From the Editor

Welcome to Central Oregon Local Buzz. This edition highlights the return of the Gambler 500 to Madras, emphasizing their initiative to clean up the area. Our coverage also includes a tragic incident on Highway 97, legal updates on a Redmond case, and a significant traffic enforcement operation. We report on infrastructure developments like the new control tower at Bend Airport and efforts to restore historic trails in Shevlin Park. Stay informed with details on local events, including July 4th fireworks returning to Pilot Butte, and other community news.

📰Local News Featured

🚙🗑️Gambler 500 Returns to Madras for Annual Trash Cleanup Event

The Gambler 500 is set to return to Madras this weekend, promising another round of thrilling adventure and environmental responsibility. Participants are gearing up to hit the dusty trails of Central Oregon in a unique rally that combines off-road excitement with a commitment to cleaning up the area. This year's event is expected to draw a larger crowd, eager to take part in this growing movement.

Originating as a low-cost navigational challenge, the Gambler 500 has evolved into a significant trash cleanup initiative. Teams of drivers, often in creatively modified vehicles, traverse the landscape, gathering litter and debris along the way. Over the years, the event has collected tons of rubbish, demonstrating that motorsport enthusiasts can play an essential role in preserving natural environments.

For local residents and visitors alike, the Gambler 500 is not just an off-road rally; it's an opportunity to engage with sustainability efforts while enjoying the vibrant community spirit. Participants and spectators not only benefit from the exciting motoring activities but also contribute to a cleaner and more pristine landscape in and around Madras. This combination of community engagement and environmental impact underscores the event's growing popularity among diverse groups.

Ultimately, the Gambler 500 highlights an innovative approach to environmental conservation that draws in car enthusiasts and eco-conscious participants. The event serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in addressing waste management issues. As Madras prepares to welcome the rally once more, the local community stands to gain from both the environmental benefits and the influx of visitors eager to experience this one-of-a-kind event.

⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨 Pedestrian Killed on Highway 97 Near Chemult

A 67-year-old Klamath Falls man was killed Monday night after being struck by a commercial truck on Highway 97 near Chemult. According to Oregon State Police, the man had entered the southbound lane around 10 p.m. while attempting to catch his dog after it ran into the roadway.

The driver of the Freightliner was not injured and remained at the scene. Highway 97 was affected for approximately five hours while emergency crews investigated the crash. The incident remains under investigation.

🚨Crime News

⚖️ Redmond Woman Deemed Fit to Stand Trial in Mother's Death

A Redmond woman charged in the fatal stabbing of her mother is moving one step closer to trial after a judge found her mentally fit to proceed. Jessica Andersch, who is charged with second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon, appeared in Deschutes County Circuit Court this week following a series of delays related to questions about her mental competency.

Andersch is accused of fatally stabbing her mother, Tracy Berry, at the home they shared in Redmond in June 2025. Court records show she has been found both competent and incompetent to stand trial at different points over the past year, delaying the case multiple times. During Wednesday's hearing, the court scheduled another appearance for July 21, when Andersch's attorney expects trial dates to be set. Prosecutors allege Andersch committed the crime, but the charges remain allegations until proven in court.

🚔 Central Oregon Traffic Blitz Nets 34 DUII Arrests, 500+ Citations

A recent high-visibility traffic enforcement campaign across Central Oregon resulted in 34 DUII arrests, more than 500 citations, and nearly 600 warnings during a five-day crackdown on dangerous driving behaviors. The Central Oregon Multi-Agency Traffic Team (MATT) conducted 831 traffic stops between June 10 and June 14, targeting the leading causes of serious and fatal crashes, including speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, lane departures, and seat belt violations.

The operation issued 496 speeding citations or warnings, 231 for lane departure, 78 for occupant protection, 67 for distracted driving, and 34 for impaired driving. MATT—which includes local police departments, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, and Oregon State Police—said the enforcement effort is part of its ongoing mission to reduce serious crashes and improve safety on Central Oregon roads, especially during the busy summer travel season.

⛰️Bend

🪨 Boulders Installed to Stop Illegal Parking Near Petrosa Apartments

Large boulders have been installed along Deschutes Market Road across from the Solis at Petrosa apartments to prevent illegal roadside parking that officials say had become a safety hazard. According to Pahlisch Commercial, vehicles were routinely parking along the shoulder and extending into or near the bike lane, creating risks for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. After working with the City of Bend, Bend Police, and Bend Park & Recreation District, the boulders were installed as a permanent solution after daily enforcement proved impractical.

While some residents support the change, saying it improves safety and reduces litter, others say it has made an already limited parking situation even more challenging—especially for visitors. The Solis development includes 260 apartments and 438 parking spaces, exceeding the city's parking requirements at the time it was approved. The City of Bend is encouraging residents and visitors to use parking available at the apartment complex or nearby Pine Nursery Park rather than parking along Deschutes Market Road.

