In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎶 Redmond Community Choir Rings in the Holidays with “Sounds of the Season”

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🗺️ Public Hearings Set for Controversial Deschutes County District Map

🕯️ Crook County Mourns Teen Killed in Dirt Bike Collision; Community Rallies for Injured Rider

⛸️ Warm Weather Forces Ice Rink Closures at Bend’s Pavilion

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🚜 CATastrophic Family Feud Ends in Arrest Near Redmond

🕵️‍♂️ Suspect Arrested in Sassy’s Cafe Robbery Case

⚖️ Judge Rules Redmond Woman Fit for Trial in Mother's Stabbing Death

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🐾Pet of the Week

🐾 Holiday Pet Rescue Roundup — December Fundraisers You Can Support🎅

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

👉 Expanded Answer will be in Friday’s Newsletter 👈

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

 🎶 Redmond Community Choir Rings in the Holidays with “Sounds of the Season”

Get ready for festive feels and joyful harmonies! The Redmond Community Choir invites you to their annual “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert on Sunday, December 14 at 4:00 p.m. in the Redmond High School auditorium. With more than 70 talented local singers bringing classic and contemporary holiday tunes to life, this heartwarming event promises to be a seasonal favorite.

As a special treat, The 27th Street Brass Quintet—Central Oregon’s premier brass ensemble—will be joining the performance, adding bold, brilliant brass to the winter magic. It’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday spirit with family and friends.

Admission is free (yes, free!), and donations are always appreciated to help support the music. The Redmond Community Choir is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a proud partner of COCC Community Education. Come early, bring your holiday cheer, and let the music move you!

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Local News…

🗺️ Public Hearings Set for Controversial Deschutes County District Map

BEND, Ore. — The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings in January to gather feedback on a proposed district map that’s sparked controversy across the county. The advisory committee tasked with creating the new boundaries narrowly voted 4–3 in favor of “Map C,” which divides the county into five districts, aligning with the upcoming expansion of the board from three to five members. The hearings will take place Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 6–8 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 9 a.m. in the Barnes Sawyer Room at the Deschutes Services Building in Bend. Community members can attend in person or online via the county’s website.

Map C aims to preserve voting precincts, maintain community integrity, and avoid partisan bias, but some residents have raised concerns about potential political implications. The five proposed districts span areas including Sisters, La Pine, Redmond, and east and west Bend, each intended to elect their own representative rather than the current at-large system. If approved by commissioners, the map will be on the May 2026 ballot. Without voter approval, the county will continue with at-large elections. Four seats will be up for election in 2026 regardless, but district-based representation would begin in 2028 if the map is adopted.

🕯️ Crook County Mourns Teen Killed in Dirt Bike Collision; Community Rallies for Injured Rider

PRINEVILLE, Ore. — The Crook County community is grieving after a tragic dirt bike collision south of Prineville claimed the life of 15-year-old Tyler and left another teen, Trent, critically injured. The crash occurred Saturday night on SE Indian Lane in the Juniper Canyon area, where the two boys collided while riding and came to rest in the middle of the roadway. Despite life‑saving efforts, Tyler died at the scene. Trent was airlifted to St. Charles Bend with severe injuries.

On Monday night, dozens gathered at Crook County High School for a candlelight vigil, sharing memories and offering support to both families. Tyler’s aunt, Tonya Robinson, expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, calling it a powerful reminder of Crook County’s tight‑knit spirit. Tyler’s cousin, Blake Ridgway, described him as the little brother he never had, saying the loss still feels unimaginable. GoFundMe pages have been created to assist both families with expenses as the investigation continues. Authorities do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

⛸️ Warm Weather Forces Ice Rink Closures at Bend’s Pavilion

BEND, Ore. — Unseasonably warm and windy weather is putting the chill on ice skating plans at The Pavilion in Bend. The popular outdoor rink was forced to close again Monday after morning skate sessions, as managers continue to battle rising temperatures and difficult ice conditions.

Pavilion manager Clare Gordon explained that while the facility aims to maintain ice temperatures between 18–22°F — similar to indoor arenas — it becomes nearly impossible when wind and humidity rise or when overnight temps fail to dip below freezing. She encourages visitors to check The Pavilion’s website and calendar before heading out, as skating sessions may be canceled day by day. Those registered for programs like hockey will receive direct updates.

 Fire & Rescue…

Crime News…

 🚜 Family Feud Turns Wild as Stolen Front Loader Rams Vehicle in Redmond

REDMOND, Ore. — A family dispute took a dramatic and destructive turn Monday night when Deschutes County deputies responded to a report of a man threatening to crush a relative’s vehicle with a stolen front loader. The call came in just before 8 p.m. from a resident on NW Norse Way, who soon updated dispatchers to report the threat had escalated — the suspect was actively ramming the vehicle with the massive piece of machinery.

Deputies quickly located the CAT 980M front loader — a 70-ton vehicle valued at over $750,000 — rumbling away from the scene near NW 35th Street and NW Upas Avenue. A traffic stop was conducted, and 36-year-old Blake Mogan of Redmond was taken into custody without incident. Mogan admitted to stealing the front loader from a nearby construction site earlier that evening.

Mogan was booked into the Deschutes County Jail on charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, First-Degree Theft, and Second-Degree Criminal Mischief. The front loader sustained minimal damage and was returned to its owner. While the situation could have ended much worse, deputies were able to safely resolve the unusual incident — proving once again that no call is too big for the Sheriff's Office.

🕵️‍♂️ Suspect Arrested in Sassy’s Cafe Robbery Case

REDMOND, Ore. — Redmond Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the October 31 robbery of Sassy’s Cafe. Authorities identified 54-year-old Douglas Richard York as the individual believed to be responsible for the incident.

