Exciting Events & Updates in Central Oregon From the Editor Welcome to this week's edition of Central Oregon Local Buzz. In this issue, we cover significant events like the Archaeology Roadshow at Deschutes Historical Museum and updates on Neff Road improvements. Stay informed with insights into critical local news such as the tragic Highway 126 crash near Redmond, recovery of a stolen vehicle in Bend, and the city's century of clean drinking water. Discover developments in Bend's co-working spaces reflecting the shift towards remote work in Oregon. Also included are new recreational and safety updates in the region and cultural highlights like live performances and the introduction of Detroit-style pizza in Sisters. āļøFire & Rescue News šØ Fatal Crash on Highway 126 Near Redmond Claims One Life A head-on crash on Highway 126 near Redmond Sunday afternoon left one person dead and three others injured, according to the Oregon State Police. Troopers responded around 1:11 p.m. near milepost 107 in Deschutes County after a green Chevrolet Silverado crossed into the westbound lane for an unknown reason and collided with a blue Subaru Outback head-on.
The driver of the Chevrolet, 63-year-old Lee Glenn Bernard of Lebanon, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Sandra Kronour, 66, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital. The driver of the Subaru, 77-year-old Scott Nicol of Redmond, was also hospitalized with serious injuries. The crash shut down portions of Highway 126 for roughly three hours while investigators worked the scene. Oregon State Police were assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriffās Office and ODOT. šØCrime News š Stolen Toyota Recovered Minutes After Bend Theft Bend Police recovered a stolen Toyota Tacoma less than an hour after it was taken from a driveway in southeast Bend early Saturday morning. Officers responded around 3 a.m. to the 60000 block of Sally Lane after the vehicle owner reported seeing two people drive off in the truck, which had been left unlocked with the keys inside.
Roughly 40 minutes later, officers spotted the stolen Tacoma near NE 27th Street and Highway 20 East and conducted a traffic stop at NE Dalton Street. Police arrested 44-year-old Kory William Brown of California on charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The female passenger initially refused to identify herself and was later found to be a missing person out of Linn County. Both suspects were lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail, and the Tacoma was returned to its owner. Bend Police are reminding residents to always lock vehicles and avoid leaving keys or valuables inside. ā°ļøBend š° Bend Celebrates 100 Years of Clean Drinking Water The City of Bend is marking a major milestone this year ā 100 years of municipal water service ā while also reporting that the cityās drinking water once again met or exceeded all federal and state quality standards in 2025. The newly released Water Quality and Consumer Confidence Report outlines testing results, treatment processes and the sources behind Bendās drinking water system.
City officials say Bendās water legacy dates back to 1926, when the city shifted away from using the Deschutes River as its primary source and established the Bend Municipal Watershed fed by mountain springs and Bridge Creek water. Today, the city continues operating a modern dual-source water system while promoting conservation and stewardship through its yearlong ā100 Years of Waterā celebration campaign. Residents can view the full report online or request printed copies through the cityās Water Services Department. Read more ā
š¼ Bendās Co-Working Boom Reflects Oregonās Remote Work Shift As remote work continues to grow across Oregon, Bendās co-working spaces are quickly becoming hubs for productivity, networking and community. New spaces like Kiln are attracting freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote employees looking to escape the distractions of working from home while gaining access to collaborative work environments, meeting rooms and flexible office options.
According to the Oregon Employment Department, roughly 350,000 Oregonians ā about 17% of the stateās workforce ā worked remotely in 2024, giving Oregon the third-highest remote work rate in the country. Operators at Bendās newest co-working spaces say demand has been strong, with members drawn not only to office amenities like gyms, event spaces and private meeting rooms, but also to the opportunity to build professional connections and community in Central Oregonās growing remote workforce scene. Read more ā
šØļø Bend Library Offering Hands-On 3D Printer Training The Bend library has opened public access to a state-of-the-art 3D printer, allowing residents to explore new technological horizons. Patrons can now utilize this resource to create three-dimensional objects, which can range from small models to more complex designs. This initiative is part of the library's commitment to providing educational resources and fostering creativity among community members.
