🎂🐻Smokey Turns 81 + Gold Mine Debate & Local Good News

Issue #354

 

Good Monday Morning! (and yes it has been a Monday - apologize for the delay)

From rescued pups finding new homes to Smokey Bear’s milestone birthday, today’s news covers the heartwarming and the hard-hitting. We’ve got updates on proposed fee hikes for John Day River sites, a Bend deli blending sandwiches with cryptocurrency to support kids in El Salvador, and the latest on local crime, including a burglary at the Crook County Fair. Plus, regional developments from gold mining proposals to community needs, new public art, and more shaping life across Central Oregon.

📰 Let’s dive in…

In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 🎶 Spotlight Festival: Sunriver Music Festival (Aug 2–13, 2025)

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🐾Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Assists in Surrender of 12 Toy Australian Shepherds

🐻Smokey Bear Celebrates 81st Birthday at Lava Lands Visitor Center

🏞️Fee hikes proposed for popular John Day River sites

🥪₿ Bend Deli Now Accepting Bitcoin, Linking Sales to Support Kids in El Salvador

 🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🚨Early-Morning Break-In at Crook County Fair Targets Vendor Booths

📰Regional News

⚒️BLM Moves Closer to Approving Gold Mine in Eastern Oregon

🥰Community News

📰La Pine Community Kitchen Urgently Seeking Donations as Need Grows

🎨Central Oregon Kids Explore Nature Through Art

🖼️🥂 Redmond welcomes new public art with community reception

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🚘🛣️Transportation Bond Oversight Committee Meeting

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

Mt Bachelor 08.11.25

 BEND

SISTERS

LA PINE

 

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Featured Events

Apologies, there have been issues getting a concise list of events for this week. We will update the events section in the web version as soon as we can. We apologize for any inconvenience.

📅 Events: Bend

🎵 RÜFÜS DU SOL w/ Glass Beams
Where: Hayden Homes Amphitheater —
When: Tue, Aug 12 • Doors 5:00pm • Show 6:30pm
What: The trio’s Inhale/Exhale World Tour brings their live electronic set to Bend.
More info / Tickets: bendconcerts.com • Live Nation • Visit Bend listing. Visit Bend

🎵 The Lumineers w/ Tom Odell
Where: Hayden Homes Amphitheater —
When: Wed, Aug 13 • Doors 5:00pm • Show 6:30pm
What: “Automatic” world tour, singalong folk-rock anthems under the pines.
More info / Tickets: bendconcerts.com • Live Nation.

🎵 Trampled by Turtles & Josiah and the Bonnevilles
Where: Hayden Homes Amphitheater —
When: Fri, Aug 15 • Doors 5:00pm • Show 6:30pm
What: Bluegrass/folk favorites with a modern edge.
More info / Tickets: bendconcerts.com • Live Nation.

🎵 Alabama Shakes
Where: Hayden Homes Amphitheater
When: Sat, Aug 16 • Doors 5:00pm • Show 6:30pm
What: Brittany Howard and co. bring soul-soaked rock to the riverfront.
More info / Tickets: Live Nation listing.

🎵 Glass Animals
Where: Hayden Homes Amphitheater
When: Sun, Aug 17 • Doors 5:00pm • Show 6:30pm
What: Chart-topping psych-pop live.
More info / Tickets: bendconcerts.com • Live Nation.

🎬 Disney/Pixar “Inside Out 2” (FREE, reservation required)
Where: Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St
When: Tue, Aug 12 • Doors 5:00pm • Film 6:00pm
What: Sensory-friendly community screening; free with reserved seat.
More info / Tickets: Tower Theatre event page • Visit Bend listing. towertheatre.orgVisit Bend

🌠 Perseids Meteor Shower Tours (Hike & Canoe)
Where: Meet at Wanderlust Tours HQ, 61535 S Hwy 97
When: Peak Tue night, Aug 12–13; additional canoe tours Fri–Sun, Aug 15–17 (7:30–11:30pm)
What: Naturalist-guided stargazing hikes or alpine-lake canoe outings during the Perseids peak.
More info / Booking: Wanderlust Tours pages • Visit Bend event listings. Wanderlust Tours+1Visit Bend

🍎 Bend Farmers Market
Where: Brooks Alley (behind Tower Theatre), Downtown
When: Wed, Aug 13 • 11:00am–3:00pm
What: Producer-only midweek market; SNAP + Double Up Food Bucks accepted.
More info: Official site • VCO listing. Bend Farmers MarketVisit Central Oregon

