Hey there! Ever wished you could stay in the loop with all the exciting local events happening in Central Oregon without the hassle of constantly searching for them? Look no further! With Central Oregon Local Live, you can receive convenient event reminders straight to your phone. Signing up is easy – just visit centraloregonlocalbuzz.com and opt-in for Event Reminders with a simple YES reply. You'll receive a curated list of current events once a week, typically on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Plus, rest assured that your privacy is our priority – we will never share your information or bombard you with unwanted messages. Stay informed and connected with Central Oregon Local Live!

In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia T&TH

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🖼️Fall & Art Show Sale - Dry Canyon Arts Association - Nov. 16th

🍲Think Wild Hosting a Wild Chili Cook-Off -November 16th

 💓🧘‍♀️Meditation & Educational Event -November 16th

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📅Save The Date Section

🦃Who's Open for Dining on Thanksgiving? - By Eat Drink Bend

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚓Madras Police Department unveils fresh new design for patrol vehicles

🎄‘Tis the Season to Get a Christmas Tree From Your National Forest!

⛽Costco Drives Bend Gas Prices to Lowest in Oregon

📰Regional News

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

📰 Community News

🚒🧥Bend Fire’s Santa Express, Coat Drive are back for 2024 holiday season, seeking your donations for those in need

🧸🪀North Empire Storage - Toys For Tots Drop off

 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 | November 13, 2024 by Reed Melton

👷‍♂️Oregon Construction Contractors Board finds hundreds of proposed violations in sweep of over 1,000 jobsites

📲Sponsors & Partners

😁 MEME of the Day

🌆 On going Events Fun N Games in Central Oregon has LAUNCHED 🚀

What type of volcano is Mount Bachelor?

• A) Shield volcano

• B) Stratovolcano

• C) Cinder cone

• D) Caldera

Answer: B) Stratovolcano

Expanded Answer: Mount Bachelor is a stratovolcano, which means it has been built up over time by layers of hardened lava, ash, and volcanic rocks from various eruptions. Unlike shield volcanoes, which have broad, gently sloping sides, stratovolcanoes are steeper and often have a more rugged appearance. This layered structure is typical of many of the iconic volcanoes in the Cascade Range, such as Mount Hood and Mount Rainier.

 BEND

SANTIAM PASS WEATHER

BLUE BOX PASS WEATHER

Events Sponsored By

Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

November 16th

 Dry Canyon Arts Association Aims to Jumpstart Art Education...

On November 16-17, Dry Canyon Arts Association (DCAA) will host an art show and raffle at Redmond High School, aiming to fund their Jumpstart Art program, which seeks to bring art education to all elementary school children in Redmond. This initiative responds to local budget cuts that have left schools without art programs. DCAA has set a fundraising target of $80,000, with support sought from grants, local sponsors, and the art raffle. Raffle items include donated artwork, with all proceeds supporting art classes coordinated with school curriculums.

November 16th

November 16th

Coming up - Save the Date

Bend Food News

by Eat Drink Bend

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but not all of us are looking forward to a day full of cooking. We've got some of the best places you can eat out, get takeout, or grab a ready-to-heat meal kit this Thanksgiving Day!

Who's Open for Dining on Thanksgiving?

Newbie Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge is just one of many restaurants serving up a fantastic prix fixe menu on Thanksgiving.

Got an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

Madras Police Department unveils fresh new design for patrol vehicles

For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Madras Police Department is unveiling a bold new look for its patrol vehicles.

On Tuesday, the department presented the updated vehicle graphics to the City Council, marking an exciting new chapter in the department's history, according to the agency, whose announcement continues below:

The redesigned patrol vehicles reflect the department’s deep-rooted connection to the community, its patriotic spirit, and its commitment to excellence in public service.

Chief Tim Plummer shared his enthusiasm for the redesign, stating, "This redesign was an opportunity for us to create something that highlights our pride in serving the citizens of Madras. It's a symbol of our ongoing dedication to the community, and we’re excited to see it out on the streets."

In a true show of community involvement, the redesigned patrol vehicles were already spotted leading the Veterans Day Parade, a fitting debut for the new look. The redesign honors the department's past while looking forward to the future, symbolizing a new era in service to the Madras community.

“We are proud to showcase our new look and to continue the important work of serving and protecting the citizens of Madras,” added Chief Plummer. “This new design honors our history, but also represents our commitment to growth and to providing the highest level of service moving forward.”

