Latest News in Bend, OR

Weekly Road and Traffic Report for the Week of December 16 22, 2024

The Weekly Road and Traffic Report for the City of Bend highlights significant road closures and detours for December 16-22, 2024, including a full closure on Brosterhous Road for infrastructure work and single lane closures for utility tree trimming on various streets. Residents should exercise caution in construction zones and follow designated detour routes. For ongoing updates, citizens can subscribe to receive news directly via email.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon issues call for male mentors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is urgently seeking male mentors to support 63 boys aged 6 to 17 in the region. The nonprofit organization highlights the importance of mentorship for children from single-parent families facing various adversities, with a particular need for volunteers in Redmond. Interested individuals can apply online at their website and donations are also welcomed to fund activities.

COCC's Automotive Program Fans Out to High Schoolers

Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is expanding its automotive program to high school students in Central Oregon, addressing the region's skilled labor shortage. The program includes mobile classes in small gas engines, mechanical systems, and basic electricity, rotating through various locations to reach more students.

Winter storm sweeps across Bend, high elevation snow expected through the weekend

A winter storm has blanketed Bend, Oregon, with up to 5 inches of snow expected in higher elevations through the weekend, impacting travel and daily activities. The National Weather Service reports that snowpack levels in the region are significantly above average, benefiting local ski areas. The city is actively working to clear roads and maintain safety during this winter weather event.

18 Million Expansion of Trinity Lutheran School Underway in Bend

Trinity Lutheran School in Bend is undergoing an $18 million expansion, marking the first phase of a broader master plan. The project will enhance the school's performing arts center and provide additional classrooms and athletic facilities. This expansion aims to accommodate the needs of its 550 students from pre-K through high school.

Federal funding of 3.5 million will help improve sage grouse habitat

A $3.5 million federal grant has been awarded to the Crook County Soil and Water Conservation District to enhance sagebrush ecosystems in Oregon, benefiting sage grouse and other wildlife. This funding is part of a larger $122.4 million initiative from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation aimed at supporting conservation projects nationwide.

Bend Picks Design for Franklin Avenue Safety Improvements

Bend has selected a design for significant safety improvements to the Franklin Avenue underpass and midtown corridor, inviting public feedback until January 7. Construction is set to begin in 2025, as the project aims to enhance bike and pedestrian mobility, a critical component of urban renewal in the area.

City of Bend Launches Survey to Inform Council Goals

The City of Bend is launching a community survey on December 2 to gather feedback from residents about local priorities and city services. The survey will be available in both phone and online formats, including options in English and Spanish, to encourage widespread participation. The insights collected will help guide the Bend City Council's decision-making for the next two years.

La Pine fifth-grader chosen for Oregon Kid Governor cabinet

Teegan Wright, an 11-year-old fifth-grader from La Pine, has been selected to join the Oregon Kid Governor's cabinet after a successful campaign focused on promoting team sports for mental health. His passion for athletics includes golf, baseball, swimming, and more, and he aims to foster inclusivity and support for kids facing challenges. Teegan's initiative highlights the importance of sports in education and community engagement.

Weekly Road and Traffic Report for December 9 15

The Weekly Road and Traffic Report for December 9-15 highlights significant road closures and construction activities in the city, including infrastructure work on Brosterhous Road and the construction of a mini roundabout on SW Century Drive. The report emphasizes the importance of detour routes and safety in construction zones, providing contact details for city officials for further inquiries.