In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia ANSWER

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🦢 Sunriver Nature Center home to 5 new baby trumpeter swans

📰 Bend Founders Announce Revolutionary Pet Product Launch

🦫🌲🌳Beaver Works Oregon Plants Over 5000 Trees to Support Beaver Habitat in Central Oregon

🏫🏗️ School's out, so huge modernization project at Bend High School begins

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🚧 Road Closures

🧑‍🚒⛑️Fire & Rescue News

💥😔Two Teens Killed in Dirt Bike Crash in Deschutes National Forest

🧑‍🚒🔥UPDATE: Early Morning structure fire at El Sanchos Taco Shop East Location

🏘️ Real Estate News

🏘️ Central Oregon Market Report | June 19, 2024 by Reed Melton

🛠️⚒️ Hiring Contractors: 12 Essential Tips for a Successful Project

🫴 Local Cause of the Month

🧒 "Building Brighter Futures: The Inspiring Work of Kids Inspired Non-Profit"

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🎶🎸Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival hits Sisters

🎸🎹🎶Bend’s 4 Peaks Music Festival Announces their 2024 Schedule

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

 What unique feature does Prineville have in terms of transportation?

A) It has an airport for commercial flights

B) It has a municipally-owned railway

C) It has a ferry service

D) It has a historic trolley system

Answer: B) It has a municipally-owned railway

Expanded Answer: Prineville built its own railway, the City of Prineville Railway, in 1917. It is one of the last municipally-owned railroads in the United States, highlighting the city’s initiative to connect to the broader railroad network.

BEND

PRINEVILLE, OR

Sunriver Nature Center home to 5 new baby trumpeter swans

Sunriver Nature Center has confirmed that five baby trumpeter swans — also known as cygnets — hatched at Lake Aspen.

The cygnets were hatched June 8 by resident trumpeter swans Gus and Valentina. Since 2015, when the Sunriver Nature Center introduced the resident mating pair Chuck and Gracie, 11 cygnets from the nature center have been released at Summer Lake Wildlife Area through Oregon’s Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program.

The cygnets likely won’t receive names of their own, and the nature center intends to release them into the wild sometime next year.

While trumpeter swans are not endangered, their breeding habitat in Oregon is becoming increasingly degraded. The 30-pound waterfowl are the largest in Oregon and only breed in small numbers.

Bend Founders Announce Revolutionary Pet Product Launch

Companions Best Diet Inc., headquartered in Bend, unveils the region’s latest innovation. Poised to transform the pet wellness landscape nationwide, Good Dawg Gravy, a revolutionary line of all-natural, healthy and nutritious, Core Longevity Supplement-infused food toppers, promises to elevate the health and vitality of pets at every stage of life.

Founded by Russell Easter and Stuart Hicks, who met at successful local tech startup, G5, Companions Best Diet Inc. is driven by a passion for pets’ well-being. Easter’s inspiration for Good Dawg Gravy came when he witnessed his own dogs’ struggle with arthritis. Frustrated by the lack of healthy offerings with CBD for dogs on the market, he set out to create a homemade solution in his kitchen. What started as a labor of love soon gained traction among friends and neighbors who witnessed the dramatic changes in his dogs, prompting Easter to envision a nationwide delivery service for these nutritious pet products. (His research led him to discover Rodney Habib’s The Forever Dog, which revealed the author’s discovery that Core Longevity Supplements rank among the most important markers for long lasting, healthy, canine lives.)

Hicks’s expertise in product launches and CBD’s therapeutic benefits complimented Easter’s career in sales and e-commerce, allowing the duo to realize the untapped potential in the Pet CBD market during their visit to SUPERZOO in 2021 (the industry’s premier retailer trade show.) They observed a gap in the market for their all natural, CBD-infused gravies as all of the choices offered to consumers are either unhealthy treats, or tinctures, (oils), laden with chemicals and unhealthy carrier oils.

In their pursuit of a launch-ready, healthy, shelf-stable product, Easter and Hicks enlisted the expertise of a Chief Food Scientist with a distinguished background in developing pet brands (such as IAMS and Eukanuba for Procter & Gamble.) This collaboration led to the creation of Good Dawg Gravy – Original, which quickly gained popularity among Bend’s discerning pet owners.

