In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚫🛣 2024 Fireworks on Pilot Butte Limited Access to Pilot Butte 7/1 through 7/5

⛑🌲 Rescuing the Whitebark Pine: A Monumental Effort in the Deschutes National Forest

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

The Long Bend Fire - Press Release Update

New Fire Start Updates

🚧 Road Closures

🔥⛑️ Fire & Rescue News

🔥 Bend Fire & Rescue Press Release Brush Fire Hwy 97 MP 136

🚨👮‍♂️ Crime News

👮 Bend Police Apprehend Notorious Graffiti Artist 'XUKA'

🚨 Bend Police Arrest Two in Connection with Armed Robbery

📰 Community News

📻A Weekend of Connection and Competition at the HAM/Amateur Radio Field Day in Virginia Meissner Sno-Park"

🫴 Local Cause of the Month

🧒 "Building Brighter Futures: The Inspiring Work of Kids Inspired Non-Profit"

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🎶🎸Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival hits Sisters

🧑‍🌾🤠🥕🥒🍅HOWDY DO: PRACTICAL LAND MANAGEMENT

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

What was the original name of Madras, Oregon before it was renamed in 1903?

A) The Valley

B) The Basin

C) Cottonwood

D) Creekside

👉Find the Answer in Tomorrow’s Newsletter👉

BEND

MADRAS, OR

2024 Fireworks on Pilot Butte Limited Access to Pilot Butte 7/1 through 7/5

This year’s 4^th of July Pilot Butte public fireworks display will commence at approximately 10pm on Tuesday, July 4^th, 2024.  In preparation, the Oregon State Parks Department and Bend Fire & Rescue ask that the community observe the following restrictions to Pilot Butte State Park from July 1^st through July 5^th. 

• The access road to the summit will be closed to all vehicle traffic. The gate closes at 10pm on June 30^th as part of the normal park operations. It will remain closed until the afternoon of July 5^th due to fireworks operations. 

• All the trails and roadways will be accessible to pedestrians only starting 10:00 pm on June 30^th. With the exception of the summit, which will be closed to all but authorized personnel and equipment. Please respect the barriers that will be placed across the road and pathways to prevent access to the summit. This is for everyone’s safety and security. 

• Access to ALL trails and roadways (top to bottom) on Pilot Butte will be closed on July 4th at sun up through the afternoon of July 5th. No access will be permitted with security and law enforcement on site to enforce restrictions. This is for the safety of the set-up crews and visitors to the park. The area will reopen when the clean-up process has been completed. 

• Signs/fences and security will be placed at the closure points on the Butte. Please respect the closed areas and do not attempt entry, for your own safety and the safety of those working to set up the fireworks. Visitors will NOT be allowed into the closed areas at any time.

• The main parking area at the base of Pilot Butte, off Linnea Drive, will be open during the fireworks show. But we ask that you do not block any emergency access roads or public/private streets, as this can delay a response to an emergency.

• Pilot Butte will re-open for all pedestrian visitors the afternoon of July 5^th after all fireworks and equipment have been secured and removed from the site. 

• Oregon State Parks and Bend Fire & Rescue remind everyone that pets are not permitted in the park during the show.  

The fireworks are presented each year as a gift to the community from Subaru of Bend and their partners. Thanks also to the local Scout troops that help clean up the fireworks each year after the show. A huge thank you to the local fire crews from the US Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry for assisting with the fire safety on the butte during the show. Without their support each year this show would not be possible.

For more information, please contact Oregon State Parks at (541) 388-6055 
or Bend Fire & Rescue at (541) 322-6386.

Rescuing the Whitebark Pine: A Monumental Effort in the Deschutes National Forest

After two years of dedicated research and restoration, American Forests and U.S. Forest Service teams have given new life to the whitebark pine forests in the Deschutes National Forest. These hardy trees, which endure the harsh high desert environment of Central Oregon, face an unforgiving foe: white pine blister rust, a fungus impacting whitebark pine across seven U.S. states and western Canada.

Libby Pansing, a forest restoration scientist, recently witnessed the culmination of this project on top of an 8,000-foot volcano. Her passion for whitebark pine, a tree capable of surviving up to 1,000 years in a harsh environment, is evident as she inspects pine cones and listens to the calls of Clark’s nutcrackers, birds that share a mutual relationship with these pines.

