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?

 📰 Redmond Fire & Rescue Earns Pediatric Care Recognition

 📰Labor Day DUII Campaign Nets 90 Stops, 8 Arrests in Deschutes County

 📰 Flat Fire Triggers Surge in Deschutes Alerts Sign-Ups

 📰 Warm Springs man dies in Jefferson County Jail; Deschutes Co. Sheriff's Office investigating

 💧Central Oregon Irrigation District to begin seasonal shutoff

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

⛑️💥Two Injured in Bend Parkway Crash

🚒RV Fire Contained in Juniper Ridge TSSA, Two Displaced

🚨Crime News

 🚨 Two Juveniles Arrested For Vandalism At Sam Johnson Park Construction Site

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

🖌️Community Paint Day brings color to Redmond’s Graffiti Tunnel

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

✅ Correct Answer: B. A fundraising event for the town’s first fire truck
Expanded Answer:
The Sisters Rodeo started in 1940 as a community effort to raise money for a fire truck. Over the years, it grew into one of the biggest rodeos in Oregon, now known as “The Biggest Little Show in the World.”

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

🌆 Bend

Karaoke at JC’s Bar & Grill
📍 642 NW Franklin Ave, Bend
🎤 Music / Games / Nightlife
🗓 Multiple nights (check with venue), typically 8:00 pm
Sing your heart out downtown with host Van and a lively crowd.
🔗 https://community.bendsource.com/bend/karaoke/Event?oid=23112071

Wine Wednesdays at Bar Rio
📍 Bar Rio Cocktails & Tapas, NW Wall St, Bend
🍷 Food & Drink / Social
🗓 Wednesday, September 17, 2:00 pm – close
All wine glasses are $10 for the day — great for a relaxed afternoon or date night.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Author Talk: "The Resilience Mindset" by Terry Healey
📍 Barnes & Noble, Bend
📚 Literary / Community
🗓 Wednesday, September 17, 5:30–6:30 pm
Meet the author and get inspired by lessons in personal growth and resilience.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Tropical Latin Dance Party
📍 Dogwood at the Pine Shed, Bend
💃 Music / Dance / Social
🗓 Wednesday, September 17, 7:00–10:00 pm
Spice up your midweek with Latin rhythms and dancing.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Live Music at Bar Rio
📍 Bar Rio Cocktails & Tapas, Bend
🎵 Music / Food & Drink
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 6:00–8:00 pm
Enjoy local musicians while sipping cocktails and sharing tapas.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Summer Music Series at The Grove Market Hall
📍 NW Mt. Washington Dr, Bend
🎵 Live Music / Family Friendly
🗓 Thursday, September 18 & Saturday, September 20, 6:00–8:00 pm
Free outdoor music with great eats and atmosphere.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Mountain Burger 3rd Anniversary Party
📍 2747 NW Crossing Dr, Bend
🍔 Food & Drink / Music / Community
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 6:00–10:00 pm
Party with live music by Dad Bods, burgers, and brews.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Argentine Music Lecture: “Simulando un viaje…”
📍 Encore Room, Bend
🎶 Culture / Educational
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 6:00–7:30 pm
Explore Argentine and South American folk music styles.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Warren Zeiders with Chayce Beckham
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🎸 Country Concert
🗓 Friday, September 19, doors 6:00 pm, show 7:30 pm
Big country show under the stars with special guest Chayce Beckham.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Art in the West Closing Party
📍 High Desert Museum
🎨 Art / Community / Social
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 6:00–8:00 pm
Live art demo, local food & drinks to wrap up this seasonal exhibit.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Pick It Up, Bend!
📍 Old Mill District – West Event Lawn
🌱 Volunteer / Outdoor / Family
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Pitch in for a community cleanup event to keep Bend beautiful.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Fort Rock Sunset Hike & Stargazing (Wanderlust Tours)
📍 Departing from Bend
🌌 Nature / Adventure
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 7:00–11:30 pm
Hike to Fort Rock at sunset, then stay for the stars.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

🌇 Redmond

Trivia Night at Redmond’s Bar & Grill
📍 527 SW 6th St, Redmond
🧠 Games / Social
🗓 Tuesday, September 16, 8:30–9:30 pm
Bring your team and play to win prizes.
🔗 https://experienceredmond.com/events/

Live Music at WXYZ Lounge (Aloft Hotel)
📍 3001 NW 19th St, Redmond
🎵 Music / Lounge
🗓 Wednesday, September 17, 6:00–8:00 pm
Relaxed midweek live performance in a sleek lounge setting.
🔗 https://experienceredmond.com/events/

Downtown Redmond Art Walk
📍 Downtown Redmond
🎨 Art / Community
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 4:00–7:00 pm
Stroll through downtown and enjoy art, performances, and open businesses.
🔗 https://www.redmond.gov/1967/Downtown-Redmond-Art-Walk

