In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🐕🐩🍻 HSCO Pup Crawl

🦅Sky Hunters @ High Desert Museum

📅Save The Date Section

🌷 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Returns

🎨🍷⚡☺️Sip, Create, Activate – A Creative Wellness Event

🕺Spring Fling Dance 2025

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🏆🦐Crook County HS Culinary Team wins state for 2nd time in 3 years

📰La Pine Wellness Center Delayed Until Fall

📰Jefferson County Ex-Principal on Probation After Allegations of Drunken Behavior at School Functions

📰Regional News

📰Oregon Senate Advances Bill to Extend Unemployment Benefits to Striking Public Workers

📰Oregon Bill Proposes Medicaid Pay for Parents of Disabled Children

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🚨Early Morning Break-In Causes Extensive Damage at Sisters Business Complex; Suspect Arrested

📰Community News

📰Notice of Public Hearing for Redmond Airport Bond, March 25 at 6:00 p.m.

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

😁 MEME of the Day

Good Morning!

BEND

SANTIAM PASS WEATHER

GOVERNMENT CAMP WEATHER

WILLAMETTE PASS WEATHER

Central Oregon Scene

Sky Hunters

The High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon, invites you to the captivating "Sky Hunters" program, running daily from March 22 to March 29 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. This engaging event features live demonstrations where majestic raptors soar overhead, showcasing their agility and prowess. Presented by skilled wildlife specialists, the program offers a unique opportunity to witness these powerful predators up close. Tickets are $7, with a 20% discount for museum members, and are available at the museum on the day of the event. Note that seating is first-come, first-served, and the program may not be suitable for young children. For more details, visit High Desert Museum's Sky Hunters.

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.

Coming up

🌷 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Returns

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.

Sip, Create, Activate – A Creative Wellness Event

Looking for a fun way to recharge? Join us Friday, April 11th for Sip, Create, Activate — a vibrant blend of art, community, and wellness hosted in the Energy Room at Epic Energy Centers in Bend. Led by local artist and owner Kelley Salber, this event invites you to tap into your creative flow while “activating” your energy—think cellular-level rejuvenation in a space designed to uplift.

Enjoy half-off regular session pricing, adult beverages, and all the supplies you need to create something meaningful. Space is limited and registration is required. Come sip, create, and connect with your community in the most energizing way possible! Ask about bringing your own wine to energize in the space.

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…

Crook County HS Culinary Team wins state for 2nd time in 3 years

The Crook County High School Culinary Team won its second state title in three years and is headed to nationals May 2-4. The team last won state in 2023.

Here is the full announcement from the Crook County School District:

Salem, OR – The Crook County High School (CCHS) Culinary Team has once again demonstrated their culinary prowess, capturing their second state title in just three years! This remarkable achievement secures their place in the upcoming national competition in Baltimore, Maryland.

The team impressed judges with an exquisite, restaurant-quality menu featuring:

• Appetizer: Ancho chile-rubbed white shrimp sautéed with sweet roasted corn, caramelized carrots, jalapeños, pistachios, and finished with a touch of crème fraîche, elegantly placed in an avocado rose.

  

• Entrée: A perfectly pan-seared Sockeye salmon, highlighting the team’s mastery of technique and flavor.

  

• Dessert: A decadent icebox coconut cheesecake with a pistachio white chocolate crust, leaving a lasting impression on the judges.

  

In addition to the team’s incredible victory, Crook County High School student Tayah Hagensee was honored as Oregon ProStart Student of the Year, further showcasing the program’s exceptional talent and dedication.

The CCHS Culinary Team will now set their sights on Baltimore, where they will compete against the best high school culinary teams from across the nation.

Congratulations to the Crook County High School Culinary Team, and best of luck at Nationals!

La Pine Wellness Center Delayed Until Fall

The La Pine Community Health Center’s new Wellness Center, originally set to open in early 2025, has been delayed until early fall due to rising costs, supply chain issues, and slow funding. Despite a $1.6 million donation from MacKenzie Scott, the center has yet to access secured financing. The delay follows recent layoffs of 11% of the staff, driven by earlier federal funding uncertainty. With new funding approved through September 2025, some staff are being rehired. The center is calling for more community support to complete the project.

Jefferson County Ex-Principal on Probation After Allegations of Drunken Behavior at School Functions

MADRAS, Ore. -- A former principal in the Jefferson County 509-J School District is facing reprimand over allegations she was drunk during school-related events.

Katherine Boyle was principal of 509-J Online from 2022 until her resignation in June of 2023.

The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission first received a complaint from the district in November of 2022. According to the complaint, Boyle appeared to be under the influence of alcohol while attending an after-school event for the 21st Century Program.

The complaint states that later that evening, Boyle went to an awards ceremony for her child's sports team, where she also appeared to be drunk.

The former principal’s educator license has been put on probation for two years. Any violation of the agreement could result in her teaching license being revoked.

Regional News…

Oregon Senate Advances Bill to Extend Unemployment Benefits to Striking Public Workers

What’s happening?
Oregon’s Senate passed SB 916, which would make Oregon the first state to allow public employees on strike to receive unemployment benefits—after a two-week waiting period. Workers would need to repay benefits if they later receive back pay.

