📈 Central Oregon remains a hot spot for growth, despite statewide slowdown

Issue #099

20 Mar

This issue’s Sponsor is

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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🍽🍺 Delays put off opening of Shorty’s Taphouse in Culver

📰 John Hodecker, philanthropist and inheritor of Redmond potato empire, dies at 90

📈 Central Oregon remains a hot spot for growth, despite statewide slowdown

📰 Crime News

⛽ Cascade East Transit experiences multiple gas thefts

⚖ Warm Springs man gets six year for fatal 2020 DUII crash

📰Community News

🏫 Spring Break Brings Popular Wildlife Program and Warhol-Inspired Event with Local Artist

😻😻 Pets of the Week - Eduardo & Francis

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

 

What is the approximate size of Lake Billy Chinook in acres?

A) 3,000 acres

B) 6,000 acres

C) 11,000 acres

D) 15,000 acres

👇Find the Answer at the end of the Newletter👇

BEND

Artist rendering of the exterior of the proposed Shorty’s Taphouse from land use application

Delays put off opening of Shorty’s Taphouse in Culver

 Pat Kruis The Madras Pioneer

Culver, OR

A year ago, when Heather Kenyon and her mother Diane announced their plans to open a new taphouse in Culver, they had hoped to open by last July 4, August at the latest.

Both of those opening dates have long passed. The Kenyons now hope to open this September at the earliest.

“My daughter would have given up a long time ago,” said Diane. “I have spent $330,000 on this project. I can’t walk away. I’d lose it all. I’m bound and determined to see it through.”

The entrepreneurs worried about meeting their May 16 deadline with the city. Monday, March 11 they won a six-month extension from the Culver Planning Commission.The Kenyon’s have been caught in a wrestling match between the Oregon Department of Transportation and the city of Culver over stormwater abatement.

The two sides have been struggling since October to come up with a design that satisfies both the city and ODOT.

The way Diane Kenyon puts it, the city doesn’t think ODOT’s plan is aesthetically pleasing, ODOT doesn’t think the city’s plan is practical.

Culver’s City Planner Dan Meader is confident they’ll come up with a solution. “The city supports it, and we’ll do what we can do to help her through the process.”

The Kenyons are close to nailing down their financing. Their bank is confident they’ll close by the end of March.

If that happens, Kenyon said they could order the building by the beginning of April. The contractor would deliver it in July, August at the latest. With a month to finish out the lot, they could open by September.

They’re building the restaurant out of shipping containers, the kind loaded onto rail cars or truck flatbeds. The city of Culver recently joined with many other cities in banning shipping containers. The city approved the plans for Shorty’s Taphouse before the city initiated the shipping container ban. Kenyon worries if they miss their deadline, they will no longer be allowed to use their original design.

The clock is ticking. The new six-month extension sets the construction deadline for Shorty’s Taphouse at Nov. 16.

Shorty’s Taphouse will sit at the corner of Iris Lane and Culver Highway (State Highway 361), for many the first thing people will see as they enter Culver from the south.

An artist has approached the Kenyons to perhaps paint a Welcome to Culver mural on the finished building, much like the murals in Madras and Redmond.

While the process included far more obstacles than Kenyon expected, she thinks their experience will benefit other businesses.

“It will help anyone else bringing a business to town,” she said. “It will make it easier.”

John Hodecker, philanthropist and inheritor of Redmond potato empire, dies at 90

John Hodecker, whose potato processing business made him one of the largest employers and landowners in Redmond, died March 5 in the city he helped grow and prosper.

He was 90 years old.

John Frederick Hodecker was born June 20, 1933. His father owned Fred Hodecker Potatoes since the late 1930s. The family company owned potato processors, warehouses and storage facilities throughout the region, the largest of which was along the railroad tracks just east of downtown Redmond.

“At one time, I guess we probably stored and shipped out 13,000 to 15,000 tons of potatoes in a single year,” John told The Deschutes Pioneers’ Gazette in 2010.

