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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia ANSWER

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

✈️🎆The Airshow of the Cascades - Madras

🍺🥃🍸The Little Woody - Bend Aug. 30th -31st

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

💻New AI Policy Approved For Deschutes County Staff

⚖️Oregon Consumer Justice announces new educational tools, legal help for consumers

👩‍🌾30th annual High Desert Garden Tour looking for Bend-area gardens to feature

👨‍🎓Bend grad's method to deliver medicine to body efficiently wins him $10K scholarship

🏛️La Pine Planning Commission Approves Controversial 34-Townhome Project Despite Local Opposition

Central Oregon Fire Info

Updates of Oregon Fires

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🔥🚙RV Fire Sparks Brush Blaze Near Redmond

🚨 Crime News

 📰 Community News

🐎🐎Mustangs to the Rescue and Trainers Collaborate to Tame Rare Oregon Tarpans for Adoption

 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 21, 2024

💡5 Bedroom Lighting Ideas To Add Ambiance and Style Where You Sleep

🏠3-D printed homes becoming popular solution to housing crisis 🎦

😁 MEME of the Day

🌆 On going Events

📲Sponsors & Partners

In what year was the first official Airshow of the Cascades held at the Madras Airport?

A) 1975
B) 1985
C) 1995
D) 2000

Answer: D) 2000

Expanded Answer: The first official Airshow of the Cascades was held in 2000 at the historic WWII Madras Airport. This marked the beginning of what would become a popular annual event in Central Oregon, featuring a combination of aerial performances and show car displays. The Madras Airport, with its historical significance and ample space, was the perfect location for the event, which continues to grow in popularity every year.

BEND

MADRAS

Events Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

August 23 - 24th - Madras, Oregon

The Cascade Airshow, held in Madras, Oregon, is a thrilling event featuring aerial performances, classic warbirds, and a vibrant festival atmosphere. Scheduled for August 23-24, 2024, the show includes displays by the US Army Golden Knights, Erickson Aircraft, and a variety of unique aircraft at the Fly-In. Attendees can also enjoy the Les Schwab Car Show, live music, fireworks, and family-friendly activities. VIP and chalet tickets offer premium viewing experiences with added amenities.

For more details, visit the Cascade Airshow website.

Friday, Aug 30, 5-10pm & Saturday, Aug 31, Noon-10pm

VIP Admission begins at 4pm on Friday

The festival is free to attend. Purchase a tasting package to sample beer, cider and wine.

The Little Woody is a whimsical festival held in Bend, Oregon, celebrating craft beverages with a delightful gnome-themed atmosphere. Taking place on the lush grounds of the Deschutes Historical Museum, the event offers a rich array of experiences from beer, cider, and cocktail tastings to non-alcoholic options. Set for Labor Day weekend, the festival's hours are from 5 PM to 10 PM on Friday and from noon to 10 PM on Saturday.

This festival goes beyond mere tastings by featuring live music, a gnome costume contest, and interactive art activities, enhancing the enchanting experience. For those interested in unique spirits, there's a special whiskey tent with limited availability selections offering rare and aged spirits which are only available while supplies last.

Children are welcome during specific hours, making it a family-friendly event during the day, while evening sessions are reserved for attendees 21 and older. It's important to note that pets are not allowed, except for service animals as per ADA guidelines.

For further details on the event lineup, ticket purchasing, and more, you can visit their website The Little Woody.

New AI Policy Approved For Deschutes County Staff

Posted by Heather Roberts KBND News

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County staff have new rules for using artificial intelligence in their work. "AI is out there, it has been out there for a long time," says County IT Director Tania Mahood, "And yes, county employees are using it."

