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In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 🪢🧶 Macramé Plant Hanger Workshop

☘️ Irish Dancers Bringing St. Patrick’s Day Spirit to Bend

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

  🌍 Bend Named One of the World’s Best Spring Break Destinations for Adults

 ✈️ New Nonstop Flight Connects Redmond to Las Vegas

 🌱 Schilling’s Garden Market Reopens, Monthly Farmers Market Returns in April

 🌲 Tree Thinning Project Proposed for Ochoco National Forest

⚽ Bend FC Launches Fundraising Push to Expand Pine Nursery Soccer Complex

 🎨 New Pottery Studio in Sisters Built Around Community Creativity

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

  🏍️ Redmond Teen Dies After Motorcycle Crash in SE Bend

 🚛 Powell Butte Highway Reopens After Semi Crashes Into Power Pole

🚨Crime News

 🚨 Attempted Home Break-In on Bend’s Westside Ends with Intruder’s Death

🥰Community News

🍽️ Prineville Meals on Wheels Seeking Volunteers as Demand Grows

📰Regional News

  🐋 Spring Whale Watch Week Returns to the Oregon Coast

🏕️ New Campground Opening at Diamond Mill in Tillamook State Forest

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

Check Trip Check Before you travel over the Passes ⬇

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

Create Your Own Beautiful Plant Hanger on a Selenite Crystal!

2 dates to choose from

&

Join us for a fun and creative macrame plant hanger class where you’ll learn the art of knotting and design your very own plant hanger masterpiece. What to Expect: Guided Instruction: Morgan Tuttle from Mountain Fiber Designs, will guide you through each knot and technique to make your very own macramé plant hanger on selenite crystal wand. The class will be approximately 2 hours. All Materials Provided: We supply everything you need, including an individual macramé stand, pre-cut cording and printed instructions. Take Home Your Creation: Leave with a handmade plant hanger and purchase a plant from the plant shoppe to showcase your newfound skills. Who Can Join? Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, everyone is welcome! This class is perfect for a relaxing afternoon with friends or a solo creative adventure.

When: Sunday March 22nd - 2pm - 4pm

Where: Flourish of Tumalo 64702 Cook Ave, Bend, OR

When: Saturday March 28th - 2pm - 4pm

Where: River’s Place 787 NE Purcell Blvd, Bend, OR

☘️ Irish Dancers Bringing St. Patrick’s Day Spirit to Bend

The Yeates Academy of Irish Dance is spreading St. Patrick’s Day cheer across Bend with a series of lively performances at local pubs and breweries. The dancers kicked off their holiday appearances Saturday at Commonwealth Pub, showcasing the fast footwork and traditional style that Irish step dancing is known for. The academy, one of the region’s long-standing Irish dance programs, features performers of all ages who help bring Irish culture and festive energy to the community each year.

The performances continue Sunday at Silver Moon Brewing at 2 p.m. and Commonwealth Pub at 3 p.m. On St. Patrick’s Day itself, Tuesday, the dancers will perform at Midtown Yacht Club at 4 p.m., Boneyard Brewing at 5 p.m., and Bend Brewing Company at 6 p.m., giving locals several chances to catch the celebration live.

New Events Calendar - Check it out! 👇

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Local News…

🌍 Bend Named One of the World’s Best Spring Break Destinations for Adults

Bend is getting some international recognition just in time for spring break. The Central Oregon city was recently named one of the best spring break destinations in the world for adults in 2026 by Condé Nast Traveler, highlighting the area’s mix of outdoor adventure, craft beer culture, and scenic mountain views.

Travel writers pointed to Bend’s unique ability to blend late-season skiing at nearby mountains with hiking, river trails, breweries, and a lively downtown scene—all within the same trip. Known as a hub for outdoor recreation and one of the country’s top craft beer towns, Bend continues to draw visitors looking for a more laid-back spring getaway compared to traditional party-heavy spring break spots.

