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🧑🌾🛍️New farmers market opens at Worthy Brewing in Bend
Issue #324
Good Monday Morning!
We’ve got another full edition of Central Oregon buzz ready for you — local news, updates you need to know, and a peek at what’s happening around the area. From community projects to regional updates, plus fire info, road news, and a few things to keep on your radar this week, it’s all packed in below.
Don’t forget to check out our newest sponsor, Can Monkey — making trash day a whole lot easier!
Let’s dive into what’s happening across Central Oregon today!
*Apologies for the Trivia Question last week, I somehow entered incorrect information - the right choice should have been C) 18, I printed it as 8 - so all you who chose 10 as the answer, you were on the right track! Thanks for playing. 😁
In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…
🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays
🌄Bend, OR Weather
📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?
🏡🌱Spring Home & Garden Show
📅Save The Date Section
💖Treat Yo’ Mama
🎶Redmond Community Choir Presents "Celebrating the Great American Songbook"
📰Local News - What’s a Happening?
📰Bend and Deschutes County Officials Address Homeless Camps and Wildfire Risks
📰Prineville Plans Groundwater Testing to Identify Contamination Source
🎨🖼️Sisters City Council Rejects Finalists for Roundabout Art Installation
🧑🌾🛍️New farmers market opens at Worthy Brewing in Bend
🦌🛣️Bend to Suttle Lake Highway 20 wildlife crossings project hits fundraising milestone
📰Regional News
📆City of Bend Calendar of Events
🚧 Road Closures & Construction
🔥Central Oregon Fire Info
📰Wildfire Preparedness Fairs Held in La Pine and Sunriver
🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News
🚨Crime News
📰Community News
💖 Redmond Youth Participate in Global Youth Service Day Projects
Have some news or know of news for our Community News Segment - share it with C.O. Local Buzz
😁 MEME of the Day
Good Morning!
Mt. Bachelor 04.28.25
BEND
Bi-Polar Weather on the way!
What’s Up Central Oregon?
Spring Home & Garden Show
The 2025 Central Oregon Spring Home & Garden Show is set to take place from May 2 to May 4 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. This annual event, now in its 32nd year, is organized by the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) and sponsored by Johnson Brothers Appliances.
Event Details:
Dates & Times:
Friday, May 2: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, May 3: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, May 4: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR
Admission: Free entry and parking
Attendees can explore over 200 exhibits featuring the latest trends in home building, remodeling, landscaping, and sustainable living. The show offers a comprehensive look at home and garden solutions, making it a valuable event for homeowners and enthusiasts alike.
For more information and updates, visit the official COBA events page: (coba.org).
Coming up
River's Place in Bend, Oregon, is set to host its annual "Treat Yo' Mama" event on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025. This festive celebration offers a delightful mix of local artisan vendors, live music, and a curated rosé wine tasting experience, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for families to honor the special women in their lives.
Event Highlights:
Local Artisan Market: Explore a diverse selection of handcrafted goods, including jewelry, home décor, and unique gifts from talented local makers.
Live Music: Enjoy performances by local musicians, providing a lively soundtrack to the day's festivities.
Rosé Wine Tasting: Savor a variety of rosé wines, perfect for toasting to moms everywhere.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With a spacious outdoor area, food trucks, and a welcoming environment, it's an ideal spot for families to gather and celebrate.
For more details and to stay updated on the event schedule, visit River's Place Live Music.
Redmond Community Choir Presents "Celebrating the Great American Songbook"
Mark your calendar for a musical afternoon as the Redmond Community Choir presents their spring concert on Sunday, May 18th at 4 PM. This special performance, "Celebrating the Great American Songbook," will feature the 75-member choir singing timeless classics from legends like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and more.
Adding to the program, the choir will perform Bob Chilcott’s "A Little Jazz Mass," accompanied by a stellar rhythm section of Central Oregon musicians and special guest artist Richard Tuttobene on piano.
The concert will be held at Redmond High School and is free to the public, with donations gladly accepted. The Redmond Community Choir is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and part of the COCC Community Education program.
For more information, visit redmondcommunitychoir.org.