One Table, Many Stories (VALA Event)
📍 Redmond – Location via VALA
🍽 Culture / Food / Stories
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 5:30–7:30 pm
Gather to share personal stories and enjoy community connection.
🔗 https://experienceredmond.com/events/

Cascade Equinox Festival
📍 Deschutes County Fairgrounds
🎪 Festival / Music / Art / Workshops
🗓 September 19–21, 2025
Three days of live music (jam, electronic, folk), immersive art, yoga, food trucks, and more.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/event/cascade-equinox-festival/

🏔 Sisters

Karaoke Nights at Hardtails Bar & Grill
📍 175 N Larch St, Sisters
🎤 Music / Nightlife
🗓 Friday & Saturday nights, September 19 & 20
Classic small-town karaoke scene at a legendary biker bar.
🔗 https://www.sisterscountry.com/EVENTS

🏜 Madras

Madras Speedway Season Finale
📍 Madras Speedway
🏁 Motorsports / Community
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 5:00–9:45 pm
Final night of racing for the season – get loud, go fast.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/calendar-of-events/madras/

Joyful Noise Music Academy – Fall Term Begins
📍 Various Madras locations
🎼 Music / Education
🗓 Starts September 16
Group lessons in guitar, ukulele, piano, violin, and more.
🔗 https://madraspioneer.com/2025/09/10/9-17-25-events-and-happenings/

🌲 La Pine / Sunriver

Tina's Paint & Glass Party – "Lady Cluck"
📍 Legend Cider Co., La Pine
🎨 Art / Food & Drink
🗓 Tuesday, September 16, 6:00–7:30 pm
Paint a fun fall-themed piece while sipping cider.
🔗 https://www.legendcider.com/lapineevents

Hometown Hero Happy Hour
📍 Legend Cider Co., La Pine
🍻 Community / Social
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 5:00–7:00 pm
Raise a glass to local heroes with great cider and company.
🔗 https://www.legendcider.com/lapineevents

Bingo Night at Legend Cider
📍 Legend Cider Co., La Pine
🎲 Games / Food & Drink
🗓 Thursday, September 18, 6:00–8:00 pm
Bingo, cider, and community spirit — prizes and laughs guaranteed.
🔗 https://www.legendcider.com/lapineevents

Sweet Motor Live at Wetlands Taphouse
📍 Wetlands Taphouse, La Pine
🎸 Music / Nightlife
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 6:00–9:00 pm
Live band, great beer, and a lively La Pine crowd.
🔗 https://allevents.in/la-pine/september

Anything With Wheels Car Show
📍 La Pine Community Center, 16405 1st St, La Pine
🚗 Car Show / Family Friendly / Fundraiser
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Classics, modern, and custom vehicles. Bounce house, Harvest Depot BBQ, and community fun.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/event/anything-with-wheels/

📍 Prineville

Crooked River Wetlands Walk
📍 Crooked River Wetlands
🌿 Nature / Family Friendly
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 7:30–10:00 am
Join a naturalist for a walk through the scenic wetlands.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/calendar-of-events/prineville/

Pressed Flower Bookmarks – Craft Session
📍 Prineville Library
🌼 Arts & Crafts / Family
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 10:00 am
Create beautiful handmade bookmarks using real pressed flowers.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/calendar-of-events/prineville/

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Deschutes Public Library Events

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Local News…

Redmond Fire & Rescue Earns Pediatric Care Recognition

Redmond Fire and Rescue has been officially recognized as a Peds Ready EMS agency by the Oregon Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program, highlighting its dedication to delivering high-quality emergency care for pediatric patients. The department’s application was reviewed and approved, granting recognition through October 31, 2027, with renewal reminders set every two years. As part of this recognition, the agency will receive decals and certificates for each ambulance, promoting awareness of its pediatric readiness. EMS Training Captain Luke Jerome emphasized the department's commitment to children and families, while EMSC Program Manager Rachel Ford praised Redmond Fire & Rescue for going “above and beyond” in pediatric emergency care.

Labor Day DUII Campaign Nets 90 Stops, 8 Arrests in Deschutes County

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Community Action Target Team (CATT) made 90 traffic stops during Labor Day weekend as part of its first year participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The enforcement effort aimed to crack down on impaired driving and other high-risk behaviors. Over the course of the weekend, deputies issued 87 warnings, 26 citations, and made 8 arrests—including 3 for driving under the influence. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that impaired driving is entirely preventable and urges drivers to plan ahead, use rideshare services, and report suspected impaired drivers. The agency remains committed to reducing the five leading causes of serious and fatal crashes: unsafe lane use, lack of occupant safety, distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.

