Bend Hotel Evacuated, LEGO History Unveiled From the Editor Welcome to this edition of Central Oregon Local Buzz. Today we cover a range of stories, including a temporary evacuation at a Bend hotel due to smoke, and a unique LEGO exhibit depicting Deschutes County history. Additionally, we provide insights on a major fire causing significant damage, a suspect's escape during a routine traffic stop, and the completion of the Cooley Road sewer project. Stay informed with local developments, from public safety updates and infrastructure projects to cultural events and economic news. ⛑️Fire & Rescue News 🚒 Smoke Forces Temporary Evacuation at Bend Hotel Guests and staff at the Element by Marriott hotel in Bend were temporarily evacuated Wednesday morning after smoke filled the hotel lobby. Bend Fire & Rescue responded to the hotel on NW Wall Street around 10:40 a.m. and spent about an hour searching the building to determine the source of the smoke.
Firefighters did not find an active fire and believe the smoke was likely caused by an issue with either the building's lighting system or its heating and cooling system. No injuries were reported, and guests were allowed to return once the hotel was declared safe.
🔥 Back Porch Fire Causes $75,000 in Damage to Bend Home Bend Fire & Rescue quickly contained a house fire Wednesday afternoon after crews responded to a home on Evelyn Court shortly before 5 p.m. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the front of the home and the back porch fully engulfed in flames. Crews were able to stop the fire from spreading further, limiting damage to an estimated $75,000.
No one was home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation. With Central Oregon experiencing extreme fire conditions, Bend Fire & Rescue is reminding residents to use extra caution with barbecues, warming fires, smoking materials and any equipment that can produce sparks or embers. Keeping water nearby and properly disposing of ashes can help prevent accidental fires. 🚨Crime News 🚓 Wanted Suspect Escapes After Traffic Stop; Hospital Threat Deemed Unfounded A Bend man wanted in connection with a July 7 domestic assault remains at large after fleeing from a traffic stop Thursday afternoon near NE Neff Road and 27th Street. Officers attempted to stop a vehicle associated with the suspect while responding to an unrelated report of a shooting threat made against St. Charles Bend. The man ran into a nearby apartment complex, prompting a large police response that included drones, K-9 units and a perimeter search. Deschutes County 911 also sent a shelter-in-place alert to nearly 2,000 nearby homes and businesses while officers searched the area.
Despite an extensive search, the suspect was not located. He is described as a white man, approximately 6-foot-1 and 155 pounds, last seen wearing a black hat, black T-shirt, gray camouflage cargo shorts, white socks and black shoes. He also has multiple tattoos extending onto his neck. Police ask anyone who sees him to call 911. Detectives later determined the reported shooting threat against St. Charles Bend was unfounded and not connected to the wanted suspect.
⚖️ Bend Man Pleads Guilty in Armed Cannabis Dispensary Robbery A 43-year-old Bend man has pleaded guilty in federal court to robbing a Bend cannabis dispensary at gunpoint in July 2024. According to court documents, Russell Ian Boggess entered the dispensary armed with a 9 mm handgun and attempted to fire the weapon twice during the robbery, but it jammed both times. When an employee tried to call police, Boggess struck the employee in the head with the firearm before fleeing with stolen cannabis. Witnesses outside the business were able to subdue him and secure the gun until officers arrived.
Boggess pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. He faces up to 20 years in prison on the robbery charge, plus a mandatory minimum of seven years for the firearm offense, which must be served consecutively. Sentencing is scheduled for October 7. The case was investigated by the FBI and Bend Police Department. Read more → ⛰️Bend 🚴 Oregon Adaptive Sports Helps Veterans Reconnect Through the Outdoors Oregon Adaptive Sports is continuing its mission to help veterans with disabilities stay active and connected through year-round adaptive recreation programs. The Bend-based nonprofit's Service to Summit program offers adaptive skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, gravel cycling and other outdoor experiences designed to build confidence, develop new skills and foster camaraderie among fellow service members.
