Good morning, Bend.

Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services will host its annual Diamonds & Dust Gala on Saturday in Tumalo — the event will include dinner, auctions, dancing and a new feature called Toast for Transformation.

Guests will have a chance to win two 2-carat diamonds donated by Pave Fine Jewelry that will support equine-assisted therapies and pediatric programs.

Central Oregon unemployment rates rose in August as the Bend MSA hit 4.8% with 550 jobs added amid public sector losses, while Jefferson and Crook counties increased to 5.4% with modest job declines.

Deschutes County gained 620 jobs from July to August, though overall nonfarm employment fell by 1.5% over the year—reflecting a mix of gains and setbacks in various sectors.

Gas prices in Bend have fallen after the Olympic Pipeline resumed operations, easing the double-digit increases from earlier this month—AAA Oregon/Idaho credits the pipeline restart and switch to winter-blend fuel for the drop.

The decrease includes an eight-cent reduction in Bend's average to $4.11 per gallon, and prices are expected to decline further in the coming weeks.

Redmond High School teacher Mona Mensing won Oregon's regional Teacher of the Year award during a surprise assembly on Sept 16—she will now compete for the statewide title to be announced in October.

The Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste will host free hazardous waste collection events in La Pine on Oct.

4, Sisters on Oct. 11, and Redmond on Oct. 18, each from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—residents in Bend can also drop off household hazardous waste at the Knott Landfill every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Deschutes County Solid Waste Department will host three free hazardous waste collection events in October— in La Pine on Oct.

4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Sisters on Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and in Redmond on Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—to help residents safely dispose of old paints, fuels, chemicals and batteries. Residents may also drop off household hazardous waste at the Knott Landfill Hazardous Waste Facility on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

After one year since Greenwood Avenue was redesigned with buffered bike lanes, safer crossings & a removed driving lane, a City survey of 1,858 people showed 80% hate the change.

A recent traffic study found slower travel times, increased bicycle use and a doubling of crashes, and the council will discuss the project today.

Bend City Council learned that the $30 million Hawthorne bridge design over U.S. Highway 97 may not be feasible after the Oregon Department of Transportation estimated extra costs for traffic control on Bend Parkway — the council will discuss design options and funding adjustments at today's work session to keep the project on track for state and federal grants.

St. Charles Health System announced Tuesday that it signed new agreements with Cigna and Aetna—keeping 12,500 Central Oregon patients in-network for elective care while addressing issues with coverage denials and administrative delays.

Central Oregon markets and restaurants now offer exotic delicacies — including alligator, guinea pig, and grasshopper — for adventurous diners seeking new flavors.

Tomi Mart in Bend stocks unusual Asian ingredients like snow fungus for soup, while eateries in Redmond serve global dishes such as preserved duck eggs and chapulines.

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

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.

Bend Fall Festival

11 AM - 10 PM — Downtown Bend Business Association — Free entry — Celebrate autumn with live music, delicious food, and artisan vendors in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Oktoberfest Celebration at Bend Brewing Co.

5-8 p.m. — Bend Brewing Company — No cover charge — Celebrate Oktoberfest with great beer, German food, and live music in a festive atmosphere.

Fall Foot Races

8 AM – 12 PM — Riverbend Park — Various entry fees — Celebrate fall in Central Oregon with races for all runners, including a half marathon, 10k, and kid's run.

Life in the Forest Canopy

7-8 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Free entry — Discover the secrets of the forest canopy with expert insights on biodiversity and ecological balance.