🎆 Pilot Butte Fireworks Return July 4 — Closures Begin June 30

Bend's annual **Pilot Butte Fourth of July Fireworks Show**, presented by Subaru of Bend, is set to light up the sky at approximately **10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4**. In preparation, portions of Pilot Butte State Park will begin closing on **June 30**, with the summit closed through the afternoon of **July 5**. The entire butte, including all trails and roadways, will be closed on July 4 to ensure public safety during the display.

The main parking lot off Linea Drive will remain open for spectators, but visitors are asked not to block emergency access routes, and pets are not allowed in the park during the event. Bend Fire & Rescue and Oregon State Parks also thanked the local Boy Scout troops, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Oregon Department of Forestry for helping make the annual fireworks show possible.

✈️ Bend Airport's First Control Tower Ready for Takeoff

Bend Municipal Airport is just weeks away from opening its first-ever air traffic control tower, marking a major milestone for one of Oregon's busiest airports. The new 115-foot tower will provide air traffic controllers with a direct view of the airfield, allowing them to safely separate aircraft during takeoffs, landings, and ground operations. Airport officials say Bend averages more than 141,000 takeoffs and landings each year—about 360 aircraft movements a day—making it Oregon's third-busiest airport.

Until now, pilots at Bend Airport have relied on radio communication with one another to coordinate aircraft movements. Airport leaders say the tower will add an extra layer of safety as aviation activity continues to grow. The project has been in the works for nearly two decades and moved forward after the airport joined the FAA's Federal Contract Tower Program in 2020. Once operational, the tower will also be the first brand-new air traffic control tower to open in the United States in 2026.

🥾 Volunteers Restore Historic Shevlin Park Trail

A group of 16 volunteers helped restore a long-forgotten trail in Shevlin Park this week, reconnecting Tumalo Creek to a nearby picnic area as part of Bend Park & Recreation's Volunteer Project Days. Volunteers spent the day removing grass and sod to uncover the historic pathway, improving access while preserving one of Bend's most popular natural spaces.

The trail isn't quite ready for hikers—it still needs a layer of gravel before it can officially reopen—but park officials say the project is another example of how community volunteers are helping improve local parks and trails. Bend Park & Recreation's next volunteer opportunity is a Deschutes River cleanup scheduled for July 11 at Farewell Bend Park.

📸 Bend's New Traffic Cameras Issue More Than 650 Tickets

Bend's new automated traffic enforcement cameras have issued more than 650 citations since ticketing began in late May, with over 450 of those for red-light violations. The cameras are located at three high-crash intersections: NE 27th Street & Neff Road, SE Reed Market Road & Third Street, and SE Powers Road & Business 97. City officials say the goal is to reduce crashes by changing driver behavior, not to generate revenue.

The automated enforcement program follows a 45-day warning period, during which more than 1,100 warnings were mailed to drivers. Each potential violation is reviewed by a Bend Police traffic enforcement agent before a citation is issued. Police say the early numbers show many drivers are still failing to stop at red lights or are speeding through intersections, but they hope violations will decrease as motorists become more aware of the cameras.

🛶 Low Snowpack Leaves Sparks Lake Nearly Dry

One of Central Oregon's favorite paddling destinations is looking very different this summer. Sparks Lake has dried up much earlier than usual after a winter of exceptionally low snowpack, leaving kayakers and paddleboarders dragging their boats across mud and shallow water just to reach deeper sections of the lake.

The unusually low water levels have also forced outfitters like Wanderlust Tours to move guided trips to nearby lakes such as Elk, Hosmer, and Devils Lake, increasing visitor traffic at those locations. Even at full capacity, Sparks Lake is only about eight feet deep, but this year much of it has become exposed meadow as water continues to drain through the area's volcanic basalt into underground channels that eventually feed Snow Creek, Elk, Hosmer, and Little Lava lakes.

🚴 Bend Park District Reminds Riders to Know the Rules for E-Bikes

As summer brings more people to Central Oregon's parks and trails, Bend Park & Recreation District is reminding residents to understand where different types of e-bikes are allowed. Standard pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted on district trails and provide more people with the opportunity to enjoy Bend's outdoor recreation areas.

However, faster throttle-powered electric bikes and e-motorcycles—especially those without pedals or that are not street legal—are not allowed on park trails and are limited to bike lanes and parking lots. Park officials are also encouraging both riders and pedestrians to stay alert and share the trails as visitor traffic continues to increase throughout the summer.

🦌 Mystery Wooden Deer Herd Grows in Three Rivers Roundabout

Drivers traveling through the new roundabout at South Century Drive and Huntington Road in the Three Rivers area may notice an unexpected roadside attraction. A small herd of handmade wooden deer sculptures has mysteriously appeared in the center of the roundabout, delighting passing motorists.

The display seems to be growing, too. Four wooden deer were spotted on Wednesday, but by Thursday the herd had increased to six. It's unclear who created or placed the sculptures, and officials have not said whether the whimsical installation has been approved by county or road authorities.

