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  • ⚖️ Charges Dismissed Against Bend Police Officer Over Insufficient Evidence / 🔥🚒 Improperly Vented Pellet Stove Sparks NE Redmond Blaze

⚖️ Charges Dismissed Against Bend Police Officer Over Insufficient Evidence / 🔥🚒 Improperly Vented Pellet Stove Sparks NE Redmond Blaze

Issue #017

23 Nov

This issue’s Sponsor is

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

Be aware Gmail will sometimes ‘clip’ the newsletter, but you can always:

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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather / Government Camp Forecast / Santiam Pass Forecast

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🗻 Mt. Bachelor opening postponed

🔥🚒 Improperly Vented Pellet Stove Sparks NE Redmond Blaze, Alarming Residents and Claiming Pet's Life

🏞️ Mountain Sky Inc. Secures Contract for Little Fawn Park Project in Bend

⚖️ Charges Dismissed Against Bend Police Officer Over Insufficient Evidence

🦫 High Desert Museum welcomes baby beaver

🏫🛠️ Student-Built Tiny Houses to Aid Homeless at Oasis Village

🙌 Central Oregon Gives

 📅 Lots of Events

❄⛄ Winter Wonderland Downtown Bend

😁 Memes of the Day

Government Camp Forecast

Santiam Pass Forecast

 

What’s a happening?

Whelp, not enough snow dancing means Bachelor will not be opening on Friday

There just was not enough snow for the base to be able to open. From Mt Bachelor’s facebook page:

While our entire team is unbelievably excited to hit the slopes with you all again, we unfortunately have to push back our Nov 24 scheduled opening day due to conditions. There isn't a new target opening date set at this time, but our team will get the lifts spinning as soon as conditions allow. Currently, we need another solid winter storm in order to safely open for skiing and riding, especially on the lower mountain.

We had some early season storms but also some rain and warmer temps, bringing our base to around 8'' today. As soon as the temps drop back down, we will continue to make snow and will be working around the clock to open as soon as Mother Nature allows.

We will be back on snow before you know it. In the meantime, let's give thanks, stay stoked, and pray for snow!

Improperly Vented Pellet Stove Sparks NE Redmond Blaze, Alarming Residents and Claiming Pet's Life

An early morning fire in northeast Redmond heavily damaged a manufactured home and threatened to spread to a neighboring property. The incident was triggered by an improperly vented pellet stove, which set off a smoke alarm, alerting the residents to the danger. Firefighters from Redmond Fire & Rescue responded to the 600 block of Northeast Shoshone Drive around 3:30 a.m. to find one home engulfed in flames and the fire spreading to a nearby residence.

While all occupants safely evacuated, unfortunately, a cat perished in the blaze. Fire crews were able to rescue numerous reptiles from the burning home, which housed a variety of lizards and snakes. Although one home suffered severe damage, the neighboring property was primarily affected on the outside due to the swift actions of the fire crews.

The fire marshal attributed the cause of the fire to the improperly vented pellet stove, installed before the current residents acquired the property. Emphasizing the importance of functional smoke alarms, officials highlighted how the alarm played a pivotal role in alerting residents and preventing potential fatalities. Redmond Fire Marshal/Public Information Officer Tom Mooney stressed the need for regular checks on smoke alarms, battery replacements at least once a year, and the formulation of an escape plan.

Redmond Fire & Rescue received assistance from Bend Fire & Rescue and Redmond Police at the scene. The American Red Cross dispatched a disaster response team to aid one affected family, while the other sought support from friends and relatives, as stated by Mooney.

Mountain Sky Inc. Secures Contract for Little Fawn Park Project in Bend Park & Rec Board Meeting

In Bend Park & Rec's recent board meeting, the contract for constructing the Little Fawn Park was awarded to Mountain Sky Inc., having submitted the lowest bid of $1,542,859.00. Known for their previous work within the Bend Park & Rec District, Mountain Sky Inc. will oversee the development of the 3.39-acre park located in southeast Bend, nestled between Parrell Road and the Bend Golf & Country Club, south of Murphy Road.

The park's terrain, characterized by its rugged landscape, presents unique design opportunities with diverse topography, rock formations, and mature trees. This prime location offers an array of amenities, addressing the community's needs for a neighborhood park in the area.