The new policy includes a training requirement for any county worker wanting to use generative AI. There are also privacy and security restrictions. And, perhaps most importantly, it mandates human verification to prevent bias and misinformation, "AI can be wrong. We recognize that and we understand it. But it can also be really helpful," says Mahood, "So I think, with our policy, it does say you have to review this content, once it gets generated. And you then take it and utilize it, you have to look at this; you have to review it. You have to validate that. So that is protecting us in the way of making sure that the content that comes out is actually going to be right, whether it was generated by AI to start with, what comes out and ends up - wherever that is; whether that's in an email, memo, whatever it is - that it is correct."

She tells KBND News it's important to create guardrails for new technology, "It is interesting and cool and innovative, and it might make you more efficient or be helpful in your role. But just make sure you're being safe and secure. I think the training's there, we've got curious people. I have not experienced any resistance. So, I think we're on the right path."

Mahood says it's hard to know just how widespread AI use is in county offices. So far, the only county-approved AI systems are ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot. She says the county is not yet using AI tools to interact with the public. If that is proposed in the future, she says there will be a public discussion and a revision to the policy. 

Oregon Consumer Justice announces new educational tools, legal help for consumers

Oregon Consumer Justice announced Thursday new resources for consumers to protect themselves from scams and schemes, take legal action and find justice through the courts through the provision of free educational tools and legal solutions.

“We’re working tirelessly to make Oregon a place where our rights as consumers are respected and our families always come first, not corporate profits” said Jagjit Nagra, OCJ's executive director. “By supporting more Oregonians to access legal solutions, OCJ will help break down barriers to justice and build the future that we deserve.”

OCJ was established as a result of Oregon House Bill 2700 and launched in 2020 with unclaimed funds from a major BP settlement that forced the corporate giant to pay millions.

Since its founding, OCJ has focused on passing legislation that protects and defends consumers from a range of deceitful and unfair business practices, including the Family Financial Protection Act — a landmark victory over aggressive debt collectors secured in the 2024 Oregon Legislative Session.

However, Oregon continues to face significant gaps when it comes to the passage and enforcement of consumer protection laws. Nagra highlighted legal action as a critical strategy to hold companies accountable and promote greater responsibility across industries.

“OCJ is building a movement with consumers who look out for each other. Together, we’re taking on the industries that target our communities thinking we won’t notice or push back,” said Se-ah-dom Edmo, OCJ Board Chair. “With new educational tools and greater access to justice,  we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from companies that believe they’re above the law.”

The non-profit organization will prioritize auto, debt, and insurance-related consumer issues which Nagra said often top the list of consumer complaints and are rife with examples of practices that disadvantage consumers. OCJ will also monitor and take on consumer protection challenges that extend beyond these areas, such as its recent decision to provide co-counsel on the class action lawsuit against CenturyLink for the corporation’s bait-and-switch billing tactics.

Free Educational Tools

Research shows that when consumers have the knowledge they need, they can make informed financial decisions and protect themselves and their families from exploitation by businesses. The organization regularly engages communities throughout the state to understand their experiences and developed resources to address a range of consumer needs. These tools include:

• Consumer Resource Library: OCJ has a growing library of free educational materials (articles, videos, handouts) tailored to support Oregonians to know and exercise their rights. Topics include scams, student loans, medical credit cards, and enforcement channels. 

• Consumer Confidence Comics: Guidance for navigating common consumer challenges. The first issue, "Purchasing a Used Car," is a comprehensive and engaging guide that supports consumers in buying a used car with confidence. The organization will release additional comics throughout the year, focusing next on consumer debt.

Legal Solutions

In addition to educational resources, OCJ is supporting more Oregonians to take legal action to address unfair or illegal treatment and find justice through the courts. This includes:

• Legal solutions for consumers: OCJ is helping Oregonians facing a consumer injustice by providing guidance, through direct representation by the organization’s legal team, and through referrals to consumer attorneys statewide.

In the last 18 months, OCJ conducted three statewide surveys and the majority of Oregonians stated that access to legal services or counsel is needed to address unfair or illegal consumer treatment. However, research shows that legal assistance remains out of reach for many which leaves people unaware of their legal rights and potential claims. The legal solutions offered through OCJ are designed to ensure that consumers have access to professional support without the burden of legal fees.

