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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🎄🛶Holiday Lights Paddle Parade - Old Mill District @ TumaloCreek Dec. 13th @4pm

🛍️ 3rd Annual Central Oregon Bazaar December 15th 9am-3pm

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📅Save The Date Section

❄️🚶‍♀️‍➡️Snowshoe with a ranger in the Ochoco National Forest - December 21st

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰City of Bend Launches Survey to Inform Council Goals 

📰Bend's new winter street operations tracking map online

🏔️⛷️Mt. Bachelor Founder to be Celebrated by MBSEF & Mt. Bachelor

🍽️La Choza Brings Bold Latin Flavors to Redmond

📰Regional / National News

🏛️Oregon lawmakers approve $218M in emergency wildfire funding in special session

🐄🥛Oregon to Test Milk for Bird Flu as Part of Federal Monitoring Program

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🚨Central Oregon Major Incident Team Seeks Suspect in Homicide in Redmond Oregon

📰 Community News

🪀🧸Toys For Tots Drop off Locations

🥖Shepherd's House asks for food donations for annual Christmas dinner for homeless

🐕‍🦺Hiking Hounds of Bend - Peace of Mind Walks

 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 | December 11, 2024 by Reed Melton

🏘️Affordable housing for school employees coming to Bend's west side

👏Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver Celebrates the Dedication of Three New Townhomes in Putney Place Neighborhood

📲Sponsors & Partners

😁 MEME of the Day

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

What was located on the site of Sunriver, Oregon, before it became a resort community in the 1960s?

A) A Native American trading post
B) A gold mining settlement
C) A World War II military training facility
D) A logging camp

Answer: C) A World War II military training facility

Expanded Answer: Before Sunriver became the resort community it is today, the area was home to Camp Abbot, a World War II training facility for combat engineers. Established in 1942, Camp Abbot was used to prepare soldiers for building bridges, fortifications, and other infrastructure in combat zones. After the war, the camp was decommissioned, and most of the buildings were dismantled. The Great Hall, originally an officers' club, is one of the few structures that remain. It has been beautifully preserved and now serves as an event space, showcasing the historical roots of this Central Oregon destination.

Good Morning!

 BEND

SANTIAM PASS WEATHER

GOVERNMENT CAMP WEATHER

Events Sponsored By

Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

Starting at 4pm this Friday, Dec. 13, @TumaloCreek's Holiday Lights Paddle Parade will light up the Deschutes River at the #OldMillDistrict! 🤩 ⁠
⁠
Don’t miss this magical display of festively decorated kayaks, canoes and paddleboards bringing holiday cheer

December 15th

Join us for the 3rd Annual Central Oregon Bazaar held at Iconic Dance. Free admission, visits with Santa (between 11-2), fantastic local businesses and vendors, and some great last minute gift options.

*Enter off of Quimby  

Coming up - Save the Date

Snowshoe with a ranger in the Ochoco National Forest

Embrace the beauty of winter and explore the Ochoco National Forest on snowshoes! Join us on Saturday, December 21, at 11:00 a.m. at Walton Lake Recreation Area for Snowshoe with a Ranger, a family-friendly event designed to connect you with nature and the expertise of our Forest specialists.

Participants will enjoy a guided snowshoe hike through the serene, snow-draped forest. Along the way, Forest specialists will share insights about winter wildlife, forest ecology, and more. It’s a chance to ask questions, learn, and take in the breathtaking scenery.

After the snowshoe adventure, warm up by a crackling fire with complimentary hot beverages. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or trying snowshoeing for the first time, this event is a great way to celebrate the season and the wonders of the Ochoco National Forest.

What to Bring:

• Snowshoes (A limited number of snowshoes will be available to borrow—please call ahead to reserve.)

• Warm clothing and sturdy winter boots.

• Water and snacks to stay comfortable during the hike.

Details:

• Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024

• Time: 11:00 a.m.

• Location: Walton Lake Recreation Area (directions can be found on the Forest website)

Celebrate Winter in the Ochocos

Bundle up, grab your snowshoes, and join us for an unforgettable day in the great outdoors. We can’t wait to see you on the trail!

For more information, contact the Ochoco National Forest at (541) 416-6500 or visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/ochoco.

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City of Bend Launches Survey to Inform Council Goals 

The City of Bend is launching a survey to gather community feedback on priorities and direction for the next two years.