Listening closely to feedback from their local subscriber base, CBD Inc. expanded its product line to include specialized formulas catering to the unique needs of aging, anxious, and youthful pets. Each formula is meticulously crafted with CBD certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.

CBD Inc started monthly subscription deliveries in late 2022, and by Spring of 2023, four formulas of Good Dawg Gravy were being delivered to a growing list of monthly subscribers throughout Central Oregon (Good Dawg Gravy – Original, Good Dawg Gravy – Senior, Good Dawg Gravy – Youth, and Good Dawg Gravy – Calming.) Easter and Hicks report over 250 customers have eagerly embraced the locally crafted, all natural CBD dog gravy.

Recent milestones include the USPTO trademarking of “Crafted Better Days,” and the launch of CraftedBetterDays.com, offering a seamless shopping experience on the BigCommerce platform. Furthermore, the company has established an automated production facility in Bend and is actively seeking passionate gravy makers who share Easter and Hicks’s dedication to excellence, pet health and nutrition.

As Companions Best Diet Inc. embarks on its national launch, it aims to revolutionize the pet wellness industry by providing pet owners with a natural, effective solution to support their companions’ health and happiness.

CraftedBetterDays.com

Beaver Works Oregon Plants Over 5000 Trees to Support Beaver Habitat in Central Oregon

Beaver Works Oregon, a program of Think Wild dedicated to supporting beaver in Oregon’s high desert, recently planted and fenced off 5,180 willow, cottonwood, and assorted riparian plants at both public and private riparian project sites throughout Central Oregon this spring.

The goal is for the plants to establish and provide essential beaver habitat that supports beaver population recovery and associated ecosystem benefits.

Led by Beaver Works Oregon Program Manager Dr. Maureen Thompson, the team recruited, trained, and led over ninety volunteers for a collective 800 hours of willow and cottonwood stick harvesting, planting, fencing, and monitoring efforts. Planting sites included private land along the Little Deschutes in La Pine, Lake Creek Lodge in Camp Sherman, and La Pine and Collier Memorial State Parks. Beaver Works Oregon will continue to monitor the sites through annual visits and will remove the fencing after the plantings have a chance to establish.

“Volunteers were integral throughout the process,” said Dr. Thompson. “Willow and cottonwood cuttings were collected and stored in the winter. When spring came, volunteers at the sites trimmed the sticks, drove metal stakes into the ground to plant them along the river, placed cardboard and mud around the plantings to create ideal conditions for growth, and put up fencing to protect the plots from disturbances. Trail cameras were also set up to observe wildlife near the sites.”

Beavers are a keystone species, and their activity in stream ecosystems leads to greater biodiversity and increased drought, flood, and fire tolerance. For beaver to establish in an area, there need to be plentiful riparian trees, like willow, aspen, and cottonwood, for food, shelter, and dam-building. Due to various anthropogenic stressors, though, many areas in Central Oregon host to these essential riparian plants have been degraded and are unable to sustain beavers.

By working with landholders to identify project sites and then leading volunteer crews to harvest and plant cuttings of willow and cottonwood trees near rivers and streams, Beaver Works Oregon works to restore the habitat that beavers need to succeed.

These community-based activities not only contribute to the restoration of ecosystems crucial for beavers but also provide opportunities for students and adults to “recreate for good,” working, camping, and learning about beaver habitat, healthy ecosystems, and working lands.

Each project site this year presented a unique opportunity to fulfill conservation needs and positively impact wildlife and the community. For example, at Lake Creek Lodge in Camp Sherman, willow, cottonwood, and aspen were planted along the South Fork of Lake Creek, a tributary to the Metolius River. The planting project was also supplemented by an outdoor natural history walk and a viewing of The Beaver Believers to educate the community and Lodge guests on the benefits of beaver. Under the world’s largest Ponderosa tree, plantings at La Pine State Park occupy a section of the Deschutes River within the National System of Wild and Scenic Rivers, adjacent to sensitive wildlife.

If you are a landholder who might be interested in hosting a beaver habitat restoration project on your land, please contact Dr. Thompson at 541-699-1606. You can learn more about Think Wild’s Beaver Works Oregon program at beaverworksoregon.org.

