Thank you to everyone who answered the recent Survey - your input was Very helpful! I look forward to bringing you the new Event Newsletter soon! It will be Regional with the different areas listed, then categorized for type of event/s.

I’m hoping to have the first issue by first part of April, I’m having a new logo created and will also be training my “A.I. guy” on the information I will be posting and to finalize the format within the newsletter. The current Event App Central Oregon Local Live will continue as well.

I will keep you Posted! Cheers!

In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🐕🐩🍻 HSCO Pup Crawl

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

📅Save The Date Section

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

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰Local group pushing for Mt. Bachelor ownership misses bid deadline

📰Deal to buy land for new Deschutes County landfill site falls through

📰Final report released on avalanche that claimed lives of Bend couple

📰Regional News

📰Body of missing toddler found in Siletz after 11-day search

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

⚖️Judge Denies Bail Reduction for Sunriver Woman Accused of Attempted Murder in Child Abuse Case

⚖️Bend man sentenced to 7 years on child pornography charges

📰Community News

📰Bend Tech Academy student heading to Washington, DC to advocate for epilepsy awareness

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

🐶Pet of the Week

🐾 Meet Jax! 🐾 - HSO

😁 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.

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.

If you know of any other St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans Please email me the details and I will add it - Thanks [email protected]

Coming up - Save the Date

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.

LOCAL EVENTS

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Local News…

Local group pushing for Mt. Bachelor ownership misses bid deadline

Central Oregon Daily News

BEND, Ore. — The effort to find a local buyer for Mt. Bachelor appears to be on life support after the group said it was unable to submit a bid by the deadline.

In an email to supporters, Mt. Bachelor Community Inc. said the bid process has come to a close.

"While we were unable to submit a bid due to timing constraints—competing against bidders who had a five-month head start—our mission remains unchanged: to ensure that the broad community that loves this mountain has a meaningful equity stake and a voice in the future of Mt. Bachelor.

The organizers did not elaborate on the "head start" they referred to.

A spokesperson for POWDR Corp., which owns the ski area, said Tuesday that it had no update to share publicly on the sale process. 

POWDR announced last August it planned to sell the resort. The effort to find a local buyer launched almost immediately.

“Our mission remains unchanged: to ensure that the broad community that loves this mountain as a meaningful equity stake and a voice the future of Mt. Bachelor.

Mt. Bachelor Community Inc. said it will continue to advocate for an ownership structure that will include the community. The organizers also indicated they would be open to partnering with the future owners.

“Any potential buyer would be wise to recognize the depth of community support behind this initiative,” the email read. “Our model presents a win-win solution—one that secures the capital necessary to maintain and improve the resort while incorporating the insights and passion of the community. By partnering with future ownership, we can ensure that Mt. Bachelor operates at the highest level, remains financially sound, and reflects the values of those who cherish it most.”

Here is the full email from Mt. Bachelor Community Inc.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As the bid process for Mt. Bachelor has come to a close, we want to provide an important update on our path forward. While we were unable to submit a bid due to timing constraints—competing against bidders who had a five-month head start—our mission remains unchanged: to ensure that the broad community that loves this mountain has a meaningful equity stake and a voice in the future of Mt. Bachelor.

Our Vision for Democratized Ownership

Our goal has always been to establish democratized ownership, ensuring the community has both an equity stake and board representation in Mt. Bachelor’s future. To achieve this, we recognized the need for a layered approach—integrating well-capitalized investors, strategic debt financing, and broad community investment in a synchronized manner. This structure would bring significant financial support from the community, ensuring that ownership remains focused on long-term growth and innovation. More importantly, it ensures that those who know and love Mt. Bachelor have a real voice in shaping its future.

Our Growing Momentum and National Recognition

This movement has gained national recognition, reinforcing the strength of our vision. We continue to work diligently with all parties involved in the sale for the benefit of the community.

We have been featured in The New York Times, and an Emmy Award-nominated director is now exploring a Netflix film about this community-led effort. This attention highlights the significance of what we are building together—not just for Mt. Bachelor, but for the future of ski resort ownership.

