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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia ANSWER

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

👨‍🌾🍽️FivePine Meet your Farmer Dinner

🚴WildRide Brewing MX13 Jump Show

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🛣️Businesses and pedestrians react to the new Greenwood Avenue undercrossing

🏫Campfire Program Could Come To Sunriver -Three Rivers

✈️Nonstop flights between Redmond and Portland to return in October

Central Oregon Fire Info

Updates of Oregon Fires

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

📰Regional News

📰After nearly 20 years, OSU researchers complete electrical mapping project critical to protecting US power grid

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

💥Northbound Highway 97 reopens south of Sunriver, hours after crash

🚨 Crime News

🚨19-Year-Old Arrested After Fleeing Police and Threatening Acquaintance with Firearm

 📰 Community News

🖼️Mt. Bachelor seeks local artists for West Village mural contest

 Got some news or know of news for our Community News Segment - share it with C.O. Local Buzz!

🏘️Real Estate News

💹🏘️Central Oregon Market Report | August 14, 2024

🚮How to Declutter Before Moving: Have You Tossed Out the Right Stuff?

😁 MEME of the Day

🌆 On going Events

📲Sponsors & Partners

Under the treaty negotiated by Joel Palmer, what did the Warm Springs and Wasco tribes retain the rights to do?

A) Own private property on the reservation

B) Establish their own schools and government

C) Harvest fish, game, and other foods off the reservation

D) Trade freely with settlers

Answer: C) Harvest fish, game, and other foods off the reservation

Expanded Answer: Under the treaty negotiated by Joel Palmer, the Warm Springs and Wasco tribes retained their rights to harvest fish, game, and other foods off the reservation in their usual and accustomed places. This was an important aspect of their cultural and subsistence practices, even after relinquishing approximately ten million acres of land.

BEND

Events Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

FMCA's 109th International Convention & RV Expo

Interested in RVing or camping? Come join us at FMCA’s International Convention & RV Expo Presented By Beaver Coach Sales August 14-17, 2024, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center! Check out indoor and outdoor exhibits as well as RV displays.

This event is perfect for RV enthusiasts or families thinking about joining the RV lifestyle.

Public gate tickets to see the RV displays and exhibits are $10/person or $25 for a family of 3 or more. Children under 12 and Active Military are free. Daily Passport tickets that include access to RV displays, exhibits, seminars, and entertainment are $50/person. Children 12 and under are free.

Exhibit Hours:

Friday, August 15 & 16, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Saturday, August 17, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

For more information or how to register to camp on the grounds in your RV, check out our website https://www.fmca.com/fmca-redmond-2024-learn-more call our Events Team at (800) 543-3622.

FivePine

Wednesday August 21st | 5:30pm-8:30pm

Join us for an unforgettable evening at our "Meet Your Farmer" dinner event on Wednesday, August 21st. Experience the best of Central Oregon's local flavors as you dine under the towering pines in our serene and picturesque setting.  Learn about sustainable farming practices and the journey of your food from Farm to FivePine while you savor a delectable multi-course meal crafted from the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients.

Benefiting Central Oregon Locavore, this community event features ingredients and provisions sourced locally from Mahonia Gardens and Cascade Mountain Pastures.

After this one of a kind experience, enjoy luxury accommodations in a cabin or suite for only $129 plus tax*.  

Campfire Central Oregon currenlty offers an everyday after-school program at two Bend schools. "We're looking to expand that to the third site at Three Rivers Elementary. It would be the same model of what we use in Bend offering care five days a week after school longer on Wednesdays. All of our Bend sites are about 40 kids each site. So, it would be very similar to what we're doing in Bend. But the hope is to get that five-days-a-week program running down there, we are also looking at doing full day, no-school day-camps."

Program Director Melanie Feltmate says the program will fill an after-school childcare gap, "A lot of it will depend on demand as well as space and staffing, but we're going to start with 30 make sure we have a really solid program. And as soon as we are able to accommodate more kids, we are going to continue to try to meet that need."

And they need employees. "We are actively hiring right now. We are looking for a coordinator, to be managing the after-school program. And then we're also looking for part time staff to help run the program in after school hours," Feltmate says, adding part time hours are very flexible, and they would like to see people apply even if they can only work a short schedule or fill-in. All positions and hiring details can be found on Camp Fire's job webpage.

The program's first day is slated for Monday, September 9^th.

Nonstop flights between Redmond and Portland to return in October

Alaska Airlines' non-stop flights between Redmond and Portland is soon returning.

Starting Oct 1, Alaska says the flight route will resume seasonal service.

