In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰 Bend Officer Fired Following Internal Investigation

🏛️ Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch to Present State of the City Address February 1

🏫❄️ Two Local Districts Consider Storm Make-Up Day

📰 Business News

🏛️💲🚫 Bend may pause tax exemption like the one used for Jackstraw project

🍔 Burgerville announces new locations coming to Bend,Wilsonville, Salem

☀️ Idaho-based solar installer EGT Solar announced it has acquired E2 Solar, a local solar provider in Bend, Oregon

📅 Lots of Events

When was the first woman to serve as Bend’s Mayor?

A.) 1925

B.) 1956

C.) 1978

D.) 2001

👇Find the Answer at the End of the Newsletter 👇

BEND

Bend Officer Fired Following Internal Investigation

Posted by KBND News

BEND, OR -- Bend Police Officer Kevin Uballez was placed on paid administrative leave on June 6, 2021. He was fired by the department on Friday. 

Uballez was put on leave over accusations of excessive force, stemming from an incident with an allegedly intoxicated man. The District Attorney dropped criminal charges in November, but Bend PD launchd an internal affairs investigation. The results of that inquiry have not been released. 

Bend Police paid Uballez more than $184,000 during his two and a half years on leave. Citing an ongoing civil lawsuit, the agency refused to release further details. 

Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch to Present State of the City Address February 1

City of Redmond’s Mayor Ed Fitch will deliver his inaugural State of the City address from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 1, at Redmond City Hall, located at 411 SW 9^th St. The State of the City address will reflect on the past year, celebrating achievements, and will highlight Mayor and City Council key initiatives in 2024.

“I look forward to sharing how the city is working diligently to manage growth, as well as provide the community with quality services, transparency and open government,” states Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch.

Additionally, Mayor Fitch will provide an overview of city priorities ranging from infrastructure, public safety, affordable housing, and long-range planning efforts to fostering co-operative partnerships and water conservation initiatives. 

Two Local Districts Consider Storm Make-Up Days

Posted by Heather Roberts KBND

MADRAS, OR -- Severe winter weather may be gone for now, but local schools still must contend with the fallout. 

As of Wednesday, Jefferson County 509J lost five full days and had three late-starts. Superintendent Jay Mathisen says it's always a tough decision to close school, but outlying areas in his district have seen icy roads for a week, creating hazardous conditions for buses.

Mathisen says his district has a long history of building buffers into the school calendar, "And so, at five days, we do not have to start adding days to meet our instructional hours obligations with the state." But, he tells KBND News there's always a concern when students lose time in the classroom. He says, "We’re at the point now where we’re starting to discuss if we add days back, and when those might be and how many." Mathisen says the final decision has to wait until the weather is finally clear, "We’ll let the dust settle on this; likely get some communication out in the next week or so."

Bend-La Pine Schools closed for three days over the past two weeks, due to bad weather. The district is now considering scheduling make-up days in June. Both 509J and Bend-La Pine expect to announce decisions soon. 

Redmond Schools Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline admits last week’s freezing rain was a challenge, "Packed snow can be dealt with pretty well with snow tires, chains and all-weather traction. But the freezing rain creates something completely different." Dr. Cline tells KBND News, "We’ve closed one day, which was last Friday.

And then we’ve had two late starts; so roughly 12 hours of instruction." He adds, "We’re close for high school hours of instruction. We’re still okay, but if we get too much more of this, we’d have to consider some rescheduling." Cline says it’s especially tough for high school seniors who already have a shortened school year. 

Road Construction updates:

Wilson Ave Bend / Purcell & Neff Bend / Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project

Bend may pause tax exemption like the one used for Jackstraw project

The City of Bend may pause on a tax exemption program which has come under scrutiny following its approval for a new residential-retail development near the Box Factory.

It’s called the Multi-Unit Tax Exemption program. It received a lot of attention after the Bend City Council voted Jan. 3 to approve a 10-year, $10.6 million multi-use tax break for the Jackstraw project, being developed by Killian Pacific. The project includes 313 units with a mix of apartments, retail and services.

