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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🥃4th annual Oregon Whiskey Festival

🎶💃 Cascade Equinox Festival

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

⚠️Oregonians Urged To "Be 2 Weeks Ready"

🗻Local effort to buy Mt. Bachelor launches GoFundMe

🏛️Bend agrees to sell 2 Juniper Ridge Area lots to developer, buy 3 Core area properties

😠RDM travelers concerned by steep 'surge pricing’

🦌💥Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions in Oregon

📰Regional News

📰Americans can now renew passports online and bypass cumbersome paper applications

📰Tribes Sue Over Offshore Wind Energy Development in Oregon

Central Oregon Fire Info

Updates of Oregon Fires

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨 Crime News

💊🚨Bend Resident Arrested in Fentanyl Bust Following Traffic Stop

📰 Community News

💖Sylvan Learning Center students hold school supplies drive for foster kids in CASA program 🎦

 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 | September 18, 2024

🏘️Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity celebrates 12 new affordable homes in Bend

🏠💲HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: Comparing Equity Options

😁 MEME of the Day

🌆 On going Events

📲Sponsors & Partners

Which distillery in Central Oregon is the oldest, having been founded in 1996?

A) Oregon Spirit Distillers
B) Cascade Alchemy
C) Crater Lake Spirits (Bendistillery)
D) Gompers Distillery

Answer: C) Crater Lake Spirits (Bendistillery)

Expanded answer: Crater Lake Spirits, originally known as Bendistillery, was founded in 1996 in Tumalo, Oregon. It is the oldest distillery in Central Oregon and played a pioneering role in the region's craft distilling industry. Known for their Crater Lake Vodka and gin made with local juniper berries, they have been at the forefront of Oregon’s craft spirits movement.

BEND

Events Sponsored By

Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

September 20th and 21st

It's time for the 4th annual Oregon Whiskey Festival!!

https://oregonwhiskeyfestival.com/

When: September 20th - 22nd

Location: Deschutes County Fair & Expo3800 SW Airport Way Redmond

Building upon the triumph of its debut edition in 2023, seasoned event organizers Gem & Jam and 4 Peaks Presents have announced the eagerly anticipated lineup of Cascade Equinox's 2024 edition.  Set amidst the tranquil landscapes of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond, Oregon, the cross-genre festival will once again captivate attendees from Friday, September 20 - Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Cascade Equinox has revealed a remarkable initial lineup for its sophomore year, showcasing a diverse array of acts that mirror both the vibrant community and stunning surroundings of the festival's Central Oregon location. 

With a mission to connect with music lovers from all walks of life, the event seamlessly blends jam, electronic, funk, soul, and bluegrass genres, promising a rich and varied musical experience.

Cascade Equinox Festival will offer a bevy of activities and programming, including a vendor marketplace, workshops, kids zones, a roller rink, carnival rides, culinary commons, a healing sanctuary, yoga, beer and wine tastings, interactive art installations and live art. 

3 Day Passes and Single Day Passes are available now, alongside a variety of camping options including car camping, RV camping, lux glamping options and more!

Upgrade your festival experience with the Inner Circle VIP pass or be the first to secure a spot with an Early Arrival pass for Thursday. Cascade has options for everyone. 

Early Entry Box Office Hours: *Must have an early entry pass
Thursday 3:00pm – 10:00pm

Box Office Hours:
Friday: 11am – 12am
Saturday: 11am – 12am
Sunday: 11am – 12am

All attendees must arrive during box office hours, no exceptions!

Festival Grounds Hours:
Friday: 11:45am – 4am
Saturday: 11:45am – 4am
Sunday: 11:45am – 3am

*10am for GA Single Day Passes

Oregonians Urged To "Be 2 Weeks Ready"

Oregon launched a new Be 2 Weeks Ready toolkit as part of Preparedness Month, to encourage people to be ready for any disaster.

Oregon Department of Emergency Management's Kayla Thompson acknowledges it's scary to consider needing to shelter in place or evacuate. But, she says, "I want people to feel empowered and not frightened."

The new online toolkit provides short- and long-term goals, like stocking up on favorite shelf-stable foods and water. Thompson says, "It can feel overwhelming to take all those steps and gather the supplies. But, you're likely more prepared than you think." And, there are steps to take now that cost nothing, "We encourage folks to read the Be 2 Weeks Ready toolkit, start talking to their family, learn their local hazards. Do they live in a wildfire area? Are they more prone to ice storms?" She adds, "Situational awareness is really important, so just being signed up for alerts and knowing what could potentially happen in your area. And then, when you're not in that season, wildfire season or ice storm season, being able to take steps towards your preparedness."

