In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🚘🥃🍸Driven Through the Decades: Car Show & Anniversary Party

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

😓Flat Fire leaves Jefferson County woman with lasting damage and uncertainty

🛍️ Redmond Approves First Marijuana Dispensaries, Oregrown Set to Open by Holidays

🏫🏗️Bend Sr. High construction on schedule, on budget as new school year begins

📰Horseshoe Tavern Fined for Workers’ Comp Violations, Faces New Probe and Lottery Contract Loss

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🚨Bend Police Seek Additional Victims in Child Sex Abuse Case

🍺⚠️Bend Police Department releases Labor Day Weekend DUII arrest numbers

📰Regional News

📰Oregon House Passes Transportation Funding Bill, Senate Vote Delayed

🥰Community News

📰Tribal Stewards Program Connects Native Youth to Land, Restoration Careers

🦦Orphaned Otter from Central Oregon Finds New Home at Kansas City Zoo

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🚴Construction closes part of Franklin Avenue in Bend for bike lane project

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🔥Marks Creek Fire explodes to 1,200 acres; Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation ordered

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

SISTERS

SUTTLE LAKE

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Featured Events

Driven Through the Decades: Car Show & Anniversary Party

Saturday, September 6th, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Located at Bendistillery - 19330 Pinehurst Rd Bend, Oregon

Admission is free to the public!

Car show entries are $20 with a portion of proceeds being donated to Furnish Hope
Car show check-in: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate 30 years of Crater Lake Spirits and 10 years of Ablis at our Driven Through the Decades Car Show & Anniversary Party!

Kick things off with our classic car show, where entries will roll in from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM before the event officially opens at 3:00 PM. While you check out the cars, enjoy live music from multiple acts, full-sized cocktails featuring Crater Lake Spirits, beer from Bridge 99 Brewery, and an N/A bar with refreshing offerings from Ablis and Humm Kombucha.

Savor delicious tacos from Fresco & Fryed, browse local vendor booths, challenge your friends to lawn games, and enter for a chance to win exciting giveaways.

We’re also proud to partner with Furnish Hope, a local nonprofit that helps furnish homes for those in need. They’ll be on-site with a cozy lounge space to relax in, and a portion of all event proceeds will go directly to support their mission.

Whether you’re here for the cars, the music, the drinks, or the community spirit, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss. Car show participants can sign up and submit their entry donation below—space is limited, so register early.

If you would prefer to pay for your car show entry with cash please email us at [email protected]

📌 Bend

• 🎲 Bingo at Cascade Lakes Brewing – Bend Pub
  Where: 21175 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR 97702
  Type: Games – Bingo
  When: Thu, Sept 4, 6:00–8:00 PM
  What: Weekly brewery bingo with prizes; great for groups.
  Info/Tickets: See event listing. (Visit Bend)

• 🎨 First Friday Art Walk (Downtown Bend)
  Where: Start at Downtown Bend (Visitor Info: 916 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703)
  Type: Art/Community
  When: Fri, Sept 5, 5:00–8:00 PM
  What: Galleries, live music, merchant specials in the downtown core.
  Info: Event details. (Visit Bend)

• 🎸 Free Breedlove Guitars Music Night @ Volcanic Theatre Pub
  Where: 70 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702
  Type: Music
  When: Fri, Sept 5, 5:00–9:00 PM (drop-in)
  What: Showcase with local players and Breedlove demos.
  Info: Event page. (Visit Bend)

• 🚂 Eastern Cascades Model Railroad Club – 28th Annual Open House (Kid-friendly)
  Where: 21520 Modoc Ln, Bend, OR 97702
  Type: Family/Kid-friendly, Hobbies
  When: Sat–Sun, Sept 6–7, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
  What: Ride-on outdoor trains, indoor HO layouts, food vendors. Free admission.
  Info: Club site and listings. (Eastern Cascades Model Railroad Club, Visit Central Oregon)

• 🥕 NorthWest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market (Live music + demos)
  Where: NW Crossing Dr (two blocks east of Mt. Washington Dr), Bend, OR 97703
  Type: Market/Community
  When: Sat, Sept 6, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
  What: Seasonal produce, artisans, and music sets.
  Info: Market site & date listing. (NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market, Step Outside)

• 🎻 Sam Grisman Project @ Tower Theatre
  Where: 835 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97701
  Type: Music (Americana/Acoustic)
  When: Sun, Sept 7, 7:30–9:30 PM (doors 6:30)
  What: David “Dawg” Grisman/Jerry Garcia songbook tribute led by Sam Grisman.
  Tickets: Tower Theatre. (Tower Theatre)

📌 Redmond

• ❓ General Duffy’s Trivia
  Where: General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
  Type: Games – Trivia
  When: Wed, Sept 3, 6:00–8:00 PM
  What: Weekly pub trivia in the tap house. 

