Exciting Changes and Community News From the Editor Welcome to Central Oregon Local Buzz. Today we cover topics that include public safety concerns, local fire incidents, and community developments. Highlights include scrutiny over a SWAT raid in Sunriver, a reminder about fire safety following a small blaze near Cascade Village, and updates on local events and initiatives. 📰Local News Featured 🚓 Sheriff Candidate at Center of Complaint as Sunriver SWAT Raid Draws Scrutiny Two Deschutes County residents who filed a misconduct complaint against sheriff candidate and DCSO Lt. James “Mac” McLaughlin are speaking publicly about a February SWAT operation at a Sunriver home that led to the arrest of a wanted suspect. The complaint centers on a Feb. 25 raid involving approximately a dozen SWAT vehicles and the arrest of Paul Akehurst, who later pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and driving-related felony charges. The residents allege the operation was unnecessarily aggressive and have raised concerns about comments captured on Ring camera footage during the incident.
The complaint prompted Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert to place McLaughlin and two other Sheriff's Office employees on paid administrative leave while an independent investigation is conducted. McLaughlin, who is running against Rupert in the November election for Deschutes County Sheriff, has described the allegations as unsubstantiated and characterized the leave as politically motivated, while stating he will fully cooperate with the investigation. The controversy has become a focal point in the sheriff's race, with the outcome of the investigation still pending. Read more → ⛑️Fire & Rescue News 🚒 Small Fire Near Cascade Village Serves as Reminder During Red Flag Warning A small vegetation fire broke out Tuesday afternoon near the Cascade Village Shopping Center in Bend but was quickly extinguished by Bend Fire & Rescue before it could spread. Fire officials say the blaze started in bark mulch near Trader Joe's and was likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.
With Central Oregon under a Red Flag Warning, firefighters are urging residents to use extra caution outdoors. Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said current fire conditions are running at least a month ahead of normal due to a combination of hot temperatures, dry fuels, and gusty winds. Officials are reminding smokers to properly dispose of cigarettes and never toss them into bark mulch, dry grass, or other combustible materials. Read more →
🕯️ Apartment Sprinklers Stop Candle Fire Before It Spreads in Bend A fire sparked by an unattended candle was quickly contained Monday afternoon at the Stonebriar Apartment Complex on Bend's east side, thanks to the building's fire sprinkler system. Bend Fire & Rescue responded just before 1 p.m. to reports of fire alarms sounding from a third-floor apartment and found that a sprinkler head had already activated, extinguishing the flames before they could spread throughout the building.
While water damage affected the apartment where the fire started and two units below, only three of the building's 14 apartments sustained damage. Fire officials say that without the sprinkler system, the fire likely would have spread to all 14 units, potentially displacing residents for months or even years. The fire caused an estimated $40,000 in damage and was traced to a candle left unattended on a shelf that ignited nearby materials. The affected residents were assisted by the Red Cross, and Bend Fire & Rescue is reminding residents to never leave candles unattended and to keep them away from combustible items.
🔥 Quick-Thinking Neighbor Helps Stop Alfalfa Fire from Spreading A fast-moving vegetation fire in Alfalfa Tuesday afternoon prompted Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation notices as hot, dry, and windy conditions fueled concerns that the blaze could quickly spread. The Cultus Fire sent a large plume of smoke into the sky and threatened nearby properties before firefighters and local residents sprang into action to contain it.
One neighbor, Josh Houck, rushed to the scene after spotting the flames and used a skid steer to create a fire line, separating burning vegetation from unburned fuel. Fire officials credited the quick response of both residents and firefighters with helping keep the blaze to about a quarter-acre. While the fire was successfully contained, several vehicles and outbuildings were destroyed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Read more → 🚨Crime News 🚔 Bend Man Arrested Following Robbery and Assaults on SE 3rd Street A 48-year-old Bend man was arrested Monday morning after allegedly committing multiple assaults and robberies along SE 3rd Street. Bend Police were initially flagged down around 9:30 a.m. by a victim at the Royal Gateway Motel who reported being assaulted during an attempted robbery at the nearby Eco Laundry Mat. Officers quickly located the suspect, later identified as José Luis García Chávez, still in the area and took him into custody after deploying a Taser.
