In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

🐣 Easter Sunday Brunches in Central Oregon

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🐰 Kiwanis Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Crook County Fairgrounds

📅Save The Date Section

🌱High Desert Horticultural Center Launches Plant Native Class Series to Inspire Climate-Resilient Landscaping

Event News

🔥🥃Bend Burn & Barrel Festival — A Two-Night Celebration of Cigars, Spirits & Style

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 📰Prineville’s Proposed Biomass Plant Sparks Public Backlash Over Urban Growth Expansion

📷Prineville Chamber reveals its completed office remodel

📰Deschutes National Forest Plans Spring Prescribed Burning Season

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🔥Smoldering Burn Pile Ignites Brushfire in Whychus Canyon Estates

🚨Crime News

⚖Bend Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison

📰Community News

🍖🍽Shepherd’s House Ministries seeks community support for Good Friday Easter Dinner

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

 🐣 Easter Sunday Brunches in Central Oregon

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Riverhouse Lodge – Easter Brunch Grand Buffet
Enjoy a chef-crafted buffet featuring molasses-glazed smoked pit ham, peppercorn-rubbed tri-tip, an omelet station, and a kid’s buffet. Live music by Abluestics from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Easter egg hunts at 10:30 AM and noon, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar available. Reservations recommended.
Website: riverhouse.com

Juniper Preserve – Easter Brunch at Iris
Indulge in a chef-curated à la carte brunch menu with seasonal flavors, specialty cocktails, and fine wines. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance. Reservations required.
Website: juniperpreserve.com

Seventh Mountain Resort – Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt
Delight in menu items like biscuits & gravy, Italian breakfast bake, pastries, scones, and eggs. Includes an Easter egg hunt for the kids. Reservations recommended.
Website: seventhmountain.com

Tetherow Resort – Easter Brunch
Savor bourbon-glazed ham, coffee herb-crusted ribeye, made-to-order crepes, mini pancakes, and omelets. Three Easter egg hunts and themed arts and crafts for children. Reservations recommended.
Website: tetherow.com

Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge – Easter Brunch
Enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu starting with a cowboy cinnamon roll, followed by options like lobster and caviar deviled eggs, and main courses including grilled filet mignon with eggs or lemon poppy seed pancakes. Reservations required.
Website: hawkeyeandhuckleberrylounge.com

McMenamins Old St. Francis Pub – Easter Specials
All-day Easter specials alongside the standard brunch menu, featuring eggs Benedict variations, vanilla bean French toast, and biscuits with gravy. Reservations encouraged.
Website: mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school/old-st-francis-pub

On Tap – Easter Sunday Events
Join a family-friendly celebration with an egg hunt at 11:30 AM, a visit from the Easter Bunny, beignets by Bend-YAY, mimosas, and food truck brunch specials. No reservations required.
Website: ontapbend.com

Monkless Belgian Ales Brasserie – Easter Brunch
Brunch menu crafted to pair with Belgian-style beers and specialty cocktails. Reservations recommended.
Website: monkless.com

Sunriver Resort – Lodge Kitchen Easter Brunch
Traditional buffet fare, a carving station, seafood display, and a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar. Each family receives a complimentary portrait. Easter egg hunts for children available for an additional fee. Reservations required.
Website: sunriverresort.com

Brasada Ranch – Easter Buffet at Wild Rye
Feast on king salmon, smoked prime rib, shrimp and grits, an omelet station, brioche donut bar, and assorted seasonal desserts. Reservations required.
Website: brasada.com

Black Butte Ranch – Easter at the Ranch
Dishes include Sisters Bakery sourdough French toast, steak and eggs with chimichurri, and rockfish and shrimp piccata. Brunch includes access to an Easter egg hunt. Reservations required.
Website: blackbutteranch.com

What’s Up Central Oregon?

The New Events Newsletter Is Still in the Works
Thanks for your patience as we continue building out the new Central Oregon events newsletter! In the meantime, our embedded calendar is updated regularly—so be sure to check it out for the latest local happenings.