Thompson says planning the toolkit began as part of the state's preparation for a large earthquake, "In the event that they are stuck in their home, so they can be self-sufficient, because response from first responders will be delayed. But everything in there also applies to - we talk about the go bag; that applies during wildfire season. Having to shelter in place; that applies to the ice storm season. Having that extra water supply; maybe your area gets put on a boil water notice."  She notes, "The inspiration for the Be 2 Weeks Ready program was the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. But everything in that toolkit- it applies to any sort of disaster." 

Click HERE to access the new toolkit. Thompson says this is a good time to evaluate if you and your family are prepared, since fire season is winding down and winter storm season is right around the corner.

Local effort to buy Mt. Bachelor launches GoFundMe

A GoFundMe has been launched to help raise money toward the effort to find local ownership for Mt. Bachelor.

Mount Bachelor Community, Inc., says it is hoping to raise $35,000 "to set the stage for our benefit corporation bid." It had raised more than $5,600 by Wednesday afternoon.

"Contributions to this GoFundMe campaign will help cover the movements current expenses, including things like: legal fees, insurance costs, supplies, and the Kick-Off Event in Drake Park on October 12," the post reads.

Those who contribute more than $25 will receive a "Powder to the People" sticker at the Kick-Off Event.

More details about the Drake Park event are yet to be released.

Bend agrees to sell 2 Juniper Ridge Area lots to developer, buy 3 Core area properties

The Bend City Council voted Wednesday to sell two city-owned lots in the Juniper Ridge Area of northeast Bend to developer Taylor Brooks. It also agreed to buy three lots in the city's Core Area.

Taylor Brooks will pay a total of $8 million for the Juniper Ridge lots. One is located off Cooley Road east of the Les Schwab headquarters. The other is north of Les Schwab, bordered by NE Talus Place, NE Igneous Drive, NE Olivine Drive and NE Andesite Street.

“This is a location the City has identified as a place to invest in more employment and industrial uses that benefit our community," City Manager Eric King said in a press release.

The City said the agreement includes a separate infrastructure agreement for the construction of right-of-way -- both roads and utilities -- by Taylor Brooks in Juniper Ridge that are consistent with the Bend Development Code.

The required improvements include frontages and sections of: 

• NE Cooley Road

• NE Talus Place

• NE 18th Street

• NE Andesite Street

• NE Outcrop Lane

• NE Olivine Road

• NE Igneous Drive  

The City also announced it entered into a purchase and sales agreement with Tayor Development LLC to acquire property in the Core Area at 184 NE Franklin Ave, 615 NE Second Street, and 637 NE Second Street for $3.5 million. These properties include the former Paulson Flooring building.

"The Core Area properties have been identified as locations that can meet the short-term and long-term community needs by ultimately supporting redevelopment goals for the area with future public uses, including the potential development of a new City Hall," the City said in a press release.

This is worth a watch…

Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions in Oregon

Each year, roughly 5,000 large animals die in wildlife-vehicle collisions in Oregon, with actual numbers likely higher. These collisions also pose risks to humans, with one to two fatalities annually. Damages from such incidents cost millions of dollars.

Efforts to reduce these collisions include three major projects:

1. Wallowa County Wildlife Crossing Project (Highway 82) – Focused on reducing collisions in NE Oregon.

2. Bend to Suttle Lake Passage Initiative (Highway 20) – Targeting Oregon’s highest frequency of wildlife collisions, this project is advancing into its next phase.

3. Palensky Wildlife Underpass Project (Highway 30) – Nearing completion for amphibians near Portland.

These initiatives, backed by coalitions of local organizations and state agencies, are supported by funds from Oregon Wildlife Foundation’s “Watch for Wildlife” license plate sales. Visit their website to learn more or contribute to wildlife conservation.

Americans can now renew passports online and bypass cumbersome paper applications

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans can now renew their passports online, bypassing a cumbersome mail-in paper application process that often caused delays.

The State Department announced Wednesday that its online renewal system is now fully operational, after testing in pilot programs, and available to adult passport holders whose passport has expired within the past five years or will expire in the coming year. It is not available for the renewal of children’s passports, for first-time passport applicants for renewal applicants who live outside the United States or for expedited applications.

“By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The department said it estimated that about 5 million Americans would be able to use this service a year. In 2023, it processed 24 million passports, about 40% of which were renewals.

After staffing shortages caused mainly by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lengthy passport processing delays, the department ramped up hiring and introduced other technological improvements that have reduced wait times by about one-third over last year. It says most applications are now completed in far less than the advertised six weeks to eight weeks and the online renewal system is expected to further reduce that.

Tribes Sue Over Offshore Wind Energy Development in Oregon

The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians have filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for insufficient environmental analysis related to offshore wind energy projects near Coos Bay and Brookings. The tribe claims BOEM overlooked impacts on critical fish habitats and marine wildlife in their ancestral territory.

