Good morning, Bend.

Bend firefighter Preston (Pross) Prosser retired in September after 24 years of service; his department noted he was a constant fixture of happiness and made colleagues feel like family.

Florio Tiramani will run nonstop with a rescue dog per mile to raise funds for Street Dog Hero on Sunday, Oct.

4, from 7:06 a.m. to 6:40 p.m. Visitors can cheer him on at the nonprofit parking lot (910 SE Wilson Ave.).

Little Slice of Hell Cheesecakes launched its vending machine at Midtown Yacht Club earlier this month, letting residents get 130 flavors of homemade cheesecake, including vegan and gluten-free options, on their own schedule.

Owner Julie Higgins (who battled rare cancer) now restocks it each morning to keep up with demand.

FlyEpic is growing its fractional ownership program for private aviation in Bend, offering 25-hour flight cards and fractional shares with local aircraft built nearby.

The company (which is recruiting six new pilots) plans to serve tech entrepreneurs and weekend travelers from the West.

The 23rd annual BendFilm Festival will run from Oct.

7 to Oct. 11 at venues like Tower Theatre and McMenamins Father Luke’s Room. The festival will show 110 films focused on documentaries + host filmmaker Q&As including honoree Rory Kennedy.

Bend-based band Speedway Sleeper will perform with Milton and Atillion at Silver Moon Brewing (24 NW Greenwood Ave.) on Saturday, Oct.

3 at 7 p.m. The duo, recognized for a streamlined practice system that blends heavy, catchy riffs while balancing busy schedules, charges $10 for admission.

College students across Oregon are reminded that they may qualify for SNAP food benefits if they meet specific rules, such as working 20 hours a week or participating in work-study (or receiving other benefits).

Benefits Navigators at public colleges are available to help eligible students.

Deschutes County will host free hazardous waste drop-off events (accepting items like paint, pesticides, and pool chemicals) at designated locations in La Pine, Sisters, and Redmond this month; the first event is Sunday, Oct.

4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley & Rep. Janelle Bynum announced on Wednesday, Sept.

30 that Central Oregon received $100,000 from NeighborWorks Disaster Grants to aid wildfire recovery; nonprofit NeighborImpact will use the funds to help families displaced by summer wildfires in Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson counties & Warm Springs.

Bend mom Annie Miller became a lived-experience facilitator with nonprofit Alongside Network after her daughter suffered a brain injury 11 years ago.

The organization holds free virtual support groups (six-week courses) that help parents navigate lasting medical trauma.

Oregon insurance regulators warn Oregonians that some low-cost self-funded plans may offer limited coverage, leaving unexpected costs; they advise consumers to verify agent credentials before open enrollment begins Nov.

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After recovering from a traumatic brain injury sustained in January when a car hit him at Third Street and Powers Road, Bend doctor Will Speed completed the 50-mile Ring of Fire bike race last weekend just outside Bend and said he now cherishes every moment as he rebuilds his strength.

Community health leaders and lawmakers celebrated the groundbreaking for a youth crisis treatment facility at NW Canal Blvd in Redmond on Tuesday, Sept.

29; built by Headwaters Behavioral Health (expert), center offers 24-hour care with 16 beds for children ages 12 to 17 at an estimated cost of $8.7 million.

The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation will host its annual Skyliners Ski Swap on Saturday, Oct.

10 at the Pavilion Ice Rink in Bend. The fundraiser will feature gear sales, consignment drop-offs, and a pre-sale party with food vendors & local organizations to support youth athletes.