In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎭 The Prince of Egypt Hits the Stage — A Musical Journey You Won’t Forget!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚨 ‘Hold on to Her’: Alarming Parking Lot Encounters in SE Bend Spark Awareness

🐐 A Tasty Goodbye to the Holidays: Redmond Rescue Turns Trees into Treats

🌳 Change on the Horizon for SahaLee Park’s Elm Trees

🚌 Hop Aboard! Meissner Sno-Park Bus Running Daily Through Sunday

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

💥Rollover crash snarls traffic on south Bend stretch of Highway 97

🔥 Smoke Alarms Save Lives in NE Bend Kitchen Fire

🚨Crime News

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🐾Pet of the Week

😻Meet Blue - HSO

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

🎭 The Prince of Egypt Hits the Stage — A Musical Journey You Won’t Forget!

🎭 The Prince of Egypt Hits the Stage — A Musical Journey You Won’t Forget!
Presented by Ovation Performing Arts | January 2025 | Redmond, OR
Get ready to cross the Red Sea and step into an epic tale of faith, freedom, and destiny — because The Prince of Egypt is coming to life on the Ovation Performing Arts stage this January!

This awe-inspiring musical is packed with breathtaking songs (yes, including “When You Believe” 🎶), stunning choreography, and a powerhouse cast of local youth and adult performers who are pouring their hearts into every moment. You’ll follow Moses from the palace to the desert and beyond, with all the drama, wonder, and spectacle you’d expect from a Broadway-caliber production — right here in Central Oregon.

Ovation is known for bringing big talent to our local stage, and The Prince of Egypt is no exception. Whether you're a theatre buff or just looking for an unforgettable night out, this show will stir your soul and leave you cheering from your seat.

🔥 Seats fill fast, so don’t miss your chance to experience this musical masterpiece.

🎟️ More info & tickets: ovationpa.com

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Local News…

 🚨 ‘Hold on to Her’: Alarming Parking Lot Encounters in SE Bend Spark Awareness

Several Bend moms say they’ve had disturbing run-ins with the same man in Southeast Bend shopping center parking lots—encounters that started with casual compliments and quickly turned into unsettling warnings about their daughters being trafficked. One woman, Lauren Henderson, said the man followed her to her car, repeatedly telling her that her daughter was “very pretty” and at risk. After multiple reports of similar experiences, law enforcement was contacted, but officials say the behavior—while disturbing—doesn’t currently meet the legal threshold for a crime.

Advocates stress that human trafficking doesn’t usually look like a dramatic “snatch-and-grab” scenario. Instead, traffickers often use grooming tactics, building trust before exploitation. Cheryl Csiky of Bend-based nonprofit In Our Backyard urges parents to trust their instincts, speak up when something feels off, and educate their kids in age-appropriate ways. “We don’t have to always be polite,” Csiky says. “Staying silent is what traffickers want.”

👉 Read the full story on KTVZ

 🐐 A Tasty Goodbye to the Holidays: Redmond Rescue Turns Trees into Treats

Before you toss that Christmas tree to the curb, consider a greener—and cuter—option. At Embers Wildflower Animal Sanctuary & Bunny Rescue in Redmond, old trees are being turned into post-holiday snacks for their resident goats and pigs. The animals enjoy the trees as enrichment, nibbling on branches and rubbing against the needles for some festive fun.

“They’re sanctuary pigs and goats… the Christmas trees are just a fun treat for them,” said founder Lindsey Provost. The farm has welcomed tree donations for six years, asking only that the trees be forest-cut and untreated. Drop-offs are by appointment, offering one last joyful way to give back this season. 🌲

👉 Click here to schedule your tree drop-off

 🌳 Change on the Horizon for SahaLee Park’s Elm Trees

In Madras, a five-year plan is in the works to gradually replace the aging elm trees at SahaLee Park near downtown. One idea under consideration is to remove every other tree and plant new ones in between, allowing the park’s iconic tree canopy to evolve over time. A tree consultant will join the planning process in January to help guide the transition.

In addition to the tree updates, city officials also plan to build a new centrally located restroom at the park, aiming to improve amenities for visitors.

 🚌 Hop Aboard! Meissner Sno-Park Bus Running Daily Through Sunday

Looking to hit the trails at Meissner Sno-Park without the parking hassle? Now through Sunday, a $5 bus from Bend is offering three daily round trips to the snowy destination, just 12 miles up Century Drive. Riders must book and pay in advance, with departures from near The Pavilion on Bradbury Way at 7:30, 9:30, and 11:30 a.m. Return trips leave Meissner at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Starting next week, the Meissner Bus shifts to weekends-only service through March—except for spring break, when daily rides return. Don't forget to arrive 15 minutes early to load up your gear!

Fire & Rescue… 

💥Rollover crash snarls traffic on south Bend stretch of Highway 97

BEND, Ore. -- A rollover crash blocked traffic on U.S. 97 on Bend's south end Tuesday afternoon.

It happened in the northbound lanes at the Knott Road overpass around 2:40 p.m. The rolled over vehicle came to a rest in the northbound passing lane.

One person was reportedly transported to the hospital. Their condition was not immediately known. 

The cause of the crash was not immediately released.

🔥 Smoke Alarms Save Lives in NE Bend Kitchen Fire

An early morning kitchen fire on NE Vail Lane in Bend could have ended in tragedy if not for working smoke alarms. Bend Fire & Rescue responded to the blaze in one side of a duplex after the occupant, who was asleep upstairs, was jolted awake by the alarm. Thanks to a fast 911 call and quick action by firefighters, the flames were contained to the kitchen, with smoke damage throughout the home. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced renters and their pets, who all made it out safely. Investigators believe the fire started on the stovetop, possibly due to a knob being accidentally bumped or the stove left on, igniting food and nearby cabinets. Damages are estimated at $75,000.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms—especially with modern furnishings, where fires can become deadly in under three minutes. Bend Fire urges everyone to check their alarms regularly and replace them every 10 years. Need help? Bend residents can call 541-322-6386 to schedule a safety check.

Crime News…

Community News…

Regional News…

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Road Construction

Meet Blue, our delightful Pet of the Week

 😻 At just 9 months old, this charming Siamese mix is all about spreading joy and snuggles. He’s not just a pretty face; Blue thrives on companionship and gets along famously with other cats—and he doesn’t mind doggy pals that are accustomed to feline friends. If you're looking for a playful partner, you’ll love how he nudges your hand when it’s time for pets! ❤️ And wait until you see him during morning clean-up—Blue transforms into a speedster, zooming around the lobby like a little race car, drifting around corners with pure feline finesse! 🏎💨 He’s neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, ready to find his forever home. For an adoption fee of just $110, you’ll also receive a free health exam, 30 days of virtual support from Petcademy, and a special adoption bag filled with goodies. Don’t let this chance to welcome Blue into your heart slip away—he's eager to bring warmth and excitement into your life!

 😎Just sayin

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