Hey there! Ever wished you could stay in the loop with all the exciting local events happening in Central Oregon without the hassle of constantly searching for them? Look no further! With Central Oregon Local Live, you can receive convenient event reminders straight to your phone. Signing up is easy – just visit centraloregonlocalbuzz.com and opt-in for Event Reminders with a simple YES reply. You'll receive a curated list of current events once a week, typically on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Plus, rest assured that your privacy is our priority – we will never share your information or bombard you with unwanted messages. Stay informed and connected with Central Oregon Local Live!

In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🫡Sept. 11 Patriot Day ceremony planned at Bend Heroes Memorial

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚫🔥Redmond Fire & Rescue Reminder- Outdoor Burning is Still Closed

📰🎦Three Rivers evacuees speak with Central Oregon Daily as Little Lava Fire grows

⚠️2 scam prevention education events coming to Bend, Sisters this week

⛽📉AAA: Oregon has largest year-over-year decline in gas prices in US

Central Oregon Fire Info

Updates of Oregon Fires

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🔥Brushfire on Bear Creek at Bennett Road

🚨 Crime News

👮Bend Police Conclude Major Organized Retail Theft Investigation

⚠️Oregon State Police Seek Public's Assistance in Locating Wanted Suspect Adam Renk

📰 Community News

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

🐶😺Pet of the Week - Meet big hearted Betsy

😁 MEME of the Day

🌆 On going Events

📲Sponsors & Partners

BEND

SUNRIVER

Events Sponsored By

Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

Sept. 11 Patriot Day ceremony planned at Bend Heroes Memorial

Sept. 11 is the 23rd anniversary of the Terrorist attacks on our nation in New York City, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania, Almost 3,000 Americans were killed on that day, named as Patriot Day.

The attack led to the 2 decades long Global War on Terror (GWOT)in Afghanistan and Iraq where almost 7,000 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice including over 140 from Oregon and 7 from Bend.

Bend Heroes Foundation and volunteers will honor the fallen at Bend Heroes Memorial in Drake Park beginning at 8:00 am Wednesday.

We will:

 Read President Biden's proclamation
 Display a flag with the names of America's fallen - first responders, veterans, and civilians.
 Read the names of Bend's fallen GWOT veterans.
 Describe the actions Bend Heroes Foundation has taken to honor Oregon's GWOT veterans: Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq Veterans Memorial Highway, Fallen Hero Memorial Highways, Purple Heart City, Purple Heart Trail, Bend Heroes Memorial, Bend Parade of Flags, Gold Star By-Way markers, Oregon Gold Star Families Memorial Highway
 Display 50 flags at Bend Heroes Memorial and on Veterans Memorial Bridge (Newport Ave.) adjacent to Bend Heroes Memorial

The public is welcome to this free of charge event.

Contact: Dick Tobiason, Chairman, Bend Heroes Foundation 541 390 9932

Redmond Fire & Rescue Reminder- Outdoor Burning is Still Closed

September 9, 2024-REDMOND, OR- Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone that we are deep into the wildfire season and all burning is still closed. During this closure, all outdoor debris burning is prohibited in all areas served by Redmond Fire & Rescue in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.

As a reminder, the closure of outdoor debris burning prohibits all of the following:

1. Backyard or open burning, this includes burn barrels (branches, yard debris, etc.).

2. Agricultural burning (agricultural wastes, crops, field burning, ditches etc.).

3. Any other land clearing, slash, stump, waste, debris or controlled burning.

The burn ban does not prohibit:

1. Small outdoor cooking, warming or recreational fires at residential properties. These include portable or permanent fire pits, fire tables, and campfires, with a maximum fuel area of three feet in diameter and two feet in height in a safe location away from combustibles or vegetation and are fully extinguished after use.

2. Barbeque grills, smokers and similar cooking appliances with clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas, or similar fuels.

There may be more restrictive fire safety rules on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF)-protected land. ODF restrictions may include prohibitions on campfires, smoking, target shooting, powered equipment, motorized vehicles, and other public/private landowner and industrial fire restrictions. More details about ODF fire restrictions are available at Oregon Department of Forestry Public Fire Restrictions.

Outdoor fires in violation of this closure may be immediately extinguished. If a fire agency responds to a fire that has been started in willful violation of this closure, the person responsible may be liable for all costs incurred, as well as legal fees per ORS 478.965. Burning restrictions are authorized under Oregon Revised Statute 478.960, Oregon Fire Code 307 and Redmond Fire & Rescue Ordinance 5.

