In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚰City of Bend’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report is Now Available

📰Public Safety Open House + Neighborhood Roundtable

🏘️🏘️Madras Housing Development Boom

🏛️Deschutes Co. Set To Approve $628M Budget

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🚧 Road Closures

🚨 Crime

 👮Man arrested for murder in the suspicious death investigation near North U.S. Highway 97

🚨Bend Childcare Operator Arrested on Multiple Charges Related to Child Sexual Abuse Material

⛑️ Fire & Rescue

🔥Deadly House Fire Engulfs La Pine Residence

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🛍️Bend Handmade Market

🤠 Sister’s Rodeo!

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

BEND

SISTERS

City of Bend’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report is Now Available

The City of Bend Utility Department recently published its 2023 Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report which shows that City of Bend’s drinking water continues to meet all health standards and that the City is 100% compliant in water quality testing and in meeting and exceeding water quality standards.

The Annual Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report, required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, provides customers with important information about Bend’s drinking water, water sources, and regulatory monitoring results for 2023.

“Our highest priority is protecting public health by providing safe, high-quality water services. We always take the actions necessary to ensure safe drinking water is delivered to homes and businesses every day,” said Utility Department Director Mike Buettner. “We are pleased to report that, once again, in 2023, our drinking water quality was equal to or better than state and federal requirements that safeguard public health.”

The report also details the treatment process of the water as well as information on water supply planning. View or download the report online at bendoregon.gov/waterreport or contact the Utility Department at 541-317-3000, ext. 2 to request a printed copy. 

 Save the date! Public Safety Open House + Neighborhood Roundtable

Join the City of Bend for a unique engagement opportunity on Monday, June 10 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Bend Municipal Court (555 NE 15th Street, Bend).

5:30 – 7 p.m.  Public Safety Open House

Community members citywide are invited to a Public Safety Open House about how our police department and transportation planners work to enhance traffic safety and enforce our traffic laws. Hear from Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz and Janet Hruby, Assistant City Engineer for Transportation & Mobility. There will also be tables with interactive displays, information and staff from Bend Police and Transportation & Mobility departments to answer questions.

7 – 8:30 p.m. Neighborhood Roundtable

Following the open house, members from each of Bend’s Neighborhood District boards will participate in a roundtable discussion with Bend City Council and staff around Public Safety Council Goals like the coming automated traffic enforcement program, and related neighborhood concerns. Attendees can observe the discussion in person or virtually (virtual links will be posted to the City Council Meeting webpage prior to June 10).

Thoughts on traffic safety or enforcement? Find your Neighborhood District and provide your input to the board to include in discussions with Council and staff at the roundtable.

Madras Housing Development Boom

Madras is witnessing a significant demand for more housing amid a 0.5% annual population growth, with nearby counties like Crook and Deschutes experiencing up to 1.25% growth. The city's updated 2018 housing action plan reveals a shortfall, not accounting for an 800-unit deficit, and sets goals for diverse housing options including low to high-income units. This change comes after revisions in city codes that encourage the development of multifamily homes.

Currently, Madras has 1,032 housing units in various stages of development, achieving 53% of its middle-income housing goals and 400% of its high-income housing targets. The city focuses on workforce housing to support the demand from local industries for skilled workers such as nurses and teachers.

There is also a push for supportive housing to provide low-cost, accessible living options for vulnerable populations to help combat homelessness effectively. Notable developments include Willowbrook, nearing completion near the golf course and airport; Sagebrook, a planned 188-lot development offering single-family homes and townhouses; The Heights at Yarrow, expanding with new apartments and cottages; and Summer Place, a manufactured home park currently undergoing infrastructure improvements.

As new developments continue, Madras is mindful of the impact on infrastructure, planning enhancements to the sewer and water systems, and ensuring recreational spaces are available to support sustainable growth.

This story first appeared in The Madras Pioneer newspaper. Entire story HERE

Deschutes Co. Set To Approve $628M Budget

Posted by Heather Roberts KBND

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners are on track to adopt the 2025 operating budget in June. After a week of budget meetings, Commissioner Tony DeBone told KBND News the board, "Didn’t make too big changes of the proposed budget. It really adds up to a big number, though: $628 million."

While that's much higher than the 2024 budget, DeBone says the county’s property tax rate isn’t changing. "Last year, we maximized our tax rates: six cents in the general fund, sheriff’s office went up a little bit.

So, we’re not really changing the tax rate this year.

But this is inflation. This last year was kind of the step. It went into our budget. So, last year’s rates that went up kind of put that inflation into the budget and now we’re on a steady run on the tax rate."

Additional funding is coming to the county from state and federal sources to pay for some big-ticket projects. "We’re going to be implementing the deflection program; so that’s the House Bill 4002. The legalization of drugs, now we’re dialing it back a little bit. So a deflection program’s being put in place. Also building out that courthouse; so that’s the $40 million capital project in downtown Bend for the Circuit Court," said DeBone. "We’re going to do $10 million in capital road improvements: A few more roundabouts in the rural [areas]. But, we’re still able to spend money and build the capacity of Deschutes County." He added, "I remember thinking, ‘$500 million is a half a billion.’ And now we’re at $628 [million], so it’s really getting bigger over time. But a lot of great services; a lot of federal and state money coming through to provide services for people."

Deschutes County Commissioners expect to approve the new operations budget in June, before the fiscal year begins in July.  

