In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🏛️Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels supports Measure 110 reform

🚨 OSP releases update on Fatal Crash on Hwy 97

🍽️🏛️ Most recent results for Central Oregon Restaurant Health Inspections

💵🏗️Bend's Jackstraw Project, Awaits Final Approval for $10.6 Million Tax Relief

📅 Lots of Events

🤝 Local Cause of the Week

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Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels supports Measure 110 reform

Oregon law enforcement groups, including District Attorneys, Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, and the League of Oregon Cities, have unveiled an 11-point plan to address the shortcomings of Measure 110 and combat the ongoing drug crisis in the state. The plan, presented by Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels, aims to improve the situation in Oregon, although it is not a perfect solution.

Key recommendations in the plan include:

1. Reclassifying simple drug possession as a Class A misdemeanor, potentially resulting in up to a year in jail, but without the possibility of going to prison.

2. Re-criminalizing public drug use to align with state laws governing alcohol and marijuana use in public spaces.

3. Outlawing drug use in enclosed public spaces, such as transit buses, with the potential for arrest and prosecution.

4. Restoring a statute allowing prosecutors to charge drug dealers even if no sale has occurred, by redefining delivery to include Possession with Intent to Distribute.

5. Reintroducing diversion programs for addicts, similar to the Conditional Discharge Statute, which allows those arrested for drug possession to enter probation with drug treatment, leading to dismissal of charges upon successful completion.

6. Securing funding for "drug courts" and other specialized court programs.

7. Enhanced supervision of parolees convicted of theft or property crimes related to drug use to address gaps in community supervision.

The overarching goal of these proposals is to prioritize treatment over incarceration and address the drug crisis effectively. The plan is set to be discussed in the upcoming legislative session in February.

OSP releases update on Fatal Crash on Hwy 97

Update from Oregon State Police regarding the fatal crash on Saturday December 16th:

On Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at approximately 7:14 p.m., Oregon State Police troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 128 south of Redmond. 

The preliminary investigation indicated that a white Ford Econoline van was northbound on Highway 97 and drove onto the shoulder of the highway for an unknown reason. The driver lost control of the vehicle and drove across both northbound lanes, the center median, and into the southbound “A” lane. The van collided with a silver 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was traveling southbound. 

The driver of the van, Ghandi Lakshmi Satya Sai Yerramsetti (23) of Redmond, and the passenger of the Jeep, Christy Lee Bigelow (29) of Bend, both sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Jeep, Nicholas Loren Husted (32) of Bend was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

During the crash investigation, Highway 97 was closed and traffic detoured. A suspected impaired driver struck an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) vehicle that was diverting traffic at 61^st Street. The suspect, Nicholas Jason Cardone (33) of Bend, was arrested for DUII by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. The operator of the ODOT vehicle was evaluated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. 

An additional non-injury crash occurred in the southbound lane near the crash scene and Lylliane Walczyk (20) was arrested for DUII. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

Most recent results for Central Oregon Restaurant Health Inspections

 Restaurants and food carts are inspected at least twice a year by Deschutes County Health Department employees. Inspectors look for risk factors that could increase the potential for food borne illness, such as sanitation and cleanliness, hand washing and hygiene, time and temperature control for potentially hazardous foods and cross-contamination.

Every restaurant starts with a score of 100 and points are deducted from there, according to the Deschutes County Health Department. A score of less than 70 results in a "failed to comply" notice being posted on the main entrance.

Food Inspections 11-23 to 11-30-23

Bend's Jackstraw Project, Awaits Final Approval for $10.6 Million Tax Relief

The Jackstraw development, near The Box Factory, is seeking a 10-year property tax break through the Multi-Unit Property Tax Exemption program. The developer, Killian Pacific, has demonstrated that the project wouldn't be viable without this tax break, potentially saving them $10.6 million over a decade. However, gaining approval for the tax break is a complex process involving various taxing jurisdictions.

The project, situated on a 4.6-acre property near Industrial Way and NW Lava Road, will feature a seven-story building with over 300 housing units and ground-floor commercial space. Despite financial challenges attributed to inflation and high interest rates, the project is expected to move forward as planned.

