From the Editor

Welcome to this edition of Central Oregon Local Buzz. Our professional team presents key updates on significant local news and events. This week, we begin by highlighting the swift response of fire crews to a brush fire near Redmond Airport. The situation was contained efficiently, demonstrating the expertise of our emergency services. In other reports, we cover the tragic incident involving a Prineville motorcyclist, a man in Fossil facing charges related to an arson spree, and the latest phase of the Franklin Avenue Project causing traffic delays. We also delve into concerns over the OSU-Cascades Child Care Center closure, preparations for Mt. Bachelor's summer season, and the opening of candidate filing in Bend for the upcoming election. Additionally, we celebrate exceptional high school athletes, inform residents about Redmond's new traffic camera enforcement, and preview the Wheels and Wings event returning to Prineville. Public participation is encouraged regarding the DEQ's inquiry into Prineville groundwater contamination, and a health advisory for Lake Billy Chinook has been issued. Finally, notable developments include the demolition at Bend Senior High School and the anticipated reopening of McKenzie Pass.

⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🔥 Brush Fire Near Redmond Airport Quickly Contained

A brush fire reported Thursday afternoon near Redmond Municipal Airport was fully contained after burning approximately one acre. The fire, known as the McCaffery Fire, was reported around 3 p.m. off SE McCaffery Road, prompting a response from Redmond Fire & Rescue. Firefighters were able to stop the blaze before it spread further.

Photos shared by Redmond Fire & Rescue showed crews extinguishing a burned pickup truck at the scene, though officials have not yet determined whether the vehicle was connected to the fire's cause. No injuries were immediately reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

🏍️ Prineville Motorcyclist Dies After Crash East of Town

A 56-year-old Prineville man died following a motorcycle crash Saturday evening on Ochoco Ranger Station Road, about 20 miles east of Prineville. Emergency crews responded to the scene near milepost 7.5 shortly before 6 p.m., where investigators found that the rider's Kawasaki motorcycle had struck a guardrail before crashing.

The rider, identified as Jason Fall, was thrown from the motorcycle and suffered severe injuries. He was transported first to St. Charles Prineville and later flown to St. Charles Bend for advanced treatment. Despite lifesaving efforts, he later died from his injuries. The Crook County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation and says alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash.

🚨Crime News

🔥 Fossil Man Charged with Domestic Terrorism Following Arson Spree

A 28-year-old Fossil man is facing 17 criminal charges, including two counts of first-degree domestic terrorism, following a series of fires and property crimes that shook the small Wheeler County community earlier this month. Ethan Noble Burlingame was arrested on June 4 after investigators linked him to multiple arsons between June 1 and June 4, as well as damage to power infrastructure and emergency response vehicles.

Court documents allege Burlingame sent emails describing a "declaration of war" against the United States and expressed intentions to create destruction and terror. Prosecutors say he is accused of setting fires, damaging transmission line power poles, puncturing tires on local fire department vehicles, and stealing a rifle. Authorities also cited a manifesto and other materials recovered during the investigation. Burlingame is scheduled to enter a plea on July 1, and additional federal charges remain a possibility.

⛰️Bend

🚧 New Phase of Franklin Avenue Project Brings Traffic Delays

A new phase of Bend's Franklin Avenue Improvements Project began Monday, June 15, with construction crews moving into the stretch between First Street and Fourth Street. The work includes replacing aging water infrastructure and rebuilding sections of the roadway. While two-way traffic will remain open through June, drivers should expect lane reductions, flaggers, shifting traffic patterns, and periodic delays as crews work through one- to two-block sections at a time.

More significant impacts are coming this summer. Beginning July 6, westbound Franklin Avenue will close between Third and Fourth streets, with detours routed via Eighth Street, Greenwood Avenue, and Third Street. Additional traffic changes are planned through August, and a full closure of the Franklin Avenue undercrossing is scheduled to begin in September as construction moves west toward Hill Street. The project, funded through Bend's 2020 Transportation GO Bond, is expected to continue through June 2027, with temporary reopening of the undercrossing planned during the holiday season.

