In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

📅Save The Date Section

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

🕺Spring Fling Dance 2025

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🏛️ Deschutes County commissioners propose moving from at-large to district-based elections

🏫See the new Bend Senior High rise: Classroom wing goes vertical

🕳️The “Bellevue Crater” in East Bend Causing Frustration, Damage

📰 Class Prepares Volunteers To Mentor Children With Incarcerated Parents

📰Regional News

📰Historic Flooding in Burns Prompts Evacuations and Community Response

📪💵Watch your mailbox: Oregon State Treasury proactively returning $11 million in unclaimed funds

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

💥Driver Killed in Crash on Highway 97 in Klamath County

🚨Crime News

📰Community News

🔥🪓Bend Fire & Rescue Invites High School Students To Apply For 2025 Camp Fire Axe

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

What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎉 What's Up in Bend | April 1–6, 2025

Spring is here and Bend is buzzing! From rodeos and movie nights to craft markets and trivia, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your curated list of what’s happening around town this week:

🎭 Comedy & Theater

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie
📍 Cascades Theatrical Company — 📍 Map
🕒 April 4–6, 2025 – 7:30 PM nightly
Experience the suspense of Agatha Christie's classic murder mystery performed live on stage.
🔗 More Info

🎬 Movies & Film

Big Sexy Movie Night: Edward Scissorhands
📍 The Capitol — 📍 Map
🕒 April 2, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Enjoy a screening of the cult classic "Edward Scissorhands" in a unique and intimate setting.
🔗 More Info / Tickets

Dive-In Movie Night
📍 Campfire Hotel — 📍 Map
🕒 April 2, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Watch a movie while relaxing in the heated pool. Movie titles are announced the Monday prior to each Dive-In event.
🔗 More Info

🤠 Community & Culture

High Desert Stampede
📍 Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — 📍 Map
🕒 April 2–5, 2025
Experience one of Central Oregon’s premier rodeo events featuring professional riders, barrel racing, bull riding, and more.
🔗 More Info

Spring Makers Market
📍 The Environmental Center — 📍 Map
🕒 April 5, 2025 – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Celebrate spring by shopping from over 20 local artisans, enjoying live music, and participating in raffles.
🔗 More Info

🎨 Arts & Crafts

Paint & Sip at Austin Mercantile
📍 Austin Mercantile — 📍 Map
🕒 April 4, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Unleash your creativity with a guided painting session while enjoying a selection of wines. No prior experience necessary.
🔗 More Info

🎉 Games & Social

Bingo at River's Place
📍 River's Place — 📍 Map
🕒 April 3, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Join a fun-filled evening of bingo with chances to win prizes while supporting local nonprofits.
🔗 More Info

Trivia at River’s Place
📍 River’s Place — 📍 Map
🕒 April 6, 2025 – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Test your knowledge and enjoy a fun afternoon at River's Place's trivia event. Free to play with prizes to win.
🔗 More Info

🧘 Wellness

Sunset Yoga & Sound Journey
📍 Location TBD
🕒 April 3, 2025 – 6:30 PM
Experience a relaxing evening of yoga and sound healing as the sun sets. Suitable for all levels.
🔗 More Info

Please verify event details and any potential changes by visiting the provided links or contacting the event organizers directly.

Coming up

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

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

Deschutes Public Library Events

Local News…

Deschutes County commissioners propose moving from at-large to district-based elections

BEND, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners has proposed electing commissioners based on geographical districts in Deschutes County, instead of the current system which elects all board members at-large.

The proposal comes after voters last November approved expanding the board from three members to five.

The current board has agreed to form a committee that will be tasked with drawing district lines within Deschutes County. The board will discuss how it will form that committee later this month.

See the new Bend Senior High rise: Classroom wing goes vertical

Travis Pittman, Digital Director

BEND, Ore. -- The new Bend Senior High School is growing up -- as in, vertical.

