In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚒 Former Alfalfa Fire District volunteers voice concern over chief’s conduct, spending, OSHA violations; LaVallee responds

🏛️❄️ Oregon's Severe Winter Storm: ODOT Recap

🏫💦💲Crook County School Board Proposes $11 Million Bond for Urgent School Repairs

🏛️🏫Deal reached: Bend-La Pine Schools, Bend Education Association hammer out 4-year contract agreement

🚨 Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Dismantled, Three Arrested

🚨Redmond Police and CERT recover $50,000 in Stolen Items - Two Subjects Arrested

📨 Postal Service holding Bend job fair 5 days in February

🍴 Meet Jackson’s Corner’s new owners, a local couple

😊 Community News

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

🐶 Pet of the Week - Street Dog Hero

What street is this in downtown Bend?

A) Minnesota Ave

B) Oregon Ave

C) Franklin Ave

D) Greenwood Ave

👇Find the Answer at the end of the Newletter👇

BEND

Former Alfalfa Fire District volunteers voice concern over chief’s conduct, spending, OSHA violations; LaVallee responds

 ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Three former Alfalfa Fire District volunteers and firefighters are coming forward to express their concerns over the conduct and practices of Fire Chief Chad LaVallee, which recently led to a state OSHA finding of three violations -- two "serious" -- and a $138 fine.

The three volunteers reached out to NewsChannel 21 after they said their concerns weren't taken seriously enough by the Alfalfa Fire District's board. They point to a June 12th incident.

They say Chief LaVallee used a 16-year-old as a victim in a live fire training last year. That goes against regulations from the National Fire Protection Agency and violates OSHA guidelines.

Continue Reading

 Oregon's Severe Winter Storm: ODOT Recap

ODOT - Just weeks after experiencing spring-like conditions, Oregon is reflecting on a severe winter storm that brought significant snow and ice, making it one of the most substantial weather events in recent history. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) faced high costs in overtime and supplies, with crews working extended hours to combat the conditions using vast amounts of salt and de-icer. Despite these efforts, thick ice posed significant challenges, and the storm caused damage to numerous ODOT vehicles. The event highlighted the agency's dedication amidst financial strains and the importance of community cooperation for safety. With the promise of additional funding, ODOT aims to enhance its response capabilities for future weather challenges.

Crook County School Board Proposes $11 Million Bond for Urgent School Repairs

Prineville, OR - The Crook County School Board in Prineville, Oregon, unanimously decided to propose an $11 million bond measure for the May 21 ballot to address urgent maintenance needs after recent winter storms caused significant water leaks and heating problems in most school buildings. The decision followed a recommendation from the district's Facilities Director, highlighting the severity of the damages, particularly in the Crook County Middle School's gym. The bond aims to repair leaks, improve heating systems, enhance safety, and security with secure entryways and updated security systems. The bond, if approved, will be boosted by a $6 million grant from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Program, raising the total funds to $17 million. This initiative is time-sensitive, as delaying could mean reduced funding due to other districts' claims. The proposed levy would increase taxpayer costs by 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, translating to an additional $50 annually for a $500,000 home. This "Band-Aid Bond" seeks to leverage state funds for crucial repairs and upgrades, with work potentially starting in July if voters approve.

Bond Measure Cost Breakdown

• $11.5 million - Replace roofs at Crooked River Elementary, Crook County Middle School, Steins Pillar Elementary campus and gym, the district’s maintenance building, and Paulina K-8 School. 

• $5 million - Upgrade  the 75-year-old boiler system at Crook County Middle School

• $200k - Improve security at Crook County High School

• $100k - Security and PA System upgrades at Steins Pillar Elementary School

• $100k - Additional security upgrades in other schools

Deal reached: Bend-La Pine Schools, Bend Education Association hammer out 4-year contract agreement

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- After months of lengthy negotiations and amid plans to call in a state mediator, negotiators for the Bend-La Pine Schools and Bend Education Association hammered out a new four-year contract agreement on Monday to replace a contract that expired last summer.

Matthew Draxton is following up on the new deal for a report on NewsChannel 21.

