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📰 Kicker Claims Top $1.6 Billion with a Month to Go Before Tax Deadline

📰 Kicker Claims Top $1.6 Billion with a Month to Go Before Tax Deadline

Issue #098

19 Mar

We have units and RV Parking Available

Be aware Gmail will sometimes ‘clip’ the newsletter, but you can always:

👇

In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰Bend-La Pine Schools ban e-bikes

📰 Kicker Claims Top $1.6 Billion with a Month to Go Before Tax Deadline

📰Deschutes Public Library Seeks Applicants for Board Vacancy

📰 Input Sought On West Bend Trails Project

📰 Fire & Rescue News

🚨💥Injury crash shuts down U.S. Highway 20 west of Santiam Pass

📰 Crime News

🚨💊Bend Woman Arrested for Fentanyl Trafficking Following Terrebonne Traffic Stop

👮Police Seeking Witnesses in Redmond Stabbing Incident -UPDATE

📰Community News

🚫🔥Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative hosting wildfire preparedness fairs across region

🧒Camp Fire C. Oregon to celebrate 27th annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day with free ice skating at The Pavilion

🤝Local Cause Spotlight - Igniting Potential: Camp Fire Central Oregon Empowering Youth and Shaping Communities

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

What type of reservoir is Lake Billy Chinook?

A) Natural lake

B) Artificial lake

C) Glacier-fed lake

D) Volcanic lake

👇Find the Answer at the end of the Newletter👇

First day of Spring!

BEND

Bend-La Pine Schools ban e-bikes, e-scooters illegally ridden to school by students under 16, may hold them for parents

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bend-La Pine Schools officials say a rising use of e-bikes by students not old enough to legally ride them has led to collisions and close calls. That's prompted a rule change that prohibits students under age 16 from riding e-bikes or e-scooters to school and could lead to them being held for parents to pick up, if there are repeated violations.

“We have seen growing numbers of underage riders bringing electric bikes and scooters to school, even as we’ve reminded students and families that state law prohibits those under 16 from operating these,” Superintendent Steven Cook said in a recently distributed newsletter to families.

“Stakeholders and our community have asked for stronger measures to promote the safety of riders and the pedestrians who share sidewalks and pathways with them. We’re ready to do what we can to accomplish this.”

The new rule already is in effect, but enforcement will begin when classes resume after spring break on Monday, April 8. Repeated violations could lead to the e-bike or e-scooter being held at school for the parent or guardian to pick up.

Isabella Warren is talking with school officials about the reasons for the rule change and how they expect it to roll out. Her report will be on NewsChannel 21 at Five.

Oregon lawmakers recently adopted a bill referred to as Trenton’s Law, named for Bend teen Trenton Burger, killed in an e-bike crash last year.

But that legislation was reduced om the legislative process to only update the definitions of e-bikes and did not change the laws related to e-bikes and who can legally ride them, though its sponsor, state Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend, said more changes will be sought to improve safety in coming sessions.

The new school district policy was in the works well before consideration and passage of that bill, which has yet to be signed into law by Gov. Tina Kotek.

“We’ve been working on this for months,” Director of Communications Scott Maben said late last week.

“Last fall, we first started seeing an explosion in students riding e-bikes,” Maben said. “We first communicated with families to please” keep their younger students from riding the e-bikes to school, but did not at that time take the addition step of confiscating them.

Maben said over the winter, “we were getting more and more feedback from the community, saying that ‘the school district has to do something,’ so we re-evaluated our own administrative rules,” which will now give a warning before an e-bike is held at school for the parents to come pick it up.

The delay to April 8 is meant to give families time to arrange other ways for their students to get to and from school. There will be new signs posted to remind everyone, and administrators will be at the schools to help educate everyone about the new rules.

Here's the letter the school district sent home last week to middle school families:

New rule for e-bikes, e-scooters

March 12, 2024

Dear Bend-La Pine School District Parents and Guardians,

Earlier this school year, we taught bike safety lessons during advisory in all of our middle schools. We have also shared resources with you through school newsletters. In these newsletters, we outlined bike safety practices and communicated that, under Oregon law, e-bikes and e-scooters are illegal for anyone under 16 years of age.

Unfortunately, e-bike and e-scooter ridership has not decreased at our middle schools. This year alone, we’ve had several collisions involving e-bikes that have resulted in injuries, as well as many close calls reported to us from bus drivers and concerned community members.