One notable aspect of the development is its commitment to building two affordable ground-floor housing units designed to accommodate a child-care business, a first of its kind in Oregon. This innovative approach received unanimous approval from the Bend Park & Recreation District board, even though there were initial concerns about setting a precedent for tax exemptions.

The City Council introduced the tax exemption program in August 2022 to incentivize community-conscious, multi-unit development. Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler views The Jackstraw as a "catalytic" project with numerous benefits.

The tax break has been approved by the Deschutes County Commission but still requires the endorsement of the Bend City Council and the school board. Other projects, such as the Platform, Hiatus development, and Timber Yards development, have also applied for the city's tax exemption program.

What’s Up Central Oregon?

December 19th (Tuesday)

•  Bingo Night @ River’s Place 787 Northeast Purcell Boulevard Bend

  play for The Rawley Project 6 PM - 8:30 PM

• Cantare Youth Choir @ Sunriver Resort 

  4:30pm

• The Roundabouts Improv - A Comedy Show! 220 NE Lafayette Avenue Bend 

  TICKETS $15

  7 PM - 9 PM

December 20th (Wednesday)

• Jingle & Mingle

  By Council on Aging of Central Oregon Senior Services Center 1036 NE 5th St Bend Council on Aging’s holiday party! Adults aged 60+ are invited

  11 AM - 1 PM

• Unity Event Rafe Pearlman Winter Solstice Concert 

  63645 Scenic Drive Bend 6 PM - 8:30 PM

•  Grits 'N' Gravy 566 SW Mill View Way Bend 6 PM - 8-PM

• Holiday Customer Appreciation Party Wild Ride Brewing 332 SW 5th Street Redmond And 1500 NE 3rd Street Prineville

  Enjoy $3 pints and win prizes for wearing Holiday attire

  5 PM - 8 PM

• Light By Lizzie And Friends - Pop Up Solstice Shop Humm Kombucha Taproom 1125 NE 2nd Street Bend

  unique, unscented, up-cycled candles, along with treasures from various vendors

  12:30 PM - 5:30 PM

 December 21st (Thursday)

•  Winter Nights @ High Desert Museum High Desert Museum Oregon  TICKETS $10 adults, $6 child (3-12)      

  4:00 PM - 7:30 PM

• Winter Solstice Gathering And S'more Cook Out The Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room 550 SW Industrial Way, #194 Bend Celebrate the Solstice next to the fire with a hot mug of spiced Gluhwein and make some gourmet S'mores. An evening of great wines and new friends. Cheers! 

  5:00 PM - 9:00 PM 

•  Starfest@Eagle Crest Eagle Crest Oregon The Last Night 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

• Third Thursday At The Grove The Grove 921 NW Mt. Washington Drive Bend

  5:00 PM - 08:00 PM 

• Live Music With Beverly Anderson Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market 21175 SE Reed Market Road, Lot #2 Bend

  5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

December 22nd (Friday)

•  4th Friday Artwalk in Sisters, OR

  By Sisters Arts Association   Downtown Sisters Oregon 222 West Hood Avenue Sisters 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM 

• The Grinch's Cave Adventure @ Juniper Preserve

  TICKETS $25

  3:00 PM - 04:00 PM 

• Grimes Christmas Scene Crook County Fairgrounds 1280 Main Street Prineville 5:00 PM - 08:00 PM 

•  Christmas In The Pines Crook County Fairgrounds 1280 Main St. Prineville 5:30 PM - 09:00 PM Christmas in the Pines has become a Prineville tradition.  Located at the Crook County Fairgrounds, this is a beautiful drive thru Winter Wonderland. Christmas in the Pines is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 5:30-9:00 now through New Year’s. Live Nativity is on Saturday nights only, from 5:30-8:00. No entry fees but we welcome donations of non-perishable food or pet food.

