Episodes

  • Weekend Highlights: Bridge Work, Winter Fun, and Community Events in Bend, OR

    Weekend Highlights: Bridge Work, Winter Fun, and Community Events in Bend, OR
    Mar 1 2025
    Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for March 1, 2025. We've got a packed weekend ahead, so let's dive right in. The Deschutes County Road Department is continuing work on the Hamehook Road Bridge Replacement east of Deschutes Market Road. Expect to see construction vehicles and equipment in the area during work hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Over in Terrebonne, crews are performing sewer work on 11th Street between F Avenue and US 97, with 11th Street closed to traffic in that area. Be sure to follow the signed detour routes if you're heading that way.

    For those looking to hit the slopes, Mt. Bachelor is gearing up for the 13th annual Big Wave Challenge, hosted by legendary big wave surfer Gerry Lopez. This unique snowboard contest features a custom-built course with wave-like features, bringing a taste of surfing to the mountains. It's definitely worth checking out if you're up for some winter fun.

    In downtown Bend, the Tower Theatre is screening the classic film "Singin' in the Rain" tomorrow for just 50 cents. It's a great opportunity to catch this beloved musical on the big screen. And for the little ones, the Downtown Bend Library is hosting an Infant Music Together Workshop on March 4th, perfect for introducing your baby to the world of music.

    Looking ahead to next week, Winter PrideFest kicks off on March 6th, celebrating inclusivity in the outdoors. Wanderlust Tours is offering a special Pride Bonfire Snowshoe Tour, complete with a 10% discount and free boot and pant rentals. It's a magical way to experience the forest at night while gathered around a glowing bonfire.

    For those interested in local business networking, ConnectW is hosting their monthly Munch & Mingle event on March 13th. This intimate gathering brings together professional women of Central Oregon for meaningful conversations and connections. Registration is required, and spots are limited to just 12 participants, so be sure to sign up early if you're interested.

    Lastly, a reminder that Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road remain closed for the winter season. The Deschutes County Road Department aims to have these roads reopened by Memorial Day, weather permitting.

    This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • "Harmonica Blowout, Brewing Celebrations, and Winter Adventures in Bend"

    "Harmonica Blowout, Brewing Celebrations, and Winter Adventures in Bend"
    Feb 28 2025
    Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for February 28, 2025.

    We're kicking off the day with some exciting news for music lovers. The Tower Theatre has announced an incredible lineup for their February concert series, including a harmonica blowout featuring legendary blues artists Curtis Salgado, Dennis Gruenling, Mark Hummel, and Spain's rising star Sweet Marta. If you're a fan of blues and R&B, this is one event you won't want to miss.

    In local business news, a pizza oven explosion at a Bend poker room near Pilot Butte sent one person to the hospital yesterday. Bend Fire responded to the incident, and we're hoping for a speedy recovery for the injured individual.

    For those looking to hit the slopes, Mt. Bachelor is boasting North America's deepest base this season, thanks to record-breaking snowfall in December and January. With five feet of snow falling in a single weekend, it's shaping up to be an epic year for winter sports enthusiasts.

    Speaking of winter activities, the annual Zwickelmania beer event is happening tomorrow, February 22nd. This popular celebration of craft beer offers tours, tastings, and prizes at local breweries. It's a great opportunity to chat with brewers and sample seasonal beers.

    Looking ahead to March, Winter PrideFest is just around the corner. Running from March 6th to 9th, this event celebrates inclusivity in the outdoors with a variety of activities and events. Be sure to grab your tickets early, as some popular events may sell out.

    For families, there's plenty to do this weekend. The East Bend Library is hosting a "Hygge with the Library" event on February 26th, offering board games, books, coloring, puzzles, and hot chocolate in a cozy atmosphere. It's a perfect multi-generational event for the whole family.

    Comedy fans can catch the Bend Comedy February Showcase tonight at Immersion Brewing, featuring headliners Todd Armstrong and Brandie Posey. The show starts at 8 PM and promises to be a night full of laughs.

    Lastly, if you're planning ahead, don't forget about the upcoming Salmon Run on April 19th. This Oregon tradition offers 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances along the beautiful Deschutes River, with a special Little Fry Run for kids 10 and under.

