From the Editor

Welcome to this week's edition of Central Oregon Local Buzz. This week, we cover key legislative initiatives and community activities. Highlights include the aftermath of a fire in Madras, a new podcast from J Bar J focusing on community leaders, and emerging water concerns following a dry winter in Central Oregon. Additionally, we report on a significant fundraiser for homelessness, updates on local crime, and initiatives promoting mobility and recreation in the region. Stay informed about these stories and more as we explore the happenings in Central Oregon.

⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🔥 Madras House Fire Causes Major Damage, No Injuries Reported

A house fire in Madras caused significant damage to a home Monday, but no injuries were reported. Fire crews responded to the residential blaze and worked to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties. Everyone inside the home was able to safely evacuate before firefighters arrived.

Officials say the structure sustained extensive damage, though the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire crews remained on scene for several hours to fully extinguish hot spots and assess the damage. The incident serves as a reminder for residents to ensure smoke alarms are functioning properly and to have an emergency evacuation plan in place.

🚨Crime News

🚔 Wisconsin Woman Arrested After Bend Shooting Following Family Dispute

A 35-year-old Wisconsin woman was arrested in Bend after allegedly shooting a Texas man during a family dispute late Thursday night near Southwest Century Drive. According to Bend Police, the incident began when a 32-year-old Texas man became involved in an argument with a family member. Investigators say the man later struck a 49-year-old Wisconsin man with a Ford F-350 pickup truck.

Police say the injured man's wife then shot the Texas man in the stomach. Both men were transported to St. Charles Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The woman was arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Authorities said a 15-year-old family member was present during the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not yet determined whether additional charges may be filed against the pickup driver.

⛰️Bend

🎙️ J Bar J Launches New Podcast Highlighting Community Leaders

J Bar J Youth Services has launched a new podcast called LIFT: Leaders Inspiring Forward Thinking, featuring conversations with local leaders, changemakers, educators, nonprofit professionals, and community advocates working to make a difference for youth and families across Central Oregon and Oregon. Hosted by J Bar J Chief Operating Officer Keith Riggs, the podcast focuses on topics including leadership, youth development, family support, and community impact.

Produced by Bend-based J Bar J Youth Services, the state's largest youth-focused social services organization east of the Cascades, the podcast aims to provide thoughtful, nonpartisan discussions around the challenges and opportunities facing communities today. Early guests have included local elected officials and community leaders, with future episodes planned to spotlight the people and partnerships helping shape a stronger future for Central Oregon youth and families. The LIFT Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcast platforms.

💧 Central Oregon Faces Water Concerns After Dry Winter

Despite recent thunderstorms and late-season snow, Central Oregon's water outlook remains troubling as summer begins. According to Deschutes County Water Master Jeremy Giffin, the Upper Deschutes Basin has now reached 0% snowpack and sits at just 78% of normal precipitation for this time of year. While recent storms provided a temporary boost to rivers and streams, officials say the moisture was not enough to offset the effects of one of the region's driest winters in recent memory.

Water managers warn that some irrigation districts could face water shutoffs this summer depending on their water rights and supply levels. Visitors are already noticing lower-than-normal water levels at popular locations such as Dillon Falls. Officials are encouraging residents to conserve water as Central Oregon enters its driest months, noting that a lack of winter snowpack means less water is available to feed rivers, streams, and reservoirs throughout the summer.

❤️ Bethlehem Inn Fundraiser Raises $425,000 for Homeless Services

Bethlehem Inn raised $425,000 during its annual "Spotlight on Homelessness" fundraiser, providing critical support for the organization's emergency shelter and case management programs in Central Oregon. The event, held May 12 in Bend, is the nonprofit's only annual fundraiser and drew support from sponsors, community partners, donors, and volunteers. The funds will help sustain services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout the region.

Bethlehem Inn operates shelters in Bend and Redmond and serves more than 1,100 people each year while providing over 100,000 meals. Organization leaders say community support remains essential as demand for shelter services continues to grow across Central Oregon. Proceeds from the fundraiser will directly support the Inn's efforts to provide emergency housing, meals, safety, and pathways to long-term stability for those in need.

🚐 WorkSource Oregon Brings Job Search Help Directly to Rural Communities

WorkSource Oregon has launched new mobile service centers designed to bring job-search assistance to rural and frontier communities that lack easy access to a local office. Equipped with computers, printers, Starlink internet, and career coaching resources, the mobile units provide many of the same services available at traditional WorkSource locations, helping residents create resumes, search for jobs, complete applications, and access online resources.

One of the new service vans recently visited Christmas Valley, where residents face a roughly 90-minute drive to the nearest WorkSource office in Bend. Organizers say the mobile centers are especially valuable in areas with limited internet access and few employment resources. In Central Oregon, the vans will make regular stops in communities including Christmas Valley, La Pine, Warm Springs, Chiloquin, Lakeview, Maupin, and Condon, with visits typically occurring twice a month. No appointments are required, and veterans receive priority service.