Fire Officials in Deschutes County encourage the public to use extreme caution with activities that could start a fire. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent and be prepared for wildfires. Residents are encouraged to continue exercising caution and taking steps to prevent and prepare for the threat of wildfires. That includes:

Creating defensible space:

• Mowing and watering lawns.

• Removing brush, dry grass, and leaves from underneath decks and crawlspaces.

• De-limbing tree branches 10 feet off the ground and well away from your roof.

• Planting low-growing, fire-resistant plants near your home.

• Eliminating fuel sources near and around your home – firewood, fuel tanks, etc.

Maintaining access:

• The road or driveway to your home should be clear of all debris, dense vegetation, and low-hanging branches. Turn-out areas are needed if the road or driveway to your home is not large enough for two-way traffic or your home is located at the end of a long driveway or dead-end road.

• The driveway to your home should be designed without sharp curves or steep grades.

• If crossing a bridge is necessary to access your home, it should support 75,000 pounds.

Signing up for Alerts:

To make sure you are receiving the most current alerts regarding Emergency Evacuations (Fire, Flooding, Public Welfare, etc.), Natural Disasters (Fire, Flooding, etc.), Severe Weather or Neighborhood Emergencies, you can sign up for Deschutes Alerts.

2 scam prevention education events coming to Bend, Sisters this week

The following announcement from the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is about two upcoming seminars in Bend and Sisters to help identify scams and how to protect against fraud. There are registration links at the bottom.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) and Oregon AARP are hosting back-to-back Scam Jam seminars in Bend on Sept. 12 at the Larkspur Community Center and in Sisters on Sept. 13 at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Station. 

Joining DFR and AARP will be representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, local police officers, and others. Attendees will hear from experts and learn how to spot scams and gain prevention tips and tools to protect against fraud. Last year, Oregonians lost nearly $10 million to frauds and scams. 

“We are excited to have back-to-back session in central Oregon to bring fraud awareness to more people,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “It’s through these conversations that we can educate and empower Oregonians to recognize the signs of fraud and take steps to protect themselves.”

The Bend event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Road, Bend, OR 97702. The Sisters event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the fire station at 301 S. Elm Street, Sisters, OR 97759.

The event is free and registration is not required but is encouraged:

• Register for the Bend Scam Jam 

• Register for the Sisters Scam Jam

AAA: Oregon has largest year-over-year decline in gas prices in US

Oregon has among the highest gas prices in the nation but, for over the last year, it’s seen the largest decline in prices in the U.S. That’s according to new analysis by AAA released Tuesday.

Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon and Idaho, said gas prices typically fall after Labor Day due to the decrease in demand and the switch to the winter blend fuel. Sales of winter blend are allowed beginning Sept. 15.

“Gas prices should continue to fall in the coming weeks, barring unforeseen events such as a refinery or pipeline outage, a storm that impacts the Gulf of Mexico, rising tensions in the Middle East, or other geo-political events,” Dodds said in a statement.

The average prices for regular unleaded in Oregon was $3.76 Tuesday. While that’s down from $4.72 a year ago, it’s higher than the its lowest price this year — $3.58 on Feb. 14.

In Bend, it was $3.66, down from $4.75 last year but up about a penny from a week ago.

Across Central Oregon, Jefferson County has the lowest average price at $3.56 per gallon, followed by Deschutes County at $3.64 and Crook County at $3.84.

Oregon gas prices are fifth-highest on average in the U.S., behind California ($4.73); Hawaii ($4.65); Washington ($4.16); and Nevada ($3.98).

Dodds says the West Coast typically has tight supplies due to the level of consumption vs. demand and the fact that most oil drilling, production and refining happens in other parts of the country.

Updates of Oregon Fires

Link to: Air Quality Index map

Another AQI Map

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Brushfire on Bear Creek at Bennett Road

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to report of smoke off of Bear Creek Rd and Bennett. The first arriving crews could see smoke coming from a brush and tree’d area about 300 yards south of Bear Creek. After making access on foot, they were able to identify a 1/4 acre fire along the canal.

Alfalfa fire department responded as well to assist. A total of three brush engines, one structural engine, two water tenders and assorted command rigs are on scene. The fire appears to been caused by a lightning strike to a tree in the area. It appears to been smoldering and hidden by the layer of smoke in the area.

