In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 🌼 30th Annual High Desert Garden Tour - July 19th

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🛶Oregon Waterway Access Permit Requirements to Expand and Fees to Rise in 2026

🚴Bend Launches Permanent Veo E-Bike Share Program

🚫BLM imposes Stage 1 public-use restrictions across Central Oregon public lands

⛪Historic Bend United Methodist Church Considering Affordable Housing Redevelopment

 🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

⚡🔥Downed power line sparks brush fire on Bend’s west side

🛬 Small Plane Crashes Near Sisters — All Aboard Escape with Minor Injuries

🚨Crime News

🚨Domestic Violence Suspect Arrested by CERT Team in Bend

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

🍋🌞4-year-old entrepreneur squeezes the most out of summer with mobile lemonade stand

🫴🤝Central Oregon mentorship program launches summer teen leadership track

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🔥Update on Highland Fire

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

Good Morning

 BEND

SISTERS

SUNRIVER

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Featured Events 

🌼 30th Annual High Desert Garden Tour

Get ready to explore six beautiful private gardens across Bend during this self-guided tour celebrating 30 years of high desert gardening inspiration! 🌿

🗓 Saturday, July 19
⏰ 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Various locations around Bend
🎟 $15/person (18 & under free)
🔗 Full Details & Tickets
📞 Info: 541-548-6088

Presented by OSU Extension & Master Gardeners, this is a must-attend for garden lovers, designers, and anyone who enjoys a summer day among blooms and beauty!

📅 Events: July 14 - 20, 2025 - Bend

 🎤 Garrison Keillor
📍 Tower Theatre
🗓️ Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | 7:30 PM
🎭 Live Theatre / Storytelling
Join the legendary storyteller Garrison Keillor for an evening of wit, music, and tales of small-town America. 🔗 Tickets & Info (towertheatre.org)

🎶 Munch & Music: 13 Til Midnight with Dad Bods
📍 Drake Park
🗓️ Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 5 PM – 9 PM
🎵 Live Music / Free Concert Series
Taylor Swift tribute band 13 Til Midnight takes the stage with local opener Dad Bods at Bend’s beloved free summer concert series. 🔗 More Info (Munch & Music, Visit Bend)

🎸 Tab Benoit: I Hear Thunder
📍 Tower Theatre
🗓️ Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 7:30 PM
🎶 Live Music / Blues
Experience four-time Grammy-nominated blues artist Tab Benoit as he returns with fiery guitar and soulful vocals in support of his new album I Hear Thunder. 🔗 Tickets & Info (towertheatre.org)

🌱 30th Annual High Desert Garden Tour
📍 Bend, OR
🗓️ Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly / Garden
Explore six stunning private gardens showcasing sustainable high-desert landscaping guided by OSU Master Gardeners. 🔗 More Info & Tickets (Cascade Business News)

🥍 Oregon Lacrosse Classic
📍 Multiple Locations (Pine Nursery Park & Big Sky Park)
🗓️ Friday–Sunday, July 18–20, 2025 | All Day
🏟️ Sports / Tournament
Regional youth lacrosse tournament featuring boys and girls divisions across two premier community parks. 🔗 Details & Schedule (Adrenaline Lacrosse)

🎵 The Fretliners
📍 Tower Theatre
🗓️ Sunday, July 20, 2025 | 7:30 PM
🎶 Live Music / Bluegrass
Catch the high-energy bluegrass sextet The Fretliners for a night of soaring fiddles and foot-stomping rhythms. 🔗 Tickets & Info (towertheatre.org)

🛍️ NWX Saturday Farmers Market
📍 NorthWest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market
🗓️ Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 10 AM – 2 PM
🛒 Family-Friendly / Market
Discover fresh produce, artisan goods, and local vendors in the vibrant NorthWest Crossing neighborhood. 🔗 More Info (allevents.in)

📅 Events: July 14 - 20, 2025 – Redmond & Nearby

 🎪 Crooked River Ranch Summer Recreation Program
📍 Crooked River Ranch Clubhouse
🗓️ Mon–Fri, July 14–18 | 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly / Youth Camp
A week‐long rec program offering arts, outdoor games, and swimming for kids (ages 6–12). Limited spots—register early! 🔗 Details & Registration (Crooked River Ranch OR)

⛳ Westridge Golf Group at Crooked River Ranch
📍 Crooked River Ranch Golf Course
🗓️ Tuesday, July 15 | All Day
🏌️ Sport / Golf League
Join the weekly Westridge group for a round on one of Central Oregon’s most scenic courses—tee times fill fast! 🔗 Learn More (crookedriverranchgc.com)

