In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🐕🐩🍻 HSCO Pup Crawl

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

📅Save The Date Section

🌷 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Returns This Weekend

🕺Spring Fling Dance 2025

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰County requests public feedback on East and West County Community Wildfire Protection Plan

📰New Redmond School Zone Signs to increase safety

📰Narcan Administered After Officers Exposed to Unknown Substance at Deer Ridge

📰Years of work and $1.4 million later, Deschutes County landfill site talks fall through

📰Regional News

📰Lawmakers introduce bill to repeal Oregon Wildfire Hazard Map

📰Report Released on 2020 Santiam Fires

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🚨Bend Man Arrested After High-Speed Stolen Vehicle Chase Through City

🚨Two La Pine Residents Cited After Marijuana Operation, Firearm Discovered During Search

📰Authorities Seek Leads in Illegal Killing of Endangered Wolf Near Sisters

⚖️Woman charged with attempted murder in Madras chase, standoff pleads not guilty

📰Community News

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 by Reed Melton

😁 MEME of the Day

Correct Answer: B) Cascade Village Shopping Center

Expanded Answer: In 1998, the former Mountain View Mall was redeveloped into the Cascade Village Shopping Center, an open-air shopping complex. This transformation marked a shift in retail trends, moving away from enclosed malls toward lifestyle centers featuring a mix of big-box retailers, restaurants, and outdoor walkways. Today, the site is home to stores like Best Buy, Trader Joe’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

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.

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.

Coming up

🌷 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Returns This Weekend

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a trip to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, opening this Friday, March 21 in Woodburn, Oregon. Though just outside Central Oregon, the vibrant rows of blooming tulips draw thousands of visitors from across the state, making it a popular spring destination.

The festival features 40 acres of colorful tulips, along with local food vendors, wine tasting, craft booths, and family-friendly activities. Weekends often include hot air balloon launches (weather permitting), live music, and special themed events.

The festival runs daily through April 27, offering plenty of opportunities to take in the blooms at their peak. It's a perfect weekend day trip for those looking to shake off winter and enjoy a stunning display of Oregon agriculture in full color.

Spring Fling Dance 2025

Get ready to shake off those winter blues and welcome the spring season in style at the 3rd Annual Spring Fling Dance, hosted by your SROA Owner’s Enrichment Committee! Join us on April 12th for an unforgettable night of great tunes, light bites, and a no-host bar. Local DJ from Flip Flop Sounds will be spinning all the best hits from the 60’s and 70’s, so gather your friends and hit the dance floor! This event is 21+ only, and you won’t want to miss it!

Got questions? Give us a call at 406-599-1440!

Ticket Delivery: No need to print tickets. We will have your name at our registration desk.

Venue Information

SHARC Event Space

57250 Overlook Road
Sunriver, OR 97707

LOCAL EVENTS

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Local News…

County requests public feedback on East and West County Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Deschutes County is encouraging the public to review the draft East and West County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and provide feedback by April 17.

“A Community Wildfire Protection Plan is an important planning tool for communities that are in areas at risk from wildland fires,” said Deschutes County Forester Kevin Moriarty. “Communities across Central Oregon collaborate with forest and fire management agencies to identify and address their wildfire risks and develop strategies to make their communities more resilient.”

The East and West CWPP includes private properties and public lands in the eastern and western portions of Deschutes County, as well as the communities of Alfalfa, Brothers, Hampton and Millican.

Goals of the East and West CWPP include:

• Protecting lives and property from wildfires

• Raising public awareness of the risks of living in a fire-prone ecosystem

• Instilling personal responsibility for taking preventative actions to reduce wildfire risks

• Creating and maintaining fire-adapted communities

• Enhancing community preparedness, response, and recovery from wildfires

If you would like to provide feedback on the East and West County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, please send an email by Thursday, April 17 to [email protected].

