In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather 🎦

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

📷👮Bend Considers Photo Radar Tickets

🏛️ Bend City Council Discusses Public Safety Goals and Tax Exemption Program

🏨💦🍸 Tetherow Resort in Central Oregon Puts Hotel and Food & Beverage Operations up for Sale

🚨 Redmond man dies of cold exposure after car became stuck on outcropping above Dry Canyon

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

What type of volcano is Newberry Volcano?

A) Composite Volcano

B) Stratovolcano

C) Shield Volcano

D) Cinder Cone

👇Find the Answer at the End of the Newsletter 👇

BEND

Northern Oregon Cascades (Passes)

Friday

Mostly cloudy with a chance of freezing rain and snow. A chance of rain, mainly in the morning. Snow level 6500 feet. No snow accumulation. Ice accumulation of up to a tenth of an inch. Pass winds east 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent. Rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain, freezing rain and snow. Snow level 6000 feet. No snow accumulation. Ice accumulation of up to a tenth of an inch. Pass winds southeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent. Rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch.

Saturday

A chance of rain and snow in the morning, then rain with snow likely in the afternoon. Snow level 5500 feet. Pass winds east 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.

Saturday Night

Freezing rain in the evening. Rain. Snow level 5500 feet. Pass winds southeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

Sunday

Rain. Snow level 5500 feet. Chance of rain near 100 percent.

Bend Considers Photo Radar Tickets

BEND, OR -- Bend’s Police Department is researching red light camera and photo radar programs. Chief Mike Krantz told the City Council Wednesday night, other Oregon cities saw significant reductions in speeding, running red lights and serious crashes after implementing similar systems.

Such programs are funded by the tickets they issue and managed by the vendor, "The citation is issued by them, they do all the mailing. When a citation is paid, they take a portion out of that." The department does have to approve the violation. "Photo-enforcement systems, the goal of those are not to make money. They are to self-fund. But it’s motivated by safety, that we want to change behavior around traffic problems that are occurring that cause severe damage and harm in our community. This is one tool. It is not the tool."

He says public surveys consistently show speeding and running red lights are primary concerns in Bend.

If implemented, the system would be installed at the biggest trouble-spots. "We would benefit from maybe a minimum of five intersections, based on data that we’re seeing; at least as a pilot program to start with," says Krantz. Those red light cameras would also have the ability to catch someone speeding through the intersection. "We’d benefit from a mobile photo radar trailer, as well. So we could have different options and move through the residential areas or school zones, as well as construction zones, if we could."

Councilor Megan Perkins was pleased the proposal also includes a mobile option, for locations without a traffic light, "Due to the unique nature of Bend, and there are a lot of people that are driving unsafely on roads that do not have intersections, especially around school zones." She and other Councilors wanted assurances the program would roll out equitably, with locations around the city. Krantz explained the vendor changes locations as problems are resolved, "What they’ve seen by experience is that by five years, their return, because behavior changes, is highly diminished. So their goal is to either move it after five years or remove it after five years because they’ve seen behavior change."

Councilors gave the green light Wednesday for Krantz to gather bids from vendors, but said there would be extensive community outreach before automated traffic enforcement begins.

Bend City Council Discusses Public Safety Goals and Tax Exemption Program

Bend, OR - In a recent Bend City Council meeting, the focus was on public safety goals and a controversial tax exemption program. Police Chief Mike Krantz addressed the council, highlighting the collaboration between the police and fire departments. He also outlined several new technologies set to be implemented this year.

One of the key technological advancements discussed was the installation of automated traffic enforcement systems. These systems would feature red light safety cameras at intersections, capable of capturing red-light runners through both photos and videos. This move is expected to enhance traffic safety and enforcement in the city.

Additionally, Chief Krantz mentioned the development of staffing plans aligned with data systems. Furthermore, there is a plan to seek federal approval for the use of drones as part of a first responder program. These drones would be utilized remotely to respond quickly to emergency situations, offering valuable support to law enforcement and emergency services.

Chief Krantz emphasized the need to prioritize emergency calls based on their severity. He acknowledged the limitations imposed by resource availability and stated that during significant weather events, an increase in accidents often occurs. In response, they prioritize responding to more severe incidents promptly, triaging crashes based on factors such as injuries and road blockages. They also encourage individuals involved in minor accidents where no immediate danger exists to handle the situation independently to ensure that resources are available for more critical incidents.

In addition to public safety matters, the council addressed a contentious issue regarding a $10.6 million tax exemption for the Jackstraw Project, a 313-unit development on SW Industrial Way, which falls under the city's tax exemption program. While all City Council members agreed to temporarily pause the program for reassessment, it's important to note that this pause does not affect applications already in the pipeline, including the Jackstraw Project, which had previously received approval from the Council.

