Central Oregon's Bustling Start to July From the Editor Welcome to this edition of Central Oregon Local Buzz. In today's edition you'll find updates on a major drug investigation in Madras, a DoorDash delivery that ended in gunfire, a new program giving shelter dogs a day out, and a growing debate over algae bloom advisories at Lake Billy Chinook. We've also included a look at Bend's young fencers heading to nationals, the return of the beloved Pet Parade, and several other stories from around the region. 🚨Crime News 🚔 DoorDash Driver Arrested After Allegedly Firing Shots During Delivery Dispute A DoorDash delivery in southeast Bend ended with gunfire early Friday morning after a verbal confrontation between a delivery driver and a resident. Around 3:16 a.m. on June 26, Bend Police responded to reports of shots fired near Poplar Street, where a caller reported a DoorDash driver had fired multiple rounds while leaving the neighborhood following an argument over the driver's alleged careless driving.
Police later located and arrested 33-year-old Prineville resident Tyler James Blaylock during a traffic stop in Redmond with assistance from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and Redmond Police. Investigators recovered evidence at the scene consistent with the reports of gunfire. No one was injured, and Blaylock was booked on charges of unlawful use of a weapon, reckless endangering, and menacing. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Bend Police Detectives. Read more →
🚔 Prineville Man Indicted on Multiple Child Sex Abuse Charges A 49-year-old Prineville man is facing multiple felony charges after a secret grand jury indictment led to his arrest earlier this month. According to court records, Mark McKinnon was arrested on June 18 and is accused of sexually abusing a young child over a period of time. He is being held at the Crook County Jail as the case moves through the court system.
The indictment includes multiple counts of first-degree sex abuse, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, first-degree sodomy, and using a child in the display of sexually explicit conduct. The alleged victim was under the age of 12 at the time of the reported abuse. Prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing, and additional details have not been released due to the age of the victim.
🚔 Multi-Agency Drug Investigation Leads to Seven Arrests in Madras A months-long drug investigation in Madras resulted in seven arrests on June 24 after a coordinated operation involving the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and several local law enforcement agencies. The investigation centered on a residence on SE Grizzly Road that detectives suspected was being used for drug distribution.
The operation included a vehicle pursuit after a driver attempted to flee a traffic stop, leading deputies to use spike strips and a PIT maneuver to safely stop the vehicle before it entered a residential neighborhood. Investigators recovered suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, a handgun, and other evidence of drug distribution during searches of the vehicle and residence. Several suspects were also arrested on outstanding warrants or additional charges, including drug possession, drug delivery, and weapons offenses. All were lodged at the Jefferson County Jail as the investigation continues.
Arrested & Charges:
Nicholas Alin Speck, 40-year-old, Redmond resident, Attempt to Elude Police – Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, & Felon in Possession of a Weapon (Firearm)
Elizabeth Ann Chavez, 40-year-old, Madras resident, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Escape III
Brent Lee Waldorf, 35-year-old, Madras resident, Unlawful Possession of Fentanyl, Unlawful Delivery of Fentanyl
Kenneth Lee Crutcher, 48-year-old, Redmond resident, Parole Violation warrant, & Felon in Possession of Weapon (Taser)
Jeremy James Wisely, 42-year-old, Madras resident, Probation Violation warrant
Victor Manuel Chavez, 49-year-old, Madras resident, Disorderly Conduct II
Andrew John Jones, 39-year-old, Bend resident, Probation Violation warrant Read more → ⛰️Bend 🤺 Six Bend Fencers Head to USA Summer Nationals Six athletes from Bend's High Desert Fencing Club have qualified to compete in the 2026 USA Fencing Summer Nationals and July Challenge, one of the nation's largest fencing events. The tournament runs June 27 through July 6 in Portland and is expected to attract more than 6,000 competitors from across the country.
The local team includes Abby Fitch, Sierra Hewes, Luke Light, Oscar Desmond-Cieslowski, coach Jeff Ellington, and Randall Barna, who will compete across multiple youth, division, and veteran events. Coach Ellington said competing at the national level gives athletes valuable experience both on and off the strip, helping build confidence, resilience, and character. The High Desert Fencing Club is a Bend nonprofit with approximately 50 members. Read more →
🏃 Cascade Lakes Relay Returns for 19th Year Across Central Oregon Hundreds of runners from around the region and beyond hit the road this weekend as the 19th annual Cascade Lakes Relay returned to Central Oregon. The popular overnight relay features teams tackling up to 216 miles from Diamond Lake to Bend, passing through scenic mountain, forest, and high desert landscapes before finishing at Riverbend Park.
