Good morning, Bend.

Two benefit dinners support Central Oregon pets on Saturday, Sept.

19. Paws & Purpose (5:30-8:30 p.m. at Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge) will feature a dinner and comedy night while the sold-out fourth annual Street Dog Hero Gala (6-9 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) includes a black-tie event with live auctions.

A local Asian and Pacific Islanders group uncovered racist language in historic deeds affecting properties in the Orchard District and plans to meet at Orchard Park this week to discuss steps for removing the outdated restrictions.

Central Library in Bend runs a Pokemon club from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays while Redmond Library meets on Tuesdays as community members celebrate Pokemon's 30th anniversary with card trading, battles, and collecting.

Families and adults join weekly gatherings that revive the iconic hobby.

Gas prices in Bend hit $5 a gallon Wednesday as GasBuddy reported an eight-cent rise; ARCO AM/PM stations posted the lowest rate (4.49 dollars) while other local stations showed prices near $5.

As students return for school in Bend, local law enforcement and Bend-La Pine Schools warn drivers to slow down near bus stops and school zones to protect student safety *especially during busy mornings*.

Fines may reach up to $870 for speeding past flashing school bus signs.

Between June 1 and Aug.

18, Oregon OSHA received 44 workplace safety complaints about wildfire smoke & heat conditions from various industries amid a record wildfire season, marking 10 more than last year; the agency is reaching out to employers for further details.

Federal safety officials announced recalls for thousands of items including dressers, infant teethers, air conditioners and power banks due to risks like tipping, fire and choking hazards.

Bend residents are urged to check product labels (using specified model numbers) and stop using affected items while contacting manufacturers for refunds.

A new 45-unit affordable housing complex near St. Charles Hospital is under construction for low-income residents, with 12 units built specifically to support people with disabilities — and an on-site clinic from Mosaic Community Health set to open next year.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, a local mountain biker discovered new trail segments along the Tumalo Ridge-South Fork loop near Skyliner Sno-park.

The 12-mile ride features rigorous climbs, fast descents & panoramic views of Broken Top, South Sister, and Mount Bachelor before snow blankets the terrain.