    This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Sports Highlights, Arts Events, and Outdoor Adventures: Your Bend Local Roundup

    Sports Highlights, Arts Events, and Outdoor Adventures: Your Bend Local Roundup
    Feb 27 2025
    Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Thursday, February 27, 2025. We're starting off with some exciting news from the world of sports. The 2025 State Swimming Championships kicked off this weekend, and several Central Oregon swimmers had a ton of success. Local swimmers showcased their skills, and we're proud to see them making waves in the competition.

    In other sports news, the Summit Storm continues to dominate the second half of the season. They battled past Ridgeview, with standout performances from Foster Kettering and Will. The Storm also secured a key IMC victory, defeating Redmond for the second time this season, 58-54. Meanwhile, the Trinity Lutheran Saints are in their first year in 2A and, despite losing a big-time player, are still dominating. They celebrated a significant win on Wednesday, and we're looking forward to seeing how their season unfolds.

    Moving on to community events, today is a special day at the High Desert Museum. The Museum & Me event provides a quieter time for children and adults who experience physical, intellectual, and/or social disabilities to enjoy the museum after hours. Explore the newest exhibitions and revisit your favorites, with sensory packs available to borrow.

    Looking ahead to the weekend, Bendi Gras is coming to town from February 28 to March 2. This Mardi Gras celebration brings music, food, and revelry across Bend, promising a fun-filled weekend for everyone.

    For those who love the outdoors, there's plenty to look forward to. The Snowshoe with a Ranger program at Mt. Bachelor offers donation-based 90-minute interpretive tours, where you can learn about winter ecology and the geology of Central Oregon. And on March 7, don't miss the Pride Bonfire Snowshoe Tour, a magical night gathered around a glowing bonfire, celebrating Winter PrideFest and inclusivity in the outdoors.

    In the world of arts and entertainment, Mountain View High School is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Matilda the Musical, running from February 28 to March 9. This captivating stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved novel is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

    Finally, if you're planning your spring activities, the BendNest Calendar is packed with fun events for families. From kids' yoga teacher training to family story time at the library, and from board game social clubs to musical performances, there's something for everyone in Bend this spring.

    This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Disturbing Child Abuse Case, Family Fun, and Outdoor Adventures in Bend | Local News Roundup

    Disturbing Child Abuse Case, Family Fun, and Outdoor Adventures in Bend | Local News Roundup
    Feb 25 2025
    Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Tuesday, February 25, 2025. We're starting off with some breaking news: a disturbing child abuse case in Deschutes County has taken a turn with more details emerging during the arraignment of Sarah Session and her father, Gary Hardenburg. The case involves allegations of severe abuse, including forced ingestion of high amounts of sodium, and video evidence of the abuse. The judge has set their plea hearings for March 17 and maintained their bail at $1 million for Session and $75,000 for Hardenburg[3].

    Moving on to some lighter news, there are plenty of fun activities happening in Bend this week. For families, the Downtown Bend Library is hosting Family Story Time on Wednesdays and Thursdays, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes designed to support early literacy skills and social emotional awareness for children aged 0-5 years. Additionally, the East Bend Library is hosting a Hygge with the Library event on February 26, where you can enjoy board games, books, coloring, puzzles, and hot chocolate in a cozy atmosphere[2].

    For those looking for outdoor adventures, Discover Your Forest is offering donation-based 90-minute interpretive snowshoe tours at Mt. Bachelor. These tours will teach you about winter ecology, geology, and the plants and animals found in the area. Plus, on March 7, Wanderlust Tours is hosting a Pride Bonfire Snowshoe Tour, celebrating Winter PrideFest with a magical night gathered around a glowing bonfire[2].

    In the world of entertainment, Ponderosa Players is presenting "Ride the Cyclone" at Open Space Events, and Mountain View High School is gearing up for its production of "Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical" starting on February 28. The Tower Theatre is also hosting "Mountainfilm On Tour: Bend-Night Two," an annual fundraiser for The Environmental Center, showcasing incredible documentary films[2].

    For sports enthusiasts, the Monster Truck Nitro Tour is coming to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds on February 22, and the Salmon Run is scheduled for April 19 at Riverbend Park, offering three distances: 5K, 10K, and half marathon. Plus, the Little Fry Run is part of the Salmon Run, perfect for kids aged 10 and under[2].

    Finally, a garage fire in East Bend was quickly extinguished by Bend Fire & Rescue last Wednesday, preventing it from spreading to the primary residence. The cause of the fire was determined to be unintentional and electrical in nature, highlighting the importance of working smoke alarms and defensible space around homes[1].