The Importance of Whitebark Pine

Whitebark pine plays a crucial role in high-elevation ecosystems across the western United States. It holds back snowmelt in the spring, ensuring a steady water supply for large parts of the country. Despite its ecological importance, whitebark pine is being wiped out by white pine blister rust, introduced to western North America in the early 1900s. The disease forms cankers on the tree’s trunk and branches, starving it of nutrients.

Today, more dead whitebark pines than live ones exist across the tree’s U.S. range, with only 10% remaining in Montana’s Glacier National Park. In Oregon, infection rates vary, with some areas seeing up to 60% of trees infected. The trees also face threats from mountain pine beetle infestations.

Science to the Rescue

Jensen and Pansing have assisted with the planting of 5,000 seedlings carrying blister rust resistance in the Deschutes National Forest. This effort is part of a larger program overseen by Matt Horning, a plant geneticist with the U.S. Forest Service. The program involves identifying candidate trees with natural resistance to blister rust, collecting their seeds, and managing the planting of rust-resistant seedlings.

This process is supported by the Dorena Genetic Resource Center in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Established in 1966, the center plays a key role in researching rust resistance of whitebark pine. Lisa Winn, the center’s director, notes that Dorena receives cones from various government agencies and partners throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Restoring the Whitebark Pine

The restoration work involves a selective screening process to identify elite trees with natural resistance to blister rust. Seeds from these trees are collected, x-rayed to determine viability, stratified to mimic natural conditions, and then germinated and grown in greenhouses until they are old enough to be planted outdoors. The goal is to ensure the planted seedlings have the greatest chance of surviving to maturity and perpetuating the forest.

Clark’s nutcrackers play a crucial role in this process as they are the main dispersers of whitebark pine seeds. These birds store the seeds in thousands of ground holes, many of which they fail to retrieve, thus spurring natural regeneration of whitebark pines far from the original source tree. This mutualism has evolved over time, with the pines developing cone platforms that the nutcrackers use as perches while harvesting seeds.

A Bright Future for Whitebark Pine

The National Whitebark Pine Restoration Plan and the recent listing of whitebark pine as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act are expected to substantially help bring this species back to its former glory. The plan lays out what it will take to recover the species across its range and identifies priority restoration sites. The ESA listing brings much-needed funding and attention, adding additional protections and driving more conservation efforts.

Pansing’s dedication to restoring whitebark pine is clear. She describes these trees as “magical” and hopes they will be recognized as iconic as sequoias and bristlecone pines.

Read more about the efforts to restore the whitebark pine forests in the Deschutes National Forest and the science behind it here.

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update – Long Bend Fire | June 24, 2024

Central Oregon —The Long Bend Fire (Incident #277) is burning approximately two miles southwest of Maupin on the west side of the Deschutes River. The fire is currently estimated at 1,024 acres and 5% contained burning on Bureau of Land Management and private lands.

Most of the fire’s growth yesterday occurred in the Wapinitia Canyon area. Firefighters engaged on the western edge of the fire in places that were safe to access while dozers conducted operations in the flat terrain above the canyon. The southern and eastern portions of the fire remained quiet. Engines continue to patrol the eastern line to ensure that spot fires do not occur on the east side of the Deschutes River.

Yesterday afternoon, the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 2 “Get Set” notice for all residences south of Hwy 216 from Natural Pasture Road to Blue Rock Road and All Residences East of Reservation Rd and South of Hwy 216 to Natural Pasture Road. Evacuations remain in place for Harpham Flat Campground & Wapinitia Campground. Boaters in the general area are asked to use caution as helicopters may be dipping water out of the river.

A Central Oregon Type 3 incident management team took command of the fire yesterday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Resources assigned to the incident include 1 Type crew, 4 Type 2 initial attack crews, 7 engines, 3 water tenders, 1 dozer, 2 Type 2 helicopters, 2 Type 2 helicopters, 1 Type 3 helicopter and 25 overhead personnel.

