⚖️ Guilty Plea / 📻⚠️Cyberterrorists Hijack Central Oregon Radio Stations

Issue #026

06 Dec

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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

💥🚛 Bend Moving Company Team Aids Senior Couple and Their Dog After Severe Accident Near Santiam Pass

❄️🛣️More ODOT funding approved for winter road maintenance

🏘️🔥💲Community Raises $40K+ for Bend Family After Tragic House Fire Claims Home and Pets

⚖️Michael Boyle's Guilty Plea in Deschutes County Circuit Court: Avoids Trial in Spa-Related Case

📻⚠️Cyberterrorists Hijack Central Oregon Radio Stations, Demanding Bitcoin Ransom

 📅 Lots of Events

🎶 The Redmond Community Choir presents their Sounds of the Season holiday concert Sunday December 10th @4pm

😁🍷🍫 Meme of the Day

 

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

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We ❤️ Local Businesses!
We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Central Oregon Local Buzz" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Central Oregon together!  [email protected]

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What’s a happening?

Bend Moving Company Team Aids Senior Couple and Their Dog After Severe Accident Near Santiam Pass

 

A crew with Bend's Higher Ground Moving travels over the Santiam Pass every week, helping people move their belongings. But last weekend, a typical trip turned into something more: a rescue of a senior couple after a serious crash.

A couple traveling back from the Coast had flipped their car off the slick road and into a deep ditch after a winter storm left the roads icy and slippery. The moving company team jumped into action and helped those inside, including a dog, get out of their vehicle safely.

Nate Becker owner of Higher Ground Moving stated, in the facebook thread where this story was first mentioned, that “It gets wild out there this time of year! That’s why we always chain up our big trucks and have the best drivers around operating them. I’m proud of my guys for this and it’s not the first time they’ve saved the day (and dogs) on that pass.”

Kotek’s office says

More ODOT funding approved for winter road maintenance

 More funding is being directed to the Oregon Department of Transportation to make sure roads are maintained this winter, Gov. Tina Kotek’s office announced Monday.

ODOT said earlier this year that some secondary highways — such as Century Drive to Mt. Bachelor — would see reduced snow plow and maintenance activity due to less revenue. ODOT has cited reduced gas tax revenues and inflation as part of the problem.

In a joint statement, Democrats Kotek, Senate President Rob Wagner and House Speaker Dan Rayfield, announced Monday that $19 million is coming to ODOT for highway safety and maintenance.

Community Raises $40K+ for Bend Family After Tragic House Fire Claims Home and Pets

A Bend couple's home was destroyed by fire caused by improperly discarded ashes from a wood-burning stove while they were on vacation. More than $40,000 has been raised through GoFundMe to help them rebuild their lives as they lost their pets, sentimental belongings, and home. The couple, including Mike, a firefighter, and Cara, who worked at a local restaurant for over a decade, will need assistance replacing essentials and finding permanent housing.

Michael Boyle's Guilty Plea in Deschutes County Circuit Court: Avoids Trial in Spa-Related Case

Sisters Resident, Michael Boyle, Pleads Guilty to Multiple Charges in Deschutes County Court

Michael Boyle from Sisters entered an Alford plea in Deschutes County Circuit Court on Monday, December 4, admitting guilt to various criminal counts. The charges included one count of attempted first-degree sex abuse, two counts of third-degree sex abuse, and three counts related to operating without a massage license.

An Alford plea acknowledges sufficient evidence for potential conviction but asserts the defendant's innocence regarding the charges. This plea spared Boyle from a trial in a case that originated from a complaint filed in July 2021. The incidents occurred during Boyle's ownership of Hop in the Spa in Sisters. The spa building was previously located on Cascade Avenue and was demolished last spring.

Judge Wells B. Ashby accepted Boyle's guilty pleas, acknowledging a factual basis for the charges. The court conducted the December 4 proceeding virtually through Webex. Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, January 4, at 9 a.m. before Judge Ashby.

The District Attorney’s Office has requested Boyle's physical presence at the sentencing hearing, hinting at a potential custody remand at that time.

Cyberterrorists Hijack Central Oregon Radio Stations, Demanding Bitcoin Ransom

 

Backyard Media Recovers from Cyberattack, Pledges to Rebuild Stronger Than Ever

Backyard Media, a prominent broadcasting network and previously know as the Bend Radio Group and the owner of popular local radio stations KSJJ–102.9, Power 94–94.1, 92/9, and X–100.7, recently fell victim to a cyberattack orchestrated by foreign cyber terrorists. The assailants aimed to extort significant sums of money in exchange for returning the networks, systems, and files they had stolen. However, the company's response was resolute – a firm refusal to engage in any ransom payments to the malicious perpetrators.