As a result of these incidents, after much public comment to our school board and administrators, and in consultation with law enforcement, we have created a new rule governing e-bikes and e-scooters on school campuses (KGB-AR: Public Conduct on District Property).

Under this new rule, those who operate bicycles, electric bicycles or electric scooters must be in compliance with Oregon motor vehicle and bike regulations and laws on school property. The rule also states, “E-bikes and E-scooters are prohibited on district property for persons under age 16.” Accordingly, the District will no longer allow any student under age 16 to bring an e-bike or e-scooter onto school property.

We are giving families time to arrange alternative transportation if their students are currently using, or plan to use, an e-bike or e-scooter to travel to and from school. Beginning April 8, administrators will contact students and parents/guardians about instances of violations of the e-bike/e-scooter rule.

School administrators at our middle schools will treat e-bikes and e-scooters the following ways:

For a first offense, the student and parent/guardian will be notified and reminded of the rule. We will ask the parent/guardian their wishes for arranging the student’s transportation home that day.
For a second offense, the student and parent/guardian will be notified, and the e-bike or e-scooter will be held at the school for the parent/guardian to pick up.
For subsequent offenses, the student and parent/guardian will be notified, the e-bike or e-scooter will be held at the school for the parent/guardian to pick up, and the parent/guardian will be asked to meet at school with an administrator and/or School Resource Officer.
Students who continue to violate this rule shall face additional consequences.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we institute this new rule for student and public safety. We hope students continue to seek alternative, safe and legal transportation options to our schools.

The post Bend-La Pine Schools ban e-bikes, e-scooters illegally ridden to school by students under 16, may hold them for parents appeared first on KTVZ .

Kicker Claims Top $1.6 Billion with a Month to Go Before Tax Deadline

Oregon taxpayers have already claimed nearly $1.6 billion of the record $5.61 billion surplus revenue kicker tax credit being returned to taxpayers in 2024, the Oregon Department of Revenue announced.

The department also reported that it has received more than 950,000 tax returns thus far this year. Another 1.2 million returns are expected to be filed in 2024 and more than $4 billion in kicker surplus remains to be claimed. The tax filing deadline is April 15.

“More than 1 million taxpayers still need to file and we are urging Oregonians not to wait until the last minute,” said Megan Denison, administrator of the agency’s Personal Tax and Compliance Division. “We also urge anyone who is owed a kicker to file and claim it.”

The kicker — the largest in state history — is being returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2023 state personal income tax returns filed in 2024. The credit is based on tax liability for the 2022 tax year. Taxpayers who have not yet filed a 2022 tax return, should file now so they can claim their kicker credit when they file their 2023 tax return.

Who is eligible?

Taxpayers are eligible to claim the kicker if they filed a 2022 tax return and Oregon state income tax due before credits.

Even taxpayers who don’t have a filing obligation for 2023, still must file a 2023 tax return to claim their credit. The kicker is based on Oregon income tax paid in 2022, not federal income tax paid.

Who is not eligible?

Taxpayers who have not filed a 2022 Oregon income tax return or did not have income tax due for 2022 are not eligible to receive a kicker. The same is true for filers who didn’t complete the filing process last year because they failed to respond to letters from the department seeking more information.

How is the kicker calculated?

To calculate the amount of their credit, taxpayers can multiply their 2022 tax liability before any credits — line 22 on the 2022 Form OR-40 — by 44.28 percent. This percentage is determined and certified by Oregon Office of Economic Analysis. Taxpayers who claimed a credit for tax paid to another state would need to subtract the credit amount from their liability before calculating the credit.

Taxpayers whose 2022 Oregon income tax owed was adjusted by the department when they filed last year, should use the adjusted amount of tax when calculating their kicker.

Taxpayers should not guess at their kicker amount. They can determine the amount of their kicker using the What’s My Kicker? Tool available on Revenue Online. To use the tool, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2022 and 2023.

What form should taxpayers use?

Residency status determines what form taxpayers should use. More information is available on the What form do I use page of the agency’s website.

The 2023 Oregon personal income tax return instructions include detailed information on how to claim the credit on Form OR-40 for full-year Oregon residents, Form OR-40-P for part-year residents, and Form OR-40-N for nonresidents. Composite and fiduciary-income tax return filers are also eligible.