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Bend

Weekly Road and Traffic Report for the Week of June 1st - 9th

Deschutes County

Weekly Road Construction Update Week of June 2nd - 8th

Redmond

Weekly Road and Traffic Report for the Week of June 1st - 7th

ODOT - Region 4 Weekly Construction Update May 31st to June 7th

Man arrested for murder in the suspicious death investigation near North U.S. Highway 97

When Bend Police Detectives arrived on scene at the suspicious death investigation on May 30th they observed what appeared to be suspicious injuries to David Carroll Hickman.  An autopsy was performed on May 31st, which revealed Hickman had several injuries. Bend Police Detectives continued the investigation and determined 31-year old male Brian Lee Wynn was a person of interest.  Wynn was contacted Friday afternoon in Bend and was later lodged at the Deschutes County Jail for Murder in the 2nd degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. The investigation is ongoing. 

Bend Childcare Operator Arrested on Multiple Charges Related to Child Sexual Abuse Material

BEND, OR — A shocking discovery has led to the arrest of a Bend childcare facility operator, Jack Bergeron, 61, on charges of encouraging child sexual abuse and sexual abuse of an animal. The arrest occurred on May 30, 2024, following a two-month investigation by local and federal agencies.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) out of Eugene, initially identified an IP address in Deschutes County distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) through Peer to Peer (P2P) networks. Further investigation traced the IP address back to Bergeron's residence, which also operated as a licensed childcare facility.

Given the severity of the allegations and the potential risk to children, a coordinated effort involving the Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit, Street Crimes unit, Digital Forensics unit, Oregon State Police ICAC detectives, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the Redmond Police Department Digital Forensics unit led to the issuance and execution of a search warrant at Bergeron’s home.

During the operation, several digital devices were seized, and Bergeron was subsequently arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Adult Jail. He faces 10 counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree, 10 counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the second degree, and one count of encouraging sexual abuse of an animal.

As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that children at the childcare facility were direct victims of these offenses. However, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is conducting thorough investigations into the seized devices, and additional charges may be filed pending further analysis.

Parents and guardians of children who attended the facility are urged to contact Deschutes County Dispatch Non-Emergency at 541-693-6911 for any inquiries or concerns, and to be connected with the ICAC unit.

This case highlights the critical importance of vigilant internet monitoring and community cooperation in protecting vulnerable populations. The investigation is ongoing, and the Sheriff’s Office has promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Deadly House Fire Engulfs La Pine Residence

LA PINE, OR — A devastating house fire claimed the life of a local resident and his dog in the early hours of June 1, 2024, in La Pine, Oregon. The blaze, which erupted around 12:05 AM in the 15000 block of Old Mill Road, quickly engulfed an entire house and threatened neighboring structures.

Responding to initial reports of explosions and a rapidly spreading fire, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office swiftly evacuated nearby residents as a precaution. La Pine Fire Engine 121 was the first to arrive on the scene, promptly establishing exposure protection lines to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent properties.

A total of 12 fire apparatus and 22 firefighters battled the inferno through the night. Assistance came from multiple departments, including Sunriver, Bend, Crescent, Alfalfa Fire Departments, and Mid-State Electric, which secured the utilities to allow for a safer and more aggressive fire suppression effort.

Despite the firefighters' efforts to control the blaze, it resulted in the tragic loss of David Hill, found deceased in the residence along with one dog. The fire caused minor damages to neighboring structures and fences, but was mostly contained to the property where it started.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office detectives conducted an investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary findings indicate that the incident was not criminal in nature.

The La Pine Fire Department remained on the scene throughout the following day, conducting overhaul operations to ensure the fire was completely extinguished and to prevent any flare-ups.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the La Pine Fire Department have expressed their gratitude to all the agencies that provided support during this emergency. The community mourns the loss of Mr. Hill and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Events Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon

Bend Handmade Market

Premiers June 8th 10AM Downtown Bend

We are SO excited to be debuting our Bend Handmade Market in Downtown Bend this June! You’ll find 100 makers and artists selling handmade goods. For those of you who have never been to an Urban Craft Uprising show, our events feature handcrafted goods including jewelry, housewares, clothing, toys, art, bath & body products, paper goods, fiber arts, candles, and so much more!

Urban Craft has been producing craft markets since 2005. We have a large following in the Pacific Northwest–primarily in Seattle and Portland–and we are eager to be expanding our horizons this year and bringing new shows both to Bend an to the Oregon Coast! We are so excited to showcase the local talent of Bend artisans, and to introduce you to some of our favorite vendors from all around the Pacific Northwest. The Bend Handmade Market will be free to attend, and a great way to support small businesses while finding unique gifts for wedding presents, housewarming gifts, birthdays, decor for your home, treats for others, and fun goodies for yourself!

JUNE 5TH - JUNE 9TH

The Sisters Rodeo is gearing up for another SOLD OUT year and we are so thankful for all of you! Make sure you call the ticket office to buy your tickets direct - we can not validate or support third-party tickets so, please, tread carefully!

TICKETS:

Wednesday, Xtreme Bulls - Limited tickets left

Friday Performance - Red Rock Corral Standing Room Only Tickets

Saturday Matinee - Red Rock Corral Standing Room Only Tickets

Saturday Night Performance - Red Rock Corral Standing Room Only Tickets

Sunday Performance - Limited tickets left

Deschutes Public Library Events

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