The event has grown into one of Central Oregon's signature summer traditions, drawing participants for both the athletic challenge and the camaraderie. Organizers say the relay also gives back to the community, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits through the Cascade Relays Foundation. Read more →
🐾 Bend's Pet Parade Returns for Its 99th Year One of Bend's favorite Independence Day traditions returns on Friday, July 4, as the 99th annual Pet Parade kicks off the holiday festivities. Lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. at Harmon Park, with the parade stepping off at 9:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to dress in patriotic costumes and bring their pets—or even a favorite stuffed animal—to join the fun. Spectators are welcome along the route, which winds through downtown before ending at Drake Park.
The free community event draws more than 8,000 participants and spectators each year and has been a Bend tradition since 1924. Organizers remind attendees to keep pets leashed, bring water, and watch for signs of overheating, as July temperatures can climb quickly. Volunteers are still needed to help along the parade route and with cleanup after the event. Read more →
🍎 Free Summer Meals & Grocery Benefits Available for Oregon Kids Oregon families can take advantage of two programs this summer to help keep children fed while school is out. Free breakfast and lunch are available for all children and teens ages 18 and younger at more than 450 meal sites across the state, including schools, parks, libraries, and community centers. No registration or proof of income is required to receive meals.
In addition, eligible families may qualify for a one-time Summer EBT benefit of $120 per child to help purchase groceries during the summer months. Many families will receive the benefit automatically, while others may need to apply. Parents can find nearby meal sites by calling or texting 2-1-1 or by using the Oregon Summer Meal Site Finder. Read more → ✈️Redmond 🐶 BrightSide Launches 'Dog Day Out' Program for Shelter Dogs Looking for a way to spend time with a dog without making a long-term commitment? BrightSide Animal Center in Redmond has launched its new Dog Day Out program, giving community members the chance to take adoptable shelter dogs on short adventures. Whether it's a walk around town, a hike, a trip to a pet-friendly business, or simply relaxing at home, even a few hours away from the shelter can make a big difference for a dog's well-being.
The outings help reduce stress, give shelter staff valuable insight into each dog's personality, and increase their chances of finding a forever home by allowing participants to share photos and stories from their day together. Anyone interested can apply through BrightSide Animal Center, where staff will match volunteers with a dog based on experience and the type of outing they'd like to enjoy. Read more → 🪶Madras 🌊 Jefferson County Leaders Seek Clearer Algae Advisory Messaging Jefferson County officials, tourism leaders, and local businesses are urging the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to provide clearer communication and greater transparency about harmful algae bloom advisories, saying the current messaging is causing confusion and discouraging visitors from coming to the area. While local leaders support protecting public health, they say many people mistakenly believe places like Lake Billy Chinook are completely closed when advisories are issued, leading to canceled trips and lost revenue for local businesses.
County leaders say tourism is a major economic driver, and recent advisories have contributed to declines in lodging, camping, and other visitor spending. They are asking OHA to better explain what activities remain safe and to provide more transparency about how advisories are issued. OHA maintains that the advisories are intended to help people make informed decisions and notes that many recreational activities, including fishing and boating under certain conditions, can still continue during an advisory. Read more → 📍Regional News 🐟 Parasite Threatens Young Chinook Salmon in Upper Klamath River Scientists are raising concerns after discovering large numbers of juvenile Chinook salmon dying from a microscopic parasite in the Upper Klamath River. The parasite, Ceratonova shasta, has long affected salmon in the Lower Klamath but is now causing significant fish deaths farther upstream in Oregon for the first time since the removal of four hydroelectric dams reopened historic spawning habitat.
Researchers say unusually warm water temperatures and drought conditions have created ideal conditions for the parasite to spread. Nearly half of the young Chinook tested this spring carried the parasite, with many suffering severe infections. Oregon State University scientists and state, federal, and tribal partners are continuing to monitor the outbreak to better understand its long-term impact on future salmon populations and Klamath Basin fisheries. Read more → 📰Deschutes County 🌾 State Weighs In on Controversial Lower Bridge Valley Development A long-running dispute over a proposed 710-acre development in the Lower Bridge Valley northwest of Redmond is now before Oregon state regulators. Deschutes County previously approved rezoning the property from Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) land to allow a rural residential development known as The Peaks 360, but the decision is now facing additional state review.
Supporters argue the rocky, high-desert property is poorly suited for agriculture and say development would increase housing opportunities and generate local tax revenue. Opponents, including neighboring ranchers and conservation advocates, warn the project could reduce groundwater supplies, threaten the area's farming heritage, and set a precedent for future farmland conversions across Central Oregon. The state's decision could determine whether the project moves forward or faces further legal challenges. Read more → We hope you find this edition both informative and exciting, capturing the diverse aspects of life in Central Oregon. May this week bring not only news but also opportunities to engage with and celebrate our vibrant community. Stay connected and enjoy the many events our wonderful region has to offer. |
.png)
Reply