OCJ encourages people who may be facing a consumer issue to reach out for assistance and the organization will find the best way to support them.

Consumers can access free educational tools by visiting OCJ's website. For those with legal questions or potential consumer-related cases, a short online form is available to request assistance.

About Oregon Consumer Justice

Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ) is advancing a justice movement that puts people first. We work across policy and advocacy, community engagement, and the law to protect and expand consumer rights, end predatory practices, and hold bad actors accountable so all Oregonians can live with dignity and abundance and experience good health, joy, and economic opportunities. For more information, visit www.ocj.org.

30th annual High Desert Garden Tour looking for Bend-area gardens to feature

The Oregon State University Extension Service in Central Oregon is looking for gardens and landscapes to feature at the High Desert Garden Tour in 2025.

Next year marks the 30^th year for the area’s premier self-guided garden tour highlighting unique and diverse gardens.

We are looking for a wide variety of garden sizes, design and style. Our selection committee is currently looking, if you or someone you know has a potential site, please email photos of your garden and landscape to Rachel Humpert at [email protected].

Bend grad's method to deliver medicine to body efficiently wins him $10K scholarship

Colby Enebrad, Reporter Central Oregon Daily News

Curran Jacobus is an 18-year-old Bend Senior High graduate who has created a method that could make drugs more effective, cheaper and quicker to develop.

His work won him a $10,000 Davidson Fellows Scholarship.

"I was not expecting to win it at all, so it was a pleasant surprise. Obviously, it's a pretty significant amount of money too. Being able to afford college just means a lot to me," Jacobus said.

His work helps medicines reach the right parts of the body at the right time.

"There's two ways new pharmaceutical molecules are discovered. Each of these ways, they have their upsides and their downsides. So, I was looking at how can we combine these two classes of molecules? Get the best of both worlds and hopefully cut back on some of the time and expenditure in the drug discovery process," Jacobus said.

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship was only awarded to 20 students across the country, Jacobus was one of them.

"The fellows scholarship is for students who are working on high level projects. We typically look for projects that are at the college graduate level that have the potential to benefit society. Curran's project definitely represents that," Davidson Fellows Scholarship Director Tacie Moessner said.

Of course, Jacobus' high school chemistry teacher, Casie Bullock, couldn't be prouder.

"He was really fantastic to have as a student, because he was really patient with me. He just rocketed through all the knowledge bits. Every time I would plan for a lesson or activity, there was everybody else, and then 'What are we gonna add the extra icing for Curran? How are we going to keep him hungry and engaged?'" Bullock said.

Jacobus is also passionate about scientific communication, as he's shown through years of tutoring, and being a board member of local scientific journal clubs. 

Jacobus starts his first year of college at Stanford University this fall.

Video Here

La Pine Planning Commission Approves Controversial 34-Townhome Project Despite Local Opposition

A packed La Pine Planning Commission hearing saw strong opposition to Habitat for Humanity La Pine Sunriver's proposed 34-townhome subdivision in the Newberry neighborhood. Despite concerns from residents about property values and safety, the commission approved the project with conditions on lighting and tree retention. Opponents may appeal the decision to the La Pine City Council. Habitat's project manager defended the development, emphasizing that the homes will be sold to pre-qualified buyers who meet strict financial criteria. Residents can review project details and submitted comments on the city's website.

Video Here

Updates of Oregon Fires

Link to: Air Quality Index map

Another AQI Map

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

RV Fire Sparks Brush Blaze Near Redmond

An RV was destroyed Thursday morning in a fire traced to a charging vape pen that spread to about a half-acre of brush and trees off Highway 126 on Redmond’s east side before crews were able to stop and contain it.

The resident, who was not in the motor home at the time, said he was charging a vape pen, the fire’s most likely cause, according to Redmond Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal Tom Mooney.