That non-stop flight the first week of October costs around $70-80 depending on what day you fly.

Schedules also point to two outbound flights per day on the route.

Updates of Oregon Fires

Link to: Air Quality Index map

Another AQI Map

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

After nearly 20 years, OSU researchers complete electrical mapping project critical to protecting US power grid

CORVALLIS, OR–  A nearly 20-year effort to map the electrical properties of Earth’s crust and mantle across the contiguous United States, viewed as critical to protecting the electrical grid during extreme solar storms and against damage from electromagnetic pulses used as weapons, is now complete.

The 3-D geoelectric map produced by researchers provides vital information to scientists, power companies and others that helps them understand how the naturally occurring geomagnetic currents under the surface interface with the power grid.

The new map also could be used to identify geohazards and potential targets for exploration of natural resources, including geothermal power and critical minerals that are essential to clean energy technology development.

“Before, we had a patchwork quilt of information, but we could not connect the dots,” said Adam Schultz, a professor in Oregon State University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and the project’s principal investigator, “Now we can see the entire picture.”

Extreme solar storms are “space weather” events that naturally occur when disturbances in the solar atmosphere cause streams of charged particles toward Earth; the particles can strongly disturb Earth’s magnetic field.

Electromagnetic pulses are sudden bursts of electromagnetic radiation, such as those following an intentional nuclear detonation, that can cause widespread electric disruption, even if the detonation occurs in space. Such pulses share some important characteristics with naturally occurring solar storm events, Schultz said.

In May, Earth experienced its strongest solar storm in more than 30 years, causing bright and long-lasting views of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, across large swaths of the United States and elsewhere. But the storm also affected radio and some cellular phone service and caused power grid irregularities and problems with GPS systems.

“We didn’t see any wide-scale power issues during that storm and the power industry had access to the data we have provided through this effort, so that’s an indication of the project’s success,” Schultz said. “This is vital information that helps tell them how geomagnetic currents will interface with electrical substations.”

Oregon State University researchers’ effort to measure and map the electrical conductivity of Earth first began about 18 years ago with funding from the National Science Foundation’s EarthScope Program.

The initial intent of the Magnetotelleric Array project, managed then by the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology and carried out by Schultz’s research group at Oregon State, was to collect information about the structure and evolution of the North American continent.

Starting in 2006 in Eastern Oregon, researchers deployed instruments across a grid every 70 kilometers or so to survey the electromagnetic energy below the surface. The first-ever 3D view of the continent’s geoelectrical structure created through this process is fundamental to understanding the evolution of the continent, Schultz said.

“We discovered previously unknown structures in the fabric of the continent that reveal how the territory of the conterminous U.S. was formed,” he said.

As data rolled in, the researchers realized the information being amassed also could be valuable in identifying geological hazards, areas for geothermal power exploration, sites for exploration of critical minerals and for protecting the power grid from space weather.

“Geomagnetically induced electrical currents are always running through the power grid, and understanding how the grid is going to be stressed by these currents is critical to keeping the power grid functioning,” Schultz said. “This is a risk we can do something about, and we’re actually doing it.”

When the EarthScope program ended, NASA, with its interest in space weather, funded the project for two years. With support from the Oregon congressional delegation including senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and following a visit to the White House to meet with national security officials, Schultz secured funding from the U.S. Geological Survey in 2020 to complete the final phase of the work, which was completed in June.

Oregon State’s National Geoelectromagnetic Facility is the largest facility for this type of measurement in the world, making the university a natural fit for the project, Schultz said. In all, Schultz and his team received nearly $15 million in federal grants to support the work.

Researchers have been sharing data collecting during the project on the EarthScope website. Now the first 300 kilometers of the entire U.S., from surface through the Earth’s mantle and crust, are visible in 3D, Schultz said.

With the entire map now in view, patterns of conductivity below the surface have revealed new information about the geology of the U.S. The data showed, for example, a sharp transition in the structure of the Earth’s crust that runs along the East Coast from Washington, D.C. to Georgia, putting that area at higher risk in a big geomagnetic storm like the one that occurred in May.

“That crustal transition can greatly amplify geomagnetically induced currents that the power grid in that region is not designed to handle,” Schultz said.

Additional research is needed in these kinds of high-hazard areas so that researchers can obtain higher resolution records of the structure and better understand the implications, he said. Similar mapping projects inspired by Schultz and his team’s work are also now underway or being considered in several other countries, he noted.

Northbound Highway 97 reopens south of Sunriver, hours after crash

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) – A crash closed both northbound lanes of Highway 97 south of Sunriver late Thursday afternoon and remained closed until one lane reopened more than two hours later, officials said.

