three million dollars to keep the program running for the next two years. The federal grant money that's been sustaining it will run out next year, which means the program could start winding down as early as spring. This matters to all of us because the program has been incredibly successful. Over seventy percent of participants who left prison and stayed engaged found employment or got into job training. People like Rudy Stalford from Bend worked with the program and now holds down two jobs, and he credits that early support with helping him get back on his feet. Without this program, folks leaving prison won't have that crucial connection inside the walls to employers and resources before they hit the street. State leaders are hoping to find alternative grant funding to keep things going, but the budget situation statewide is tight with federal policy changes expected to impact Oregon significantly.

On a lighter note, there's plenty to do around town today if you're looking to get out. The art exhibits at Oregon State University continue at the LaSells Stewart Center, featuring Yuji Hiratsuka's retro urban style work and the Unwritten Futures exhibit, both open from eight in the morning until five in the evening and completely free. Over in Sunriver, Sunriver Stables is offering sleigh rides from ten in the morning until four in the afternoon, which is perfect if you want some holiday magic and beautiful winter scenery. And if you're in the mood for some live entertainment tonight, Patrick Lamb's Charlie Brown Christmas is playing at the Oxford Hotel in downtown Bend from six to eight in the evening. That's a fun way to kick off the holiday week.

This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Downtown Bend is waking up under clouds and cooler temps, with everyone’s eyes still on the skies and on Mt. Bachelor. After an unusually warm, wet start to the season, the mountain has delayed its opening, and that has real impacts for local workers and businesses who count on winter tourism. Seasonal employees are picking up extra shifts in town, and hotels are offering some of the most affordable winter rates of the year as they wait for reliable snow to arrive and visitors to fill the lifts again.

In the meantime, Bend is leaning into holiday cheer at street level. If you’ve got kids or just a soft spot for Christmas magic, Santa is holding court at The Oxford Hotel downtown today, a festive chance for photos and wish lists right in the heart of the city. Just up the road, Juniper Preserve is hosting the Love and Local Market, where Central Oregon makers are turning out handcrafted gifts, treats, and art, giving you a way to keep your holiday spending close to home.

As the sun sets, downtown shifts from shopping to spectacle. Bend Brewing Company’s backyard, right next to Drake Park, transforms into an urban snow arena for the Deck the Walls competition this evening. Crews have literally hauled snow down from Mt. Bachelor to build a wall-ride ramp along the Deschutes, so you can watch skiers and riders throw down tricks without leaving town. Organizers say the goal is simple: bring the mountain spirit to the people and give Bend something to rally around together.

If your idea of holiday spirit comes in a glass, River’s Edge Golf Course is hosting The Reindeer Room, a cozy holiday pop up bar from late afternoon into the evening, perfect for festive cocktails after a day of errands. Over on the west side, Viaggio Wine Merchant is pouring sparkling flights all day at its Double Bubble Bars event, inviting folks to taste their way into the holidays.

Tonight, you can cap things off with live entertainment. The Tower Theatre brings back its family friendly Swingin’ Tower Christmas, packed with big band energy and classic holiday tunes. If you are up for a drive to Redmond, High Desert Music Hall hosts Babes in Toyland by Bend Burlesque Company, a playful, adults only spin on the season.

This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Thursday, December 18.

If you stepped outside early today, you probably noticed it still feels a little more like late fall than deep winter. After an unusually warm December across Central Oregon, forecasters say incoming storms could finally bring the snow many skiers, snowboarders, and local businesses have been anxiously waiting for on the mountains. That shift matters not just for play, but for jobs tied to winter tourism, from lift operators to downtown bartenders.

At the same time, there is growing concern about how prepared Oregon’s roads are for real winter weather. Central and Eastern Oregon lawmakers are pushing the state transportation department to seek emergency funding to keep highways plowed and repaired after years of deferred maintenance. They point to potholes, failing shoulders, and damaged guardrails, warning that if funding does not come through, winter driving could get more dangerous, especially on the rural routes many Bend commuters and freight haulers depend on.

Here in the region’s event world, the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center remains a powerhouse, drawing close to a million visitors a year and generating more than 100 million dollars in economic impact. But county leaders are warning that the aging facility is expensive to maintain and could slip into the red without new revenue. That means the concerts, expos, and festivals that bring visitors to local hotels and restaurants are also part of a bigger conversation about how we invest in public venues that drive the local economy.