The tribe's lawsuit seeks to halt the October lease sale of 195,012 acres for wind energy development, demanding a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement to fully assess the risks. Local officials, including Coos County Commissioner Bob Main, also oppose the project, citing concerns about rising energy costs. The lawsuit alleges BOEM violated federal environmental and cultural preservation laws by rushing the project.

Stakeholders, including Senator Jeff Merkley, are calling for a more inclusive process to consider alternatives and address environmental concerns before moving forward.

The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians have filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for insufficient environmental analysis related to offshore wind energy projects near Coos Bay and Brookings. The tribe claims BOEM overlooked impacts on critical fish habitats and marine wildlife in their ancestral territory.

The tribe's lawsuit seeks to halt the October lease sale of 195,012 acres for wind energy development, demanding a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement to fully assess the risks. Local officials, including Coos County Commissioner Bob Main, also oppose the project, citing concerns about rising energy costs. The lawsuit alleges BOEM violated federal environmental and cultural preservation laws by rushing the project.

Stakeholders, including Senator Jeff Merkley, are calling for a more inclusive process to consider alternatives and address environmental concerns before moving forward.

Eichstaedt said the tribes are not against the project and would rather work collaboratively with BOEM and would be willing to withdraw its lawsuit if the October lease sale is delayed and BOEM furthers its research efforts.

Updates of Oregon Fires

Link to: Air Quality Index map

Another AQI Map

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Bend Resident Arrested in Fentanyl Bust Following Traffic Stop

Bend, OR – A traffic stop on September 17th, 2024, led to the arrest of a Bend resident on charges of drug trafficking, following an investigation by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 11:00 PM, Deschutes County deputies stopped a black 2006 Honda Civic on Highway 97 near milepost 113, just outside Terrebonne. The vehicle had two occupants, including Harvey Gonzales, 35, who was the passenger. A search warrant was secured for the vehicle, which led to the discovery of fentanyl powder, drug paraphernalia, and items consistent with illegal narcotics distribution.

Investigators determined that Gonzales had been transporting the fentanyl from the Portland area to distribute in Central Oregon. The drugs were found hidden under his seat.

Gonzales was taken into custody and booked at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on charges of unlawful delivery, manufacture, and possession of a Schedule II-controlled substance.

The CODE Team, with the support of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, played a key role in the investigation. Authorities remind the public that criminal complaints contain only charges, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Central Oregon Market Report | September 18, 2024

by Reed Melton

After what feels like an eternity, the Federal Reserve will announce today a decrease in the overnight rate of at least 25 basis points and potentially 50. Reducing 25 basis points will likely stabilize mortgage markets, with the 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage national average this morning at 6.11%. If the Fed chooses a more aggressive drop, I expect mortgage rates to drop below 6% for the first time since August 2022. With expected decreases in the last two Fed meetings of the year, there is little doubt that mortgage rates in the 5% range are coming. 

The housing market in Central Oregon isn't strictly following typical seasonal trends this year, and I suspect anticipation over lower rates has had a significant impact. However, while lower rates will help many buyers, there is a strong chance those rates will limit inventory next summer. Home prices are likely to increase if less inventory becomes a reality, along with more affordable mortgages. Our housing market is heavily impacted by winter weather, with significantly fewer transactions during December through February, building towards a peak in mid to late summer. As we approach the end of peak selling season, many properties have reduced the asking price to secure a contract by year-end. Buyers should keep this in mind, as refinancing down the road as rates decline and buying today could produce better results than waiting for lower rates later and competing with more buyers for less inventory. 

This morning, there are 1252 single-family homes for sale in Deschutes County, down nine from last week. A somewhat tepid sixty-four homes were placed under contract this week at an average of $816,433. Closed transactions were strong, with seventy-three homes recorded at an average of $891,158. The median days listed in the active inventory are seventy-seven. There is little doubt that opportunities are available in Deschutes County this fall.

In contrast to declining inventory in Deschutes County, Crook County saw an increase of six this week, with 173 single-family homes available. Eleven pending sales, averaging $562,899, are in the high range of recent months. Seven closed transactions, at an average sale price of $667,856, are the highest since June. The median days listed for active inventory in Crook County is seventy-five, close to the Deschutes County number. Two of the sales in Crook County this week went above the asking price, with one at full price and the remaining sales below asking by an average of -3.54%. 

Jefferson County inventory increased by two, now at 118 single-family homes listed. Five pending sales are in line with recent weeks at an average of $370,700. There were two closed sales, one at $315,00, listed for $310k, and another at $347,500, listed at $350k. 

