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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?

🧹🔥Evacuation Orders Lifted, But Area Closures Remain as Firefighters Continue Mop-Up on Oregon Wildfires

📰BLM Seeks Public Input on Redmond's Request for 540-Acre Land Acquisition

⌛💵Time is ticking to collect on unclaimed prizes, says Oregon Lottery

📰Drop it, Swap it - FREE Reduce and Reuse Event 2024

📰Regional News

✈️FAA investigating after Delta passengers to Portland report bleeding ears and noses

✅Local Vote

🎦House District 59 candidates Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, challenger Brian Samp debate the issues live on NewsChannel 21 - KTVZ

Central Oregon Fire Info

Updates of Oregon Fires

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

⛑️Lost Hiker Rescued Near Summit of South Sister After Overnight Mission

🚨 Crime News

📰 Community News

📝Council on Aging Launches Community Needs Assessment Survey

📰Stroke Awareness Oregon appoints Anne Birky to its board of directors

 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

Which distillery in Central Oregon is the oldest, having been founded in 1996?

A) Oregon Spirit Distillers
B) Cascade Alchemy
C) Crater Lake Spirits (Bendistillery)
D) Gompers Distillery

👉Find the Answer in Tomorrow’s Newsletter👉

BEND

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

Evacuation Orders Lifted, But Area Closures Remain as Firefighters Continue Mop-Up on Oregon Wildfires

No evacuation notices remain in place, but area closures are still in effect as hundreds of firefighters continue mop-up work, bulldozer lines are built and burnout work planned to ensure the Little Lava and other fires don't spread. It's a similar situation on the Firestone and Flat Top fires to the east, officials said Wednesday.

All evacuation levels throughout the Bachelor Complex, Firestone and Flat Top fires in Deschutes and Lake Counties have been lifted. Deschutes National Forest emergency closures remain in effect. Moderated temperatures continued to help firefighters complete successful fire suppression tactics throughout the area.

There are two emergency closure areas on the Deschutes National Forest for these fires. To view the updated closure orders and maps, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deschutesnationalforest/

InciWeb: 
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-bachelor-complex-fires 
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-flat-top-and-firestone-fires 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CentralOregonFireInfo?app=desktop

Fire Information Line: (541) 249-9829, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Smoke & Air Quality Information: fire.airnow.gov

BLM Seeks Public Input on Redmond's Request for 540-Acre Land Acquisition

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public feedback on the City of Redmond’s request to acquire over 540 acres of public land. This land is intended for the expansion of the city’s wastewater treatment facility and wetlands complex to accommodate Redmond's projected growth.

To proceed, the Upper Deschutes Resource Management Plan would need to be amended, and the land would be conveyed under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act. The proposal affects five miles of off-highway vehicle trails within the Steamboat Rock Special Recreation Management Area, but the BLM is considering adding new trails to compensate.

A public scoping period runs through October 18, 2024, and a 45-day public comment period ends on November 2, 2024. Comments can help refine the proposal and identify potential environmental impacts.

For more information or to submit a comment:

- Email: [email protected]

- Call: Ferris Couture at (541) 416-6711

- Address: Deschutes Field Office, 3050 NE Third Street 491, Prineville, OR 97754

All comments, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available. For project details, visit the BLM's ePlanning website.

Time is ticking to collect on unclaimed prizes, says Oregon Lottery

Start rummaging through your junk drawers, couch cushions, and coat pockets, you may be a winner and not even know it.

According to the Oregon Lottery, three unclaimed prizes are floating in limbo, unclaimed, and are about to expire in the coming weeks.

The lottery says after a year lottery prizes can no longer be claimed. Those unclaimed winnings then go back to the state and are distributed to Oregon Lottery beneficiaries.

No one has come forward to claim the following prizes:

Keno

• $58,372.20

• Ticket purchased in Salem (97302)

• Expires September 21, 2024

Powerball

• $150,000

• Ticket purchased in Bend (97701)

• Expires October 9, 2024

Powerball

• $50,000

• Ticket purchased in Wilsonville (97701)

• Expires October 18, 2024

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

The lottery says for the 2024 fiscal year, which runs from July to June, there have been $ 7.5 million in unclaimed prizes transferred back to the state.

Drop it, Swap it - FREE Reduce and Reuse Event 2024

Calendar Date:

Saturday, September 28, 2024 - 9:00am to 2:00pm

Drop it Swap it is an event where people bring small, portable items that are clean and in good working condition, which they no longer want or need. Items are dropped off early, categorized, and then displayed on swap tables where participants can browse and find something new to take home. These Free Swaps are a fantastic way to give new life to items, reduce waste, and prevent things from ending up in the landfill. Additionally, the event fosters a strong sense of community, offering residents a chance to meet and connect with like-minded individuals.

