🌱Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon / ⛽Best Area Gas Prices as of Thursday 6.6.2024

Issue #141

07 Jun

 

For a better reading experience Read Online

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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia Answer

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🏫Crook County School District: Rising Enrollment and Financial Success Defy State Trends

⛽Best Area Gas Prices as of Thursday 6.6.2024

📰‘It’s like nobody else cares’: Almost a year since Evelyn Weaver’s killing in Bend, friends are still desperate for answers

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🚧 Road Closures

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

💥Motor Vehicle Accident Temporarily Closes Airport Way Near Deschutes County Fairgrounds

📰Community News

✍️📖Bend-Based Author C.J. Adrien’s New Novel Achieves Bestseller Status

🏘️Real Estate News

📰Central Oregon Market Report | June 5, 2024 By Reed Melton

🌱Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon

🫴 Local Cause of the Month

🧒 Empowering Children, Transforming Lives: The Impact of Kids Inspired Non-Profit

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🛍️Bend Handmade Market

🎶Sisters Folk Festival

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

 

Keeping with the Sister’s Logging History

Sisters, OR 1912

What year did the Sisters' last major sawmill close, marking the end of the logging era?

A) 1945

B) 1952

C) 1963

D) 1971

Answer: C) 1963

Expanded Answer: The last major sawmill in Sisters closed in 1963, marking the end of the logging era in the town and a shift towards other economic activities such as tourism and outdoor recreation.

BEND

SISTERS

Crook County School District: Rising Enrollment and Financial Success Defy State Trends

Crook County School District bucks the trend with increasing enrollment and strong financial position, despite leadership changes. The district attributes success to community growth, expanded extracurricular activities, and strategic partnerships. Enrollment boost leads to more state funding, while prudent financial decisions and emergency COVID funding support financial stability. New superintendent aims to build on success and make the district a top destination for education.

 

 

‘It’s like nobody else cares’: Almost a year since Evelyn Weaver’s killing in Bend, friends are still desperate for answers

By Isabella Warren

Police says investigation active: 'We'll not stop working to bring justice to Ms. Weaver and her family.'

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- As we approach the first anniversary of the killing of Bend resident Evelyn Weaver, close friends are sharing their frustration with the status of the investigation. No new information has been released by police regarding Weaver's July 18, 2023 death since her car was found in Klamath Falls two days later.

Bend Police told NewsChannel 21 the investigation is still ongoing and remains a top priority. They did confirm an autopsy was completed on Weaver, but said they could not release any details, as the investigation is still active.

A close friend of Weaver, Noah Hoffman, said, "We're alone in this, even though we have each other. It's like nobody else cares. And that feeling is so - it's hard. It's impossible to describe that frustration and despair, and knowing that - I don't know, I just feel - I feel helpless."

Katie Brainard, who was also close to Weaver, said: "I'm not optimistic. Like, there's no way to be. And I struggle with that a lot."

Hoffman added, "Answers aren't going to solve everything for us. But we want something. It feels cold, and like that's what's distressing to me, is that somebody who's so important in my life isn't a priority."

Catherina Alyse has been outspoken about the investigation. "There's no transparency about what is happening," she said.

We requested an interview with Bend Police and were told there was no new information to share.

Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller provided a statement to NewsChannel 21, saying the investigation is still ongoing and promising that "we'll not stop working to bring justice to Ms. Weaver and her family."

Another friend of Weaver said, "Not knowing literally anything about what happened to her makes it extremely difficult to move on in any way."

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Bend

Deschutes County

Redmond

 

 

Motor Vehicle Accident Temporarily Closes Airport Way Near Deschutes County Fairgrounds

Redmond, OR — On June 5, 2024, a motor vehicle accident involving an Acura SUV and a Harley Davidson motorcycle temporarily closed SW Airport Way near Mt. Hood Drive. Redmond Police and Redmond Fire and Rescue swiftly responded to the scene.

The crash resulted in both motorcycle riders being transported to St. Charles Bend. The driver of the motorcycle sustained serious injuries. As a result of the accident, travelers heading to Roberts Field were redirected while authorities managed the scene.

The driver of the SUV was cited for making an illegal U-turn, which contributed to the accident. With the desirable weather drawing more motorcycle riders to the roadways, the Redmond Police Department urges motorists to exercise increased awareness regarding motorcycle traffic.

