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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia ANSWER

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

😋🎸Munch & Music w/Precious Byrd

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰 Oregon Parks and Rec Department seeks public comment on proposed day use perking permit rate increases

🔥Central Oregon Fire Contained After Multi-Agency Effort

🔥Reckless Driving Sparks Major Wildfire in Prineville, Leading to Evacuations and Destruction

📰Storms hit C.O. with rain, hail, damaging winds and lightning; 300-acre fire NW of Madras prompts evacuations

Central Oregon Fire Info

Updates of Oregon Fires

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨 Crime News

 📰 Community News

 Got some news or know of news for our Community News Segment - share it with C.O. Local Buzz!

😁 MEME of the Day

🌆 On going Events

📲Sponsors & Partners

BEND

LA PINE

Events Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

Munch and Music August 8th - Precious Byrd

Drake Park

5:30 - 9:00pm

Along with Dad Bods and Hella Shy

In the vibrant music scene of the Pacific Northwest, a group of friends came together to jam and have fun, a decade later they are still known for it – Precious Byrd. Renowned for their electrifying performances and a playlist that spans across both covers and originals, this group has become one of the most sought-after rock bands in the region. Whether it's a lively wedding celebration, an energetic festival, or a corporate event, Precious Byrd brings an unmatched energy that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of genres, including rock, funk, and soul, Precious Byrd crafted a unique musical identity that transcends traditional boundaries.

The journey of Precious Byrd began in the musical hub of Oregon, where a group of talented musicians came together to create a sound that would soon resonate far beyond the local scene. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of genres, including rock, funk, and soul, Precious Byrd crafted a unique musical identity that transcends traditional boundaries.

What sets Precious Byrd apart is not only their exceptional musical prowess but also their genuine love for their fans, affectionately known as "the flock." This close connection with their audience has created a loyal and enthusiastic following that eagerly anticipates each performance. The band's dedication to delivering a memorable experience for their fans has solidified their reputation as a crowd favorite, making them the go-to choice for various events.

Oregon Parks and Rec Department seeks public comment on proposed day use perking permit rate increases

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public comment on a proposed rule change that increases day use parking permit rates.

(OAR 736-015-0030, 736-015-0043).

Proposed rules will create rate ranges for day use parking permits, similar to campsite and other facilities in state parks. Additionally, the agency is currently taking public comments on proposed rule changes on additional changes to rate ranges in campsites and other facilities. Public comments on both changes will be accepted together.

Once rate ranges are adopted into rule, the state parks director has authority to adjust fees based on visitation patterns, increased costs and seasonal fluctuations up to four times per year. Rate ranges were first adopted into rule in 2018 and implemented by the department in 2019. Day use parking permit rates were last updated in 2009, when it increased from $3 to $5.

Proposed rules would make the following changes to day use parking permit rates:

Daily Motor Vehicle – Increase from $5 to $7-15;

12-month Permit – Increase from $30 to $40-60;

24-month Permit -Increase from $50 to $60-80;

Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. August 30, 2024 and can be submitted:

Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301

Email: [email protected]">[email protected]

Three additional public hearings will be held for the public to provide comments.

In Person Hearings: Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 5:30 p.m., Nehalem Bay State Park Meeting Hall, 34600 Garey St, Nehalem, OR 97131

Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 5:30 p.m. North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Must arrive by 6 p.m. to testify.

Virtual Hearing: Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 5:30 PM. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B1jKQl5ASIKh3Q0-hctYOw

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September or November for possible adoption. Proposed changes in day use parking permit fees would be effective January 1, 2025.

Central Oregon Fire Contained After Multi-Agency Effort

Firefighters from Bend and Redmond successfully contained a fast-moving brush fire just off Highway 97 in the Dirt World area, north of Bend. The fire, which started around 2:40 p.m. on Friday, prompted evacuations and caused significant disruptions, including power and internet outages across the region.

Evacuation orders were issued for the Four Seasons and Hilltop mobile home parks as the fire threatened various structures and vehicles. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, alongside Bend Police, conducted door-to-door evacuations, emphasizing the urgency as the fire quickly spread across 20 acres.

By Friday evening, thanks to the concerted efforts of ground and air firefighting teams, the forward progression of the fire was halted. Pacific Power reported significant power outages affecting approximately 14,000 customers, including a temporary shutdown of a hydro plant impacting water services. Most services were restored by Sunday.

Authorities highlighted the critical condition of fire weather in the area, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees and a red flag warning in place. The fire's containment was a relief as it occurred in proximity to the site of the 2020 Juniper Ridge Fire, which had similarly necessitated rapid evacuations.

As of Sunday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded evacuation levels, and life is gradually returning to normal for the affected communities. No structural damage was reported.

Reckless Driving Sparks Major Wildfire in Prineville, Leading to Evacuations and Destruction

A Prineville woman has been arrested on multiple charges after her reckless driving allegedly caused a significant wildfire on Friday evening. According to Crook County officials, the woman was driving a gold Volvo along Highway 126, dragging a tire that emitted sparks and ignited the dry grass alongside the road.

The incident, which began around 6 p.m. near the Crook-Deschutes County line, quickly escalated into a 10-acre fire, threatening several homes and structures. Emergency responders, including Crook County Fire and Rescue, along with other local and federal agencies, launched an extensive air and ground operation to combat the rapidly spreading fire.

Authorities issued a Level 3 GO NOW evacuation for residents along the east side of Stillman Road and Steffey Lane, which was later downgraded to Level 2 BE SET as the situation came under control. Despite the challenging conditions, no primary residences were lost, though several outbuildings and RVs were destroyed or damaged.

The driver, a 44-year-old woman, was apprehended as she approached Prineville. She faces numerous charges, including reckless endangering, reckless burning, and reckless driving, with additional charges pending. She is currently held without bail.

Highway 126 was temporarily closed to manage the emergency response, causing significant traffic disruptions. The highway has since reopened, and all evacuation orders have been lifted.

Local businesses, including Abby's Pizza and Starbucks, supported the firefighting efforts by providing food and beverages to the crews. The community has rallied to support those affected, with donations being collected at the Powell Butte Christian Church for displaced families.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless behavior, particularly under the dry and windy conditions prevalent in the area.

Storms hit C.O. with rain, hail, damaging winds and lightning; 300-acre fire NW of Madras prompts evacuations

Updates of Oregon Fires

Link to: Air Quality Index map

Another AQI Map

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Full OR 126 road closures near Belknap Springs starts in August

You may have seen our crews while we work on repaving a section of OR 126 that is in poor condition. This work will help preserve the road and give you a smoother ride.

Our next phase of work requires several full road closures – plan ahead and use an alternate route if you're traveling these days in August.

Upcoming full OR 126 road closures:

• Nighttime half day closures August 1 through August 8.

  • Sunday through Thursday, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

  • No closure Friday and Saturday night, August 2 and August 3.

• Full 48-hour road closure planned for August 20 through August 22.

Deschutes Public Library Events

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