⚖️ Bend Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Fatal 2023 Downtown Shooting

A Bend man convicted in the 2023 shooting death of Redmond resident Taylor Wyss was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison. Caleb Cegers, 25, was found guilty in April of manslaughter, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the fatal shooting outside Duda’s Billiards Bar in downtown Bend. The court ruled that Cegers will receive credit for approximately three years already served, leaving about seven years remaining on his sentence.

🚲 Old Mill, Amphitheater Launch Summer Transportation Challenge

Getting to concerts and the Old Mill District this summer may come with an extra reward. Commute Options has partnered with the Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater to encourage visitors to leave their cars at home and choose alternative transportation options such as walking, biking, scooting, rolling, carpooling, or riding the bus. The effort is designed to reduce traffic congestion during the busy concert season while promoting more sustainable ways to travel around Bend.

Participants can log their car-free trips through Get There Oregon for a chance to win prizes, including a $200 Old Mill District gift bundle featuring gift cards, movie tickets, and other local perks. Organizers say even a single alternative commute can make a difference by helping ease traffic and parking challenges around the popular entertainment district while supporting a cleaner and more connected community.

✈️Redmond

🏊 Redmond’s New Hub Recreation Center Nears Summer Opening

Redmond's long-awaited Hub Aquatic and Recreation Center is moving closer to opening, with officials reporting the facility remains on track for a July debut. The $49 million project was funded through a voter-approved bond measure passed in 2022 and is expected to become a major recreation hub for residents throughout the region. Recent construction tours show the facility nearing completion after several years of planning and construction.

The 56,000-square-foot center will feature indoor pools, a water slide, fitness and exercise spaces, childcare facilities, multipurpose rooms, and a full gymnasium. Recreation leaders say the new facility will greatly expand opportunities for swimming lessons, fitness programs, sports, and year-round activities for residents of all ages. Once The Hub opens, it is expected to become a central gathering place for the growing Redmond community.

🪶Madras

🗳️ Madras Mayor Won’t Seek Re-Election This Fall

Madras Mayor Richard Ladeby announced he will not seek another term when his current term expires at the end of 2026. Ladeby has served on the Madras City Council for more than a decade, including the past several years as mayor, and said he believes it is the right time for new leadership to step forward and help guide the city's future.

During his time in office, Madras experienced significant growth and development, including major infrastructure projects, economic development efforts, and community improvements. While stepping away from elected office, Ladeby said he plans to remain involved in the community. Candidates interested in serving as mayor or on the city council will have the opportunity to file for election later this year.

✈️ Airshow of the Cascades Seeking Volunteers for 2026 Event

Organizers of the Airshow of the Cascades are already gearing up for this summer's event and are looking for volunteers to help make one of Central Oregon's largest aviation showcases a success. Held annually at Madras Municipal Airport since 2000, the airshow attracts thousands of visitors with impressive aircraft displays, aerobatic performances, and family-friendly entertainment.

Volunteer opportunities are available in a variety of roles, including parking, guest services, hospitality, aircraft support, and assisting pilots. Organizers say no aviation experience is required, and there are opportunities for people with all skill levels and interests. This year's Airshow of the Cascades is scheduled for August 28-29 in Madras. Those interested in volunteering can learn more at cascadeairshow.com/volunteer.

🐎Prineville

🌿 $3.5 Million Sage Grouse Project to Restore Habitat in Central Oregon

A new $3.5 million conservation project is set to begin this summer in Central Oregon, targeting the removal of encroaching western juniper trees to improve habitat for the greater sage grouse and other sagebrush-dependent wildlife. Project organizers plan to remove juniper across thousands of acres of sagebrush habitat, helping restore native vegetation, improve water availability, and reduce wildfire risk. By the project's completion, organizers hope to produce approximately 1,000 pounds of native seed to support future restoration efforts across the region.

Conservation experts say juniper expansion has become one of the biggest threats to sagebrush ecosystems in the West, crowding out native plants and reducing habitat for species such as sage grouse, mule deer, and pronghorn. Studies have shown sage grouse populations can increase significantly following juniper removal, making habitat restoration one of the most effective tools for reversing long-term declines. The project is expected to create both ecological and wildfire-resilience benefits throughout Central Oregon's high desert landscape.

🚧 Overnight Road Work Underway on Main Street in Prineville

Drivers in Prineville should expect overnight traffic impacts as the city's Public Works Department continues a paving and reconstruction project along portions of Main Street. Temporary lane closures and detours are in place nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. while crews complete the work.

The affected sections of Main Street will remain open during daytime hours, but city officials are asking residents and business owners to remove all vehicles and trailers from the roadway overnight to allow construction crews to work safely and efficiently. The project is expected to be completed by Friday, June 12.

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