    This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Weekend Fun in Bend: Garage Fire, Mountainfilm, and Monster Trucks

    Weekend Fun in Bend: Garage Fire, Mountainfilm, and Monster Trucks
    Feb 22 2025
    Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Saturday, February 22, 2025.

    Yesterday evening, a garage fire threatened an east Bend home, but thanks to the quick response of Bend Fire & Rescue, the fire was extinguished before it could spread to the primary residence. The fire, which was determined to be unintentional and electrical in nature, caused approximately $250,000 worth of damages to the structure and vehicles. This incident highlights the importance of working smoke alarms and defensible space around homes and structures, especially as we continue into the winter season.

    On a lighter note, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy in Bend this weekend. Tonight, the Tower Theatre is hosting Mountainfilm on Tour: Bend-Night Two, an annual fundraiser for The Environmental Center. This event showcases incredible documentary films that are sure to inspire and educate. Also happening today is the Monster Truck Nitro Tour at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, where you can see these massive vehicles compete in racing and freestyle action.

    For families, the Downtown Bend Library is offering Family Story Time on Wednesdays and Thursdays, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes designed to support early literacy skill development and social emotional awareness for children aged 0-5 years. Additionally, Namaspa Yoga is offering a Kids Yoga Teacher Training program, perfect for parents or educators who want to share the benefits of yoga and mindfulness with children.

    Looking ahead to next week, the High Desert Museum is hosting Museum & Me on February 27, providing a quieter time for children and adults with physical, intellectual, and/or social disabilities to enjoy the museum after hours. And on February 28, Mountain View High School is presenting Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, a captivating stage adaptation of the beloved novel.

    In other news, road construction updates include grading work at the Hamehook Road Bridge east of Deschutes Market Road and sewer work on 11th Street between F Avenue and U.S. 97. Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road remain closed for the winter season.

    Finally, don't forget to check out the various events happening in Bend throughout February and March, including Zwickelmania, Winter PrideFest, and the Bend Brews & Beyond festival. For more information on these and other events, visit visitbend.com.

    This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Bend Local Frequency: Zwickelmania, Ride the Cyclone, Foraging Tours, and More Happenings in Bend

    Bend Local Frequency: Zwickelmania, Ride the Cyclone, Foraging Tours, and More Happenings in Bend
    Feb 21 2025
    Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Friday, February 21st, 2025. We're kicking off the day with some exciting events and updates from around our beautiful city.

    First off, let's talk about the fun stuff. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, you're in luck. Zwickelmania is happening on Saturday, February 22nd, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. This annual celebration of craft beer in Oregon features over 50 breweries offering beer samples directly from the zwickel, beer releases, tours, educational talks, food and beer pairings, and meet-the-brewer opportunities. It's a must-visit for any beer enthusiast.

    In other news, Ponderosa Players is bringing the cult hit musical "Ride the Cyclone" (High School Edition) to Central Oregon. This unique musical gained a dedicated following during the COVID-19 pandemic and is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

    If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, Wanderlust Tours has you covered. Their snowshoe tours in the Cascade Mountains west of Bend offer a thrilling way to explore the winter landscape. And if you're planning ahead, mark your calendars for their Forage to Table: Guided Foraging & 4-Course Dinner event on May 17th.

    But it's not all fun and games. In local news, a garage fire threatened an east Bend home on Wednesday evening. Bend Fire & Rescue responded quickly to contain the blaze, and thankfully, no one was injured.

    On a more serious note, a Bend family is facing 28 child abuse charges, including attempted murder. This disturbing case highlights the importance of community vigilance and support for our most vulnerable members.

    On a lighter note, if you're looking for a unique Valentine's Day gift, AD Glass & Design's Glass Heart Scavenger Hunt Giveaway might be just the thing. They've been hiding special tags around Bend during the first two weeks of February, and finding one could score you a free limited edition glass heart.

    In cultural news, Mountainfilm on Tour – Bend is coming up, featuring incredible documentary films on adventure, climate change, culture, and resilience from around the world. This annual fundraiser for The Environmental Center is a must-attend for anyone interested in thought-provoking cinema.

    Finally, don't forget to check out the Bend event calendar for a comprehensive list of everything happening in our vibrant city. From outdoor adventures to cultural events, there's always something new to discover in Bend.

