In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🦅 Think Wild Rehabilitates and Releases Bald Eagle After Mysterious Illness

✈️ Daily flights from Portland to Redmond return to PDX

📹🏫 Sisters High School Unveils Student-Crafted Television Studio Elevating Campus Broadcasting

☠️⚖️ PFAS Detection in Bend Triggers City's Move: Council Votes to join federal lawsuit against 3M and DuPont

🎄 Christmas Trees Available from the Boy Scouts

🐶😺 Pet of the Week

 📅 Lots of Events

❓Take a quick Survey

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Central Oregon area residents in an upcoming issue of Central Oregon Local Buzz?

We ❤️ Local Businesses!
We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Central Oregon Local Buzz" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Central Oregon together!

Think Wild Rehabilitates and Releases Bald Eagle After Mysterious Illness

On November 3rd, Think Wild, Central Oregon's wildlife hospital, responded to a distress call concerning a lethargic Bald Eagle near Tumalo Reservoir. The team dispatched volunteer Corky Luster, who found the eagle barely responsive, perched with drooped wings and head. Climbing the tree, Corky secured the eagle for transport to Think Wild's wildlife hospital.

Upon admission, the adult Bald Eagle displayed lethargy, dehydration, labored breathing, and debris in its mouth. Although tests for lead poisoning showed subclinical levels, staff suspected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) due to the eagle's diet of waterfowl. Consequently, a 10-day quarantine was initiated to prevent potential spread to other animals.

During quarantine, the eagle received daily treatments and hand-feeding, gradually improving its condition and appetite. With an 800-gram weight gain (25%), and resolution of most symptoms, HPAI was ruled out. Moved to a flight enclosure, the eagle underwent flight tests and prey trials.

On November 27th, after rehabilitation, Think Wild staff released the Bald Eagle back into the wild at Tumalo Reservoir. Witnessing an impressive flight, Wildlife Technician Savanna Scheiner expressed confidence in the eagle's ability to thrive.

This marked Think Wild's first successful rehabilitation and release of an adult Bald Eagle. Despite unclear origins of the eagle's illness, likely due to ingestion of toxins like rodenticide, the responsive recovery allowed for a return to the wild.

Bald Eagles, iconic North American raptors, primarily feed on fish and waterfowl. While their populations have rebounded, they remain protected by laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Act. Susceptibility to HPAI requires vigilance; people encountering similar distressed birds are urged to contact Think Wild or ODFW for prompt care and disease monitoring in Central Oregon.

For more information about Think Wild visit their website HERE

Daily flights from Portland to Redmond return to PDX

Horizon Air resumed flights between Portland and Redmond, Oregon. However, this route will be offered on a seasonal basis, running from 29 November to 10 April.

The decision to resume service was driven by regional capacity constraints that had previously affected the market.

Alaska Airlines identified the significance of this route, as it fulfills the top demand from both communities. Further provides a valuable option for the business population commuting between the two cities.

Especially during winter, travel on roads can be challenging due to adverse weather conditions.

Alaska Horizon exclusively operates Embraer 175 regional jets after retiring their last De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s earlier this year. With 39 Embraer 175 aircraft currently in service, the airline continues to prioritize efficient and reliable regional jet operations to cater to passenger needs.

Kevin Lemme, Alaska’s General Manager of Airline Planning and Network Performance, expressed excitement about the new winter-seasonal route and its potential impact on both communities.

He highlighted the company’s commitment to meeting passenger demands and enhancing connectivity in the region.

Alaska Horizon New Routes, aimed at boosting regional air service, reflect the airline’s dedication to providing reliable and accessible transportation options for passengers traveling within the Pacific Northwest.

With increased flight frequencies and the resumption of services, Alaska Airlines seeks to facilitate smoother travel experiences and contribute to the region’s economic growth.

Sisters High School Unveils Student-Crafted Television Studio Elevating Campus Broadcasting

Sisters High School's AV Club has proudly unveiled a cutting-edge television studio crafted primarily by its students, heralding a new era for the school's weekly TV news show with an infusion of innovation and student-driven enthusiasm.

Jack Turpin, the President of the AV Club, highlighted the collective effort to secure resources, mentioning the successful grant proposal submitted to the Sister School Foundation. The resulting funding facilitated the acquisition of necessary equipment, which the students diligently assembled during breaks and spare time, culminating in the creation of the new studio.

Generous contributions from the Foundation were directed towards crucial elements like wood paneling, wiring, and electrical work. Turpin expressed gratitude for the local support, emphasizing the exceptional resourcefulness within the school despite its size.

The student-produced news show will take center stage in the studio's agenda, with plans to expand its utility to cover sports photography and pep rallies, enhancing its versatility.

Principal Steven Stancliff reflected on the extended duration of student effort spanning multiple years to bring this initiative to fruition. Acknowledging the dedication and commitment of the students involved, Stancliff praised their exceptional contributions to the school.

Looking forward, the AV Club anticipates an influx of new members drawn to the allure of the studio. Stancliff hinted at the potential integration of this project into the school's academic programming, provided the students maintain their dedication and creative fervor.

The inauguration of the student-crafted television studio stands as a testament to the proactive spirit of Sisters High School's students, underscoring their ability to enrich campus resources through collaborative initiatives.