###

Media contact:

Corinne Heiner, Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator

(541) 322-7129

New Redmond School Zone Signs to increase safety

Redmond, OR – This month, City of Redmond Public Works crews will begin updating 18 school zone speed limit signs.  The new signs will still require people to drive 20 MPH while in a school zone, but only during times that the signs are “flashing.”  The new speed limit signs will read, “SCHOOL, SPEED LIMIT 20 – When Flashing.” 

In October 2024, the City of Redmond’s Traffic Safety Working Group, in partnership with the Redmond School District, conducted a community-wide survey seeking feedback on existing school zone signage and a proposed change.  Ninety-four percent (94%) of respondents were supportive of changing school zone signage to “When Flashing.” 

18 individual signs will be replaced in total, focusing on roadways adjacent to schools that are normally 35 MPH or roadways that are arterials or collectors and well-traveled at less than 35 MPH.  Drivers must read school zone speed limit signs to determine if they must travel 20 MPH. Installation is slated to be completed by the end of March. 

The new signs will be equipped with large flashing amber lights which will indicate when the school zone speed limit is in effect.  The school zone speed limits will only apply during arrival, lunch (high school only), and departure times, specific to each school. Additionally, the new signs will have a radar-enabled driver feedback display that will show the speed of the vehicle as it is entering the school zone. Driver feedback displays will only be active when the school zone signs are flashing. 

Safety in school zones is a top priority for the Redmond Police Department, conducting enhanced enforcement of speeding and distracted driving violations, when the school zone signs are flashing.   

This project was funded through grants from by the US Department of Transportation - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, by way of the Oregon Department of Transportation – Transportation Safety Office. 

Narcan Administered After Officers Exposed to Unknown Substance at Deer Ridge

MADRAS, Ore. -- A correctional corporal at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution near Madras was taken to the hospital and treated with Narcan after exposure to a suspected hazardous substance Tuesday, the Oregon Department of Corrections announced. Another correctional officer was also treated.

The exposure happened during a contraband search, DOC said. Here is the full release:

On March 18, 2025, at approximately 2:20 p.m., Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) security staff were informed of suspected contraband in a special housing unit. While conducting a search, a Correctional Corporal discovered an unknown substance. The area was immediately secured and evacuated. The institution activated an Incident Command Structure (ICS), shut down the air filtration system, and contained the suspected substance. DRCI is working with Oregon State Police and National Guard Civil Service Unit to investigate and assess any potential hazards.

The Corporal received naloxone (Narcan) after direct exposure, was treated at a local hospital, and released. A Correctional Officer in the area experienced an adverse reaction and was evaluated by DRCI Health Services staff.

“The Oregon Department of Corrections takes any threat or risk to the safety and security of employees and adults in custody very seriously. Incidents like this highlight the critical need to prevent the introduction of dangerous and illegal contraband into our facilities,” stated DOC Director Michael Reese.

Regional News…

Lawmakers introduce bill to repeal Oregon Wildfire Hazard Map

Republicans in the Oregon House and Senate introduced a bill Tuesday to repeal the state’s wildfire hazard map. A repeal is something members of both parties have called for, including two Bend Democrats.

HB 3944 would repeal the map and regulations on property owners, the House Republican Caucus announced in release Tuesday.

“It’s unfair to penalize property owners while our state and federal governments fail to manage our forests and public lands,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby said. “This bill empowers rural Oregonians by allowing them to make decisions on how to manage their properties.”

Republicans said the bill would require state agencies to focus wildfire efforts in areas that are most cost-effective and protect as many resources as possible.

The bill also protects access to financial resources that rural communities can use to safeguard their homes, Republicans said.

Last month, Sen. Anthony Broadman and Rep. Emerson Levy, Democrats from Bend, also called for the repeal of the map.

Some homeowners have claimed the map has caused their insurance rates to go up or caused them to lose insurance altogether. The law that created the map says insurance companies are not allowed to use the map as a basis for raising rates.

