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?

📰Bend Police Announce Results Of Multiagency Traffic Enforcement Detail

📰Redmond Airport revives long-delayed rental car facility project

📰El Torito Opens in Madras, Bringing a Mexican-Inspired Market to the Community

🍽️🥢Vietnamese restaurant Pho 88 coming to Old Mill District

📰Regional News

🐳Spring Whale Watch Week returns to Oregon Coast with expert guidance

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

⛑️Injured Skiers Rescued from South Sister by Deschutes County Search and Rescue

🚨Crime News

🚨Two Arrested in Deschutes County for Methamphetamine Trafficking

📰Community News

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Bend Park & Recreation District Introduces New Payment Plan for Summer Camps

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

🏘️Real Estate News

🏘️📈Central Oregon Market Report | March 12, 2025 by Reed Melton

🏢🍺Sunriver Brewing coming to Redmond mixed-use development

🏤First Look: Bend's historic post office set to become downtown boutique hotel - Central Oregon Daily News

😁 MEME of the Day

Correct Answer: C) Ty Cobb

Expanded Answer: Legendary baseball player Ty Cobb, known for his aggressive play and record-setting career with the Detroit Tigers, had an unexpected connection to Central Oregon. He spent time in the region for hunting and fishing and even umpired a game for the Bend Elks, a local baseball team. Additionally, Cobb made business investments in the area, demonstrating his interest in the growing Central Oregon economy beyond the baseball diamond.

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…

Bend Police Announce Results Of Multiagency Traffic Enforcement Detail

Multiagency Traffic Enforcement Detail Results 

On behalf of Deschutes County’s law enforcement agencies, Bend Police are pleased to share the results of this week’s multiagency traffic enforcement detail.  

The detail, which took place for four hours each day from March 10 through March 12, targeted high-traffic areas in Bend, Redmond, Black Butte Ranch, Sunriver and rural Deschutes County, focused on speed, intoxicated and distracted driving, as well as unsafe driving behaviors like illegal passing and not wearing seatbelts. It focused primarily on U.S. Highway 20, U.S. Highway 126, U.S. Highway 97 and the Bend Parkway.  

Over the three-day detail, at least 36 officers from six agencies – Oregon State Police, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Police, Redmond Police, Black Butte Ranch Police and Sunriver Police – participated.  

Officers made more than 380 traffic stops related to the detail. About 45 percent of those traffic stops, more than 170, resulted in at least one traffic citation. The majority of those stops were initiated because of excessive speed. Seventeen of the drivers contacted were driving with suspended licenses.  

Traffic safety affects everyone in our community. Bend Police and our partners ask drivers to drive responsibly – slow down, don’t use your phone, and obey the rules of the road.  

Redmond Airport revives long-delayed rental car facility project

REDMOND, Ore. -- The Redmond Airport is moving forward on delayed plans to build a quick turnaround rental car facility.

The city council gave the green light Tuesday for the building where rental cars can be quickly cleaned, refueled and returned for the next driver.

Construction of the facility was delayed by the pandemic.

The city council awarded a $516,000 contract to an engineering firm for a project redesign and a new traffic impact report.

El Torito Opens in Madras, Bringing a Mexican-Inspired Market to the Community

A new supermarket has opened in Madras, bringing a fresh shopping experience with a Mexican-inspired selection. El Torito has taken over the former Erickson’s Thriftway location, offering an expanded variety of products and a new aesthetic while maintaining a familiar sense of community.

Many former employees of Thriftway have returned to work at El Torito, easing the transition for both staff and longtime shoppers. The store retains some of its previous layout but has introduced subtle design updates and a wider range of specialty items.

One of the standout features of the new market is its bakery, which has quickly become a customer favorite. Freshly baked bread is restocked multiple times a day to meet demand, as shoppers eagerly pick up items straight from the oven.

Excitement surrounding the store has been growing, with longtime Madras residents expressing enthusiasm for another grocery option in town. The soft opening has already drawn in new visitors, many eager to explore the selection and support a locally rooted business.

El Torito aims to establish itself as a community staple, much like its predecessor, by fostering strong connections with shoppers and employees alike. A grand opening celebration is set for Saturday at noon, marking the official launch of this new addition to Madras' grocery scene.

Vietnamese restaurant Pho 88 coming to Old Mill District

The Old Mill District announced Tuesday Vietnamese restaurant Pho 88 will be moving into the space being vacated by the Mill Works Pub. It's set to open in early May. 

The Old Mill said in a statement that the restaurant is the latest venture by longtime restaurant operator Alice Nguyen, who previously managed Mio Sushi in the district as well as her own restaurant in Vietnam.