The fire was reported around 10:40 a.m. Thursday Forward progression was stopped in about 20 minutes and it took about a half-hour to fully contain the blaze, Mooney said.

No injuries were reported in the fire, which occurred on the former Redmond Rod & Gun Club site north of Highway 126, the future location of the CORE 3 multi-agency emergency coordination center and training facility.

The fire marshal noted, “It’s still super-dry, even with the cooler weather” of late.

Mustangs to the Rescue and Trainers Collaborate to Tame Rare Oregon Tarpans for Adoption

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mustangs to the Rescue, a local equine rehabilitation and rescue organization, is working alongside professional horse trainers Reach Out To Horses to domesticate over a dozen Oregon tarpans since February.

We witnessed one stallion wear a bridle for the first time.

"He's never learned to follow the feel of a line, ever. They don't come with that ability. You have to train them," said Reach Out To Horses founder Anna Twinney,

"This would be the first time in his life where he's been asked to stop and not go back where he wants to go," she said Thursday.

Over the next few days, they expect the horses to be able to wear a bridle.

There are fewer than 50 Oregon tarpans in existence. This partnership aims to allow the mustangs to have the freedom of wild horses but with veterinary care and other services. 

"Now is a turning point for them," said Mustangs To The Rescue Executive Director Kate Beardley, "And so these horses at this clinic and the clinic we held in February are now being handled so they can receive veterinary care and foster care and be attracted to new homes and go about having a positive future."

Volunteers are very excited about these rare horses; one flew all the way from the Netherlands.

These mustangs are adoptable, and the directors say several people have already shown interest.

Video Here

Additional Reading about Oregon Tarpan Horses

Central Oregon Market Report | August 21, 2024

by Reed Melton

With Labor Day just around the corner, seasonal price and inventory reductions are in full swing. In addition, yesterday afternoon, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage was 6.49%. This combination of factors creates the best buying conditions of recent times. While reduced mortgage interest rates are unlikely to alter the housing market in Central Oregon significantly this year, the trend is setting up to increase home prices in 2025. Lower rates are likely to bring more buyers to the market, and without an increase in sellers, the demand will outstrip supply and put upward pressure on prices. Personal circumstances are more important than market dynamics when purchasing a home. Still, for those of you positioned to buy, this fall is shaping up to be fantastic for buyers needing financing. 

Inventory in Deschutes County this week fell by eighteen to 1300 single-family homes listed. Pending sales remain steady, with eighty-eight homes under contract at an average of $820,768 and thirty-six days on the market. Sixty-three closed transactions at an average of $778,800, and twenty-nine days listed round out the week. The median price per square foot was $355, with the average at $385. The average price change for sold homes was -4.23%, with twenty-six closed transactions taking a price cut before finding a buyer. The ratio of price reductions in the sold inventory is in line with healthy market dynamics.

Crook County's inventory is 161 single-family homes, down seven from last week. Seven pending sales, at an average of $682,400, and three price reductions, at a median of -3.43%, indicate steady activity in the county. Four transactions closed this week at an average of $466,250, and only one price reduction. 

Jefferson County inventory remains unchanged at 110, with an average list price of $620,650. Five pending sales, at an average of $321,550, and two price reductions averaging -4.54% align with recent weeks. Three transactions closed this week, averaging $618,300, with all three reducing the asking price before accepting a contract. However, two of the three closed above the list price. The average sold-to-list ratio was 100.08%, with the sold-to-original-list ratio at 95.54%. 

