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In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 🖼️Tina’s Glass & Paint Parties: Crushed Glass & Resin Suncatcher Art Night

 🧀 Not Your Mama’s Cheddar — Cheese Tasting & Exploration

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

  🇺🇸 High Desert Museum Launches “250 in the West” Series to Explore Freedom, Land & Identity

  🎤 Bend’s Bella Emry Advances to American Idol Top 30!

 🎤 Oregon Poetry Out Loud State Finals Set for Salem — Featuring Anis Mojgani

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

 🚁 Busy Weekend for Search & Rescue: Three Backcountry Calls in One Afternoon

🚨Crime News

 🚨 La Pine Man Arrested in Mother’s Homicide; Two Juveniles Witnessed Incident

🔒 Bend Man Sentenced to Federal Prison After Gunfire Incident in Deschutes National Forest

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

 🐾🐶Pet of the Week

 🐶Meet Neko - HSO

 🥧 Buy a Pie, Help a Shelter Pet

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

👀See the Extended Answer in Friday’s Newsletter… and maybe a bonus Trivia Question👉

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

🖼️Tina’s Glass & Paint Parties: Crushed Glass & Resin Suncatcher Art Night

Add a little sparkle to your evening at this unique workshop led by Tina's Glass & Paint Parties! Just pick from a variety of design & color options and follow along with the step-by-step instructions, and you'll get to take home your very own crushed glass and resin suncatcher. No experience or supplies necessary.

Things to know:

• Designs are limited to stock on hand - popular styles sell out fast

• All supplies are included

• Finished pieces will need time to cure after the event

• Advanced registration is highly recommended!

Design options * Select your design on the ticket purchase page.
Oregon
Pint & Mountains
Hummingbird Bloom
Moon Succulents
Hat & Blooms
Dragonfly
Fish

 🧀 Not Your Mama’s Cheddar — Cheese Tasting & Exploration

When: Saturday, March 7 • 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Where: La Pine Library — Community Room (16425 1st St, La Pine, OR)
What: Love cheese? Dive into cheddar’s delicious history and flavor with Teri Tith, a Certified Cheese Professional leading a free tasting event as part of Deschutes Public Library’s month long “Know fermentation, decay and rot” series. Tith — who earned her Certified Cheese Professional credential after 4,000+ hours in the cheese world and holds advanced wine and sake certifications — will guide guests through classic and beloved cheddar styles, share insights on artisanal cheese, and explain what makes great pairings tick. This laid-back session is perfect for curious foodies and anyone who wants to deepen their appreciation for cheese beyond the basics. (dpl.libnet.info)

More Cheese-Forward Events This Month: As part of the same series, the library district is hosting other tasty, themed programs in March — from “The New American Cheeses” tasting and a Charcuterie Making Workshop: Fermented Foods Edition, to a Vinegar vs. Wine tasting in Redmond. Check the Deschutes Public Library calendar for details and registration info.

New Events Calendar - Check it out! 👇

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Other Event Sources:

Deschutes Public Library Events

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Bend Magazine Event Listings

Visit Redmond Event Listings

Local News…

 🇺🇸 High Desert Museum Launches “250 in the West” Series to Explore Freedom, Land & Identity

As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the High Desert Museum is turning the lens westward. Rather than revisiting familiar East Coast narratives, the Museum’s new yearlong series, “250 in the West,” explores how foundational American themes—public lands, citizenship and identity—have shaped life in the High Desert and across the broader West. Through conversations led by nationally recognized historians and scholars, the program invites the community to reflect on the region’s lesser-known stories while engaging in thoughtful dialogue about today’s challenges and opportunities.

The spring lineup features three evening events beginning March 12 with historian Flannery Burke, who will examine how Western perspectives influenced America’s cultural institutions. In April, Leisl Carr Childers will trace the complex origins of public lands, followed by legal scholar Susan Kamei on April 30, who will discuss citizenship through the lens of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Each event begins at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. Tickets range from $8–$12, with discounts for members. Additional fall programming will be announced. More information and tickets are available at highdesertmuseum.org/250-west.

 🎤 Bend’s Bella Emry Advances to American Idol Top 30!

Bend is cheering as local singer-songwriter Bella Emry, 22, has earned a spot in the Top 30 on American Idol, moving on from Hollywood Week after a powerful performance that captivated judges and audiences alike. The aspiring musician — who juggles work in the service industry and at her family’s business — first wowed judges with a confident cover of a Morgan Wallen song, earning praise and advancing through the competition. (Music Mayhem)

Her journey has sparked strong local support, with Central Oregon fans gathering for watch parties and cheering her on as she heads toward the next rounds, including the Ohana Round in Hawaii. American Idol airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC, where fans can continue following Bella’s rise. (podcasts.apple.com)

 🎤 Oregon Poetry Out Loud State Finals Set for Salem — Featuring Anis Mojgani

Oregon’s top high school poetry performers will take the stage March 7 at the Historic Grand Theatre in Salem for the 2026 Poetry Out Loud State Championships, presented by the Oregon Arts Commission. Students from across the state — including Redmond High School’s Ariana Morris — will compete in a powerful showcase of memorization, performance and literary interpretation. The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m., culminating in the announcement of the state champion, who will earn $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national finals for a $20,000 grand prize.