"I loved everything about Old Mill District,” Nguyen said in a statement about her seven years leading Mio Sushi. “And I am beyond excited to get back down there to work with them again and add a Vietnamese restaurant to the district.”

Dishes will include bowls of pho with steak, brisket, meatball, oxtail and chicken options, plus rice noodle soups and vermicelli noodle bowls. Other offerings include fresh spring rolls, crispy wontons, tempura, and fried chicken wings. There will be vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. 

A full bar will also be offered.

Mill Works Pub will close this Saturday after seven years in business. The pub announced its lease is coming to an end and that the owners made the decision to close their doors and move on to new adventures.

Regional News…

Spring Whale Watch Week returns to Oregon Coast with expert guidance

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Oregon State Parks is set to host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast from Saturday, March 22, through Sunday, March 30.

Trained volunteers and park rangers will be available at 14 designated sites to assist visitors in spotting whales and their calves, as well as to answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.

"Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and they might have calves in tow," said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

An estimated 19,260 gray whales are expected to pass by Oregon's shores from late winter through June as they migrate back to Alaska. This marks a significant increase in the gray whale population, which has risen by approximately 30% from 14,530 in 2023 to 19,260 last year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The increase follows the end of an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales in 2023. However, the calf count remains low as the population continues to recover.

Whale Watch Week offers a chance to observe not only gray whales but also other coastal wildlife, including birds and marine mammals, with the assistance of trained volunteers and rangers.

 City of Bend Events

Fire & Rescue News…

Injured Skiers Rescued from South Sister by Deschutes County Search and Rescue

BEND, Ore. – Two skiers from Salt Lake City were rescued Tuesday afternoon after one suffered injuries while skiing on South Sister, prompting a multi-agency response led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team.

Authorities received a call about the stranded skiers on March 11 but were initially unable to reach them by phone. SAR teams quickly mobilized a rescue operation, and by 2:38 p.m., the Sheriff's Office SAR Incident Management Team had been activated to coordinate the mission.

At 4:51 p.m., an AirLink helicopter transported two SAR members to the mountain, where they located the skiers at approximately 5:12 p.m. As rescuers assessed the situation, an Oregon Army National Guard HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter arrived and successfully hoisted both the injured skier and his companion from the mountain. They were transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for medical evaluation.

Meanwhile, the two SAR rescuers remained near the south edge of the Lewis Glacier. They skied down South Sister and were met by another SAR team on snowmobiles, who transported them safely back to Dutchman Sno-Park.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office credited the successful rescue to the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including AirLink and the Oregon Army National Guard.

Crime News…

Two Arrested in Deschutes County for Methamphetamine Trafficking

BEND, Ore. – Two Bend residents were arrested Tuesday morning on drug trafficking charges following an investigation by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Wally John Wise, 39, and Deserae Dawn Barclay, 45, were taken into custody on March 11 after authorities stopped their vehicle in connection with an ongoing narcotics investigation. Wise faces additional charges for illegal firearm possession.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, detectives had been conducting surveillance on suspected drug activity when they identified a 2017 purple Kia Optima as a vehicle potentially involved in drug distribution. Deputies stopped the car near Kiowa Drive and Old Bend-Redmond Highway, where a drug detection K9 named Keira alerted to the presence of narcotics.

Investigators obtained a search warrant and discovered a significant quantity of methamphetamine, a handgun, cash, and drug-related paraphernalia inside the vehicle. The firearm was located in a backpack containing documents belonging to Wise, who is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.

Both Wise and Barclay were transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail, where they were booked on felony charges for possession and delivery of methamphetamine. Wise faces an additional charge of felon in possession of a firearm.

The CODE team, a multi-agency narcotics task force, led the investigation with support from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. The team is funded through the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, which works to disrupt drug trafficking operations in the region.

Wise and Barclay remain in custody as the investigation continues.

Community News…

Bend Park & Recreation District Introduces New Payment Plan for Summer Camps

Families with kids eager for summer camp now have a new way to manage registration costs. Bend Park and Recreation District (BPRD) is piloting an installment payment option for select full-day summer camps, making it easier for households to budget camp expenses over time.

The new plan allows families to divide registration fees into four equal payments rather than paying in one lump sum. Eligible camps include:

• Operation Recreation

• The PAC

• Riley Ranch Nature Camp

• Cougar Camp

• Adventure Camp

To take advantage of the payment plan, campers must be registered between March 17 and March 31, with an initial payment of 25% of the registration fee due at the time of sign-up. The remaining balance will be automatically divided into three equal payments on April 1, May 1, and June 1.

BPRD's initiative aims to make summer camps more accessible to families by offering a more flexible way to cover costs. For more details and to register, visit the BPRD website.

 😎 Just sayin

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