    This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Avalanche Tragedy in Bend, Winterfest, Craft Beer Celebration, and More Local Updates

    Avalanche Tragedy in Bend, Winterfest, Craft Beer Celebration, and More Local Updates
    Feb 20 2025
    Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Thursday, February 20, 2025. We're starting off with some somber news. A Central Oregon couple, Terance Olaf Skjersaa, 57, and Susan Renee Skjersaa, 52, were tragically killed in an avalanche west of Bend earlier this week. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office identified the couple, who were found deceased on February 17 after being reported overdue by friends. The avalanche occurred near Snowmobile Trail 8, and authorities suspect it was triggered by the couple themselves while backcountry skiing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their family and loved ones during this difficult time.

    On a lighter note, there's plenty happening in Bend to look forward to. This weekend, the Bend WinterFest returns to the Old Mill District, offering a fun winter tradition amidst the cold weather. If you're looking for something to do indoors, Ponderosa Players is bringing the cult hit musical "Ride the Cyclone" to Central Oregon, a unique show that gained a dedicated following during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    For those who love the outdoors, Wanderlust Tours is offering a variety of adventures, including snowshoe tours in the Cascade Mountains west of Bend. Their "Winter in Sisters" series, in partnership with Five Pine Lodge, runs every Saturday until March 1st, providing a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.

    If you're planning ahead, mark your calendars for February 22nd, when Zwickelmania, an annual celebration of craft beer in Oregon, takes place. Over 50 breweries will participate, offering beer samples, tours, and educational talks. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet the brewers and enjoy some of the best craft beers in the state.

    In other local news, the Central Oregon Community College board of directors has announced the appointment of Dr. Greg Pereira as the new president. Additionally, Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity is now accepting applications for 18 new homes in southwest Redmond, providing affordable housing options for local families.

    For those interested in arts and culture, AD Glass & Design is hosting a Glass Heart Scavenger Hunt Giveaway for Valentine's Day, where you can find special tags around Bend to receive a free limited edition glass heart. And if you're looking for a unique workshop, there's a metalworking class where you can learn to make a sterling silver bezel setting for a cabochon gemstone.

    Finally, a reminder to stay safe on the roads as the winter weather continues. Cascades East Transit is offering assistance to drivers navigating icy conditions, and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is urging everyone to exercise extreme caution when recreating in areas with moderate to considerable avalanche danger.

    This has been Bend Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • "From Snowy Escapes to Craft Beer Celebrations: Bend's Weekly Updates"

    "From Snowy Escapes to Craft Beer Celebrations: Bend's Weekly Updates"
    Feb 18 2025
    Good morning, this is your Bend Local Frequency for Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

    If you're stepping out today, make sure to bundle up because Central Oregon's cold and snowy weather is still very much with us. The latest bout of snowfall added a few inches around the area, keeping temperatures quite chilly[1].

    On a different note, if you're looking for something to do, there's plenty happening in Bend. For those who love wine and good company, today is the perfect day to join the Women Tasting Flights event at Granville Wine Co. Enjoy two flights of wines with two food pairings and a special guest presenter. It's a monthly gathering where women connect over wine and conversation[4].

    For outdoor enthusiasts, don't miss out on the snowshoe adventures offered by Wanderlust Tours. Every Saturday until March 1st, you can explore the powdery snow in the Cascade Mountains west of Bend. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Central Oregon[4].

    Looking ahead, mark your calendars for February 22nd when Zwickelmania takes over the city. This annual celebration of craft beer features over 50 breweries offering beer samples directly from the zwickel, beer releases, tours, and educational talks. It's a must-attend event for beer lovers[4].

    In other news, the beloved Italian restaurant Nome Italiano has officially closed its doors. The restaurant, a favorite among locals, announced its closure on its website, leaving many in the community saddened by the loss[1].

    For families and those looking for a fun activity, AD Glass & Design's Glass Heart Scavenger Hunt Giveaway is still ongoing. Follow along as special tags are hidden around Bend during the first two weeks of February. Find and bring these tags to AD Glass & Design to receive a free limited edition glass heart[4].

    Ponderosa Players is also bringing the cult hit musical RIDE THE CYCLONE (HIGH SCHOOL EDITION) to Central Oregon. This unique and hilarious show has gained a dedicated following and promises to be an unforgettable experience[4].

    Lastly, for those interested in learning new skills, there are various workshops and classes available, from 3D printing to bachata dancing and wood lathe crafting. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, there's something for everyone in Bend[4].

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