Adding to the excitement, recent Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani will give a special performance. Poetry Out Loud is a national initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to build public speaking skills, confidence and a deeper appreciation for poetry. The winning student’s school will also receive $500 for poetry materials. Organizers say the afternoon promises not only competition, but celebration — spotlighting the voices of Oregon’s next generation of storytellers.

Fire & Rescue…

🚁 Busy Weekend for Search & Rescue: Three Backcountry Calls in One Afternoon

It was a full Saturday for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit, which responded to three separate incidents on February 28. The first call came just before 3 p.m. when a solo Bend hiker became stranded while descending South Sister after turning around below Lewis Glacier due to icy conditions. With assistance from Airlink, three SAR volunteers were quickly transported to the mountain and safely escorted the uninjured hiker back toward Devils Lake, where additional volunteers met them with equipment.

Less than an hour later, SAR was alerted to an injured Nordic skier between Todd Lake and Dutchman Flat Sno-Park, but Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol — already nearby — responded by snowmobile and transported the skier safely back to their vehicle. Minutes after that, SAR teams redirected to a third emergency: an injured dirt bike rider north of Pictograph Cave near China Hat. Volunteers located the rider via ATV, moved him to a paved area and transferred him to Bend Fire & Rescue for transport to the hospital. Officials thanked all responding agencies and volunteers for their swift coordination during a busy afternoon in the backcountry.

Crime News…

🚨 La Pine Man Arrested in Mother’s Homicide; Two Juveniles Witnessed Incident

A 25-year-old La Pine man has been arrested in connection with the death of his mother following an early morning investigation on March 2. According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, deputies first responded around 2:03 a.m. to suspicious circumstances at Gordy’s Truck Stop, where they contacted Gavaughn Bates. Deputies determined Bates was involved in the homicide of his mother at their shared home on Woodstock Drive. When deputies arrived at the residence, they located 56-year-old ErmaJean McGillicuddy deceased inside.

Investigators also learned that two juveniles were present during the incident and witnessed part of the altercation. The children were safely removed from the home and connected with support services. Bates was lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on charges of Murder, First-Degree Assault (Aggravated), and Strangulation witnessed by a child. Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the community. The case remains under investigation and has been referred to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.

🔒 Bend Man Sentenced to Federal Prison After Gunfire Incident in Deschutes National Forest

A 38-year-old Bend man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition in the Deschutes National Forest. Cody Joe Hunt received a 24-month sentence followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records, U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers responded to reports of gunfire near China Hat Road on Feb. 13, 2025. When they arrived, Hunt allegedly fled into the woods, leaving behind an assault-style rifle and shell casings. Officers tracked him through the snow and found ammunition in his pockets matching the weapon.

Investigators later obtained a search warrant for Hunt’s electronic devices, uncovering evidence that he had possessed the rifle in the weeks prior and had participated in its purchase from a local dealer. Because Hunt is a convicted felon, he is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. A federal grand jury in Eugene indicted him in September 2025, and he pleaded guilty in November. The case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service with assistance from the Deschutes County Digital Forensics Division and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Community News…

 Regional News… 

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

Meet Neko!

Meet Neko, a handsome young American Bulldog mix with a big heart and an even bigger love for his people. This loyal boy forms deep bonds with his humans, and once you’re part of Neko’s circle, you’ll have a devoted companion by your side for life.

Neko is the perfect blend of athletic and affectionate. True to his breed, he’s strong, energetic, and always ready for adventure—whether that’s a walk around the neighborhood, a hike on the trail, or a lively game of fetch. He also loves romping and playing chase with his canine friends. After a day of fun, Neko’s favorite place to be is curled up next to his favorite humans, soaking up cuddles and quiet time on the couch.

This sweet boy thrives on attention, praise, and companionship. He walks nicely on leash, greets other dogs calmly, and enjoys spending time with confident canine friends. Because Neko prefers not to be alone for long periods, he does best in a home where he can be crated when unattended and ideally have a confident dog buddy to keep him company.

Neko is food-motivated, eager to learn, and loves making his people proud. He’s already potty-trained and crate-trained, and with continued structure and consistency, he will flourish in a calm, loving home that gives him both activity and affection.

If you’re looking for a loyal adventure partner, cuddle champion, and devoted best friend, Neko may be the perfect addition to your family.

🐾 Apply to adopt Neko here:
https://www.thehso.org/adoption-application/

🥧 Buy a Pie, Help a Shelter Pet

Want a simple (and delicious) way to help animals like Neko? The Humane Society of Central Oregon is hosting a pie fundraiser featuring Willamette Valley Pie Company, and every pie purchased helps provide food, medical care, and shelter for pets waiting for their forever homes.

Orders are being taken now, with pickup at Wild Ride Brewing in Prineville during the week of March 30 – April 3 (exact pickup times will be sent to buyers). Several flavors are available, including a variety pack if you want to try more than one.

Grab a pie, treat your family, and help a shelter pet at the same time.

👉 Place your order here:
order your pie today 🐾

 😎Just sayin

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