In the company’s heyday, it employed more than 80 people — a significant number for a city that was home to no more than a few thousand people until the 1990s.

When the Central Oregon potato industry collapsed in the 1980s, John Hodecker closed the plant and turned his attention to Mid-State Fertilizer. He also dedicated himself to the Redmond community, both by selling land to developers and donating more than a million dollars to charitable causes.

Working late

John’s son, Greg, said that even after “retirement” John showed up at work nearly every day at 7 a.m., until a stroke sidelined him about a year ago.

“He had his routine. He had to go to the post office, he had to get the mail, he had to take it to the plant. I think that is how you live to be 90 though,” Lynn Hodecker, John Hodecker’s daughter, said. “Every day you’ve got to get up and you’ve got to do these things.”

Right-handed Hodecker was an avid golfer who played left-handed and organized golf tournaments for left-handed players. He was a member of the Redmond Kiwanis Club for nearly it to 50 years. In 2004, he was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Redmond Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to the community.

Building Redmond

People walk through Brooks Alley on Thursday in downtown Bend. Within Central Oregon, Deschutes County had the most growth from 2020 to 2023, at 5.2% over three years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Central Oregon remains a hot spot for growth, despite statewide slowdown

Central Oregon remains a hotspot for growth despite statewide declines, with Deschutes County leading the pack at 5.2% growth over three years. Crook County also saw significant growth, becoming the third-fastest growing county in 2022-2023. Jefferson County's growth slowed to 0.5%. This growth contrasts with statewide reductions, with counties like Multnomah shrinking by 3.2%. Central Oregon's appeal for retirees and families is driving this trend, supported by a diverse economy and ample job opportunities. Officials anticipate continued growth and aim to sustain a thriving community for all generations.

This story is a summary of a story that appeared in the Bend Bulletin

 

The CET bus to Warm Springs outside the Jefferson County Community Center

Cascade East Transit experiences multiple gas thefts

Kiva Hanson The Madras Pioneer

Madras, OR

A rash of incidents where gas has been stolen from buses operated by Cascade East Transit in Madras has led to $2,000 in losses.

The thefts began in January, and since then gas has been drained and stolen from the buses 12 times.

The buses are stored at the Jefferson County Community Center overnight. All the thefts occurred after the last driver completes their shift at 7 p.m.

“CET has notified Madras PD, and the drivers are calling into the police dispatch every morning that they come in and there has been a theft of the fuel. Madras PD has an open case and case number regarding this incident. Madras PD has informed us that they have increased night patrol in the area,” said Roman Guffey, CET transit operations manager.

Drivers have historically fueled up at the end of their shifts, leaving 40 gallons of fuel in each bus overnight. Now, CET has drivers arriving slightly earlier to their shifts and fueling up before they begin their routes.

CET says that this change, and the fuel thefts have not and will not impact the service in the area. “CET assures that this will not impact service to the community and has made efforts with the drivers to start a little earlier if needed to fuel up in the morning, thus resulting in no delays to service for the day,” said Guffey.

Some suggest adding additional measures, like locking gas caps, but Guffey says those have caused more problems than solutions in the past. “We have had them in the past, they are cheaply made, and while it does slow people down some, they end up damaging the cap trying to do so, and then the bus is non-operational as the check engine light comes on and then we have to go and spend money each time to get a new gas cap,” said Guffey.

Guffey says that changing the schedule and increasing patrols has helped mitigate the problem, citing a specific incident where Madras PD confiscated 10 gallons of gas that were ditched by suspects after their patrol passed, however, the suspects got away.

With the changes, CET has seen no major thefts, but reports there have been a few incidents of gas caps lying on the ground near the buses or gas spilled on the ground, but little gas was stolen.

A police report has been filled out with MPD, and the investigation remains open and on-going.

A crash on Northwest Columbia Drive north of Madras Oct. 13, 2020 left a 20-year-old man dead and three others injured. James Roy Kalama of Warm Springs was sentenced to six years and three months in prison. He was 17 at the time of the crash. 

