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⛸️Redmond Considers Replacement Options For "Failed" Ice Rink

⛸️Redmond Considers Replacement Options For "Failed" Ice Rink

Issue #213

18 Sep

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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🥃4th annual Oregon Whiskey Festival

🎶💃 Cascade Equinox Festival

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🛍️Madras Heart of Oregon Thrift Store to close

🚒👨‍🚒Bend Fire and Rescue Open House

⛸️Redmond Considers Replacement Options For "Failed" Ice Rink

🛣️ Redmond's SW Reservoir Dr. Reopens

📰Regional News

⛹️‍♀️🏀WNBA Coming To Portland

Central Oregon Fire Info

Updates of Oregon Fires

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨 Crime News

😺🐶Pet of the Week

😺Meet Cooper & Tux!

📰 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

When did Oregon officially pass the law that allowed craft distilleries to sell directly to consumers?

A) 1985
B) 1990
C) 2002
D) 2015

Answer: C) 2002

Expanded answer: In 2002, Oregon passed a landmark law that allowed craft distilleries to sell their products directly to consumers from their distillery tasting rooms. This law was pivotal in supporting the growth of the state's craft distilling industry by giving small distilleries a direct path to market their products.

BEND

Upcoming Events

Events Sponsored By

Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon

September 20th and 21st

It's time for the 4th annual Oregon Whiskey Festival!!

https://oregonwhiskeyfestival.com/

When: September 20th - 22nd

Location: Deschutes County Fair & Expo3800 SW Airport Way Redmond

Building upon the triumph of its debut edition in 2023, seasoned event organizers Gem & Jam and 4 Peaks Presents have announced the eagerly anticipated lineup of Cascade Equinox's 2024 edition. Set amidst the tranquil landscapes of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond, Oregon, the cross-genre festival will once again captivate attendees from Friday, September 20 - Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Cascade Equinox has revealed a remarkable initial lineup for its sophomore year, showcasing a diverse array of acts that mirror both the vibrant community and stunning surroundings of the festival's Central Oregon location.

With a mission to connect with music lovers from all walks of life, the event seamlessly blends jam, electronic, funk, soul, and bluegrass genres, promising a rich and varied musical experience.

Cascade Equinox Festival will offer a bevy of activities and programming, including a vendor marketplace, workshops, kids zones, a roller rink, carnival rides, culinary commons, a healing sanctuary, yoga, beer and wine tastings, interactive art installations and live art.

3 Day Passes and Single Day Passes are available now, alongside a variety of camping options including car camping, RV camping, lux glamping options and more!

Upgrade your festival experience with the Inner Circle VIP pass or be the first to secure a spot with an Early Arrival pass for Thursday. Cascade has options for everyone.

Early Entry Box Office Hours: *Must have an early entry pass
Thursday 3:00pm – 10:00pm

Box Office Hours:
Friday: 11am – 12am
Saturday: 11am – 12am
Sunday: 11am – 12am

All attendees must arrive during box office hours, no exceptions!

Festival Grounds Hours:
Friday: 11:45am – 4am
Saturday: 11:45am – 4am
Sunday: 11:45am – 3am

*10am for GA Single Day Passes

Madras Heart of Oregon Thrift Store to close

Heart of Oregon Corps is announcing the closure of its Thrift Store training program in Madras after thirteen years of dedicated service and positive impact on the Jefferson County community. Since its inception, the Thrift Store program has been a cornerstone of youth development in the area, providing essential training and support to countless young individuals.

Over thirteen years, the Thrift Store program has achieved remarkable success, with over 200 youth of diverse abilities gaining valuable skills in customer service and retail operations. The program has not only empowered local youth but also contributed significantly to the economic vitality of the Jefferson County community with its vibrant downtown storefront and donating over $10,000 a year in merchandise vouchers to lower income residents in need through partnerships with LINC, FAM, Mountain Star and Best Care.