One of the organization's signature events, a three-day Veterans Gravel Cycling Camp, returns to Central Oregon July 15-17 in partnership with Semper Fi & America's Fund. Held in the Deschutes National Forest, the camp uses adaptive bicycles to give veterans of varying abilities the opportunity to improve their cycling skills while enjoying the outdoors alongside other veterans. Oregon Adaptive Sports also offers adaptive lessons and seasonal programs throughout the year for individuals with disabilities of all ages. Read more →
🌙 Explore the High Desert After Dark at Welcome the Night The High Desert Museum is inviting the community to experience the wonders of the night during Welcome the Night on Wednesday, July 15, from 7 to 10 p.m. The family-friendly after-hours event features more than 20 interactive stations focused on nocturnal wildlife, astronomy and the importance of protecting Central Oregon's dark skies. Visitors can enjoy live owl encounters, bat demonstrations, telescope viewing, insect exhibits, hands-on crafts, face painting and activities led by local experts and community organizations.
Guests will receive an adventure map to explore the Museum after dark and collect stamps for a chance to win raffle prizes. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase throughout the evening. Tickets are $10 for adults and children ages 3 and older, with Museum members receiving a 20% discount. Organizers recommend bringing a flashlight or headlamp since portions of the outdoor trails will be unlit. Read more →
🎸 Local Musicians Team Up to Fight Hunger at Bands for Bread Nine Central Oregon bands will take the stage Friday, July 31, for the second annual Bands for Bread benefit concert at Boneyard Pub in Bend. The free event runs from noon to 9 p.m. and raises money for St. Vincent de Paul Bend, which operates one of the region's largest food pantries and serves more than 30,000 people each year. During the event, Boneyard Pub will donate $1 from every beer sold, with additional fundraising through merchandise sales, a silent auction and raffle prizes.
The community concert began last year after local musician Jonah of the band Long Operators wanted to honor his late grandfather through service to others. Despite challenging weather, the inaugural event raised more than $2,300 for the nonprofit. Organizers hope this year's expanded lineup and community support will make an even bigger impact in helping local families facing food insecurity. Read more →
🚗 Crash Knocks Out Traffic Signal at Busy NE Bend Intersection A vehicle crashed into an electrical box Thursday afternoon, knocking out the traffic signal at the busy intersection of NE 3rd Street and OB Riley Road in Bend. The crash happened around 1 p.m. after the vehicle apparently left the roadway and struck the utility equipment, causing significant traffic delays in the area.
With the traffic lights out, drivers were required to treat the intersection as a four-way stop while crews responded. The Oregon Department of Transportation posted warning signs to alert motorists traveling along U.S. 20 and OB Riley Road. Officials had not released information about injuries or what caused the crash as of Thursday afternoon, and the incident remains under investigation. Read more → 🪶Madras 🍺 Madras Seeks to Recover $1.2 Million After Brewery Project Falls Through The City of Madras is working to recover its $1.2 million investment after Initiative Brewing permanently closed its Madras location without relocating its primary operations to the city as originally planned. The city had provided the brewery with $900,000 in loans and $300,000 in grants through its urban renewal program, with the goal of revitalizing downtown and bringing new business to the community. City officials say they now plan to pursue repayment of the funds and repurchase the building.
Interim City Administrator David Clyne said economic development projects always carry some level of risk but noted that nearly all of the city's other urban renewal loans have been successful or are being repaid. While the closure has prompted the city to be more cautious with future investments, officials say they remain committed to using urban renewal funds to support downtown revitalization. Initiative Brewing continues to operate its Redmond location but declined to comment on the Madras project. Read more →
🚧 Jefferson County Lands $28 Million for Road and Bridge Safety Improvements Jefferson County has secured nearly $28 million in grant funding to improve safety on 50 miles of county roads and repair or replace five aging bridges. The funding will address the county's biggest transportation concern—roadway departure crashes—by widening roads, adding rumble strips, edge-line striping, guardrails, signs and other safety improvements. Officials say the upgrades will make travel safer on many of the county's narrow rural roads while reducing serious injury and fatal crashes.