Today, firefighters will look for opportunities to engage the fire directly along Wapinitia Creek. Crews will also focus on patrolling and extinguishing sources of heat along the fire perimeter to secure control lines. Aircraft will assist ground resources as needed by dropping water to help cool hot spots.

The fire started the afternoon of Saturday, June 22. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

For current wildfire information, the public can visit centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on X (Twitter) @CentralORFire.

For current wildfire information, the public can visit centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on X (Twitter) @CentralORFire.

Incident 284 is ~1 acre & is approx. 9 miles E of Sunriver, between Forest Service roads 1810 & 9710. Interagency resources including 6 engines, 1 water tender & 2 Large Air Tankers are responding. Aircraft are dropping retardant to slow fire spread. Cause is under investigation.

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Bear Creek and 27th Street Improvements Project

ONLINE INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE
JUNE 14 - 28, 2024

Bend Fire & Rescue Press Release - Brush Fire Hwy 97 MP 136

At 2:45 pm on Monday, June 24, Bend Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported brush fire along the northbound Parkway just north of Butler Market Road.  First arriving crews found a brush fire being pushed to the south by gusty winds.  The progress of the fire was quickly stopped, with railroad tracks to the east and a canal to the south providing natural fire breaks, and the fire was held at ¼ acre.  The Butler Market onramp and the BNSF railroad tracks were closed for fire operations, but have since reopened.  

Upon investigation, it was found that a train had recently passed through the area, traveling to the south.  A small fire along the tracks was also reported in the Redmond area.  BNSF employees stopped and inspected the train and one of the train cars was found to have a locked up brake.  The car was removed from the train at the railyard for repairs and the train continued south.  

Fire season has arrived, do you have a plan in the event of an evacuation?  Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts at https://www.deschutes.org/911/page/sign-deschutes-alerts and create your emergency plan now.  You can find information on how to create your family's emergency plan at https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/fire-and-life-safety-information/emergency-preparedness

Bend Police Apprehend Notorious Graffiti Artist 'XUKA'

Bend, OR - June 24, 2024

The Bend Police Department has arrested Kalden James Gilbert, a 22-year-old resident, in connection with a spree of graffiti tagging that has plagued the city since February. Gilbert, known by the tag "XUKA," was taken into custody early Sunday morning following an extensive investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his residence.

The investigation began when Bend Police started receiving numerous complaints about the distinctive "XUKA" tags appearing on various properties throughout the city. These tags were found on businesses, street signs, and public buildings, including Bend City Hall, causing significant damage and financial loss.

Over the course of five months, police and Community Service Officers diligently documented each instance of the graffiti, amassing evidence and working to identify the culprit. The breakthrough came in June when fresh evidence collected at a new tagging site pointed to Gilbert.

Armed with this evidence, officers obtained a search warrant for Gilbert’s apartment and car located in the 63100 block of Britta Street. At 7:07 a.m. on June 23, police executed the warrant, discovering an extensive collection of spray paint and other incriminating items.

Gilbert was arrested on 50 counts of second-degree criminal mischief and two counts of first-degree criminal mischief. He is currently being held at the Deschutes County Jail, and additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues.

The total damage caused by the graffiti is estimated to be in the thousands of dollars, impacting both public and private property owners. The Bend Police Department is urging anyone who has discovered a "XUKA" tag on their property and has not yet reported it to contact the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911, referencing Case #2024-00018483.

In a statement, the Bend Police Department emphasized their commitment to addressing property crimes like graffiti, which impose unnecessary costs on businesses and local government. They reassured the community that they will continue to pursue those responsible for such acts to maintain the city's integrity and aesthetics.

Bend Police Arrest Two in Connection with Armed Robbery

Bend, OR - June 24, 2024

In a swift response to a brazen armed robbery, Bend Police have arrested two men involved in a daylight heist that occurred at the Fox Hollow Apartments on June 23. The suspects, identified as Emilio San Marcos Garcia Gonzalez, 35, and Jose Guadalupe Sanchez Larios, 34, both Bend residents, were apprehended after a coordinated effort by local law enforcement.