The Bend-La Pine School District posted photos Monday of the frame for the new structure as the campus is getting a full remodel. Concrete foundations and floors were poured, and the steel columns and beams are currently going in. The new classroom building will house 44 classrooms on the first three floors while the fourth floor will be reserved for the structure's mechanical systems.

The new classroom wing will be ready for students in the fall of 2026. Until then, students are still taking classes on campus during construction.

Most of Bend High will be rebuilt in phases over the next four years, paid for through a $250 million bond approved by votes in 2022. Other construction projects an updates are happening at buildings throughout the district.

One unanticipated change for the school was the demolition of the 69-year-old auditorium. It had to be torn down last summer after concerns about the stability of the structure.

The “Bellevue Crater” in East Bend Causing Frustration, Damage

BEND, Ore. — A massive pothole on NE Bellevue Drive in east Bend has become more than just a nuisance — it's a hazard that’s been damaging cars and frustrating drivers for over a year.

Nicknamed the “Bellevue Crater,” the pothole sits in the middle of a narrow and heavily trafficked stretch of road between the old Phoenix restaurant and Starbucks. It measures nearly five feet across and five inches deep.

“It’s gotten me a couple of times,” said Jodi Ojeda, an employee at Rooster Deli, which overlooks the pothole. “Sometimes you’re just driving along and forget it’s there. It’s deep. It hits hard on the bottom of the car.”

Ojeda says the staff frequently witness vehicles bottoming out as drivers fail to avoid the gaping hole. “Every shift, I see at least a couple of cars hit it,” she said.

Frank Cordier drove over it recently and ended up with a bent tire rim. “You don’t want to hear what my initial reaction was,” he said. “I was mad. Frustrated. My rim was all dented.”

The pothole has remained untouched in part because Bellevue Drive is a private road—not under the jurisdiction of the City of Bend. According to city data, the road is owned by “TI 575 Bellevue Bend LLC.” But reaching that entity has proven difficult. Central Oregon Daily reports the listed phone number is disconnected, and even local businesses say they don’t know who to contact.

“It would be nice if we at least knew how to get in touch with the owner,” Ojeda said. “Right now, we just watch cars get damaged and nothing gets done.”

The City of Bend has confirmed that it has attempted to contact the property owner but received no response. Meanwhile, locals like Cordier are calling for accountability.

“It’s dangerous. I’ve seen near accidents as drivers swerve to avoid it,” he said. “It needs to be fixed—yesterday.”

Class Prepares Volunteers To Mentor Children With Incarcerated Parents

Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY), a program of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, is offering a class to prepare volunteers to become mentors for children with an incarcerated parent.

On Saturday, April 12, COPY will offer a volunteer training. This 3½-hour class covers program policies, Q&A from a current volunteer, how to establish a mentor relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, communication skills, and the stages of a mentoring relationship. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is required. Light snacks and refreshments provided.

After initial training and comprehensive background checks, volunteers are matched with a child in Bend, Redmond, Sisters or LaPine that share similar interests and activities and commit to spending a few hours a week together for a minimum of one year. This time is often spent on outside activities, exploring the community, doing art or craft projects, cooking or baking, or simply hanging out and talking.

For additional details please call 541-388-6651 or email [email protected]  Additional program information is available at the Sheriff’s Office web site at www.sheriff.deschutes.org/copy 

Regional News…

Historic Flooding in Burns Prompts Evacuations and Community Response

BURNS, Ore. — Flooding not seen in decades has inundated parts of Harney County, forcing hundreds from their homes and rallying a powerful local and regional response.

Pastor Bob Yunker of Burns Christian Church put it simply: “Unprecedented.”

“I’ve been here 18 years, and locals who’ve lived here their whole lives can’t remember this much water coming so fast,” Yunker said.

Rapid snowmelt from a winter that brought four feet of snow in backyards has overwhelmed the Silvies River and several levees, flooding neighborhoods, roads, and parks. At one point, at least 400 homes were evacuated, and Burns City Park was completely underwater. Highway 20 remains open to one lane of traffic near the river.