The names of the involved parties have not been released at this time.

---

This article is based on information from a press release issued by the Redmond Police Department.

Bend-Based Author C.J. Adrien’s New Novel Achieves Bestseller Status

Bend-based author C.J. Adrien has achieved bestseller status with his fourth consecutive book, this time in the fiercely competitive American Historical Romance category on Amazon. Renowned for his award-winning and bestselling Viking-themed historical novels, Adrien’s latest work delves into the intriguing world of the fur trade in Oregon Country.

This unique blend of historical romance and the fur trade setting has propelled his novel to the top 1,000 bestsellers list on Amazon, placing it in the top 0.0001%.

“This was just meant to be an ‘in-between’ story I wrote to get me off of Vikings for a while,” said C.J. Adrien on Friday morning. “I’m really happy for this book’s success, and it’s inspired me to continue the series with book two titled A Murder on the Deschutes. But that will happen after this next Viking book I’m working on.”

Earlier this year, Adrien was quoted in several papers as attributing the inspiration for the novel to his middle school social studies teacher, Bob Boyd. He hopes the book will inspire people to explore the history of the fur trade in Oregon.

About C.J. Adrien:
C.J. Adrien is a bestselling and award-winning author of Viking historical fiction novels with a passion for Viking history. His Saga of Hasting the Avenger series was inspired by research conducted in preparation for a doctoral program in early medieval history as well as his admiration for historical fiction writers such as Ken Follett and Bernard Cornwell. He is also a published historian on the subject of Vikings, with articles featured in historical journals such as L’Association des Amis de Noirmoutier, in France. His novels and expertise have earned him invitations to speak at several international events, including the International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), conferences on Viking history in France, among others.

Photo by Reed Melton

By Reed Melton

This week, the days the pending sales were on the market dropped in Deschutes and Crook Counties and increased slightly in Jefferson County. The increase in Jefferson County was modest and is still only 18 days, while Crook dropped thirty to 23, and Deschutes dropped nine to 16. Inventory growth across all three counties was modest, with clear signs buyers are engaged and snapping up attractive properties. More properties lingering from early spring listings are now pending, including my listing in SW Bend, which had tremendous traffic from day one. Mortgage rates this morning are 7.07% for the 30-year fixed-rate national average, on the last several months' lower end of the spectrum. While rates may be uncomfortably high from many perspectives, the stability in rates has spurred activity, not the actual rate. The message of rates staying where they are for a longer period seems to be sinking in, and I see less and less marketing pitching a "rate pivot" than earlier this year. As I mentioned last week, the real interest rate (rate paid minus inflation) is hardly restrictive. 

This morning, 1026 single-family homes are listed in Deschutes County, up eight from last week. The pending median sale price is 725k, a modest increase over last week, but the average pending price is 988k, the highest since July 2023.A higher average price shows more higher-priced homes pending, a trend I have noticed as I have researched the MLS. An influx of new listings at higher prices has created activity, with only sixteen days for the median pending sale days on the market and a solid 87 pending sales this week. Seventy-two sold homes at only ten days on the market further indicates how active the buyers are. The median price reduction for the sold homes before securing a contract was only 2.02%. If you see something you like, in most cases, you will need to act fast to make it yours.

Crook County inventory increased by six to 130, with nine pending sales at a median of 23 days listed. Nine homes are pending this week, with seven sold at median days of 23 and 31 respectively. The pending sale average price reduction was -2.68%, and the sold average was -1.09%. Sellers are getting their asking price in Crook County.

Nine more homes are listed in Jefferson County this week than last, for 102. This is the first time inventory has reached triple digits since I started tracking the data two years ago. Four pending sales at eighteen days listed and seven closed transactions at a median of 12 days show an active market. The pending median and average price change are a positive 3.12%. It is rare to see price increases in the median price change, but as always in Jefferson County, the data pool is too small to apply this metric broadly across the entire inventory. However, all four pending sales were under 400k. 

This morning, I am off to attend an inspection, which I do for every buyer I work with. Whether it is a home, septic, or well inspection, I want to be there if any issues arise to speak with the inspector first-hand and learn as much as possible about the problem. I've learned a lot from inspectors over the years, and I never regret being on-site to ensure I am doing everything I can for my clients. Whether compiling data to write these reports, researching the market for comparables to give a price opinion, or working with inspectors and title companies for a smooth transaction, I take pride in being knowledgeable and hands-on. And that service doesn't stop when the transaction closes! Whether you are taking on a renovation or have questions about who to contact in one of our local governments for more specific information, I am just a phone call away. 