Warm Springs man gets six year for fatal 2020 DUII crash

Kiva Hanson The Madras Pioneer

James Roy Kalama, 21, of Warm Springs was sentenced to 75 months in prison for the 2020 crash that resulted in the death of his passenger, Christopher D. Johnson, 20.

Kalama, who was 17 at the time of the crash, was driving on Northwest Columbia Drive near Fir Lane North of Madras when his vehicle left the roadway. Kalama was intoxicated at the time of the incident. Kalama struck a power line and his car flipped when it left the roadway. Three other passengers in the vehicle were injured in the crash.

Kalama was convicted on March 12 of second-degree manslaughter, third degree assault, driving under the influence of intoxicants and recklessly endangering another person. He pled no contest to all counts. His driver’s license is suspended for life, and he was ordered to pay a fine totaling $10,523 to the family of Johnson and Central Electric Cooperative.

The sentence given totals 75 months across all counts and three years post-prison supervision.

Spring Break Brings Popular Wildlife Program and Warhol-Inspired Event with Local Artist


BEND, OR — Spring break kicks off at the High Desert Museum this Saturday, March 23, with special programming throughout the week and the opportunity to see engaging temporary exhibitions.

One of the Museum’s most anticipated wildlife programs, Sky Hunters, returns to the E.L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center on Saturday. Visitors can get up close with some of the Museum’s most inspiring raptors as they fly overhead in an intimate, indoor demonstration. Featured birds may include the new-to-the-Museum red-legged hawk and aplomado falcon, as well as perennial favorites like the barn owl. 

While nine different birds will participate in Sky Hunters, four or five of them will fly in any single show. All animals in the Museum’s care are given choice and control over their participation in public programs as well as periods of rest and rotation. The program will take place twice daily through Saturday, March 30 with demonstrations at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. Tickets are $7 and will be available at Museum admissions—and they go fast! Museum members receive a 20 percent discount. Sky Hunters is possible with support from Fly Redmond.

The Museum is also excited to present a brand new program made possible by Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation and in conjunction with exhibition Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his Family Foundation. Special guest and local artist Sweet Pea Cole will be onsite on Wednesday, March 26 for Printmaking Impressions, a chance to create art with an Andy Warhol aesthetic and High Desert flare. Using various stamps designed by Cole and crafted by Bend Rubber Stamp & Printing, Museum visitors of all ages can look forward to bringing colorful portraits of the Museum’s wildlife to life in a few fun and easy steps. The program is free with Museum admission and runs between 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Also, the clock is ticking on the opportunity to see Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species. The exhibition’s last day is Sunday, April 7. 

Spring break visitors will also have the chance to experience other temporary exhibitions. The newest original exhibition, Sensing Sasquatch, explores the past, present and future of Sasquatch from an Indigenous lens. Native peoples of the Plateau have long known about, encountered, depicted, and told stories about Sasquatch. Works by five Indigenous artists tell these stories: Phillip Cash Cash, Ph.D. (Nez Perce, Cayuse), HollyAnna CougarTracks DeCoteau Littlebull (Yakama, Nez Perce, Cayuse, Cree), Charlene “Tillie” Moody (Warm Springs), Frank Buffalo Hyde (Nez Perce, Onondaga) and Rocky LaRock (Salish). 

While engaging with this exhibition, Museum visitors can expect to use all their senses, including smell. The gallery’s sensory elements are reflective of the overwhelming and otherworldly experience that is an encounter with this “non-human” other. Sensing Sasquatch will be on exhibit through January 12, 2025 and is free with Museum admission. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/sensing-sasquatch.

Another temporary exhibition, Timber Culture, will be open throughout spring break. Curated by the Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center, Timber Culture tells the story of Maxville—a logging town that sprung up against the Wallowa Mountains as the timber industry boomed across the High Desert region a century ago. Although Timber Culture is a traveling photography exhibition at its core, the Museum’s exhibitions team added their own special touches. The exhibit features historic objects from the Museum’s collection illustrating everyday life in the era as well as a few hands-on interactives for kids like a wash basin with wash boards and a cross section of a massive old growth ponderosa pine tree. 