Homes listed in the early summer typically push the asking price a bit, with sellers still on the market in late summer often lowering the asking price to try and secure a sale. However, as the season winds down and inventory declines, many buyers are motivated to purchase before the holiday season, and competition between fewer homes increases. Often, homes with price reductions sell for more than the asking price. The negotiated price may be less than the original asking price, but the dynamic is interesting and muddies the narrative of "falling prices." The fourth quarter is the second busiest time of year in real estate, and with mortgage rates providing some breathing room, I expect this fall to be no different. Winter weather in Central Oregon creates a defined seasonal element to our housing market, with the time between Thanksgiving and early April showing the lowest inventory. If selection is important, May through September will provide the most opportunity. For those shopping purely on price, winter is typically the best time of year to shop for homes. If mortgage rates continue to fall, this winter will provide housing options, especially with inventory levels increased over the past few years. If mortgage rates continue to fall, sellers this spring will price their homes accordingly, setting Central Oregon up for another year of above-average price growth.  

Active Listings

5 Bedroom Lighting Ideas To Add Ambiance and Style Where You Sleep

 By Larissa Runkle

Aug 12, 2024

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Wish your bedroom felt more like a restful sanctuary? The right lighting can make all the difference.

Whether you crave a decent reading light or a statement chandelier, bedroom lighting can work wonders when it comes to adding ambience and style.

So if your sleep space is ready for a redo, here are five lighting looks from Instagram that can brighten the bedroom without going overboard.

1. Sculptural chandelier

For a sleek bedroom lacking in overhead lighting and statement pieces, this sculptural chandelier from @prointeriorstudio could be just the thing.

“I’d use this sculptural chandelier in a bedroom that’s craving a bit of drama,” says Joyce Huston, lead designer at Decorilla. “It’s perfect for someone who loves to make a statement. I would just make sure the rest of the room doesn’t compete too much as this chandelier needs to be the star of the show.”

Get the look: Don’t stay in the dark this season (unless that’s your thing). Give your summer bedroom a cool glow with this Holling Chandelier.

2. Dreamy hanging pendant

If your bedroom leans more toward an organic upscale vibe, you might want to add a dreamy, flower-shaped pendant like this one featured by @mennarefaat.interiordesign.

“This is actually a light fixture by or similar to one by French designer Elsa Foulon and mimics the shape of flower petals, creating an airy vibe,” says design director Meggan Fadden Wynja, of Color Cord Company. “You could mimic the design by using a hanging light fixture pendant with a cloth-covered cord in a neutral hue, then DIY materials for layered sculptural elements.”

Get the look: Get your Antigone Pendant Lamp, or start designing your own with this basic Boutique Plug-In Set.

3. Circular sconces

When more mood lighting is what’s needed most in a summer bedroom, we love the look of these circular sconces from @divyangmevada_and_team.

“Glowing plate sconces, commonly called circular sconces, emit an even, radiant light due to their rounded shape,” says designer Bob Berriz, of Berriz Designs. “Their minimal profile makes them ideal for bedrooms with an uncluttered, streamlined aesthetic since they provide ambient lighting without distracting from the overall decor.”

Get the look: Add a sunny mood to a dark room with these Bezel Perforated Sconces.

4. Brass reading light

For the bedroom that requires an updated bedside light, we love this reading light from @livmcilkenny.

“This brass reading light is a timeless piece that never goes out of style,” says Huston. “I think its popularity lies in its versatility—the warm brass finish adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room, while the spherical shade provides a soft, ambient glow.”

Get the look: Keep your bedside decor classy and functional with this Aurelia Articulating Wall Sconce.

5. Wall candle sconces

If your style is more Old World-elegant than modern, you’re going to want to take a page from @theresachristinehome, who shared this bedroom look.

“Rather than open flames, I recommend using LED tea light candles or battery-operated taper candles to achieve the look of wall candle sconces safely,” says Berriz. “Their soft, flickering glow contributes warmth and ambiance without the fire hazard, and they work well in traditional, rustic, and romantic bedrooms.”

Get the look: Pair these candleholders with these LED candles to achieve an Old World look without the open flame.

Larissa Runkle (@therealtorwriter) is a real estate copywriter and journalist living in Colorado.

Click on the article below to see the video ⬇️

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