 Kiwanis Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Crook County Fairgrounds

📍 Crook County Fairgrounds, Prineville
📅 Saturday, April 19
⏰ Gates open at 9:30 a.m. | Egg Hunt starts at 10:30 a.m.

Hop into Easter weekend with one of Prineville’s favorite family traditions! The Kiwanis Club of Prineville is once again hosting its Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Crook County Fairgrounds, and it’s shaping up to be an egg-cellent time for kids and families alike.

The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m., with early festivities including free photos with the Easter Bunny and registration for the bike raffle—where eight brand-new bikes will be given away, courtesy of local sponsors from Country Financial and Churchill Mortgage. One lucky boy and girl in each age group will roll away with a brand-new ride!

At 10:30 a.m., the egg hunt begins! With a whopping 10,000 plastic eggs spread out across the fairgrounds, kids ages 0-11 will get to dash and collect eggs filled with candy and small toys. The hunt is thoughtfully organized into age groups (0–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–11) to make the experience fun and fair for all. Organizers are also working to ensure the event is inclusive and accessible for children with disabilities.

The egg hunt takes place just west of the fairgrounds’ outdoor tent. If weather forces a change in location, updates will be posted on the Kiwanis Club of Prineville Facebook page.

Ray Austin, one of the event organizers, says the goal is simple: "To impact the lives of children and youth in our community." So grab your baskets and hop on over—this is a springtime celebration you don’t want to miss!

Coming up

High Desert Horticultural Center Launches Plant Native Class Series to Inspire Climate-Resilient Landscaping

The High Desert Horticultural Center (HDHC), a newly established nonprofit dedicated to advancing native plant use and resource conservation, is proud to announce the launch of its Plant Native Class Series, beginning April 26 at WinterCreek Nursery.

This engaging educational series is open to all experience levels and will equip community members with the knowledge and tools to create and maintain native plant landscapes — an accessible and impactful way to combat climate change, reduce water consumption, and restore vital pollinator habitats.

Class topics include:

• Which Plant Where?

• Intro to Native Garden Design

• Native Plants 101

• Native Garden Maintenance

Each class is $40, runs from 10am-12pm on Saturdays, and will be held throughout the growing season at WinterCreek Nursery, the region’s largest retail native plant nursery.  HDHC Members enjoy a 25% discount on classes.

“Our goal is to empower individuals with practical, inspiring knowledge about native plants,” said Rick Martinson, founder of HDHC and former owner of WinterCreek Nursery. “Everyone has a role to play in regenerating our landscapes and restoring ecological balance — and native gardening is a beautiful, personal way to start.”

For more information or to register for classes, visit: highdeserthorticulturalcenter.org/events.

About the High Desert Horticultural Center:
Founded in late 2023, the High Desert Horticultural Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on education, research, and native plant propagation in the high desert west. HDHC’s mission is to inspire ecological integrity and improve sustainability of urban landscapes by increasing the understanding of native vegetation in created landscapes.  The center offers hands-on learning opportunities for the public, professionals, and future restoration practitioners.

About WinterCreek Nursery:
Established in 1993 and now owned and operated by the HDHC, WinterCreek Nursery propagates nearly 200 species of high desert native plants. As central Oregon’s largest native plant nursery, WinterCreek continues to serve retail and wholesale customers while also supporting HDHC’s nonprofit mission.

highdeserthorticulturalcenter.org

Bend Burn & Barrel Festival — A Two-Night Celebration of Cigars, Spirits & Style

Get ready, Central Oregon — Bend Burn & Barrel is lighting up the summer with a one-of-a-kind experience for cigar and spirit enthusiasts. Debuting August 22–23, 2025, this exclusive festival promises two unforgettable nights of hand-rolled cigars, world-class whiskey, gourmet eats, and live music, all set against the stunning landscapes of Tetherow Resort and Crater Lake Spirits.

