In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

❄️🏂Oregon WinterFest

📅Save The Date Section

🦀Powell Butte Community Center Crab Feed! Yum.

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰Deschutes County ranks among top Firewise wildfire preparedness communities in US

🎺📻Jazz Combo to make radio show appearance

📰Regional News

📰Child sextortion cases in Oregon surge 857% since 2020, DOJ warns

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🚨Bend Man Arrested in Monday Stabbing Incident

🚨 Three Rivers Area Tied to Multi-Jurisdictional Burglary Investigation as Police Make Four Arrests

📰Community News

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

🐶😺Pet of the Week

🐶Meet Flap! @Brightside Animal Center

😁 MEME of the Day

Which of the following is the oldest county in Central Oregon, established in 1882?

A) Deschutes County
B) Jefferson County
C) Crook County
D) Wasco County

👉Find The Answer in Friday’s Newsletter👉

Good Morning!

 BEND

SANTIAM PASS WEATHER

GOVERNMENT CAMP WEATHER

WILLAMETTE PASS WEATHER

Events Sponsored By

Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

Valentine Bingo

Bring your sweetheart and family for a fun night of Valentine bingo.. @Otto’s Landing
4 rounds .. 4 chances to win cash and prizes!!
While supporting Central Oregon Veterans Ranch.

February 12th

5:30 p.m.

Otto's Landing

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.
 

Coming up - Save the Date

 LOCAL EVENTS

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

Deschutes Public Library Events

Deschutes County ranks among top Firewise wildfire preparedness communities in US

Central Oregon is receiving recognition for fire preparedness. Oregon has the second-highest number of Firewise USA communities in the country, ranking behind only California.

Firewise helps guide communities to protect their homes and neighborhood from wildfire. 

Deschutes County has the fourth-highest number of Firewise communities in America with 78, most of which are local neighborhoods.

Thirty-two new Firewise communities were added across the state last year, bringing the total to nearly 300.

Here are more details from ODF:

What is Firewise USA? Firewise USA is a program that helps guide communities in the process of protecting their homes and neighborhood from wildfire. The program is run by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and co-sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters and U.S. Forest Service. The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for administering the program in Oregon and is a resource to help communities create a community wildfire protection plan, find grants to fund projects, and give expert advice.

This work is not done alone. Through the help of ODF's partners, community coordinators, and local fire departments, we all work together to complete assessments and help the community develop action plans for implementing wildfire risk reduction activities. 

How does a community become a Firewise community? Starting the journey to become a Firewise USA site is as easy as picking up the phone and calling your local ODF office. Only a minimum of eight dwellings are required, meaning that your street, neighborhood or town can be a Firewise USA community. 

What are the benefits of becoming a Firewise site? By becoming a Firewise site, you can educate your community and work to become more wildfire resilient. As a Firewise site, you have access to several wildfire partners, like the Oregon Department of Forestry, to help you in securing grants, getting advice, help in coordination and more. Most importantly, you create strong relationships with your neighbors under the common goal of protecting your community from wildfire.

Jazz Combo to make radio show appearance

Sisters, OR - The Outlaw Jazz Combo is preparing for an upcoming radio show performance on Saturday, February 22. KPOV 88.9 FM is hosting the young musicians from 2 to 4 p.m. The show is available for listeners to tune into.

The Outlaw Jazz Combo is a recent addition to the Sisters High School music department, consisting of five students who formed the combo at the beginning of the 2024 school year. Senior Micah Dachtler plays guitar, junior Dugan Draper is on bass, senior John Brundege plays piano, sophomore Jesus Quero is on tenor saxophone, and freshman Frankie Borla plays the drums.

The Outlaw Jazz Combo will be featured on KPOV 88.9 FM on February 22.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to play with the combo, even though I go to Ridgeview. It's a great opportunity for me to play with people at my skill level," said Brundege.

"I'm a little apprehensive for the set-up aspect but excited to perform," said Dachtler.

"It's definitely a great local opportunity," added Draper.

Although there have been previous SHS combos, the Outlaw Jazz Combo has exceeded past efforts to play and create music at local venues.

"The combo is primarily student-led and actively seeking gigs," said Sisters High School Band Director Kayla Golka.

For booking and contact information email [email protected].

Child sextortion cases in Oregon surge 857% since 2020, DOJ warns

The number of sextortion and online solicitation reports in Oregon has skyrocketed 857% over the past five years, the Oregon Department of Justice announced Tuesday to mark Safer Internet Day.

The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) said that increase happened from 2020-2024 based on cyber tips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

• 2020: 197

• 2021: 233

• 2022: 288

• 2023: 409

• 2024: 1,886

Mark Williamson, asst. chief criminal investigator with ICAC, explained how sextortion happens. A child is “friended” on social media sites by someone -- usually using a fake identity -- who gains their trust. They form a relationship beyond friendship and that person asks the child to send them explicit photographs. Then, the person will demand money from the child, with the threat of releasing the explicit photos to everyone on that child’s social media friends list.

