💥Driver Crashes Through Sheriff's Office Gate in DUI Incident

Issue #321

 

 

Good morning from Central Oregon Local Buzz!

In today’s edition, we’re serving up the latest on Bend’s spring weather, upcoming events across the region, and a full lineup of local headlines. 🎸 Catch a live show with Uncle Jesse and the Trapper Keepers at The Belfry, and don’t miss our Save the Date section for more ways to plan your week.

We’ve got updates on the City of Bend’s proposed transportation fee hike, a delayed canal piping project affecting Arnold Irrigation District, and some well-earned recognition for Bend’s charming downtown. Plus, a local painting company is stepping up to fight graffiti—for free.

In regional news, we cover a tragic crash that claimed the lives of a college softball coach and player, and a DUI crash into the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office gate. On a brighter note, Street Dog Hero is helping feed pets in need with a generous donation of 500 pounds of dog food. 🐶

Let’s dive in!

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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎸Uncle Jesse and the Trapper Keepers @ The Belfry

📅Save The Date Section

💖Bend Health Fair

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰City of Bend Proposes Transportation Fee Increase for Homes

📰Arnold Irrigation District cites weather delays in canal piping project for postponing water deliveries to May 31

📰Bend recognized among top 40 charming downtown areas in U.S.

📰Local painting company starts initiative to remove graffiti for free

📰Regional News

💥Tragic Crash Claims Lives of Oregon College Softball Coach and Player

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

💥Driver Crashes Through Sheriff's Office Gate in DUI Incident

📰Community News

🐶Street Dog Hero Donates 500 Pounds of Dog Food to Support Central Oregon Pets

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 Airport 04.21.25

BEND

 

 

 

What’s Up Central Oregon?

 

Uncle Jesse and the Trapper Keepers

The Trapper Keepers are a 90’s party band from Bend, OR. They specialize in playing all your favorite songs from the best era of music! Punk, Pop, Rock, R&B, and everything in between. Join us as we dance the night away while benefitting The Blitz At Black Butte Ranch Disc Golf Tournament. DJ Ben will be spinning vinyl to open and close the show. Music goes from 7-9:30 check them out on The Gram @trapperkeepersbend and @djben

📍 The Belfry, Sisters, OR
📅 April 26, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
🎟️ Buy Tickets – $10

🌍 Earth Day Celebration
Earth Day Celebration at Hanai Center
Join the Hanai Foundation on April 22nd from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM to honor Earth Day. This event offers an opportunity to remember our responsibility as stewards of this beautiful planet. Engage in activities that foster joy, reverence, and connection.
📍 Hanai Center
📅 April 22, 2025, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎟️ More Info

🎶 Music & Performing Arts
Portland Cello Project: Sunshine & Stars
Experience an unplugged cellos-only show with the Portland Cello Project, featuring songs inspired by light and hope. Nancy Ives joins as a star cellist and composer in this unique performance.
📍 Tower Theatre
📅 April 24, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ More Info

🧘 Wellness
Wellness Wednesday at The Vineyard
Recharge your body and spirit with an evening of vitamin injections, wellness tips, good vibes, and wine—plus stunning views and amazing company. Health meets happy hour at Faith Hope and Charity Vineyards.
📍 Faith Hope and Charity Vineyards
📅 April 23, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎟️ More Info

🧘‍♀️ Health & Fitness
Stretch & Strength for Runners
Participate in a workshop focused on improving flexibility, preventing injuries, and strengthening stabilizing muscles for runners. Learn breathwork techniques to enhance endurance and mental focus.
📍 10 Barrel Brewing – East Side
📅 April 22, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🎟️ More Info

🎭 Performing Arts
The Sleeping Beauty
Enjoy a performance of "The Sleeping Beauty," a classic ballet that brings the enchanting fairy tale to life. Experience the magic and grace of this timeless story.
📍 Tower Theatre
📅 April 27, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
🎟️ More Info

 

 

Coming up

 Bend Health Fair

Join us for the 4th annual Bend Health Fair! 2025 boasts a new location, more parking, more food and more fun! Meet Central Oregon practitioners and health-related businesses at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center! Come early for an amazing swag bag! HUGE raffle benefiting the Humane Society of Central Oregon-with over $10,000 in prizes! 100% of your $5 ticket is donated to HSCO. Co-located with the Bend Beauty Expo and the Bend Creators Market! Family friendly! Spend the day shopping, eating, drinking, meeting great folks and getting to know local businesses!

