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In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

  ⚛️ Nuclear Energy Lecture Coming to Sisters’ Belfry

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

  🎿 Mt. Bachelor to Close Early April 19 After Challenging Snow Season

🗑️ Prineville Trash Rate Hike Sparks Debate Over Costs and Service

  🧪 Spray Foam Dumped in Wasco County Pond Sparks Wildlife Investigation

📚 Downtown Bend Library Closes for Major Renovation Project

 📶 Verizon Outage Disrupts Service Across Central Oregon

🎮 New Arcade Brings Fresh Energy (and Family Fun) to Downtown Bend

🏃‍♂️ Bend Marathon Celebrates 10 Years with Big Turnout and Scenic Runs

 🌌 Oregon Dark Sky Week Shines a Light on Central Oregon’s Stargazing Gems

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT 

⚛️ Nuclear Energy Lecture Coming to Sisters’ Belfry

A deep dive into one of the world’s most debated energy sources is coming to Sisters later this month, as the Sisters Science Club hosts a Frontiers in Science lecture focused on nuclear energy. The April 21 event at The Belfry will feature Dr. Kevin Hodgson, who will break down the fundamentals of nuclear power—from basic atomic structure to how nuclear reactions differ from traditional combustion—and explore how elements like uranium and plutonium are used to generate electricity. (The Nugget Newspaper)

The talk will also touch on real-world applications beyond power generation, including medicine and food sterilization, while looking ahead to emerging technologies like small modular reactors and the long-term potential of nuclear fusion. The evening begins with a 6 p.m. social hour, followed by the lecture at 7 p.m., with a suggested $5 donation at the door (free for students and teachers). (The Nugget Newspaper)

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Local News

 🎿 Mt. Bachelor to Close Early April 19 After Challenging Snow Season

Mt. Bachelor has announced it will wrap up its ski season on Sunday, April 19, cutting things shorter than usual after a warm winter and historically low snowpack across the region. The season will close out with the popular RendezVan festival, set for April 16–19, giving skiers and riders one final chance to hit the mountain and celebrate the season. Resort leaders acknowledged the tough conditions but thanked the community for showing up and keeping spirits high throughout a difficult year.

It’s been an unusually short season from start to finish, with opening day delayed until December 23—nearly a month late. The challenges weren’t unique to Bachelor, as nearby Hoodoo Ski Area also saw a shortened season and shut down early. Statewide, Oregon just experienced one of its warmest winters on record, with snowpack levels dropping to about one-third of normal—conditions that ultimately led to an early end for many ski areas across the region.

🗑️ Prineville Trash Rate Hike Sparks Debate Over Costs and Service

A proposed trash rate increase in Prineville is stirring frustration and debate among residents and city leaders, as Republic Services pushes for higher monthly fees. The company says rising costs—including fuel, labor, equipment, and landfill expenses—are driving the need for the increase, a trend seen across Central Oregon in recent years.

But not everyone is on board. Community members and some officials are questioning both the size of the increase and the level of service being provided, pointing to past complaints and concerns about responsiveness. The discussion highlights a growing tension across the region, where cities are weighing rising costs against accountability—and exploring whether changes to contracts or increased competition could help keep rates in check moving forward.

 🧪 Spray Foam Dumped in Wasco County Pond Sparks Wildlife Investigation

A quiet pond near the White River Wildlife Area has become the center of an environmental investigation after multiple cans of expanding spray foam were discovered leaking into the water. Authorities say the cans had been damaged and sitting in the pond for days, allowing chemicals to seep into the ecosystem—raising concerns about potential harm to fish, birds, and other wildlife.

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is now asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible, offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest or citation. Investigators warn that incidents like this can have serious environmental consequences, and they’re urging anyone with tips or nearby surveillance footage to come forward as they work to track down whoever is behind the illegal dumping.

📚 Downtown Bend Library Closes for Major Renovation Project

Bend’s Downtown Library has officially closed its doors as a long-planned renovation project gets underway, marking the first major overhaul of the nearly 30-year-old facility. The closure, which began in early April, will allow crews to modernize the space with expanded public areas, updated technology, and improved amenities designed to better serve a rapidly growing community.

While the downtown branch is offline—expected to remain closed until spring 2027—library services aren’t going away. The new Central Library in east Bend is stepping in to fill the gap, with a phased opening that includes drive-thru pickup and returns, followed by full public access. For many locals, it’s a temporary inconvenience, but one that promises a more modern, community-focused library experience when the downtown location reopens.

 📶 Verizon Outage Disrupts Service Across Central Oregon

Cell service frustrations swept across Central Oregon over the weekend as Verizon customers experienced a widespread outage that left many without reliable calls, texts, or data. The disruption began late Friday night and impacted communities from Bend to areas as far north as Salem, with users reporting dropped connections and phones stuck in limited service modes.

Verizon confirmed the issue and said engineers were working to identify the cause, though no immediate timeline for full restoration was given. In some cases, the outage was linked to a third-party network issue, adding to the uncertainty. While service has since been restored for many, the incident highlights just how dependent daily life has become on reliable connectivity—and how quickly disruptions can ripple across the region.

🎮 New Arcade Brings Fresh Energy (and Family Fun) to Downtown Bend

A new chapter is underway at The Capitol, where a recently opened arcade is transforming the longtime downtown bar into a more family-friendly destination. The space now features a lineup of classic and modern arcade games, offering a mix of nostalgia and entertainment that’s drawing in a broader crowd—including families during designated all-ages hours.

The grand opening celebration, held April 11, marked the official launch of the arcade concept, complete with discounted games, raffles, and a lively atmosphere. Backed by Summit Arcade PNW, the new addition blends Bend’s social scene with interactive fun, giving locals another reason to head downtown—whether it’s for a night out or an afternoon of games with the kids.

🏃‍♂️ Bend Marathon Celebrates 10 Years with Big Turnout and Scenic Runs

Runners from across the region hit the pavement in Bend this weekend as the Bend Marathon marked its 10th anniversary with a strong turnout and an energetic race-day atmosphere. The annual event featured multiple race options—including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K—drawing participants of all skill levels to courses that wind through Bend’s neighborhoods, parks, and along the Deschutes River.

Held Sunday, April 12, the milestone event leaned into the celebration with an expanded finish area, live music, and a lively post-race atmosphere in the Old Mill District. From competitive runners chasing personal bests to families enjoying the kids race and community vibe, the Bend Marathon once again showcased why it’s become a staple spring event in Central Oregon—blending scenic beauty, fitness, and a strong sense of community.

🌌 Oregon Dark Sky Week Shines a Light on Central Oregon’s Stargazing Gems

Central Oregon is once again stepping into the spotlight—ironically by embracing the dark—as Oregon Dark Sky Week returns, inviting locals and visitors to look up and reconnect with the night sky. With minimal light pollution and wide-open high desert landscapes, the region offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the state, from designated dark sky areas like Prineville Reservoir State Park to community efforts in places like Sisters and Sunriver. (DarkSky Oregon)

Throughout the week, events and self-guided adventures encourage people to experience the stars in a whole new way, whether through telescope viewings, constellation tours, or simply stepping outside city limits. The celebration also highlights a growing movement to protect natural darkness, as communities work to reduce light pollution and preserve these incredible views for future generations. In a place where the Milky Way can still stretch clearly across the sky, Dark Sky Week is a reminder that sometimes the best show in town starts after sunset.

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