In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎀✂️Ribbon Cutting & Open House for Central Oregon Veterans Ranch

🥒🎾🍻Don’t Miss the Pickleball Action at Ballers & Brew Grand Opening on Sep 21st!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚗🅿️Bend Plans New Parking Districts to Ease Congestion in Growing Neighborhoods

🗺️Public Input Sought on New Deschutes County Commissioner District Map

💧Bend Cuts Water Use by 49 Million Gallons Thanks to Turf Replacements

 🎨🛠️La Pine ReStore Launches Upcycle Challenge to Support Affordable Housing

⛽💵'Triple-whammy': Oregon, Bend gas prices skyrocket due to pipeline outage, refinery issues; AAA says relief in sight KTVZ

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

 🚗💥Fatal Crash on I-84 Claims Life of Bend Man

 🔥 Structure Fire Damages Home in Prineville; One Hospitalized

🚨Crime News

🚔Bend Man Arrested After Stabbing Father, Leading Police on High-Speed Chase

⚠️Scammers Pose As Neighbor And Steal More Than $57,000 From Elderly La Pine Resident Through Bitcoin Transactions

📰Regional News

🧬After Nearly 50 Years, Identity Of Unidentified Remains Confirmed

🥰Community News

🗑️ “Pick It Up Bend” Cleanup Event Set for Saturday in Old Mill

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🔥⛔Foley Ridge Fire closes 21 miles of McKenzie Highway west of Sisters

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

GRANT COUNTY, OR

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Don’t Miss the Pickleball Action at Ballers & Brew Grand Opening on Sep 21st!

🌆 Bend

Karaoke at JC’s Bar & Grill
📍 642 NW Franklin Ave, Bend
🎤 Music / Games / Nightlife
🗓 Multiple nights (check with venue), typically 8:00 pm
Sing your heart out downtown with host Van and a lively crowd.
🔗 https://community.bendsource.com/bend/karaoke/Event?oid=23112071

Wine Wednesdays at Bar Rio
📍 Bar Rio Cocktails & Tapas, NW Wall St, Bend
🍷 Food & Drink / Social
🗓 Wednesday, September 17, 2:00 pm – close
All wine glasses are $10 for the day — great for a relaxed afternoon or date night.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Author Talk: "The Resilience Mindset" by Terry Healey
📍 Barnes & Noble, Bend
📚 Literary / Community
🗓 Wednesday, September 17, 5:30–6:30 pm
Meet the author and get inspired by lessons in personal growth and resilience.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Tropical Latin Dance Party
📍 Dogwood at the Pine Shed, Bend
💃 Music / Dance / Social
🗓 Wednesday, September 17, 7:00–10:00 pm
Spice up your midweek with Latin rhythms and dancing.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Live Music at Bar Rio
📍 Bar Rio Cocktails & Tapas, Bend
🎵 Music / Food & Drink
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 6:00–8:00 pm
Enjoy local musicians while sipping cocktails and sharing tapas.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Summer Music Series at The Grove Market Hall
📍 NW Mt. Washington Dr, Bend
🎵 Live Music / Family Friendly
🗓 Thursday, September 18 & Saturday, September 20, 6:00–8:00 pm
Free outdoor music with great eats and atmosphere.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Mountain Burger 3rd Anniversary Party
📍 2747 NW Crossing Dr, Bend
🍔 Food & Drink / Music / Community
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 6:00–10:00 pm
Party with live music by Dad Bods, burgers, and brews.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Argentine Music Lecture: “Simulando un viaje…”
📍 Encore Room, Bend
🎶 Culture / Educational
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 6:00–7:30 pm
Explore Argentine and South American folk music styles.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Warren Zeiders with Chayce Beckham
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🎸 Country Concert
🗓 Friday, September 19, doors 6:00 pm, show 7:30 pm
Big country show under the stars with special guest Chayce Beckham.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Art in the West Closing Party
📍 High Desert Museum
🎨 Art / Community / Social
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 6:00–8:00 pm
Live art demo, local food & drinks to wrap up this seasonal exhibit.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Pick It Up, Bend!
📍 Old Mill District – West Event Lawn
🌱 Volunteer / Outdoor / Family
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Pitch in for a community cleanup event to keep Bend beautiful.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Fort Rock Sunset Hike & Stargazing (Wanderlust Tours)
📍 Departing from Bend
🌌 Nature / Adventure
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 7:00–11:30 pm
Hike to Fort Rock at sunset, then stay for the stars.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