✈️ New Nonstop Flight Connects Redmond to Las Vegas

Travelers in Central Oregon now have a new direct option for trips to Las Vegas. Breeze Airways launched nonstop service from Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) to Las Vegas on March 13, giving local passengers a faster way to reach the popular entertainment destination. The new route operates twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, and introductory fares have started as low as about $69 one-way. (KTVZ)

The route is part of Breeze Airways’ strategy to add affordable direct flights connecting smaller or underserved markets with major destinations. The Redmond flight also offers a continued one-stop “BreezeThru” option to Provo, Utah without changing planes. Airport officials say the addition expands travel choices for Central Oregon residents and strengthens Redmond’s growing lineup of airline service. (The Source - Bend, Oregon)

 🌱 Schilling’s Garden Market Reopens, Monthly Farmers Market Returns in April

A popular Bend nursery and farm stand is welcoming customers back for the growing season. Schilling’s Garden Market, located off Old Bend-Redmond Highway, has reopened after its winter break, bringing back its selection of plants, gardening supplies, and locally sourced farm stand goods. The seasonal reopening marks the start of spring activity at the longtime community gathering spot. (Schilling's Garden Market)

The garden center will also launch its monthly farmers market starting in April, featuring local growers, makers, and producers from across Central Oregon. The market is scheduled for the last Sunday of each month from April through October, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving visitors a chance to shop local produce, handmade goods, and other regional products while enjoying the garden setting.

 🌲 Tree Thinning Project Proposed for Ochoco National Forest

The U.S. Forest Service is considering a large forest-management project in the Ochoco National Forest aimed at thinning trees and reducing wildfire risk across a significant portion of the landscape. The proposal includes two major efforts—the Upper Trout and Bridge Creeks Vegetation Management Project and the North Slope Vegetation Management Project—which together could affect nearly 107,000 acres of forest northeast of Prineville. Forest officials say the work would remove smaller and overcrowded trees to improve forest health, reduce insect and disease problems, and create conditions that are more resilient to drought and wildfire.

The projects would combine commercial thinning and other fuel-reduction treatments, meaning some timber could be sold to support local mills and forest restoration work. While supporters say thinning overly dense forests can help protect nearby communities from wildfire, critics have raised concerns about impacts to wildlife habitat and proposed road construction tied to the work. Public comments on the plans are being accepted through early April as the Forest Service continues its review.

⚽ Bend FC Launches Fundraising Push to Expand Pine Nursery Soccer Complex

Bend FC is working to raise funds for the next phase of expansion at the Pine Nursery Park soccer complex in northeast Bend, aiming to add two additional synthetic turf fields to help meet growing demand for youth and community soccer. The nonprofit club says the expansion would significantly increase field space for practices, games, and tournaments as participation continues to rise across Central Oregon.

The project is part of a long-term effort to transform part of the 159-acre Pine Nursery Park into a year-round multi-sport facility. Two turf fields are already in place, and the proposed additions would bring the total to four, allowing Bend FC to host more programs and larger tournaments while giving local players more consistent access to playing space. Organizers say the expanded complex could also bring additional visitors and economic activity to the region through youth sports events. (Bend Park and Recreation District)

 🎨 New Pottery Studio in Sisters Built Around Community Creativity

A new creative space is taking shape in Sisters as the Sisters Clay Collective opens its doors in the light industrial district at 215 E. Sun Ranch Drive. Founders Stef Siebold and Kimberly White—who were introduced less than a year ago through Citizens4Community—shared a similar vision of creating a welcoming place for people to explore pottery and connect with others. The studio recently hosted a Community Builders meeting that drew a record-tying crowd of 33 attendees, reflecting the strong local interest in creative gathering spaces.

The studio offers six pottery wheels for six-week wheel-throwing classes and also hosts hand-building classes where participants can create items like bowls or platters using techniques such as coiling or sculpting. Monthly memberships, workshops, and upcoming day passes allow experienced potters to use the studio regularly, while “clay coaching hours” provide additional help for students working on projects. The collective plans to expand into kids classes and summer programs in the future and is open to hosting group events like parties or team-building sessions. Founders say the goal isn’t just pottery—it’s building a collaborative space where the community can help shape the studio as it grows.

Fire & Rescue…

🏍️ Redmond Teen Dies After Motorcycle Crash in SE Bend

A 19-year-old Redmond man died Friday evening following a serious crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle at SE Second Street and Miller Avenue in Bend. Police say the motorcycle was traveling northbound on Second Street at a high rate of speed around 6:28 p.m. when a Subaru Crosstrek, driven by a 25-year-old Bend man heading south, attempted to turn east onto Miller Avenue. The two vehicles collided head-on.

