🌱 Police probe deadly fall at Prineville’s Barnes Butte trailhead

Hey hey Prineville! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Police probe deadly fall at Prineville’s Barnes Butte trailhead
• How will Prineville’s new airport hangar boost local business and safety?
• Meet the Crook County seniors honored with mental health scholarships

Also on today's calendar: Bend Handmade Market.

Today's riddle: What did the carpenter ant say when he walked into the bar? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Not as warm, becoming breezy, with a high of 76 and low of 40 degrees.
• Thursday: Sunny and comfortable, temps: high: 75, low: 39.
• Friday: Sunshine; breezy in the p.m., with a high of 79 and low of 42 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

1. Witness describes scene, shock after fatal fall at Barnes Butte Recreation Area (centraloregondaily.com) — A 25-year-old man died after a fall at Barnes Butte Recreation Area in Prineville, leading police to close off the popular trailhead while they investigate. A frequent trail user described arriving to a heavy police presence and a shocked crowd in the parking lot. Authorities have not yet released the man’s name out of respect for his family.
   

2. Oregon congressional delegates announce airport funding for Prineville, other communities (centraloregonian.com) — Prineville Airport is set to receive $137,000 in federal funding to build a new 15,000‑square‑foot hangar, part of nearly $14.5 million awarded to nine Oregon airports. Oregon’s U.S. senators and representatives say the investment will strengthen local economies, improve airport efficiency, and support critical services during emergencies for communities like Prineville.
   

3. Four Central Oregon students awarded Kiefer Leutschaft Memorial Scholarships (ktvz.com) — Prineville-based Rimrock Trails Treatment Services and the Kiefer Magical Legacy Fund have awarded four Central Oregon seniors $2,500 scholarships to study behavioral health fields, including two students from Crook County High School. Created in memory of Kiefer Leutschaft, the fund aims to reduce mental health stigma and support future professionals. Organizers say this year’s applicants showed exceptional commitment to community well-being.
   

4. Prineville's Hank Simmons to lead Crooked River Roundup as Grand Marshal (ktvz.com) — Prineville native and longtime rodeo supporter Hank Simmons has been chosen as the 2026 Grand Marshal of the Crooked River Roundup, stepping in after Susie Yancey Pape’ withdrew for health reasons. Simmons’ decades of service to the Roundup and his deep local roots will be celebrated during this June and July’s Roundup Week festivities in Prineville.
   

5. Prineville BLM to close OHV trails this weekend for King of the Kastle side-by-side race (ktvz.com) — Off-highway vehicle riders should prepare for temporary closures on parts of the Millican Plateau and North Millican trail systems June 5-7 for the King of the Kastle race, coordinated by the Prineville District BLM. Security staff, flaggers, and signs will guide traffic, and riders are encouraged to use South Millican or Cline Buttes as alternatives. Questions can be directed to the Prineville District office.
   

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📸 Around Prineville

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Prineville

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★ Featured events ★

Saturday June 6

• Bend Handmade Market →
  Downtown Bend,
  10:00 am

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Other local events

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📣 Prineville Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• It's Medicare Fraud Prevention Week!
  Take some time this week to learn how to make sure you and your loved ones stay safe from Medicare scammers. The biggest tip - Remember the three… (Nextdoor )
• Who do people use for home insurance up juniper canyon?
  I keep being told they can't switch me because of wild fire risk (Nextdoor SE Browning Rd)

• The Retail Odyssey Company posted a job opening for Product Assembler in Prineville. Apply here.
• Gecko Hospitality posted a job opening for Restaurant Assistant Manager in Prineville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Prineville here.

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Ok Prineville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Is the bar tender here? (Thank you W. M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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