✈️Redmond

🕊️ Memorial Service Announced for Redmond Firefighter Michael Kienzle

Redmond Fire & Rescue has announced plans to honor Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Kienzle with a public memorial service on **Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m.** at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center Events Center. Those unable to attend in person will be able to watch the service via a live stream. Before the service, Redmond Fire & Rescue apparatus will escort Kienzle's family from SW 6th Street to the fairgrounds beginning at approximately **10 a.m.**, and community members are invited to safely line the route to pay their respects.

Emergency response agencies from across the region are encouraged to attend in support, and donations in Michael Kienzle's memory may be made to the Redmond Firefighter's Foundation, the Corvallis Firefighter's Foundation, or the Obliteride Team Kienzle Fundraiser supporting T-cell leukemia research. Redmond Fire & Rescue thanked the community for its continued compassion and support as they honor the life and service of their fallen firefighter.

🐎Prineville

👮 Prineville Names Shane Wilson as New Police Chief

The City of Prineville has appointed **Shane Wilson** as its next Police Chief, with his appointment taking effect **July 1**. Wilson has been serving in interim leadership roles, overseeing the department's day-to-day operations while helping guide public safety services for the community.

Wilson joined the Prineville Police Department in 2015 and has worked his way through the ranks, serving as a police officer, detective sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and interim chief. City officials praised his experience, leadership, and strong knowledge of the community. Wilson said he is honored to continue serving Prineville and looks forward to working alongside officers and staff to meet the community's public safety needs.

🪶Madras

🏥 St. Charles Madras to Receive Funding to Strengthen Maternity Care

St. Charles Madras is among 21 rural Oregon hospitals set to receive a share of up to $37.5 million in state and federal funding aimed at protecting and expanding maternity care services. The funding, approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, will help rural hospitals hire and retain maternity care staff, upgrade medical equipment, and improve prenatal and postpartum services for families in underserved communities.

State leaders say the investment comes at a critical time as many rural hospitals face financial pressures and uncertainty surrounding future Medicaid funding. Officials hope the funding will help stabilize labor and delivery services, improve access to care for Oregon Health Plan members, and ensure expecting families in communities like Madras can continue receiving maternity care closer to home.

🏘️Real Estate

🏡 Central Oregon Housing Market Slows Ahead of July 4 by Reed Melton

The Central Oregon housing market is beginning to ease into its typical pre-holiday slowdown as the Fourth of July approaches. According to this week's market report, single-family home inventory in Deschutes County increased slightly to 1,410 listings, while pending sales and closed transactions both declined from the previous week. Mortgage rates have remained relatively stable, averaging 6.58% for a 30-year fixed loan, providing some consistency for buyers.

For sellers, the report notes that now is a good time to evaluate pricing as buyers become more selective. More than half of this week's pending sales required price reductions before going under contract, and homes sold for an average of 95.7% of their original asking price. While activity often slows around the Independence Day holiday, the report expects the market to pick up again from mid-July through early fall as inventory begins its seasonal decline.

📍Regional News

💼 Oregon Prosperity Council Delivers Economic Growth Plan to Governor

The Oregon Prosperity Council has presented Governor Tina Kotek with its final report outlining a roadmap to strengthen the state's economy and improve long-term competitiveness. After six months of meetings across Oregon—including a stop in Redmond—and input from more than 1,000 Oregonians, the council released 10 priority recommendations focused on economic development, tax reform, permitting, workforce development, and infrastructure investment.

Among the recommendations are creating a new Oregon Commerce Authority, streamlining permitting with enforceable timelines, reducing regulatory burdens, investing $250 million per biennium in industrial site readiness and infrastructure, and aligning higher education funding to support workforce needs. The report comes as Oregon ranks 49th in the nation for non-farm employment growth, has an unemployment rate above the national average, and reports that 41% of Oregon households struggle to cover basic living expenses. The recommendations will help guide the Governor's Prosperity Roadmap and may be considered by lawmakers in future legislative sessions.

⚖️ Oregon Men Charged in Multi-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud Cases

Federal prosecutors have charged two men in Oregon as part of the U.S. Department of Justice's nationwide **2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown**. One case alleges a laboratory owner submitted more than **$15 million** in fraudulent genetic testing claims to Medicare Advantage plans for tests that were never performed. In a separate case, a **Coos Bay** business owner is accused of billing more than **$2.1 million** for sleep studies that were either conducted at patients' homes while billed as in-office procedures or were never performed at all.

The Oregon cases are part of a nationwide enforcement effort targeting alleged health care fraud schemes totaling more than **$6.5 billion** in false claims. Federal authorities announced charges against **455 defendants** across the country and seized more than **$182 million** in cash, vehicles, jewelry, and other assets. Officials emphasized that the charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

📰More News

Thank you for joining us in exploring the latest happenings around Central Oregon. We hope these stories keep you informed and engaged with your community. Until next time, keep buzzing with local updates.