Good morning, Bend.

Dozens of rescued dogs and cats from Oklahoma and Mexico are arriving in Central Oregon over the next few days — 10 dogs from Ensenada and 23 dogs plus 12 cats from Norman — as Street Dog Hero helps ease the over-capacity at the Humane Society.

The organization also plans to care for some dogs once court orders are lifted.

TEDxBend will return on Wednesday, Sept.

24 at The Haven Coworking with speakers Frank Patka and Eric Picksgill and will serve as a prelude to a 2026 event—marking a volunteer-led revival in Bend’s community events. Organizer Scott Douglass said the relaunch comes as a renewed effort to engage local audiences with fresh ideas.

Central Oregon is launching its Oktoberfest season with events that offer beer, brats and family fun starting this weekend in Bend at the Deschutes Historical Museum and continuing with festivities on Sept.

27 in Prineville, Sunriver and Redmond—celebrations that welcome the fall season.

Central Oregon students are exploring aviation as the Young Eagles program offers them a chance to soar—some even being guided toward earning a private pilot’s license.

KTVZ covered the event and will air a full report tonight at 6:00 p.m.

Central Oregon Community College offers GED and English language classes for adults at campuses in Warm Springs, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Bend.

Welcome sessions run from today through Sept. 25 for classes that begin the week of Sept. 23—learners can register to advance their education.

Oregon State University-Cascades was selected to join a national program that brings real work learning into college courses—led by Arizona State University—and will help more students learn job skills.

The two-year pilot will start in spring and comes with a $150,000 award for startup and technology costs.

Mosaic Community Health, Deschutes County Health and Services, and Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades will host a free wellness fair on Saturday at Ponderosa Park on 15th Street to offer on-site dental care, blood pressure checks, and screenings aimed at reducing health disparities — the event will also provide group fitness classes in Spanish and bilingual support as part of Welcoming Week.

Central Oregon faced its worst HIV crisis on record after 15 HIV cases were reported in 2024— the highest count ever seen in the region.

Delayed routine care, rising infection rates, and cuts to federal funds have worsened the spread, and lawmakers are now working on measures to boost testing and care.

The Central Oregon Basketball Officials Association is seeking referees for youth basketball as the program expands across 17 high schools and 21 middle schools.

Interested individuals can attend a meeting on Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mountain View High School library—where provided training will prepare new officials.

Bend High girls soccer defeated rival Caldera 2-0 on Tuesday evening with two second-half goals that kept the Lava Bears undefeated this season—Isla Beal scored the match-winning goal after a pass from Shea Manfredi while Piper Abrams added another—and coach Scott Sagar said the team is learning to improve for upcoming IMC play.

The Bulletin published nominees for Athletes of the Week for Sept.

8-13 selected by local coaches and sports staff, and readers were asked to vote for one boy and one girl athlete. The candidates include Finn Chambers from Ridgeview football, Connor Conneely from Summit football, Easton Wray from Mountain View football, Cassidy Connor from Bend soccer, Brooke Duey from Sisters cross-country, and Kailyn Cooper from Bend volleyball.

Christmas in July with Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive Santa

Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive has taken over for the Toys for Tots which has suspended operations in Central Oregon and Marines from MCL 1308 with support from Summit Health are taking over with our Santa on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st of July and 7 of August every Thursday at 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm BRING A TOY PLEASE its needed

Bend Oktoberfest

2-9 p.m. — Deschutes Historical Museum — Free entry — Celebrate with craft beer, wiener dog races, and live music at this Bavarian bash.

Commemorating International Peace Day - A Bahá'i Perspective

The Baháʼí Faith considers world peace to be not only possible but inevitable, a future stage in humanity's development. Retired Bend attorney, Jim Slothower, will share the Bahá'i vision of how world peace will be attained and how each of us can play a meaningful role in bringing it about.

Commemorating International Peace Day - A Bahá'i Perspective

The Baháʼí Faith considers world peace to be not only possible but inevitable, a future stage in humanity's development. Retired Bend attorney, Jim Slothower, will share the Bahá'i vision of how world peace will be attained and how each of us can play a meaningful role in bringing it about.

OMEP Ready or Not! Business Simulation Game

9 a.m.–2 p.m. — Wille Hall — Registration required — Experience a dynamic business simulation tailored for current and future leaders in manufacturing.

Drake Park Yoga Session

12-1 a.m. — Drake Park — Donation based — Enjoy a slow flow yoga class in the heart of nature, connecting with yourself and the community.

People in Space: A Talk by Astronaut Dick Richards

6-7 p.m. — Downtown Bend Library — Free entry — Explore the human adventure beyond Earth with Bend’s own astronaut and Navy pilot, Dick Richards.

Oktoberfest Celebration at Boneyard Pub

6 p.m. — Boneyard Pub — Beer and food specials — Celebrate the season with live music and craft brews at this annual fest.

Neil Simon's Rumors

2 PM — Cascades Theatrical Co — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter and chaos in this clever comedy about misunderstandings and gossip among friends.

Broken Compass Bluegrass Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the vibrant sounds of contemporary bluegrass with Broken Compass Bluegrass as they blend tradition and innovation.

Ryan Meadow Restoration & Planting Project

1:30-4:30 p.m. — Fred Meyer — Free entry — Participate in planting native species to boost local wildlife habitats while learning about environmental stewardship.

42nd Annual Oregon Rural Health Conference

Conference — Oct 1-3 — Riverhouse Lodge — Registration required — Explore innovative health solutions for rural communities with top experts.