Good morning, Bend.

The Bend Park and Recreation District opened its new 5,000 sqft Art Station at Larkspur Park today (1650 SE Reed Market Road) as a hub for art and enrichment programs.

A grand opening celebration is set for Oct. 11, 1-3 p.m.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office will host a Tip-A-Cop fundraiser at Greg's Grill in Bend this Friday, Sept.

25 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Greg's Grill will donate 20% of food sales to support the Shop With A Cop program that helps local families shop for holiday gifts.

Bend’s only cat cafe, Playful Paws, celebrated three years and 465 cat adoptions and partners with local rescue organizations, and it will host monthly events like meditation on Sept.

26 and a sound bath on Oct. 10 + may expand its menu soon.

Family Access Network received $15,000 from Trust Management Services to provide seasonal clothing, healthy food, hygiene items, and rent relief in Central Oregon — the funding supports 65 sites in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties.

Redmond couple Charlotte and Ryan Alston, who launched Glacier Gourmet in 2024 to offer healthier snacks, now have their freeze-dried treats sold at more than 100 retailers, including Bend markets.

They hand-cut local fruits for small-batch products like marionberry ice cream & pie that need no refrigeration.

In August, unemployment rates across Central Oregon showed little movement with Bend holding at five percent — slightly lower than last year.

Deschutes County remained at 4.8 percent, Crook County stayed at six, and Jefferson County dropped from six to 5.6 percent.

Central Electric Cooperative members might see a 3% rise in electricity rates in early 2027 due to higher BPA wholesale costs (the BPA announced an expedited rate proceeding after a court decision), and the cooperative will spread the increase over several years to support households and businesses.

Pacific Power will require new Oregon data centers to pay for all energy projects and transmission upgrades + related costs after months of talks with regulators and community groups.

The Public Utility Commission will review the proposal on Nov. 13.

Julie Gilbertson, a first-grade teacher at John Tuck Elementary (Redmond School District), was surprised during an all-school assembly today when she was named the High Desert Regional Teacher of the Year for 2026-27.

She is one of 17 educators honored from across Oregon.

Julie Gilbertson of John Tuck Elementary in Redmond was surprised with the 2026-27 High Desert Region Teacher of the Year award on Wednesday at a school assembly.

She is one of 17 winners receiving a $1,000 prize and will be considered for Oregon Teacher of the Year later this fall.