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In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 🪢🧶 Macramé Plant Hanger Workshops

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

  🌸 Spring Break Fun Returns to High Desert Museum with Live Raptors & New Exhibits

  🏗️ Heart of Oregon Nears Funding Goal for New Youth Campus, Calls on Businesses to Step Up

 🏫 Redmond School District Considering Boundary Changes Amid Growth

 🦅 Injured Bald Eagle Showing Signs of Hope After Rescue Near Prineville

🎓 Crook County Celebrates First Graduates of “County College” Program

 🎿 Hoodoo Ski Season Likely Over Without Major Late Snowstorm

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

  🏍️ UPDATED INFORMATION: High-Speed Crash in SE Bend Leaves One Dead, Another Seriously Injured

 🔥 Escaped Field Burn Near Powell Butte Hwy Contained at 6.6 Acres

 🔥 La Pine Wildfire Prompts Evacuations, Contained at 12 Acres

🚨Crime News

 🏠 UPDATED INFORMATION: Attempted Break-In in NW Bend Ends in Suspect’s Death

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

  🌸 Cherry Blossoms Glow at Night During “Yozakura” in Salem

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

👉OOOHHH - Don’t miss the expanded answer on Friday!👀

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

Create Your Own Beautiful Plant Hanger on a Selenite Crystal!

2 dates to choose from

&

Join us for a fun and creative macrame plant hanger class where you’ll learn the art of knotting and design your very own plant hanger masterpiece. What to Expect: Guided Instruction: Morgan Tuttle from Mountain Fiber Designs, will guide you through each knot and technique to make your very own macramé plant hanger on selenite crystal wand. The class will be approximately 2 hours. All Materials Provided: We supply everything you need, including an individual macramé stand, pre-cut cording and printed instructions. Take Home Your Creation: Leave with a handmade plant hanger and purchase a plant from the plant shoppe to showcase your newfound skills. Who Can Join? Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, everyone is welcome! This class is perfect for a relaxing afternoon with friends or a solo creative adventure.

When: Sunday March 22nd - 2pm - 4pm

Where: Flourish of Tumalo 64702 Cook Ave, Bend, OR

When: Saturday March 28th - 2pm - 4pm

Where: River’s Place 787 NE Purcell Blvd, Bend, OR

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Local News…

 🌸 Spring Break Fun Returns to High Desert Museum with Live Raptors & New Exhibits

Spring break kicks off Saturday, March 21 at the High Desert Museum in Bend with a full lineup of interactive programs, live animal experiences and new exhibits, along with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A highlight of the week is the return of the popular Sky Hunters indoor flight demonstration, where visitors can watch birds of prey soar just overhead inside the museum’s pavilion. The show runs daily through March 28 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (tickets $7, first come, first served), alongside free daily programs like a Nature Walk, Otter Encounter and Mammal Encounter included with admission.

Visitors can also explore several immersive exhibits, including Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration, which dives into the science and impact of volcanoes in the West, and Soil Alive!, a hands-on, family-friendly exhibit revealing the hidden ecosystem beneath our feet (closing March 29). Additional exhibits feature artwork inspired by moths, a deep dive into how the West was marketed through maps and art, and an interactive nighttime forest experience. The High Desert Ranch and Sawmill will also be open daily (excluding March 23), giving guests a chance to step into the region’s past and experience hands-on history. https://highdesertmuseum.org/

🏗️ Heart of Oregon Nears Funding Goal for New Youth Campus, Calls on Businesses to Step Up

Heart of Oregon Corps is closing in on its goal to build Central Oregon’s first youth workforce development campus, with more than 90% of funding now secured. The organization has raised over $6.5 million so far, leaving about $765,000 remaining ahead of a planned grand opening on September 30, 2026. The new Redmond campus is designed to give young people ages 16–24 access to hands-on job training, mentorship and career pathways in fields like construction, childcare, wildfire mitigation and conservation.

To help push the project across the finish line, local business leaders are being invited to a “Make Your Mark” campus breakfast on April 1, where they can tour the nearly completed site, network and support the next generation workforce. The campaign also includes several high-visibility sponsorship opportunities throughout the year, leading up to the campus grand opening. Organizers say the project will serve as a long-term investment in the region’s economy by preparing local youth for in-demand careers while strengthening Central Oregon’s workforce pipeline.

 🏫 Redmond School District Considering Boundary Changes Amid Growth

Redmond School District is exploring potential school boundary adjustments as enrollment continues to rise, prompting officials to gather community input at upcoming meetings. The discussions are part of a broader review process aimed at addressing shifting population patterns and balancing student numbers across schools.

District leaders say the review is necessary as some schools are projected to exceed capacity in the coming years, while others remain underutilized. Community feedback from recent and upcoming listening sessions will help shape possible boundary changes, with final recommendations expected to be presented later this spring.

 🦅 Injured Bald Eagle Showing Signs of Hope After Rescue Near Prineville

A seriously injured bald eagle rescued in Central Oregon is showing encouraging signs after several days of care at Bend’s Think Wild wildlife hospital. The adult female, found near a roadway outside Prineville, was unable to fly and suffering from multiple injuries, including wing trauma, breathing issues and neurological symptoms. Despite an initially “extremely guarded” prognosis, this eagle has already surpassed a critical milestone—becoming the first of three recent rescued eagles in the region to survive beyond 24 hours in care.

Wildlife officials believe the injuries were likely caused by a vehicle strike, a growing risk as eagles forage near roadways. The bird is now receiving intensive treatment, including fluids, medication and assisted feeding, while staff continue to monitor her condition closely. Think Wild says her recovery remains uncertain, but her progress so far offers a hopeful turn after two similar recent cases did not survive.