About Think Wild:
Think Wild is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is to inspire the High Desert community to care for and protect native wildlife through rescue and rehabilitation, outreach and education, and conservation. We provide veterinary treatment and care at the wildlife hospital, staffed by expert wildlife rehabilitation staff, animal husbandry volunteers, and our staff veterinarian. Wildlife conflicts or injuries can be reported to our Wildlife Hotline at 541-241-8680, which is monitored seven days a week from 8am-4pm.

beaverworksoregon.org • thinkwildco.org • Instagram • Facebook

School's out, so huge modernization project at Bend High School begins

Brooke Snavely, Reporter C.O. Daily News

Now that school is out for summer, modernization of Bend Senior High School is underway.

After a two-year-long design phase in which students, teachers and residents participated, demolition of older sections of Bend High School started Thursday.

"We are tearing down 'C' Hall and 'I' Hall and all of those teachers are getting moved around the school into random little classrooms," said Taj Erickson, student body president. "Once this three-story building is getting built up, then we’ll move back in there. Once the gym is gone, we are going to have to shuffle around athletics and stuff so, it’s definitely going to be a lot of shuffling."

The three-phase project to update Bend High School will take four years and cost about $175 million. Voters approved the bonds funding this work in November of 2020. 

"I’m a teacher here at Bend High. I’m in the construction program," said Pat McLain. "My son, Payson, loves big machines so we thought we’d come and watch them tear it down." 

The baseball field is already gone. Bend High’s baseball team will play at Vince Genna Stadium during the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

"This day is a long time in coming and calls for celebration," said Marcus LaGrande, Bend La-Pine Schools board chair. "It also celebrates how we continually invest in our students, our staff and how to build a new foundation for Bend-La Pine Schools."  

If you have any interest in obtaining on old locker, school desk or chalk board, contact Bend High School immediately because the demolition is moving fast.

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Bear Creek and 27th Street Improvements Project

ONLINE INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE
JUNE 14 - 28, 2024

Two Teens Killed in Dirt Bike Crash in Deschutes National Forest

Two juveniles died in a tragic dirt bike crash in the Deschutes National Forest on Wednesday. According to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to Forest Service Road 1028, south of Skylight Cave, after receiving a report of the accident.

The incident occurred while a group of teens was riding dirt bikes in the area. When two 14-year-olds (a male and female) failed to reach their destination, their companions, a 15-year-old boy and girl, went back to look for them and discovered the crash site. The two victims appeared to be seriously injured.

The 15-year-olds immediately began life-saving efforts, and a passerby soon took over until deputies and paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, both 14-year-olds were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities confirmed that the victims were wearing helmets at the time of the crash. A crash reconstruction conducted by the Oregon State Police indicated that speed and variable terrain were contributing factors to the accident.

The names of the juveniles are being withheld due to their age.

The families of the victims have been notified, and the community is mourning the loss of these young lives.

Update to the fire at El Sanchos Taco Shop

Cause of the fire at Sancho's was ruled accidental, caused by improperly disposed ashes from outdoor cooking operations. Safety reminder, as Summer approaches and days get hotter and dryer, please pay extra attention to ashes from any type of wood burning fires, stoves, campfires, etc. The dry, hot climate can extend how long the ashes stay warm for. 

Lapine Couple Arrested for Distributing Fentany

On June 19th, 2024, a significant arrest was made in Lapine as the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, in cooperation with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Redmond Police Department, apprehended Armando Nieves-Cintora and Jessica Grace Lee. The couple, both Lapine residents, were charged with unlawful possession of a schedule II-controlled substance, unlawful delivery/manufacturing of a schedule II-controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a short-barreled rifle.

The arrest followed a thorough investigation conducted by law enforcement agencies, culminating in a traffic stop on Burgess Rd./ Arctic Dr. in Lapine. Armando Nieves-Cintora was driving a 2013 white Subaru BRZ with Jessica Grace Lee as a passenger when they were intercepted by authorities. The ensuing search of the vehicle led to the discovery of fentanyl pills hidden in a compartment and additional packaging materials in Nieves-Cintora's possession.

Further search warrants were executed at the couple's residence on River Birch in Lapine, revealing more fentanyl pills, packaging materials, a scale, cash, and firearms including a rifle and sawed-off shotgun. Both suspects were promptly taken into custody and detained at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

It is noteworthy that Jessica Grace Lee had been previously arrested on August 9th, 2023, for possession of a large quantity of fentanyl, with that case still pending. As the investigation remains ongoing, additional charges may be brought against Nieves-Cintora and Lee.