• 🐴 Cascades Futurity & Aged Event (Cutting Horse Show)
  Where: Deschutes County Fair & Expo, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756
  Type: Sports/Equestrian
  When: Tue–Sun, Sept 2–7 (runs through Sept 14; multiple sessions daily)
  What: Regional cutting-horse competition; vendors, food & bev on site.
  Info: Event calendars. (Deschutes Expo)

• 🎪 Venardos Circus – “Decade of Dreams” (Animal-free, Broadway-style)
  Where: Deschutes County Fair & Expo, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756
  Type: Theatre/Circus, Kid-friendly
  When: Thu–Sun, Sept 4–7
  Showtimes: Thu 7 PM; Fri 7 PM; Sat 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM; Sun 2 PM & 5 PM
  What: Classic circus artistry with live music and aerial acts under the big top.
  Tickets/Info: Expo listing & official tour page. (Deschutes Expo, Venardos Circus)

• 🚗 41st Oregon High Desert Swap Meet & Car Show
  Where: Deschutes County Fair & Expo, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756
  Type: Festival/Car Show (All ages)
  When: Sat, Sept 6, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM
  What: Large annual auto swap meet + car show; free public admission.
  Info: Expo calendar & event pages. (Deschutes Expo, 925 The Ticket, Mafca)

• 🍷 Live at the Vineyard: Kurt Silva (solo) — Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards
  Where: 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (just N. of Redmond)
  Type: Music/Wine
  When: Thu, Sept 4, 5:00–8:00 PM
  What: Americana/folk/country with wood-fired pizza & wine available.
  Tickets/Info: Event page. (Visit Bend)

• 🎉 Summer Groove Party Band + Jackson Michelson — Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards
  Where: 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760
  Type: Music/Dance
  When: Fri, Sept 5, 5:30–9:00 PM
  What: High-energy dance party night at the vineyard.
  Tickets/Info: Event page. (Visit Bend)

• 🎤 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series: Corey Kent
  Where: General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
  Type: Music (Country)
  When: Sat, Sept 6, 3:00–9:00 PM
  What: National touring country artist outdoors at Duffy’s.
  Tickets/Info: Listing. (Visit Bend)

• 🕺 Karissa & The Loose Screws — Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards
  Where: 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760
  Type: Music/Country
  When: Sat, Sept 6 (see event listing for schedule)
  What: Country-rock dance night at the vines.
  Tickets/Info: Event page. (Visit Bend)

📌 Sisters

📌 Madras

📌 Prineville

📌 Sunriver

📌 La Pine

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Other Event Sources:

Local News…

Redmond Approves First Marijuana Dispensaries, Oregrown Set to Open by Holidays

After years of opposition, the City of Redmond has officially approved its first two marijuana dispensaries. The decision comes months after the city council voted to allow dispensaries within city limits. Both businesses—Oregrown and The Flower Room—already operate in Bend and will soon expand to Redmond.

Oregrown is expected to open first, targeting a holiday launch at 2127 U.S. Highway 97 near The Back Porch and Company. Co-founder Hunter Neubauer said the city received about ten applications and awarded only two licenses, with Oregrown aiming to lead the way. Neubauer emphasized the store’s team-driven culture and community-focused values, including their lighthearted “nug of the week” affirmations like “check your ego at the door.”

While some residents remain cautious about the shift, others see the change as a step forward, particularly for those who use cannabis for medicinal reasons. The Flower Room, known for its focus on local and organic products, will open next to the Surf Thru car wash in the Home Depot parking lot, though an opening date has not yet been announced.

Horseshoe Tavern Fined for Workers’ Comp Violations, Faces New Probe and Lottery Contract Loss

State regulators have confirmed that the Horseshoe Tavern in downtown Prineville—run by Triangle C Investments LLC—was fined $7,397 for lacking workers’ compensation insurance from March 7, 2024, to March 28, 2025, a violation uncovered by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). Despite this finding and the imposed penalty, the tavern remains noncompliant and is currently under a new investigation as of late August.

The tavern is also embroiled in further controversy: it lost its Oregon Lottery contract in April due to repeated missed payments, and is believed to owe nearly $10,000, now referred to collections. Meanwhile, former employees and members of the community have raised additional concerns, citing unpaid wages, withheld tips, and the tavern’s abrupt closure in recent weeks (prinevillereview.com).

Fire & Rescue…

Crime News…

Bend Police Seek Additional Victims in Child Sex Abuse Case

Bend Police are asking the public for help identifying additional victims in a child sex abuse case involving 27-year-old Conner Eric Duhn of Bend, who now faces multiple felony charges after a months-long investigation.

The case began in November 2023, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted police to possible child sex abuse material being shared on Snapchat from a Bend-based IP address. After an 11-month investigation, detectives identified Duhn as the suspect and seized electronic devices from his home in October 2024, finding explicit materials involving minors.

Duhn was arrested in March 2025 and released under strict conditions, including no internet access and no contact with minors. However, investigators say he violated those terms multiple times—first by contacting a 17-year-old out-of-state boy online in March, then by attempting to meet with at least one underage boy in Central Oregon and exchanging sexual messages with others. Duhn was arrested again in June, July, and most recently on August 28 for further violations, including continuing to use Snapchat.

