Bend-La Pine Schools said its offices and schools will be closed today, Friday, June 19, in honor of Juneteenth, a national federal holiday.

The district said Juneteenth was signed into law in June 2021, describing it as the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was declared a holiday in 1983.

Bend-La Pine Schools said June 19 commemorates 1865, when Union troops reached Galveston Bay, Texas, and told enslaved African Americans there that they, along with more than 250,000 other enslaved Black people in Texas, were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation.

The district said Juneteenth was originally celebrated in Galveston on June 19, 1866, the first anniversary of when enslaved people there received word of their freedom.

Bend-La Pine Schools said Juneteenth is often called Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day and Juneteenth Independence Day, and that it has become a day for African Americans to celebrate their history, culture and achievements.

Bend, OR

Bend Fire & Rescue to Hold Car Seat Clinic

Bend Fire & Rescue will host a drive-thru car seat clinic in Bend today, Friday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its North Station.

Bend Fire offices closed for Juneteenth

Bend Fire and Rescue said its administrative offices are closed for the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. Crews on duty will continue responding to emergencies.

Deschutes Arts teases ‘someone special’ at Rhubarb Festival

The Deschutes County Arts Council said a “someone special” will arrive at the Deschutes Arts booths 1 and 2 during the Rhubarb Festival Saturday morning. The post did not identify the person.

Bend Police lobby closed for Juneteenth

The Bend Police Department’s lobby will be closed today, June 19, in honor of Juneteenth. Other police services are available by calling 541-693-6911 or 911 in an emergency.

Bend Man Arrested in Abuse Investigation

Bend Police arrested 35-year-old Davis Allen Kellar on Tuesday on charges including sexual abuse and contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor. The arrest followed a month-long investigation into reports he engaged in sexual acts with minors.

BPRD offices closed for Juneteenth holiday

Bend parks and recreation services will observe Juneteenth on Friday, June 19. The district office and Park Services are closed, but the Larkspur Community Center and other facilities remain open during regular business hours.

Yoga en Español to meet at Larkspur Center

Yoga en Español with Andrea S. will be held at Larkspur Community Center in Bend. The class runs 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., and a family-friendly session is offered on the last Thursday of each month.

Bend offices closed for Juneteenth

City of Bend offices are closed today to observe Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day. The city’s closure is tied to the June 19, 1865 observance in U.S. history.

Coastal Bend College Mourns Sarah Jaure’s Passing

Coastal Bend College said it is mourning the death of Sarah Jaure. The college noted her contributions to education and student success, including the 2021 dedication of the Paul and Sarah Jaure Science Building in her honor.