🧸 Parents Demand Answers Over Closure of OSU-Cascades Child Care Center

Parents whose children attend the Little Kits Early Care & Education Center at OSU-Cascades are calling for more transparency following the announcement that the program will close on July 2. Families have submitted a letter and gathered community signatures asking the university's Board of Trustees and Oregon's Higher Education Coordinating Commission for answers about why the center is shutting down after less than a year in operation and what plans exist for the facility's future.

The 7,200-square-foot child care center opened in August 2025 with approximately $3.3 million in grant funding and was designed to help address Central Oregon's ongoing child care shortage. University officials say the closure is the result of ongoing financial challenges, rising operating costs, and limited public funding. OSU-Cascades has stated it remains committed to keeping the facility operating as a child care center and is actively seeking an independent provider to take over the space, though no replacement operator has yet been announced. The closure affects enrolled families, as well as staff and student employees connected to the program.

🚵 Mt. Bachelor Gears Up for Summer Season with New Events and Activities

Mt. Bachelor will officially kick off its summer season on June 25, bringing back popular warm-weather attractions while adding several new events and activities for 2026. Visitors can enjoy the downhill bike park, scenic chairlift rides, Sunset Dinners, zipline tours, camping, hiking, and new disc golf courses. The mountain is also expanding its lineup of community events, including youth mountain biking competitions, trail running races, women's bike park meetups, and the return of favorites like Yoga in the Wild and Movies in the Mountains.

New this summer is Little Dipper, an intermediate bike trail designed to help riders build confidence on more technical terrain. Mt. Bachelor will also host the NW Cup Downhill Series in August, the Bachelor Ascent trail race in September, and the Bachelor Summit Trailfest in October. Families will find expanded options as well, including kids' bike camps, childcare services, and Free Kids Wednesdays with the Bend Elks throughout the summer. Summer operations begin June 25 and run daily, with many activities and events continuing through the fall.

🗳️ Bend Opens Candidate Filing for November Election

The filing period is now open for residents interested in running for Bend City Council or Mayor in the November 3, 2026, General Election. Three positions will appear on the ballot this fall, including Council Seats #5 and #6, along with the Mayor's seat. Candidates must have lived within Bend city limits for at least one year prior to the election and be registered voters in the city.

Those elected will begin serving four-year terms in January 2027. Bend City Council members receive an annual stipend of $30,000, health benefits, and a $3,000 wellness stipend, while the Mayor receives a $50,000 annual stipend plus the same benefits package. Filing deadlines are August 18 for incumbents and August 25 for all other candidates. Election information and nomination forms are available through the City of Bend.

🏆Celebrating High School Athletes of the Year

The Bulletin recognized some of Central Oregon's most outstanding student-athletes during its third annual Athletes of the Year celebration held June 10 at Greg's Grill in Bend. The event honored athletes from across the region for their achievements in competition, academics, leadership, and community involvement throughout the 2025-26 school year.

The annual awards have become a showcase of the region's top high school talent, highlighting athletes who excelled in their respective sports while also demonstrating excellence in the classroom and their communities. The celebration also recognized The Bulletin's Athletes of the Week recipients from throughout the school year, bringing together athletes, families, coaches, and supporters from across Central Oregon.

✈️Redmond

🚦 Redmond's Traffic Cameras Begin Issuing Citations Monday

Drivers in Redmond will want to keep an eye on their speed and traffic signals starting June 15, as the city's new automated photo enforcement program moves from warnings to citations. Since launching its 30-day warning period on May 15, Redmond Police say traffic safety cameras have recorded more than 2,200 potential violations, resulting in over 900 warning notices being issued to drivers.

The cameras are currently enforcing red-light violations at the NW 6th Street and Maple Avenue intersection and monitoring speeds on SW Quartz Avenue, with additional speed cameras planned for NW 10th Street. Fines range from $165 for lower-level speeding violations to $440 for speeds exceeding 31 mph over the limit, with doubled penalties in school zones. Redmond Police say the goal of the program is to reduce crashes and improve roadway safety by encouraging drivers to slow down and obey traffic laws.