Here's the full news release from the school district, including comments from the BEA union leader:

On Monday evening, Bend-La Pine Schools and Bend Education Association reached a conceptual agreement on a new contract for certified employees in the school district including teachers, nurses, school psychologists, social workers and others.

The four-year collective bargaining agreement concludes negotiations that began last spring. The bargaining teams for the district and BEA were prepared to jointly request the assistance of a state mediator if an agreement could not be reached. A mediator won’t be needed now.

“This agreement is the result of lengthy and deep discussions with certified employees in our district on issues that matter both to them and to us,” Superintendent Steve Cook said. “We are committed to continually working to make Bend-La Pine Schools an employer of choice in our region, and to ensure our employees feel valued and cared for. We move closer to these goals with the mutual agreements we worked out through these negotiations.”

“I appreciate all of our educators for their patience as we worked through so many issues over the past eight months,” Dr. Cook added. “I also want to thank both bargaining teams for their resilience and tenacity in bringing this agreement to bear.”

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that prioritizes improvements to workload, learning environments, professional compensation and access to healthcare,” BEA President Sarah Barclay said. “The bargaining teams were dedicated to finding solutions to issues that our members advanced as necessary improvements for our students, staff and community, and persevered through a difficult process until those issues were addressed sufficiently. This agreement is a step in the right direction, and we still have work to do, together.”

The conceptual agreement provides a cost-of-living increase for certified employees: 6.2 percent for the current school year, retroactive to July 1, 2023; and 4.15% for 2024-25, effective July 1, 2024. The agreement also includes increases in the district’s insurance premium contribution: $50 a month effective Oct. 1, 2023; and $45 a month effective Oct. 1, 2024.

The bargaining teams also agreed to reopen discussions in spring 2025 to negotiate salary and insurance cap adjustments for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. In addition, each party will be allowed to reopen two other language items in the contract at that time.

The parties will bring the proposed 2023-27 collective bargaining agreement, which includes dozens of negotiated changes, to the BEA membership for a ratification vote and to the School Board for approval.

The District is still negotiating with the Oregon School Employees Association Chapter 6, representing classified employees in the district. Bargaining sessions are scheduled for Wednesday and Friday of this week.

The post Deal reached: Bend-La Pine Schools, Bend Education Association hammer out 4-year contract agreement appeared first on KTVZ .

Road Construction updates:

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

Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Dismantled, Three Arrested

Bend, OR - On January 28, 2024, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team arrested David Vance, Justin Vance, and Katie Borden in Bend, Oregon, following an investigation into David Vance's alleged fentanyl trafficking. The CODE detectives, aided by community tips, conducted surveillance and apprehended the suspects during a traffic stop. A search of their vehicle revealed a significant quantity of powdered fentanyl and fake pharmaceutical pills. Subsequent searches of their apartment at the Lighthouse Navigation Center's Franklin Hotel uncovered more evidence. David Vance faces charges related to fentanyl possession and attempted delivery, while Justin Vance has an additional outstanding warrant for a DUII charge. Katie Borden also faces charges of unlawful possession of fentanyl. The Shepherds House Ministries and Lighthouse Navigation Center management supported the investigation, emphasizing the dangers of fentanyl in the community

Redmond Police and CERT recover $50,000 in Stolen Items - Two Subjects Arrested

Redmond OR - In a successful joint operation between the Redmond Police Department (RPD) and the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT), authorities executed a search warrant on a camp situated on BLM land east of Redmond, Oregon, early this morning. The operation was the culmination of a two-week-long investigation that began on January 16. As a result of the operation, two individuals, 50-year-old Ryan Pooschke and 26-year-old Breann Sullens, were taken into custody and are now lodged at the Deschutes County Jail, facing a slew of charges.

The charges leveled against Pooschke and Sullens include Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated First Degree Theft, First Degree Criminal Mischief, Second-Degree Criminal Trespass, Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon, and Probation Violation. CERT's involvement in the operation was prompted by Mr. Pooschke's criminal history and information suggesting he might be in possession of a firearm. During the execution of the warrant, officers discovered a realistic AK-47 style air rifle, along with an AK-47 magazine loaded with 7.62 ammunition.

