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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🚴‍♂️Thrilla Cyclocross Series

🌌SPACE, HOPE & CHARITY Community Gathering

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📅Save The Date Section

🌕🛍️Bend Moonlight Market

❄️🏂Oregon WinterFest

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰Olney Avenue bicycle improvement project open house next week

🚂Prineville Railway adds more modern locomotive to replace 70-year-old models

🐕🍺Registration open for K-9 Keg Pull in Sunriver

📰Central Oregon Daily News: Residents share concerns about La Pine's future at public sessions 🎦

📰Regional News

📰Oregon Fire Marshall

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

💥Fatal Crash Closes SW Canal Boulevard Near Redmond

🚨Crime News

🚨Two Arrested for Illegal Narcotics Possession in Madras

📰Community News

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

📲Sponsors & Partners

😁 MEME of the Day

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Events Sponsored By

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What’s Up Central Oregon 

Thrilla Cyclocross Series

Join the excitement of the Thrilla Cyclocross Series, presented by High Desert Sports and Spine and the Horner Cycling Foundation. This event offers a thrilling cyclocross experience for participants and spectators alike. Taking place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Athletic Club of Bend, this series is donation-based, making it accessible to all cycling enthusiasts.

SPACE, HOPE & CHARITY Community Gathering

On Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, the Hanai Center will host a community gathering featuring NASA Astrophysicist Dr. Charity Woodrum and facilitator Molly Buccola. This event delves into the power of human connection, inspired by the documentary film about Dr. Woodrum's journey overcoming obstacles while pursuing her dreams. Attendees are encouraged to watch the film at the Tower Theatre on January 18 and join the gathering for an enriching discussion. Tickets are priced at $25.

Coming up - Save the Date

 Bend Moonlight Market

Experience the vibrant Bend Moonlight Market on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Volcanic Theatre Pub. This event showcases local artisans, live music, and a variety of food and beverages, offering a unique evening of shopping and entertainment.

Oregon WinterFest

Join the annual Oregon WinterFest from February 14 to 16, 2025, in the Old Mill District. This family-friendly festival features live music, art installations, delicious cuisine, and a range of entertainment suitable for all ages. Enjoy the winter wonderland atmosphere and participate in various activities throughout the weekend.

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Olney Avenue bicycle improvement project open house next week

Construction will soon begin on more bike safety improvements in Bend.

The project will add protected bike lanes along both directions of Olney Avenue between Northwest Wall Street and Second Street, including the Highway 97 undercrossing. Water, sewer and stormwater improvements will be completed at the same time to save money on construction, the City said..

Community members are invited to an open house on Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Element Bend Hotel on at 1526 NW Wall Street. An online open house will also be available at this link from Jan. 14-28.

Construction is set to begin in February and is expected to continue through at least the fall.

Prineville Railway adds more modern locomotive to replace 70-year-old models

The Prineville Railway has acquired a more modern locomotive built in the 1980s, replacing two older models from the 1950s.

The new locomotive is more fuel-efficient and capable of pulling larger cargo loads, offering businesses more reliable service along the 18-mile rail line between Prineville and Redmond.

"We utilize this railroad to give new businesses and small businesses an opportunity to compete on a national scale. We’re more efficient than trucking on distance. By having this rail line in our community, it allows these smaller businesses to compete at a larger level nationally with their transportation," said Prineville Railway General Manager Matt Wiederholt.

The city successfully bid on the locomotive, which was previously used by the Port of Coos Bay.

The Prineville Railway, now over 100 years old, continues to serve as a vital link for local commerce.

Registration open for K-9 Keg Pull in Sunriver

Sunriver Brewing Company's 2025 K-9 Keg Pull is just a few weeks away. The event is Feb. 1, 11:00 a.m. at the Village at Sunriver.

Dogs entered into the competition pull an empty beer can or empty beer keg, depending on their size. At the end of the race, awards will be given to the winner, known as "Fast Lightning Fido."

Categories are:

• Under 10 Pounds - Pull a Foster's Beer can

• 11-20 Pounds - Pull a growler

• 21-50 Pounds - Pull a pony keg

• 51-70 Pounds - Pull a full-sized keg

• 71-100 Pounds - Pull a full-sized keg

• Over 100 Pounds - Pull a full-sized keg

It costs $25 to register, at this link. All proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House.

Participants are also encouraged to bring dog food donations for the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

Central Oregon Daily News:

Residents share concerns about La Pine's future at public sessions

La Pine city leaders spent much of the week engaging with community members to talk about the future of the city.

The public was invited to coffee sessions to collect feedback on the La Pine 2045 comprehensive plan update.

La Pine was incorporated in 2006, making it the youngest city in all of Oregon. But like the rest of Central Oregon, it is growing. Community members hope that future growth doesn't take away the small-town charm.

“Right at the top of the list, folks are mostly concerned about traffic and infrastructure within the community. Right below that is maintaining a small-town feel," City of La Pine Community Development Director Brent Bybee said.

 City of Bend Events

Fatal Crash Closes SW Canal Boulevard Near Redmond

Redmond, OR – A tragic car crash on SW Canal Boulevard at SW Quarry Avenue on the evening of January 9, 2025, claimed the life of a 16-year-old Bend resident and temporarily closed the roadway.

At approximately 5:00 p.m., Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a head-on collision involving a maroon 2000 Subaru Legacy and a white 2022 Toyota Tacoma. Witnesses reported that the Subaru, traveling north on SW Canal Boulevard, crossed the center line and collided head-on with the Tacoma.

The Subaru’s driver, identified as Bradley Hughes, 16, of Bend, suffered serious injuries and was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. Investigators later confirmed that Hughes was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries later that evening.

The driver of the Toyota Tacoma, Samuel Palacios Arroyo, 56, of Salem, was uninjured in the crash. A passenger in the Tacoma, Victor Enriguez Perez, 31, also of Salem, sustained minor injuries and was transported to St. Charles in Redmond for treatment.

Authorities have ruled out speed and intoxicants as contributing factors in the collision. The crash remains under investigation.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to Hughes’ family, stating, “Our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time.”

SW Canal Boulevard was blocked temporarily as emergency crews responded to the scene. The roadway has since reopened.

Bend Brewing Company - Instagram post:

Two Arrested for Illegal Narcotics Possession in Madras

Madras, OR – A traffic stop in Madras on January 2, 2025, led to the arrests of two Warm Springs residents for possession of illegal narcotics. The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, in collaboration with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the operation.

At approximately 4:17 p.m., drug agents and deputies initiated a surveillance operation that culminated in a traffic stop near US Highway 97 and Fairgrounds Road. The vehicle, a silver 2005 Chrysler 300, was driven by 43-year-old Desirae Nichole Smith, with 37-year-old Larry Kenneth Switzler as the front passenger. A third occupant, whose identity has not been disclosed, was also in the car.

Drug detection K9 Keira and her handler were deployed to the scene. Keira alerted officers to the presence of drugs in the vehicle, prompting a search. Methamphetamine was discovered in the glovebox alongside Switzler’s belongings, and Switzler was found in possession of fentanyl pills. Smith was also found to have methamphetamine in her possession. All drug-related items were seized as evidence.

Switzler faces charges of unlawful possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Smith has been charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Both were transported and lodged at the Jefferson County Adult Jail.

The operation was part of an ongoing effort by the CODE team, a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. The task force includes members from various Central Oregon law enforcement agencies and federal partners, including the DEA and FBI.

Authorities emphasized their commitment to combating illegal drug activity in the region through coordinated efforts and advanced resources. The investigation remains ongoing.

 😎 Just sayin

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