🎓 Crook County Celebrates First Graduates of “County College” Program

Crook County is celebrating the first graduating class of its new “County College” program, an initiative designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how local government operates. Participants took part in a series of classes led by county department heads, learning how services are delivered, how departments are funded and what goes into the day-to-day operations that keep the county running.

Graduates say the experience provided valuable insight into the inner workings of local government and strengthened connections within the community—especially for local business owners and professionals looking to better navigate county resources. County officials say the program reflects a commitment to transparency and civic engagement, with additional sessions expected to be offered later this year.

 🎿 Hoodoo Ski Season Likely Over Without Major Late Snowstorm

The ski season at Hoodoo Ski Area may be coming to an early end unless Central Oregon sees a significant late-season snowstorm. Recent warm temperatures and repeated rain events have taken a toll on the mountain, melting much of the existing snowpack and making it difficult to keep lifts running consistently. Hoodoo has already faced multiple closures this season due to a mix of low snow and even flooding caused by heavy rain.

Forecasts aren’t offering much relief, with more rain and only minimal snow accumulation expected in the near term—conditions that continue to erode what’s left of the base. (National Weather Service) While there’s still a slim chance the resort could reopen with a strong storm, officials say it’s increasingly unlikely without a “big dump” of snow to reset conditions before spring fully takes hold.

Fire & Rescue…

🏍️ UPDATED INFO: High-Speed Crash in SE Bend Leaves One Dead, Another Seriously Injured

A tragic motorcycle crash in southeast Bend on March 13 claimed the life of 19-year-old Redmond resident Malachi Longstroth and left the motorcycle operator hospitalized with serious injuries. The collision occurred around 6:28 p.m. at SE Second Street and Miller Avenue, where police say the motorcycle was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed when it collided head-on with a Subaru Crosstrek turning onto Miller Avenue. Both the rider and passenger were thrown from the बाइक, and despite life-saving efforts by officers at the scene, Longstroth was pronounced dead.

Bend Police say excessive speed is now considered a primary factor in the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing. The driver of the Subaru stayed at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for potential charges. The crash prompted a roughly three-hour closure of SE Second Street as the department’s reconstruction team processed the scene.

 🔥 Escaped Field Burn Near Powell Butte Hwy Contained at 6.6 Acres

Fire crews responded Tuesday afternoon to an escaped field burn off Powell Butte Highway after wind pushed flames beyond the property owner’s containment lines. Bend Fire & Rescue, assisted by Alfalfa Fire, Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management crews and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for traffic control, worked to stop the fire before it spread beyond the property. The blaze ultimately burned about 6.6 acres of pasture, brush and scattered trees, but no buildings or fences were damaged.

Officials say the property owner had a valid burn permit and had called in to confirm burning was allowed for the day, but did not have enough water on hand to properly control the burn when winds carried it outside the intended area. Burning remains allowed outside Bend city limits through May 31, though the season could end early if dry conditions continue. Fire officials remind residents that permits are required for field burns and large piles, and anyone planning to burn should always check the daily burn line before starting.

 🔥 La Pine Wildfire Prompts Evacuations, Contained at 12 Acres

A fast-moving grass fire north of La Pine triggered evacuations Tuesday afternoon (March 17) as flames spread quickly near the Little Deschutes River. The fire—now being called the Riverview Fire—was first reported around 2:15 p.m. and at one point threatened hundreds of nearby homes, prompting Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuations for dozens of properties along Riverview Drive and surrounding areas. (KTVZ)

Crews from multiple agencies responded quickly, working to contain the blaze as it crossed the river and moved through brush and pasture land. By early evening, firefighters had stopped the forward spread and kept the fire to roughly 11–12 acres, with no homes or structures damaged. Evacuation orders were lifted later that night as conditions improved, though crews remained on scene for mop-up and monitoring. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Crime News…

🏠 UPDATED INFORMATION: Attempted Break-In in NW Bend Ends in Suspect’s Death

An attempted late-night burglary in northwest Bend has turned into a complex death investigation after a suspect died following a struggle with a homeowner. Police say the incident happened around 11:45 p.m. on March 12 in the 3500 block of NW Braid Drive, where a resident confronted an intruder trying to break into the home. A physical altercation ensued, during which the suspect fell from a balcony before fleeing the scene. He was later found nearby on a golf course with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead despite emergency efforts.

The suspect has been identified as 36-year-old Bend resident Zachary Dale Zamzow Douglas. Authorities say no firearms were involved, and the homeowner—who sustained non-life-threatening injuries—has since been treated and released from St. Charles Bend. Investigators believe the incident was targeted, though the relationship between the suspect and victim remains under investigation. Detectives are awaiting autopsy results as the case continues to unfold.

Community News…

 Regional News… 

 🌸 Cherry Blossoms Glow at Night During “Yozakura” in Salem

Oregon Parks and Recreation is inviting visitors to experience “Yozakura,” a special nighttime viewing of Akebono cherry blossoms at State Capitol State Park in Salem from March 21 through April 4. Each evening from 6 to 10 p.m., the trees in the North Mall will be illuminated with Japanese lanterns and soft lighting, creating a stunning, peaceful atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs or even a picnic to relax beneath the glowing canopy of blossoms.

For those who can’t make the trip, the blooms will also be livestreamed daily on YouTube throughout the event. Park officials ask visitors to respect the trees by not touching or removing blossoms so everyone can enjoy the display during peak bloom. Alcohol is not permitted without a permit, and the park closes nightly at 10 p.m.

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

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