Central Oregon Local Buzz
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🦅👮‍♂️OSP Trooper Assists in Rescue of Injured Golden Eagle /🚁What it takes to be a rappelling firefighter: Training takes place in Central Oregon 🎦

🦅👮‍♂️OSP Trooper Assists in Rescue of Injured Golden Eagle /🚁What it takes to be a rappelling firefighter: Training takes place in Central Oregon 🎦

Issue #121

26 Apr

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

👇

In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia ANSWER

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚧 Work Starts next Week on the bridge preservation project Hwy 126

🚁What it takes to be a rappelling firefighter: Training takes place in Central Oregon 🎦

📰COIC opens month-long public comment period for 2024-28 C.O. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

⚒️Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity to host Women’s Build Week in Redmond

📰Central Oregon’s jobless rates rose a bit last month, but so did March job numbers

⛑️📰‘It’s impressive’: Emergency managers from across state share info at Oregon Prepared Conference in Sunriver

🚨Crime News

🚨HAVE YOU SEEN IT?

📰 Community News

🦅👮‍♂️OSP Trooper Assists in Rescue of Injured Golden Eagle

🗳️🎭Voting for The Night Before the Night Before Christmas is now open for CTC’s Spotlight Awards!

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

When did the Sister’s Rodeo officially get its start?

A) 1932
B) 1925
C) 1950
D) 1940

Answer: C) 1940

In the era when life still moved slowly enough for daydreams, and neighbors visited each other on front porches, cowboys competed in the first Sisters Rodeo. These cowboys, both amateurs and professionals, wore cloth squares hand painted with numbers pinned to their backs and waited for their events. Because the small-town rodeo offered purses of $500, equal to Pendleton and Cheyenne, the cowboys tagged Sisters Rodeo “The Biggest Little Show in the World.” The year was 1940.

BEND

What it takes to be a rappelling firefighter: Training takes place in Central Oregon

During recent training in Central Oregon for their national recertification, Brooke Snavely spoke to firefighters who rappel from helicopters get to hard-to-reach wildfires.

www.centraloregondaily.com/the-great-outdoors/firefighter-helicopter-certification-rapelling/article_299ac780-028d-11ef-8947-97d54dc88ca1.html

COIC opens month-long public comment period for 2024-28 C.O. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council is holding a public comment period from April 22 until May 22 for the 2024-2028 Central Oregon Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS is an asset-based, strategy driven plan for regional economic development.

The CEDS articulates the region’s priority community economic development needs and is built with guidance from the Board-appointed Strategy Committee, a collaborative group of regional partners from a broad array of perspectives.

The document identifies strategies to build regional and community capacity and readiness to support business retention, expansion, recruitment, and to improve economic resilience. Strategies and projects include public infrastructure, community facilities, capital needs, project development, and coordination needs and policies.

COIC is seeking public input on the content of the CEDS document that is available on COIC’s website at www.coic.org/ceds. The Public Comment period is open through May 22, 2024. A form is available on the website for members of the public to submit comments.

Significant CEDS outcomes include Regional Priority Issues and Key Initiatives. Priority Issues are the top categories and topics that impact the region’s overall economic development, stability, livability, and ability to grow. Key Initiatives are detailed projects or strategies that will be deployed by regional partners to address regional Priority Issues. The CEDS also includes sections on the region’s economic profile; local community profiles, priority issues, projects; and a section on regional resilience.

A volunteer working on a Habitat home in Redmond.

Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity to host Women’s Build Week in Redmond

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity is excited to host Women’s Build Week May 13-18^th in Redmond.

Women’s Build is a week-long volunteer project open to anyone who wants to learn new skills and help build Habitat homes. This event brings the community together to make a difference while providing much-needed opportunities for affordable homeownership.

Bend-Redmond Habitat anticipates more than 100 individuals volunteering during the week. Volunteers do not need any experience. Habitat staff and volunteers will provide training on aspects of the home building process. Types of construction for the build week could include interior trim, setting window and door frames, flooring, and exterior siding. Construction will take place on five homes in the net-zero Cedar Townhomes project in NW Redmond.

“Women's Build Week isn't just about building houses. It's about breaking stereotypes and making a real difference. We're all about empowering women in construction, and we're also all about inclusivity. So, whether you're a pro with a hammer or picking one up for the first time, come join us. Together, we're not just building homes, we're building community,” said Habitat CEO Carly Colgan.

