In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎄Holiday Cheer Drive-Thru @ Healing Reins

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🛣️ County hosts second online open house for South Century Drive roundabouts

🏥 Hospice of Redmond Rebrands as ClearPath Healthcare

🌮 Redmond’s Dylans Mexican Food Named Top Mexican Spot in U.S. by DoorDash

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

💥 Fatal Crash Under Investigation Northwest of Bend

🚨Crime News

🚓 Bend Man Arrested in Series of NW Bend Burglaries

💰 Former Prineville Nursing Center Employee Arrested for Theft from Residents

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

Pile into the car and roll through our festively decorated ranch for a quick dose of holiday cheer. Drop off letters to Santa, snap a few photos, warm up with hot cocoa, and say hello to our amazing Healing Herd. This end-of-year fundraiser supports Healing Reins’ life-changing equine-assisted services, especially our scholarship program. Suggested donation: $10 per vehicle—everyone is welcome.

All proceeds benefit Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services. 

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Deschutes Public Library Events

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Local News…

🛣️ County hosts second online open house for South Century Drive roundabouts

The Deschutes County Road Department invites community members to a second online open house to review designs for roundabouts at two intersections on South Century Drive. This follows the first open house held last spring.

South Century Drive is an essential route near the Sunriver and Three Rivers communities. The Road Department plans to install roundabouts at Venture Lane and Spring River Road to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. 

Nearly 290 community members participated in the first open house, providing valuable feedback on six design alternatives. The input helped the design team refine the most popular alternatives.

Community members can attend the online open house between Dec. 5 and Jan. 5 to review and comment on the updated concepts before they move to the final design stage. Follow this link to participate.

For more information or questions, please email [email protected] or call (541) 388-6581.

 🏥 Hospice of Redmond Rebrands as ClearPath Healthcare

Hospice of Redmond has officially rebranded as ClearPath Healthcare, marking a new chapter for the organization as it expands its services beyond traditional hospice care. The updated name reflects decades of broader service across Central Oregon, as well as the recent launch of an in-home primary care program.

The rebranding was unveiled during the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser, with the organization emphasizing its commitment to meeting patients where they are—literally. ClearPath’s in-home primary care services are set to begin in early March 2026, and interested patients can contact them now through their updated website.

 🌮 Redmond’s Dylans Mexican Food Named Top Mexican Spot in U.S. by DoorDash

Dylans Mexican Food in Redmond has earned a national spotlight, topping DoorDash’s second annual list of America's Favorite Delivery Spots for Mexican cuisine. The list honors just one restaurant per cuisine across the country, focusing on small and mid-sized businesses with stellar customer reviews.

Known for its bold flavors and generous portions, Dylans serves up authentic tacos, burritos, and enchiladas from its main location at 865 SW 17th Street and its food truck at Dry Canyon Club on NW Hemlock Ave. DoorDash highlighted Dylans for its tradition-rich menu and dedication to quality that keeps Redmond locals coming back for more.

 Fire & Rescue…

 🚨 Fatal Crash Under Investigation Northwest of Bend

A tragic single-vehicle crash on Johnson Road claimed the life of 43-year-old Bend resident Jennifer Lynn Simmons on the evening of December 4. First responders arrived around 8:23 p.m. to find a 2022 Honda Passport had left the roadway, struck a tree, and caught fire. Simmons, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary findings suggest speed may have played a role in the crash, which remains under investigation. Johnson Road was closed for approximately three hours while deputies, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Deschutes County Public Works responded and conducted an on-scene investigation.

Crime News…

 🚓 Bend Man Arrested in Series of NW Bend Burglaries

A 61-year-old Bend man, Donald Richard Cain, was arrested early Friday morning following a string of burglaries in northwest Bend. The investigation began Dec. 3 when police responded to a report of an unoccupied home on NW Lakeside Place that appeared to have been broken into and temporarily lived in. Documents found inside led officers to identify Cain as a suspect. The next day, a second burglary was reported on NW Rippling River Court, where security footage showed Cain leaving with a tote bag of stolen items.

In the early hours of Dec. 5, the homeowner alerted police that the suspect had returned. Officers, aided by a drone and Deschutes County K9 Ronin, located Cain hiding on a nearby cliff face. At the time of his arrest, he was wearing a stolen coat containing a Mt. Bachelor pass linked to a third burglary on NW Golf View Drive. Cain now faces multiple charges including three counts of Burglary I, several counts of trespassing, theft, and criminal mischief. Police believe there may be more victims and urge anyone in NW Bend who suspects a burglary to contact non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

💰 Former Prineville Nursing Center Employee Arrested for Theft from Residents

A months-long investigation by the Prineville Police Department has led to the arrest of 39-year-old Violeta Lima of Madras, accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from clients at Prineville Regency Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Concerns were first raised in June 2025 when facility administrators suspected unauthorized access to resident accounts by a former employee. Detectives later uncovered multiple victims and significant financial losses.

Lima was arrested on December 4 and lodged at the Crook County Jail on charges of Criminal Mistreatment I, Aggravated Theft I, Theft I, and Forgery I. The Prineville Police Department is continuing the investigation with assistance from the Oregon Department of Justice and the Madras Police Department, and encourages anyone with additional information to contact them directly.

 Detective Jacob Gentry
[email protected] 
541-447-4168 ext 4138

Community News…

Regional News…

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

 😎Just sayin

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