Good morning, Bend.

Pacific Power Foundation awarded $20,600 today to six local nonprofits through its Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect grant cycle (supporting outdoor education, volunteer initiatives and career training) to boost environmental and community programs.

Applications for the next grant cycle are due by Dec. 15.

Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity and Bend-La Pine Schools broke ground on Stone Creek Commons, an 18-home mixed-income community near Silver Rail Elementary in southeast Bend on Thursday.

The project gives Bend-La Pine employees first preference for affordable, energy-efficient homes maintained by Habitat’s community land trust.

Tactics Board Shop in Bend closed Sunday after 10 years as new owner Marc Roca liquidated its inventory over mismanaged finances, leaving employees and local athletes without a community hub for skate and snow sports.

Today the Oregon Arts Commission awarded $150,000 in Arts Learning grants to 15 organizations statewide, giving each $10,000 to support K-12 arts education for the 2026-2027 school year (funded by state general funds and a federal NEA grant).

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking an Oregon resident to serve on the Restoration and Enhancement Program Board — a seven-member panel that advises on sport fishing funding.

Applications must be submitted by Oct. 16 with details available on the program website.

Sen. Ron Wyden today introduced a bill to double the federal match on retirement savings and raise the cap to $2,000 (adjusted for rising costs).

The proposal would expand eligibility for workers without employer plans and take effect in 2027.

Today the Oregon Department of Administrative Services set a 10% maximum rent increase for 2027 under ORS 90.324(b) and a 6% cap for facilities with over 30 spaces — smaller properties have a limit of 10% or 7% plus CPI.

Residents may contact Oregon Housing and Community Services with questions.

Summit boys cross country won the Nike Bob Firman Invitational in Spokane on Saturday, Sept.

26 as four runners finished with times under 15 minutes to secure a 64-point team score. Bend High placed in the Nike Portland XC meet and the Oxford Classic runs this Saturday at Drake Park.

Ridgeview High football remains undefeated with four wins as senior receiver Finn Chambers posted 18 catches, 380 yards and seven touchdowns while using a month-old macaroni salad from Coach Pileggi’s office (a quirky team ritual) for energy.

The team won 35 to 0 against Caldera on Friday.