Morning and afternoon shifts are available for individuals or teams during the week. The cost is $100/volunteer/shift. Lunch, a T-shirt, and swag bag will be provided. The week will culminate with a celebration at General Duffy’s Waterhole on Saturday, May 18^th with complimentary food and drinks for participants. To sign up or learn more, visit https://bendredmondhabitat.org/womenbuild/

Central Oregon’s jobless rates rose a bit last month, but so did March job numbers

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates continue to increase in Central Oregon, with slight increases in all three Central Oregon counties last month, the Oregon Employment Department reported Tuesday.

Total nonfarm employment also increased over the month of March, with marginal increases in each county, the department said.

Here's the full report:

Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased over the month of March and is now 6.3% — in March of last year, it was 6.0%. The unemployment rate remains 1.8 percentage points above the record low set before the pandemic, when it was 4.5%.

Crook County gained 50 jobs (+0.7%) in March, with most gains occurring in the public sector (+40 jobs) and most losses occurring in construction (-20 jobs). Employment levels in Crook County are now 6.1% above pre-pandemic levels in February 2020 (+410 jobs).

The county lost 380 jobs in the last year (-5.2%). Job losses were concentrated in construction (-210 jobs) and information (-90 jobs). Marginal gains were concentrated in private education and health services (+30 jobs), and trade, transportation, and utilities (+30 jobs).

Deschutes County (Bend-Redmond MSA): The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.1% in March from 4.0% in February. The unemployment rate in March remains 0.7 percentage point above its record low of 3.4% before the onset of the pandemic.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Deschutes County gained 600 jobs (+0.6%) from February to March. Most gains were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+220 jobs), followed by professional and business services (+130 jobs) and the public sector (+120 jobs). Total nonfarm employment is now 94,110.

Total nonfarm employment expanded by 2.5% (+2,320 jobs) from March 2023. Year-over-year job gains were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+1,100 jobs) and private education and health services (+1,000 jobs). Other notable job gains took place in trade, transportation, and utilities (+190 jobs); other services (+160 jobs); and government (+160 jobs). Over-the-year losses occurred in information (-160 jobs) and professional and business services (-100 jobs).

Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly over the month of March and is now 4.7%, up from 4.6% in February. The unemployment rate was 4.4% from October 2019 to December 2019, shortly before the first impacts from COVID-19.

Total nonfarm employment increased by 40 jobs in March (+0.6%). Private-sector job gains were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+20 jobs). Total nonfarm seasonally adjusted employment is now -2.4% (-160 jobs) below the pre-pandemic employment level.

Jefferson County’s total nonfarm employment decreased by 100 over the past year (-1.5%). Job losses were concentrated in wood product manufacturing (-120 jobs); retail trade (-40 jobs); and government (-20 jobs). Gains were concentrated in private education and health services (+50 jobs); professional and business services (+10 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+10 jobs); and other services (+10 jobs).

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the April county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, May 21, and the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for April on Wednesday, May 15.

The post Central Oregon’s jobless rates rose a bit last month, but so did March job numbers appeared first on KTVZ .

‘It’s impressive’: Emergency managers from across state share info at Oregon Prepared Conference in Sunriver

By Kelsey McGee

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A conference in Sunriver this week has hundreds of emergency management workers from across the state exchanging ideas and discussing trends for the best, most effective tools and methods of responding to a wide variety of emergencies.

Wednesday was the Day 2 of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management's three-day Oregon Prepared Conference .

"We're having really honest and open dialog about what are some of the things that our community organizations need from us, so that we can do a better job at the department level," Oregon OEM Director Erin McMahon.

The department in various ways assists in preparing for and responding to disasters.

Attendee Leslie Shaw said, "It's impressive, the amount of resources and people that you get to meet here from so many diverse backgrounds and education."

Shaw is on the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center's emergency radio team, one of nearly 500 people who have attended this year's conference.

Another attendee, Allison Pyrch, said, "Yesterday (Tuesday), there was quite a bit of interesting things that went on. We've heard from the Department of Homeland Security about cyber-threats."

Pyrch, a consultant from Stan Tech Engineering, joined others representing organizations such as the American Red Cross, Oregon Health Authority, the state Department of Human Services and the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Oregon OEM leads statewide collaborative efforts, providing additional information and resources. Panel discussions included topics such as Oregon 911 and how best to navigate tribal relations.