LOCAL EVENTS

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Local News…

City of Bend Proposes Transportation Fee Increase for Homes

The City of Bend is planning to nearly double its monthly Transportation Fee for residential properties, increasing it from $5.60 to $10.50 starting July 1, 2025. This adjustment, part of Phase 2 of the fee's implementation, aims to generate approximately $10 million annually to support the maintenance and improvement of the city's transportation infrastructure, including roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks.

The City Council will hold a public hearing on May 7 to discuss the proposed rates. Residents can submit written comments to [email protected] or participate in the hearing in person or online. Additionally, an information session focusing on changes to non-residential fees is scheduled for April 24 at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

For more details, visit the city's official page on the Transportation Fee: bendoregon.gov/transportation-fee.

Arnold Irrigation District cites weather delays in canal piping project for postponing water deliveries to May 31

The Arnold Irrigation District says weather-related delays during its canal piping project means patrons won't receive water until the end of May.

But in a note to patrons, Manager Colin Wills said the district's managers and board still believe the end result will be worth it, providing more irrigation water more consistently than in the past.

Bend recognized among top 40 charming downtown areas in U.S.

Yet another list Bend has made its way to, the top 40 "Most Charming Downtown Areas in the Country" according to HGTV. 

The popular television channel says Bend earned its spot through its beer scene, recreational opportunities, and its walkability. The article also mentions Bend as the location for the world's last Blockbuster. 

Bend is in good company, other downtown areas that made the list are located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California and Virginia City, Nevada. 

Regional News…

Tragic Crash Claims Lives of Oregon College Softball Coach and Player

On Friday night, a devastating accident in Coos County resulted in the deaths of Umpqua Community College's head softball coach, Jami Strinz, 46, and freshman player Kiley Jones, 19. The team's bus collided head-on with a pickup truck that crossed the center line on Highway 42. Eight other team members sustained injuries and were hospitalized. Authorities suspect impaired driving as a primary cause, and a criminal investigation is underway.

 

Bend

Redmond

Deschutes County

 

Fire & Rescue News…

Crime News…

Driver Crashes Through Sheriff's Office Gate in DUI Incident

BEND, Ore. — A Bend man is facing multiple charges after crashing his vehicle through a secured gate at the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office late Saturday night, causing an estimated $80,000 in damage.

Around 10:45 p.m. on April 19, a Sheriff’s Office sergeant discovered that the vehicle entrance gate at the agency’s main office on Highway 20 had been heavily damaged. A black truck was found inside the secured parking area with loud music playing. Authorities determined the vehicle had driven through the gate at high speed before crashing into a nearby block wall.

Oregon State Police responded to assist and contacted the driver, identified as 38-year-old Thomas Lee Downs of Bend. Downs was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, first-degree criminal mischief, and violating parole. He was lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

The Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to Oregon State Police for their assistance and noted that repairs to the damaged facility could exceed $80,000.

Community News…

Street Dog Hero Donates 500 Pounds of Dog Food to Support Central Oregon Pets

BEND, Ore. — Street Dog Hero, a Bend-based nonprofit, has donated 500 pounds of dog food this week to assist families in Central Oregon facing financial hardship. In response to an urgent request from the Humane Society of the Ochocos, the organization also provided an additional 250 pounds of dog food to support their efforts.

Beyond these immediate contributions, Street Dog Hero organizes monthly dog food banks in Bend and La Pine, aiming to help families avoid making difficult decisions about their pets due to financial constraints. The next events are scheduled for May 5th and May 15th and are open to anyone in need.

Street Dog Hero's ongoing efforts underscore their commitment to ensuring that pets remain with their families, even during challenging times.

 😎 Just sayin

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