If you are looking for things to do today, Bend is fully in holiday mode. This evening, the River’s Edge Golf Course transforms into the Reindeer Room, a holiday pop up bar pouring festive cocktails and serving seasonal bites with sweeping views of the city. Over in downtown, the Tower Theatre hosts its family friendly Swingin’ Tower Christmas show, a high energy mix of big band style holiday tunes and storytelling that has become a local favorite tradition.

For a quieter, more creative night, writers and word lovers can head north to Redmond for the Third Thursday Spoken Word Night, where anyone can step up to the mic and share seven minutes of poetry or prose while grabbing food and drinks from the Wayfarer Club.

This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Sunday, December 14th. Kick off your day with a dash of holiday magic as the fifth annual Magical Markets of Merriment swings into gear from ten a.m. to five p.m. right here in Bend, packing rotating vendors with curated goodies and the one-and-only Sandra Claus dishing out fresh baked cookies, butterbeer, and hot cocoa to fuel your festive finds. Its the perfect spot to snag unique gifts while soaking in that winter wonderland vibe that keeps our community buzzing through the holidays[1][4]. Families, dont miss the free Menorah Lighting at the Old Mill District starting at four p.m., where the glow of candles and shared joy turns the evening into a heartwarming gathering spot along the river, reminding us how these traditions knit us closer amid the chill[4].

Music lovers, head over to Redmond High School auditorium at four p.m. for the free Redmond Community Choir concert, lifting spirits with seasonal harmonies that echo our Central Oregon charm, or catch What Sweeter Music at the Tower Theatre for two shows at two and seven p.m., blending voices and holiday tales for that cozy theater magic[2]. If youre craving a mindful twist, note the Bend and Brew yoga session at Unified Beerworks this morning, aligning body and soul before a well-deserved brewperfect for unwinding after a week of winter whirl[6].

On the news front, paddlers lit up the Deschutes River Friday night with a floating holiday display, proving our riverside crew knows how to turn chilly waters into a sparkling spectacle that warms every onlookers heart[3]. Meanwhile, an eighteen-year-old Bend resident faced arrest after a road rage incident involving a BB gun, a stark reminder to keep cool on our busy roads as holiday traffic ramps up[3]. The Deschutes Public Library closed temporarily due to a data breach, so grab your books elsewhere while they prioritize safety for all patrons[3]. And weather-wise, expect a few morning showers giving way to more consistent rain later, so bundle up for those outdoor jaunts but plan indoor fun if it pours[5].

Bend Park and Recreation wants your input via their online survey to shape our green spaces, ensuring parks stay the vibrant hubs we love[3]. Looking ahead, Scouts are ready to haul away your Christmas trees post-holidays, keeping our neighborhoods tidy, and Redmonds Urban Renewal Agency celebrated nine new businesses, injecting fresh energy into local dining and shopping scenes[3]. Whether youre hunting treasures at the market or harmonizing with the choir, todays lineup connects us through celebration and community care. This has been Bend Local Frequency. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Saturday, December 13.

Holiday energy is in full swing across Bend today, so let’s start with what you can get out and enjoy. If you’re looking to shop local and soak up some festive vibes, the Magical Markets of Merriment open at 10 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. This free holiday market has become a Bend favorite, with rotating local vendors each weekend and even “Sandra Claus” on hand serving fresh baked cookies, making it a cozy stop for gifts and treats.

Just across town, another beloved tradition is back: Locavore’s 17th Annual Holiday Gift Faire, a one day showcase focused on artisan crafts, local foods, and handmade gifts from Central Oregon makers. It’s a chance to keep your dollars in the community while checking off that gift list and meeting the folks behind your favorite small batch goodies.

If you want some classic storybook comfort, the stage adaptation of Little Women continues today at Open Space Event Studios. There’s a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening show at 7 p.m., spotlighting one very busy year in the March sisters’ lives. It’s designed as a heart warming holiday outing for families and friends, and seating is limited, so plan to arrive early.

Community giving is also front and center. Bend Park and Recreation District is hosting a Drive Thru Holiday Food Drive at the Larkspur Community Center to fill the shelves at NeighborImpact Food Bank. They’re asking for canned proteins, soups and stews, vegetables, fruit, and peanut butter, but no glass containers. It is an easy way to roll through, drop off a bag, and help neighbors heading into the colder months.

On the public safety front, Oregon State Police have launched a major holiday traffic safety operation along Highway 97 and connecting routes including Highways 20, 26, 58, and 126. Troopers and local partners, including Bend Police and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, are stepping up patrols and watching for what they call the “fatal five” behaviors: speeding, seat belt issues, lane violations, impaired driving, and distraction. If you are heading over the passes or down to La Pine, give yourself extra time and expect a visible law enforcement presence.