The aftermath of the cyberattack saw the swift restoration of Backyard Media's on-air presence within a few hours. Despite this rapid recovery, the attack resulted in the loss of all audio commercials and programming files, including music and imaging. Fortunately, the company assured its clients that their sensitive information remained secure, as the ransomware incident was contained solely to programming and did not impact billing, BackyardBend, or the digital departments.

In the face of adversity, Backyard Media embraced an optimistic outlook. General Manager Andy Hilmes expressed the team's eagerness for the challenges ahead, characterizing the incident as an opportunity for innovation and enhancement. The company intends to capitalize on forgotten broadcasting techniques while undertaking upgrades, fostering a period of innovation during the expected 2 to 4-week rebuilding process.

"We will innovate and upgrade, while utilizing some broadcasting skills long forgotten," stated Andy Hilmes, reflecting on the positive aspects amid the adversity. He highlighted the excitement within the team for the chance to recreate radio content akin to pre-modern technology days, fostering a more intimate, local connection with audiences.

While the cyberattack posed a setback for Backyard Media's programming, the company is committed to using this experience as a stepping stone toward greater resilience and innovation in the future. As the rebuilding process unfolds, the company anticipates delivering exceptional radio content, fostering connections, and preparing to rise stronger from this unforeseen challenge.

Backyard Media conveyed gratitude to their business partners and listeners for their support during this challenging period.

We have 2 pets this week from Brightside Animal Center in Redmond

Meet Cookie!


This calm and collected cat has been in and out of the shelter and is looking for her forever family. Cookie is a beautiful and easy going snuggle bug who just needs patience, time, and to be the only pet in the home to be the best cat she can be! This gentle girl loves getting head scratches and lots of pets as much as she loves curling up to take a nap in her cozy bed! In the previous home, we learned that Cookie would prefer to live in an adult only home that is calm and low traffic and has no pets to share the furry friend spotlight with.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance love bug, come meet Cookie today!

Meet Lopo!

German Shepherd dogs like Lopo are known for their intelligence and loyalty. Lopo is one of our senior residents that is kind, loves to please, and loves to go on walks. He would do best in a quiet home environment with someone who has the time to spend with him. If you are willing to support this sweet boy through his senior years, please come to BrightSide and meet him today.

1355 NE Hemlock Ave., Redmond, OR (541) 923-0882

BrightSide is a high-save shelter dedicated to providing sheltering, placement and prevention services to reduce animal homelessness and unnecessary euthanasia.

Please visit their website for additional information, donating and adopting.

 

 

Upcoming Events

What’s Up Central Oregon?

❄️Winter Wonderland Downtown Bend

Starting Nov. 15th, Bend downtown stores will be decorating their windows and stores for the 2023 Winter Wonderland contest.  Sponsored by Downtown Bend Association, contest winners will be announced Jan 15th.  In the meantime, wander the streets of downtown seeing the magic that store owners have created for the holidays. 

Holiday Light Show

Sunriver Resort Backyard Cafe & Bar 17600 Center Drive Sunriver, Oregon

By Sunriver Resort

05:30 PM - 08:30 PM      

Experience the magic of Sunriver Resort transformed into a holiday wonderland with our spectacular light show set to festive music. Grab a warm beverage and join us for our Holiday Light Show, happening three times a night! Nightly at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, and 7:30pm at the Backyard Cafe & Bar (behind the Lodge),

November 19, 2023 - January 1, 2024.  

December 6th (Wednesday)

December 7th (Thursday)

  • Frozen Sing-A-Long

    By Tower Theatre Foundation

    Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall Street Bend

    Tickets: $16 - $21 (plus $4 Historic Preservation fee)

    4 pm

  • Chabad of Central Oregon

    Join the Chabad of Central Oregon for its annual Menorah Lighting in the Old Mill District on Thursday, December 7. Festivities start at 4:00pm and include music, hot drinks, food and friendship. This cherished event unites the local Jewish community and welcomes all residents and visitors to celebrate the Festival of Lights, Chanukah. Held against the backdrop of the scenic Deschutes River in the Old Mill District's Center Plaza, this event brings together people of all backgrounds to commemorate the miraculous story of Chanukah.                 

    Old Mill District Old Mill District Bend,

    4 pm

  • "Alice by Heart" @ Summit High Auditorium

    Summit High Auditorium Oregon

    $10 Students/Seniors, $15 General Adm

    07:00 PM

December 8th (Friday)

December 9th (Saturday)

December 10th (Sunday)

The Redmond Community Choir presents their Sounds of the Season holiday concert. The concert is free to the public (donations are appreciated). The Redmond Community Choir is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, and is a COCC Community Education program.

Redmond High School 675 SW Rimrock Way Redmond @ 4 pm

 

 

Ongoing Events Here

 

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

If you know of other Bingo, Trivia or Locals Days…. Please let us know. Email: [email protected] 

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