The incident began around 2:23 p.m. when Bend Police were dispatched to the Fox Hollow Apartments following a report of an armed robbery. The victim recounted that he had been held at gunpoint by three men who stole his wallet, keys, and phone before fleeing in his grey Nissan Versa.

Acting swiftly, Bend Police located the stolen vehicle approximately an hour and a half later in a driveway on the 1700 block of NE Pheasant Lane. Given the severity of the crime, the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team and Bend Police detectives were brought in to assist. A search warrant was secured for the property, which was found unoccupied at the time.

Inside the residence, detectives recovered the victim’s belongings, including his wallet, cell phone, and vehicle keys. Additionally, two AR-style rifles and a handgun were discovered, further implicating the suspects in the armed robbery. The victim’s vehicle was also successfully recovered.

While officers were on the scene, Garcia Gonzalez and Sanchez Larios returned to the Pheasant Lane home and were promptly arrested. They now face multiple charges, including first-degree robbery, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, criminal conspiracy, and theft.

Both suspects are currently being held at the Deschutes County Jail. Meanwhile, Bend Police continue their efforts to identify and apprehend the third suspect involved in the robbery.

The Bend Police Department encourages anyone with information about the incident or the third suspect to come forward. They reiterate their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community, emphasizing that they will use all resources available to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.

A Weekend of Connection and Competition at the HAM/Amateur Radio Field Day in Virginia Meissner Sno-Park"

The Amateur Radio aka HAM radio Field Day on June 21st and 22nd at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park was a buzzing hive of activity that brought together amateur radio operators from far and wide for a weekend of camaraderie, competition, and connection.

Nestled amidst the stunning backdrop of the Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, radio aficionados set up their stations in the great outdoors, creating a vibrant tapestry of antennas and equipment against the backdrop of towering trees and clear skies. The event was a celebration of the passion and skill that amateur radio operators bring to their craft, showcasing the diverse range of talents within the community.

Participants at the Field Day engaged in a variety of contests and activities, from antenna-building challenges to emergency communication drills. It was a chance for operators to put their skills to the test, learn from one another, and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of amateur radio. The spirit of competition was alive and well, but so too was the spirit of camaraderie, with participants sharing stories, tips, and laughter throughout the event.

But it wasn't all about competition - there were plenty of opportunities for relaxation and socializing as well. The Field Day offered a chance for participants to unwind and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for radio. It was a weekend filled with laughter, learning, and a shared love for all things radio.

If you missed out on this year's HAM/Amateur Radio Field Day at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, fear not - there will be more opportunities to get involved in the future. Keep an eye out for upcoming events in your area and make plans to join in on the fun. Amateur radio is a hobby like no other, offering endless opportunities for learning, connection, and adventure. So dust off your equipment, tune in to the frequencies, and get ready to experience the magic of amateur radio for yourself!

Building Brighter Futures: The Inspiring Work of Kids Inspired Non-Profit

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Events Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon

Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival hits Sisters

It’s the final countdown — the second annual Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival hits Sisters in eight short days! Join us for a sun-soaked weekend filled with live music from 16 incredibly talented performers, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Whether you’re dancing, lounging in the sun, or indulging in festival treats, there’s something for everyone at Big Ponderoo.

Buy Tickets

Enter for Free, Volunteer!

If passionate about music, love meeting new people, or simply want to be part of an amazing festival experience, this is for you! There’s still time to join us as a volunteer.

Sign up for two full shifts and earn yourself a weekend wristband and free entry to all the amazing performances! Don’t wait — shifts are almost full.

Get Started

We’re proud to present an eclectic lineup this year filled with everything from big band swing to workingman’s country to traditional bluegrass and more. Check out these standout acts performing on the Ponderoo Stage:

The Brothers Comatose
Shadowgrass
Bella White

View the Full Lineup

HOWDY DO: PRACTICAL LAND MANAGEMENT

July 18th

Join your neighbors, School of Ranch and Pine Meadow Ranch and Nate Stacey, Small Farm Agent for OSU Extension, for our first Howdy Do! Share your best ideas, experiences, ask questions, and let the wisdom of the crowd guide you to a more productive future. There's nothing like kicking back with fellow farmers, ranchers and gardeners, swapping ideas, and meeting new friends. Come and share! Pot luck too!

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