Taxpayers should keep in mind that the state may use all or part of their kicker to pay any state debt they owe, such as tax due for other years, child support, court fines, or school loans.

Taxpayers can donate their kicker with a checkbox on their tax return to the Oregon State School Fund for K-12 public education, but they must donate the entire amount. The donation is permanent and cannot be taken back.

Taxpayers also have the option of donating part or all of their refund to any or all of the 29 charities approved by the Charitable Checkoff Commission. Taxpayers use Form OR-DONATE to designate any amount or all of their refund to donate to charity.

Free tax preparation services are available for both federal and Oregon tax returns. Some software companies offer free software use and e-filing for eligible taxpayers. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services .

For more information, go to the Oregon surplus “kicker” credit page of the Department of Revenue website.

Visit oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments; call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email [email protected]

Deschutes Public Library Seeks Applicants for Board Vacancy

The Deschutes Public Library District seeks applications to fill a newly vacant board position. The vacancy is in Zone 4, which serves Deschutes County precincts 2, 4, 9, 12, 21, 25, 33, 43 and 44 in east and southeast Bend.

Any elector residing within these precincts is qualified to serve as a board member. A precinct map can be found on the Deschutes County Clerk’s website at deschutes.org/clerk/page/precinct-and-district-maps. Applications can be made online at deschuteslibrary.org/about/board/applications/board_application. All applications must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 to be considered.

The Deschutes Public Library Board holds monthly meetings the second Wednesday of every month at 5:30pm as well as periodic subcommittee meetings and Board planning sessions.

Board member Ray Miao resigned his position as the board member representing Zone 4 on Wednesday morning, March 13, creating the immediate vacancy.

The Deschutes Public Library is located in the high desert of Central Oregon and serves more than 200,000 Deschutes County residents though libraries in Bend, La Pine, Redmond, Sisters and Sunriver. The Library’s mission is to enrich the community through equitable, open access to books, services and resources that inspire people to reach for their dreams. Outreach services to senior centers, day care providers, homebound residents and unhoused residents are an integral part of the Library. In addition to its buildings, the Library’s website provides access to hundreds of thousands of books and other resources. The Library also offers free and dynamic cultural programming, classes and story times.

deschuteslibrary.org

Input Sought On West Bend Trails Project

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes National Forest is taking public input on the West Bend Trails project on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District. A draft Environmental Assessment was just released for the proposal to reroute almost nine miles of trail to improve trail intersections and reduce long-term maintenance. It would also add more than 17 miles of new trails and decommission about 17 miles of unauthorized trails. The 30-day comment period closes April 15th. Learn more about what's planned HERE.

The draft Environmental Assessment is available HERE. Comments can be submitted electronically by email or by mail to:

Kevin Stock, District Ranger

c/o Emilie Bedard, Deschutes National Forest

63095 Deschutes Market Road

Bend, OR 97701

Weekly Road and Traffic Report for the Week of March 18 – 24 Bend

Weekly Road Construction Update Week of March 17 to March 23 Deschutes County

Injury crash shuts down U.S. Highway 20 west of Santiam Pass

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A two-vehicle injury crash west of Santiam Pass shut U.S. Highway 20 late Sunday afternoon for over an hour while first responders treated those involved and an air ambulance landed at the scene.

Oregon State Police said they responded around 4:30 p.m. to the crash at milepost 79, about two miles west of the Santiam Pass summit.

Troopers said a silver Hyundai Accent left its lane and struck a gray Toyota 4-Runner. The Toyota driver was unhurt while the Hyundai driver was taken to St. Charles Bend.

ODOT’s TripCheck indicated motorists were advised to use an alternate route.

Westbound traffic on the highway quickly backed up past the entrance to Hoodoo Ski Area. Driver Brandi Stambaugh said they had not moved for over an hour as of 5:30 p.m. and saw at least one, possibly two air ambulances circling before landing in the vicinity.

The highway was reopened before 6 p.m.

Bend Woman Arrested for Fentanyl Trafficking Following Terrebonne Traffic Stop

Terrebonne, OR –

A Bend woman is facing charges related to the trafficking of controlled substances after the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team concluded a short-term investigation with a traffic stop in north Deschutes County.

On March 15^th, 2024, around midnight, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team concluded a short-term investigation and surveillance operation with the apprehension of Nancy Long, age 38 of Bend, Oregon.