Flat Fire Triggers Surge in Deschutes Alerts Sign-Ups

In the wake of the Flat Fire evacuations, more than 3,500 Deschutes County residents registered for Deschutes Alerts in under a week, with over 1,300 signing up in a single day on August 23. The surge pushed total registrations to nearly 71,000 countywide, reflecting a heightened awareness of the importance of real-time emergency notifications. Deschutes Alerts is the county’s official system for urgent warnings about wildfires, evacuations, law enforcement activity, and other public safety threats. During the Flat Fire, which endangered around 4,000 structures, the alert system played a critical role in notifying residents at risk. Emergency officials remind residents that registration requires a physical address—not a P.O. Box—to ensure they receive timely, location-specific alerts. The system issues only emergency-related messages and uses a three-tier evacuation level structure: Be Ready, Be Set, and Go Now. To sign up for this free service, visit deschutesalerts.org or call 541-388-6501.

Warm Springs man dies in Jefferson County Jail; Deschutes Co. Sheriff's Office investigating

BEND, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a Warm Springs tribal member who died while in the Jefferson County Jail.

Vern Sonny Heath, 37, was set to appear in Jefferson County Circuit Court Friday on a DUII charge. Family members contacted Central Oregon Daily News, claiming Heath was found dead, alone in his jail cell. Court records confirmed Heath was deceased.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Jason Carr confirmed that Heath died at the jail and that DCSO is leading the death investigation, but would not provide any other details.

Central Oregon Irrigation District to begin seasonal shutoff

BEND, Ore. -- Central Oregon Irrigation District is set to begin its seasonal ramp down next week.

COID plans to reduce flows to 75% on Sept. 15, then down to 50% on Oct. 1.

A full shutoff is tentatively set for Oct. 15 for the Central Oregon Canal on the east side of Bend, Alfalfa and Powell Butte areas and Oct. 16 for the Pilot Butte Canal serving the north end of Bend, Redmond and Terrebonne. The dates could change based on demand.

Fire & Rescue…

Two Injured in Bend Parkway Crash

Early Sunday, September 14, there was a car crash on the northbound Bend Parkway near Murphy Road. Police arrived just before 3 a.m. after reports of an accident.

Witnesses saw a blue Volkswagen Passat going about 80 mph before it left the road and rolled. The passenger was thrown from the car, and the driver was partly thrown out. The car caught fire, but police pulled the driver out. Both were taken to St. Charles hospital. The driver, a 31-year-old from Portland, was seriously hurt. The passenger, a 29-year-old from Redmond, is stable.

The northbound Parkway was closed for 4.5 hours while police investigated.

Bend Police thanked the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon Department of Transportation for their help. The investigation is ongoing.

RV Fire Contained in Juniper Ridge TSSA, Two Displaced

Bend, Ore - Just before noon on September 14, multiple 911 callers reported a motorhome engulfed in flames at the Juniper Ridge Temporary Short Stay Area (TSSA), located south of Wiley Circle and about 75 yards east of Highway 97. Fire crews arrived to find a fully involved Class C RV, with flames spreading to nearby vegetation and materials. Thanks to earlier fuel reduction efforts in the area, the fire’s spread was limited. Crews from the US Forest Service, Cloverdale Fire District, Oregon State Police, and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office assisted in the quick containment. Two individuals and a dog were displaced, while a cat remains missing. REACH was contacted to support the displaced occupants. Investigators were unable to determine a definitive cause but believe the fire was accidental.

Crime News…

Two Juveniles Arrested For Vandalism At Sam Johnson Park Construction Site

Redmond, OR – On Tuesday night, September 9, 2025, surveillance footage showed two juveniles unlawfully entered the fenced construction zone at Sam Johnson Park.  The Park and Hope Playground are part of the City’s Central Dry Canyon improvement project which is currently underway.  The juveniles proceeded to tamper with construction materials, including overturning a bucket of industrial adhesive which caused thousands of dollars of damage.  

An RPD School Resource Officer (SRO) identified both juveniles involved, who were subsequently arrested.  They have been charged with Criminal Mischief in the First Degree and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.  

Due to the extent of the damage, one of the charges, Criminal Mischief I, is a felony. 

The Hope Playground resurfacing is Phase 3 of the larger Central Dry Canyon Park Improvement project.  The playground is closed and expected to reopen the first week of October, 2025.  To learn more visit www.redmondoregon.gov/centraldrycanyon.  

The City of Redmond reminds residents that City parks and trails open from sunrise to sunset.  If you see suspicious activity in Hope Playground or any park, please contact the Redmond Police Department at 541-693-6911. 

Regional News…

Community News…

Community Paint Day brings color to Redmond’s Graffiti Tunnel

REDMOND, Ore. -- The Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places (RCAPP) held a Community Paint Day on Saturday, inviting people of all ages to help refresh the artwork in the Graffiti Tunnel under Highland Avenue.

RCAPP has been painting the tunnel since 2021, holding the event a couple of times each year. The tunnel, located along the Dry Canyon Trail near American Legion Park, serves as a public art space open to all.

“I think it’s really inviting to allow the public to just be creative and expressive,” said RCAPP Chair Darlene Veenhuizen. “I do think it helps reduce graffiti in other areas and parks, so it’s nice to have this outlet and the community loves it.”

RCAPP provided supplies, while participants brought creativity and color to the walls.

 City of Bend Events

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

 😞 Just sayin

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