York was taken into custody on December 8 around 3:00 p.m. at his home in Crooked River Ranch by the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT). In addition to the robbery charges, he was also arrested on an outstanding warrant unrelated to the case. He is currently being held at the Deschutes County Jail as the investigation remains ongoing.

The Redmond Police Department expressed gratitude to the Redmond and Crooked River Ranch communities for their assistance, and extended thanks to the Oregon State Police Crime Lab, CERT, Bend Police Department, and the sheriff’s offices of Deschutes and Jefferson counties for their support during the investigation.

⚖️ Judge Rules Redmond Woman Fit for Trial in Mother's Stabbing Death

BEND, Ore. — A Deschutes County judge has ruled that Jessica Andersch, the Redmond woman accused of fatally stabbing her mother earlier this year, is mentally competent to stand trial. The decision clears the way for Andersch to formally enter a plea, though a scheduled hearing Tuesday was postponed following a private meeting between attorneys and the judge. The new plea hearing is now set for January 14.

Andersch is charged with murdering her mother, 56-year-old Tracy Lynn Berry, at the Redmond duplex they shared. Responding officers found Andersch at the scene covered in blood after she called 911 to report the crime. Neighbors had previously described her as acting erratically that day, and in court, she made disturbing outbursts, referring to her mother as “a being” and “a copy,” and asking to be sent to prison. These incidents prompted a court-ordered mental health evaluation and treatment at the Oregon State Hospital.

Due to a statewide shortage of psychiatric beds, Andersch remained in county custody for weeks before a spot became available. During her hospitalization, she filed a petition asking for acquittal and repeated strange claims about her mother’s identity. But after months of treatment, hospital evaluators found her competent to aid in her own defense — a standard required under Oregon law for criminal proceedings to continue.

The case has highlighted ongoing strain within Oregon’s mental health system, particularly in criminal courts where delays in evaluation and treatment continue to cause backlogs. As the case moves forward, it remains a stark example of how mental health and public safety intersect in the courtroom.

This story first appeared on KTVZ

Community News…

Regional News…

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

🐾 Holiday Pet Rescue Roundup — December Fundraisers You Can Support🎅

This week, instead of our usual Pet of the Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible work local rescues and wildlife care organizations are doing across Central Oregon. December is packed with festive fundraising events — from pint nights to bingo, pet-photo fundraisers, supply drives, and regional giving campaigns. Here’s how you can support the animals (and wildlife!) who need us most this winter.

🐶 Humane Society of Central Oregon

Leapin’ Dog Lager Release — HSCO Fundraiser
Where: Deschutes Brewery + participating Bend breweries
When: Monday, December 15 — available all month
What: Leapin’ Dog Lager, brewed in honor of Libby the shop dog, raises funds for HSCO with every pint poured.
More Info: https://www.hsco.org/news-and-events

🐕 Street Dog Hero

La Pine Pet Food & Supply Bank
Where: La Pine Senior Activity Center, 16450 Victory Way 🗺️
When: Friday, December 12, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
What: A community event providing coats, food, and essential supplies for pets and families in need. Donations are encouraged.
More Info: https://www.streetdoghero.org/event/la-pine-food-bank-kick-off-la-pine-or/

Holiday Charity Night at The Bite
Where: The Bite Tumalo, 19860 7th St, Bend 🗺️
When: Thursday, December 18, 4–6 p.m.
What: A festive fundraiser with donation opportunities, SDH merch, and meet-and-greets supporting SDH’s rescue mission.
More Info: https://brokentop.assp.org/events/holiday-charity-event-with-street-dog-hero/

🐱 BrightSide Animal Center

BINGO for BrightSide — Blacksmith Public House
Where: 308 SW Evergreen Ave, Redmond 🗺️
When: Sunday, December 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
What: A lively bingo fundraiser with raffle prizes, food-truck fare, and adoptable pets on-site. Half the bingo pot plus raffle proceeds support BrightSide’s no-kill shelter.
More Info: https://brightsideanimals.org/events

BrightSide + Central Oregon Gives
Where: Online
When: Through December 31
What: Year-end online giving that helps BrightSide compete for bonus prize money and boosts funding for their lifesaving work.
More Info: https://www.centraloregongives.org

🦊 Think Wild — Central Oregon’s Wildlife Hospital & Conservation Center

Think Wild Year-End Wildlife Care Fundraiser
Where: Online
When: Through December 31
What: Think Wild is raising funds for medical treatment, wildlife rehabilitation, and conservation programs through year-end giving. Donations help provide care for injured, orphaned, and displaced native wildlife across Central Oregon — from owls and hawks to songbirds, squirrels, porcupines, and more.
More Info: https://www.thinkwildco.org/support-us • https://www.centraloregongives.org

🐾 Humane Society of the Ochocos

Santa Paws Holiday Photo Fundraiser
Where: Humane Society of the Ochocos, Prineville 🗺️
When: December (date/time released through social media)
What: A returning tradition offering festive pet portraits with Santa — a cute, community-driven fundraiser supporting Crook County’s no-kill shelter.
More Info: https://www.thehso.org

🌲 Region-Wide — Central Oregon Gives (All Rescues)

Animal Welfare Category — Major Year-End Fundraiser
Where: Online
When: Through December 31
What: Donate to HSCO, Street Dog Hero, BrightSide, Think Wild, Furry Friends Foundation, and more.
Your donation helps them compete for additional prize money, making each gift even more impactful.
More Info: https://www.centraloregongives.org

 😎Just sayin

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