In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 🫶🐕‍🦺Mt. Bachelor remembers avalanche dog Riggins

🌧️ Stormy Trails Ahead: Stay Safe at Shevlin and Beyond

🚲 Paved Path to Lava Lands Gets Green Light — Construction Set for 2026

⛸️ Cheers to a Decade on Ice at The Pavilion

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🥰Community News

 🎻 Summit music students play nonstop for 4 hours to raise money for programs

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

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Local News…

 🐕‍🦺Mt. Bachelor remembers avalanche dog Riggins

BEND, Ore. -- Mt. Bachelor honors Riggins, a beloved avalanche dog who passed Dec. 18 at 14 and a half years old, surrounded by his family.

Riggins joined the mountain in 2011 with handler Betsy Norsen and patrolled full time through 2022, continuing to enjoy the slopes in retirement. An avid swimmer, runner, and playful fetcher, he was known for his skill in avalanche rescue.

“Raise a carrot, apple, or anything crunchy for Riggins, whose legacy will always live on,” said Presley Quon, Mt. Bachelor communications manager.

🌧️ Stormy Trails Ahead: Stay Safe at Shevlin and Beyond

Recent storms have left their mark on local parks and trails, with downed trees, standing water, and one partial trail closure in the northern section of Shevlin Park near Tumalo Creek. Crews are actively monitoring and cleaning up affected areas, but conditions may change quickly. Be sure to observe all posted signs and temporary closures, and consider taking a raincheck (pun intended!) if the weather takes a turn for the worse this weekend. Stay safe out there!

🚲 Paved Path to Lava Lands Gets Green Light — Construction Set for 2026

Big changes are on the way for outdoor recreation south of Bend. The Deschutes National Forest and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) have officially announced plans to build a paved multi-use path connecting Bend to the Lava Lands Visitor Center—an effort to improve non-motorized access to some of Central Oregon’s most iconic landscapes.

The 6.2-mile path will begin at Knott Road and run alongside Highway 97, connecting popular destinations like the High Desert Museum and Lava Butte before ending at the Lava Lands Visitor Center. It will include a 10-foot wide paved trail with 2-foot shoulders, and will feature a pedestrian underpass beneath Highway 97 for safe crossing.

One of the most unique aspects of the route will be a segment that passes through a lava flow within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, offering what Forest officials describe as a “one-of-a-kind experience” for hikers and bikers alike.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026, funded through the Federal Lands Access Program, with work expected to take about a year. The trail will be open to both cyclists and pedestrians, and Sunriver locals are already excited.

“I especially love paths we can just go on from our house without driving anywhere,” said Sunriver resident Lucy Clark. “That would be pretty cool.”

Biking is already one of the most popular summer activities in the region. “It’s super popular, especially once school’s out in June,” said Scott Auerbach, owner of 4 Seasons Recreational Outfitters in Sunriver. “We’re at full capacity in the middle of summer.”

ODOT and the Forest Service hope the new path will offer a sustainable way for both locals and visitors to access the forest without relying on cars. “We love the idea of people being able to access this amazing recreation opportunity in ways that don’t involve a car,” said ODOT Public Information Officer Kacey Davey.

The final decision and project documents are available on the Deschutes National Forest project page.

⛸️ Cheers to a Decade on Ice at The Pavilion

The Pavilion in Bend just marked its 10th anniversary with a festive Winter Solstice celebration that brought out music, cake, and community spirit. The event featured tunes by DJ Teafly, a performance by the Bend Ice Figure Skating Club, hot cocoa, sweet treats, and raffle prizes. Attendees who brought food donations for NeighborImpact received discounted admission, highlighting the season’s spirit of giving.

Since opening in 2015 as Central Oregon’s only NHL-size ice rink, The Pavilion has welcomed nearly 441,000 skaters and visitors. From youth and adult hockey to curling and learn-to-skate lessons, the facility has become a hub for year-round recreation. With strong local partnerships and enthusiastic community support, The Pavilion is gliding confidently into its next decade.

Fire & Rescue…

Crime News…

Community News…

🎻 Summit music students play nonstop for 4 hours to raise money for programs

BEND, Ore. -- Summit choir, orchestra and band members put on a four-hour, livestreamed performance, all to ensure every student who wants to be in a music program has that opportunity.

The Play-A-Thon was streamed on YouTube. It’s a fundraiser the Summit music students been doing for the past half decade that helps pay for the music programs.

Specifically, the goal is to make sure there are no financial barriers to student participation. The funds often go toward travel and buying new instruments, as well as sheet music and accompanists.

The fundraiser also helps Pacific Crest and Cascade Middle Schools.

Regional News…

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

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