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- 💥Classic Car Wreck, ⛑️Rescue Updates & a Plea for Puppy Fosters🐶
💥Classic Car Wreck, ⛑️Rescue Updates & a Plea for Puppy Fosters🐶
Issue #346
Good morning, Central Oregon! 👋 It’s Hump Day!
We’ve got a full lineup of local news today—from developments in the ongoing Dillon Falls tragedy to traffic upgrades near the Fairgrounds and a classic car crash with an unexpected twist. Plus, new plans are in motion to support housing, boost the local economy, and keep food assistance flowing.
And if your heart’s been feeling a little soft lately—good news! Street Dog Hero is urgently seeking fosters for an influx of adorable puppies. Now might be the perfect time to add some tail wags to your life.
Catch up on what’s happening across the region—then go live local, go out, and enjoy the sunshine.
In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…
🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays
🌄Bend, OR Weather
📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?
🎈 Up, Up, and Away: Balloons Over Bend Paints the Sky July 25–27
🎪🎡Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo: Four Days of Classic Summer Fun
📰Local News - What’s a Happening?
🚦Traffic Fixes in Motion After FairWell Fest Delays Near Fairgrounds
📰Deschutes County commissioners vote 2-1 to fund new Redmond managed homeless camp
🌲Newberry Regional Partnership launches Newberry Country Strategic Plan
🫴United Way of Central Oregon distributes nearly $59,000 in food and shelter grants
🌲 High Lakes Reopens in Santiam State Forest After 2020 Wildfires
🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News
⛑️Search Underway After Six Go Over Dillon Falls - continued updates
🚨Crime News
💥🚨 Bend Driver Crashes Classic Car, Blames Deer
⚖️Redmond man sentenced in child sex sting after Starbucks meetup
📰Regional News
🥰Community News
🚴🧗❄️Bend Endurance Academy opens fall registration
📆City of Bend Calendar of Events
🚧 Road Closures & Construction
🔥Central Oregon Fire Info
🐾Pet of the Week
🐾🐶PUPPY FOSTERS NEEDED!! - SDH
💖Sponsors
😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!
Which Central Oregon town was originally named "Junction" due to its location at the crossing of two wagon roads, but changed its name to avoid confusion with another Oregon town? |
Good Morning

Mt Bachelor 07.23.25
BEND


SISTERS

MADRAS

What’s Up Central Oregon?
Featured Events
Up, Up, and Away: Balloons Over Bend Paints the Sky July 25–27

This weekend, Central Oregon’s early birds and night owls alike will flock to Bend for the much-anticipated Balloons Over Bend Festival, winding through Friday to Sunday across two vibrant venues: R.E. Jewell Elementary and COCC.
Each morning at sunrise—typically between 6:15 and 6:45 am—watch as a half-dozen or more colorful hot-air balloons inflate and lift off into the rosy sky. It’s a free, heart-lifting experience: picture glowing envelopes drifting serenely over the Deschutes River and Mt. Bachelor beyond.
As dusk falls, the nighttime magic begins. On Friday, head to COCC’s lawn from 5–10 pm for the Night Glow: tethered balloons pulsate in sync with live music, surrounded by food trucks, artisan stalls, and the whimsical “Balloon Blast” obstacle race for kids (ages 3–10). Saturday brings the glow experience to Redmond’s American Legion Park, pairing balloon luminescence with local brews at Redmond Brewfest & Night Glow.

Why it’s a must-see:
A photographer’s dream: early sunlight, bold balloon colors, sun-tinged scenery—pure postcard material.
Fun for families: kids will love the Balloon Blast and the festival’s interactive charm.
Community vibes: music, food, art — the kind of event where your neighbors become friends.
Dual delight: you can catch both neon-lit night scenes and serene sunrise flights.