🏌️‍♂️ Summer Series – CRR Junior Tournament
📍 Crooked River Ranch Golf Course
🗓️ Wednesday, July 16 | 10:27 AM
🏆 Sports / Youth Golf
The Oregon Golf Association’s Summer Series lands at CRR with a youth championship—9-hole and 18-hole divisions available. 🔗 Register & Details (ChapterSites)

🎤 Live at the Vineyard: Kurt Silva
📍 Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards
🗓️ Thursday, July 17 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎶 Live Music / Wine Tasting
Central Oregon singer‐songwriter Kurt Silva performs folk-country tunes—$15, kids 12 & under free. 🔗 RSVP & Tickets (Faith, Hope, Charity, Redmond Spokesman)

🎸 Live at the Vineyard: The Sound of Sidney
📍 Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards
🗓️ Friday, July 18 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎵 Live Music / Blues Rock
Experience rock & soul folk fusion under the stars—enjoy signature vineyard wines and vibrant tunes. 🔗 RSVP & Tickets (Faith, Hope, Charity)

🛒 Redmond Farmers Market
📍 Centennial Park
🗓️ Friday, July 18 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🌽 Family-Friendly / Market
Pick up farm‐fresh produce, artisan foods, and crafts—live music kicks off at 5 PM! 🔗 Vendor & Music Lineup (Redmond Oregon Farmers Market, Visit Redmond Oregon)

🎡 FairWell Festival
📍 Deschutes County Fairgrounds
🗓️ Fri–Sat, July 18–19 | All Day
🎵 Festival / Country Music
Country music’s biggest names descend on Redmond—Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Tanya Tucker & more. 🔗 Lineup & Tickets (fairwellfestival.com, People.com)

🐲 Summer Dungeons & Dragons Club
📍 Redmond Public Library
🗓️ Wednesday, July 16 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎲 Family-Friendly / Gaming
Dive into a teen-led D&D adventure—new players welcome, campaign materials provided! 🔗 More Info (deschuteslibrary.org)

🌄 Events: July 14-20, 2025 - Sisters

🎵 Big Lawn Series: Eel Salad
📍 The Suttle Lodge
🗓️ Monday, July 14, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎵 Live Music
Free outdoor concert showcasing the indie-rock rhythms of Eel Salad. 🔗 More Info

🍷 Wine on the Deck
📍 The Suttle Lodge
🗓️ Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🍷 Food & Drink
Sip paired wines and seasonal small plates while overlooking the creekside setting. 🔗 More Info

🏞️ Plant Hike at Metolius Preserve
📍 Metolius Preserve
🗓️ Wednesday, July 16, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🚶‍♂️ Outdoor Recreation
Explore the unique transition zone where wet-side and dry-side flora converge, led by naturalist Tom Wainwright. 🔗 More Info

🧘 Creekside Yoga
📍 The Suttle Lodge
🗓️ Friday, July 18, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🧘 Wellness
Wind down your week with grounding outdoor yoga steps from the lodge, taught by Ulla Lundgren. 🔗 More Info

🎸 Pendleton Hwy at Hardtails Free Concert Series
📍 Hardtails Bar & Grill
🗓️ Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎶 Live Music
Enjoy Americana-tinged country rock under the stars with Pendleton Hwy. 🔗 More Info

🛒 Sisters Farmers Market
📍 Fir Street Park
🗓️ Sunday, July 20, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🛒 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Browse fresh local produce, artisan goods, live music, and weekly kids’ activities at this vibrant community market. 🔗 More Info

🌲 Events: July 14–20, 2025 – Sunriver & La Pine

 🌱 Summer Nature Camp: Wildlife Wonders
📍 Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
🗓️ Mon–Fri, July 14–18, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🐾 Family-Friendly / Nature Education
Dive into a week of games, hikes, and hands-on activities exploring Sunriver’s native flora and fauna. 🔗 More Info & Registration (snco.org)

🛒 Sunriver Resort Farmers Market
📍 The Backyard at The Lodge at Sunriver Resort
🗓️ Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🛍️ Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Stroll through local stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisan foods, and handcrafted goods in a picturesque resort setting. 🔗 More Info (Visit Bend)

🎵 Starry Nights Summer Concert Series
📍 The Village at Sunriver
🗓️ Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎶 Live Music
Enjoy free outdoor concerts under the pines in Sunriver’s charming Village—bring a blanket and unwind to local bands. 🔗 More Info (villageatsunriver.com)

