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?

🍜 Galley Bend Lifts Off with Far East Flavors in East Bend

🚔 OSP Cracks Down on Dangerous Driving After Deadly Semi Crashes

📚 Deschutes Public Library Shuts Down After Data Breach, Reopening Expected Monday

🚨 Missing Warm Springs Woman Found Safe; Fugitive Companion Still at Large

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

⛑️ Search Suspended for Missing Bend Climber on Mt. Hood

🚨Crime News

🔫 Man Arrested After Pointing BB Gun in Bend Road Rage Incident

👩‍⚖️Suspect in Terrebonne manhunt has multiple convictions in 2 states including assault, judge reveals

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

 🚧 Landslide Closes Highway 229 Near Milepost 14; Evacuations and River Impact Reported

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

Deschutes Public Library Events

Other Event Sources:

Visit Central Oregon Event Listings

Bend Magazine Event Listings

Local News…

 🍜 Galley Bend Lifts Off with Far East Flavors in East Bend

Galley Bend has taken over the former Longboard Louie’s space on Dean Swift Road, and the transformation is both delicious and inviting. Owned by Kris Sathirawongwan and Kate Tattumle—two former flight attendants who spent years traveling across Asia—the restaurant blends Thai cuisine with standout dishes from their favorite destinations, from Seoul to Bangkok. The interior is bright and welcoming, and the menu features crave-worthy hits like Korean Fried Chicken glazed in spicy-sweet gochujang, aromatic Massaman Curry with coconut and peanut, and comforting Tom Yum soup that’s perfect for chilly Bend afternoons.

With creative cocktails inspired by Thai classics (like a Tom Kha martini and a mango sticky rice rum drink), plus shareables, soups, noodles, and family recipes like Chef Kate’s Crispy Pork Belly, Galley Bend is bringing much-needed global flair to Bend’s east side. Whether you dine in or take out, it’s a flavorful experience that feels like a culinary postcard from abroad.
👉 Read the full story

🚔 OSP Cracks Down on Dangerous Driving After Deadly Semi Crashes

Oregon State Police ramped up patrols across Central Oregon highways on Friday in response to two recent crashes involving semi trucks—one fatal and one with serious injuries. Troopers targeted Highway 97, Highway 20, and connecting routes, focusing on speeding, distracted or impaired driving, and lane violations—especially among commercial drivers.

The effort comes after a Nov. 24 crash near Brothers killed two people when their SUV collided with a jackknifed semi. The driver of the truck, Rajinder Kumar, is now facing manslaughter charges. A separate collision in La Pine on Dec. 3 left two hospitalized after a semi rear-ended a pickup. OSP says the enforcement push is about sending a clear message during the holidays: drive safely, so everyone makes it home—not to the hospital or worse.

📚 Deschutes Public Library Shuts Down After Data Breach, Reopening Expected Monday

All Deschutes Public Library locations are temporarily closed through the weekend following a data breach that impacted parts of the library’s internal network. While the website remains offline, library officials say there’s no evidence that customer data was compromised. Library Director Todd Dunkelberg reassured the public that the breach appears to have affected only a few older servers, mainly within the communications department.

Despite the disruption, patrons can still access services through the library catalog and the Libby app. Online resources like Creativebug, LinkedIn Learning, and Mango Languages remain available. Book drops are closed until locations reopen—hopefully by Monday. And yes, fans of Michael “The Train Man” Lavrich can rest easy—his visit on Saturday, Dec. 20 is still on track.

 🚨 Missing Warm Springs Woman Found Safe; Fugitive Companion Still at Large

A woman reported missing and endangered last week in Warm Springs has been found safe, but the man she was with—a federal fugitive—remains on the run. Jasmine Ortiz, 34, was located Friday morning on the Warm Springs Reservation. Authorities say she was with Edward Francis Jones, 32, a wanted fugitive who escaped custody and is still evading law enforcement.

Jones, who has a long criminal history involving firearms and drugs, is considered armed and dangerous. He’s believed to be in the Warm Springs area or possibly hiding in Wasco or Jefferson counties. Federal marshals say Jones is wanted on multiple charges, including kidnapping and parole violations. The search continues.

 Fire & Rescue…

⛑️ Search Suspended for Missing Bend Climber on Mt. Hood

The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office has suspended ground recovery efforts for 26-year-old Matthew Aldridge of Bend, who went missing while attempting to summit Mt. Hood on December 13. Aldridge and two partners began their climb via the Newton Clark Headwall, but the others turned back due to poor conditions. When Aldridge failed to return or make contact, he was reported overdue.

Search efforts involved ground teams, aerial surveillance, and cell phone forensics, which pinpointed a likely fall zone near Pea Gravel Ridge at 8,400 feet. Despite a large-scale effort involving Portland Mountain Rescue and the Hood River Crag Rats, no signs of Aldridge were found. With worsening weather and hazardous terrain, the Sheriff’s Office has transitioned the mission to recovery, with further attempts dependent on improving conditions.

Crime News…

🔫 Man Arrested After Pointing BB Gun in Bend Road Rage Incident

A Bend teenager was arrested Thursday night after a road rage incident escalated into a weapon threat at a Chevron station on SE Division Street. Around 7:48 p.m., police say 18-year-old Alex Rojo confronted another driver after an aggressive maneuver on SW Reed Market Road. The victim told officers Rojo cut him off and brake-checked him before following him into the gas station, where the two exchanged words. Rojo then allegedly pointed a pistol at the victim and threatened to shoot him before fleeing the scene.

Thanks to witness reports and a license plate number, authorities quickly located Rojo’s vehicle at his residence. He was later arrested without incident and booked into Deschutes County Jail for unlawful use of a weapon and menacing. The firearm was recovered and determined to be a BB gun.

Community News…

Regional News…

 🚧 Landslide Closes Highway 229 Near Milepost 14; Evacuations and River Impact Reported

A landslide has forced the closure of Highway 229 at Milepost 14 for an undetermined amount of time, impacting a 0.2-mile stretch of road and prompting the evacuation of several homes. Officials are urging the public to avoid the area and use alternate routes while emergency crews continue their response.

The slide originated from Weyerhaeuser property above the highway and swept down toward the Siletz River, affecting up to five residential properties and causing significant damage to at least three homes. All known residents have been safely evacuated, with two connected to Red Cross services. The slide has deposited debris—including earth, structural materials, and possibly vehicles—into the Siletz River, prompting state environmental notifications. For travel updates, visit TripCheck.com.

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

 😎Just sayin

Follow us on facebook