Despite backlash from some, the city claims Jackstraw has nothing to do with this pause and that the city has always considered this option. It says the measure of this programs’ success is shown through the housing needs that have been met by development

“So the pause was always on the future horizon. But because the program was so successful, the pause actually came sooner rather than later,” said Bend Urban Rural Manager Jonathan Taylor. The City Council won’t make its decision on the pause until Feb. 7. If enacted, the pause will not affect businesses who have already applied or been granted this exemption.

Burgerville announces new locations coming to Bend,Wilsonville, Salem

Burgerville, a local Pacific North West fast food chain, is expanding in Oregon with new locations, including one in Bend. This expansion is part of their plan over the next 18 months, which also includes opening new markets in Washington. The exact location in Bend has not been specified, but this expansion marks a significant growth for the company, which is known for its locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus.

Idaho-based solar installer EGT Solar announced it has acquired E2 Solar, a local solar provider in Bend, Oregon.

By Kelly Pickerel | January 24, 2024 Solar Power World

“The merger with E2 Solar is more than just a business decision; it’s a union of shared values and visions for a sustainable future,” said Bryan Lawley, CEO and founder of EGT Solar. “E2 Solar’s impressive track record in Deschutes County, one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., complements our growth strategy and our commitment to ethical, high-quality service.”

Deschutes County, Oregon, sees more than 250 sunny or partly sunny days annually. This merger is poised to capitalize on this potential, bringing together two companies dedicated to advancing renewable energy and community-focused initiatives.

“The synergy between EGT and E2 Solar is palpable,” said Brecht Palombo of International Business Associates, the sole financial advisor in the transaction. “Facilitating this merger has been a rewarding experience, knowing that it will contribute positively to the Pacific Northwest’s transition to renewable energy.”

News item from EGT Solar

What’s Up Central Oregon

Thursday January 25th

 Suttle Lodge's Fireside Concert Series: Nathan Earle Fireside Show 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM      Suttle Lake Lodge 13300 US-20 Sisters  Tickets $10  Event Details 

Ghost of Brian Craig @ Open Space Events Studios 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Open Space Event Studios Bend Tickets $10 Event Details

Friday January 26th

Intersections: Youth Exhibition at Scalehouse supported by the Warm Springs Community Action Team By Scalehouse Collabortive for The Arts 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM Scalehouse Gallery 550 NW Franklin Avenue, Suite 138 Bend Event Details

May Erlewine with Joel Chad 07:00 PM The Belfry Sisters Tickets $20 adv ticket, $25 at door Event Details

Aging With Laughter! 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Silver Moon Brewing 24 NW Greenwood Avenue Bend Tickets $20 Event Details

So You Think You Got Jokes - Comedy Competition By BeertownComedy 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM General Duffy's 404 SW Forest Ave. Redmond Tickets $15 Online | $20 at the Door Event Details

Saturday January 27th 

Free Day! High Desert Museum 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM High Desert Museum Oregon Event Details  

Dry Gin-Uary Happy Hour @ Oregon Spirit Distillers 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM Oregon Spirit Distillers Bend Event Details

Gabrial Sweyn 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM On Tap 1424 Cushing Drive Bend

Free Class Alert! Prineville Athletic Club Event Details 

Sunday January 28st

Heart To Voice Winter Concert 04:00 PM Bend High School Auditorium Tickets $10 Event Details

Deschutes Public Library Events

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Local Trivia Answer:

When was the first woman to serve as Bend’s Mayor?

A) 1925

B) 1956

C) 1978

D) 2001

Answer: C) 1978

The first woman to serve as Bend's Mayor was Ruth Burleigh. She held this historic position during two separate terms, first being appointed in 1978 and again in 1981. Ruth Burleigh spent a total of 12 years on the Bend City Council from 1974 to 1986 and played a significant role in the city's political landscape during that period. Her pioneering achievements paved the way for women in local politics in Bend, and she remains an important figure in the city's history.