Interested in taking to the skies yourself? Balloon ride spots may still be open—email the organizers for availability.
Don’t miss the spark and spectacle of this Font of Balloon Magic. Pack your blanket, arrive early for launch, and stay late to glow.
Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo: Four Days of Classic Summer Fun

Madras is bringing the heat (and the horsepower) with the Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo, returning July 23–26 at the Jefferson County Event Complex. This free, family-friendly tradition packs in a full carnival, nightly NPRA Pro Rodeo action, and high-flying circus performers. Little ones will love the balloon artists, face painting, and interactive kids’ zone—while adults can enjoy food trucks, cold beverages, and live music every night.
Bonus: Kick things off early with the Fair Kickoff Concert featuring AC/DC tribute band Hells Belles on Tuesday, July 22. Whether you're there for the rides, the rodeo, or just the kettle corn, this is a true Central Oregon summer staple.
🔗 View Schedule & Details
📅 Events: July 14 - 20, 2025 - Bend
🥕 Bend Farmers Market
📍 Brooks Alley, Downtown Bend
🗓️ Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🛍️ Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Shop a grocery-style market along Brooks Alley, featuring fresh produce, meats, eggs, and SNAP-friendly vendors—rain or shine! 🔗 More Info (Bend Farmers Market)
🎸 Dropkick Murphys & Bad Religion
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
🎶 Live Music / Rock
Catch the Summer of Discontent headliners Dropkick Murphys & Bad Religion with special guest The Mainliners—doors at 4:30 PM, music starts at 6 PM. 🔗 Tickets & Info (Visit Bend)
🌟 MAOLI
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎵 Live Music
Experience Maoli, Hawaii’s “Country Reggae” sensation, as they headline with doors at 6 PM and the show kicking off at 7:30 PM. 🔗 Tickets & Info (Visit Bend)
🍔🎶 Munch & Music
📍 Drake Park
🗓️ Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎉 Festivals / Food & Bev / Music / Family-Friendly
Dive into the 34th season of Munch & Music with free live tunes, restaurant row, artisan row, kids’ zone, and local brews along the river. 🔗 More Info (Visit Bend)
🍴 Food Cart Fridays
📍 Discovery Corner
🗓️ Friday, July 25, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🌮 Food & Bev
Sample a rotating lineup of local food carts—El Sancho, Dump City Dumplings, Pizza Cart & more—paired with live music at Discovery Corner. 🔗 More Info (Visit Bend)
😂 Comedy at Hosmer Bar
📍 Hosmer Bar (Waypoint Hotel)
🗓️ Friday, July 25, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
🎭 Comedy
Unwind with Bits N Skits’ stand-up lineup featuring Christine Rogers, Steve Harber and headliner Christine Keefer—happy hour runs 4 PM–7 PM, 21+ only. 🔗 Tickets & Info (Visit Bend)
🎤 Summer Music Series at The Grove Market Hall
📍 The Grove
🗓️ Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎶 Live Music
Join The Grove Market Hall’s free Summer Music Series for live local acts under the pavilion every Saturday evening. 🔗 More Info (Visit Bend)
🌾 Worthy Brewing Farmer’s Market
📍 Worthy Brewing Main Pub
🗓️ Sunday, July 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🛒 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Grab farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, live tunes, and craft beer—plus support local nonprofits at the free community booth. 🔗 More Info (worthybrewing.com)
📅 Events: July 14 - 20, 2025 – Redmond & Nearby
🎶 Music on the Green
📍 American Legion Park – 850 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond, OR 97756
🗓️ Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎵 Live Music / Family-Friendly
Catch Wildland Blues Band in Redmond’s free summer concert series under the pines—bring blankets, snacks, and your dancing shoes. 🔗 Details & Schedule (Visit Redmond Oregon) (visitredmondoregon.com, The Source Weekly - Bend)
🤠 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series: Chase Rice
📍 General Duffy’s Waterhole – 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
🗓️ Friday, July 25, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM PDT
🎸 Live Music / Country
Join country star Chase Rice on the BasX Stage for an evening of hits, VIP packages, and good vibes at Redmond’s premier outdoor music venue. 🔗 Tickets & Info (General Duffy’s) (Bend Chamber, generalduffys.com)
🛍️ Redmond Farmers Market
📍 Centennial Park – 725 SW Evergreen Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
🗓️ Friday, July 25, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🍎 Farmers Market / Food & Drink / Family-Friendly