Alongside these temporary exhibitions and special programs, the Museum will offer multiple daily talks for visitors to enjoy. Guests can take a walk around the grounds with one of the Museum’s naturalists during the Nature Walk at 10:30 am or get to know the Museum’s otters during the Otter Encounter at 1:00 pm. During the daily Mammal Encounter at 3:00 pm, guests can meet one of the ambassador mammals in the Museum's care—like a porcupine—and learn about the adaptations that enable them to thrive in High Desert habitats.

To plan your trip to the High Desert Museum this spring break, visit highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon. 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Story of Phil’s Trail, A Singletrack Mecca in Bend, Oregon

From Bend Magazine

Built by Phil (and Bob, Paul, Jimmy, Ben, Kent, Eric, Cody, Mike & more)

When I was 10 years old, my dad and I drove out Skyliners Road to ride bikes with an old guy who wanted to show us a trail he’d built. The singletrack was new and barely ridden, but it was great fun, with swooping turns through a beautiful canyon. On the way home, I remember thinking, “Awesome trail, but nobody is ever going to ride waaaay out there, old man.”

The year was 1985, and that old man was Phil Meglasson. If you’ve ever ridden a mountain bike, by now you’ve probably guessed that trail was Phil’s Trail.

Meet Eduardo & Francis

Eduardo and Francis are longing for their purrfect home! These two can go together or separate as they are not a bonded pair. They are around 4 1/2 years old and are some of the sweetest Russian Blues you'll ever lay eyes on! They are both great with other cats, and don't mind dogs that are mindful of cats.

They both have their vet work all completed and can be fully adopted.

Their adoption fee is $50 each and they come with a free health exam, a goody bag, and 30 days of support from Petcademy!

Meet Eduardo

Eduardo came to us as a stray with a few other cats from a cat colony.
He is around 4 1/2 years old and doesn't seem to mind other cats.
He enjoys getting head rubs and likes to get lots of attention.
Come on in and meet Eduardo today!

Meet Francis

Meet Francis!
She is around 4 1/2 years old and came to us as a stray with a few other cats from a cat colony.
She does well with other cats.
She is more on the shy side and likes peace and quiet.
She does enjoy attention and getting her head rubbed as well as kitty snacks!
If you'd like to come in and meet her, we are open from 10 am to 4 pm!

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

What’s Up Central Oregon

 

Join us for the 3rd Annual Bend Health Fair!  Meet practitioners, ask questions, learn about different health offerings, try a service & shop from local makers!  This is a family friendly event-bring your kiddos to meet the Easter Bunny and take photos! All kids will receive a free Easter Basket to participate in the Easter Egg hunt!  Be one of the first 150 guests and receive a FREE swag bag with AMAZING gifts and goodies!  While you’re there, head to our co-event, the Bend Beauty Expo to watch a fashion show!

*Your $5 ticket gets you into both events!  Enter our HUGE raffle (over $15k in prizes), all proceeds (raffle ticket sales and entry fee) benefit Family Access Network and Humane Society of Central Oregon!

Food and drink available for purchase.

Wednesday March 20th

Thursday March 21st

Friday March 22nd

Saturday March 23rd

Sunday March 24th

Crooked River Hwy Clean UP @Bowman Dam 10:00AM

Soup Sundays @ Testimony Wine Bar 12:00PM - 4:00PM

 

Enjoy local pubs around Bend and support HSCO's programs and services that serve people and animals in our community. Visit 14 local brew pubs with your friends and canine companion(s) and enjoy good vibes throughout March on the weekends.

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Please visit this Week’s Sponsors & Partners ⬇️

 

What is the approximate size of Lake Billy Chinook in acres?

A) 3,000 acres

B) 6,000 acres

C) 11,000 acres

D) 15,000 acres

Answer: C) 11,000 acres

Lake Billy Chinook covers approximately 11,000 acres of surface area when full, providing ample space for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.

 

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