However, the most significant aspect of this operation was the recovery of a substantial number of tools that had been stolen from CNC Project Management, a Washington-based company. These tools were returned to CNC, which expressed their gratitude for the swift recovery, as it saved the jobs of seven of their employees who relied on these tools for their livelihoods. The total estimated value of the recovered tools is approximately $50,000.

The RPD continues to investigate this case in the hopes of locating additional stolen items and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Redmond Police Chief, Sarah Martinez, expressed her appreciation for CERT's assistance in this operation, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in combating criminal activity. She stated, "This operation exemplifies the dedication and teamwork of law enforcement agencies like CERT, which played a crucial role in bringing these individuals to justice and recovering valuable stolen property. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community."

Postal Service holding Bend job fair 5 days in February

The U.S. Postal Service is holding another series of job fairs in Bend in February. There are openings for mail carriers, handlers, clerks, tractor trailer/motor vehicle operators and automotive technicians.

The job fairs will be held at the Bend Post Office at 2300 NE 4th Street from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. each Thursday in February. Because of leap year, that means there will be five chances to come in.

Here is more from USPS: Employees will be available to help fair attendees with benefits, qualifications, and application questions. Laptops will be available on the day of the event for immediate application submission.

Starting pay varies depending on the job. But starting pay for carriers ranges between $19 and $20 per hour paid bi-weekly. Applications are accepted online at www.usps.com/careers. 

Applicants must be 18 years of age and be able to pass drug screening and a criminal background investigation. Although in some instances, interested candidates can also be 16 with a high school diploma. Applicants must also be available to work weekends and holidays. 

If someone can’t make it to the listed events, or for additional information regarding available positions in all areas, applicants can go to our website at www.usps.com/careers. Jobs are uploaded every other Tuesday until filled, and postings are updated frequently, so check back often for additional opportunities. Potential applicants can also visit any Post Office location for more information. 

Meet Jackson’s Corner’s new owners, a local couple

Bend, OR - The new owners of Bend’s beloved Jackson’s Corner are introducing themselves to the community.

Anna and Chris Hall are local entrepreneurs who have started several businesses including Lone Pine Coffee Roasters. The married couple had been wanting to start up a farm-to-table business when Jackson’s Corner went up for sale.

“So we kind of heard the news and looked at each other and thought, well, rather than starting from ground zero, it would be pretty cool to keep this thing going,” Chris said.

Anna is a Bend native and Chris is a long-time local who moved here from Colorado, the couple said on Instagram. 

Jackson’s Corner was put up for sale last fall for $1.2 million. The previous owners are still in town, operating Blue Eyes Burgers and Fries.

From Herd U Need A Home Facebook:

HUNAH Foster Spotlight!

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

Grab a tissue, or three, and settle in for this incredible HUNAH story of resilience, connection, love, and rescue magic…

In early 2019 the aptly named Rusty came into HUNAH rescue. This sweet pup was just under a year old and had a genetic deformity that threatened to keep him in pain forever. Randi and Cody Hennigan took Rusty into their home as foster parents while HUNAH sent out a plea to raise money to cover the costs of a surgery that could correct Rusty’s condition. Through the partnership of the HUNAH community’s generous donations, the surgical magic of Dr. Dave Colton at Central Oregon Animal Hospital, and the amazing foster family where Rusty could rehab, rest, and recover, Rusty had a new lease on life!

Well, we don’t really like to call it a foster fail as much as an adoption actualization. Rusty and his foster family realized they were meant to be together furever and that was that.

Fast forward to 2024 and Randi and Cody were ready to foster for HUNAH once again. Once back in action as a premier foster home, they accepted short-term foster pup Mary Francis/Coda, who was scheduled to be spayed and then, once recovered, meet her adoptive family next week. The spay surgery went well and the patient was resting comfortably in her bed post-op last night with caretaker Rusty on the job. Rusty was so concerned he kept bringing Mary toys to her bed and dropping them off. After Mary was in her crate sleeping, Rusty actually curled up on top of the crate to watch over the convalescing pup. Rusty, no stranger to surgery himself, showed so much empathy and concern for the furry patient in his home that we had to share this story. I mean, we already knew we had amazing foster humans at HUNAH, but even the foster dogs make good foster guardians for the dogs in their care.