The redesigned vehicles will be seen throughout the city as they continue to serve and protect our community, reflecting both our department's pride and its dedication to the people of Madras.

‘Tis the Season to Get a Christmas Tree From Your National Forest!

Central Oregon - The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests are selling permits to cut Christmas trees from local national forest lands.

Beginning today, November 14, the public can purchase Christmas tree permits at Forest Service offices, online, and from local vendors around Central Oregon for use on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests.

Christmas tree permits for the 2024 season will be available for purchase online at Recreation.gov. They are $5.00 per permit with an additional $2.50 reservation fee. Christmas tree permits purchased online must be printed to be valid. Traditional, in-person Christmas tree permits will be available at Forest Service offices and several participating local vendors (https://bit.ly/3fsheXA). Individual Christmas tree permits are $5 each and households can purchase a maximum of five permits.

Fourth graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit as a part of the Every Kid Outdoors initiative, which is a national program to encourage children to visit national parks, forests, and public lands. To be eligible for the free tree permit, the student must have an Every Kid Outdoors pass. Information about getting the Every Kid Outdoors pass can be found at https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm. 

Students using the Every Kid Outdoors voucher can obtain their free Christmas tree permit by visiting a Forest Service office or on Recreation.gov. The student should check the box indicating they have a pass and enter the pass or voucher number (a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied). To learn more please visit: https://bit.ly/3DtF2Cx.

Christmas Tree Guidance

• Check the weather forecast and road conditions before traveling.

• Dress for the season. Always be prepared for the cold and snow.

• Start tree hunting early in the day to have plenty of daylight hours.

• Bring emergency supplies, including water and food and a first-aid kit.

• Remember to tell someone where you are going.

• Bring a map and compass. Your cell phone may not work.

• The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites and campgrounds, and away from areas along the sides of streams, rivers, lakes, and wet areas. Check with the forest or ranger district for the specific distance.

• Select a tree with a trunk six inches or less in diameter and prepare to cut the tree no more than six inches above ground level.

• Never cut a tall tree just for the top.

• Select a tree from overstocked areas and thickets. Watch restricted areas. Cut only one tree per tag. 

• Attach your tree tag to harvested tree before placing in vehicle.

• Bring a rope and tarp to move your tree from the harvest area to your vehicle.

• Remember, you are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.

For more information regarding Christmas tree permits, please visit the Deschutes National Forest website (https://bit.ly/3zDt87Q) or the Ochoco National Forest website (https://bit.ly/3ft6PuG).

-USFS-

Costco Drives Bend Gas Prices to Lowest in Oregon

Gas prices in Bend are some of the lowest in Oregon, largely due to the new Costco gas station. AAA Oregon reports that Bend's average gas price has dropped about 30 cents since the station opened in mid-October, now at $3.31 per gallon, below the state average of $3.58. Nationally, gas prices are nearing year-to-date lows thanks to seasonal trends and lower crude oil prices. Drivers in Bend are benefiting from these declines, though prices still vary widely across the country.

FULL STORY HERE

Deschutes National Forest

Due to this week’s winter weather forecast, the Deschutes County Road Department will close Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road at 7 a.m. on Thursday, Nov.14, which is earlier than previously announced. The department had planned on a Nov.19 winter closure of the high-elevation forest roadways.

PORTLAND AVENUE ROAD CLOSURE BEGINS TUESDAY, NOV. 12

Starting Nov. 12, Stage 2 of the Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project will bring rolling two-block closures to Portland Avenue, from NW 1st to NW 8th Street. Work will begin at NW 1st Street and move westward.

Traffic will be detoured to Newport Avenue (see map below). Local and emergency vehicle access will be maintained. Essential services such as EMS, garbage collection and mail delivery will continue uninterrupted. Please avoid parking in “No Parking Areas.”

Bend Fire’s Santa Express, Coat Drive are back for 2024 holiday season, seeking your donations for those in need

Santa and the Bend Fire Department's Santa Express are back spreading holiday cheer! We will be driving through neighborhoods with our friend Santa collecting food, clothing and toys to support The Salvation Army.

Collection bins have been placed at all our fire stations for any donations between now and Friday December 13^th.

In 2023, The Salvation Army and Santa Express collected thousands of pounds of food plus much-needed clothing and toys to over 600 families in the Bend area.