A Smarter Path Forward

Any potential buyer would be wise to recognize the depth of community support behind this initiative. Our model presents a win-win solution—one that secures the capital necessary to maintain and improve the resort while incorporating the insights and passion of the community. By partnering with future ownership, we can ensure that Mt. Bachelor operates at the highest level, remains financially sound, and reflects the values of those who cherish it most.

This is a pivotal moment, and we remain committed to working toward a shared vision for Mt. Bachelor’s future. We will continue to push forward and advocate for an ownership structure that includes the community.

Thank you for your continued support—we are just getting started.

Powder to the People! 

Mount Bachelor Community Inc.

Deal to buy land for new Deschutes County landfill site falls through

Plans to build a new landfill east of Bend have hit a snag.

Deschutes County selected the Moon Pit site east of the Oregon Badlands Wilderness in 2024 as the location for the new landfill. It appears that the deal to purchase the land from Hooker Creek has fallen through.

A spokesperson for Hooker Creek says he is disappointed that an agreement was not reached with the county after months of negotiations but stresses that they are still open to reaching a deal. The county says areas of disagreement centered around property value and water rights.

This all comes as the county is running out of time to build a new landfill.

“We’ve gone eight months and haven’t moved forward. Time is getting tight. Right now, we’re looking at towards the end of 2030, beginning of 2031 will be the timeline by which Knott Landfill fills up," Deschutes County Solid Waste Director Tim Brownell said.

Regional News…

Body of missing toddler found in Siletz after 11-day search

The body of a 2-year-old boy who disappeared from his yard in Siletz more than a week ago was found in the Siletz River Tuesday, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

Dane Paulsen was found about three miles downstream from his family's home. He was located by a volunteer diver, Juan Heredia, who reportedly came up from California to help in the search.

Paulsen was was reported missing on March 1. Searches went on for days of the surrounding area before being narrowed last week mainly to the river.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office sent four people and thee dogs to help in the search.

Here is the full announcement from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the discovery of Dane Paulsen, who had been missing since March 1, 2025 around 4:25pm. After an extensive search and investigation by local authorities, along with the help of community volunteers, Dane was found today at approximately 11:13am in the Siletz River approximately 3 miles downstream from the family’s property. Sadly, he was found deceased.

Juan Heredia, with Angels Recovery Dive Team offered his dive services to Dane’s family. After connecting with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Jaun was escorted onto the river by a local river guide and began searching areas of the Siletz River downstream from where Sheriff’s Office drivers had thoroughly combed.  

Sheriff’s Office investigators are currently processing the scene. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is working in partnership with the Lincoln County Medical Examiners Office. As is standard with ongoing investigations, additional details are not available at this time.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office expresses its deepest sympathies to Dane’s family and loved ones. The impact of this loss is felt by the entire community, and we join those grieving this unimaginable tragedy.

"Our thoughts are with the family, who are facing an unbearable sorrow," said Sheriff Adam Shanks. "We are deeply grateful for the support and dedication shown by the search teams and our communities throughout this difficult time, though we wish it was under different circumstances."

We understand that this news is incredibly painful, especially for Dane’s family and those who knew him. Dane’s family has been notified. Out of respect for the family’s privacy during this profoundly difficult time, we ask the public and media to respect their need for space and time to grieve.

 City of Bend Events

Fire & Rescue News…

Crime News…

Judge Denies Bail Reduction for Sunriver Woman Accused of Attempted Murder in Child Abuse Case

A Deschutes County judge denied a request Tuesday to reduce the bail of a Sunriver woman charged with attempted murder in a child abuse case.

Sarah Session appeared in Deschutes County Circuit Court asking to have her bail reduced from $1 million to $50,000. Judge Allison Emerson denied the request due to concerns Session would try to flee.

Session and her parents, Gary and Paula Hardenberg, were found in Coos Bay on Feb. 21 after a nationwide warrant was issued.

