Wildfires Strike Central Oregon, Highways Closed From the Editor Welcome to this issue of Central Oregon Local Buzz, where we bring you concise and informative news summaries from around the region. This week's focus is on the wildfire challenges impacting our community, with firefighters diligently addressing new incidents and the notable closure of US 97 north of town. Stay informed as we cover a range of significant stories, from recent wildfires to notable legal proceedings and community efforts supporting first responders and evacuees. 📰Local News Featured 🔥 Lightning Sparks Dozens of New Wildfires Across Central Oregon Firefighters remained stretched thin Thursday after responding to more than 25 new wildfire reports across Central Oregon, adding to the 24 fires reported the previous day. The surge in fire activity followed a powerful round of thunderstorms that brought more than 2,000 lightning strikes to the region over the past 72 hours, keeping crews busy investigating smoke reports and attacking new fire starts before they could grow.
Several of the new fires have already required expanded firefighting efforts, including the growing Ten Mile Fire northeast of Madras, while crews continue battling large incidents across Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties. Fire officials are urging residents to stay alert, report any new smoke immediately, and remain prepared as hot, dry weather and the potential for additional lightning continue to increase wildfire danger across the region. Read more → 🚨Crime News ⚖️ Trial Set in Redmond Woman's Murder Case A Deschutes County judge has scheduled an eight-day jury trial to begin February 23, 2027, for a Redmond woman accused of fatally stabbing her mother in 2025. Jessica Andersch appeared remotely in court this week for a status hearing, where the trial date was set after the case experienced multiple delays related to questions about her mental fitness to stand trial.
Andersch has pleaded not guilty to charges including second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon in the death of her mother, Tracy Berry. Court records show she has been found both mentally fit and unfit to proceed at different stages of the case over the past year, contributing to the delays. During the hearing, Andersch told the judge she had "a lot" of questions, but none at that time, as the case now moves toward next year's trial. Read more →
🚔 International Murder Suspect Arrested in Deschutes County An Argentine national wanted in connection with the 2023 killing of Argentine model Agostina Jalabert in Mexico was arrested Thursday morning in Deschutes County following an international investigation. Juan Manuel Reverter was taken into custody around 7:30 a.m. after authorities acted on an Interpol Red Notice. Prosecutors in Mexico allege Reverter beat and strangled Jalabert before staging her death to appear as a suicide. The case was later classified as a femicide, the intentional killing of a woman because of her gender.
The arrest was the result of a joint effort involving the U.S. Marshals Service, Interpol Washington, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Border Patrol. Reverter is expected to face immigration proceedings while authorities work through the international legal process related to the homicide investigation. Read more → ⛰️Bend ❤️ Local Restaurants Feed First Responders and Wildfire Evacuees As wildfires continue burning across Central Oregon, local restaurants are stepping up to support first responders, frontline workers, and families forced to evacuate. Dear Mom Cafe is offering free meals to firefighters, emergency crews, and evacuees, giving them a welcoming place to rest, eat, and feel appreciated during a stressful time.
Luckey’s Woodsman has also relaunched its Hold the Line Fund, providing free food and a safe place to decompress at its Bend and Sisters locations. Owner Jackson Higdon said the effort is meant to show the community a little love through the power of food while encouraging other businesses to help however they can. Community members can support the effort by donating to the Hold the Line Fund or contacting Luckey’s Woodsman through its Facebook page for more information. Read more → ✈️Redmond 🏫 Redmond High Main Building to Close for School Year Due to Asbestos Redmond High School's main academic building will remain closed throughout the 2026–27 school year after construction work disturbed asbestos-containing materials, making the building unsafe for students and staff during ongoing renovations. The Redmond School District will instead use modular classrooms on campus for core academic instruction, while the gymnasium and Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing will remain open with separate air circulation systems.
District officials said the issue arose when roof work caused previously identified asbestos-containing fireproofing materials to become disturbed, forcing a change from the original phased construction plan. Music, theater, and ceramics classes will temporarily relocate to nearby Hugh Hartman Elementary, while the overall modernization project remains on schedule, with the renovated school expected to fully reopen for the 2027–28 school year. Read more → 🌞La Pine/Sunriver 🌩️ Powerful Microburst Topples Trees Near Sunriver Airport A sudden microburst swept through Sunriver Tuesday afternoon, bringing powerful winds that toppled large Jeffrey pine trees, blocked roads, and temporarily trapped several vehicles near the Sunriver Airport. The storm hit around 3 p.m. after heavy rain and hail moved through the area, with witnesses reporting hangar doors shaking just before multiple trees crashed onto River Road and into the airport parking lot. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and aircraft tied down at the airport escaped damage.
Additional fallen trees blocked River Road near the Sunriver Stables and closed a nearby bike path. Sunriver Owners Association Public Works crews responded quickly with chainsaws and heavy equipment, clearing debris and reopening the road within about an hour. A microburst is a powerful, localized downdraft from a thunderstorm capable of producing damaging straight-line winds over a small area. Read more → 🏘️Real Estate 🏡 Central Oregon Housing Market Holding Steady as Summer Rolls On - by Reed Melton Central Oregon's real estate market continues to show signs of balance as the busy summer season moves forward. Inventory in Deschutes County dipped slightly this week, while pending sales and closed transactions remained steady, signaling that motivated buyers are still making moves. Homes that are priced appropriately continue to attract interest, while sellers who are slow to adjust pricing may find listings sitting on the market longer.
Mortgage rates have remained relatively stable, giving both buyers and sellers more confidence than earlier this year. Local real estate experts say the market continues to favor preparation and pricing strategy over urgency, making it a good time for buyers to negotiate and for sellers to ensure their homes are positioned competitively before the seasonal slowdown begins later this year. Read more →
🏺 Designers Say These 10 Estate Sale Finds Are Worth Hunting For If you've been curious about shopping estate sales, interior designers say they're one of the best places to find high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces at a fraction of retail prices. Unlike many thrift stores, estate sales often feature well-preserved items that have remained in a single home for decades, offering buyers the chance to uncover authentic antiques with history and character.
According to design experts, the top treasures to watch for include vintage glassware, candlesticks, copper cookware, pottery, antique furniture, vintage rugs, original artwork, old books, and decorative intaglios. These timeless pieces can instantly add warmth, personality, and a collected feel to any home—proving that sometimes the best décor isn't brand new, it's simply waiting to be rediscovered. Read more → 📍Regional News ✈️ All 11 Rescued After Fiery Seaplane Crash Near Washington Island A Kenmore Air seaplane carrying 10 passengers and one pilot crashed into the water near Sucia Island in Washington's San Juan Islands Thursday evening before bursting into flames. Despite the dramatic crash, all 11 people on board were rescued thanks to a rapid response from the U.S. Coast Guard, local emergency crews, and nearby boaters who rushed to help. One person was reported in critical condition, while several others suffered injuries ranging from broken bones to cuts and head trauma.
The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter had departed Seattle's Lake Union and was headed for Roche Harbor when it went down around 5:15 p.m. Witness video captured the aircraft making a hard landing before striking rocks along the shoreline and catching fire. Kenmore Air canceled Friday's flights as investigators from the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board work to determine what caused the crash. Read more → Thank you for tuning in to this edition of Central Oregon Local Buzz. Stay safe and informed as our community navigates through these challenges. We look forward to bringing you more local news next time. | 
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