Hosted by the Between Two Humidors podcast, the event offers two distinct experiences: VIP Patrons will enjoy rare tastings, exclusive lounges, and a private performance by StationCamp, while Social Experience attendees can kick back with craft pours, local food truck flavors, and a vibrant atmosphere at Crater Lake Spirits.

Guests will receive custom swag bags, enjoy nightly live performances, and have a chance to meet cigar legends Robert Caldwell (Caldwell Cigars) and Matt Booth (Room 101). Food lovers will also get exclusive discounts from five popular food trucks through a partnership with The Bend Foodie.

To top it all off, a charity raffle sponsored by Don Doroteo Cigars will benefit The Giving Plate, a local nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger in our community.

🎫 Tickets are limited — and going fast. Visit bendburnandbarrel.com to lock in your spot for this summer’s most sophisticated smoke and sip soirée.

LOCAL EVENTS

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Local News…

Prineville’s Proposed Biomass Plant Sparks Public Backlash Over Urban Growth Expansion

• COURTESY MAP: City of Prineville

A packed Prineville City Council meeting on April 8 drew strong opposition from residents over a proposed expansion of the city’s urban growth boundary (UGB), which would allow for the development of a 20-megawatt biomass facility. The project, promoted as a wildfire mitigation and job-creating opportunity, would be located on 227 acres near Lamonta Road.

The city argues it needs more heavy industrial land and cites an economic analysis projecting a shortfall for future industries, including biomass and manufacturing. However, critics voiced health and environmental concerns, questioned the facility’s proximity to neighborhoods, and called out the city for poor communication and lack of transparency. Testimony also highlighted existing groundwater issues in the area and questioned the disposal of biomass ash waste.

Due to a lack of quorum when the mayor had to leave mid-meeting, the city council was forced to suspend the public hearing and adjourn. The matter will resume on April 22, with written comments accepted in the meantime.

Prineville Chamber reveals its completed office remodel

The Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center recently unveiled a remodel of its main office in Prineville.

Funded through the Travel Oregon Competitive Grants Program, the remodel enhances the facility to improve the Chamber’s ability to serve residents, visitors and tourists exploring the area.

The project focused on upgrades to improve the Visitor Center’s functionality, including a handicap-accessible door opener, a new ADA-compliant front desk, lobby seating and wayfinding signage. The remodel also features a high-resolution LED sign at the front of the building, making community and tourism information easier to access for all.

“The grant we received from Travel Oregon made this project possible, and it’s incredible to see the transformation,” said Kim Molnar, Director of Tourism for Explore Prineville. “This remodel reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming and accommodating space for visitors. It’s a major milestone for Prineville’s tourism efforts.”

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and dedication of our team, especially Kim and her hard work securing this competitive grant,” added Chamber President Shawn Benson. “It’s an example of what can be accomplished when prioritizing tourism and community partnerships.”

The remodel was made possible through collaboration with local experts, including Brandin Noland of Orion Subcontracting, who led the construction efforts, and Brittany Grogan of Hailis Design, whose creative vision brought the redesign to life. Current and former board members of the Visitor Center also contributed to making this project a success.

“We’re proud to share these updates with the community and look forward to welcoming more visitors to Prineville,” added Operations Manager Deb Shaw. “This facility is not just an office — it’s the first impression many people have of our area, and now it truly reflects the warmth and hospitality of Prineville.”

Deschutes National Forest Plans Spring Prescribed Burning Season

Bend, OR, April 9, 2025 — Deschutes National Forest firefighters plan to start spring prescribed burning season as early as mid-April if conditions become favorable. The Deschutes National Forest may accomplish up to an estimated 8,860 acres of prescribed burning, including up to an estimated 7,000 acres on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, 360 acres on the Crescent Ranger District, and 1,500 acres on the Sisters Ranger District.

Prescribed burns are slated for the following areas:

• Bend – west of Bend adjacent to Cascade Lakes Highway, Forest Service Road (FSR) 41, Skyliners Road, Phils Trailhead area, and the Deschutes River, and southeast of Bend near the junction of FSR 18 and FSR 25.