Anything and everything help, even if it’s one can of food or a small toy that donation will go a long ways to providing a good dinner and a nice gift on Christmas and a smile on a child’s face Christmas morning.

The Salvation Army would like to express the need for gifts to be given to teenage age kids as well. Please join the Bend Fire Department in supporting our community! 2024 has brought more community need this year and we’re asking for your help and support. 

Known community needs:
- Kids (all ages) winter coats 
- Teen and Pre-Teen Christmas gifts (t-shirts, sweatshirts, bath/body products, gift cards, sports supplies, etc)

Here is a list of the neighborhoods for our nightly walks. Maps available upon request.
- Monday December 2^nd - Pineridge, River Canyon and Aspen Rim neighborhoods 
- Wednesday December 4^th - Foxborough, Larkspur, Sun Meadow neighborhoods 
- Wednesday December 5^th - Three Pines Ridge, Shevlin Ridge and Shevlin Meadows neighborhoods

Drop off non-perishable foods, new toys or clothing at any of these locations. Boxes will be in place until Friday December 13:

• Bend Fire & Rescue Fire Stations – blue recycling bins will be at each system for drop offs:

  • West Fire Station – 1212 SW Simpson Ave

  • East Fire Station – 62420 Hamby Rd

  • North Fire Station – 63377 Jamison St

  • South Fire Station – 61080 Country Club Dr

  • Tumalo Fire Station – 64725 Cook Ave 

  • Pilot Butte Fire Station – 425 NE 15^th St 

• The Salvation Army – 515 NE Dekalb Ave.

If you can’t make it any of these locations and would like someone to come by and pick up your donation in the Bend area, please call our office at 541-322-6386 to arrange a curbside pickup. 

Thanks ahead of time from Bend Firefighters Association, Bend Fire & Rescue, Cascade Disposal and The Salvation Army for helping families in need this holiday season.

If you need help for this holiday season with food or presents, please call The Salvation Army at 541-389-8888.

North Empire Storage Center is happily participating in the Toys For Tots Drive. Come by our office Monday through Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm to drop off any new unwrapped toys. https://northempirestorage.com/ 63048 Lower Meadow Dr Bend, OR

Central Oregon Market Report | November 13, 2024

by Reed Melton

Over the last few years, the Central Oregon housing market trends have been strong enough to create consistent market conditions across all three counties. Price increases slowed somewhat when mortgage interest rates increased, but inventory remained low enough to prevent a significant drop in home values. The last two years showed a slowing in sales volume, with available homes for sale increasing significantly this year. While the Fed lowered rates again last week by 25 basis points, mortgage rates this morning are at 7.02% for the national average of a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage. A slowing economy, higher interest rates, and more homes listed for sale have begun taking a toll on the previously steady market. Stability across the three Central Oregon counties has given way to local market dynamics, making the trends in each county unique. 

Single-family homes for sale in Deschutes County decreased slightly to 1,062 due mainly to reduced sale activity and new post-election listings. Fifty homes are pending, with fifty-one completed transactions, with the median price reductions of -6.1% and -6.45%, respectively. This week last year, pending and closed sales were forty-three and forty-seven. Last year, mortgage rates were 7.43%, so the slight reduction in rates may account for the slight increase in sales volume. The most noticeable change year over year is in the number of homes for sale, with 792 listings on this week last year. While market conditions may at this time be similar to last year, the faltering economy and increase in homes for sale are beginning to alter the landscape of our market.

Crook County gained listings this week, now at 178, up thirteen from last week. Three pending sales and five closed transactions are identical to this week last year. However, there were only 146 active listings this week last year. Two of the three pending sales in Crook County this week were over $1M, showing a slowing in the activity in lower-priced homes. 

Jefferson County's active listings are unchanged from last week at 115. Three pending sales and four closed transactions compare favorably to this week last year when there were only two pending sales and no closed transactions. There were only 78 active listings this week last year, showing a sharp rise in inventory this year. 

Despite the Federal Reserve's efforts to bring down interest rates, the mortgage market is moving in the opposite direction due to an increase in yields for the 10-year Treasury. Mortgage interest does not directly correlate with the Fed overnight rate, but typically, Fed rate decreases trickle down to the mortgage markets. Whether mortgage rates begin to fall in line with Fed decreases remains to be seen and will depend on how much bond investors demand higher yields. Government deficit spending will continue with the next administration, and monetizing that debt creates a demand for higher yields from bond investors. Interest rates may concern today's buyers, but more homes are available for sale, and motivated sellers are helping to balance that out.s.  