 

 

Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon

Tips for Growers in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties

Fox Tv GIF by Bob's Burgers

Hey there, garden enthusiasts! Are you ready to take your veggie-growing game to the next level? If you're like me and can't wait to get your hands dirty in the soil, then you're in for a treat with this comprehensive guide on growing vegetables in Central Oregon. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newbie looking to cultivate your own fresh produce, this article from Oregon State University Extension has everything you need to know to make your garden flourish in the high desert climate. So grab your gardening gloves and let's dig in!

Behind the beauty of the High Desert are many environmental factors that create challenges for any gardener, from the novice to the expert. Learning how to work with these challenges can allow you to have a successful and beautiful garden. Some of the main factors that contribute to these difficulties are temperature, precipitation, soil types, elevation, USDA hardiness zones, and microclimates. This guide will provide you with gardening tips and techniques specific to Central Oregon so that you can have a more successful vegetable garden.

Central Oregon’s climate and how it relates to gardening

Many people are attracted to semi-arid Central Oregon because of its many sunny days and clear nights. Interestingly, on these clear nights, the ground and surface air cool significantly (a phenomenon known as nighttime radiative cooling), which can lead to having frost almost any time of the year, even during the growing season.

During the growing season, it is not unusual for the nightly minimum temperature to drop below 40°F. Periodically, this happens even during the hotter months of July and August. Higher elevations are especially susceptible and can have frost during the summer months. Frequent frost can negatively impact garden plants, reducing growth and yield. More tender vegetables in a garden can freeze between 24°F and 32°F during the growing season. Table 1 gives approximate dates of when it is safe to put frost-tolerant and frost-sensitive plants in your garden. Frost-tolerant plants are those that will not be damaged by a light frost. Frost-sensitive plants are those that may be damaged by a light frost.

Table 1. Spring Freeze and Fall Freeze Probabilities. Data taken from the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC). 1901 - 2013 averages

Other Resources:

Empowering Children, Transforming Lives: The Impact of Kids Inspired Non-Profit

Who We Are

K.I.D.S. is an outreach ministry of Bend, Oregon’s Trinity Episcopal Church.  Our 501(c)(3) is an all volunteer run organization and all monies received go to serving kids.  

We are partnered with trusted community organizations including:

 

Do you have a Local Cause you’d like us to Spotlight? Click the link to submit your information ⬇️

 

Get $25 off on your first order of $60 or more Pair Eyewear

Upcoming Events

Events Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon

Premiers June 8th 10AM Downtown Bend

We are SO excited to be debuting our Bend Handmade Market in Downtown Bend this June! You’ll find 100 makers and artists selling handmade goods. For those of you who have never been to an Urban Craft Uprising show, our events feature handcrafted goods including jewelry, housewares, clothing, toys, art, bath & body products, paper goods, fiber arts, candles, and so much more!

Urban Craft has been producing craft markets since 2005. We have a large following in the Pacific Northwest–primarily in Seattle and Portland–and we are eager to be expanding our horizons this year and bringing new shows both to Bend an to the Oregon Coast! We are so excited to showcase the local talent of Bend artisans, and to introduce you to some of our favorite vendors from all around the Pacific Northwest. The Bend Handmade Market will be free to attend, and a great way to support small businesses while finding unique gifts for wedding presents, housewarming gifts, birthdays, decor for your home, treats for others, and fun goodies for yourself!

Hello, folk music enthusiasts! We’re ecstatic to unveil the latest lineup additions for the 27th annual Sisters Folk Festival!

With the inclusion of these 14 sensational artists, the roster now boasts an impressive 33 acts set to take the stage(s) in Sisters on September 27 – 29!

From stirring ballads to foot-stomping tunes, this year’s festival promises another unforgettable musical experience featuring diverse talent from all over the world, redefining what we think of as “folk” music. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, there’s something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

Tickets for the full three-day extravaganza are on sale now, so grab yours before they’re gone!

And don’t worry if you can’t commit to the entire weekend just yet — a limited number of single-day tickets will be available starting July 17.

Adult: $225/Ticket
Youth (17 & Under): $85/Ticket

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