In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎶 Dad Bods 80’s Cover Band at Northside Bar & Grill

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 📵 Oregon Schools Enforce New Cell Phone Bans in Bend & Redmond

 🎨 Redmond Airport Seeks Artists for Terminal Expansion Art Program

 🍻 New Packers‑Themed Tavern Opens in Redmond

 🏡 Neighbors Raise Traffic Concerns Over Proposed SW Bend Subdivision

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

 💥 Fatal Crash on Hwy 26 Claims Life of Prineville Man

🚨Crime News

 🚓 130 MPH Chase from Madras to Crook County Ends in Arrests

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

 🛣️ ODOT: Highway 229 Landslide Repairs Could Take Years

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

 🎶 Dad Bods 80’s Cover Band at Northside Bar & Grill

Get ready to rock out to classic hits and nostalgia! On Saturday, January 17 from 8–10 pm, Dad Bods, Bend’s high‑energy 80’s cover band, returns to Northside Bar & Grill with a free live show that’s sure to get you dancing. The band will spin your favorite 80’s rock anthems — with a few fun throwbacks from other decades — in a night of music, good vibes, and sing‑along fun. (Visit Bend)

Where: Northside Bar & Grill, 62860 Boyd Acres Rd, Bend
When: Sat Jan 17 • 8 pm–10 pm
Cost: Free
More Info/Tickets: VisitDadBods.band (Visit Bend)

Perfect for a Saturday night out with friends — don’t miss this local live music event!

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Local News…

 📵 Oregon Schools Enforce New Cell Phone Bans in Bend & Redmond

Oregon school districts, including those in Bend and Redmond, are rolling out new policies restricting student cell phone use during the school day as part of a statewide initiative following Gov. Tina Kotek’s executive order banning personal electronic devices “bell to bell.” Under these policies, students must keep phones, smartwatches, smart glasses and earbuds stowed away in backpacks or lockers during instructional hours to reduce distractions and support focus and mental health. (Redmond School District)

Early reports from Central Oregon campuses indicate that hallways are busier with face‑to‑face conversations and that teachers and students are adjusting to the changes, which aim to improve learning environments and engagement. (facebook.com) The statewide ban takes full effect by January 1, 2026, with individual districts already implementing the rules this school year and refining enforcement as they go. (apps.oregon.gov)

 🎨 Redmond Airport Seeks Artists for Terminal Expansion Art Program

Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is inviting artists and artist teams to submit proposals to create site‑specific public artworks as part of its major terminal expansion project. The RDM Public Art Program will place six new pieces within the secure side of the terminal to celebrate Central Oregon’s landscapes, culture, and creative spirit — all designed to offer travelers a welcoming, inspiring environment. Interested artists can attend a pre‑proposal conference on January 23, 2026 and must submit proposals by February 27, 2026 via CaFÉ. (flyrdm.com)

This art initiative is tied to the airport’s larger $180 million terminal expansion, which adds about 80,000 sq ft of space, seven new jet bridges, expanded waiting areas, and enhanced accessibility features to meet growing travel demand. The public art program has a total budget of $1 million, with individual commissions expected to range from approximately $10,000 to $150,000, and aims to reflect regional themes like “Stories of the Land,” “Currents of Connection,” and “Rhythms of the Wild.” (flyrdm.com)

 🍻 New Packers‑Themed Tavern Opens in Redmond

Lombardy’s Tavern, a Wisconsin‑inspired Packers bar, has officially opened its doors in downtown Redmond in the spot formerly occupied by Bangers & Brews. The new local gathering place brings Green Bay flair — complete with cheese curds, butter burgers and Packers memorabilia — to Central Oregon just in time for the football playoffs, and even hosted a watch party soon after opening. (Facebook)

Owner Matt Bardy kept the beloved local staff from the previous restaurant and revamped the menu with Midwest favorites while continuing to highlight Central Oregon beers on tap. Fans of all teams are welcome, and the tavern aims to be a cozy spot for more than just football, with plans for seasonal events and community gatherings throughout the year. (Redmond Spokesman)

 🏡 Neighbors Raise Traffic Concerns Over Proposed SW Bend Subdivision

Neighbors in southwest Bend are speaking up about a proposed 42‑lot single‑family subdivision at 61521 Sunny Breeze Lane, with many worried about how it could affect traffic and safety on nearby roads. Developer Larry Kine has formally submitted the application for the 7.8‑acre project, which is adjacent to the Central Oregon Irrigation District property and the Canopy Trail. A required neighborhood meeting in December 2025 didn’t include the traffic study, so a follow‑up session in January highlighted community concerns about the development’s single access point on Sunny Breeze, potentially hundreds of daily new car trips and especially added pressure on turning movements at McClellan and Brookswood — an already tricky intersection for drivers. (Southern Crossing NA)

Residents have also discussed tree preservation and connectivity, noting that two internal streets would dead‑end toward COID land and sprinklers will be needed on lots near open space. The neighborhood group says it will continue keeping the community informed as the plan moves through the city approval process and encourages public comments to the City of Bend planning staff. (Southern Crossing NA)

Fire & Rescue… 

💥 Fatal Crash on Hwy 26 Claims Life of Prineville Man

A tragic two-vehicle crash on Highway 26 in Clackamas County claimed the life of a Prineville man on Thursday, January 8. Oregon State Police say 55-year-old Gary James Beebe was driving a Ford F-250 westbound near milepost 35 when a Ford Escape attempted to pass in a designated passing lane. As the Escape moved alongside, the F-250 reportedly merged into its path, causing the truck to lose control, break through a guardrail, and roll down an embankment into trees. Beebe was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Escape, 29-year-old Jacob Brugman of Vancouver, WA, and his passenger were not injured. The highway remained open during the investigation, with assistance provided by Hoodland Fire and ODOT.

Crime News…

🚓 130 MPH Chase from Madras to Crook County Ends in Arrests

A late-night traffic stop in Madras on Friday turned into a dangerous high-speed chase that spanned two counties and topped 130 miles per hour. Jefferson County deputies attempted to pull over a vehicle with expired registration, but the driver — later identified as Raymond Evans, 32, of Crooked River Ranch — took off on U.S. Highway 26. The pursuit ended near Prineville when the vehicle crashed and both occupants fled on foot.

Evans was taken into custody shortly after, while his passenger, Leslie Lopez-Rivera, 28, of Madras, was found later with the help of Crook County deputies and a K9 unit. Evans faces charges including felony attempt to elude, reckless driving, reckless endangering, and a nationwide felony warrant. Lopez-Rivera was charged with hindering prosecution. Authorities also seized items from the vehicle as part of the investigation.

Community News…

Regional News…

🛣️ ODOT: Highway 229 Landslide Repairs Could Take Years

A massive landslide has wiped out a section of Oregon Route 229 between Kernville and Siletz on the central Oregon coast, and the Oregon Department of Transportation now says fully repairing the road could take years. The slide — which hit around mileposts 14–15 in mid‑December, destroying part of the highway and damaging nearby homes — has kept the route closed with no local detour in place, forcing drivers to use alternate roads. ODOT engineers and geotechnical experts continue to assess the unstable terrain, but ongoing water and ground movement make it difficult to set a reopening timeline. (TheTrucker.com)

Officials say rebuilding isn’t as simple as clearing debris — it will likely involve extensive investigation, design and construction comparable to building a new road. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes and check TripCheck.com for updated travel information as assessments continue through the winter months. (facebook.com)

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Road Construction

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