The successful operation was made possible through the collaboration of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team with support from various law enforcement agencies. The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force backed by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and several Central Oregon law enforcement departments.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program functions as part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), providing crucial resources to combat drug trafficking organizations at local, regional, and international levels. This latest arrest serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to curb the distribution of illicit substances and uphold public safety in Lapine and beyond.

Central Oregon Market Report | June 19, 2024

By Reed Melton

 Last week, I showed significant increases in median sale prices year over year in Central Oregon. Today, let's complete the picture by looking at inventory levels and days on the market. I write these reports primarily to bring hard data to the conversation about housing in our area, as I so often speak with buyers and sellers with an inaccurate view of the market. One misconception I hear repeated is that home prices are declining. Last week's data proved this is not the case, but price reductions in the active market are the most likely culprits that spur that narrative. When a home is listed at a high price and lingers without a sale, then reduces the price, it is easy to assume prices are dropping. However, the price was too high in many cases, and the reduced price is still higher than or equal to past sales. Knowing past median sales data is imperative to accurately viewing today's prices.

The logical assumption is that increased inventory drives prices down. While more homes for sale will eventually tip the scales towards lower prices, many real estate market dynamics prevent that from happening. One dynamic preventing a significant price drop is the short days many homes are listed before securing a contract. This year in Central Oregon, sales are slightly up from last year, but many more sellers are listing homes, bringing an increase in inventory. More selection has opened up opportunities for buyers conditioned to a supply-constrained market to find their perfect fit, and they are seizing the opportunity. The data shows pending and sold properties with very low days on the market. While some homes linger, others are snatched up very soon after listing, creating an uneven market that requires focused attention to track. The percentage of near-immediate sales keeps prices firm and rising in many cases.

This morning, there are 1156 single-family homes for sale in Deschutes County, seventy-eight more than last week. For reference, on June 21, 2023, there were 762 single-family listings in the county. The significant increase in supply has helped keep sales relatively strong but still falls short of past inventory levels. Pending sales in the county show median days of eleven, with twenty-two days for the sold properties. Downward price trends require inventory increases and an increase in days on the market, which is missing from today's data. Attractive, well-priced properties are moving quickly.

Crook County's home inventory shows 141 listings, up four from last week. Unlike Deschutes County, Crook County's inventory this week in June last year was up five from this morning, flat year over year. Coincidentally, the price appreciation in the county year to date was a very average 3.6%. Reading between the lines, the smaller pool of homes for sale has hindered buyers' options, making the Crook County market challenging to navigate. With a population of just under 27,000, Crook County's inventory would be hard-pressed to increase dramatically without significant outside pressure to drive the market. Considering the growth of Prineville and the county, the housing market has reached a relative balance, preventing any substantial dips or jumps. The good news for buyers and sellers in Crook County is the market is easier to read than some of the hotter locations in Central Oregon. Still, the median pending days listed this week was twenty-four, with sold sales at thirty-nine.

Jefferson County's inventory dropped one from last week, now at ninety-nine. This week last year, there were only seventy-one listings in the county. While the increase helps buyers with more selection, there are still very few options at any particular price point in Madras and the surrounding areas, with thirteen listings over $1M and twenty-six under $400k. Like Crook County, Jefferson County is still a supply-constrained market that buyers must consider when searching for properties. 

Inventory will continue to increase throughout Central Oregon through Labor Day or beyond, creating opportunities for buyers ready to respond. However, those opportunities will likely be more selection and the right mix of features, not lower prices. The likelihood of a rate pivot from the Fed is improbable for 2024. Even if there is a rate reduction before year-end, anything more than 25 basis points seems to be a long shot. If the economy is as strong as many claim, why would the Fed need to reduce interest rates? And if we are heading towards, or already in a recession as others claim, but inflation is still a problem, lowering rates would exasperate stagflationary trends. The Fed is in a rock and a hard place with monetary policy, no matter how you view today's economy. Considering home price appreciation today, lower mortgage interest rates will likely only fuel the fire. Our market is difficult for many to navigate, but when it comes to lower interest rates, you should be careful about what you wish for. 