Support local growers and makers—fresh produce, artisan crafts, food trucks, live music, and kids’ yoga every week. 🔗 More Info (Redmond Oregon Farmers Market) (visitredmondoregon.com, Redmond Oregon Farmers Market)
🍻 BrewFest & Night Glow
📍 American Legion Park – 850 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond, OR 97756
🗓️ Sunday, July 27, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎉 Festival / Food & Drink
Sip local craft brews, savor food-truck fare, then marvel at a summer fireworks night glow in the heart of Redmond. 🔗 Event Details (Facebook) (Facebook)
🎸 FANFest Concert Series: Classic Journey
📍 Blacksmith Public House – 308 SW Evergreen Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
🗓️ Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
🎶 Live Music / Benefit
Rock out to the Journey tribute Classic Journey in support of Family Access Network—kids 10 & under get in free! 🔗 Tickets & Info (AftonTickets) (Afton Tickets)
🎲 BINGO For Brightside
📍 Blacksmith Public House – 308 SW Evergreen Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
🗓️ Sunday, July 27, 2025 | 11:00 AM
🎗️ Fundraiser / Family-Friendly
Join this bingo fundraiser for Brightside Animal Center—play for prizes, meet adoptable dogs, and help support a good cause. 🔗 Learn More (Blacksmith Events) (Blacksmith Public House)
🌄 Events: July 14-20, 2025 - Sisters
🍷 Wine on the Deck
📍 The Suttle Lodge
🗓️ Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🍇 Food & Drink
Sip curated wines paired with seasonal small plates as Brick House Wines headlines this month’s deck tasting—reservations required ($75). 🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)
🎲 Bingo Night
📍 Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill
🗓️ Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎗️ Community / Games
Join a round of Bingo at Sisters Saloon—half the pot goes to winners, half to Sisters GRO. 21+ only. 🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)
🎨 4th Friday Artwalk
📍 Downtown Sisters
🗓️ Friday, July 25, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🖼️ Arts & Culture / Community
Stroll downtown for gallery openings, artist demos, and refreshments during the Sisters Arts Association’s monthly artwalk. 🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)
🛒 Sisters Farmers Market
📍 Fir Street Park
🗓️ Sunday, July 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
👪 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Shop fresh produce, artisan goods, and enjoy live music and kids’ activities at this weekly community market in Fir Street Park. 🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)
🌲 Events: July 14–20, 2025 – Sunriver & La Pine
🎸Starry Nights Summer Concert Series
📍 The Village at Sunriver
🗓️ Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 6:30 PM
🎶 Live Music / Outdoor Concert / Family-Friendly
Join us in The Village at Sunriver for the 2025 Starry Nights Summer Concert Series featuring The Cold River Music Band. FREE. 🔗 More Info (Visit Central Oregon)
🎸Music in the Pines Concert Series
📍 La Pine Parks & Recreation – 16405 1st Street, La Pine, OR 97739
🗓️ Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎵 Live Music / Family-Friendly
Enjoy a free summer evening concert under the pines—bring a blanket and your favorite snacks. 🔗 Details (lapineoregon.gov)
🎸Summer Concert Series Sunriver Resort
📍 Sunriver Resort – 17600 Center Drive, Sunriver, OR 97707
🗓️ Friday, July 25, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
🎶 Live Music / Outdoor Concert / Family-Friendly
Pack a picnic blanket and enjoy live tunes by Inner Limits in the Backyard. FREE. 🔗 More Info (Visit Central Oregon)
🛍️Sunriver Saturday Market
📍 SHARC – Sunriver Homeowners Aquatics & Recreation Center
🗓️ Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🛒 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Browse local produce, artisan crafts, and enjoy live demos at the Saturday market—SNAP-friendly and free to attend. 🔗 More Info (Visit Central Oregon)
🌱La Pine Coop & Garden Tour
📍 Little Deschutes Grange #939 & Various Homes – 51512 Morson St, La Pine, OR 97739
🗓️ Saturday & Sunday, July 26–27, 2025 | Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sun 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🌱 Family-Friendly / Tours
Explore backyard gardens, coops, and beehives on this self-guided tour—guidebooks $15, proceeds benefit the Grange Scholarship Fund. 🔗 Tickets & Info (Visit Central Oregon)
🐴 Events: July 14–20, 2025 – Prineville, OR
🎵 Picnic in the Park
📍 Pioneer Park, Prineville, OR
🗓️ Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎵 Music / Community
