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

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🛍️ New thrift store opens in Sisters

🦌 Expert saves deer from trap

📰Priest Hole Recreation site reopens

📰Tick cases leading to illness are rising says one Bend vet clinic

📰Bend cyclist says he was attacked by stray dogs near China Hat Road

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🚧Closed for construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

📰Community News

📰 Calling all Crook County kids: learn what law enforcement is all about

🌌Northern lights visible in Central Oregon this week

🗑️Spring cleanup event hosted by Republic Services in Sisters

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

LOCAL EVENTS

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Local News…

New thrift store opens in Sisters

The tagline of A Touch of Faith Thrift Store is "a little bit of everything" - and that's just truth in advertising.

"I have a huge variety of inventory," said Charlene Handsaker, who recently opened her doors at 141 W. Main Ave, between Angeline's Bakery and The Fly Fisher's Place.

There are items ranging from folk art to vintage handbags and dishware from all over the world at the new shop. There are Asian items as well as items with a vintage Western focus. The inventory comes from seven storage units of items that Handsaker has collected over a period of years.

Expert saves deer from trap

Coleen McNerney and her husband Craig Rychlick are used to wildlife roaming their yard. From their vantage point in Whychus Canyon Estates they have seen their limited share of cougars, coyotes, bobcats, and an occasional fox, but are entertained daily by an abundance of deer.

"There is a dozen or so in the herd," McNerney told The Nugget. "But it's usually four or five that routinely visit. I think they are checking in on us," she chuckles describing their regularity and closeness to the house. "We can often get six to eight feet from them."

On a recent Thursday they were startled to see a doe with a contraption seemingly stuck to its snout. Sure enough it was a jumbo size rat trap. "She didn't seem in distress, but we were worried. She looked pregnant," McNerney said. "It looked like she could take in water but not food."

The next day, seeing her again, they called ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife) and were told that there was only one person in the office that day and the office could not be left unattended.

Priest Hole Recreation site reopens

After months of renovations, the Bureau of Land Management is announcing the reopening of its Priest Hole Recreation Site on the John Day River. 

Below is a full press release from Prineville BLM:

Tick cases leading to illness are rising says one Bend vet clinic

Colby Enebrad, Reporter

It may finally feel like spring outside, but the sudden change in weather also indicates the beginning of another kind of season that might tick you off. 

Central Oregon Animal Hospital in Bend says it has seen an uptick in tick cases this year, some of those infecting dogs with life-altering diseases. 

"We've actually had two recent cases where they had not traveled outside of Central Oregon, and they were positive for anaplasmosis. Historically, the ticks are here but the diseases tended to not be here, but now we're seeing that and we're seeing some flees and lice as well," Dr. David Johnston at Central Oregon Animal Hospital said.

Dr. Johnston says since February, the clinic has seen roughly ten tick cases come in, an unusually high number in that time span.

"Weather is changing now. We've had a pretty wet year. I think with people coming in, moving up from California, There's definitely been some more cases brought in," Dr. Johnston said.

The parasites like to often hide in wooded and moist areas, typically in tall grasses. 

Bend local Jacob Bear says he found a tick on his dog Gala last year.

"I was just petting under her ear, and you know I pulled it off," Bear said. "It was the first time I had seen her with a tick on this side of the mountains, and I think it was because we were at Tumalo Creek, and that area has a bit more moisture. But I was surprised to see it."

Fortunately, Gala did not contract a disease, but those that do could face serious conditions.

"They can definitely be life-threatening. We're looking for things like really high fevers. Signs of arthritis can definitely show up. General lethargy, and can lead to really bad problems," Dr. Johnston said.

Of course, ticks can be harmful to humans, as well. 

They can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other very serious illnesses. 

If you go outside where ticks are likely, its best to wear long clothing. Its also a good practice to comb through your pets fur after to check for any ticks.

People can also track ticks into their homes from the outdoors. Checking your clothing and washing them shortly after coming home can also prevent tick-related issues. 

Bend cyclist says he was attacked by stray dogs near China Hat Road

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend cyclist has a message and a warning after being attacked by dogs on China Hat Road south of Bend.

"To have dogs that attack people there just riding their bikes, that's to me, that is unacceptable behavior," Chris Carey said Tuesday. "That's why I'm making a stand here."

On Monday afternoon, Carey was wrapping up a bike ride around the Deschutes National Forest. He's been biking in the area for 30 years without incident, but as he passed a trailer on the Forest Service road, he says two dogs ran out of the woods and attacked him.

Regional News…

 City of Bend Events

Closed for construction

A new roundabout is under construction at the intersection of Yeoman Rd and Deschutes Market Rd. A detour is in place for at least four-months.

Fire & Rescue News…

Crime News…

Community News…

Calling all Crook County kids: learn what law enforcement is all about

The Crook County Sheriff's office is hosting a week-long course for kids ages 9-14. The "Junior Deputy Academy" is meant to show participants what a career in law enforcement looks like. 

The sheriff's office has planned demonstrations from several units like SWAT, Fire Department, K9, Detectives and Search & Rescue. 

This camp is scheduled for the week of July 15th, but registration is already open. To apply, students aged 9-14 have to submit a letter of recommendation from a trusted adult outside of their family and have at least a 3.0 GPA. 

Physical applications are available at the Crook County Sheriff's Office, which is at the Justice Center. Applications are due Friday, June 6th at 5pm. 

Northern lights visible in Central Oregon this week

Central Oregon residents have a rare chance to see the northern lights—no trip to Alaska required.

Bob Grossfeld with Cascade Astronomy says the aurora could be visible Tuesday and Wednesday night, thanks to a strong solar storm that reached Earth earlier this week.

“The best way to go out is somewhere where you have a view to the north and the northeast part of the sky,” Grossfeld said.

The show won’t be dramatic overhead colors like in the far north, but there’s still potential to spot green, yellow, or even red glows along the horizon. And you don’t have to stay up all night—Grossfeld says while midnight is usually ideal, this storm arrived eacrlier than expected, meaning the lights could appear sooner.

He also recommends using your phone camera if you’re unsure what you’re seeing.

“The faint glow is more detectable with the digital camera… because it’s more sensitive to the color,” he said.

A faint white glow or vertical pillar in the northern sky is a good sign the aurora is active.

Grossfeld says we may not have to wait long for another opportunity either. With high solar storm activity expected in 2025, more northern lights sightings could be on the way.

To maximize your chances of seeing them, find a dark spot away from city lights with a clear view to the north.

Spring cleanup event hosted by Republic Services in Sisters

For one week only, Republic Services in Sisters is offering to collect items that typically aren't allowed in a trash can. 

April 14-18, the trash company will pick up items like old fridges, yard debris, and more. 

For more information on how to get your items picked up and what is allowed, click this link. 

 😎 Just sayin

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