• Camp Sherman – along FSR 14 south of Camp Sherman, along FSR 800 south of the Camp Sherman Store, and west of Camp Sherman along FSR 1216.

• Crescent –southeast of Crescent and east of Highway 97 off FSR 9760 near Boundary Springs Campground, south of Crescent and one mile north of the junction of Highway 97 and Highway 58, and south of the Two Rivers subdivision and west of Highway 97 off FSR 5835.

• La Pine – northeast of La Pine on the north and south sides of Paulina Lake Road (FSR 21), and southeast of La Pine near Finley Butte.

• Sisters – south and west of Sisters and both sides of Highway 20 near the Indian Ford Campground area.

• Sunriver – east of Sunriver and Lava Butte on the east side of Highway 97.

Please see maps for specific locations.

Regional News…

 City of Bend Events

Fire & Rescue News…

Smoldering Burn Pile Ignites Brushfire in Whychus Canyon Estates

SISTERS, Ore. - A debris pile that was not properly extinguished sparked a bushfire Thursday evening in the Whychus Canyon Estates area north of Sisters, officials said.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District personnel responded to a report of smoke in the area and found the active brushfire. The Deschutes County 911 call was received at 7:39 p.m., and crews located the fire at 7:58 p.m. 

Upon arrival, firefighters found a debris burn pile that had not been properly extinguished. The fire had spread into nearby vegetation, prompting a multi-agency response. The homeowner was present at the scene and unaware that the piles had reignited. 

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District responded with 12 firefighters and eight emergency vehicles. Additional support came from neighboring agencies, including: 

• Black Butte Ranch Fire District: 1 Type 3 engine and 3 firefighters 

• Cloverdale Fire District: 1 Type 3 engine, 1 Type 6 engine, and 6 firefighters 

• Oregon Department of Forestry: 2 Type 6 engines and 2 firefighters 

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all responding crews, the fire was contained without further damage to surrounding properties. Crews were returning to the scene Friday to patrol and ensure no hot spots remained. 

Crime News…

Bend Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison

A Bend man described as a high-volume drug trafficker in Central Oregon was sentenced Wednesday to over 11 years in federal prison. Ricky Fontaine, 32, was arrested in April 2023 after detectives found more than 1,000 grams of fentanyl, a handgun, and drug packaging materials in his vehicle. A later search of his residence uncovered more fentanyl and evidence of distribution.

The case stemmed from a long-term investigation by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Street Crimes Unit into fentanyl trafficking linked to a Mexican supplier. Fontaine pleaded guilty in December 2024 to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. State charges were dropped following his federal indictment.

Fontaine will serve 135 months in prison and five years of supervised release. The case highlights ongoing efforts by local and federal agencies to combat the deadly rise of illicit fentanyl in Oregon.

Community News…

Shepherd’s House Ministries seeks community support for Good Friday Easter Dinner

REDMOND, Ore. - Shepherd’s House Ministries invites the Central Oregon community to support our annual Good Friday Easter Dinner at the Redmond Center (1350 S Hwy 97, Redmond) on Friday, April 18th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This special meal offers warmth, nourishment, and community to our neighbors experiencing hardship.

To ensure a meaningful and joyful dinner, Shepherd’s House Ministries kindly requests donations of the following items:

• Hams

• Bacon

• Cheese

• Coconut Cream Pie

• Lemon Meringue Pie

• Assorted Cream Pies

• Carrot Cake

• Hawaiian Rolls

• Butter

Donations may be dropped off seven days a week, between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, at either of the following locations:

• Bend Location: 1854 NE Division Street, Bend

• Redmond Location: 1350 S Hwy 97, Redmond

Your generous support helps Shepherd’s House Ministries create moments of hope and joy during this Easter season. For more information or questions, please contact Shepherd's House Ministries at (541) 388-2096, or shministries.org.

Together, let’s make Easter a celebration of community, compassion, and renewed hope.

 😎 Just sayin

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