Oregon DOJ says, in most cases, the children keep it a secret because they are too embarrassed to tell their families and unsure of what to do. 

Oregon lawmakers approved additional funding for ICAC last year, allowing it to quadruple in size, Oregon DOJ said. That allowed ICAC to clear out a large backlog of cases.

“Our investigators are dedicated to combating online threats," Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. "They are working with investigators across the country, and around world in some cases, to get justice for these kids and their families.”

Resources:

• 10 Best Practices for Internet Safety Programs

• How to get nude pictures of minors removed

• What children or families should do if they become a victim of sextortion

 City of Bend Events

Bend Man Arrested in Monday Stabbing Incident

BEND, Ore. — A 28-year-old Bend man was arrested Tuesday in connection with a stabbing that occurred Monday afternoon near NE Franklin Avenue, according to Bend Police.

The incident unfolded around 3:14 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, when officers responded to the Campfire Hotel on NE Third Street after a man entered the lobby seeking help. The 31-year-old victim told authorities he had been stabbed once in the 200 block of NE Franklin Avenue by an unknown individual. He was transported to St. Charles Bend with minor injuries.

Following an investigation, police identified the suspect as Kienan Dean Maximchuk, 28. On Tuesday, Feb. 11, at approximately 4:49 p.m., detectives, patrol officers, and the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a campsite near Butler Market Road and the Bend Parkway.

During the operation, officers first detained Sarah Jean Powell, 30, who had an outstanding warrant for a parole violation. Minutes later, at 4:56 p.m., they took Maximchuk into custody.

Police deployed K9 Maggie during the arrest, and the dog bit Maximchuk, causing minor injuries. He was treated at the scene before being taken to the Bend Police Department and later booked into the Deschutes County Jail on charges of second-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

Powell was also transported to the Deschutes County Jail on her outstanding warrant.

Authorities have not released further details about what led to the stabbing. The investigation remains ongoing.

Three Rivers Area Tied to Multi-Jurisdictional Burglary Investigation as Police Make Four Arrests

BEND, Ore. — A sweeping burglary investigation spanning multiple jurisdictions across Oregon has now been linked to at least 39 cases, including activity in the Three Rivers area near Bend. Four suspects have been arrested, and multiple search warrants were executed as authorities continue to track a coordinated criminal operation.

The investigation began in November 2024 when Tigard Police issued a joint news release about a string of home burglaries with apparent connections. Since then, detectives have uncovered additional cases tied to the same suspects, expanding the scope of the case significantly.

On Sunday, Feb. 2, law enforcement agencies executed simultaneous search warrants in three Oregon cities, including Bend.

• Bend (Three Rivers Area): The Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, alongside Bend Police, raided a home in the 55000 block of Gross Drive, where suspects were reportedly staying. Investigators recovered evidence and seized one vehicle. Four individuals were arrested on felony charges related to the Tigard Police cases.

• Oregon City: A search warrant was served at an apartment complex on South Beavercreek Road. Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office SWAT assisted in the operation, which resulted in the seizure of cash and other evidence.

• Portland: Authorities seized two vehicles linked to the case in the 9400 block of North Bristol Avenue.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, Tigard Police and the Portland Police Bureau’s Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) executed an additional search warrant at the same Portland location. Stolen jewelry and other evidence tied to the burglaries were recovered.

The four suspects, identified as Colombian nationals, were extradited to Washington County, where they are facing felony burglary charges. They have been identified as:

• Herbert Grueso-Vergara, 30

• Maria Castro-Gamboa, 26

• Fabio Vergara-Cortes, 29

• Fatima Gomez-Aragon, 33

Authorities believe the suspects had been staying at various locations across the state while allegedly targeting homes in multiple communities.

This complex investigation involved cooperation from several law enforcement agencies across Oregon and Washington, including the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County authorities, Portland Police Bureau, Eugene Police, and agencies in Washington state.

As the case continues to unfold, police expect additional charges and possible further arrests. Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities.

Meet Flap!

Meet Flap – Your Future Best Friend!

Flap is a lively and lovable 3-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix with a heart full of energy and a love for playtime. His striking white and black coat makes him stand out, but it’s his personality that will truly win you over!

This medium-sized boy is always up for an adventure—whether it’s running around with his favorite ball or learning new tricks. He’s working on his basic commands and learning how to make new dog friends, so he’ll need a family that’s excited to help him continue growing.

While Flap is full of enthusiasm, he also enjoys a good cuddle session once he’s had his fill of fun. He can be a little shy at first and is still getting used to home life, so he’ll thrive in a patient and understanding environment.

The Perfect Home for Flap:

🐶 Dogs? Yes, with proper introductions.
🐱 Cats? Unknown.
👶 Kids? Best suited for a home with older children who can respect his space.

If you’re looking for a fun, affectionate companion who’s ready to learn and love, Flap is waiting for you at BrightSide Animal Center! 🐾

For more information or to meet Flap, visit BrightSide Animal Center.

 😎 Just sayin

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