In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🐕🐩🍻 HSCO Pup Crawl

🎣🚙Gear Up for Adventure at the 2025 Central Oregon Sportsman's Show

📅Save The Date Section

🍀🍺🥃Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in Bend and Redmond

🎷🎸🎶2025 Prineville Follies Set for March 21-22

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚨Multiagency Traffic Enforcement Detail Scheduled In Central Oregon

🍷Amaterra Winery to Open Second Location in Downtown Bend

💵Oregon Lawmakers Propose 4% Tire Tax to Fund Public Transit, Wildlife Crossings

🎭Meadow Sky Productions pays actors in rare move for local stage performance

📰Regional News

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

📰Community News

🌯Toasty Food Truck is Serving Up Bold and Flavorful Plant-Based Comfort Food in Bend

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

🐶💖Pet of the Week

🐶😍 Meet Nutmeg! - SDH

😁 MEME of the Day

Good Morning!

BEND

SANTIAM PASS WEATHER

GOVERNMENT CAMP WEATHER

WILLAMETTE PASS WEATHER

What’s Up Central Oregon?

The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is hosting its 13th Annual Pup Crawl throughout March 2025, offering a delightful blend of community engagement, craft beverages, and support for local animals in need. This cherished event invites residents and their canine companions to gather at various local breweries, with all proceeds directly benefiting HSCO's mission to care for and advocate for animals in Central Oregon.

Event Details:

• Dates & Times: The Pup Crawl occurs every Friday and Saturday evening in March, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

• Locations:

  • Saturday, March 1: Monkless Belgian Ales

  • Friday, March 7: Van Henion Brewing and Bridge 99 (4:30 – 6:30 PM)

  • Saturday, March 8: Bend Brewing

  • Friday, March 14: Crux Fermentation Project

  • Saturday, March 15: Worthy Brewing

  • Friday, March 21: Bevel Craft Brewing

  • Saturday, March 22: Wild Ride Brewing in Redmond

  • Friday, March 28: Sunriver Brewing in Sunriver, Bend Eastside, and Galveston pubs

  • Saturday, March 29: Boneyard Pub

Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, and attendees can enjoy their favorite craft beverages while supporting a worthy cause.

Participation Details:

During each Pup Crawl night, attendees can purchase exclusive HSCO merchandise:

• Logo Pint Glass & One Beverage: $15

• Logo Glass & One Beverage at Three Different Pup Crawl Nights: $30

• Logo Beanie Hat: $20

• Logo Beanie & One Beverage: $30

Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Bend Pet Express and Bend Studio, 100% of the proceeds from these sales directly support HSCO's efforts.

Special Highlights:

This year's Pup Crawl features a new logo designed by Clara Smith, a local Bend artist. Her winning design, inspired by her playful dogs and their love for treats, will be showcased on the Pup Crawl pint glasses, beanies, and promotional materials. Smith expressed her gratitude towards HSCO, having adopted her Australian Cattle Dog, Colt, from the organization five years ago.

About HSCO:

Established in 1961, the Humane Society of Central Oregon is dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond by compassionately caring for animals and advocating on their behalf. As a socially conscious shelter, HSCO collaborates with community partners to provide resources and services aimed at improving the welfare of all vulnerable animals in the region.

Join the Fun:

The Pup Crawl is a fantastic opportunity for community members to come together, enjoy local brews, and make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to the event, HSCO welcomes all to participate and celebrate the spirit of community and compassion.

For more information and updates, visit HSCO's official website or their social media channels.

Gear Up for Adventure at the 2025 Central Oregon Sportsman's Show

The Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show is set to take place from March 6 to 9, 2025, at the First Interstate Bank Center and Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon. This annual event brings together over 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest in fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation products and services.

Attendees can look forward to a variety of attractions, including the popular Kids Free Trout Pond, where children 12 and under can fish for free, and the Head and Horns Competition, which has logged thousands of entries since its inception. The show also features a huge RV sale, boat sale, and a series of informative seminars led by experts like Randy Newberg, known for his insights on public lands access and hunting education.

Admission prices are $15 for adults, $5 for juniors aged 6 to 16, and free for children 5 and under. Military personnel with valid ID can attend for $8, and a two-day pass is available for $20. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website.