At the same time at this fire was being dispatched, Bend Fire & Rescue was dispatch to reported illegal open burn at Butler Market Rd and Silvis. Crews found the occupants burning yard debris in a large pile. The occupants were ordered to extinguish the fire and resources were diverted to the brushfire. Both of these incidents are a good reminder that we are not out of fire season yet. Despite the cooler weather heading our way it is still very dry out and susceptible to fire. All debris burning is banned currently. We do not anticipate debris burning for sometime. Check with your local fire agency before igniting any sort of fire to be sure it is allowed.

Bend Police Conclude Major Organized Retail Theft Investigation

Bend, OR – Bend Police have successfully wrapped up a lengthy investigation into a widespread organized retail theft ring that plagued local retailers, leading to the arrest of 29-year-old Bend resident Roger Rodriguez Molina. Molina faces multiple charges, including Organized Retail Theft and three counts of Theft I.

The investigation began in January 2024 when Bend Police responded to a shoplifting incident at WinCo Foods involving five suspects. Officers initially identified two individuals – Rodriguez Molina and Consuelo Carolina Jimenez Romero – but three suspects remained unidentified. As part of a comprehensive review of similar theft incidents, police uncovered connections to a series of shoplifting cases linked to the WinCo theft.

Over the following months, Bend Police uncovered at least 25 thefts occurring in late 2023 and early 2024 across various businesses in Bend. These thefts, involving a total of 31 suspects aged 15 to 46, were linked to more than $22,000 in stolen goods. Among the targeted retailers were Fred Meyer, Walmart, WinCo, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sunglass Hut, and Sportsman’s Warehouse. Authorities believe there may be additional unreported thefts, both in Bend and other areas of Central Oregon.

Investigators used surveillance footage to identify patterns and behaviors suggesting a coordinated and organized approach to the thefts. Multiple search warrants were executed at residences, hotel rooms, and on electronic devices, which led to the recovery of numerous stolen items. Some of the stolen property was returned to the affected retailers.

A total of 22 individuals involved in the theft ring have been arrested. Bend Police determined that Rodriguez Molina was the ringleader, and a grand jury has charged him with organized retail theft, a Class B felony. His next court date is set for September 24, 2024.

Police continue to urge retailers to report thefts, as this investigation highlights the scope and impact of organized retail crime on the community.

Oregon State Police Seek Public's Assistance in Locating Wanted Suspect Adam Renk

WASCO COUNTY, Ore. — The Oregon State Police (OSP), in collaboration with the Mobile Police Department in Alabama, is urgently asking for the public's help in locating Adam Renk, 39, who is wanted in connection with serious sex crimes against minors in both states. Renk faces multiple indictments in Oregon for unlawful sexual penetration, sodomy, and sexual abuse of a child under 12, following a disclosure made by a minor on June 21, 2024. Additionally, he has pending charges in Alabama related to the abuse of an 11-year-old victim. Authorities report that Renk was last seen leaving Alabama on August 7, 2024, and is believed to be traveling in a distinctive two-tone white over gray converted Ford Ambulance with an Oregon license plate (353JWK). Described as a white male standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 175 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair, Renk has ties to Wasco County and may still be in the area. Law enforcement urges anyone with information about Renk's whereabouts or potential additional victims to reach out to the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office at 541-506-2580 or contact OSP Detective Cassie Bantz at 800-442-0776. Your assistance could be crucial in ensuring the safety of the community.

Meet Big hearted Betsy

Allow me to introduce beautiful big-hearted Betsy!

Sweet Betsy is a gentle soul. She’s looking to be someone’s sidekick for walks and movie nights. She bonds quickly and loves to snuggle. She has great recall and just wants to be with her people. She could have a really happy life in a neighborhood or in a home with more land as long as she has her person or family to show her love and affection. ?? She really wants to be a beloved dog in the home, treated with tender and loving care. Could she join YOU for your next morning walk? Would YOU like to snuggle up
on a rainy night and watch movies with her?

She’s under a year old and a low/medium energy dog and is up to date on vaccines, microchipped and spayed…just waiting to find her forever home. Will YOU welcome her with open arms?

Betsy is UTD on vaccines, microchipped, and spayed so she is ready to go to her forever home

Heavens to Betsy! What are you waiting for? Please reach out to [email protected] to inquire about this sweet girl, or find our application here: http://herduneededahome.com/hunah-dog-adoption-application-form/.
Adoption fee $400

About

Characteristics - Affectionate, Friendly, Gentle, Loves, Loyal, Quiet, Smart

Coat length - Short

House-trained - Yes

Health - Vaccinations up to date, spayed / neutered.

Good in a home with - Other dogs, other animals. Families, couples, older kids, dogs.

Deschutes Public Library Events

Follow us on facebook