🌇 Redmond

Trivia Night at Redmond’s Bar & Grill
📍 527 SW 6th St, Redmond
🧠 Games / Social
🗓 Tuesday, September 16, 8:30–9:30 pm
Bring your team and play to win prizes.
🔗 https://experienceredmond.com/events/

Live Music at WXYZ Lounge (Aloft Hotel)
📍 3001 NW 19th St, Redmond
🎵 Music / Lounge
🗓 Wednesday, September 17, 6:00–8:00 pm
Relaxed midweek live performance in a sleek lounge setting.
🔗 https://experienceredmond.com/events/

Downtown Redmond Art Walk
📍 Downtown Redmond
🎨 Art / Community
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 4:00–7:00 pm
Stroll through downtown and enjoy art, performances, and open businesses.
🔗 https://www.redmond.gov/1967/Downtown-Redmond-Art-Walk

One Table, Many Stories (VALA Event)
📍 Redmond – Location via VALA
🍽 Culture / Food / Stories
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 5:30–7:30 pm
Gather to share personal stories and enjoy community connection.
🔗 https://experienceredmond.com/events/

Cascade Equinox Festival
📍 Deschutes County Fairgrounds
🎪 Festival / Music / Art / Workshops
🗓 September 19–21, 2025
Three days of live music (jam, electronic, folk), immersive art, yoga, food trucks, and more.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/event/cascade-equinox-festival/

🏔 Sisters

Karaoke Nights at Hardtails Bar & Grill
📍 175 N Larch St, Sisters
🎤 Music / Nightlife
🗓 Friday & Saturday nights, September 19 & 20
Classic small-town karaoke scene at a legendary biker bar.
🔗 https://www.sisterscountry.com/EVENTS

🏜 Madras

Madras Speedway Season Finale
📍 Madras Speedway
🏁 Motorsports / Community
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 5:00–9:45 pm
Final night of racing for the season – get loud, go fast.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/calendar-of-events/madras/

Joyful Noise Music Academy – Fall Term Begins
📍 Various Madras locations
🎼 Music / Education
🗓 Starts September 16
Group lessons in guitar, ukulele, piano, violin, and more.
🔗 https://madraspioneer.com/2025/09/10/9-17-25-events-and-happenings/

🌲 La Pine / Sunriver

Tina's Paint & Glass Party – "Lady Cluck"
📍 Legend Cider Co., La Pine
🎨 Art / Food & Drink
🗓 Tuesday, September 16, 6:00–7:30 pm
Paint a fun fall-themed piece while sipping cider.
🔗 https://www.legendcider.com/lapineevents

Hometown Hero Happy Hour
📍 Legend Cider Co., La Pine
🍻 Community / Social
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 5:00–7:00 pm
Raise a glass to local heroes with great cider and company.
🔗 https://www.legendcider.com/lapineevents

Bingo Night at Legend Cider
📍 Legend Cider Co., La Pine
🎲 Games / Food & Drink
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 6:00–8:00 pm
Bingo, cider, and community spirit — prizes and laughs guaranteed.
🔗 https://www.legendcider.com/lapineevents

Sweet Motor Live at Wetlands Taphouse
📍 Wetlands Taphouse, La Pine
🎸 Music / Nightlife
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 6:00–9:00 pm
Live band, great beer, and a lively La Pine crowd.
🔗 https://allevents.in/la-pine/september

Anything With Wheels Car Show
📍 La Pine Community Center, 16405 1st St, La Pine
🚗 Car Show / Family Friendly / Fundraiser
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Classics, modern, and custom vehicles. Bounce house, Harvest Depot BBQ, and community fun.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/event/anything-with-wheels/

