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🐀Rodent Smoke Bomb Sparks Crawl Space Fire at Bend Home
Issue #325
Good morning, Central Oregon!
This edition of the Local Buzz is packed with local happenings, helpful info, and a few can’t-miss events. We’ve got a fresh trivia question to test your local knowledge, a round-up of Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and details on the Redmond Community Choir’s upcoming concert. In the headlines: campers ordered to vacate China Hat, an animal abuse investigation in La Pine, and a crawl space fire in Bend caused by a rodent smoke bomb. Plus, Mid Oregon Credit Union has officially opened its stunning new branch in the Old Mill!
Scroll on for weather, events, construction updates, and our always-popular meme of the day. Let’s dive in!
Don’t forget to check out our newest sponsor, Can Monkey — making trash day a whole lot easier!
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"
🍸🍹💃Round up of Cinco de Mayo celebrations!
📰Local News - What’s a Happening?
📰Homeless Campers Ordered to Vacate China Hat Area
📰 La Pine: Animal Abuse Investigation Underway
🏦 Mid Oregon Credit Union Opens in Old Mill
📰Regional News
📆City of Bend Calendar of Events
🚧 Road Closures & Construction
🚧Redmond: SW Reservoir Drive Improvements Begin
🔥Central Oregon Fire Info
🔥 Wildfire Preparedness
🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News
🏠🔥Rodent Smoke Bomb Sparks Crawl Space Fire at Bend Home
🚨Crime News
⚖️Redmond Man Arrested in Oklahoma for 2016 Child Sex Abuse Charges
📰Community News
🗑️Sunriver: Nature Center Hosts Campus Clean-Up
Have some news or know of news for our Community News Segment - share it with C.O. Local Buzz
😁 MEME of the Day

Which Central Oregon town was once nicknamed "Tap Town" due to its reputation for abundant water taps—despite being in a high desert? |
Good Morning!

Mt. Bachelor 04.30.25
BEND


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.
Cinco De Mayo
Here’s a roundup of Cinco de Mayo 2025 celebrations in Central Oregon, featuring food, music, dance, and family-friendly fun:
🎉 Bend Celebrations
River’s Place – Live Music & Tamales
When: Monday, May 5, 6:00–8:00 PM
What: Live music by Estrellas, handmade tamales, elotes, and specialty cocktails.
Where: 787 NE Purcell Blvd, Bend
Details: A festive outdoor event with food trucks and drinks. (Bend Source)
Hola! Downtown – Salsa Night
When: Saturday, May 3, 7:30–10:30 PM
What: Salsa dance lesson followed by live music from BENDiciones Salsa Orchestra.
Where: 920 NW Bond St, Bend
Details: All-ages, no cover charge. (LATIN DANCE BEND)
Monkless Brasserie – Tacos & Beer Pairing
When: Monday, May 5, 11:30 AM–9:00 PM
What: Taco and beer flight pairings, margarita specials, and scenic river views.
Where: 803 SW Industrial Way, Bend
Details: A relaxed celebration with great food and drinks. (AllEvents)
Currents at Riverhouse – “Cinco de Monday”
When: Monday, May 5, 4:00–10:00 PM
What: Brisket tamales, elote bowls, and a new margarita menu.
Where: 3075 N Hwy 97, Bend
Details: Riverside dining with Tex-Mex flavors.
Silver Moon Brewing – DJ & Tacos
When: Monday, May 5
What: Latin food from Tablas Mobile Cuisine and music by DJ Cruz.
Where: 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend
Details: An evening of food, brews, and energetic music.
🌮 Redmond Celebrations
Redmond Downtown Park – Cultural Festival
When: Sunday, May 4, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
What: Live music, traditional food, artisan market, and family activities.
Where: 16101 NE Redmond Way, Redmond
Details: Hosted by Centro Cultural Mexicano; a free, family-friendly event.
Wild Ride Brewing – Paint Party
When: Monday, May 5, 6:00–8:00 PM
What: Guided painting session with food and drinks available.
Where: 332 SW 5th St, Redmond
Details: All ages welcome; tickets required.
Bangers & Brews – Family Fiesta
When: Monday, May 5, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
What: Piñatas, food specials, drinks, and free meals for veterans.
Where: Redmond location
Details: Family and dog-friendly celebration.
🌟 Additional Celebrations
La Rosa Mexican Kitchen (Bend): 20th annual Cinco de Mayo party with giveaways and specials.
Campfire Hotel (Bend): Dance party with DJ SOLO, pool access, and food/drink specials.
Bar Rio (Bend): Festivities with DJ Giancarlo and a variety of margaritas.
SCP Hotel Redmond: Cinco de Mayo Paint Party; pre-registration required.
LOCAL EVENTS
HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?
Local News…
Homeless Campers Ordered to Vacate China Hat Area