🧤 Volunteer Project Day (BPRD)
Where: NE Bend canal trail
When: Sat, Aug 16 • 9:00am–12:00pm
What: Trail work morning with Bend Park & Rec; tools provided.
More info / Sign-up: Bend Park & Recreation. volcanictheatre.com

🎭 “The Wolves” – The Greenhouse Cabaret
Where: The Greenhouse Cabaret, NE 2nd St — Map
When: Multiple performances Mon–Thu, Aug 11–14 • 7:30pm
What: Pulitzer-nominated play about a girls’ indoor soccer team.
More info / Tickets: Visit Bend event series. Visit Bend

 📅 Events: Redmond & Nearby

🎭 The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical
Where: High Desert Music Hall, 818 SW Forest Ave —  
When: Thu Aug 14, 7:00–9:30 pm; Fri Aug 15, 7:00–9:30 pm; Sat Aug 16, 2:00–4:30 pm
What: Full stage musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s hit novel. Concessions available.
More info / Tickets: High Desert Music Hall

🎶 Scotty McCreery (Summer Kickin’ Concert Series)
Where: General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave —  
When: Thu Aug 14 (doors typically late afternoon; confirm set time when purchasing)
What: Country star on the outdoor BasX Stage.
Tickets: General Duffy’s Summer Kickin’ Concert Series

🛍️ Redmond Oregon Farmers Market
Where: Centennial Park, 725 SW Evergreen Ave
When: Fri Aug 15, 3:00–7:00 pm
What: Produce, makers, food trucks, live music; weekly through August.

🍺 Wild Ride Brewing Pint Night (benefiting Redmond Youth Football)
Where: Wild Ride Brewing — Redmond Tap Room, 332 SW 5th St — 
When: Thu Aug 14, 5:00–8:00 pm
What: $1/pint donated; Kona Ice on site.

🚗 “What’s Your Wild Ride?” Show (cars, bikes & more)
Where: Wild Ride Brewing — Redmond Tap Room, 332 SW 5th St —  
When: Sat Aug 16, 10:00 am–3:00 pm
What: Open show for all makes/models/years; family-friendly.
Details / Registration: 

🎸 Brogan Woodburn (Live patio set)
Where: Feast Food Co., 546 NW 7th St —    
When: Fri Aug 15, 5:30–7:30 pm
What: Lo-fi jazz guitar on the patio; free.

🐎 Cantastic Barrel Race
Where: Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way —
When: Thu Aug 14, 4:00 pm
What: Equestrian barrel racing at the Expo.
Details: Deschutes Expo

🎹 Saturday Night Live @ Niblick & Greene’s: Potter & Quon
Where: Niblick & Greene’s (Eagle Crest), 7535 SW Falcon Crest Dr —  
When: Sat Aug 16, 7:00–9:00 pm
What: Free live music in the lounge; no cover.
Details: Niblick & Greene's

🧶 Beginner Crochet Workshop
Where: Redmond Library —  
When: Fri Aug 15, 10:30 am–1:30 pm
What: Learn crochet basics; materials provided.
Details: Deschutes Public Library

👵 Redmond Senior Center – Wellbeing Series
Where: Redmond Senior Center — 
When: Wed Aug 13, 10:00–11:30 am
What: Monthly health & wellness talk for seniors; free.
Details: Redmond Senior Center

🌄 Events: Sisters



🎨 Makin’ It Local Art Exhibit — Sisters Country (290 E Main Ave)
Fri–Sun, Aug 1–31 • 10 AM – 5 PM — Glass art and paintings by local creators. sisterscountry.com

🎬 Outdoor Movie Nights — Village Green Park (305 S Fir St)
Thursdays • 7:15 PM – 10:15 PM — Family-friendly film under the stars. Sisters Oregon

🛒 Sisters Farmers Market
📍 Fir Street Park
🗓️ Sundays, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
👪 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Shop fresh produce, artisan goods, and enjoy live music and kids’ activities at this weekly community market in Fir Street Park. 🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)

 

🌲 Events: Sunriver & La Pine

🎶 Music in the Pines Concert Series — La Pine Community Park (16405 1st St)
Thursdays • 5 PM – 8 PM — Free family-friendly outdoor concerts. lapineoregon.gov

🌽 Sunriver Resort Farmers Market — Activity Barn (57007 Center Dr)
Wednesdays • 10 AM – 2 PM — Farm-to-table produce and artisan vendors. Visit Bend

 

🐴 Events: Prineville, OR

 
🌽 CROP Farmers Market — Stryker Park (NE 4th & Court St)
Saturdays • 9 AM – 1 PM — Seasonal produce and artisan foods.

🛍️ Events: Madras

 
🌽 Madras Farmers Market — Sahalee Park (Madras)
Saturdays • 9 AM – 2 PM — Produce, artisan goods, family activities.