The current map is a revised version of the original Wildfire Risk Map that was released in 2022. The original was quickly taken down after backlash over some areas that were considered high risk.

Report Released on 2020 Santiam Fires

Posted Yesterday At 9:23am by KBND News

The Oregon Department of Forestry has released its report on the cause of the Santiam Canyon Fires in 2020.  There was a total of 19 fire reports.  12 of them were caused by Pacific Power equipment, but the investigators found they were all put out by residents or firefighters.  The fires that caused the damage were started by embers from the Beachie Creek Fire that was burning in the Cascades.  Investigators interviewed over 180 witnesses during the investigation.

 City of Bend Events

Fire & Rescue News…

Crime News…

Bend Man Arrested After High-Speed Stolen Vehicle Chase Through City

Bend, Ore.

A 26-year-old Bend man was arrested Wednesday morning after reportedly stealing a vehicle and leading officers on a dangerous, high-speed drive through several parts of the city.

Bend Police responded around 7:04 a.m. on March 19 to the Riverhouse Lodge on North Highway 97, where a man reported his gray Mazda CX5 had been stolen while it was warming up in the parking lot. While officers were on scene, the stolen vehicle sped past a patrol unit traveling south on SE Third Street at an estimated 90 to 100 miles per hour.

The suspect, later identified as Christopher Charles Edward Peterson, was seen driving the stolen Mazda southbound in the northbound lanes of Highway 97. Authorities say Peterson then veered off the road and drove through the Old Back Nine golf course and the parking lot of Caldera High School. The school, which had not yet started classes for the day, was briefly placed in a secure status as a precaution.

Law enforcement officers from the Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police coordinated efforts to contain the suspect without initiating a pursuit.

A Deschutes County deputy deployed a spike strip near the roundabout at SE 15th Street and Reed Market Road, successfully deflating the vehicle’s tires. Peterson continued driving for a short distance before turning onto Ventura Place, a cul-de-sac, where officers boxed in the vehicle and took him into custody at approximately 7:43 a.m.

Peterson was arrested on suspicion of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, two counts of first-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, third-degree theft, and for an outstanding felony warrant. He was booked into the Deschutes County Jail.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

Two La Pine Residents Cited After Marijuana Operation, Firearm Discovered During Search

La Pine, Or

Two La Pine residents were cited Wednesday following a drug investigation that led to the discovery of a dismantled marijuana grow operation, a large quantity of illegal cannabis products, and a firearm they were not legally allowed to possess.

Detectives with the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement (DCIMME) team, assisted by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team, executed a search warrant on the morning of March 19 at a property on the 15000 block of Park Drive in La Pine. The search stemmed from an investigation into the illegal manufacture and distribution of marijuana.

During the search, investigators contacted 65-year-old Kim Marie Robertson and 54-year-old Jason Cory Robertson. Inside a shop on the property, detectives found remnants of a large-scale marijuana grow operation, along with 17.98 pounds of processed marijuana flower and nearly a kilogram (993.37 grams) of suspected Butane Honey Oil (BHO), a highly concentrated cannabis extract.

Authorities say the quantities far exceeded limits for personal use, and additional evidence indicated intent to distribute both marijuana and BHO. A handgun was also recovered at the scene. Due to their criminal histories, both individuals are prohibited from possessing firearms under Oregon law.

Kim and Jason Robertson were cited at the scene and released. They face multiple felony charges, including felon in possession of a firearm, possession of cannabinoid extracts, unlawful possession of marijuana over eight pounds, and attempted manufacture of marijuana.

The investigation was supported by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and several other agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Oregon Water Resources Department, and Deschutes County Code Enforcement.

The CODE team is a regional, multi-agency task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, which provides funding and coordination to combat drug trafficking across Central Oregon.

Community News…

Oregon Spring Break is next week and that means this Friday is expected to be the busiest travel day of what is always a busy time in Central Oregon. A good time to stay off the roads? Friday afternoon.

 😎 Just sayin

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