📍 Prineville

Crooked River Wetlands Walk
📍 Crooked River Wetlands
🌿 Nature / Family Friendly
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 7:30–10:00 am
Join a naturalist for a walk through the scenic wetlands.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/calendar-of-events/prineville/

Pressed Flower Bookmarks – Craft Session
📍 Prineville Library
🌼 Arts & Crafts / Family
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 10:00 am
Create beautiful handmade bookmarks using real pressed flowers.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/calendar-of-events/prineville/

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Deschutes Public Library Events

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Local News…

Bend Plans New Parking Districts to Ease Congestion in Growing Neighborhoods

Bend, OR - Bend city officials are preparing to expand regulated parking zones to better manage demand in high-traffic and developing neighborhoods. In a recent work session, Parking Services Division Manager Tobias Marx outlined a multi-phase proposal targeting areas such as the Colorado-Arizona corridor, Woodriver Village, and the Galveston and Columbia corridors. The plan aims to introduce timed parking, loading zones, and employee-specific spots—similar to the downtown model—by next summer.

Phase One is expected to roll out in spring 2026, focusing on areas near the Box Factory and Old Bend East. Phase Two, planned for June, will cover Woodriver Village and the Galveston Corridor. Phase Three will regulate the Columbia Area and the OSU Corridor. Community input will be key, with a public comment period opening after the draft parking plan is finalized. The Bend City Council will make the final decision on whether to adopt the new regulations.

Public Input Sought on New Deschutes County Commissioner District Map

Deschutes County, OR - The Deschutes County District Mapping Advisory Committee (DMAC) is holding a series of public meetings to gather input on a new district map as the Board of County Commissioners expands from three to five members. This change, approved by voters in 2024, requires new district boundaries, which will ultimately be voted on in 2026 and, if passed, take effect for the 2028 election.

The first off-site hearing takes place Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 1–3 p.m. at Sisters City Hall. Additional meetings are scheduled in Redmond (Sept. 24), La Pine (Oct. 1), and Bend (every Wednesday from Oct. 8 to Nov. 19). Each meeting will include 15 minutes for public comment, with participants allowed up to three minutes each. Community members can also share their input by emailing [email protected].

📍Upcoming Meetings
🕐 All meetings are 1:00–3:00 p.m.

• Sept. 17 – Sisters City Hall, 520 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters

• Sept. 24 – Redmond City Hall, 411 SW 9th St., Redmond

• Oct. 1 – La Pine Activity Center, 16450 Victory Way, La Pine

• Oct. 8 – Nov. 19 (Wednesdays) – DeArmond Conference Room, Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall St., Bend

Bend Cuts Water Use by 49 Million Gallons Thanks to Turf Replacements

Bend, OR - Bend residents used 49 million fewer gallons of water this July compared to last year—roughly 20 gallons less per person, per day—thanks in large part to a growing trend of swapping out natural grass for drought-friendly landscaping.

The City’s Water Conservation Program, launched under the 2021 Water System Master Plan, aims to reduce usage by 17 gallons per person daily. Grass removal projects, like those near Franklin’s Corner Community Garden, are key to reaching that goal.

“[The grass] was leading to a lot of water waste and runoff problems,” said Dan Denning, Bend’s Water Conservation Program Manager. “We’re trying to set an example and partner with our community.”

On average, a single Bend household uses about 120,000 gallons of water per year. Families that convert turf to low-water landscapes can save around 15,000 gallons annually. The City offers rebates and support for turf replacement, leak detection, and efficiency upgrades.

More information about Bend’s Turf Replacement Program and other water-saving resources can be found on the City of Bend’s website.

La Pine ReStore Launches Upcycle Challenge to Support Affordable Housing

LA PINE, Ore. – Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver is kicking off its ReStore Upcycle Challenge, inviting locals to turn secondhand finds into creative, upcycled art—all to benefit affordable housing efforts in South Deschutes County.