As officers were investigating, a second report came in from Ace Market, where an employee said a man demanded money and then assaulted them after a confrontation inside the store. Police determined the same suspect was responsible for both incidents. Two victims suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene. García Chávez, who also had injuries unrelated to his encounter with police, was treated by paramedics before being transported to St. Charles and later lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on multiple charges, including robbery, assault, menacing, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. Southbound lanes of SE 3rd Street were closed for about an hour during the investigation. ⛰️Bend 🚌 CET's Popular Summer Recreation Shuttles Return Cascades East Transit (CET) has kicked off its summer recreation shuttle season, offering convenient transportation options for hikers, mountain bikers, sightseers, and river floaters throughout Central Oregon. The Lava Butte shuttle began service over the weekend and runs daily through September 7, transporting visitors between the Lava Lands Visitor Center and the summit of Lava Butte every 20 minutes. Round-trip fares are $5, with children under 5 riding free.
Two additional seasonal services launch June 17 and continue through Labor Day weekend. Transit to Trails provides direct access to the Deschutes National Forest trail system for hikers and mountain bikers, helping reduce congestion at popular trailheads. Ride the River offers transportation between Riverbend Park and Drake Park, making it easier for floaters to enjoy a day on the Deschutes without arranging separate vehicles. Tickets can be purchased through the CET Go app, with additional route and schedule information available through Cascades East Transit. Read more →
🐍 Rattlesnake Aversion Training Helps Protect Central Oregon Dogs Dog owners from across Oregon gathered near Bend this week for a specialized rattlesnake aversion training program designed to help dogs avoid potentially dangerous encounters in the wild. The annual training, hosted in partnership with Bend Veterinary Clinic, gives dogs a safe introduction to the sights, sounds, and scents of rattlesnakes, teaching them to recognize the reptiles and keep their distance. Organizers say the program has been offered in Central Oregon for 15 years and continues to grow in popularity as rattlesnake activity expands into more areas of the region.
Veterinarians say rattlesnakes are increasingly being spotted in places such as the Ochocos, Smith Rock, the Deschutes River Basin, and even higher-elevation areas near Tumalo. The training uses live, safely muzzled rattlesnakes and controlled conditioning techniques to help dogs associate snakes with danger. Local veterinarians report that dogs who have completed the program have later avoided snakes and even alerted their owners to their presence. Organizers recommend refresher training every few years, particularly for dogs that frequently hike, camp, hunt, or spend time in rattlesnake country. Read more → ✈️Redmond 🌿 Redmond Opens Applications for Final Marijuana Dispensary License The City of Redmond is preparing to accept applications for what will be the city's third and final retail marijuana dispensary. Under Redmond's current regulations, the city is limited to one dispensary per 10,000 residents, meaning this final license will fill the city's current allotment of cannabis retailers. City officials say applications will be accepted through an established review process that evaluates zoning compliance, business plans, security measures, and other operational requirements.
Redmond voters approved allowing marijuana dispensaries in 2024, and the city has already approved two businesses. The first, Oregrown, opened earlier this year, while a second dispensary is expected to follow. Once the third license is awarded, no additional dispensaries will be approved unless future population growth allows for more under city code. City officials hope the process will continue to balance community concerns with increased consumer access and additional tax revenue opportunities. Read more → 🪶Madras 👮 Madras Reopens Search for New Police Chief The City of Madras has officially resumed its search for a permanent Police Chief after previously pausing the recruitment process earlier this year. City officials say they are seeking an experienced law enforcement leader who can guide the department through continued growth in the region while maintaining a strong focus on community engagement and professional service.
