Trauma Support, Free Air Purifiers, New Cocktails + More From the Editor Welcome to Central Oregon Local Buzz, your weekly digest of local news and events. This edition features community support services honoring trauma survivors, practical home safety updates, and exciting new beverage launches. We're covering 12 stories that showcase the best of our region, from arts and culture to public safety and outdoor recreation. š°Local News Featured ā¤ļø St. Charles to Honor Trauma Survivors at Bend Event St. Charles Health System will host a special Trauma Survivors Day event on May 20 in Bend to recognize former trauma patients and celebrate their recovery journeys. The event will bring together survivors, caregivers, first responders, and medical teams for reunions, support, and shared stories of healing. Activities will include therapy dogs, a resource fair, free lunch, and presentations at St. Charles Bend.
One of the featured speakers will be 17-year-old Paige Wood, who survived a serious car crash last summer after falling asleep behind the wheel. Organizers say she hopes sharing her experience will help raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving. St. Charles officials say the event is especially meaningful as trauma cases continue to rise across Central Oregon, with the health system treating more than 2,700 trauma patients in 2025 alone. Falls and vehicle crashes remain among the most common causes of traumatic injuries in the region. Read more ā āļøFire & Rescue News š„ Garage Fire Damages NW Crossing Townhome in Bend A Sunday morning garage fire caused major damage to a townhome on NW Crossing Drive in Bend and temporarily threatened neighboring units in the attached five-home complex. Bend Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched around 7:41 a.m. on May 10 and arrived to find flames burning in an attached garage that had already spread into the residence.
The fire heavily damaged the unit where it started, leaving it uninhabitable. One neighboring townhome sustained minor smoke and soot damage, while the remaining four units were still considered habitable. Damage is estimated at approximately $500,000 to the structure, $75,000 to contents inside the home, and $8,000 to a vehicle parked outside the garage. The homeowner declined assistance from the American Red Cross, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Bend Fire & Rescue is also reminding residents that while wildfire season is top of mind, house fires remain a year-round risk. Officials encourage homeowners to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working, practice a home fire escape plan, and stay aware of common hazards involving cooking, heating, and electrical equipment. ā°ļøBend š¹ Bendistillery Launches New Ready-to-Drink Cocktails Bendistillery is expanding its lineup with new ready-to-drink canned cocktails now hitting store shelves across Oregon. The Bend-based craft distillery, known for its Crater Lake Spirits brand, says the canned beverages are designed to offer a convenient, high-quality cocktail option made with real spirits and ingredients crafted in Central Oregon.
The ready-to-drink cocktail market has continued to grow in popularity nationwide, and Central Oregon distilleries have increasingly leaned into the trend in recent years. Bendistillery has been producing spirits in Bend since 1996 and recently remained in the spotlight following news involving the future of its Crater Lake Spirits brand. Read more ā
šØLocal Artist Advances in National Competition A Central Oregon artist is gaining national attention after advancing in the nationwide āPeopleās Artistā competition, a contest that highlights artists from across the country through public voting and online exposure. The local artistās work ā known for vibrant colors and emotionally driven themes ā has helped build a growing following both locally and beyond the region.
According to Central Oregon Daily News, the competition gives artists the chance to win cash prizes, national recognition, and featured opportunities within the art community. Supporters can vote online as the artist continues competing through multiple rounds, with organizers saying community backing plays a major role in advancing contestants through the national contest. Read more ā
š Bend Central District Planning Summer Block Party The Bend Central District is gearing up for a community block party on June 27, bringing live music, local vendors, food, and family-friendly activities to the growing area east of downtown Bend. Organizers say the event is designed to celebrate the districtās continued transformation while giving residents a chance to connect with local businesses and neighbors in a fun, outdoor setting.
The event will feature entertainment, interactive activities, and opportunities to explore the Bend Central Districtās evolving mix of housing, restaurants, and commercial spaces. The district has been a major focus of redevelopment efforts in recent years as Bend continues expanding beyond its traditional downtown core. Read more ā
šCommunity Forum Examines Tourism Tax Future Bend residents are invited to a forum discussing tourism's impact on the community and the future of the transient lodging tax. This conversation is critical as the city navigates growth pressures and determines how visitor-generated revenue should be allocated to benefit local infrastructure, services, and quality of life.
Your voice matters in shaping how tourism tax dollars are spent and how growth is managed in Bend. Attending this forum allows residents to directly influence decisions affecting everything from traffic and housing to parks and public services, making it an essential opportunity for civic participation. Read more ā āļøRedmond š¼ Wildflowers and Raptors Highlight Spring at Wildcat Canyon Trail Spring conditions are creating a colorful outdoor experience at Wildcat Canyon Trail near Redmond, where hikers are being treated to blooming wildflowers, dramatic rock formations, and soaring birds of prey. The trail, located within the Maston Trail System north of Tumalo, has become a popular seasonal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy Central Oregonās high desert landscape before summer heat arrives.
According to the Redmond Spokesman, visitors to the area have recently spotted a variety of raptors gliding above the canyon while spring wildflowers spread across the trail system. The area is also known for unique volcanic rock features and wide-open Cascade views, making it a favorite for hikers, mountain bikers, photographers, and birdwatchers alike during the spring months. Read more ā šŖ¶Madras šØ Jefferson County Sheriff Candidate Facing Possible Loss of Certification A candidate running for Jefferson County sheriff is facing the possible loss of his Oregon law enforcement certification following allegations tied to his past employment history. According to reporting by the Redmond Spokesman, Tyler Anderson ā who was fired from the Jefferson County Sheriffās Office in 2025 ā is accused of providing inaccurate or misleading information related to his employment background, putting his police credentials at risk.
The issue could have major implications for Andersonās future in law enforcement and his campaign for sheriff, as certification through Oregonās Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is required for sworn officers statewide. The case also highlights broader concerns surrounding trust and credibility in law enforcement, where findings involving dishonesty can significantly impact an officerās ability to testify in court or continue serving in policing roles. Read more ā
š¾ Possible Cougar Sightings Reported in Madras Residents in Madras are being urged to stay alert following multiple possible cougar sightings reported in and around the city over the past week. According to reports, one cougar was recently captured on a home security camera, while another possible sighting was reported near Madras City Park around Oak and 10th streets. Authorities said the animal was reportedly seen emerging from a nearby field and entering the park area.
The Jefferson County Sheriffās Office notified Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, though officials said the Madras sighting has not yet been confirmed because no tracks were found. Officials are reminding residents that if they encounter a cougar, they should not run, as that can trigger the animalās chase instinct. Instead, people are advised to stand tall, make themselves appear larger, and slowly back away while keeping an eye on the animal. Read more ā
šØ Madrasā Art Adventure Gallery Celebrates 40 Years One of Madrasā longest-running arts organizations is marking a major milestone this year as the Art Adventure Gallery celebrates 40 years of supporting local artists and creativity in Jefferson County. The downtown gallery first opened in 1986 after community members recognized the need for a permanent space to showcase local art, and it has remained in the same location ever since.
The gallery recently hosted a special anniversary celebration featuring artwork from local and Warm Springs artists, community exhibits, and longtime supporters of the arts. Over the past four decades, the nonprofit gallery has survived economic challenges, changes in volunteer support, cuts to arts education, and the pandemic while continuing to offer exhibits, classes, and cultural programming. Organizers say the galleryās longevity reflects the important role art plays in connecting communities across Jefferson County. | 
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