[Note: Mary has a confirmed adoption so she is going to be living her best life soon. Rusty has applied for a new foster dog to take care of after Mary is rehomed.]

Are you interested in fostering with HUNAH? Is so, please check out our foster application here: Foster Application 

What’s Up Central Oregon

Special Fundraiser Event coming up for one of our favorite Non-Profits

Wednesday January 31st

Family Night - Dinner & Ministry 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM First Assembly of God Prineville 839 S Main St Prinveville Event Details

Comedy Open Mic - Rotating Hosts  8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Craft Kitchen & Brewery 62988 Layton Ave #103 Bend Event Details

Live Music at Va Piano Vineyards 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Old Mill District Bend Event Details

Thursday February 1st

Long Gone Wilder 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM The Stihl Whiskey Bar 550 NW Franklin Ave Bend Event Details  

Inro to the Joy of Capoeira 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM High Desert Martial Arts 20713 NE Empire Ave Bend Tickets Event Details

Friday February 2nd

First Friday Artwalk  Downtown Bend 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Imbolc Astrological Medicine Crafting w/Jasmine Kocie 5:30 PM The People’s Apothecary 1841 NE Division St Ste 150 Bend Tickets $55 + $2 Transaction Fee per class Event Details

Open Heart Open Mic: A Night of Sacred Passion 6:00 PM Hawthorn Healing Arts Center 39 NW Louisiana Ave Bend Event Details

Thoroughly Modern Productions: The Little Mermaid 7:30 PM Tower Theatre Bend Tickets  $35.50 - $55.50 (plus $4 Historic Preservation fee) Event Details

Saturday February 3rd 

HDFFA’s First Annual SOUPer Bowl 12pm - 3 pm Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon 19227 NW Skyliners Rd Bend Tickets $15 Event Details

Book Reading & Signing w/Local author Theodore Perez 1:00 PM The Bohemian Peddler’s Black Bird Magical Tea & Tales 185 SE E St Madras Event Details

Flannel Fest - Winter Warmer Ale Festival 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Midtown Yacht Club 373 NE Quimby Ave Bend Event Details

Service Workshop 1:00 PM Wildhorse Harley-Davidson 63028 Sherman Rd Bend Event Details

Sunday February 4th 

Bluegrass Jam Circle 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Bevel Craft Brewing 911 SE Armour Rd Bend Event Details

Open Mic Night 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Silver Moon Brewing 24 NW Greenwood Ave Bend Event Details

Deschutes Public Library Events

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This week’s pets are from

Street Dog Hero

Meet Pearl & Jade

What the Pug??? How have Pearl and Jade not been adopted yet?! These two siblings came to SDH from a shelter in El Centro, California near the Mexicali border. Before arriving in Bend, they had lived at the shelter for over 6 months because they were part of a neglect case and the criminal charges were still pending. What we know about their past is that 4 of the siblings were living outside 24/7 in 120 degree heat (El Centro, CA in the summer gets HOT). Sadly, one of the siblings died of heat stroke before they were able to get rescued. But thankfully, Jade, Pearl and their sister Ruby (who has since been adopted through SDH) were rescued and brought to the shelter.

These girls are very resilient though and have been loving spending time in a home with their fosters while they wait for their forever families. Jade and Pearl are both 1.5 years old and are very sweet, goofy, and their fosters tell us they are great with kids, cats and other dogs. Pearl is a little shy and takes some time to warm up to new people but once she does, she is a total cuddler. Jade on the other hand, is the life of the party and loves pretty much everyone and everything. This girl has never had a bad day, let’s just say that.

Now, all they need is a forever home! If you’d like to apply to adopt Pearl or Jade, please head to our website to submit an application. We are first come, first served so be sure to get your application in asap! Adoption link

What street is this in downtown Bend?

A) Minnesota Ave

B) Oregon Ave

C) Franklin Ave

D) Greenwood Ave

Answer: B) Oregon Ave looking towards Pine Tavern Circa 1940s

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