The renewed search comes after the city suspended its earlier recruitment effort in April while focusing on filling its vacant city administrator position. During that time, Interim Chief Angela Elder remained in charge of the department. With progress made on city administration staffing, Madras is now moving forward with finding a permanent police chief to lead the agency into its next chapter. Interested candidates can apply through the city's recruitment firm, GMP Consultants. Read more →
🎸 Classic Rock Legends Return to Life at New Madras Music Festival Fans of classic rock won't have to travel far this summer as the inaugural Legends Reloaded Tribute Music Festival comes to Madras on June 19-20. The two-day event at the Jefferson County Event Complex will feature tribute bands performing the music of some of rock's biggest names, including Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Tom Petty, Heart, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Bad Company, Hall & Oates, the Doobie Brothers, and the Allman Brothers. Organizers say the festival is designed to celebrate the timeless music that continues to connect generations of fans.
Produced by Harefest LLC, the company behind several successful Northwest music festivals, Legends Reloaded is expected to draw visitors from across the region for two days of live entertainment, food, camping, and family-friendly fun. Festival gates open Friday evening and continue all day Saturday, with both day passes and weekend passes available. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult, while overnight camping options are available for adults 21 and older. Read more → 🐎Prineville 🏛️ Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe Resigns After 15 Years of Service Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe has resigned from both the City Council and his role as Mayor, effective June 15, citing personal reasons. Beebe served on the City Council since 2011 and had held the Mayor's position since 2021. His current term was set to run through the end of 2026.
City officials praised Beebe's leadership and long-term vision during his tenure. City Manager Steve Forrester credited Beebe with helping strengthen Prineville's financial position while supporting key investments in water, street, and wastewater infrastructure projects. Under the City Charter, Council President Steve Uffelman will now assume the duties of Mayor, while the City Council works to determine how the vacant council seat will be filled. Read more →
🤠 Open Mic Event Celebrates 81 Years of the Crooked River Roundup As Prineville prepares for the 81st annual Crooked River Roundup, the Bowman Museum is inviting the community to celebrate the region's Western heritage with "Around the Campfire: Open Mic" on Saturday, June 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will feature Western music, cowboy poetry, storytelling, and community performances honoring one of Central Oregon's most cherished traditions.
Hosted by three-time International Western Music Association Male Poet of the Year Tom Swearingen, the event welcomes performers of all ages and experience levels. Sign-ups begin at 12:30 p.m., with participants receiving up to five minutes on stage. Judges' Choice "Top Hands" awards will recognize standout performances. The open mic celebration coincides with the Crooked River Roundup, which returns to the Crook County Fairgrounds June 25-27 and marks its 81st year of rodeo action in Oregon's "Cowboy Capital." Read more → 🗺Regional News 🔥 Fire Season Now in Effect Across Oregon The Oregon Department of Forestry announced that all ODF districts across the state are now officially in fire season as of June 15, meaning wildfire restrictions may be in place wherever Oregonians live, work, or recreate. Officials say current conditions point toward another busy summer and are urging residents to take wildfire prevention seriously before temperatures climb even higher.
ODF is reminding everyone to follow local fire restrictions, properly extinguish campfires, avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, secure tow chains, and never discard cigarettes outdoors. Fireworks are also prohibited on forest-protected lands throughout Oregon. While lightning-caused fires can't be prevented, officials say most wildfires are human-caused and can be avoided with simple precautions. Central Oregon was the first ODF district to enter fire season on May 8, highlighting the region's elevated wildfire risk this year.
🏊 Oregon Drops Planned Pool Supervision Rule for Kids Under 14 Just ahead of the busy summer swim season, the Oregon Health Authority has backed away from a rule that would have required children under 14 to be directly supervised by an adult at public swimming pools. The rule, adopted in 2025 and implemented earlier this year, drew significant public criticism from parents and pool users across the state. Instead of enforcing the requirement, OHA now plans to require pools to post signs recommending adult supervision while gathering additional public input.
State officials said they will launch a public review process this fall to determine whether a permanent rule is needed. The original policy was based on federal safety recommendations and drowning statistics, but critics questioned how it would be enforced and whether it could discourage older children from using public pools. OHA says it wants to balance water safety with equitable access while incorporating feedback from families, pool operators, and communities across Oregon. Read more → We hope you find this issue engaging and informative. Central Oregon is a region that constantly evolves, reflecting the spirit and determination of its communities. Stay connected, stay informed, and keep celebrating local culture and developments. |
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