The funding will also repair or replace several key bridges, including the Jordan Road suspension bridges over Lake Billy Chinook, where $11 million will strengthen the structures and eliminate current load restrictions. Construction begins this fall with the replacement of the Bear Drive Bridge north of Madras, followed by projects on Coleman Road, Feather Drive and additional roadway safety improvements through 2032. County officials say the investments will improve access for residents, emergency responders, agriculture and commercial traffic while addressing long-overdue infrastructure needs. Read more → 🐎Prineville 🍀 Prineville Store Shares Bonus After Selling $3.2 Million Lottery Ticket R & R Grocery and Sporting Goods in Prineville is giving back after receiving a $32,000 bonus from the Oregon Lottery for selling last month's winning $3.2 million Oregon Megabucks ticket. Store owners Debi and Dennis Morton shared part of the bonus with their nine employees, made a charitable donation and are setting aside the remaining funds for future business expenses.
The winning ticket was sold for the June 6 drawing, with the lucky winner—a Prineville resident who chose to remain anonymous—claiming the $3.2 million jackpot. The Mortons say their goal has always been to make sure customers leave the store happy, and they're hoping another big winner is just around the corner—this time with one of their Scratch-it games. Read more →
🔥 Prineville Hemp Processing Building Remains Closed After Fire A Prineville hemp processing facility remains closed following a June 19 fire after investigators determined the building's fire sprinkler system was not operational. According to a report released by Crook County Fire and Rescue, the fire began in an open 55-gallon drum inside a building where highly flammable chemicals were stored. Investigators found the suppression system was unable to function because a valve had been shut off and the fire pump was also inoperable.
The 3,000-square-foot building has been ordered to remain closed due to fire damage, while other buildings on the property have reopened. Public records identify GVB Biopharma as being registered to the damaged building, though fire officials did not identify the business by name. The investigation into the incident has been completed. Read more → 🏘️Real Estate 🏡 Central Oregon Housing Market Shows Steady Activity - By Reed Melton Central Oregon's real estate market continues to favor buyers as inventory remains healthy and mortgage rates hold relatively steady in the mid-6% range. While sellers are continuing to adjust prices to stay competitive, buyer activity remains strong across the region, with year-over-year home sales trending upward as the market enters the busy summer season.
Deschutes County continues to lead the region with the highest sales activity, while Crook and Jefferson counties are also seeing steady demand. Local real estate experts say the combination of stable mortgage rates, increased inventory and more realistic pricing is creating opportunities for buyers without signaling a major shift in overall home values. As always, pricing homes correctly remains one of the biggest factors in securing a successful sale. Read more →
🛁 Choosing the Right Bathroom Countertop Starts with Your Lifestyle If you're planning a bathroom remodel, designers say the best countertop isn't necessarily the most expensive—it's the one that fits your lifestyle. Quartz remains a top choice thanks to its durability, stain resistance and low maintenance, while granite offers the beauty of natural stone with excellent durability. For a more luxurious look, marble delivers timeless elegance but requires more upkeep, and materials like quartzite, concrete and soapstone provide unique alternatives for homeowners looking for something different.
Experts recommend considering more than just appearance when selecting a countertop. Moisture resistance, maintenance requirements, durability and budget should all play a role in the decision. Because bathroom vanities typically require less material than kitchen countertops, many homeowners find they can afford to upgrade to a higher-end surface without dramatically increasing the overall cost of their renovation. Read more → Thank you for tuning in to this week's edition of Central Oregon Local Buzz. We hope you're able to get out and enjoy all that Central Oregon has to offer this weekend. Stay safe and connected with your community until we see you again next time. | 
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