Changes in the mortgage markets typically slow transactions, whether mortgages get cheaper or more expensive, and that is the case in Central Oregon at the moment. With rates declining, many buyers who have been on the sidelines need time to re-engage with their lenders, secure preapproval, and begin the process of finding a home. The slower market today will likely pick up steam before we settle into the winter months. At the risk of sounding like a skipping record, there are buying opportunities today that are considerably better than we have seen in Central Oregon in some time. When mortgage rates were last below 6% in 2022, the Central Oregon housing market was red-hot. While we might not see such a frantic sales pace in 2025, the conditions driving our market and ~5000 new residents per year in Deschutes County are unlikely to subside. 

Active Listings

Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity celebrates 12 new affordable homes in Bend

Steele Haugen, Reporter Central Oregon Daily

Oregon Housing and Community Services and Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity are celebrating the completion of a dozen energy-efficient homes and affordable homes on Bend's eastside.

"A lot of the workforce cannot afford a place where they work and live," said Bend-Redmond Habitat Humanity Vice President of Resource Development Scott Nordquist. "Being able to provide opportunities for affordable homeownership and for folks to put down roots in the community where they live and work is essential.

Nordquist says the 27th Street Townhomes development features 12 new three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes that cost around $400,000 to build. But the homes are kept affordable to buyers and come with solar panels to help reduce monthly bills.

"So our buyers have a mortgage of about $175,000," he said. "You're looking at a payment of only $1,350 a month."

Support came in the form of funding from OHCS' Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Homeownership program and Homeownership Market Cost Offset Fund, which helps fill in funding gaps of LIFT-supported projects caused by increased construction costs. In addition, some homeowners received down payment assistance that OHCS awarded to Bend-Redmond Habitat to make it easier for low-income Oregonians to pay their closing costs and down payments.  

Nordquist says they bought the land in 2017 and people were able to start moving in late 2023 or early 2024. Now, all the homes are filled with new homeowners.

"Folks that live and work and make our community thrive that are priced out of homeownership, and are forced to, you know, consider moving out of town or relocating elsewhere," Nordquist said. "So opportunities like this are crucial for keeping hardworking folks in Central Oregon."

In addition to low average monthly payments, the homes have solar panels, which help keep energy costs low.

Bend-Redmond Habitat has seven more homes slated to open later this fall in Redmond. Homeowners are already selected.

VIDEO

HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: Comparing Equity Options

Published on September 19th, 2024

Richard Haddad Executive Editor

With home values surging nearly 50% in the last four years, many homeowners are sitting on a significant equity windfall. If you’re considering tapping into this equity, a HELOC or a home equity loan could be the way to go.

These options offer the flexibility to finance home improvements, consolidate debt, or even cover major expenses. But when it comes to a HELOC vs. home equity loan, how do you decide which is right for you?

In this post, we provide at-a-glance information to help you understand the differences and similarities between a HELOC and a home equity loan so you can make an informed choice that fits your life and financial goals.

A quick (and free) way to check your home value

Get a preliminary home value estimate in as little as two minutes. Our tool uses information from multiple sources to give you a range of value based on current market trends.

Check now

HELOC vs. home equity loan: Differences

A HELOC and a home equity loan are both ways to tap into your home’s equity, but they function quite differently. A HELOC is more like a credit card with a variable interest rate, allowing you to borrow what you need when you need it. In contrast, a home equity loan provides a lump sum with a fixed interest rate, giving you predictability in your payments.

Let’s break down these two options further to help you understand which might suit your needs better.

Home equity line of credit (HELOC)

• Credit limit with a borrowing period: You’re given a set credit limit and can borrow funds as needed, typically within a 10-year draw period.

• Flexible access to funds: You can withdraw money up to your limit, only paying interest on what you actually use.

• Variable interest rates: Most HELOCs have rates that can fluctuate based on market conditions, affecting your payment amounts.

• Interest-only payments during the draw period: Typically, you’re only required to make interest payments during the borrowing phase, with principal payments starting later.

• Repayment phase after borrowing ends: Once the draw period closes, you’ll enter a repayment phase where you pay back the remaining balance, often over 10 to 20 years. Payments will change based on the amount you draw and the current interest rate.

Home equity loan

• Fixed loan amount: You apply for a specific amount based on your needs and receive it in a lump sum.

• Fixed interest rate: The interest rate is locked in from the start, so your payments remain consistent throughout the life of the loan.

• Predictable monthly payments: Each payment is the same every month, covering both interest and a portion of the principal.

• Ideal for one-time expenses: Best suited for large, one-off expenses where you need a set amount of money upfront.

• Repayment over a fixed term: You’ll repay the loan over a predetermined period, typically 5 to 30 years, depending on the loan terms.

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