Access to a 3D printer offers Bend residents an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and innovation. This service can benefit hobbyists, entrepreneurs, and students by providing the tools needed to prototype, experiment, and bring ideas to life. By supporting technological literacy, the library is enhancing community access to new skills and promoting a culture of lifelong learning. Read more ā āļøRedmond šø Redmond Speed Camera Damaged Just Days After Launch A newly installed mobile speed enforcement camera in Redmond was vandalized only days after the city launched its new photo enforcement program, according to Redmond police. The portable unit, stationed along Southwest Quartz Avenue, was reportedly damaged after video showing the camera being tampered with surfaced online over the weekend. Police have confirmed the damage but have not yet released details about who may be responsible.
The incident comes as Redmond begins the first phase of its traffic camera rollout aimed at reducing speeding and dangerous driving in high-risk areas around the city. Cameras officially went live May 15, with drivers currently receiving warning notices during a 30-day grace period before citations begin June 15. Once active, violations could carry fines ranging from $165 to $440, with penalties doubling in school zones. Read more ā šŖ¶Madras āļø Navy Growler Crash Could Impact Madras Airshow Appearance Organizers of the Airshow of the Cascades in Madras are waiting to learn whether a recent U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler crash in Washington will affect this yearās planned appearance by the Navy Growler Demo Team. The crash happened during a training mission near White Pass, where one aviator was killed and another injured as the military investigates what caused the aircraft to go down.
The Growler team is one of the featured attractions scheduled for the 2026 Airshow of the Cascades at the Madras Municipal Airport in late August. Event organizers say they have not yet received official word from the Navy on whether performances will continue as planned, but noted safety investigations following military crashes can sometimes temporarily ground aircraft or demonstration teams. Read more ā
āļø Madras Airport Landing Federal Funds for Weather System Upgrade The Madras Municipal Airport is set to receive more than $102,000 in federal funding to replace its aging Automated Weather Observing System, a key tool pilots rely on for real-time weather conditions and safe flight operations. The grant is part of nearly $19 million being distributed to airports across Oregon through the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Airport officials say the upgrade will improve safety and reliability for pilots using the Madras airport, which plays an important role in general aviation, wildfire response operations and regional connectivity. Madras Municipal Airport has continued to expand and modernize in recent years, supporting everything from private aviation to firefighting aircraft during wildfire season. Read more ā š²Sisters š Detroit-Style Pizza Spot Opens New Sisters Food Cart A popular Bend pizza business known for its Detroit-style pies has expanded into Sisters with a new food cart at the Eurosports courtyard. Abe Capannaās Neighborhood Pizzeria, founded by longtime pizza maker Cliff Abrahams, is bringing its signature rectangular deep-dish pizzas ā complete with crispy cheese edges, homemade sauces and premium mozzarella blends ā to the growing Sisters food scene.
Abrahams first launched Abe Capannaās in Bend in 2020 and says the move to Sisters felt like a natural fit. The cart offers homemade meatballs, marinara, tiramisu and gluten-free options, with plans to serve both locals and the busy summer tourist crowd. Abe Capannaās is currently open Wednesday through Sunday, with delivery available through DoorDash and Uber Eats and online ordering expected to launch soon. Read more ā šFeatured Events Jacquie Roar Live in Redmond This Friday Get ready for a musical experience in Redmond as Jacquie Roar, a finalist from 'The Voice,' takes the stage this Friday. This event is a fantastic opportunity for local residents seeking high-quality entertainment close to home, offering a break from streaming performances online or traveling far for concerts. Bring your friends and family, and enjoy a night of vibrant music under the stars, all within your community. Don't miss this chance to support live music and local events. Visit our website for ticket details and venue information. Read more ā | 
Reply