The crash occurred before 4:30 p.m. just south of the Sunriver exit at milepost 153, and ODOT's TripCheck said one northbound lane reopened shortly before 7 p.m. The other lane reopened later Thursday night.

ODOT had said earlier to expect extended delays. They also said advised motorists that ramps were affected and to "prepare to slow or move over for worker safety."

Further details about the crash were not available. Follow traffic updates at KTVZ.COM’s TripCheck page .

19-Year-Old Arrested After Fleeing Police and Threatening Acquaintance with Firearm

Bend, OR - Aug. 15, 2024

A 19-year-old Bend resident was arrested Thursday afternoon after fleeing from police, following a reported domestic violence incident and threatening an acquaintance with a firearm.

The incident began around 1:12 p.m. in the Safeway parking lot located in the 600 block of NE Third Street. A 911 caller reported that a man had assaulted a woman in a vehicle and then threatened the caller with a firearm. Bend Police responded swiftly, arriving on the scene within minutes.

The suspect, identified as Jacob David Smith, attempted to evade officers by fleeing on foot. A brief chase ensued, leading police to the nearby Arco gas station at NE Third Street and Greenwood Avenue. During the pursuit, Smith assaulted gas station employees who tried to prevent him from leaving the area. Thanks to the quick actions of the employees and a community member, Smith was detained until officers arrived and took him into custody.

In addition to the arrest, a community member alerted police to a pile of belongings Smith had attempted to conceal nearby. Among the items recovered was a subcompact Glock 26 pistol, along with drugs and packaging materials commonly associated with drug sales.

Smith, who already had a felony warrant from the Oregon Youth Authority for a probation violation related to a second-degree burglary charge, was transported to the Deschutes County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including fourth-degree assault, menacing, harassment, unlawful use of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in ensuring public safety. The quick response by Bend Police and the assistance from local citizens were instrumental in the apprehension of a potentially dangerous individual.

Mt. Bachelor seeks local artists for West Village mural contest

Mt. Bachelor is hosting a contest that does require any running, biking, or skiing.

This contest by the resort is all about art.

The mountain is looking for an artist to create a winter themed mural that reflects Mt. Bachelor's community of skiers, riders, and mountain lovers.

Mt. Bachelor says its open to different interpretations of the winter theme, but really hopes some local artists apply.

"Bend has such an incredible, thriving art scene that we feel like it's a perfect opportunity for us to work with the local artist and create a mural that people can get really excited about," said Lauren Burke, director of marketing and communications. "A place where you can take a photo in front of and really be representative of the energy and the feel of how special Mt. Bachelor is in the winter."

The artist chosen will have their work showcased in Mt. Bachelor's West Village and will receive a $5,000 prize. Cost of art materials is also covered.

Artists are encouraged to submit their ideas to Mt. Bachelor by Sept. 6. The resort will pick three finalists, then its up to the public to choose the winner.

Central Oregon Market Report | August 14, 2024

by Reed Melton

The national average for a fixed-rate 30-year conventional mortgage closing yesterday was 6.52% after the Producer Price index came in better than predictions. If the CPI report is favorable today, the chances of a Fed rate decrease in September will improve, bringing some welcome stability to mortgage rates. There is a lot of data to sift through between now and the next FOMC meeting, but the trends for mortgage rates are heading in the right direction.

This morning in Deschutes County, 1318 single-family homes are listed for sale, down four from last week. Of course, more homes will list as the summer winds down, but the overall trend will be fewer total listings as we taper down to the end of the year. A whopping 93 pending sales this week is an increase of twenty-two from last week, at an average of $786,763. Fifty-one closed transactions at an average of $830,179 is a decrease of sixteen. It is reasonable to assume that falling mortgage rates contributed to the uptick in pending sales, and I will be watching to see if this becomes a trend. Lower rates, higher inventory, and seasonal price reductions are a boon for buyers, and it will be interesting if those metrics combine to create more competition in the coming weeks. This week last year, 865 homes were listed for sale, so even with a surge of buyers, conditions are likely to be favorable to buyers compared to the recent past.

Crook County inventory increased eight this week to 168, with the average list price at $945,033. Eight pending sales at an average of $918,974 and five closed transactions at an average of $520,988 round out the weekly stats. Only three pending sales and two closed transactions changed the list price before securing an offer. 

This morning, the number of Jefferson County homes for sale increased by three to 110. Last year, this week, seventy-nine homes were listed in the county. Five pending sales at an average of $437,659 and one closed transaction at $410,000 wrapped up the week. 

