Time to dust off those notebooksโthere’s plenty to catch up on before the new school year kicks off. The great phone ban of 2025 The biggest bombshell this summer? Governor Tina Kotek dropped Executive Order 25-09, effectively banning cell phones for K-12 students during school hours. If you’re a parent who’s tired of competing with […]
Back-to-School Updates
High Five
Itโs always exciting when fall rolls around and the new seasonโs flavors emerge. Nowโs the time to head to the kitchen to prepare a few savory, kid-approved snacks. After school, before practice or in the lunch boxes, these budget-friendly treats are a sure hit. Donโt forget kids love to get in on the action, so […]
Saying Goodbye
For families everywhere, September means one thing: school. The long, lazy days of summer are over and itโs time to either start or return to the classroom. Yet, leaving the comfort and safety of home can be tough for some kids, especially little ones who are new to the experience.ย Separation anxiety in preschoolers is […]
Expert Q & A
Q: My three-year-old has frequent tantrums where he throws himself on the floor if he doesnโt get his way. Is this normal behavior or should I have him assessed? A: This is a very common experience for parents of toddlers! At this age, children are learning how to express big feelings, and they often donโt […]
Editor’s Note: BendNest Fall
As families wrap up their summersโsqueezing in last-minute camping trips and back-to-school shoppingโthereโs a special buzz in the Central Oregon air. The change in seasons brings cooler temperatures, a return to routine and a fresh start for the whole family. In this issue, youโll find helpful tips to guide you into fall: from supporting mental […]
Garlands and Lanterns
Is there anything more delightful than decorating oneโs home with autumnโs rich colors? With these easy DIY crafts, kids can enjoy bringing a touch of festive fun to the household!ย AUTUMN FELT GARLAND These easy garlands add a cozy touch when strung across the mantle or around a sunny window.ย STEP 1: Purchase a set […]
Show Some Puppy Love
Looking for something fun and rewarding to do with the kids this fall? You might want to consider volunteering at the Humane Society of Central Oregon in Bend. There are many ways to get involved, with just about any level of commitment that works for you. One of the HSCOโs most popular programs for kids […]
Explosion Damages Buildings & Cars
An oxygen-acetylene welding set-up inside a shipping container leaked, causing an explosion early Friday morning damaging several buildings in NE Bend. Bend Fire & Rescue says it happened just before 5:30am Aug. 29 outside Kercher Electric on NE Yale Avenue. Debris from the explosion landed on the Bend Parkway. Several vehicles hit the debris and […]
Prineville’s Police Chief Retiring After Less Than a Year
The City of Prineville today announced the retirement of Police Chief Jeff Profio after nearly 31 years of dedicated service to law enforcement. Chief Profio has led the Cityโs Police Department since November 1, 2024. โWe thank Chief Profio for his service to the community and commend him for his success at fostering positive relationships […]
Free Infant and Toddler Child Care Available
NeighborImpactโs Child Care Resources is currently accepting applications for Baby Promise, a no-cost child care program for families with children ages six weeks to three years old. Baby Promise offers full-year, full-time child care through a network of licensed providers across Central Oregon. Baby Promise is more than free child care, it’s a comprehensive support program […]