Starting September 16, participants can choose an item from the La Pine ReStore’s Upcycle collection and transform it into something unique and imaginative. Finished projects are due back by November 17, when they’ll enter a silent auction running November 19 through December 19, both in-store and online. Proceeds support Habitat’s mission to build safe, affordable homes for local families.

“This challenge is about more than just creativity,” said Habitat Executive Director Kim Gammond. “It’s about sustainability, community pride, and giving new life to materials—just like Habitat gives new life to families through homeownership.”

🎉 Event Highlights:

• $50 entry fee includes one project item from the ReStore

• Top 3 entries win ReStore gift cards ($150, $100, and $50)

• Public showcase and prize ceremony at Habitat’s BINGO Night Fundraiser on December 10 at Century Commons

• Open to all ages and skill levels

📍How to Enter:

• Visit the La Pine ReStore (52684 US Hwy-97)

• Pick a project item and pay the entry fee

• Submit your finished masterpiece by Nov. 17

• Celebrate and showcase your creation at BINGO Night

🔗 More info & entry forms: habitatlapinesunriver.org/restore-upcycle-challenge

Fire & Rescue…

Fatal Crash on I-84 Claims Life of Bend Man

Morrow County OR - A late-night crash on Friday, September 12, tragically claimed the life of 38-year-old Austin Scott Yager of Bend. According to Oregon State Police, Yager’s Volkswagen Jetta suffered a mechanical failure and became disabled on the eastbound on-ramp at milepost 159 in Morrow County. With no visible lights functioning, the vehicle was struck by an approaching Freightliner semi. Yager was outside his vehicle at the time and died at the scene. The semi-truck driver, 33-year-old Adonis Marcial of Miami, Florida, was unharmed. The roadway remained open during the investigation. Multiple agencies, including Boardman Police and Fire, Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT, assisted at the scene.

Structure Fire Damages Home in Prineville; One Hospitalized

Prineville, OR - A structure fire broke out Monday afternoon on SE Davis Loop in Prineville, heavily damaging a single-family mobile home and sending one occupant to the hospital. Crews arrived around 3:00 p.m. to find a detached garage/shop fully engulfed in flames. The building contained ammunition and reloading supplies, and the fire had already spread to the nearby home. Bystanders were attempting to slow the fire with garden hoses when responders arrived. Fire crews from Crook County and Redmond were able to bring the fire under control, but the home suffered significant damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Responding agencies included Crook County Fire & Rescue, Redmond Fire & Rescue, the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, and the Crook County Road Department.

Crime News…

Bend Man Arrested After Stabbing Father, Leading Police on High-Speed Chase

Bend, OR - A Bend man was arrested Monday afternoon after allegedly stabbing his father and fleeing from police at high speeds. Officers responded around 3:57 p.m. to a home on Little John Lane, where they found a man with a serious stab wound to the chest. The suspect, 35-year-old Thomas William Woolley, had already fled in a white Honda Accord. Police spotted Woolley about 20 minutes later in Deschutes River Woods and attempted a traffic stop, but he sped away on U.S. Highway 97, reaching speeds of 100 MPH. Woolley eventually pulled over near Lava Butte, where he was taken into custody without incident. The victim was transported to St. Charles for treatment. Woolley faces charges of first-degree assault and attempting to elude police. Bend Police thanked Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Bend Fire & Rescue for their assistance.

Scammers Pose As Neighbor And Steal More Than $57,000 From Elderly La Pine Resident Through Bitcoin Transactions

La Pine, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a phone scam that resulted in an elderly La Pine resident losing more than $57,000 after being tricked into believing she was helping her neighbor.

On the evening of September 9, 2025, deputies were dispatched to Ray’s Food Place in La Pine regarding a possible scam. Deputies learned that the victim had been contacted earlier in the day by suspects claiming to be her neighbor and was attempting another financial transaction at Ray's. The suspects told her they had been in a car crash and needed money to get out of jail.