My knowledge of the Central Oregon housing market exceeds what can be written in a short update or gleaned from a cursory reading of the national news. No matter where you are looking or what type of property you need, I am always available to help you sort through your options. 

Click here for the full report.

Active Listings

Hiring Contractors: 12 Essential Tips for a Successful Project

AKA - I wish I had known about these before hiring my brother-in-law’s friend of a friend…

Hiring a contractor can be a daunting task, but following these detailed tips can help ensure a smooth and successful project.

1. Define Your Project:

   • Start with a clear vision of your project. Detail the scope of work, desired materials, timeline, and budget. This will help you communicate your expectations effectively to potential contractors.

2. Research and Referrals:

   • Seek recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors who have completed similar projects. Check online reviews and ratings on platforms like Yelp, Angie's List, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for contractors with consistent positive feedback and a portfolio of completed projects.

3. Get Multiple Estimates:

   • Request detailed estimates from at least three contractors. Ensure each estimate includes a breakdown of labor, materials, and other costs. This will help you compare and understand the pricing structure.

4. Check Licenses and Insurance:

   • Verify that the contractor holds the necessary licenses and certifications for your area. Ensure they carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. This protects you from potential liabilities arising from accidents or damages during the project.

5. Review Contracts Carefully:

   • A thorough contract should include the project scope, timeline, payment schedule, materials to be used, and warranty information. Make sure all verbal agreements are documented in the contract. Review it carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

6. Set a Payment Schedule:

   • Agree on a payment plan tied to project milestones. Avoid paying large sums upfront. A typical schedule might involve an initial deposit, followed by payments at various stages of the project, and a final payment upon completion.

7. Communicate Clearly:

   • Establish regular communication with your contractor. Schedule periodic check-ins to discuss progress and address any concerns. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps the project on track.

8. Inspect Work Regularly:

   • Visit the project site frequently to monitor progress and quality. Address any issues immediately to avoid costly corrections later. Make sure the work aligns with the contract specifications and meets your standards.

9. Verify Subcontractors:

   • If your contractor uses subcontractors, ensure they are also licensed and insured. Understand their role in the project and how their work will be supervised.

10. Understand Permits and Regulations:

    • Ensure the contractor is aware of and complies with local building codes and regulations. Verify who is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits for your project.

11. Plan for Contingencies:

    • Set aside a contingency budget for unexpected expenses. Projects can encounter unforeseen issues, so having a financial cushion helps manage these surprises without derailing the entire project.

12. Document Everything:

    • Keep detailed records of all communications, contracts, invoices, and receipts. This documentation will be invaluable in case of disputes or for future reference.

By following these tips, you can hire a reliable contractor and ensure your project is completed successfully, on time, and within budget.

Building Brighter Futures: The Inspiring Work of Kids Inspired Non-Profit

Learn More

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

*This is not the Bear in the video 😁

Events Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon

Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival hits Sisters

It’s the final countdown — the second annual Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival hits Sisters in eight short days! Join us for a sun-soaked weekend filled with live music from 16 incredibly talented performers, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Whether you’re dancing, lounging in the sun, or indulging in festival treats, there’s something for everyone at Big Ponderoo.

Buy Tickets

Enter for Free, Volunteer!

If passionate about music, love meeting new people, or simply want to be part of an amazing festival experience, this is for you! There’s still time to join us as a volunteer.

Sign up for two full shifts and earn yourself a weekend wristband and free entry to all the amazing performances! Don’t wait — shifts are almost full.

Get Started

We’re proud to present an eclectic lineup this year filled with everything from big band swing to workingman’s country to traditional bluegrass and more. Check out these standout acts performing on the Ponderoo Stage:

The Brothers Comatose
Shadowgrass
Bella White

View the Full Lineup

Bend’s 4 Peaks Music Festival Announces their 2024 Schedule

4 Peaks Music Festival brings its musical summer solstice celebration back to Bend for their 16th family-friendly event June 20-23. 4 Peaks proudly announces their daily schedule on two stages from Thursday through Sunday. Each day includes having fun with your friends & family, shopping the vendors, access to reasonably-priced food and drinks. Full weekend passes and single day tickets are on sale now.

Deschutes Public Library Events

Follow us on facebook