A quick heads up for book lovers: all Deschutes County Public Library branches, including those in Bend, remain closed through Sunday after a cyberattack forced systems offline. The library says early indications are that patron and staff data were likely not compromised, but services are shut down while investigators and cybersecurity experts work to fully understand the breach. It is one of the only times in recent history that something other than a major storm has closed the whole system.

Finally, Bend Police this week announced three arrests tied to a burglary at a northwest Bend home on NW Baltimore Avenue, where suspects were seen on surveillance video leaving with bags of stolen items. Officers served search warrants at two Bend apartments and recovered pr

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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Central Oregon is waking up under a very wet Pacific Northwest storm pattern, with days of heavy rain forecast for northwestern Oregon and the Cascades. That means if you are heading over the passes or out on the rivers, give yourself extra time, watch for standing water, and keep an eye on changing conditions throughout the day.

In county news, Deschutes County is in the middle of a major transition to a five-member Board of Commissioners, and the county has now scheduled January public hearings on a proposed new district map. This all stems from voters approving the expansion last year, and the map will shape who represents different parts of Bend and the rest of the county for years to come. If you care about how your neighborhood is grouped and represented, this is one to follow and plan to weigh in on when hearings open after the New Year.

Emergency planners also want your voice. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to fill out a short, confidential natural disaster survey that feeds into an updated Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. Your answers help prioritize real projects, from wildfire fuel reduction to bridge strengthening and flood protections, and the survey stays open through early January.

Tourism dollars are circling back into the community too. Visit Central Oregon is taking applications for Future Fund grants of up to three hundred thousand dollars for tourism-related projects in Deschutes and neighboring counties. They are looking for shovel-ready ideas that boost sustainability, culture, or access, with an informational webinar tomorrow morning. Local groups dreaming up trail improvements, cultural spaces, or night-sky experiences may want to jump on this.

If you are looking for things to do today, downtown Bend’s Tower Theatre is in full holiday mode, including an afternoon family-friendly program blending art with a splash of science, and tonight’s Rock the Holidays concert with violinist Aaron Meyer bringing high-energy seasonal music to the historic stage. Around town, the Bend Bulletin’s Go and Do calendar is packed this week with upcoming holiday bazaars, lighted paddle parades, and menorah lightings, so this is a good time to start mapping out the rest of your December evenings.

And for planners looking further ahead, music lovers can already snag discounted tickets for the 2026 Sisters Folk Festival, which transforms downtown Sisters into a multi-venue folk and roots music takeover each September. Early tiers are limited, so fans who know they will go every year may want to lock that in.

This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Thursday, December 4th, 2025.

We're diving right into a festive Thursday with plenty happening around Central Oregon. If you're looking for some holiday cheer this afternoon, head down to the Downtown Bend Library at 2 PM where the Central Oregon Mastersingers will be performing traditional carols and fun arrangements of holiday classics. It's free and open to the public, so bring the whole family.

Speaking of holiday fun, Jurassic Quest has returned to the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center for a special holiday edition. Families can walk among more than 80 life-size animatronic dinosaurs in what's billed as North America's largest and most realistic dinosaur experience. There are interactive exhibits, fossil digs where kids can find T-Rex teeth and triceratops horns, plus dino rides and bounce houses. It's a dino-mite way to spend your weekend.

Tonight at 7 PM, head to Caldera High School Performing Arts Center where Disney's Frozen Junior will be live on stage. It's a magical performance that's perfect for the whole family and runs until 8:30 PM.

Also performing this evening is Little Women at Open Space Event Studios. This heartwarming story of family and fortitude runs through December 13th with performances starting at 7 PM. Concessions will be available for purchase, and group pricing for groups of ten or more is available.

Looking ahead, the Westman Hotel is opening in mid-December in the beautifully remodeled historic post office in downtown Bend. Reservations start this Friday, December 19th. The luxury hotel has 23 rooms and suites ranging from 399 to 749 dollars per night. They've preserved incredible historic details including the original post office vestibule, flooring, and vault door. The hotel is even named after Minnie Westman, the first female mail carrier west of the Mississippi.

And if you're thinking about your holiday shopping, Grace and Goods, a new thrift boutique in Redmond, opens its doors on December 10th. It's described as much more than your typical thrift store experience, offering guilt-free shopping with proceeds going to good causes.

Finally, beginning tomorrow morning, keep an eye out for Bend Fire and Rescue's Santa Express, which will be visiting neighborhoods around Bend to collect donations of food, clothing, and toys for those in need.

This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.