Both the rider and passenger were thrown from the motorcycle. Officers on scene performed CPR, used an AED, and applied tourniquets while awaiting medical crews. The motorcyclist, a 20-year-old Bend man, was taken to St. Charles Bend with serious injuries, while the passenger, identified as Malachi Longstroth of Redmond, died at the scene. The Subaru driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Bend Police’s crash reconstruction team responded, and SE Second Street was closed for about three hours as the investigation continues.

 🚛 Powell Butte Highway Reopens After Semi Crashes Into Power Pole

Powell Butte Highway near Redmond reopened after crews responded to a crash involving a semi-truck that struck a power pole, temporarily shutting down the road. The crash damaged the pole and brought down power lines, forcing authorities to close the roadway while utility crews and emergency responders worked to secure the area and clear the scene.

Officials said the closure lasted several hours as repairs were made and debris was removed. Once crews finished stabilizing the damaged pole and restoring safe conditions, Powell Butte Highway was reopened to traffic. No additional details about injuries have been released as the incident remains under investigation.

Crime News…

🚨 Attempted Home Break-In on Bend’s Westside Ends with Intruder’s Death

Bend Police are investigating a late-night attempted burglary that turned deadly Thursday night on NW Braid Drive. Around 11:45 p.m. on March 12, a homeowner reported that an unknown person tried to break into their residence while they were inside. The resident confronted the intruder, and a struggle broke out before the suspect fled on foot. The homeowner was injured during the encounter and was transported by Bend Fire & Rescue to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers searched the surrounding area and soon located the suspect on a nearby golf course suffering from life-threatening injuries. Emergency crews attempted lifesaving measures, but the individual died at the scene. Bend Police detectives are continuing to investigate the incident.

Community News…

🍽️ Prineville Meals on Wheels Seeking Volunteers as Demand Grows

The Prineville Senior Center is asking for community volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound seniors as demand for its Meals on Wheels program continues to rise. The program delivers hundreds of meals each week to older adults who may struggle to shop or cook for themselves, providing not only nutritious food but also a friendly check-in that helps reduce isolation.

Organizers say additional volunteers are needed to help expand delivery routes and keep up with the growing need in Crook County. Typical volunteer roles include picking up meals from a central location and delivering them to seniors in the area, offering a quick visit and wellness check along the way. Officials say even a small time commitment can make a big difference for local seniors who rely on the service to remain safely in their homes.

The center does reimburse volunteers for gas. Anyone interested in signing up can contact Funke through email: [email protected]

 Regional News… 

 🐋 Spring Whale Watch Week Returns to the Oregon Coast

Oregon State Parks is inviting visitors to the coast for the annual Spring Whale Watch Week, running March 21 through March 29. During the event, trained volunteers and park rangers will be stationed at 15 scenic viewpoints along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, helping visitors spot migrating gray whales and their calves while answering questions about the annual journey north.

Spring is one of the best times to see gray whales because many pass within a few miles of shore on their return to Alaska, sometimes with newborn calves in tow. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates roughly 13,000 gray whales will pass Oregon this season, though recent counts suggest the population may be at its lowest level since the 1970s. The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will also be open daily during the event with exhibits, ocean views, and binoculars available for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the migrating giants.

🏕️ New Campground Opening at Diamond Mill in Tillamook State Forest

A popular off-highway vehicle staging area in the Tillamook State Forest is getting a major upgrade. The Oregon Department of Forestry has transformed the Diamond Mill area—long used by motorcycle and trail riders—into a new 16-site campground set to open April 1st. Crews spent the winter adding picnic tables, fire grates, site markers, signage, and improving the layout with gravel, soil, vegetation, and large boulders to create more defined and private campsites.

The improved campground also includes an existing double-vault pit toilet and a nearby kids’ riding track, making it a family-friendly basecamp for exploring the surrounding trail system. The overnight fee will increase from the former $5 parking fee to $20 per night, similar to other Oregon Department of Forestry campgrounds. For its first season, the campground will operate on a first-come, first-served basis while staff gather feedback that could lead to a reservation system in future years.

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

 😎Just sayin

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