Why Participate?

This event isn’t just about finding something new - it’s about making a difference. By participating in Drop It, Swap It, you’re helping to keep perfectly good items out of the landfill and giving them a second life. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to de-clutter your home and discover hidden treasures from others in our community!

How It Works:

 Drop It: Bring your unwanted, portable items to the event from 9-10:30am at the Deschutes County Roads Department. Items will be sorted by category to make browsing easy.

Swap It: Once the items are set up, the swap begins, 12-2pm! Browse the tables, find items that catch your eye, and take them home- all for free!

What items are being accepted?
 

Housewares
Working small kitchen appliances, canning supplies, baking dishes and pans, seasonal serving ware, lamps, picture frames, duffle bags and luggage.

Electronics
Stereos, video games and consoles, flat screen TV's with remotes, headphones or speakers.

Instruments
Guitars, ukuleles, and other stringed instruments, small keyboards and percussion.

Tools
Hand, power, gardening and carpentry tools will be accepted.

Books
Novels and non-fiction, cookbooks, children’s books.

Toys and Games
Board games and puzzles, outdoor games like frisbees or soccer balls, and working children's toys.

NOT Accepted

Broken stuff, food, clothing, personal care products, incomplete toys and games, non-working items, footwear, large kitchen appliances, large items like furniture.

If you are interested in volunteering or have additional questions, please contact Jackie Wilson, Community Outreach Coordinator. 

Updates of Oregon Fires

Link to: Air Quality Index map

Another AQI Map

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Lost Hiker Rescued Near Summit of South Sister After Overnight Mission

On the evening of September 14, 2024, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) launched an overnight mission to rescue a lost hiker near the summit of South Sister, Oregon. The hiker, who was within Lane County, became disoriented, prompting an immediate multi-agency response involving SAR teams, Airlink, and the Oregon Army National Guard.

The SAR team began its ascent at 4:15 p.m. and searched through the night. Despite weather challenges and fog, a team of nine SAR members located the lost hiker around 6:00 a.m. on September 15, providing warmth and food.

Due to worsening weather conditions, the Oregon Army National Guard helicopter was unable to reach the summit. By 3:00 p.m., with snow falling, SAR teams decided to hike down the mountain with the hiker. All teams returned safely to the Devil’s Lake Trailhead, concluding the 24-hour mission.

A total of 27 Deschutes County SAR members, nine Lane County SAR members, Airlink, and the Oregon Army National Guard worked together in the successful rescue.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reminds outdoor enthusiasts to prepare for changing weather conditions and carry appropriate gear when exploring.

Council on Aging Launches Community Needs Assessment Survey

The Council on Aging of Central Oregon (CoA) has launched a Community Needs Assessment Survey to gather public input on the needs of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers in Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, and North Klamath counties. The survey will help shape CoA’s four-year Area Plan, which guides services like nutrition, social engagement, and caregiver support for local seniors and their caregivers.

The survey is open to residents aged 55 and older, unpaid caregivers, veterans, and adults with disabilities. Participants will be entered to win gift cards. The survey can be accessed online at www.councilonaging.org/survey (English) and https://forms.gle/oHCiZDV1HekDFHbSA (Spanish). Paper copies are available at senior centers, and staff assistance is offered by calling (541) 678-5483.

For more information about the Council on Aging of Central Oregon, visit www.councilonaging.org or call (541) 678-5483.

Stroke Awareness Oregon appoints Anne Birky to its board of directors

Stroke Awareness Oregon has proudly announced the appointment of Anne Birky to its board of directors.

A native of Bend and dedicated employee of Bend-La Pine Schools, Anne currently serves as the Facilities Support Supervisor. After experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke in April, Anne has become a passionate advocate for stroke recovery and support.

Her personal journey, combined with her leadership skills, will be invaluable as SAO continues its mission to improve stroke awareness and provide essential resources to survivors and their families.

"Anne Birky’s unique perspective as both a stroke survivor and an advocate for recovery will be invaluable to our work,” said Carol Stiles, interim executive director of Stroke Awareness Oregon. “Her passion for stroke education and community leadership will help us expand our outreach and provide better support for those affected by stroke.”

Stroke Awareness Oregon is dedicated to preventing stroke through education and supporting families on the road to recovery. The organization teaches life-saving awareness of stroke symptoms while offering resources and hope to stroke survivors and caregivers

About Stroke Awareness Oregon: Stroke Awareness Oregon exists to minimize death and disability from stroke through prevention education and to support the best life possible for stroke warriors and their loved ones.

For more information about Stroke Awareness Oregon, contact 541 323-5641 or www.strokeawarenessoregon.org.

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