🗳️ Redmond Opens Filing for Mayor and City Council Candidates

Residents interested in serving in local government can now file to run for Mayor or one of three Redmond City Council seats in the November 2026 General Election. The positions currently held by Mayor Ed Fitch and Councilors John Nielsen, Kathryn Osborne, and Cat Zwicker will be on the ballot, with terms beginning in January 2027. Candidates have until August 25 to file for office.

Prospective candidates may qualify by paying a filing fee or by gathering signatures through a nominating petition. To help residents learn more about the process, the City of Redmond will host several candidate information sessions throughout the summer at City Hall. City officials encourage anyone interested in shaping Redmond's future to explore the opportunity and learn more about the responsibilities of elected office.

🐎Prineville

✈️🚗 Wheels and Wings Returns to Prineville This Summer

One of Prineville's favorite summer traditions is preparing for takeoff as Wheels and Wings returns to the Prineville Airport later this month. The family-friendly event will bring together classic cars, vintage aircraft, motorcycles, food vendors, live entertainment, and aviation displays, offering visitors a chance to get up close to both historic vehicles and aircraft while celebrating the region's transportation heritage.

Organizers say attendees can expect a full day of activities for all ages, including opportunities to view unique aircraft, admire restored cars, meet pilots and vehicle owners, and enjoy community exhibits. The annual event draws visitors from across Central Oregon and serves as a fundraiser supporting local aviation and community programs. Event organizers encourage residents to mark their calendars and plan for a day of family fun at the airport.

💧 DEQ Seeks Public Input on Prineville Groundwater Contamination

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is asking for public comment on a new report examining groundwater contamination concerns north of Prineville. The report is part of an ongoing investigation into water quality issues affecting private wells in the area, where residents have raised concerns about potential health impacts, water quality, and contamination linked to nearby industrial activity. Public comments will help inform the state's next steps as agencies continue to study the source and extent of the problem.

State agencies, including DEQ, the Oregon Health Authority, and the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, have been investigating groundwater conditions in the region since 2023. Sampling has identified elevated levels of contaminants in some domestic wells, and additional testing is underway to better understand groundwater flow patterns and potential sources. Residents are encouraged to review the report and submit comments before the public comment period closes.

🦌 Prineville Police Remind Drivers: Watch Out for Deer

Prineville Police are urging drivers to stay alert as deer activity increases throughout the area, particularly during the early morning and evening hours when wildlife is most active. The reminder comes after numerous reports of deer crossing roadways and creating unexpected hazards for motorists. Police say deer can appear suddenly and often travel in groups, increasing the risk of collisions.

Officials are encouraging drivers to slow down in areas known for heavy deer activity, stay focused on the road, and avoid distractions behind the wheel. Their message to the community is simple: if you spot one deer, there's a good chance more are nearby. With summer travel picking up, a little extra caution could help prevent accidents and keep both drivers and wildlife safe.

🪶Madras

🌊 Health Advisory Issued for Lake Billy Chinook

The Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational health advisory for Lake Billy Chinook after testing detected elevated levels of cyanotoxins, harmful toxins produced by algae blooms. Visitors are advised to avoid swimming and other activities that could result in swallowing water or inhaling water spray in areas where blooms are visible. While skin contact is generally not considered dangerous, some people may experience irritation or a red rash.

Officials say the lake remains open for activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, and boating, though boaters are encouraged to avoid creating excessive spray. Drinking water taken directly from the lake is not safe, as cyanotoxins cannot be removed by boiling or standard camping filters. Children and pets are especially vulnerable to exposure. Dog owners are urged to keep pets away from affected water, as cyanotoxin poisoning can cause severe illness or death within hours. Anyone experiencing symptoms after water exposure should seek medical attention, and pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if their animal becomes ill.

📰More News

As summer unfolds, there's much to look forward to with events like Mt. Bachelor's bike park opening and the Wheels and Wings event in Prineville. With city projects and elections on the horizon, staying informed is key to engaging with our community. We hope this edition keeps you connected and informed as you plan your local adventures and activities.