The community survey intends to get a sense of how Bend residents perceive City services and to assess what City services the community prioritizes. Community participation will help the City set priorities and will be presented to the Bend City Council as they embark on their next round of biennial goal setting.

The survey began on Dec. 2 with calls and texts asking participants to answer questions about the City and City services.

Also, for those who don’t get randomly chosen for a call, a similar online Community Survey begins on Dec. 9 so everyone can have an opportunity to provide input. The online survey will be available in English and Spanish. Online survey results will complement the representative phone survey and will also be shared with the City Council.

The online survey is available at bendoregon.gov.

Bend's new winter street operations tracking map online

The City of Bend's new online snow plow and sand truck tracking system was up and running Thursday as the first significant snow of the season hit the city.

The Winter Operations map is color coded to show where transportation crews have serviced roads in different time frames. 

• Last 30-60 minutes

• Last 1-2 hours

• Last 2-4 hours

• Last 4+ hours

"We have about 18 pieces of equipment that function each shift. But that allows us for our staff of 32. But we have in our department, out of that, we have about ten sanders, which are doing most of the work with this kind of snow today," City of Bend Street Division Manager Chuck Swann said Thursday.

Plow don't typically get utilized unless snow is more than two inches deep, the city said.

Mt. Bachelor Founder to be Celebrated by MBSEF & Mt. Bachelor

The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF) and Mt. Bachelor are proud to jointly present a special celebration of Bill Healy, the visionary founder of Mt. Bachelor, whose determination transformed Central Oregon’s skiing community. In honor of what would have been Healy’s 100th birthday year, a heartfelt film will premiere at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend on January 16, 2025 at 7pm. The film, which was locally produced, includes the reflections of friends and family members and captures Healy’s remarkable character, pioneering vision, and enduring legacy.

The evening will also feature an engaging discussion between friends, family members and the filmmaker, as well as an exhibit of early Mt. Bachelor memorabilia and Bill Healy artifacts curated by the Healy family. This special event also serves as a fundraiser for the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF), which is honored to uphold Bill Healy’s legacy and share his story.

“MBSEF’s roots trace directly back to the Skyliners, the first ski club in our region and a key part of Bill Healy’s journey to Central Oregon,” said Amy Tarnow, executive director of the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation.  “The Skyliners’ passion for winter sports helped lay the foundation for everything MBSEF stands for today. As we celebrate Bill’s birthday and approach the 100th anniversary of the Skyliners’ founding, we are proud to honor their legacy and Bill’s vision, which have inspired generations of athletes and established Central Oregon as a hub for winter sports.”

Proceeds from the event will support MBSEF’s mission to inspire young athletes, foster a love of winter sports, and create opportunities for the next generation of snowsport enthusiasts.

To honor Bill Healy and celebrate the premiere, Mt. Bachelor will offer early access to Red Chair with the Healy family on Thursday, January 16. Skiers and snowboarders can participate in a group ride down the Grotto run and write notes of gratitude on a banner in the West Village Lodge.

“None of what we get to experience each day here on Mt. Bachelor would be a reality without Bill Healy,” said John Merriman, president and general manager of Mt. Bachelor. “Our community and beyond has been able to create memories and share meaningful experiences on this mountain because of his vision and passion. We are excited to honor his contributions and hear about his life from those closest to him through this film.”

In addition to  Mt. Bachelor, MBSEF would like to extend their thanks to Brooks Resources Corporation, Cameron Healy & Suzy Snow, and Sean & Hilary O’Hollaren for their significant contribution toward the production of the film, as well as to the event’s supporting sponsors First Interstate Bank, Waypoint Hotel, and Charley & Lauri Miller. To learn more about this special event, and to view of teaser of the film please visit mbsef.org/bill-healy-celebration

Brief Biography of Bill Healy:

Bill Healy was born in 1924 in Portland, Oregon, and was raised with the Cascades as his playground. By the time he reached high school, Bill was a champion ski racer and jumper. After graduating from high school, Bill joined the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division, an elite force of ski troops specializing in winter warfare during World War II. The life skills learned in the 10th Mountain Division by the young soldiers influenced many veterans when they returned to their mountains of home and subsequently revolutionized winter sports and outdoor life in the U.S. Bill’s professional pursuits brought him to Bend in 1950 where he ran the family-owned Bend Furniture Co. and raised a family of his own. Bill’s interests in the outdoors were also pursued, and his vision of Central Oregon as a year-round recreating destination blossomed. While living in Bend, Bill befriended local members of the The Skyliners Ski Club, which was founded in 1927 and whose members initiated winter sport opportunities in the area. The Skyliners Ski Club introduced Bill to Bachelor’s terrian. With the help and support of fellow Skyliners member Gene Gillis; Regional head of Forest Service, Don Peters; and many other Bend community members, the dream of a ski resort on Mt. Bachelor became a reality in 1958. In 1980, Bill was diagnosed with Neuromuscular Disease. He remained involved with the resort as Board Chair throughout the eighties until his passing in 1993.

About Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation:
The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities through competitive snow sports programs to support Central Oregon athletes in achieving their individual athletic, academic, and personal goals. Its vision is to positively impact the life of every athlete it serves.

mbsef.org

La Choza Brings Bold Latin Flavors to Redmond

La Choza, now open inside the High Desert Music Hall in Redmond, offers a vibrant taste of Latin America with dishes inspired by Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico. Owner Jorge Edison, originally from Ecuador, relocated to Central Oregon two years ago and aims to showcase the flavors of his homeland alongside other Latin cuisines.

The menu, illustrated with photos, features dishes like Ecuadorian empanadas and churrasco ($22), Colombian bandeja paisa ($25), and Mexican fajitas ($18). The generous portions include standout items like plantain cups with shrimp ($18) and a protein-packed bandeja paisa platter.

La Choza serves as one of Redmond’s few late-night options, open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. With a lively atmosphere of Latin music and décor, it also boasts 14-ounce margaritas made with 4 ounces of tequila.

Details:

• What: La Choza

• Where: 818 SW Forest Ave., Redmond

• Contact: latincuisinelachoza.com, 541-527-4279

• Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday

• Price Range: Appetizers $15-$19, soups and salads $12, entrees $15-$26

Oregon lawmakers approve $218M in emergency wildfire funding in special session

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon lawmakers approved $218 million in emergency wildfire funds during a Thursday special session that was convened to address unpaid bills stemming from the state’s 2024 record wildfire season.

As wildfires still rage in California, Oregon is among several states grappling with steep costs related to fighting wildfires this year. New Mexico lawmakers in a July special session approved millions in emergency aid for wildfire victims, and states including North Dakota and Wyoming have requested federal disaster declarations to help with recovery costs.

Fighting the blazes that scorched a record 1.9 million acres (769,000 hectares), or nearly 2,970 square miles (7,692 square kilometers), largely in eastern Oregon, cost the state over $350 million, according to Gov. Tina Kotek. The sum has made it the most expensive wildfire season in state history, her office said. While over half of the costs will eventually be covered by the federal government, the state still needs to pay the bills while waiting to be reimbursed.

“We had a historic wildfire season and we didn’t have enough money essentially in the bank to pay all of our bills. So as the state of Oregon, it was really important for us to make sure that we paid back those bills, especially as we’re going into the holiday season,” state Sen. Kate Lieber, who co-chairs the joint budget committee, told reporters Thursday.

The emergency funding bill passed with bipartisan support in both chambers, with the state Senate voting 25-2 and the state House voting 42-2 with 15 excused.

“Republicans and Democrats came together because we all agree firefighters deserve to be paid,” GOP state Rep. Jeff Helfrich said in a news release after the vote. “This bill delivers for the brave men and women who risked everything to keep our communities safe.”

Oregon wildfires this year destroyed at least 42 homes and burned large swaths of range and grazing land in the state’s rural east. At one point, the Durkee Fire, which scorched roughly 460 square miles (1,200 square kilometers) near the Oregon-Idaho border, was the largest in the nation.

Kotek declared a state of emergency in July in response to the threat of wildfire, and invoked the state’s Emergency Conflagration Act a record 17 times during the season.

Lawmakers approved the $218 million that Kotek had requested for the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal. The sum will help the agencies continue operations and pay the contractors that helped to fight the blazes and provide resources.

Speaking before the bill's final passage, state Rep. Mark Owens, who represents areas of eastern Oregon scarred by the fires, said many of the contractors are small business owners that have struggled to pay their employees and lines of credit.

“This should be a sign to all of us. We cannot let this happen again," he said.

The special session comes ahead of the start of the next legislative session in January, when lawmakers will be tasked with finding more permanent revenue streams for wildfire costs that have ballooned with climate change worsening drought conditions across the U.S. West.

Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham said lawmakers in the future should ensure there is enough funding for wildfires without having to resort to special sessions.

“We will continue to have wildfire risk until we do something about it," he said.

In the upcoming legislative session, Kotek wants lawmakers to increase wildfire readiness and mitigation funding by $130 million in the state’s two-year budget cycle going forward. She has also requested that $150 million be redirected from being deposited in the state’s rainy day fund, on a one-time basis, to fire agencies to help them pay for wildfire suppression efforts.

While Oregon’s 2024 wildfire season was a record in terms of cost and acreage burned, that of 2020 remains historic for being among the worst natural disasters in Oregon’s history. The 2020 Labor Day weekend fires killed nine people and destroyed upward of 5,000 homes and other structures.

Oregon to Test Milk for Bird Flu as Part of Federal Monitoring Program

Oregon will begin testing raw milk for the H5N1 bird flu virus this week, targeting 75% of the state's commercial milk supply by January. The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced the testing will involve samples sent to Oregon State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.

The virus, which surfaced in 2022, has impacted poultry and backyard flocks nationwide, including in Clackamas County. It was detected in dairy cows in Texas earlier this year, prompting widespread monitoring of herds across the U.S., with outbreaks in 720 herds to date.

Oregon recently reported its first cases in pigs and one human infection linked to a Clackamas County poultry operation. Nationwide, nearly 60 people have been infected, primarily farmworkers. While there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission, experts remain concerned about the potential for the virus to mutate.

Raw milk sales are allowed directly from farms in Oregon but not in stores, unlike Washington, where raw milk has been linked to outbreaks. Pasteurized milk and other dairy products remain safe, as pasteurization kills the virus.

The USDA's program also includes five other states, California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi and Pennsylvania. and emphasizes biosecurity practices to curb the spread of bird flu.

City of Bend Events

Redmond Police Press Release:

Central Oregon Major Incident Team Seeks Suspect in Homicide in Redmond Oregon - 12/12/24 

REDMOND, OR - On December 10, 2024, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the Redmond Police Department responded to a 911 dispatch call to the area of East Antler Avenue and SE 9^th Street.  The report was of a possible gun shot victim. Responding Officers located a deceased male in the passenger seat of a 2017 Ford F-250 truck. The initial investigation yielded evidence which indicated the man’s death was suspicious.  

The Major Incident Team (MIT) was activated and is currently investigating the case as a homicide. The MIT is comprised of law enforcement agencies across the tri-county area. 

The deceased male is identified as 26-year-old transient River Feldmiller. The Major Incident Team has identified a suspect and are currently searching for Keith Nolen. Nolen, 49 years-old, is transient that has been living east of Redmond.  Mr. Nolen should be considered armed and dangerous.  

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Mr. Nolen, please contact Deschutes County 911 immediately at 541-693-6911.  

Shepherd's House asks for food donations for annual Christmas dinner for homeless

Shepherd's House Ministries is asking for donations for its annual Christmas dinner to feed the Central Oregon homeless community.

Here are the key ingredients they need:

• Potatoes

• Asparagus

• Carrots

• Ham

• Roast Beef

• Butter

• Heavy Cream

• Pies

• Packaged Christmas Cookies

• Egg Nog

Donations can be dropped off seven days a week at either of these locations:

• Bend: 1854 NE Division St.

• Redmond: 1350 S HWY 97

Central Oregon Market Report | December 11, 2024

by Reed Melton

Mortgage rates have softened as the year winds down, with the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan at 6.78% this morning. Today's rate is nearly identical to rates at this time last year. The Consumer Price Index data coming out today will be the final piece of the puzzle before the next Federal Reserve meeting regarding another potential rate cut. While recent Fed rate cuts haven't equated to lower mortgage rates, another overnight reduction couldn't hurt. 

Year-to-date sales for single-family homes in Deschutes County show 3,177 transactions, up slightly from last year's 3,054 sales by this day. Year-to-date, in 2022, there were 4,005 sales, and in 2021, 5,013. Inventory of available homes for sale has increased, while transaction volume has decreased, mainly due to higher interest rates. While rates may have softened demand, prices have been flat since 2022. With inventory experiencing typical seasonal decline, it will be telling for the spring market how low the number of homes for sale drops before the spring build-up begins. 