Coming up - Save the Date

Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in Bend and Redmond

Hydro Flask St. Patrick's Day Dash

Location: Deschutes Brewery, 901 SW Simpson Ave, Bend, OR 97702
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM
Description: This family-friendly event offers 10K, 5K, and 1.3-mile courses along the scenic Deschutes River. Participants are encouraged to wear festive green attire, with prizes for best costumes. The Post-Dash Bash features live music, food vendors, and local craft beer.
Link: https://cascaderelays.com/events/st-patricks-day-dash/

 St. Patrick's Day Celebration at McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Location: 700 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR 97703
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, and Monday, March 17, 2025; various times
Description: Enjoy multiple days of festivities, including live music from bands like Hillstomp and The Ballybogs, roaming performances by the Cascade Highlanders Pipe Band, and special Irish food and drink offerings.

 The Official Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl

Location: Starting at JC's Bar & Grill, 642 NW Franklin Ave, Bend, OR 97703
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025; time to be announced
Description: Join fellow revelers in this festive bar crawl, featuring multiple stops and drink specials at participating bars throughout Bend.

 St. Paddy's Day Shenanigans in Redmond

Location: Various participating businesses in Redmond, OR
Date & Time: Monday, March 17, 2025; times vary by location
Description: Participating businesses in Redmond will offer unique beverages and festivities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. More info Here
 

 Shamrockin' Good Time at BrightSide Animal Center

Location: 1355 NE Hemlock Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Description: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with adoptable pets, live music, food, and family-friendly activities at the BrightSide Animal Center.
 

Please check the provided links for the most up-to-date information and ticket availability.

2025 Prineville Follies Set for March 21-22

The 48th annual Prineville Follies, a beloved community talent showcase, will take place on March 21-22 at Crook County High School. Hosted by the Prineville Music and Theater Boosters, the event features a pre-show at 6 p.m. and performances starting at 7 p.m. in the Eugene Southwell Auditorium. This year’s theme, Under the Neon, embraces a nostalgic 1920s vaudeville and jazz style, with acts including jazz ensembles, piano duets, tap and lyrical dancing, and vocal performances.

At least 27 acts are scheduled, along with fundraising efforts such as a live auction featuring handmade quilts, a fly rod, and a tabletop bar. Raffle tickets for gift baskets will also be available. Proceeds support scholarships for band, choir, and drama students, as well as funding for music and theater program needs.

Tickets are available at Coldwell Banker Sun Country Realty, Prineville Men’s Wear, and at the door. Organizers recommend arriving early to secure seats and enjoy the pre-show jazz band performance.

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PSA:

Multiagency Traffic Enforcement Detail Scheduled In Central Oregon

Multiagency Traffic Enforcement Detail scheduled in Central Oregon 

The Bend Police Department, in conjunction with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department and Oregon State Police, will run a multiagency traffic enforcement detail focused on U.S. Highway 20, U.S. Highway 126, U.S. Highway 97 and the Bend Parkway from March 10 through March 12. 
 

The detail, which will target high-traffic areas in Bend, Redmond, Black Butte, Sunriver and rural Deschutes County, will focus on speed, intoxicated and distracted driving, as well as other unsafe behaviors like illegal passing and not wearing seatbelts.  
 

Speed is a leading cause of crashes, including fatal crashes, in both Central Oregon and throughout the country. According to the Oregon State Police, in 2024 there were 629 crashes on Central Oregon's highways. Of those, 446 resulted in injuries and 26 resulted in death.    
 

Please slow down and drive safely every day, not just while our traffic detail is underway. And if you see law enforcement conducting traffic stops, remember that it is the law to move over and give them space.   

Amaterra Winery to Open Second Location in Downtown Bend

BEND, Ore. (March 3, 2025) – Portland’s Amaterra Winery is expanding to Central Oregon with a new location in downtown Bend. Set to open in late spring at 909 NW Bond Street, the space will include a tasting room, full-service restaurant, and private event areas—taking over the former Domaine Serene Wine Lounge location.

Co-Founder and CEO Marcus Breuer said the expansion builds on strong ties with the Bend community, where many of Amaterra’s wine club members reside. The Bend location will offer Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other Pacific Northwest wines, along with a farm-to-table dining menu similar to Amaterra’s acclaimed Portland restaurant.

Amaterra is now hiring for key positions, including executive chef and general manager. Wine club members will receive reciprocal benefits between the Portland and Bend locations.

For more details, visit AmaterraWines.com.

Oregon Lawmakers Propose 4% Tire Tax to Fund Public Transit, Wildlife Crossings

SALEM, Ore. (March 5, 2025) – A proposed 4% tax on new car tires in Oregon could generate up to $20 million annually to support public transit, reduce tire pollution, and build wildlife crossings.

House Bill 3362, sponsored by Rep. Ken Helm (D-Beaverton) and Sen. Chris Gorsek (D-Troutdale), would apply to new tires for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks, adding about $6 per tire. Supporters say it provides stable funding for projects that struggle to get state dollars, while opponents argue it unfairly burdens rural Oregonians and businesses.