Nancy Long was identified by drug agents as a trafficker of fentanyl in central Oregon. The initial investigation suggested that Ms. Long has been importing significant quantities of fentanyl from the Portland metropolitan area into central Oregon, where she distributes it.

Following a multi-county surveillance operation, CODE Detectives, in collaboration with Deschutes County Sheriff deputies, intercepted Ms. Long while he was a passenger in a Chevrolet Colorado on Highway 97 at mile post 104, just north of Terrebonne.

CODE narcotics detection K9 “Bonnie” was deployed and signaled her handler to the presence of a controlled substance within the Chevrolet.

A subsequent search of Ms. Long’s clothing, a substantial quantity of fentanyl powder was found.

Ms. Long was lodged in the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Jail with the following charges.

Unlawful Possession and Attempted Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)

The driver of the Chevrolet was released at the scene without charges.

Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Police Seeking Witnesses in Redmond Stabbing Incident - 03/18/24
UPDATE

Police Seeking Witnesses in Redmond Stabbing Incident

Redmond, OR – On Thursday, March 14, at approximately 4:55 p.m., Redmond Police responded to a stabbing that occurred in the downtown area. The victim in the case was transported to St. Charles hospital in Bend. The victim’s condition in the case is improving, and the case is actively being investigated. A suspect has not yet been identified. Police are seeking anyone who may have witnessed an altercation between two people on Friday around 4:50 p.m. The altercation may have occurred in the alleyway between SW Evergreen Avenue and SW Deschutes Avenue, east of SW 7^th Street. Police are also asking for any businesses in that area who have surveillance video, to contact the police if they have not already been contacted by investigators.

If you have any information about the case, please contact Detective Ben Halsey through police dispatch at 541-693-6911.

Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative hosting wildfire preparedness fairs across region

BEND, OrThe Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative will be hosting free Wildfire Preparedness Fairs throughout Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties to provide resources for how people can prepare for wildfire season and smoke events, mitigate wildfire risk around their homes, and learn about planned spring prescribed burning.

The public is invited to participate, coming together as a community to learn about crucial strategies and resources to stay safe during wildfire season. With the increasing threat of wildfires, it's essential that we equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect our homes, families, and environment.

Engage with representatives from local fire departments, county health agencies, emergency management and land managers who will provide resources and answer questions on topics including wildfire safety, emergency kits, evacuations and community action plans. Have your burning questions answered by professionals in the field of wildfire management and emergency response.

There will be fun and educational items to teach children about fire safety. Connect with fellow community members to take proactive steps to safeguard your community against the threat of wildfires.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Community Room 301 South Elm Street

Camp Fire C. Oregon to celebrate 27th annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day with free ice skating at The Pavilion

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® is this week! The national holiday that strives to lift up today’s kids and teens is officially this Thursday, March 21. However, Camp Fire Central Oregon is celebrating a day early with a FREE ice-skating party for all Central Oregon youth after school on Wednesday, March 20 in Bend.

The celebration is timed to coincide with Bend-La Pine Schools’ early-release Wednesday so lots of kid“Growing up today is hard,” says Nadia Kelem, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s community engagement coordinator. “Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®, which happens in the same month as Camp Fire’s birthday, is a way for all of us to pause and focus on what’s incredible about today’s youth, tell them why they matter, and really celebrate them. And because kids are incredible for so many reasons, we’re offering this celebration plus some great ways for adults to tell the kids in their lives why they are incredible. It’s going to be a fabulous day of fun, centered around helping kids thrive!”

All the awesome details:

WHAT - Camp Fire Central Oregon celebrates the 27th Annual AIK Day with free ice skating for any person under 18 years old. Must be accompanied by an adult, limited to the first 200 kids in the door. Youth are encouraged to bring helmets for skating as supplies are limited. This is a FREE EVENT and is open to the public. No previous involvement with Camp Fire Central Oregon is required. The event includes plenty of time on the ice, plus unique AIK Day activities, including a STEM table, photo booth and crafts, plus Camp Fire birthday cake for all!s can attend.
WHEN - Wednesday, March 20, 1:00-3:45 p.m. Arrive by 3:00 p.m. to allow for time to skate or do other activities.
WHERE - The Pavilion, 1001 SW Bradbury Dr, Bend, OR 97702
WHO - Camp Fire Central Oregon, and the youth and families of our community
WHY - How often do we stop to tell the kids and teens in our lives how incredible they are? This is why Camp Fire founded AIK Day in 1997 as an encouragement to activate millions of adults across the U.S. to write/tell a young person in their life what makes them incredible.
• MORE INFORMATION - campfireco.org /aikd and [email protected]
Every year, on the third Thursday of March, thousands of adults send notes, emails, letters, texts, and videos to encourage and inspire young people across the country. 2024 AIKD is officially March 21 (Camp Fire's birthday!), though we will be celebrating locally with our event on March 20. We will be encouraging adults beforehand—and at the Mach 20 event—to write meaningful, encouraging, and empowering letters to the young people in their lives. Anyone with fun pictures or letters can spread their appreciation for kids on social media using the hashtag: #KIDDAY. Official downloadable stationary and a coloring page are available on Camp Fire’s website: https://campfireco.org/aikd.

Today’s Local Cause Spotlight is Camp Fire Central Oregon

Igniting Potential: Camp Fire Central Oregon Empowering Youth and Shaping Communities

Camp Fire Central Oregon is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to serving the youth and families of the Central Oregon region. With a mission to provide opportunities for children and teens to discover their potential, find their voice, and shape their communities, Camp Fire Central Oregon has been a pillar of support and growth for over 100 years. Established in 1910, the organization has a rich history of delivering programs that focus on fostering creativity, leadership skills, and environmental stewardship among young individuals. Camp Fire Central Oregon is committed to ensuring that all youth have access to their programs, regardless of their background or circumstances.

One of the key offerings is their summer camps, which provide children with a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors, engage in hands-on activities, and build lasting friendships. These camps are designed to be fun, educational, and empowering, allowing campers to develop important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. By immersing themselves in nature and unplugging from technology, participants gain a sense of independence, resilience, and connection to the environment around them. Camp Fire Central Oregon's summer camps create a supportive environment where every child can thrive and grow.

Beyond summer camps, Camp Fire Central Oregon offers a variety of year-round programs that cater to the diverse needs and interests of youth in the region. From after-school programs that provide academic support and enrichment activities to leadership development initiatives that empower young people to become agents of change in their communities, Camp Fire Central Oregon offers a range of opportunities for personal growth and skill-building. The organization's commitment to creating safe spaces where youth can express themselves, learn new things, and make meaningful connections is evident in all their programming.

Through scholarships, sliding-scale fees, and outreach efforts, the organization strives to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent any child from participating in their programs. By actively promoting diversity and accessibility, Camp Fire Central Oregon is able to reach a wide range of youth from different backgrounds and provide them with valuable experiences that contribute to their holistic development.

In addition to traditional camp experiences and year-round programs, Camp Fire Central Oregon offers innovative initiatives that address the evolving needs of today's youth. Their Teen Leadership program empowers teenagers to take on leadership roles in their communities through service projects, workshops on social justice issues, and opportunities for personal growth. By instilling values of responsibility, empathy, and civic engagement in young people, this program equips them with the tools they need to become active participants in creating positive change. Furthermore, Camp Fire Central Oregon's environmental education initiatives promote sustainability and stewardship among youth by connecting them with nature through hands-on activities and experiential learning.

The impact of their programs is evident in the stories of the youth they serve. Many participants report increased self-confidence, improved social skills, and a greater sense of belonging as a result of their involvement with the organization. By fostering a culture of respect, acceptance, and support, Camp Fire Central Oregon creates a nurturing environment where every child can thrive and grow into their best selves. These outcomes are crucial for building resilience, self-esteem, and leadership skills in youth as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and prepare for adulthood.

As a non-profit organization, Camp Fire Central Oregon relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners to sustain their impactful work. By investing in youth development programs that prioritize empowerment, supporters of Camp Fire Central Oregon play a vital role in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer hours, or advocacy efforts, individuals can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in Central Oregon by supporting Camp Fire's mission. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover their potential and make a positive impact on their communities.

Through their unwavering commitment to youth development, Camp Fire Central Oregon continues to make a profound impact on the lives of children and families in Central Oregon. By providing transformative experiences that foster personal growth, leadership skills, and environmental awareness, this organization is shaping a brighter future for our community. Whether through summer camps, after-school programs, or leadership initiatives, Camp Fire Central Oregon remains dedicated to igniting the spark within every child they serve.