Active Listings

Oregon Construction Contractors Board finds hundreds of proposed violations in sweep of over 1,000 jobsites

The Construction Contractors Board, the state agency that licenses contractors in Oregon, conducts periodic enforcement sweeps in search of unlicensed contractor activity and other violations.

“Unlicensed contractors put consumers at risk,” said Vena Swanson, CCB Enforcement Manager. “By searching for unlicensed contractor activity, we’re helping to protect consumers that hire contractors.” As of last week, CCB’s productive sweep season came to a successful conclusion. 

What is a CCB Enforcement Sweep?

An enforcement sweep is a planned effort with Field Investigators working together in designated areas searching for unlicensed contractors and illegal construction activity.

This year’s sweep season, which started last spring and concluded at the end of October, touched every region of Oregon.

Some sweeps were conducted with other state agencies, while others were conducted as a part of a national sweep effort. The agency conducted 10 collective weeks of sweeps over the last 6 months, sometimes overlapping sweeps in different areas of the state at the same time. 

“We completed 1,052 CCB license/jobsite checks, checked the certification on 330 lead-based paint jobsites, and checked credentialing for 170 tradespeople during this collective 10 weeks,” reported Swanson.

The result? The CCB issued 226 proposed violations during 2024 sweeps. These proposed violations can lead to civil penalties.

Some of the major violations included working without a license, lack of workers compensation insurance, working on pre-1978 homes without a lead-based paint license, and violation of safety practice standards while working with lead-based paint.

There were many other offenses as well, such as failure to have a valid contract in place, advertising without a CCB number, and not being registered with the Secretary of State. 

While the goal of sweeps is to find illegal construction activity and confront it head on, CCB Field Investigators also encounter CCB licensees in the field. Jobsite checks go fast for contractors in compliance with the law. These encounters give licensees a chance to ask compliance-related questions and develop a rapport with field investigators. 

Why Are Sweeps Important?

“When reports of alleged violations are relayed back to our Compliance team, the civil penalty process may begin,” said Swanson. “The desired outcome is to shield consumers from harm and promote a fair business environment.”

Sweeps reinforce CCB’s strong enforcement presence and can help identify, remediate, and stop construction violations. Those in violation of construction laws often take steps toward compliance once a violation is issued. 

Dangers of Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor 

While CCB can fine unlicensed contractors for violations, consumers that hire unlicensed contractors have little recourse when construction projects go awry. CCB urges consumers to check contractors for an active license before hiring them. Consumers who become aware of unlicensed contractor jobsites should report them to the CCB. 

The dangers of working with unlicensed contractors include:

• No ability to look up license history. CCB's online license search feature allows consumers to look up any license and see its history, including disciplinary history, previous suspensions, complaints and more. No such look up exists for unlicensed contractors.

• No access to mediation. CCB offers mediation services to consumers in dispute with their licensed contractor. Mediations help keep disputes out of court. Consumers in dispute with unlicensed contractors do not have this option, and while some do choose to go to court, others simply give up.

• No insurance, bond, or workers comp policy. Licensed contractors are required to have insurance and a bond in place to protect consumers. Businesses with employees are required to have workers comp. Most often, unlicensed contractors do not have this kind of protection and thus put consumers who hire them at risk.

How Can I Report Unlicensed Contractor Activity? 

Reporting unlicensed contractor activity is easy with the CCB’s website. Consumers that are aware of unlicensed contractors working on active jobsites can report the activity to the CCB at this link: https://search.ccb.state.or.us/online_complaint_enf/ 

Consumers can also find this link themselves through the CCB’s website, www.oregon.gov/ccb 

To report activity, look for the button that says “Report Contractor Activity.” Reports can be made anonymously, or consumers can request a follow up phone call to find out what happened to their report. 

###

About the CCB

The CCB is the state agency licensing over 42,000 contractors. Anyone who is paid to repair, improve or build a home must be licensed. Learn more about how to have a successful project at www.oregon.gov/ccb.

 😎Just Sayin

Fun N Games in Central Oregon

Please feel free to add Events. Please let your favorite places know about us too to help us keep this calendar Updated!

Deschutes Public Library Events

Follow us on facebook