Session is accused of beating a child under the age of 10 with a curtain rod as well as poisoning the child and forcing them to eat their own vomit. In addition to attempted murder, Session is charged with multiple counts of assault, criminal mistreatment and coercion. 

Paula Hardenberg, 60, is charged with assault, criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence.

Gary Hardenburg, 65, is charged with criminal mistreatment for allegedly withholding necessary care from the child. He's also accused of tampering with evidence. 

All three are expected to enter pleas Monday.

Bend man sentenced to 7 years on child pornography charges

A Bend man who lived in a home that operated as a daycare was sentenced to seven years in prison on child pornography charges Monday.

Jack Edward Bergeron Jr., 62, was arrested in May 2024 for distributing child porn online, prosecutors said. He was charged a total of 22 felony counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree and second degree and one misdemeanor count of encouraging sexual assault of an animal. He pleaded guilty in January to four counts of encouraging child sexual abuse.

Bergeron lived at a home that also served as a child care facility called God’s Kids Daycare. Authorities said at the time of the arrest they did not believe any of the children at the daycare were victims.

When the arrest happened, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said it learned in March 2024 that an IP address was distributing child sex abuse material through peer-to-peer networks in Deschutes County. Homeland Security Investigations in Eugene was allegedly able to narrow it down to a computer that was actively sending out the material, leading DCSO's Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) to collect evidence over the next two months.

DCSO said detectives determined Thursday that the IP address was operated by Bergeron. Due to the Bergeron's access to children at the home, DCSO along with several other agencies including the FBI, immediately served a search warrant. Several digital devices were seized and Bergeron was arrested.

Bergeron will have three years of post-prison supervision after his release.

Community News…

Bend Tech Academy student heading to Washington, DC to advocate for epilepsy awareness

BEND, Ore. -- Grant Myers, a Bend Technical Academy student, is heading to Washington, D.C. this month to represent Oregon at the Epilepsy Foundation’s "Teens Speak Up!" conference. The biennial event brings together students from across the country to share their experiences with epilepsy and advocate for better funding, healthcare and support.

Grant was diagnosed with epilepsy as a toddler and it still impacts his speech, writing and daily life. Now almost 16, Grant says he’s ready to use his voice to help others.

"Policies and fundraising to support people with epilepsy nationwide," Grant said.

Grant’s father, Ned Myers, says this opportunity is a huge step for his son.

"He started having seizures when he was around two. He’s almost 16 now. We’ve lived a long time with seizures in our life, and he's overcome a lot," Ned said.

Grant says he’s especially excited to meet others who share his condition and understand what he’s been through.

"I am excited about meeting people with my own condition from around the nation," Grant said.

Ned hopes Grant’s story will help shift the perception of epilepsy and encourage more support.

"Epilepsy is not scary. It’s something that happens. We can be supportive. We can help kids when they have seizures," Ned said.

Grant says being chosen to represent Oregon is an incredible honor.

"I'm sure there were a lot of people in Oregon who could have gotten chosen. But I was chosen, and that really means a lot," Grant said.

Ned believes this experience will have a lasting impact on Grant and the community.

"To have him come back and have that understanding of how policy works, with his story and his skills… I think that's going to be what's important to this community," Ned said.

After the trip, Grant plans to spend community service hours working with local leaders to push for more epilepsy funding in Central Oregon.

One-in-26 people will have a seizure event in their lifetime.

🐾 Meet Jax! 🐾

Jax is a sweet senior pup looking for his forever home! This 8-year-old shepherd mix may be a little shy at first, but once he warms up, he’s all about belly rubs, head kisses, and plenty of love.

Right now, Jax is staying in a warm and caring foster home, where he gets to snuggle up at night and enjoy some well-deserved affection. He does great with other dogs, doesn’t mind cats, and enjoys being around people. Even though he's a senior, he still gets around well and is ready for his next adventure with the right family.

If you’d like to meet Jax and see if he’s the perfect fit for your home, give us a call—we’d love to set up a meet-and-greet with his foster! Let’s help this lovable guy find the forever home he deserves. ❤️🐶

 😎 Just sayin

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