In Deschutes County, the number of homes listed for sale decreased again, now at 925, down thirty-nine from last week. Pending sales picked up to 48, with a median list price of $742,400. Closed transactions more than doubled from last week to 55, with a median closed price of $617,500. The median sold price per square foot was $361, with the average at $391. 

Crook County experienced a slight decline of three in the number of homes for sale, now at 171. Again this week, there was only one pending sale at a list price of $172,000. Five transactions closed this week at an average of $548,360 compared to zero closed transactions last week. The median sold price per square foot was $313, and the average was $330.

Jefferson County homes for sale dropped below 100 for the first time since June and are now at 99. Two pending sales, at an average of $414,995, and zero closed transactions are typical for this slower time of year. Last week, the two closed transactions averaged $246 per square foot.

There is little doubt this is an excellent time of year for buyers. However, finding the right property can pose a challenge with declining inventory. Mortgage rates may not drop significantly in 2025, but we also seem clear of the threat of rates above 7%. One thing is clear: the housing market in Central Oregon is showing more stability than in the last few years and looks more like a typical market. Demand from an excess of 5,000 new residents a year moving to Deschutes County puts a floor under housing prices, which would require a big shake-up to change significantly. 

Active Listings

Affordable housing for school employees coming to Bend's west side

Coming soon to the west side of Bend, an affordable home ownership project for employees of the Bend-La Pine School District.

This latest project will be developed on a parcel of land located between Summit High School and Pacific Crest Middle School.

"We are on a 2.5-acre remnant of land between Summit High and Pacific Crest Middle School. This triangular piece of land is undeveloped. It’s really not functional for any school use.  The school board has decided to sell this parcel to the Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity. They will develop affordable housing," said Scott Maben, Bend La Pine Schools director of communications. 

Skyline Crossing will feature 15 cottage-style homes on a 2.5-acre lot at the intersection of NW Skyline Ranch Drive and NW Crossing Drive. 

"This is an opportunity for people to live in what is one of the higher cost areas," said Carly Colgan, Bend Redmond Habitat for Humanity CEO. "The median home price there is above a million dollars, out of reach for most district employees." 

Habitat of Humanity will build the houses and give district employees earning under 80% of the area median income the first opportunity to purchase the homes. Habitat will ensure the long-term affordability of the housing with a 99-year deed restriction, meaning they will remain affordable for generations of educators to come. 

No estimated purchase price for the new homes have been announced, but the typical Habitat buyer can afford a mortgage of about $180,000.

A similar affordable housing project near Silver Rail Elementary was announced in November.

"Since we announced these two projects, we’ve heard from a lot of employees who’ve raised their hands, said ‘I’m interested, how can I apply? What’s the time line?'" Maben said.

Land use planning and reviews will take about a year. Construction will start in early 2027. Homes in this latest affordable housing development should be selling in 2028.

Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver Celebrates the Dedication of Three New Townhomes in Putney Place Neighborhood

Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver (HFHLPS) is proud to celebrate the dedication of three newly completed townhomes in Putney Place on December 7, 2024. These homes mark the culmination of the Putney Place development and represent a significant milestone in HFHLPS’s mission to provide affordable homeownership opportunities in South Deschutes County.

The construction of these homes was made possible through a combination of Oregon’s Down Payment Assistance Program, Individual Development Accounts, and grants from Oregon Housing and Community Services and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The organization also extends its deepest gratitude to the countless volunteers who contributed their time, skills, and dedication to make this project a reality. In particular, Habitat thanks the students from Central Oregon Community College and Youth Connect, whose hard work and energy were instrumental in the completion of these homes.

Executive Director Kim Gammond highlighted the community-wide impact of these efforts, stating: “Homeownership is more than just a key to a house; it’s a key to stability, opportunity, and hope for families and communities. These homes in Putney Place will create lasting change for the families moving in, and we are incredibly grateful to all who helped make this possible.”

The three townhomes dedicated today bring the Putney Place development to a close. Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver looks forward to continuing its mission with new opportunities. Information about homeownership for our 2026 build in Park View, La Pine, will be released this spring.

Founded in 1993, Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver has built more than 40 affordable homes in three neighborhoods, including Putney Place. Habitat provides more than 100 critical, health and safety repairs to neighbors across South Deschutes County each year, and runs a thriving ReStore in La Pine.

habitatlapinesunriver.org

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Fun N Games in Central Oregon

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