PFAS Detection in Bend Triggers City's Move: Council Votes to join federal lawsuit against 3M and DuPont

In response to the discovery of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), commonly known as "forever chemicals," in one of its wells, Bend City Council made a decisive move. Last week, council members voted to involve the city in a federal class-action lawsuit against 3M and DuPont de Nemours, the manufacturers of firefighting foam containing PFAS.

During routine testing earlier this year, city staff detected a small amount of PFAS in the Copperstone Well No. 1 near Mt. Washington Drive. As a precautionary measure, the well was promptly shut down, with city officials reassuring residents that the tap water remains safe for consumption.

Councilor Anthony Broadman disclosed the city's participation in a lawsuit aimed at these corporations, highlighting discussions among council members, city attorneys, and staff during a closed-door executive session. The vote authorized city staff to join the consolidated lawsuit, currently underway in a South Carolina federal court, seeking compensation for the impact on water systems caused by PFAS contamination.

Mayor Melanie Kebler emphasized the city's proactive measures, pointing out the Utility Department's web page detailing PFAS information, the singular instance of well water detection (no further incidents reported), and the city's commitment to monitoring regulatory changes. Additionally, plans for remediation efforts align with the city's participation in the lawsuit, seeking potential compensation.

A recent study by the US Geological Survey revealed alarming findings, indicating that nearly half of the tap water across the United States is contaminated with PFAS chemicals, raising concerns about potential health risks associated with these substances.

The city council's decision to join the federal lawsuit signifies a proactive stance aimed at addressing the issue of PFAS contamination, ensuring accountability from the corporations involved and seeking restitution for the impact on Bend's water systems.

Christmas Trees Available from the Boy Scouts

The Boy Scouts are selling Christmas trees at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Bend. The parking lot at ReStore was filled to the brim Saturday with Noble Fir trees. Troop 90 has been selling those trees for more than a decade. The Scouts sell 300 to 400 trees each year. Troop 90 consists of 35 Scouts and 2 new Eagle Scouts. 

Meet Banner 😀

Banner is a an American Staffordshire mix who came in as a stray when he was a young boy. He can be shy of new people and needs time to build trust and a bond with new people; but let us tell you- he is worth it! Banner may require a few meet and greets, and needs someone to help with socializing with room to run around, as well as a fenced yard. Preferably no kids, older teens are a possibility, but no other animals. Banner loves to be outside and play with his toys or chew on a bone. At first he pulls on the leash, but when you get him going, he walks quite well. He is VERY smart and knows all basic commands, and once he gets to know you, he becomes a big marshmallow, who will give you lots of love! Banner truly is an amazing dog, who just needs the “right” someone to give him the time and attention he needs.

Banner has been with HSO for over 1500 days since 2018-- so let's get this big boy home for the new year with his forever family!

Characteristics

loving, shy, playful, cute, timid, Protective, Friendly, Loyal, Affectionate, Brave, Smart, Curious, Couch potato, Loves kisses, Playful, Funny, Athletic

Coat length Short

House-trained Yes

Health Vaccinations up to date, spayed / neutered.

Prefers a home without Other dogs, cats, children, other animals.

Adoption fee $150.00

Adoption information

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 29th (Wednesday)

• Senior Day at High Desert Museum Free

  59800 US-97 Bend

  10 am - 4pm

• Bevel Puttin Mayhem

  Bevel Craft Brewing 911 SE Armour Rd Bend

  5:30 pm -8:30 pm

November 30th (Thursday)

• 2023 Annual Northwest Crossing Christmas Tree Lighting Tree location is on the east side of the Harcourts The Garner Group Real Estate office at 2762 NW Crossing Dr.

  5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

• Dance Lessons at The Cricket

  20565 NE Brinson Blvd Bend

  7 pm - 10 pm

December 1st (Friday)

• Bend Moonlight Market: Naughty or Nice

  Open Space Event Studios 40 NW Greenwood Ave Bend

  3 pm - 11pm

• Journey to Bethlehem

  Bend Adventist Fellowship 21610 NE Butler Market Rd Bend

  6 pm - 9 pm

December 2nd (Saturday)

• Bend Christmas Parade

  Start time 12 pm

• Reindeer Rush Downtown Bend

  11 am

• Schilling’s 2023 Holiday Makers Market

  64640 Old Bend Redmond Highway Bend

  10 am - 4pm Tickets

• Holiday Bazaar

  Redmond Senior Center 499 NW 3rd St, Redmond

  9 am -3 pm

• Holiday Sip & Shop

  Wild Ride Brewing 332 SW 5th St Redmond

  11 am - 4 pm

• Grand Reopening Party

  American Legion Ray Johnson Post 44 704 SW 8th St Redmond

  2pm

December 3rd (Sunday)

• 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

  Luckey’s Woodsman Off-Grid Provisions

  352 E Hood Ave unit B Sisters, OR 97759

  5 pm

• Schilling’s 2023 Holiday Makers Market

  64640 Old Bend Redmond Highway Bend

  10 am - 4pm Tickets

Upcoming Event Highlight

The Redmond Community Choir presents their Sounds of the Season holiday concert. The concert is free to the public (donations are appreciated). The Redmond Community Choir is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, and is a COCC Community Education program.

Sunday December 10th 4pm at Redmond High School 675 SW Rimrock Way Redmond

Deschutes Public Library Calendar

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!