Police believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. Duhn is known to use the aliases "Luca" and "August" online. He remains in the Deschutes County Jail.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Alyssa Snyder at [email protected] or call nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

Bend Police Department releases Labor Day Weekend DUII arrest numbers

BEND, OR - Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, Bend Police arrested at least five people for DUII, including one who was involved in a crash.

So far this year, the department has arrested more than 355 people for DUII in the community.

It says there's no excuse for driving while intoxicated, and to please do your part to keep the community safe by not getting behind the wheel if you've been drinking.

Regional News…

Oregon House Passes Transportation Funding Bill, Senate Vote Delayed

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s House of Representatives has narrowly passed House Bill 3991, a major transportation funding package aimed at addressing a projected $350 million shortfall at the Oregon Department of Transportation. The bill includes gas tax and vehicle fee increases, a new road usage charge for EVs, and a temporary payroll tax hike.

Although the House approved the measure on Sept. 1, a final Senate vote has been delayed until Sept. 17 due to the absence of a key senator. The bill remains in limbo as lawmakers wait for the full Senate to reconvene.

*This will most likely pass, but there is already an effort underway to repeal it by getting it on a ballot to allow the Oregon public vote.

Community News…

Tribal Stewards Program Connects Native Youth to Land, Restoration Careers

In the high desert east of Bend, young people from the Warm Springs, Burns-Paiute, and Shoshone-Bannock Nations gathered this week in the Badlands Wilderness as part of the Tribal Stewards program—a summer initiative focused on ecological restoration and natural resource career development. Run by the Lomakatsi Restoration Project, the program pays participants a competitive wage while training them in hands-on conservation skills like native seed collection, habitat restoration, and land stewardship.

The youth worked alongside professionals studying old-growth junipers and collecting native seeds to combat invasive cheatgrass. With field projects stretching across places like the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and Steens Mountain Wilderness, the program not only provides job experience but also aims to ignite long-term interest in environmental careers. Participants will wrap up their season by presenting their experiences to the Burns Paiute Tribal Council.

Orphaned Otter from Central Oregon Finds New Home at Kansas City Zoo

An orphaned North American river otter rescued near Hereford, Oregon, in May has been transferred from Bend-based wildlife hospital Think Wild to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium after being deemed non-releasable to the wild. The young otter was one of two pups discovered by a ranch manager during irrigation work. Despite efforts to reunite them with their mother, only one pup survived after being brought to Think Wild for rehabilitation.

Due to the otter’s social needs and lack of same-species interaction—critical for development—wildlife experts determined zoo placement was the most humane option. He will join another rescued river otter in a spacious, enrichment-focused habitat designed to simulate natural behaviors. Meanwhile, Think Wild is working to expand its capabilities with a new semi-aquatic mammal facility to better support future rescues of otters and beavers. thinkwildco.org.

 City of Bend Events

Construction closes part of Franklin Avenue in Bend for bike lane project

BEND, Ore. -- Construction was getting underway Tuesday on a four-block stretch of Franklin Avenue in Bend. 

The city is building protected bike lanes along both sides of Franklin Avenue between 5th Street and 8th Street, closing the street to eastbound traffic between 3rd and 8th Streets. The westbound direction of Franklin Avenue will stay open through the end of October before the closure shifts to that westbound lane.

The city says drivers should use detours on Greenwood Avenue and plan for extra travel time. Access to businesses will remain open throughout construction. 

The project is expected to wrap up by the end of the year.

Current updates for the Flat Fire can be found in CO Fire Info above⬆️

Marks Creek Fire explodes to 1,200 acres; Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation ordered

PRINEVILLE, Ore. — A fast-moving wildfire in the Ochoco Mountains ballooned to an estimated 1,200 acres Tuesday, prompting evacuations and a large-scale firefighting response on the ground and in the air.

The Marks Creek Fire is burning about 20 miles northeast of Prineville in timber and brush. Officials say the fire started shortly after noon and pushed south through the evening after an initial run north.

“We have multiple aircraft in the air here… helicopters, super scoopers, a VLAT. We also have multiple ground crews that have responded and more coming in,” said Ludie Bond, spokesperson for Central Oregon Fire Management Service.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order for Highway 26 between Forest Road 150 and Forest Road 2610. A Level 2 “Be Set” warning is also in effect from the Ochoco Ranger Station at Highway 26 south for one mile along Ochoco Ranger Station Road. An evacuation shelter was set up at Carrie Foster Hall on the Crook County Fairgrounds.

Undersheriff Bill Elliott said Highway 26 remains open, but closures are possible. “If the fire shifts like it looks like it’s going to jump the highway, we will close it down,” he said.

Some families were forced to leave nearby recreation areas as flames moved closer. “We saw the flames shooting up from the tree lines,” said Nicholas Flores, who was evacuated with his children. “Pretty concerning when you got little ones.”

Elliott added that officials are still unsure how many people were in the area. “Coming off of the Labor Day weekend, we know there’s going to be several people. Plus it’s also the first week of archery season.”

 😎 Just sayin

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