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In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 💘🎨Artists’ Gallery Sunriver — Valentine’s Day Second Saturday Artist Reception

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 📊 Sisters High Students Sharpen Money Skills with Financial Literacy Workshop

🏗️ Mild Winter Keeps Pine Nursery Park Upgrades on Schedule

 📑 Deschutes County Reappoints Planning Commissioner

✈️ $3.8M in Federal Funds Set to Boost Redmond Airport Expansion

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

 🚗 Prineville Woman Killed in Rollover Crash on Juniper Canyon Road

 💥 Fatal Head-On Crash Closes Highway 97 in Jefferson County

🚨Crime News

  🚨 Man Injured in Redmond Shooting; Investigation Ongoing

 📰 Prineville Man Arrested After Social Media Threat Triggers School Alert

⚖️ Bend Murder Trial Delayed Again After New Defense Attorney Comes On

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

Artists’ Gallery Sunriver — Valentine’s Day Second Saturday Artist Reception

📍 Where: Artists’ Gallery Sunriver, 57100 Beaver Dr., Bldg. 19, Sunriver, OR 97707

📅 When: Saturday, February 14 — 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

🎨 What: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with art, wine and community at the monthly Second Saturday Artist Reception hosted by Artists’ Gallery Sunriver, a cooperative fine-art gallery featuring the work of more than 30 Central Oregon creators. Enjoy light refreshments while browsing a vibrant mix of ceramics, jewelry, glass, fiber, wood, paintings, mixed media and photography — and meet the talented artists behind the work. Whether you’re shopping for a meaningful Valentine’s gift or simply soaking up creative energy, this free and welcoming reception is the perfect way to spend the evening in The Village at Sunriver.

🌟 Featured & Participating Artists:
💎 Oregon Sunstone (Karla Proud) – Exceptional jewelry designs showcasing Oregon’s state gemstone.
🏺 Diane Miyauchi – Functional and decorative pottery with expressive glazes and spirited forms.
🌲 Blue Spruce Pottery – Nature-inspired ceramic art rooted in the beauty of the Northwest.
🔥 Peter Roussel & David Warren – Ceramic artists known for distinctive form and texture.
🧵 Stacey Colgan & Perry Drevo – Fiber and fabric art blending color, texture and craftsmanship.
✨ Glass Artists: Heidi Brown, Jesica Carleton, Cheryl Chapman, Becky Henson, Robin McQuiston — blown and sculpted glass creations.
💍 Jewelry Artists: Mat Garriott, Emily McFadden, Amy Pfeiffer, Joseph “Little Bear” Sanchez — handcrafted wearable art.
🔨 Metal & Wood Artists: Jim Fister, Terry Foster, Jesse Pemberton, Anton Yakushev — fine woodworking and metalwork.
🖌️ Painters: Marjorie Cossairt, Bill Hamilton, Bonnie Junell, Dianne Lay, Lori Orlando, Deni Porter, Laura Jo Sherman — styles ranging from landscape to abstract.
🖼️ Mixed Media: Sylvia Avenius-Ford, Dottie Moniz, Wade Womack — imaginative, layered works.
📷 Photographers: Holly Fischer, Barb Gonzalez, Sonja Runar, Carolyn Waissman — striking photographic art.

🔗 More Info: artistsgallerysunriver.com/

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Local News…

 📊 Sisters High Students Sharpen Money Skills with Financial Literacy Workshop

More than 50 students at Sisters High School took part in a hands-on financial literacy experience last week, learning real-world money management through a “Bite of Reality” simulation that had them balancing budgets, covering expenses like housing and transportation, and navigating surprise bills. The app-based event brought in volunteers from the City of Sisters, Sisters Rotary Foundation, Oregon Community Credit Union, and the High Desert ESD to play merchant roles and offer tips, giving students practical insight into credit, debt, savings, and financial decision making. (The Nugget Newspaper)

Students responded enthusiastically, saying the interactive workshop helped them understand the costs of everyday life and the importance of budgeting and planning ahead, while organizers said the program reinforces key elements of Oregon’s financial education goals and connects young people with community leaders. (The Nugget Newspaper)

🏗️ Mild Winter Keeps Pine Nursery Park Upgrades on Schedule

A stretch of mild winter weather is helping keep major renovation work at Pine Nursery Park in northeast Bend moving forward on schedule. Crews are converting the park’s ballfield infields to artificial turf, a change designed to make the fields usable in nearly any weather. New lighting for ballfields and walking paths is also part of the project, extending usable hours throughout the day and evening.

Additional improvements include expanded pickleball courts, a full-court basketball area, and upgrades to the dog park, including new access points. City officials say the goal is to wrap up construction by this summer, and so far, favorable weather conditions have helped keep the timeline on track.

 📑 Deschutes County Reappoints Planning Commissioner

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners voted 2–1 on February 4 to reappoint Matt Cyrus to the Deschutes County Planning Commission, keeping him in the seat representing the Sisters area after a divided discussion among commissioners. Cyrus, who also serves as planning commission chair and is president of the County Farm Bureau, will continue his four-year term through June. The board’s decision followed unanimous support for Cyrus from his fellow planning commissioners and arguments from supporters that his leadership provides continuity for county planning work. (The Nugget Newspaper)

The meeting also touched on other changes within the commission: one seat representing the Redmond/Terrebonne area will open for recruitment due to term limits, with applications open through March 5. Not all commissioners were in favor of Cyrus’ reappointment — one expressed concerns raised by some community members about his responsiveness to public feedback and urged a fresh recruitment process. (The Nugget Newspaper)

✈️ $3.8M in Federal Funds Set to Boost Redmond Airport Expansion

Local leaders scored a win for travel and economic growth in Central Oregon as U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, announced a $3.8 million Federal Aviation Administration grant to kickstart expansion of the Roberts Field–Redmond Airport terminal. The funding will help enlarge the existing terminal to better accommodate airline travelers and support regional economic activity as the airport grows to meet rising demand.

