Good morning, Bend.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon has launched Pawsitive Adventures to let locals take shelter dogs on outings that range from hikes to coffee trips; over 80 residents have joined since its April debut and the program runs (Wed-Fri) with plans for weekend outings soon.

Sixteen-year-old Elijah Buckwald was honored by the Redmond City Council today for his lifesaving actions near Santiam Pass when he helped free an elderly couple from an overturned vehicle in August 2024.

He was awarded Scouting America’s prestigious Honor Medal for his courage and quick thinking.

CeramiCafe Art Lounge will open a new location in Bend’s Old Mill District in late November — the studio offers over 500 pottery pieces to paint, as well as canvas painting and mosaics, and will host private events and classes to celebrate local art.

Ruckus has secured an 8,000 sqft building in Bend’s Central District and is preparing to become the region’s first permanent children’s museum focused on interactive STEAM exhibits.

The museum (formerly a Mobile Museum that reached over 24,000 local visitors) will offer engaging learning experiences for families.

Central Oregon LandWatch’s Liveable Future Forum series begins today with Len Necefer presenting 'Arctic to Deschutes' at OSU-Cascades (Ray Hall, 1500 SW Chandler Ave) at 6:30 p.m.; tickets cost $15.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation will host open houses for wildfire-impacted homeowners in Medford on Oct.

28, in Klamath Falls on Oct. 29, in Redmond on Oct. 30, and in three additional locations in November to provide guidance on securing insurance coverage.

Local activists from Indivisible Redmond will hold a voter participation rally at the Sixth and Highland corner on Oct.

17 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and a ballot drop march on Oct. 24 at 10:30 a.m. that finishes with donuts at Centennial Park + a stop at the library.

Dr. John Peoples of Central Oregon Pediatrics Associates has worked 17 years with children facing complex health and social needs and supports families with coordinated care (including help with housing and food).

He also volunteers on local boards to advocate for improved primary care as Medicaid cuts loom in 2027.

Dr. Maya Heck works at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, where she evaluates and treats patients with acute mental health challenges while also helping youth in crisis.

She has taken on the role of board president at Hearts Unknown Education (HÚE), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental wellness.

Adrienne McKay from Ritual Training shows Bend residents a 20-minute indoor workout that uses compound movements and common household items — the demonstration videos feature exercises to boost balance, coordination and overall health during the colder fall and winter months.

Sarah Benrath is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Mosaic Community Health, serving kids in Bend and nearby areas.

Using her background in public health and youth work, she leads a team that offers bilingual (English and Spanish) care and an eating disorder program to support families.

State funding approved by Oregon Housing and Community Services will provide 25 new homes in Bend to boost affordable homeownership.

The investment is part of a statewide plan to create 480 affordable rental units and 36 homes for purchase — supporting housing across local communities.

Caldera girls soccer turned their season around after a rough start with a 5-0 win and improved defense, earning clean sheets and stronger teamwork.

The team, now among the top contenders in the IMC standings, will play Ridgeview today at 4 p.m. (Ridgeview field).