Check back often in the Calendar App below as it is updated regularly 👇

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Other Event Sources:

Local News…

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Assists in Surrender of 12 Toy Australian Shepherds

Twelve Toy Australian Shepherds were rescued from a Tumalo-area property after Bend Fire & Rescue discovered them living in filthy conditions during a structure fire call. The dogs were voluntarily surrendered by the owner, who now faces an upgraded felony animal neglect charge. While generally healthy, the dogs were under-socialized and required extra care before being made available for adoption at the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Most of the dogs have already been adopted into new homes. (Source: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office)

Smokey Bear Celebrates 81st Birthday at Lava Lands Visitor Center

Smokey Bear marked his 81st birthday with a celebration at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, featuring family activities, fire prevention education, and photo opportunities with the iconic mascot.

Fee hikes proposed for popular John Day River sites

The BLM is proposing to raise camping fees from $5 to $15 at four John Day River campgrounds in Eastern Oregon. Boaters could also see new charges: $10 for day use and $20 for overnight trips. Public comments are open through Sept. 15. Elkhorn Media Group

Bend Deli Now Accepting Bitcoin, Linking Sales to Support Kids in El Salvador

Beach Hut Deli in downtown Bend is giving customers a new way to pay—bitcoin. Owner Sean McDonell says the move ties into his passion for coffee, food, and helping children, with a portion of proceeds supporting an orphanage in El Salvador, where bitcoin is the national currency. McDonell hopes the option not only offers convenience for crypto users but also serves as a hands-on way to teach newcomers how to use digital currency. Central Oregon Daily News

 Fire & Rescue…

Crime News…

Early-Morning Break-In at Crook County Fair Targets Vendor Booths


Burglars hit multiple vendor booths at the Crook County Fair in the early morning hours of August 8, stealing items from small businesses, including youth-run stands. A security guard was injured trying to intervene. Prineville Police are reviewing surveillance footage and increasing patrols at the fairgrounds. Central Oregon Daily News

Regional News…

BLM Moves Closer to Approving Gold Mine in Eastern Oregon


The Bureau of Land Management is moving one step closer to approving a gold mine in Malheur County, south of Vale. The 450-acre project by Paramount Gold Nevada is open for public comment, with construction expected to take up to 10 years. Supporters highlight potential economic benefits, while opponents raise concerns about environmental impacts. BLM

Community News…

La Pine Community Kitchen Urgently Seeking Donations as Need Grows

La Pine Community Kitchen reports a sharp increase in demand for meals and groceries, straining its ability to meet the community’s needs. The nonprofit is urgently asking for food, monetary donations, and volunteer support. La Pine Community Kitchen

 

Central Oregon Kids Explore Nature Through Art


COCC’s “Field Notes” camp in Prineville and Madras is teaching youth aged 10–15 to blend natural science with art. Activities include nature-based sketching and observation, led by associate professor James Adams.

Redmond welcomes new public art with community reception

Thirteen new sculptures are now on display in downtown Redmond as part of the city’s Art Around the Clock program. The Redmond Art Commission will host a public reception on Thursday, Aug. 21 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Redmond Public Library. Central Oregon Daily News

Transportation Bond Oversight Committee Meeting

This meeting is open to the public.  All are welcome.

HYBRID MEETING NOTIFICATION 

The meeting will be held both in person in City Council Chambers (City Hall, 710 NW Wall St.) and virtually through Zoom (see link below).

PUBLIC COMMENT (In-person or virtual)
Virtual option: please join the meeting on Zoom with your first and last name and your email address. During the scheduled public comment period, click on the "Raise Hand" option and you will be called. Please state your first and last name as you begin your comment.
In-person option: please add your name to the sign-in sheet available at the meeting location. When invited to the podium, please state your name prior to presenting.
Written option: please send by email to [email protected] or complete the public comment form at the meeting location and submit to City staff.

In Person Location: City Council Chambers, City Hall 710 NW Wall St. 

Online Zoom: Please click the link below to join the webinar.

 Passcode: 948763

Or Telephone:
+1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 9128 or 888 788 0099 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 853 9494 2754 

The Zoom link and agenda are available on bendoregon.gov/TBOC

Accessible Meeting Information 

This meeting event/location is accessible. Sign language, interpreter service, assistive listening devices, materials in alternate format, such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, or any other accommodations are available upon advance request. Please contact Garrett Sabourin at 541-323-8591, [email protected]. Providing at least three business days notice prior to the event will help ensure availability.
 

Bend

Redmond

Deschutes County

Sponsors…

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 😎 Just sayin

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