Officials say this investment is an important step in the broader project — part of an overall plan expected to improve travel options, increase destinations served, and strengthen infrastructure that benefits both business and visitors. Redmond’s mayor and federal lawmakers emphasized that expanding the airport will enhance access to travel and help Central Oregon compete and thrive.

Fire & Rescue… 

🚗 Prineville Woman Killed in Rollover Crash on Juniper Canyon Road

A deadly single-vehicle crash in Crook County Saturday morning claimed the life of a Prineville woman when her SUV rolled off the road and struck trees on SE Juniper Canyon Road. Deputies from the Crook County Sheriff's Office responded around 7:08 a.m. to find a green Subaru Forrester overturned — and the driver, identified as 47-year-old Angel Ball of Prineville, deceased at the scene. (KTVZ)

Investigators say evidence at the scene suggests speed, alcohol use, and the fact that Ball was not wearing a seat belt contributed to the rollover and her being ejected from the vehicle. The sheriff’s office thanked responding agencies including Crook County Fire & Rescue and the Oregon State Police for their assistance as the investigation continues. (KTVZ)

 💥 Fatal Head-On Crash Closes Highway 97 in Jefferson County

A two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 in Jefferson County claimed one life Sunday afternoon. According to the Oregon State Police, troopers responded around 4:01 p.m. near milepost 102 after a northbound Subaru Forester crossed into the southbound lane for unknown reasons and collided head-on with a Jeep Cherokee. The Subaru’s driver, 51-year-old Aaron Lee Bottorff of La Grande, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Jeep, 34-year-old Brayan Gonzalez Celestino of Bend, suffered minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital. The crash investigation shut down and impacted traffic on Highway 97 for about three hours. Oregon State Police were assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Fire, and ODOT.

Crime News…

 🚨 Man Injured in Redmond Shooting; Investigation Ongoing

Redmond Police responded to a reported shooting Sunday night after a man called 9-1-1 saying he had been shot during a property dispute. Officers with the Redmond Police Department arrived around 8:44 p.m. in an undeveloped area south of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, where they found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was treated by medics and taken to St. Charles Medical Center with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

Several people connected to the incident have been identified and contacted, and investigators remain on scene processing evidence with help from the Oregon State Police Crime Lab. Police say more individuals may still need to be interviewed, and no names have been released at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

📰 Prineville Man Arrested After Social Media Threat Triggers School Alert

Law enforcement in Prineville took a man into custody Monday morning after vague threats circulated on social media that referenced a local police officer and Crook County School District schools, including Crook County High School. Officers were alerted to the posts around 7:30 a.m. and, while there was no evidence of an immediate danger, authorities treated the situation with caution and increased patrols at schools in the district as a precaution. (ktvz.com)

Around 9:30 a.m., police located and detained a man in the area of NE Crest Drive without incident. Officials later confirmed there is no ongoing threat to students, staff, or the community. The district sent messages to families advising that schools remained in session with heightened security, and that parents could choose to pick up students early if they preferred. Police say the individual is known to law enforcement and has a documented history of behavioral health concerns. (ktvz.com)

⚖️ Bend Murder Trial Delayed Again After New Defense Attorney Comes On

A murder trial for a Bend man accused in the fatal 2024 stabbing of his roommate has been postponed once more following a change in his legal representation. Fifty-two-year-old Robert Carter Lawrence, charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon in the death of 57-year-old Matthew Kenneth Hallberg on August 1, 2024, had previously seen his trial moved from last November to May 12 of this year. At a hearing Monday, a Deschutes County judge granted a request from Lawrence’s newly appointed defense attorney for more time to prepare, and set a status check for April 13, with no new trial date yet scheduled. (ktvz.com)

Community News…

 Regional News…

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

🐾 Meet Shakira!

Shakira is a sweet, playful girl with a heart full of love and a personality that shines. Born around March 2022 and weighing about 45 pounds, she’s the perfect blend of fun energy and affectionate companionship. She’s been patiently waiting for her forever family—and she’s more than ready to make someone’s life a whole lot brighter.

This friendly pup loves playing with her doggie friends and does best with dogs over 25 pounds who can keep up with her enthusiasm. She’s also eager to learn and has been working on her leash manners, making her a great match for walks, outings, and everyday adventures. Shakira adores meeting new people and soaking up attention, especially when it comes with treats, belly rubs, or a pupcup. Because of her playful nature, she’d do best in a home with kids 8 and up.

Whether she’s heading out for a coffee run, exploring the Pacific Northwest, or settling in for snuggles at home, Shakira is happiest when she’s part of the family. She’s ready to start her next—and best—chapter with someone special. Could that be you? 💚

About The Rawley Project

The Rawley Project is a registered 501(c)(3) animal protection and welfare organization based in Bend, Oregon, dedicated to giving dogs in need a second chance at life. They rescue dogs who’ve experienced cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, and work closely with adopters to ensure each placement is the right fit for both pet and family. Beyond adoptions, The Rawley Project partners with local and global programs to improve animal health and reduce overpopulation through affordable spay, neuter, vaccine, and microchip services with their FIXbend clinics, and even supports veterinary care efforts in communities outside the U.S.

What makes The Rawley Project special is its commitment to community support and collaboration. They operate a 100% foster-based model—meaning every dog is cared for in a loving home while awaiting adoption—and they offer resources like affordable care and microchip programs that help keep pets safe and connected to their families. Their compassionate, inclusive approach helps dogs like Shakira find loving homes and thrive in family life

 😎Just sayin

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