Ahead of the bill’s first hearing, over 1,200 public comments have been submitted, with 90% opposing the tax. Critics, including Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) and Rep. Bobby Levy (R-Echo), argue it adds to the rising cost of living and disproportionately impacts those in rural areas who rely on vehicles for work and daily needs.

If passed, 75% of revenue would go to ODOT’s public transit and environmental projects, while 25% would fund wildlife crossings, including efforts to reduce vehicle-animal collisions like the successful Lava Butte crossing near Bend. The bill requires a three-fifths majority in both legislative chambers to become law.

Meadow Sky Productions pays actors in rare move for local stage performance

REDMOND, Ore. -- Meadow Sky Productions is putting on the play "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," but it's coming with a plot twist for those on and off stage. The cast and crew of around 22 are getting paid, something uncommon in small community theatre and new for the actors.

"To do 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' will cost around $22,000," said director David Purkey. "We have a cast of 22 actors and then I've got a creative team that is somewhere near five strong and I pay all of them. And I pay our three backstage crew folks."

Purkey said the cast and crew get paid, but it is not enough. Still, it's a step in the right direction for a lifelong dream.

"Have established a trajectory that we hope will lead to first owning our black box theater and eventually partnering with the community, whatever it looks like, to get a big multiplex theater space around central Oregon and grow it the way it needs to be grown," Purkey said.

That dream also comes with future goals to make acting a career here on the High Desert, putting just a few dollars in the pockets of those in front and behind the bright lights.

The cast of two dozen ranges in age from 8-to-63. Eleven-year-old McKenzie Goodrich, who portrays Lucy Pevensie in the play, is one of the cast members who will earn a little cash in her pocket.

"I take Lucy to be kind of an innocent, fun-loving child, and then when she enters Narnia, she changes almost completely and realizes she finds herself," Goodrich said.

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" will run for six shows, March 14-23, at High Desert Music Hall. Tickets cost $25 and any profit goes back to the next play, which will be a Percy Jackson musical, which is expected to cost around $40,000.

Auditions for Percy Jackson are in late April.

Purkey said the group relies on community support through program advertisements, donations, and ticket sales to make each production a reality.

 City of Bend Events

Fire & Rescue News…

Crime News…

Community News…

Toasty Food Truck is Serving Up Bold and Flavorful Plant-Based Comfort Food in Bend

TOASTY won Best Food Cart and Best Vegan Food of 2023 by The Source Weekly readers and has grown to be a crowd favorite at the Podski food cart lot in Bend.

Toasty is a vibrant food truck located in the Podski Food Truck Lot at 536 NW Arizona Ave in Bend, Oregon. Dedicated to serving 100% plant-based cuisine, Toasty offers a delightful array of vegan comfort foods that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike. Their mission centers on providing delicious and convenient alternatives to traditional animal-based products, utilizing plant-based meats, cheeses, and sauces that deliver familiar and satisfying flavors without compromising on taste.

The menu features a variety of creative dishes, including specialty toasts, salads, tacos, soups, and more. Notable items such as the Nacho Crunchwrap and the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito have garnered praise for their generous portions and flavorful profiles. Patrons have lauded the food truck for its commitment to quality and taste, with one reviewer noting, "My husband and I got the nacho crunch wrap, beefy 5 layer burrito and the chips and queso. Everything was really good. The burrito is absolutely massive. The flavors were on point."

Toasty operates Monday and Tuesday from 11 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 7:30 PM, remaining closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. For the latest updates on specials, deals, and any changes to operating hours, customers are encouraged to follow their Instagram account.

Meet Nutmeg!

Meet Nutmeg! There's no doubt that this little girl will help spice up your sense of adventure! Nutmeg came to us thanks to a partnership with Fences For Fido. She's part of a litter of 6 puppies that were born in our custody back in December. Their Momma Chai was originally rescued in Burns, Oregon in the eastern part of the state where she was found pregnant. She gave birth to her 6 super adorable puppies back on 12/10 while in our care. These are some of the most adorable puppies, each with their own amazing personalities that are coming out more and more. As with all young pups, having the patience needed to raise and train puppies from a young age can be tremendously beneficial and they can also benefit from someone who's home most of the day who can tend to all of their puppy needs and provide for their ongoing needs related to physical exercise, mental stimulation and lots of socialization opportunities with everyone as well as they mature and develop.

Nutmeg’s Siblings:

Submit your online adoption application through our website today for a chance to bring this amazing pup home for an in-home adoption trial! Will you be her hero?

 😎 Just sayin

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