Free summer concert series presented by the Crook County Foundation—bring your blanket and enjoy local talent amid Prineville’s historic park setting. 🔗 More Info (Ccfoundation)
🏍️ The MX13 Jump Show
📍 Wild Ride Brewing, Prineville, OR
🗓️ Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎪 Family-Friendly / Sports
Catch high-flying motocross riders as they perform jaw-dropping stunts right on the brewery patio—fun for all ages. 🔗 Details & Tickets (Visit Central Oregon)
🎬 Summer Movie in the Park
📍 Ochoco Creek Park, 450 NE Elm St, Prineville, OR 97754
🗓️ Friday, July 25, 2025 | 8:00 PM
🎬 Film / Family-Friendly
Bring your blankets and snacks for a screening of Brother Bear under the stars. Concessions open at 8 PM; movie starts at 8:45 PM. 🔗 More Info (AllEvents)
🛒 CROP Farmers Market
📍 Stryker Park, NE 4th St & Elm St, Prineville, OR 97754
🗓️ Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🛍️ Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Stroll through the weekly market for fresh produce, artisan crafts, live music, and SNAP benefits accepted. 🔗 More Info (Crop)
🎨 Lavender Wreath Making Workshop
📍 A.R. Bowman Memorial Museum, Prineville, OR
🗓️ Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 1:00 PM
🎨 Workshops / Arts & Crafts
Learn to craft your own lavender wreath with Patti Smiley of Smiley’s Lavender Farm—materials fee applies. 🔗 RSVP & Details (Facebook)
🛍️ Events: July 14-20, 2025 Madras
🎶 Make a Joyful Noise Music Academy
📍 Madras United Methodist Church
🗓️ Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎨 Workshops / Arts & Culture
Join group music lessons for all ages—violin, piano, guitar, ukulele, brass, percussion, art, weaving, and early childhood activities. Register before July 15 to secure your spot. 🔗 Register & Details (Visit Central Oregon)
🎪 Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo
📍 Jefferson County Event Complex
🗓️ Wednesday, July 23 – Saturday, July 26, 2025 | Gates open daily at 2:00 PM, Carnival rides from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🤠 Festival / Family-Friendly / Live Music
Experience the largest free fair in the region with carnival rides, NPRA Pro Rodeo action, circus performers, balloon artists, a kids’ zone, and nightly live music. 🔗 More Info (Visit Central Oregon)
🎤 Jo Dee Messina Live in Concert
📍 Indian Head Casino
🗓️ Friday, July 25, 2025 | 8:00 PM
🎵 Live Music / Country
Country music star Jo Dee Messina brings her six No. 1 hits to the Indian Head Casino stage—grab your tickets early for an unforgettable night. 🔗 Tickets & Info (Visit Central Oregon)
🍎 Madras Saturday Market
📍 Sahalee Park
🗓️ Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🛒 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Mark your calendar for this vibrant weekly market at Sahalee Park, featuring fresh produce, berries, honey, eggs, teas, handmade soaps, and unique artisan goods. 🔗 More Info (Travel Oregon)
HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?
Other Event Sources:
Local News…
Traffic Fixes in Motion After FairWell Fest Delays Near Fairgrounds
Last weekend’s FairWell Festival at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds brought traffic delays into focus, prompting organizers and local officials to explore solutions ahead of upcoming events. While some attendees experienced smoother exits by Saturday, Fair & Expo Director Geoff Hinds acknowledged Friday’s congestion and said improvements are ongoing. Nearby, a new roundabout project at Veterans and Airport Way aims to ease traffic flow for both events and daily drivers, with additional roundabouts under consideration near the fairgrounds. The next major event—the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo—runs July 30 to August 3. Central Oregon Daily News
Deschutes County commissioners vote 2-1 to fund new Redmond managed homeless camp
The Board of Commissioners approved allocating county dollars to establish and operate a managed homeless camp in Redmond, setting the stage for site selection and provider procurement in the coming weeks. KTVZ
Newberry Regional Partnership launches Newberry Country Strategic Plan
Local officials and stakeholders unveiled a multi-year blueprint aimed at fostering economic growth, boosting tourism, and enhancing quality of life in La Pine and surrounding communities. KTVZ
United Way of Central Oregon distributes nearly $59,000 in food and shelter grants
United Way and the Local Emergency Food & Shelter Board awarded $58,800 to ten nonprofits across Deschutes County to bolster critical food and housing assistance programs. KTVZ
High Lakes Reopens in Santiam State Forest After 2020 Wildfires

The High Lakes area in Santiam State Forest has officially reopened, marking full public access to all recreation areas since the devastating 2020 Labor Day fires. While trails and lakes like Rhody Lake and Butte Lakes are now open, overnight camping is no longer allowed at Rhody Lake due to fire risk and limited infrastructure. Visitors should still use caution—many dead trees remain, and fire danger is currently rated “High.” Restrictions include spark-producing activities only allowed before 1 p.m. or after 8 p.m., and vehicles must carry fire-safety tools. Reforestation is underway, with over 2 million seedlings planted—much of it to restore the area's natural beauty.
For more information on recreational areas in Oregon’s state forests go here.
Fire & Rescue…
The following story is still unfolding and we will post updates as we are made aware of them.
Search And Rescue Efforts Ongoing After Six People Go Over Dillon Falls On The Deschutes River West Of Bend

Deschutes County, Ore. – A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway after a group of six individuals went over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend Saturday afternoon.
At approximately 2:57 p.m., Deschutes County 9-1-1 received a report of the incident, prompting an immediate response from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR). The Bend Police Department provided drone support, and AirLink assisted with the aerial search.
Three individuals were rescued from the river and transported to St. Charles-Bend by ambulance. One person was confirmed deceased at the scene. Two others remain missing.
DCSO Search & Rescue and Bend Fire & Rescue crews continued recovery efforts into the evening and will work until sunset. If unsuccessful, operations will pause overnight and resume in the morning.
The names of the victims and survivors are not being released at this time to allow for proper family notification.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks all partner agencies for their swift and coordinated response. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Search and Rescue Efforts Continue at Dillon Falls West of Bend
Deschutes County, OR – Search and rescue operations resumed at 8:00 a.m. this morning as crews continue looking for the two individuals still missing after Saturday’s incident at Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend.
Two drones were deployed early in the day by Bend Police Department to search the Dillon Falls area in coordination with swiftwater rescue team members. Three K9 teams also assisted, working alongside marine patrol boats to search the area downstream of Dillon Falls for approximately three hours.
15 swiftwater rescue team members were deployed to physically search high-interest areas identified by drone imagery and visual reconnaissance.
Recovery operations occurred throughout the day. No additional updates on identities are available at this time. Recovery efforts will continue on Monday.
Community Chatter: Who Were the Dillon Falls Victims?
As our community continues to process the heartbreaking accident at Dillon Falls that left two people dead and one still missing, there’s been a wave of speculation on social media about who the victims were and where they were from.
Some Reddit users have claimed the group was made up of friends visiting from the East Coast, possibly in town to see a local friend. Others mentioned that the six were floating the Deschutes River on inner tubes tied together and may have unintentionally drifted past the final take-out point before the falls.
It’s important to note that none of this has been confirmed. As of now, local authorities have not released the names or hometowns of the victims or survivors, and the details being discussed online remain speculative.
Out of respect for those involved and their families, we’re sharing this only to acknowledge the conversations happening in the community—but we’ll wait for official updates before drawing any conclusions.
We'll continue to monitor the story and share verified updates as they become available.
Reddit - “Thank you Bend community”
From DCSO:
Recovery Efforts Continue After Deadly Dillon Falls Tragedy
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office search teams are continuing efforts to locate the final missing individual involved in Saturday’s tragic tubing accident on the Deschutes River near Dillon Falls.
The group of six had been floating together on inner tubes tied together when they missed the final takeout point. According to investigators, three were able to jump from their tubes and reach shore. The other three were swept into the treacherous whitewater below Dillon Falls—an area marked by a steep 15-foot drop and classified as a dangerous Class 5 rapid with powerful currents, rocks, and debris.
Two victims have been confirmed deceased:
Amanda Loyd, 39, of Rockwall, Texas
Lindsay Bashan, 33, of Parkland, Florida
The name of the still-missing individual will be released once they are found and their family has been notified. Identities of the three survivors are not being shared at this time out of respect for their privacy.
Search operations remain active, including aerial surveys by Life Flight and a Portland Police fixed-wing aircraft using specialized search cameras. A K-9 unit is also on scene. If necessary, side-scan sonar will be deployed for deeper underwater searches.
“This has been a heartbreaking and emotional event,” said DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr. “We’re proud of the dedication shown by our Marine Patrol Unit, Search & Rescue teams, and volunteers. Their coordinated efforts have already brought answers to two grieving families, and they’re committed to continuing the search.”
The public is asked to avoid the Dillon Falls area while recovery operations are underway.
As summer river use increases, the Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to stay safe on the water:
Know your route — and where to safely exit
Always wear a life jacket
Stay sober when recreating on the water
We’ll share updates as they become available.
Crime News…
Bend Driver Crashes Classic Car, Blames Deer

A vintage-car incident in West Bend on Sunday morning turned heads—and raised eyebrows. At an unauthorized "Cars & Coffee" event, 67‑year‑old Tony Conte reportedly sped his 1968 Pontiac Firebird out of a SW Colorado Avenue roundabout, lost control, and crashed into a fire hydrant, damaging his vehicle.
When police arrived around 9:40 AM, Conte and his passenger claimed a deer had caused the accident. However, multiple witnesses disputed that explanation.
Conte was arrested and cited for reckless driving and second-degree criminal mischief. Authorities emphasized the dangers of neighborhood racing and reminded drivers not to use residential streets as racetracks, noting how close the crash was to pedestrians and onlookers. KTVZ C.O. Daily News both have video.
Redmond man sentenced in child sex sting after Starbucks meetup

A Redmond man arrested in a child exploitation sting in 2024 has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison in Jackson County, Oregon.
Steven Newstrom, 66, was sentenced to 22 months plus three years post-prison supervision for one count of first-degree Online Sexual Corruption of a Child.
The March 2024 arrest happened as part of a Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint interagency task force operation that used undercover detectives posing as minors online.
Newstrom communicated with one of the officers who was posing as a 15-year-old girl, the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office said in a press release. The communication continued for several weeks even though Newstrom allegedly was told he was talking to a 15-year-old.
The interactions allegedly included sharing sexually explicit messages and requests of sexual activities Newstrom wanted to engage in.
Newstrom was arrested on March 13 outside a Redmond Starbucks. A photo of the arrest was released a few days later.
The DA’s office said Newstrom agreed to meet the “child” at a location in the area and thought she was coming to Redmond for a volleyball tournament. When a proposed meetup was set for Starbucks, law enforcement was waiting and took Newstrom into custody.
A check of Newstrom’s phone confirmed he was the one who sent the messages, the DA’s office said.
Judge Christine Herbert gave Newstrom the maximum allowable sentence, as the prosecution asked for.
Regional News…
Community News…
Bend Endurance Academy opens fall registration
It may be the middle of summer, but if you have kids, it's already registration season for fall activities.
The Bend Endurance Academy is opened registration Monday night for its fall programs. This includes mountain biking and climbing programs.
These programs are for all skill levels and spots fill up quickly. Sign up at this link.

BendRedmond | Deschutes County |

PUPPY FOSTERS NEEDED!! Need some puppy cuddles in your life (trick question because…who doesn’t 😜)?? We’ve got over 25 adorable puppies at the Street Dog Hero office and they need foster homes now!
✨ Come meet your future snuggle buddy!
We’ll hook you up with everything you need - food, toys, crate, support - and you just provide the love and a safe space. Even if you can only foster for a couple of weeks, it makes a huge difference!
Plus, you’re helping raise these pups to be the best version of themselves by getting them ready for adoption.
Please fill out an adoption application at streetdoghero.org and swing by 910 SE Wilson Ave, STE A-1, Bend, OR 97702 to meet your new adorable roommate today!
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Or 70’s…
😎 Just sayin
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