LOCAL EVENTS
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Local News…
Bend and Deschutes County Officials Address Homeless Camps and Wildfire Risks
Local officials in Bend and Deschutes County convened to discuss strategies for managing homeless encampments and mitigating wildfire risks. This initiative follows the investigation of the August 2024 Milepost 132 Fire, which originated in a homeless camp and burned 80 acres. The discussions aim to develop a long-term plan, including the potential closure of Juniper Ridge to camping. Full Story Here
Prineville Plans Groundwater Testing to Identify Contamination Source
In response to concerns about water quality, Prineville officials announced plans to conduct groundwater testing to pinpoint the source of contamination. The initiative seeks to ensure the safety of the city's water supply and address any potential health risks to residents. Full Story Here
Sisters City Council Rejects Finalists for Roundabout Art Installation
 Karen Yank's "Pride of Place" |  Dan Chen's "Through Time" |
The Sisters City Council decided not to select either of the two finalists for the art installation at the new US Highway 20 and Locust Street roundabout. Despite receiving 89 proposals and narrowing them down to two—Karen Yank's "Pride of Place" and Dan Chen's "Through Time"—the council opted to reopen the selection process to find a more suitable design.
Here's the city's news release on the decision and next steps:
|
New farmers market opens at Worthy Brewing in Bend
The new farmers market at Worthy Brewing on Bend’s Eastside kicked off on April 27 and will continue every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through September 28.
The market features over 20 food vendors, offering fresh produce, meats, bread, pastries, and more, along with 10+ craft vendors showcasing art, jewelry, beauty products, and pottery.
Local residents can look forward to fresh, local goods every week.
Bend to Suttle Lake Highway 20 wildlife crossings project hits fundraising milestone
An effort to build four wildlife crossings over Highway 20 between Bend and Suttle Lake has reached a major milestone. Central Oregon LandWatch announced it has raised over $1 million for the project, bolstered by a $688,000 grant from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. With this funding secured, the group can now apply for federal matching funds to begin the engineering and design phase for the crossings.
The crossings are planned near mileposts 90, 92, 94, and 94.6, in an area with one of the highest rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the state, where an estimated 350 to 600 deer and elk are killed each year. The Sisters area serves as a critical migratory corridor for elk traveling from Lake Billy Chinook to Mt. Washington.
The Bend to Suttle Lake Wildlife Passage Initiative, led by Central Oregon LandWatch in partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Foundation, completed a feasibility study last year identifying key locations for crossings. The coalition of nonprofits, agencies, and landowners prioritized four sites to address the greatest collision risks and support wildlife migration.
With fundraising goals met, project leaders are optimistic about securing federal dollars through programs like the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, which has $350 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Engineering and design work for the crossings will kick off soon, with the Oregon Department of Transportation already assembling a project team.
Supporters say the crossings will dramatically improve both motorist safety and wildlife habitat connectivity in Central Oregon. The coalition invites additional contributions from agencies, businesses, and individuals to continue supporting the project.
Regional News…
BendRedmond | Deschutes County |
Wildfire Preparedness Fairs Held in La Pine and Sunriver
Wildfire preparedness fairs took place in La Pine on April 26 and are scheduled for Sunriver on April 29. These events feature presentations, information booths, and appearances by Smokey Bear, aiming to educate residents on wildfire prevention and safety measures ahead of the fire season.
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
1 – 3pm
SHARC
57252 Overlook Rd.
Sunriver, Oregon
Information Tables
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
12 - 1 pm
Warm Springs Fire Station
2112 Wasco St., Warm Springs
Information Tables, Station Tours & Free Lunch
5pm - 8pm
COCC Mazama Gym 2600 NW College Way Bend, Oregon
Presentations, Information Tables & Smokey Bear!
Fire & Rescue News…
Crime News…
Community News…
Redmond Youth Participate in Global Youth Service Day Projects
As part of the 37th Global Youth Service Day, young volunteers from Heart of Oregon Corps engaged in community service projects in Redmond's Dry Canyon. The efforts focused on environmental restoration and community improvement, showcasing the positive impact of youth involvement in local initiatives. Full Story Here
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