According to Jason Powell, the park's features will include a half-court basketball court, sports court area, shade shelter, and multiple playground pods spread throughout the park, including an embankment slide. Notably, unlike typical neighborhood parks, Little Fawn Park will have a few parking spaces due to its location on a relatively busier road without on-street parking.

Funding for the estimated $2.37 million project will come from SDC (system development charge) funds, which are fees paid by developers on new homes and overnight visitor accommodations. Construction is slated to commence in the upcoming winter, with an anticipated completion date set for fall 2024.

Charges Dismissed Against Bend Police Officer Over Insufficient Evidence

Deschutes County District Attorney, Steve Gunnels, announced the formal dismissal of fourth-degree assault and harassment charges against Bend Police Officer Kevin Uballez. The charges stemmed from a June 2021 incident where Uballez was accused of assaulting an intoxicated man. Gunnels stated that after a comprehensive review, there was insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution, leading to the decision.

The incident involved a 42-year-old man from Colville, Washington, who was reportedly intoxicated and became the subject of arrest by Officer Uballez around 12:50 AM on June 6, 2021, following erratic behavior near Lemhi Pass Drive in Bend. The charges against Uballez were initially filed by the former District Attorney, John Hummel, who alleged that Uballez slammed the man to the pavement. However, Uballez's attorney contested this account, asserting that Uballez only grabbed the man's arm and shoulder after the man's confrontation with three high school students.

During the investigation, concerns arose regarding Uballez's use of force, with two backup officers expressing apprehensions. However, one of these backup officers was disqualified as a witness due to unrelated issues, affecting the case's credibility. This officer was also placed on the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office Brady List, which catalogs law enforcement officers whose credibility as trial witnesses is in doubt due to various reasons like untruthfulness or criminal convictions.

Gunnels stated that the absence of substantial evidence to determine how the injuries were sustained and by whom led to the inability to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, the charges were dropped, and Circuit Judge Wells Ashby signed the order dismissing the case.

Officer Uballez, now residing in Portland, remains on paid administrative leave pending an internal employment investigation by the Bend Police Department. The department's Communications Manager, Sheila Miller, refrained from commenting further on the investigation's status.

Uballez's attorney, Steve Myers, expressed his expectation of the dismissal and commended Gunnels for handling the case. Myers also mentioned that the alleged assault victim has filed a civil lawsuit against the city and officer in question.

High Desert Museum welcomes baby beaver

The High Desert Museum welcomed a baby beaver found alone, nurtured it back to health, and it's now thriving at almost 17 pounds. Named through an auction, this beaver, a symbol of ecosystem health, will educate visitors about its species and the importance of beavers in maintaining healthy landscapes. Beavers, once abundant in North America, declined due to hunting and considered pests for their dam-building. Efforts to restore beaver populations are ongoing in the West, mimicking their ecosystem engineering for healthier habitats. The Museum aims to showcase this beaver's role in the ecosystem and educate visitors about conservation through its ambassador animals.

Community Collaboration: Student-Built Tiny Houses to Aid Homeless at Oasis Village

Redmond High School students dedicated part of their Thanksgiving break to finish constructing four tiny homes for the Oasis Village transitional housing project on November 20. This project, involving community partners like Hayden Homes and Parr Lumber, aims to provide shelter for homeless residents.

The completion of these homes brings Oasis Village closer to its January 10 deadline set by the state for commencing operations with a community center and a total of 15 tiny homes. The next steps involve insulating, wiring, and installing utilities before accommodating new residents.

The school project not only taught students valuable construction skills but also allowed them to positively impact their community. Students celebrated the project’s completion, acknowledging the significance of building homes for people in need.

Eleanor Bessonette, Oasis Village's executive director, highlighted the collaborative effort between the students, Oasis Village board members, the city of Redmond, and the Redmond School District. She emphasized the students' role in changing lives and making a difference.

The project was overseen by Alan Wheeler, part of a construction technology class, providing students a gateway into a career path offering well-paying and meaningful work. The Superintendent of the Redmond School District, Charan Cline, expressed pride in such initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, learning, and responsibility among students.

 

 Central Oregon Gives is here!

We are so excited to kick off another season of giving. This year’s campaign is set to run from November 8 – December 31. Feel free to read up on the amazing work that these nonprofits are doing year round and start donating!

Want to get involved? If you are a nonprofit still interested in participating please email us at [email protected].

If you are a business interested in sponsorship, employee matching or incentive donation, email our team at [email protected] to learn more.

