In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

  🐶 Bingo for Senior Dogs — Fun Night Supporting Local Rescue!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

⚾ Bright Lights Ahead at Vince Genna Stadium!

 🐺 Jefferson County Ranchers Eligible for Wolf Deterrent Funding.

🗳️ Julie Thompson Announces Run for Crook County Commissioner

🏛County promotes transparency with release of Popular Annual Financial Report

🎓 COCC Unveils Transformed Madras Campus to Expand Learning Opportunities!

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🥰Community News

🚴‍♂️ Bend Doctor Critically Injured in Bicycle Crash

📰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

 🐶 Bingo for Senior Dogs — Fun Night Supporting Local Rescue!

Get ready to dab your way to helping pups in need at Bingo for Senior Dogs on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 6 – 8 pm at Spider City Brewing! This playful fundraiser benefits RylieMay Rescue Ranch, a Central Oregon nonprofit dedicated to senior and disabled dogs. Bingo cards are just $1–$3, and there’ll be chances to win prizes, enjoy tasty bites from Tony’s Mexican food truck, and relax with friends while sipping drinks—Spider City Brewing will donate $1 from every beverage purchase to the cause. (visitbend.com)

Whether you’re a bingo buff or just love supporting animals, this event’s a great way to help local rescues and meet fellow dog lovers in Bend. Bring some cash, bring some friends, and have fun knowing you’re helping dogs live their best golden years! (visitbend.com)

New Events Calendar - Check it out! 👇

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Other Event Sources:

Visit Central Oregon Event Listings

Bend Magazine Event Listings

Local News…

⚾ Bright Lights Ahead at Vince Genna Stadium!

Crews have begun installing brand‑new field lights at Vince Genna Stadium in Bend, marking a big upgrade for the historic ballpark and the fans who gather there for summer baseball. The new light poles are part of ongoing improvements at the stadium, aiming to enhance evening games and community events under the lights throughout the season.

The stadium, home to the Bend Elks and a beloved local gathering place since the 1960s, should soon offer brighter, more reliable lighting for players and spectators alike, setting the stage for even more memorable nights of baseball and community fun.

 🐺 Jefferson County Ranchers Eligible for Wolf Deterrent Funding.

Ranchers in Jefferson County are now able to apply for state‑backed funding aimed at helping them protect livestock from wolf conflicts, with applications and required reports due by Feb. 2. This funding is part of Oregon’s broader Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance Grant Program, which supports counties and producers with both compensation for losses and non‑lethal deterrent tools to reduce wolf‑livestock conflicts on working lands.

The program helps cover costs for preventative measures such as improved fencing, scare devices, or other management strategies designed to keep wolves and livestock safely apart. Ranchers interested in applying should contact the Jefferson County Wolf Committee or local agricultural officials soon to get guidance on the application process before the early February deadline.

🗳️ Julie Thompson Announces Run for Crook County Commissioner

Prineville resident Julie Thompson has filed to run for Crook County Commissioner Position 2 in the upcoming May 19, 2026 primary election, joining Rick Steber on the ballot for the four‑year seat. Thompson, who has lived in the community since 1992 and brings years of local agricultural experience, said her campaign is focused on increasing transparency in county government, improving public notification about commission decisions, and protecting farmland from unnecessary rezoning. (Central Oregonian)

Thompson’s interest in local government grew out of her involvement with groundwater issues in northwest Prineville, and she has voiced concerns in past Crook County meetings about land use and public communication. She hopes to broaden community awareness of county actions and encourage more residents to engage with local governance as she campaigns ahead of next spring’s election. (Central Oregonian)

🏛County promotes transparency with release of Popular Annual Financial Report

Deschutes County has released this year's Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), offering residents a high-level summary of the more detailed Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

"The PAFR simplifies our financial data, making it easier for residents to understand where their tax dollars go," said Chief Financial Officer, Robert Tintle. "It provides a snapshot of the county’s financial health over the past decade and illustrates how property taxes are utilized."

For six consecutive years, the Deschutes County Finance team has received awards for "Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting" from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). Judges recognized these reports for their reader appeal, understandability, distribution method, and creativity.

Residents can view or download this year's PAFR through this link or request a hard copy by emailing [email protected].

🎓 COCC Unveils Transformed Madras Campus to Expand Learning Opportunities!

Central Oregon Community College has officially opened its newly transformed 24,000 sq ft Madras campus learning center, marking a major milestone in expanding access to education and workforce training in Jefferson County. The updated facility significantly broadens local opportunities for students to pursue in‑demand programs like nursing, medical assisting and early childhood education—without the long commute to Bend or Redmond. The expansion also includes a 100‑child capacity community child care center, helping remove a major barrier for families and students alike as they pursue education and careers close to home. (Central Oregonian)

The revamped campus reflects years of planning and community support through COCC’s “Growing Together” campaign, which has drawn funding from state, federal and private sources to meet local needs for health care professionals and early learning educators. By doubling the size of its educational hub in Madras, COCC aims to strengthen the region’s workforce and support Jefferson County residents in building skills, careers and community right where they live. (Central Oregon Community College)

Fire & Rescue… 

Crime News…

Community News…

🚴‍♂️ Bend Doctor Critically Injured in Bicycle Crash

A beloved Bend family physician was left with life‑threatening injuries after an SUV allegedly ran a red light and struck him while he was riding his bike in southeast Bend on Wednesday evening. The 34‑year‑old cyclist, identified in local coverage as Dr. Will Speed, was transported to St. Charles Bend with serious head trauma, cuts and bruises; friends and family describe him as a devoted husband, father and community volunteer. (GoFundMe)

In response, loved ones have launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical costs, rehabilitation and family needs as he begins the long road to recovery—raising tens of thousands so far. Anyone who wants to support Dr. Speed during this difficult time can find the fundraiser online. (GoFundMe)

Regional News…

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

 😎Just sayin

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