With mortgage rates' recent decline, the second half of 2024 is the best buyer opportunity in the last few years. The recent mortgage rate decreases are probably not enough to trigger a wave of refinancing, but they help buyers who have struggled with the combination of high prices and high rates for the first half of this year. A positive CPI report today will likely bring rates down more, with the next Fed meeting the next best catalyst to bring rates down another step. If all the trends play out as described, I anticipate an uptick in buyer activity to close out the year. Remaining inventory at the close of this year will be a strong indicator of how the spring housing market will shape up. In the meantime, more homes for sale and lower rates have produced the best buying opportunities of the last few years. Whether you are committed to buying this year or next, you owe it to yourself to look at what is available today. The opportunities might surprise you!  

Active Listings

How to Declutter Before Moving: Have You Tossed Out the Right Stuff?

 By Lisa Kaplan Gordon
Jul 10, 2023

If you’re about to move to a new home, there is one thing you absolutely must do: Declutter before moving. Really, this is your big chance! There is no better excuse than an upcoming move to unload dead weight.

Think about it: For one, moving costs money—an average of $1,250 for an in-state move or a whopping $4,890 for out-of-state—so every box you pack adds up. (To get an idea of how much your move will set you back, try a moving calculator.)

Plus, you want your new place to look awesome, right? Cramming nooks, crannies, and closets with junk just isn’t pretty.

All of this is our long-winded way of saying it’s high time you started chipping away at your possessions. For help on that front, check out these guidelines on how to declutter before moving.

Step #1: Start throwing things out early

Try to start purging at least a month before you move, says Ross Sapir, CEO of Roadway Moving in New York City, which moves up to 6,000 customers each year. The reason: This gives you time to, say, sell items online or drive them to a consignment shop. Plus, advanced decluttering “spreads out the (task) to make it feel like it’s less work than it actually is,” Spair says.

Try to tackle one room or one closet (or one drawer) a day—it’s less overwhelming—and never handle an item twice. Designate “toss,” “donate,” and “sell” boxes, and when you decide on an item’s fate, toss it into the correct box. Done, done, and done.

Step #2: Gather the right packing materials

Gather organizational tools like packing tape, black markers, and labels in a tote; that way, you don’t have to rummage through drawers whenever the decluttering bug bites. After all, you’re going to need to get this stuff for moving day anyway, so there’s no harm in kicking things off early.

Another huge help? Clear plastic bins are your friends—and great homes for small items like batteries or office supplies. You can see what’s inside, and they’re easily stackable to save space.

Step #3: Consider the size of your new home

Before decluttering, think about your new home and how much space it contains.

That will help you decide whether to move that extra set of pots and pans or donate them. But even if you’re moving into a home with equal or more space, that doesn’t mean you should use this as an excuse to keep everything you own. Clutter and extraneous crap—is clutter and extraneous crap!

Step #4: Target these top things to toss

Here are some common items you can almost certainly do without. Be merciless, and get them out of your life!

1. Still boxed: These items never made it out of the boxes: gifts, Groupon deals that seemed like a good idea at the time, bulk purchases of all those giant jars of capers you won’t live long enough to eat. Surely, someone will appreciate these goods that fell by the wayside. You might even be able to raise some cash by selling this clutter online. But get rid of it.

2. Not used: Tastes and waistlines change. If you haven’t worn or used something in a year, you probably never will again. If it’s in good shape, donate it to charity. If it’s stained or hopelessly out of date, toss it.

3. Expired: Food way past its sell-by date and expired or unwanted medication shouldn’t live with you in your new place. Some pharmacies will take back unused medication, and cleaned plastic pill bottles are recyclable. Bag up your pills and take them to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. Don’t pour or flush medicine down the drain, which can contaminate drinking water with chemicals, according to Earth911.

4. Past paperwork: We all have boxes of documents, clippings, and recipes that we never read—they don’t need to be schlepped to a new house. If you file your tax returns online and report everything you should, the IRS says to keep returns and documentation for three years after you file. You can toss ATM and bank deposit receipts after a year. Keep “forever” documents (e.g., your birth and marriage certificates) in a separate box so you don’t mistakenly pitch them with your Dave & Busters receipts.

5. Books and magazines are heavy and bulky to move. If you’ve read them, and don’t think you’ll ever read them again, donate them to a local library. Many senior residences maintain libraries and would love a fresh supply of reading material.

6. Extras: Jettison extra towels, extra teacups, extra anything. If it hasn’t come in handy in the past year, it won’t come in handy in the future.

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