🎤 Sunriver Resort Summer Concert Series
📍 The Backyard at The Lodge at Sunriver Resort
🗓️ Friday, July 18, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
🎵 Live Music
Local musicians rock the stage every Friday night—pack a picnic and enjoy free tunes by the lake. 🔗 More Info (sunriverresort.com)

🔭 In-Depth Observatory Nighttime Visit
📍 Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
🗓️ Sunday, July 20, 2025 | 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
🌌 Astronomy / Tours
Gaze at the cosmos through high-powered telescopes, enjoy an educational presentation, and embark on a guided constellation tour. 🔗 Tickets & Info (village-properties.com)

🐴 Events: July 14–20, 2025 – Prineville, OR

🎵 Picnic in the Park
📍 Pioneer Park
🗓️ Wednesday, July 16, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎶 Live Music / Family-Friendly
A free community concert series presented by the Crook County Foundation—bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics; food available for purchase from the Prineville Lions Club. 🔗 More Info (Ccfoundation, Ccfoundation)

🛍️ CROP Farmers Market
📍 Stryker Park (NE 4th & Elm)
🗓️ Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🥕 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Browse fresh produce, artisan foods, and handmade crafts from local vendors at Prineville’s weekly market. 🔗 More Info (Crop)

📚 Third Saturday Book Sale
📍 Crook County Library
🗓️ Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📖 Community / Fundraiser
Fill a $5 bag with books at the Friends of the Library sale—the perfect chance to support library programs and discover great reads. 🔗 More Info (Central Oregonian)

✍️ Scribblers Writing Club
📍 Crook County Library – Juniper Room
🗓️ Wednesday, July 16, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📝 Community / Literary
Share your work and get feedback in this supportive weekly gathering of local writers—all skill levels welcome. 🔗 More Info (Central Oregonian)

🛍️ Events: July 14-20, 2025 Madras

🛒 Madras Saturday Market
📍 Sahalee Park
🗓️ Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🛒 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Mark your calendar for a vibrant open-air market beneath the shade of Sahalee Park’s trees—fresh produce, berries, honey, eggs, teas, soaps, and one-of-a-kind artisan goods from Central Oregon vendors. 🔗 More Info (Madras Saturday Market, Travel Oregon)

🎮 Summer Reading Event: Game Cosplay & Minecraft Movie
📍 Jefferson County Library
🗓️ Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM
📚 Family-Friendly / Library Event
Join the Summer Reading Program for a themed evening of cosplay, gaming activities, and an exclusive screening of the Minecraft movie. 🔗 More Info (jcld.org)

🛩️ Erickson Aircraft Collection Public Tours
📍 Erickson Aircraft Collection
🗓️ Tuesday–Sunday, July 14–20, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🛫 Museum / Tours
Step inside a World War II aviation museum at Madras Municipal Airport to see restored warbirds—the P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, B-17 Flying Fortress—and more, all lovingly maintained in flying condition. 🔗 More Info (en.wikipedia.org, Travel Oregon)

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Local News…

Oregon Waterway Access Permit Requirements to Expand and Fees to Rise in 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, Oregon will require nearly all floating devices—including kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable rafts, and even inner tubes tied together—to carry a valid Waterway Access Permit under House Bill 2982. The expansion aims to fund boat ramp maintenance, safety signage, life-jacket stations, invasive-species education, and enforcement. Permit options remain roughly $7 for a week, $17 for one year, and $30 for two years, and single inner tubes still qualify for an exemption if used alone. Officials plan to focus on education over citations during the rollout. Central Oregon Daily News

Bend Launches Permanent Veo E-Bike Share Program

The City of Bend has partnered with Veo to deploy 300 teal Cosmo-e shareable e-bikes across town, marking the return of a permanent bike-share service. The fleet’s throttle-assist bikes feature active brake lights, and riders are prompted to take a photo of their parked bike in approved zones to end trips. Launch coincided with Bend’s Summer Festival and First Friday art walk; unlock costs $1 plus $0.39 per minute, and users can apply promo code BEND25 for $5 in ride credit. Low-income riders and AARP members qualify for discounted pricing through Veo’s website. Central Oregon Daily News

BLM imposes Stage 1 public-use restrictions across Central Oregon public lands

Beginning June 12, BLM-managed areas around the Deschutes, Crooked, John Day, and White Rivers entered Stage 1 restrictions: campfires, charcoal grills, and wood-burning stoves are banned outside designated campgrounds, though gas stoves and lanterns remain permitted in certain zones. KTVZ