Believing she was assisting her neighbor, the victim withdrew large amounts of cash from her safe and followed detailed instructions from the suspects to deposit the money into Bitcoin kiosks at multiple locations across La Pine and Bend. Over the course of the day, she completed multiple transactions totaling $57,200 before a concerned neighbor intervened and contacted law enforcement.

The suspects used multiple phone numbers to call the victim, disguising their voices and providing convincing details to gain her trust. Phone numbers used during the scam included:

• (480) 945-4638

• (318) 745-9571

• (410) 705-0537

• (786) 987-3621

Deputies assisted the victim in filing a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Receipts from the transactions have been collected as evidence, and the case has been forwarded for further investigation. The Sheriff’s Office commends the quick action of the victim’s neighbor, who recognized the scam and contacted law enforcement before additional losses occurred.

Protecting Yourself from Phone Scams

The Sheriff’s Office urges community members to remain vigilant when receiving unexpected phone calls asking for money, especially when payment is requested through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. If you're being asked to transfer money via cryptocurrency from someone you don't know over the phone, detectives say it's most likely a scam and recommend the following:

• Verify the caller: Hang up and contact your friend, relative, or agency directly using a trusted phone number.

• Do not share personal information: Never give out your address, date of birth, bank account, or Social Security number over the phone to an unverified caller.

• Recognize red flags: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, demand secrecy, or insist on unusual payment methods.

• Report suspicious calls: Contact law enforcement and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov

The case remains under investigation. If you have any information that could help or know someone who has experienced a similar scam, please contact the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov

Regional News…

After Nearly 50 Years, Identity Of Unidentified Remains Confirmed

After nearly five decades, the identity of skeletal remains found in Linn County, Oregon, in 1976 has been confirmed through advances in forensic genetic genealogy. The remains belonged to Marion Vinetta Nagle McWhorter, who had been missing since 1974.

• Discovery and initial investigation: Skeletal remains and personal items were found near Wolf Creek in 1976, but limited evidence and inconclusive examinations left the identity unknown.

• Ongoing forensic efforts: Anthropology reports and DNA analyses from 2010 onward, including dental and STR DNA profiling, failed to identify the remains despite regular case reviews and forensic artistry reconstructions.

• Advanced DNA techniques applied: In 2020, advanced DNA phenotyping and genetic genealogy produced a detailed physical profile and ancestry estimation, though initial genealogy searches did not yield leads.

• Breakthrough and identification: A 2025 genetic profile upload to a genealogy database enabled investigators to link the remains to McWhorter, confirmed through DNA comparison with her surviving sister, finally providing closure for her family.

Community News…

“Pick It Up Bend” Cleanup Event Set for Saturday in Old Mill

BEND, Ore. – A large-scale community cleanup event is set for Saturday, September 21, in the Old Mill District. Hosted by environmental nonprofit SOLVE, the “Pick It Up Bend” event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., focusing on removing trash from the area to prevent it from entering the Deschutes River.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome. SOLVE will provide all necessary supplies, including trash pickers, gloves, garbage bags, and safety vests. “We encourage individuals and teams to come—families, too,” said Sue Warren, Corporate Major Gift Officer at SOLVE. A brief safety talk will kick off the event before participants head out to clean up.

The cleanup comes on the heels of the final concert of the season at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, helping ensure the area stays clean and environmentally friendly.

Participants can register in advance online or sign up in person the day of the event.

 City of Bend Events

Foley Ridge Fire closes 21 miles of McKenzie Highway west of Sisters

BEND, Ore. — A 21-mile stretch of the McKenzie Highway west of Sisters is closed due to the ongoing Foley Ridge Fire in the Willamette National Forest.

Highway 242 is closed between mileposts 55 and 76 on the western half of the highway. The U.S. Forest Service said firefighters will be using heavy machinery to remove hazardous fuels and strengthen fire lines.

The closure boundary can be seen in the image above. All areas, roads, and trailheads inside the boundary of this closure area are closed, including the Foley Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 2643).

Closed Trailheads

• Rainbow Falls Trailhead

• Separation Lake Trailhead

Inaccessible Trailheads

• Foley Ridge Trailhead

 😎Just sayin

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