The Bend City Council's discussions reflect their commitment to enhancing public safety and ensuring the responsible management of tax exemption programs within the city. Further developments and decisions on these matters are anticipated as the council continues its deliberations.

Tetherow Resort in Central Oregon Puts Hotel and Food & Beverage Operations up for Sale

Bend, OR - Tetherow Resort, known as Central Oregon's premier destination, has announced its decision to place its hotel and food & beverage operations up for sale. This strategic move is in response to the growing development and investor interest in the region. The potential sale includes the Hotel, Event Pavilion, and the food and beverage operations (The Row, Solomon's, and Tetherow Cafe), along with Tetherow Management LLC, which manages vacation rentals. Importantly, Tetherow Golf Club and other recreational facilities will remain under the current ownership.

Tetherow Resort, which has received global recognition and awards, including being named the #1 Resort in the Pacific Northwest by Conde Nast Traveler in 2023, aims to use the proceeds from this transaction for reinvestment and innovation in its golf, social, and recreational experiences. The resort is currently undergoing a $3 million Clubhouse renovation project that includes enhancements like a new members' area, an intimate dining space for Solomon's, a refreshed golf shop, and a new outdoor patio.

The owners are committed to finding a buyer who shares their dedication to the resort and Central Oregon and will be selective in the process. Interested buyers will undergo thorough evaluation over the next six months. Tetherow Resort, located on 700 acres of high desert landscape, offers a wide range of amenities and is committed to environmentally sound practices.

As Tetherow Resort embarks on this new chapter, its mission remains focused on delivering exceptional experiences and nurturing a strong sense of community in Central Oregon. For more details, visit Tethrow Resort.

Note: The sales price for the private listing through JLL has not been disclosed.

Redmond man dies of cold exposure after car became stuck on outcropping above Dry Canyon

 REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Redmond man died from cold exposure Sunday after his car got stuck on a rock outcropping above the Dry Canyon, authorities said.

Police responded to a crash Sunday morning and found a vehicle on the canyon rim just above the Dry Canyon Trail, by a residential neighborhood near Spudbowl Park.

Deschutes and Crook County Medical Examiner Anne Onishi confirmed that it was a 38-year-old man who was married and lived and worked in the area.

A neighbor told NewsChannel 21 someone knocked on their door around 8 a.m. Sunday and said there was a car hanging off the edge of the cliff, and a man was found lying in the snow. It’s not known how long he was there.

Police declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation.

At least 10 other deaths have been linked to fallen trees or suspected hypothermia in Oregon's recent severe storms and extreme cold, The Associated Press reports.

The post Redmond man dies of cold exposure after car became stuck on outcropping above Dry Canyon appeared first on KTVZ .

facebook post: We at the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office saw this and couldn't help but chuckle. In all seriousness, if you don't need to be on the roads, please avoid driving as the projected weather does not look good.

What’s Up Central Oregon

Friday January 19th

Friday Night Lights @ Hoodoo 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM  Hoodoo Oregon              Event Details

Wine Workshop Series: Alpine Wines 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Flights Wine Bar 1444 NW College Way Bend Tickets $20 Event Details

Sunny War And Chris Pierce 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM The Belfry 302 E. Main Avenue Sisters Tickets $20 Event Details

Prohibition Party @ High Desert Museum 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM High Desert Museum Oregon Tickets $20 Event Details

Saturday January 20th

Snowshoe With A Ranger - FREE 10:00 AM - 02:30 PM Mt Bachelor Event Details

Sidney Joseph plays rock and soul infused with the blues 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM Crux Fermentation Project 50 SW Division Bend Free

Improv Showcase 500 @ Open Space Event Studios 07:30 PM Open Space Event Studios  220 Northeast Lafayette Avenue Bend Tickets $20 in advance $28 at the door Event Details

Free Skate Ski Clinic Intermediate/Advanced 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Beginner 10:30 AM - 12:30 AM Class size limited to 25 for each session Registration needed Event Details

Sunday January 21st

The Cabin Fever Expo 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM Deschutes Fairgrounds 3800 SW Airport Way Redmond Event Details

Deschutes Public Library Events

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Local Trivia Answer:

What type of volcano is Newberry Volcano?

A) Composite Volcano

B) Stratovolcano

C) Shield Volcano

D) Cinder Cone

Answer: C) Shield Volcano

Newberry Volcano is classified as a shield volcano. Shield volcanoes are known for their broad, gently sloping profiles, and they are typically characterized by eruptions of low-viscosity basaltic lava, which tends to flow over longer distances compared to other types of volcanoes.