Shelters, Rescues, and Help on the Ground

The American Red Cross and Burns Christian Church quickly stepped in to help. Sixteen people (and several pets) are sheltering at the Harney County Fairgrounds, where meals, cots, RV spaces, and case support are being provided. The church has opened its space, food pantry, and thrift store to flood victims.

Neighbor helping neighbor has defined the response. Resident Dennis Montague and a friend used boats to rescue trapped neighbors, pets, and belongings. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Swift Water Rescue Team also assisted, checking 60 homes and evacuating four residents.

Other agencies are reinforcing levees with airboats, tree crews, and sandbags.

Emergency Declared, Schools Closed

Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency, allowing more state resources to assist. The City of Burns warned of possible sewage backups, but the Harney County Sheriff’s Office says the water remains safe to drink. Burns schools will remain closed through Tuesday.

Hines Middle School has been opened as a hygiene station with towels and showers available from noon to 8 p.m.

A Community Holding Strong

Residents like Cindy Vega are raising funds online to support family members who lost their homes. “They’re disabled and don’t have flood insurance,” Vega said. “Everything they own may be lost—but this community is strong.”

As Governor Kotek reminded residents: “Check on your neighbors. Prepare a go-kit. Stay alert.”

 💛 How to Help Flood Victims in Burns

Several families have set up verified GoFundMe pages to help rebuild and recover. If you're able to give, your support can go a long way for those who lost everything.

You can find several GoFundMe links below:

• Flood Relief for Vaughn, Susie, & Judy

• Help the Miranda Family After Flood Loss

• Support Tia's Family: Flood Damage Relief

• Flood Evacuation: Help a Family Start Over

• Help a Family Recover from Flood Damage

• You can donate to the Central and Eastern Oregon Red Cross here

Watch your mailbox: Oregon State Treasury proactively returning $11 million in unclaimed funds

Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner announced that $11 million in unclaimed funds will be returned to residents this month through the 2025 “Checks Without Claims” program. The initiative sends checks automatically—no action required—to individuals identified as rightful owners of unclaimed property reported in 2023. Last year, the program returned nearly $10 million to over 18,000 people. With more than $1 billion in unclaimed assets still held by the state, the Treasury continues efforts to reunite Oregonians with forgotten funds like uncashed checks, dormant accounts, and refunds. Checks will range from $50 to $10,000 and come with a confirmation letter. Residents can still search for unclaimed money at unclaimed.oregon.gov.

 City of Bend Events

Fire & Rescue News…

Driver Killed in Crash on Highway 97 in Klamath County

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. — A 34-year-old Crescent man was killed Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 176, according to Oregon State Police.

The crash occurred around 8:46 a.m. when a northbound Buick LeSabre, driven by Leif Taylor Celusta, lost control, crossed into the southbound lane, and collided with a Kenworth commercial truck and trailer driven by 58-year-old Robert Emil Mewes of Madras.

Celusta was pronounced dead at the scene. Mewes was reportedly uninjured.

The highway was partially closed for about two hours while authorities investigated the scene. Oregon State Police said speed and roadway conditions are being considered primary factors in the crash.

OSP was assisted by Crescent Fire and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Crime News…

Community News…

Bend Fire & Rescue Invites High School Students To Apply For 2025 Camp Fire Axe

Bend Fire & Rescue invites Central Oregon high school students considering a career in the fire service to apply for Camp Fire Axe, an annual 4-day summer academy put on by professional firefighter/paramedics.

Camp Fire Axe is an opportunity for students ages 16 to 19 to learn about fire response, CPR, trauma and first aid in a real academy setting.

This year’s camp will take place June 19  – 22 from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day at the Bend Fire & Rescue North Station (63377 NE Jamison Street, Bend). Attendance is limited to 12 students with a $250 registration fee per student. Scholarships are available.

Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis through May 1, and can be found at bendoregon.gov/camp-fire-axe.

 😎 Just sayin

Follow us on facebook