 

 

Upcoming Events

What’s Up Central Oregon?

❄️Winter Wonderland Downtown Bend

Starting Nov. 15th, Bend downtown stores will be decorating their windows and stores for the 2023 Winter Wonderland contest.  Sponsored by Downtown Bend Association, contest winners will be announced Jan 15th.  In the meantime, wander the streets of downtown seeing the magic that store owners have created for the holidays. 

November 23rd (Thursday) Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

November 24th (Friday)

  • Opening Day at Mount Bachelor!

  • Santa Flies In By AirLink Old Mill District Bend 10am - 5pm

  • Winter Traditions La Pine Park & Recreation 16405 First Street La Pine, Oregon 9am - 6pm

    BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING Take a step back in time while you "sip and Shop" enjoying Honeywood Winery and doing your holiday shopping locally! Friday, and Saturday, November 24th and 25th, 9:00am to 6:00pm. Music, food, coffee, hot cocoa, hot cider, and MORE! Located at: La Pine Park & Recreation (inside the gym) 16405 1st Street, La Pine. Breakfast: 9:00am to 11:00am. Lunch: 11:30amm to 5:00pm Breakfast served by Central Oregon Elite Dancers. Cascade Bison serving lunch/dinner. For more  information, call (541) 536-6237 or email: [email protected]

  • 4th Friday Art Walk in Sisters, OR by Sisters Art Association 10am - 7pm

  • Silver Sage Trading Winter Sale High Desert Museum 59800 US-97 Bend, OR 11am-4pm

  • Annual Ding and Dent Sale at Modern Games 11am - 10pm

  • Mud Bay Giving Tree

    November 24th through December 31st Mud Bay is including the Humane Society of the Ochocos on their Holiday Giving Tree. Choose an HSO ornament and suggested donation to participate in store!

  • Black Friday / Orange Saturday Wildhorse Harley Davidson

    Friday & Saturday 9am - 6pm both days

  • Holiday Village Market Centennial Park Redmond 725 SW Evergreen Ave, Redmond, OR presented By Redmond Chamber of Commerce 10am - 4pm

  • Phillip Austin plays at Elements Public House Redmond 6pm

  • Green Friday - Free Day Use Oregon State Parks 8am- 5pm

Find Your favorite Pub to watch the Civil War - Beavers vs Ducks Game starts @ 5:30pm!

Here’s a good bet for the Civil War!

November 25th (Saturday) Shop Local Day!

  • Wild Bird Shop Small Saturday Holiday Market The Commons Cafe and Tap Room Downtown Bend 11am - 4pm

  •  Bend Creators’s Fair - Sparkler Cyndi Open Space Events Studio 40 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend 10am - 3pm

  • Pomegranate’s Soiree Pomegranate Home and Garden

    120 NE Bend River Mall Dr Bend, OR 97703 10am - 7pm

  • Paint Your Pet Class Creative Art and Framing Bend 4pm - 7pm

  • Holiday Palooza Fir Street Park Sisters, OR 3pm - 5:30pm

    Join us this year as we combine two holiday favorites into one spectacular event! The Holiday Palooza will kick off with the holiday parade down Main Street and culminate with holiday activities, including the tree lighting ceremony at Fir Street Park!

    Sponsored by Kizziar Property Co. and Woodland Sisters

  • Eric Leadbetter Band at Silver Moon Brewing 24 NW Greenwood Ave Bend 7pm

  • Holiday Marketplace Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards

    70450 NW Lower Valley Drive Terrebonne, Oregon 9am - 4pm

  • The Nutcracker: A Child's Play

    Valerie Holgers' Académie de Ballet Classique is proud to present The Nutcracker: A Child’s Tale, Sponsored by Wolf Construction and Development.

    Tower Theater 835 NW Wall Street Bend, Oregon United States

    1:30pm

  • Rockin' Holiday Kickoff@Village at Sunriver Village at Sunriver Oregon 3pm

  • Redmond Starlight Parade - "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"

    Downtown Redmond Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Streets Redmond

    5pm - 6pm

  • High Desert Hogwarts@Worthy Brewing Worthy Brewing Bend Eastside 6pm -9pm 

  • Comedy At Craft: Kyla Krehoff Craft Kitchen & Brewery

    62988 Layton Avenue Bend 8pm - 9:30pm

November 26th (Sunday)

 

On Going Events Here

 

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