Historic Bend United Methodist Church Considering Affordable Housing Redevelopment

Bend United Methodist Church—often called First Methodist—has served the community from its 1922 sanctuary at Bond Street and Kansas Avenue for over a century. Church leaders have teamed up with Portland developer Home First to propose replacing the aging building with a 116-unit workforce housing complex. Plans call for ground-floor space to remain available for community and worship activities, with four stories of apartments above restricted to residents earning 30%–80% of the area median income. The congregation has applied for $4 million in city loan funds and will present its proposal to a city subcommittee this week, with City Council funding decisions expected by late summer. Central Oregon Daily News

 Fire & Rescue…

Downed power line sparks brush fire on Bend’s west side

Late on July 12, a falling Pacific Power line ignited dry brush near the 200 block of Century Drive, closing the road and leaving some homes without power. Bend Fire & Rescue extinguished the flames before they could spread, and utility crews are repairing the line and restoring service. KTVZ

Small Plane Crashes Near Sisters — All Aboard Escape with Minor Injuries

A small Cessna aircraft crashed late Saturday morning just north of Sisters Eagle Airport, coming down in the Indian Ford Meadows neighborhood shortly after takeoff. The plane caught fire after impact, but all three people onboard — a pilot and two passengers — escaped before it became fully engulfed.

Deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were first on the scene and assisted the injured individuals, who were later transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with minor injuries.

Fire crews from Sisters-Camp Sherman and Cloverdale Fire Districts, along with U.S. Forest Service personnel, quickly responded and extinguished the fire before it could spread to nearby homes or trees.

“This was a textbook example of interagency partnership,” said DCSO spokesperson Jason Carr. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the FAA, and the aircraft will stay in place while officials conduct their review. Flash Alert 

Crime News…

Domestic Violence Suspect Arrested by CERT Team in Bend

On the evening of July 11th, Bend Police responded to a reported domestic violence incident near Cheyenne Road and Comanche Lane. Investigators determined that 52-year-old Jeff M. Salt, a Bend resident, had physically assaulted the victim—also a 52-year-old Bend resident—causing injury.

Salt allegedly attempted to prevent the victim from contacting police and later barricaded himself inside his home. The Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) was deployed and successfully took him into custody.

Salt was arrested on multiple charges, including Assault IV, Strangulation, Coercion, and Tampering with a Witness. He was booked into the Deschutes County Jail.

Regional News…

Community News…

4-year-old entrepreneur squeezes the most out of summer with mobile lemonade stand

Nearly 4-year-old Charlotte De Sautel has set up a lemonade stand at local parks and riverbanks, saving every penny toward her family’s Disneyland trip. With help from her parents, she’s learning budgeting, planning, and perseverance—one refreshing cup at a time. KTVZ

Central Oregon mentorship program launches summer teen leadership track

Friends of the Children Central Oregon has introduced a pilot “counselor-in-training” program for its oldest teens, pairing 12- and 13-year-olds with younger mentees to develop leadership and job-readiness skills. Eight teens were selected through an interview process to gain hands-on experience running summer activities and supporting staff. The Bulletin

 City of Bend Events

After overnight efforts, Highland Fire remains at 1,500 acres; evacuations continue as of Sunday

As of the morning of July 13, the Highland Fire southeast of Prineville sat at roughly 1,500 acres with 0 percent containment. Crews worked through the night establishing fire lines and focusing on structure protection around homes in the Juniper Canyon area. Evacuation orders remain in effect for dozens of neighborhoods, and shelters have been set up at Eastside Church in Prineville and Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte.

Highland Road Fire Investigation Update

Crook County Fire and Rescue was dispatched for a brush fire in the area of SE Highland Road, in Prineville, Oregon, at approximately 1543 hours, on 7/12/2025. First arriving crews found a fast-moving fire burning in sage brush and juniper. Crews immediately began structure protection efforts for homes in the immediate vicinity.

Multiple agencies were requested and responded to the fire, including the Central Oregon Structural Task Forces, Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service, and Oregon Department of Forestry. At this time, there have been no reports of any structures lost.

Crook County Fire and Rescue, with assistance from the Oregon Department of State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Land Management, have been working jointly to investigate the origin and cause of the Highland Road Fire. At this time, the fire has initially been determined to be human caused and the thorough and complete investigation is currently ongoing. To maintain the integrity of the investigation, no additional information is being released until the investigation is finalized.

Russell Deboodt Division Chief – Fire Marshal Crook County Fire and Rescue

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