“We are incredibly proud of the work the Heart of Oregon Thrift Store program has accomplished and the lasting difference it has made in the lives of so many young people,” said Laura Handy, Executive Director at Heart of Oregon Corps. “As we sunset this program, we are also sunrising new opportunities that will continue to serve our mission and the Madras community.”

To commemorate the closing of the Thrift Store program, Heart of Oregon Corps will be hosting a closeout sale at the store. From September 11th to September 27th, everything in the store will be 75% off! Please note that the store is no longer accepting donations.

Although the Thrift Store program is coming to an end, Heart of Oregon Corps remains committed to the Jefferson County community. “While this chapter is closing, we are excited about the future and the new initiatives that lie ahead,” added Laura. “We will continue to have a presence in Madras, and we look forward to sharing more about our upcoming programming in the near future.”

Heart of Oregon Corps extends its deepest gratitude to the community for the unwavering support of the Thrift Store program over the years. The success of the program would not have been possible without the generosity and involvement of local residents, businesses, and partners.

As Heart of Oregon Corps transitions from the Thrift Store program, the organization is focused on exploring new opportunities that align with its mission to empower youth and strengthen communities. More details about these future endeavors will be shared soon.

Bend Fire and Rescue Open House

Bend Fire and Rescue are excited to invite you to our Fire Department Open House at our North Fire Station (Station 305) on Saturday September 28th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Join us at 63377 NE Jamison St. for a fantastic opportunity to explore our fire station, climb aboard a fire engine, meet our dedicated firefighters and emergency responders, and connect with our community partners. Enjoy free ice cream as you tour the station and learn about the important work we do. This event is open to everyone, so feel free to bring your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you there!

Redmond Considers Replacement Options For "Failed" Ice Rink

Posted by Heather Roberts KBND

REDMOND, OR -- There will be no ice rink in Redmond this winter. The city's Economic Development Manager Chuck Arnold tells KBND News, "Unfortunately, there will not be a rink this winter. It's looking probably like a two-year effort in order to get the resources together to redefine a rink, to create a place that will be a draw to downtown, that will draw tourists, that will draw people into the center of the community to enjoy our shops and restaurants." He says an equipment failure last season led to the realization that the rink had reached the end of its useful life, "We had to start to make a decision as a city and as a community about where we're going to go with this asset for downtown."

The goal is to build a larger, more permanent facility, "The temporary rink that no longer functions could only have 75 skaters on it at a time, and was only 3,000 square feet," says Arnold, "Having it be the size that it was for the community size that we are, was definitely out of scale. So, we're looking at a number of different designs and site opportunities and plans. But right now, we're at the beginning of getting policymakers' and the community's input on what makes sense." He notes a new facility would not be a sports center nor the size of Bend's Pavilion; the goal is to maintain the "boutique" feel of the previous rink, which crews rebuilt every season for almost 15 years at Centennial Park.

A new rink comes with a steep price tag, but Arnold says there are no plans to increase taxes to pay for the project, "It really is looking like it's going to fall in the $5-7 million dollar range, if it is something that we end up pursuing. This would be done, at this point, with resources from the state and other resources in urban renewal and some grants."

City Councilors discussed possible locations this week, including the Centennial Parking Lot, the former Sears store or the soon to be former police station. Arnold hopes to have more details later this fall or winter.

Redmond's SW Reservoir Dr. Reopens

REDMOND, OR -- After eight months of construction, Redmond’s Southwest Reservoir Drive is back open to through traffic, between Helmholtz and 35th. The project includes new pavement, curbs, sidewalks, bike lanes, waterlines and sewer lines. Crews are still putting on the finishing touches and may work along the shoulder at times.

Phase two of the project is slated to begin next spring, which will close Reservoir Drive again, from 39th to 43rd.

WNBA Coming To Portland

WNBA announced that it has awarded Portland the league’s 15th franchise. It will begin play in the 2026 season at Moda Center and will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal.