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?

🚫📬 Westside Bend Neighbors Resort to Unauthorized No-Parking Signs

 🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

⛑️Search Underway After Six Go Over Dillon Falls

🚆🛤️🛻Truck hit by train in reported crash near Juniper Ridge

🚨Crime News

🚨🔥Man Arrested for Arson After Vehicle and Trailer Fire Near Deschutes Junction

🚨Brutal Assault in Prineville Leaves Man with Severe Injuries; Family Launches GoFundMe

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

🐾Prineville Animal Shelter Unveils Major Expansion

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

Good Morning

 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.

🔗 More Info 

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

🧘‍♀️ Silent Disco Outdoor Yoga
📍 Hanai Center
🗓️ Monday, July 21, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
💪 Fitness / Wellness
Join us for Pre-Show Flow, a weekly silent disco outdoor yoga series featuring an all-levels Feel Good Flow at Hanai with a RÜFÜS DU SOL playlist—and post-class aura portraits and readings by Summer from Soma Lumin. 🔗 Tickets & Info (Visit 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

🧭 Ultimate Scavenger Redmond
📍 Downtown Redmond Start – 321 SW 6th St, Redmond, OR 97756
🗓️ Monday, July 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM PDT
🧩 Tours / Family-Friendly
Embark on a citywide scavenger hunt through Redmond’s historic downtown, solving riddles and visiting local landmarks at your own pace. 🔗 Tickets & Info (BendTicket) (bendticket.com, Scavenger Hunt)

🎶 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

🪕 Big Lawn Series
📍 The Suttle Lodge
🗓️ Monday, July 21, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎶 Live Music
The Suttle Lodge is a perfect stop for touring bands and musicians—catch Forest Ray under the pines for a free all-ages show on the Big Lawn. 🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)

🍷 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

🤠 Fair Kick-Off Party: Hell’s Belles Concert
📍 Jefferson County Event Complex
🗓️ Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 6:00 PM
🎸 Live Music / Adult-Friendly
Kick off the Jefferson County Fair with an AC/DC tribute by Hell’s Belles—enjoy cold drinks, food vendors, and high-energy rock under the stars. 🔗 Tickets (Visit Central Oregon)

🎶 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)

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Local News…

Westside Bend Neighbors Resort to Unauthorized No-Parking Signs

Westside Bend residents near Galveston and Century Drive, fed up with cars blocking their mailboxes, have put up about 25 homemade “no parking” signs—some even bearing the USPS logo without permission—to warn motorists off and avoid missed mail deliveries. The Postal Service and the city confirm these signs are illegal and their logos unauthorized, and suggest leaving a note or talking to the driver, but neighbors call those solutions impractical when parking is scarce around popular lunch spots. (KTVZ)

The parking crunch has intensified as new housing developments spring up under state laws that cut minimum parking requirements. City officials acknowledge the challenge and are exploring options like permit systems or timed limits to balance residents’ needs with neighborhood growth. Despite the tensions, neighbors say they still love their community and hope for a long-term fix. (KTVZ)

 Fire & Rescue…

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. 

Truck hit by train in reported crash near Juniper Ridge

Crime News…

Man Arrested For Arson And Other Charges After Vehicle And Trailer Fire South Of Deschutes Junction

Deschutes County, Ore. – At approximately 8:03 a.m. this morning, Deschutes County 911 received a report of a fire near milepost 131–132 on Highway 97, just south of Deschutes Junction.

Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and determined that Charles Smith Harris Jr. (DOB 4/10/1970) allegedly set fire to a vehicle, which then spread to a nearby trailer owned by Todd Mullings. The fire also ignited several small trees in the area.

Bend Fire & Rescue arrived quickly and was able to knock the flames down before they could spread further. No injuries were reported.

Harris was arrested and booked into the Deschutes County Jail on the following charges:

• Arson in the First Degree

• Reckless Burning

• Criminal Mischief in the First Degree

• Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree

• Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree

He was cooperative with deputies and reportedly told them he started the fire in an attempt to “get a fresh start.”

The fire is being investigated as an arson by Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering with Bend Fire & Rescue.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office values its strong partnership with Bend Fire & Rescue. Their quick response and coordinated efforts helped prevent further property damage and ensured public safety.

Brutal Assault in Prineville Leaves Man with Severe Injuries; Family Launches GoFundMe

The family of Steve Wilson, a 53-year-old Prineville man who was violently assaulted earlier this month, has launched a GoFundMe to support his recovery. Police arrested 26-year-old Lindley Purrington on multiple charges, including attempted murder, after Wilson was found with serious head and facial injuries. The attack, which was recorded and posted to Facebook, has shocked the community.

Wilson’s sister says the beating was unprovoked and left Steve with significant injuries, including impaired vision and difficulty swallowing. The two men reportedly lived in the same apartment complex. Donations to the GoFundMe will help cover Wilson’s medical needs and long-term recovery.

Central Oregon Daily News

Regional News…

Community News…

Prineville Animal Shelter Unveils Major Expansion

The Humane Society of the Ochocos celebrated its public open house on July 19, unveiling a brand-new dog wing after nearly a decade of planning. The addition—part of the long-term “Vision 2020” plan—includes 43 spacious kennels and quieter, more modern facilities, replacing the aging, temporary 1995 building where dogs were often doubled up. (KTVZ)

Community fundraisers—everything from golf tournaments and casino nights to adoption events—along with generous local donations, made this milestone possible, said board president Rebecca Ott. At the ribbon-cutting, Executive Director Chanda Wallace thanked everyone involved and looked ahead to phases two and three, which will expand the cat wing and add a new administrative building. Speakers from both the shelter and construction crews emphasized that “it’s not about one person—it’s about everybody.” (KTVZ)

With phase one complete, the HSO is now inviting the community to join the next chapter through spay/neuter programs, fostering, volunteering, and donations. Read more here: [Link to full story]

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