A federal judge has denied a request to delay the U.S. Forest Service's closure of the China Hat Road area south of Bend, requiring homeless campers to vacate by May 1. Volunteers and service providers are assisting individuals in relocating their belongings.
La Pine: Animal Abuse Investigation Underway
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is investigating an apparent animal abuse incident in La Pine, following the circulation of a video on social media. Authorities are seeking information from the public to assist in the investigation.
Mid Oregon Credit Union Opens in Old Mill
Mid Oregon Credit Union has officially opened its new corporate headquarters and eighth full-service branch in Bend’s Old Mill District, marking a significant milestone for the locally headquartered financial institution.
The three-story, 15,945-square-foot building, located at 557 SW Bluff Drive, was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 29. The structure features mass timber construction, honoring the area's rich milling history, and is the first of its kind in the Old Mill District. The building includes a full-service branch on the ground floor, complete with drive-up teller and ATM lanes, while the upper floors house executive leadership, wealth management, home loans, and other departments, accommodating the credit union's growing team of 160 employees .
Mid Oregon Credit Union, serving Central Oregonians since 1957, now boasts over 49,000 members across Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Lake, and North Klamath Counties. The new headquarters underscores the credit union's commitment to sustainability and providing exceptional service to its members.
For more information about Mid Oregon Credit Union's services and branch locations, visit midoregon.com.
Regional News…

Redmond: SW Reservoir Drive Improvements Begin
The City of Redmond has commenced Phase 2 of the SW Reservoir Drive Improvements Project as of April 28. The construction aims to enhance infrastructure and is expected to impact local traffic patterns during the development period.
BendRedmond | Deschutes County |
Wildfire Preparedness
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…
Rodent Smoke Bomb Sparks Crawl Space Fire at Bend Home

Bend Fire & Rescue responded Monday to a fire that broke out beneath a manufactured home in the Rock Arbor Mobile Home Park on East Highway 20. When crews arrived, they found black smoke billowing from the home’s crawl space but were able to quickly contain the flames before they spread into the main living area.
The fire was traced to a rodent smoke bomb that had been ignited in an attempt to drive out rock chucks nesting under the home. The device ignited the plastic vapor barrier, sparking the blaze. Fortunately, the homeowner and a neighbor were already safely outside and called 911 immediately, helping to minimize damage. Fire officials estimated total losses at around $10,000.
Bend Fire & Rescue is using the incident as a reminder that open flame devices—including smoke bombs—pose serious risks when used near buildings. These products are intended for use in open fields, not under or near structures. A minimum of ten feet of separation from all buildings, decks, and fences is required when using any flame-producing device. Fire officials also emphasized that such devices should never be used during fire season.
Crime News…
Redmond Man Arrested in Oklahoma for 2016 Child Sex Abuse Charges

A Redmond man, recently indicted on charges of attempted rape and sexual abuse involving a young girl in 2016, has been arrested in Fort Towson, Oklahoma.
John Patrick Varney Fackrell, 38, was indicted on February 25 on one count of first-degree attempted rape, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, and one count of third-degree sexual abuse. The alleged crimes occurred between January and July of 2016 and involved a girl under the age of 12.
Fackrell is currently awaiting extradition to Oregon to face these charges.
For more details, you can read the full article on KTVZ
Community News…
Sunriver: Nature Center Hosts Campus Clean-Up
On April 28, volunteers participated in a campus clean-up at the Sunriver Nature Center, combining Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations. The event marked the beginning of a new season of activities aimed at revitalizing the center and engaging the community.
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