Who supports it?
The bill, requested by the Oregon AFL-CIO, passed 16-12, mostly along party lines. Democrats like Sen. Kathleen Taylor and Sen. Mark Meek say it levels the playing field for workers facing unsafe conditions or low wages. They argue no one gets rich off unemployment, and the financial impact on the state is minor—estimated at $2.1 million over two years, with Oregon’s Unemployment Fund holding $6.4 billion.

Who’s against it?
Two Democrats joined Republicans in voting no, citing concerns about adding financial strain to cities, counties, and schools already under pressure. Sen. Jeff Golden warned it could burden local governments, and Sen. Janeen Sollman questioned the timing due to federal funding uncertainty.

Republican proposal fails:
GOP lawmakers proposed a stricter version: a 4-week wait, no benefits for public workers, and a requirement for unions to pay out strike funds first. It was voted down 10-18.

Why it matters:
If approved by the House, Oregon would set a national precedent—no other state currently extends unemployment to striking public employees.

Oregon Bill Proposes Medicaid Pay for Parents of Disabled Children

Oregon's Senate Health Care Committee has unanimously passed Senate Bill 538, also known as "Tensy’s Law," which aims to allow Medicaid payments to parents caring for their severely disabled children. Named after 10-year-old Tennyson Ross, the bill seeks to address the shortage of in-home care providers by compensating parents for up to 40 hours a week of care. Despite previous setbacks, including a bill that died in committee last year, advocates are optimistic, citing a new fiscal analysis showing significantly reduced costs of $20.5 million annually. The bill now faces critical review by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means to determine its inclusion in the budget. Advocates emphasize the dual benefits of the bill: enabling parents to better care for their children and reducing state costs by decreasing hospitalizations and public assistance needs.

 City of Bend Events

Fire & Rescue News…

Crime News…

Early Morning Break-In Causes Extensive Damage at Sisters Business Complex; Suspect Arrested

SISTERS, Ore. — March 22, 2025 — A burglary at the Mainline Station in Sisters early Saturday morning resulted in significant damage to multiple businesses and the arrest of a 26-year-old local man.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies responded around 2:50 a.m. to an alarm indicating glass breakage at the Mainline Station, located at 1001 Rail Way. The complex includes a Chevron gas station, a convenience store, and a McDonald’s restaurant.

While deputies were on their way, a nearby resident reported seeing a man dressed in dark clothing leaving the area and heading toward Ray’s Food Place. When law enforcement arrived, they found broken windows and debris outside the Mainline Station. Further inspection revealed additional damage to Ray’s Food Place and Level 5 Fitness.

Deputies soon located a man matching the suspect’s description near the Sisters Inn and Suites. He was detained and later arrested. The suspect was identified as Christien Richardson of Sisters. He was booked into the Deschutes County Jail on charges including second-degree burglary, two counts of first-degree criminal mischief, and one count of third-degree criminal mischief.

Investigators later determined that the fuel pumps, exterior windows, and interior areas of both the convenience store and McDonald’s sustained extensive damage. Both businesses were forced to close temporarily for cleanup and repairs but have since reopened. Ray’s Food Place also experienced delays due to damage and cleanup efforts.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident.

Community News…

Notice of Public Hearing for Redmond Airport Bond, March 25 at 6:00 p.m.

Post Date:03/18/2025 11:06 AM

NOTEICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
CITY OF REDMOND, OREGON

6:00 P.M., MARCH 25, 2025
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
411 SW 9TH STREET
REDMOND, OREGON 97756

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Redmond, Oregon, at its City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, will hold a public hearing, as required by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and rulings issued thereunder, with respect to the proposed issuance by the City of Redmond (the “City”) of tax-exempt full faith and credit bonds (the “Bonds”).

A portion of the Bonds with a principal amount not to exceed $105,000,000 will be used to finance all or a portion of the costs associated with (i) constructing and equipping capital projects at the Redmond Municipal Airport (the “Airport”), including new outbound baggage carousels and jet bridges, upgrading electrical systems, an expanded passenger holding area and public use facilities, elevators and escalators and support infrastructure and concession and a facility to be used by rental companies to fuel, clean and store vehicles, (ii) funding capitalized interest on the Bonds during construction and (iii) paying costs of issuance of the Bonds related thereto (collectively, the “Project”).

The Bonds to finance the Project will be issued as exempt facility bonds for airport facilities within the meaning of Section 142(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.  The Project will be located at the Airport, which is owned and operated by the City, and is located at 2522 S.E. Jesse Butler Circle, Redmond, Oregon 97756.

The public hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the City Council Chambers, 411 SW 9th Street, Redmond, Oregon 97756.

Interested persons wishing to express their views on the issuance of such Bonds or on the nature and location of the Project will be given an opportunity to do so at the public hearing.  Written comments also may be delivered at the public hearing or mailed to the City at the address indicated above.  Mailed comments must be received by the City no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, the date prior to the date of the public hearing.  

CITY OF REDMOND, OREGON

 😎 Just sayin

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