In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🏛️🏘️Parolee Housing Facility in Bend to open January 2024

🏘️🚨 Burglaries Plague Cascade Village: Residents Demand Increased Security Measures

🏛️🛣️ City Hosts Open House & Survey for Bear Creek Road & 27th Street Improvements Project Preliminary Designs

🚫🏘️ Central Oregon Shelters Struggle to Meet Rising Demand as Winter Sets In

🚒 Bend Fire & Rescue Receives Impressive Fire Protection Ranking, Potentially Lowering Insurance Premiums

📅 Lots of Events

😆 Meme of the Day

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

We would like 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!  [email protected]

OR

Parolee Housing Facility in Bend to open January 2024

 In a recent decision, Deschutes County Commissioners have formally given the green light to establish a housing facility for parolees in a triplex located on SE Wilson in Bend. The funding for the property's purchase will be sourced from a state grant.

Commissioner Phil Chang, addressing concerns raised by the public, emphasized the importance of providing stable housing with management and reliable contact with probation officers. He stated, "It's a choice between providing stable housing or releasing these individuals back into the community, where they may struggle to find housing and potentially end up homeless, putting them in contact with potentially negative influences. This facility is a much better scenario for public safety and reintegrating individuals into our community."

Commissioner Tony DeBone echoed these sentiments, highlighting that individuals who would reside in the facility have gone through an adjudicated system and have opportunities to make positive changes in their lives. He emphasized that this housing environment would serve as a "grounding place" for them to move forward and blossom.

DeBone also believes that the housing facility will benefit the neighborhood by improving the property's appearance and landscaping, potentially setting a positive example for neighboring properties.

Commissioner Chang assured the public that there would be county oversight in place to address any concerns. He encouraged residents of the neighborhood to reach out to the Community Justice Department for more information about the supervision framework for these individuals.

The nonprofit organization, Free on the Outside, will own and operate the transitional housing facility, which will accommodate up to 50 people on supervised release. The property purchase is expected to be finalized this week, and the facility is scheduled to open in early January 2024.

Burglaries Plague Cascade Village: Residents Demand Increased Security Measures

Cascade Village, a manufactured home community in northeast Bend, experienced multiple burglaries recently, leaving residents concerned. A homeowner reported losing thousands of dollars in jewelry and valuables during a break-in, the second in 18 months. Several neighbors also faced similar incidents. Bend Police advise residents to keep lights on, install security cameras, and inform trusted neighbors when away. Despite hiring security, thefts occurred again. Cascade Village sent updates to residents and hired Bend Patrol Services for nightly patrols. A resident started a petition for enhanced security measures, including fencing and a secured entrance gate. Bend has seen 73 residential burglaries this year, down from previous years, while business burglaries increased to 81.

City Hosts Open House & Survey for Bear Creek Road & 27th Street Improvements Project Preliminary Designs

The City of Bend is currently designing a variety of safer and more accessible bike and pedestrian routes throughout the City, including along Bear Creek Road and SE 27th Street. Community members are invited to an open house Tuesday, December 19, 5-7pm at Bend Municipal Court, 555 NE 15th Street to review potential design configurations and provide input.

The same open house information and survey is available online at bendoregon.gov/bearcreek27th.

The community can share their feedback about the design alternatives by completing the online survey by December 26, 2023.

The Bear Creek Road and 27th Street Improvements Project provides safer connections for pedestrians and bicycles traveling between neighborhoods, schools, parks and trails; and a new roundabout at Bear Creek Road, Pettigrew Road and Purcell Boulevard.

The project will identify, select, design and construct the following improvements:

• Walking and biking improvements along Bear Creek Road between Cessna Drive and the eastern urban growth boundary (City Limits)

• Walking and biking improvements along 27th Street between Reed Market Road and Highway 20

• Further walking and biking improvements are planned to make a trail connection between the 15th Street and Bear Creek Road roundabout and the Coyner Trail.

• A roundabout at the intersection of Bear Creek Road, Pettigrew Road and Purcell Boulevard to enhance safety is included with the walking and biking improvements.

For more information about the project, visit bendoregon.gov/bearcreek27th.

Central Oregon Shelters Struggle to Meet Rising Demand as Winter Sets In

Central Oregon faces freezing temperatures, increasing the need for shelter as advocates highlight the shortage of beds for homeless individuals. The affordable housing crisis worsens, putting thousands at risk. Shelters in Bend report high demand, with some already at 90% capacity. The region has seen 37 homeless deaths from 2022 to October 2023. Shepherd’s House Ministries struggles to accommodate everyone, urging donations of warm clothing, especially socks and gloves. Emergency shelters are set up in churches during severe weather, thanks to House Bill 2006. Redemption House Ministries operates two shelters in Crook County, but the homeless population far exceeds available beds. Advocates stress the importance of community support for affordable housing as a long-term solution.

Bend Fire & Rescue Receives Impressive Fire Protection Ranking, Potentially Lowering Insurance Premiums

Bend Fire & Rescue is celebrating a significant accomplishment with its recent ISO rating of 2, a notable improvement from its previous rating of 4. ISO ratings gauge a community's readiness for fires and can lead to lower insurance premiums for homeowners.

Bend Fire & Rescue is now one of only 2,000 fire departments nationwide with an ISO rating of 2, thanks in part to the Pilot Butte station and increased staffing for an Advanced Life Support fire engine.

The Insurance Services Office assesses fire departments based on various factors, assigning a Public Protection Classification between 1 (exemplary) and 10 (substandard). This achievement reflects Bend's commitment to fire safety.

Bend Fire Chief Todd Riley expressed pride in the community's support, citing a recent levy's passage that will maintain staffing levels and possibly lead to further improvements.

In summary, Bend Fire & Rescue's higher ISO rating promises both improved safety and potential savings for homeowners on insurance premiums.

What’s Up Central Oregon?

December 15th (Friday)

•  Tumalo Creek Holiday Lights Paddle Parade

• Sip & Shop Ladies Night

  River Bend Resale Boutique 200 NE Greedwood Ave Bend

  6pm - 9pm

• SantaLand Santa will be at The Old Mill District next to Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe, Friday, December 15, Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17, 2023, 11:00am to 5:00pm.  

• Painted Candles Workshop Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards 70450 NW Lower Valley Drive Terrebonne

  12 pm - 5pm

  Tickets $30   

   

December 16th (Saturday)

• Comedy At Craft: Jasmine Rogers

  Craft Kitchen & Brewery 62988 Layton Avenue Bend

  Tickets $15

  8pm - 9:30pm

• Jefferson Hope Trio Rivers Place 787 NE Purcell

  Bend 

  6pm - 8pm

•  Winter Market at the Distillery Oregon Spirit Distillers 740 NE 1st St, Bend

  1pm 

December 17th (Sunday)

•  Ghost of Brian Craig Rivers Place 787 NE Purcell

  Bend  5pm - 7pm

• The Train Man Returns! @ Downtown Bend Library

  It was nearly 25 years ago when Michael “The Train Man” Lavrich started sharing his model trains with delighted children—and adults—at the Downtown Bend Library. In the decades since then, his annual display of model trains has become a highly anticipated holiday tradition for countless families in Central Oregon. This year Lavrich is back to share the trains with young and old alike. WHERE: Downtown Bend Library (601 NW Wall Street, Bend) WHEN:

      December 16, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–5:30 p.m.

      December 17, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–5:30 p.m.

      December 18, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–6:00 p.m.

      December 19, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–6:00 p.m.

      December 21, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–6:00 p.m.

      December 22, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–6:00 p.m.

      December 23, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 3–5:30 p.m.

  

Deschutes Public Library Calendar

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