McMahon said, "It's just a great opportunity for the team to to focus on the lessons learned, but also to do that future planning in a very strategic, organized and coordinated way."

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management offers resources year-round on its website.

The post ‘It’s impressive’: Emergency managers from across state share info at Oregon Prepared Conference in Sunriver appeared first on KTVZ .

Weekly Road and Traffic Report for the Week of April 20th - 28th Bend

Weekly Road Construction Update Week of April 21st - 27th Deschutes County

ODOT - Region 4 Weekly Construction Update April 19th - 26th

HAVE YOU SEEN IT? Small Redmond business has cargo trailer with $13K worth of tools stolen from work site

By Harley Coldiron

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Redmond Police are asking the public for any information on the whereabouts of a cargo trailer stolen with $13,000 worth of tools. The trailer was stolen Sunday in the 3700 block of Cascade Vista Drive in Redmond.

The business owner told NewsChannel 21 that insurance will not cover the theft, leaving his small business to absorb the cost and replace the tools. He is taking a week off to figure out how to move forward.

Police canvassed the neighborhood for video, but came up empty. Currently, there is no suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to reach out to Redmond Police through the non-emergency dispatch number, 541-693-6911. The reference Case No. is 2024-11264.

OSP Trooper Assists in Rescue of Injured Golden Eagle

The local wildlife rescue team, Badger Run Wildlife Rehab extended heartfelt gratitude to OSP Trooper Gray for his crucial role in rescuing an injured Golden Eagle. The rescue operation unfolded after a helpline call reported the eagle's distress on Hwy 140 toward Beatty.

The concerned finders, upon discovering the dazed eagle, promptly moved it off the road and contacted the wildlife rescue team. However, due to their work commitments, they couldn't stay with the eagle, making it challenging for rescuers to pinpoint its location accurately.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation and facing staffing constraints, the wildlife rescue team sought assistance from the Oregon State Police. Through the nonemergency dispatcher's support, Trooper Gray was mobilized to aid in the search for the injured bird.

Trooper Gray's dedication and persistence paid off when he successfully located the eagle concealed amidst brush. Despite the challenges posed by handling a majestic bird like an eagle, Trooper Gray fearlessly secured the injured animal, ensuring its safety.

Upon admission to the critical care center, the rescue team discovered that the eagle had a stuffed crop, indicating it had been feeding on roadkill before the accident. Fortunately, X-rays revealed no fractures, and the bloodwork returned normal results. However, the eagle displayed an inability to stand, suggesting a potential incomplete spinal cord injury.

Currently, the eagle receives anti-inflammatory and pain medications, with vigilant monitoring of its condition. The rescue team remains hopeful, drawing from past experiences of successfully treating similar injuries in eagles.

Trooper Gray's swift action and collaboration with the wildlife rescue team exemplify the community's commitment to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts. The ongoing care and treatment provided to this majestic Golden Eagle reflect the dedication of all involved in preserving our local wildlife.

Cascades Theatrical Company

Voting for The Night Before the Night Before Christmas is now open for CTC’s Spotlight Awards!

The voting is now open for Best Performance by a Cast Member in The Night Before the Night Before Christmas. To vote, please visit the link below to be taken to the Adventure the Arts website where you will be able to vote for Best Overall Performance.

https://adventurearts.tourproapps.com/copy-copy-form-1

Cast of The Night Before the Night Before Christmas:

Richard Mueller as Lou

Cricket Daniel as Carol

Tina Roth as Mona

Penelope Mann as Pia

Jameson O’conner as Rudy

Robert Knowles as Nick

Geena Lopez as Understudy

Upcoming Events

What’s Up Central Oregon

Spring Exhibit at the Nancy McGrath Green Gallery - Cascade Arts & Entertainment

(Dreamscape by Rebecca Baldwin) Nancy McGrath Green Gallery, located at the Sunriver Christian Fellowship, is hosting an exhibit of artists from the Red Chair Gallery in Bend. The work being displayed will include photography, watercolors, oil, acrylic, pastel, and mixed media by Ken Marunowski, Rebecca Baldwin, Sue Dougherty, Linda Swindle and Mike Putnam. Ken is...Read More...

www.cascadeae.com/spring-exhibit-at-the-nancy-mcgrath-green-gallery