• Never Come Down With Skillethead - Solstice Celebration 

  The Belfry 302 E. Main Avenue Sisters TICKETS $25

  6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

• Ursids Meteor Shower Snowshoe Tour

  By Wanderlust Tours 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Swingin' Tower Christmas! Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall Street Bend TICKETS

  $36 - $46 (plus $4 Historic Preservation fee) Friday, Saturday & Sunday

  

   

December 23rd (Saturday)

• Subaru Stoke Weekend #1 @ Mt Bachelor 7:00 AM Mt Bachelor is teaming up with Subaru to spread the stoke on Saturday, Dec.23 and Sunday, Dec. 24th.  Grab some buddies and head to the mountain in your Subaru for a day of shredding Subarus with 3 or more passengers will be given priority parking in the West Village Lot until all spots are filled. Once you pull in, you'll be redirected to one of our Stoke Patrollers who will hook you up with a preferred parking spot for the day and give you a Subaru swag bag. Hit the road early in your trusty Subaru and get rewarded! Coffee vouchers will be redeemed at Cocoa's Cafe which opens at 8:00 a.m.   

• Snowshoe With A Ranger-FREE Mt Bachelor Oregon

  10:00 AM - 2:30 PM

•  Adam Carlson Jazz Trio River's Place 787 Northeast Purcell Boulevard Bend 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM 

December 24th (Sunday)

Deschutes Public Library Calendar

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

If you know of other Bingo, Trivia or Locals Days…. Please let us know. Email: [email protected] 

This Week’s Local Cause Spotlight is The Rawley Project: Transforming Lives and Rescuing Animals

In the heart of Central Oregon, a passionate animal lover's journey led to the creation of The Rawley Project, a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and welfare of animals. The Rawley Project boasts a range of programs aimed at making a difference in the lives of pets and their human companions.

Rawley is the beloved canine companion who inspired it all. The founder of The Rawley Project shared a deep bond with Rawley, her faithful companion. When Rawley was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 9, it ignited a quest to explore every possible avenue for his treatment and care. This journey introduced her to a group of compassionate doctors and staff who specialize in guiding pet owners through the end-of-life journey with their furry friends. Their encouragement and insight sparked a realization: a passion for animals, no matter how painful, is a gift that should be shared.

After Rawley's passing, the founder embarked on a life-changing visit to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. This visit not only resulted in the adoption of a new best friend named Willow but also a newfound determination to make a difference in the lives of animals. The fear that had previously held her back from helping homeless animals was overshadowed by the pain of Rawley's loss. Thus, her journey in animal welfare began, leading her to volunteer at local shelters and become a board member. In this journey, she discovered where her community needed her most: reducing the homeless pet population by providing affordable spaying, neutering, vaccination, and microchipping services.

The result of this determination was FIXbend, a low-cost spay, neuter, vaccination, and microchip program serving Central Oregon. Volunteer-run monthly clinics provide access to affordable sterilization and vaccination services. The Rawley Project's adoption fees help cover medical expenses, transportation, permits, food, and community programs, ensuring that more animals receive the care they need.

Partnering with Good Pup! and Trupanion, The Rawley Project offers additional resources to pet adopters. Good Pup! provides virtual training resources, while Trupanion offers 30 days of free health insurance coverage for each adopted pet.

One of The Rawley Project's unique aspects is its 100% foster-based model. With no physical shelter, they rely on foster families to provide safe and loving environments for dogs awaiting adoption. This approach not only changes the lives of the dogs they rescue but also has a profound impact on the foster families involved.

The Rawley Project firmly believes that fostering saves lives and is the backbone of their rescue efforts. They collaborate with rescue organizations locally and globally to bring dogs to Bend and Portland that face limited adoption prospects. By offering foster homes, they give these dogs a second chance at finding loving families.

The Rawley Project is making a difference, one animal at a time. Their inspiring journey from a deep personal loss to a thriving non-profit organization reflects the power of compassion and determination. Through their programs, they are not only transforming the lives of animals but also the lives of those who choose to support their mission.

To learn more about The Rawley Project, get involved, or provide a loving home for a rescued pet, visit their website at TheRawleyProject.org and be part of their journey in creating a better world for animals in need.

 Bingo Night @ River’s Place 787 Northeast Purcell Boulevard Bend play for The Rawley Project 6 PM - 8:30 PM

Do you have a favorite Local Cause or are you a Local Non-Profit? We would love to do a “Local Cause Spotlight” about your Non-Profit. Give us a shout and we’ll be in contact.

[email protected]

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