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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🏈College Champion Football @ River’s Place

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📅Save The Date Section

🌕🛍️Bend Moonlight Market

❄️🏂Oregon WinterFest

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰Pahlisch Homes drops appeal of Bend tree code

📰Massive Wildfire Protection Effort in Bend

📰Oregon Invests in Safer School Routes

📰Regional News

📰Beaverton ticket wins first Powerball jackpot of 2025

🚨Deputies: Oregon pair impersonating firefighters at L.A. wildfire arrested

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

📰Community News

🤝Connect Central Oregon hosting volunteer opportunities on MLK Jr. Day

👏 Bend Teacher Wins Prestigious National Award

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

📲Sponsors & Partners

😁 MEME of the Day

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What’s Up Central Oregon 

Coming up - Save the Date

 Bend Moonlight Market

Experience the vibrant Bend Moonlight Market on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Volcanic Theatre Pub. This event showcases local artisans, live music, and a variety of food and beverages, offering a unique evening of shopping and entertainment.

Oregon WinterFest

Join the annual Oregon WinterFest from February 14 to 16, 2025, in the Old Mill District. This family-friendly festival features live music, art installations, delicious cuisine, and a range of entertainment suitable for all ages. Enjoy the winter wonderland atmosphere and participate in various activities throughout the weekend.

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Pahlisch Homes drops appeal of Bend tree code

Pahlisch Homes has dropped its appeal of the Bend's updated tree code.

A spokesperson for Pahlisch said the decision to withdraw the appeal reflects a commitment to work with the city to balance the need for more housing and tree preservation.

Pahlisch had initially argued that the rule would drive housing costs too high.

The updated tree code requires developers to preserve 20-25% of trees with trunks that are six inches in diameter or larger. If developers fail to meet that requirement, they must either pay a fee or plant replacement trees.

Massive Wildfire Protection Effort in Bend

The U.S. Forest Service is initiating a comprehensive fuel reduction project to protect Bend from wildfires, involving thinning, mowing, mastication, and prescribed fires near south Bend. Starting May 1, about 34,600 acres, including popular trails like Bessie Butte and Horse Butte, will close for at least a year, likely increasing congestion in other local outdoor areas. The project will also displace a significant homeless population near China Hat Road, prompting concerns about their relocation and the broader impact on the community. Local organizations like Central Oregon Veterans' Outreach are preparing to assist those affected. Violations of the closure could result in fines up to $5,000, a year in jail, or both.

Oregon Invests in Safer School Routes

The Oregon Transportation Commission has approved funding for 28 Safe Routes to School projects, totaling over $31 million. These initiatives aim to enhance safety within a two-mile radius of schools, particularly in under-resourced communities, and include new sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and curb ramps. Notable projects include improvements to Mission Road by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, traffic calming measures near Sage Elementary in Redmond, and new pedestrian paths on 35th Street in Florence. Additional investments include $2.4 million for safety features near Redmond's M.A. Lynch Elementary and over $765,000 for pathways and crosswalks around Bend’s Bear Creek Elementary. These projects, funded through ODOT’s Safe Routes to School Competitive Construction Grant Program, aim to make school commutes safer and more accessible for students traveling by foot, bike, or mobility devices.

Beaverton ticket wins first Powerball jackpot of 2025

The first Powerball jackpot of 2025, worth $328.5 million, was sold in Beaverton, for Saturday’s drawing. The winning ticket was purchased on January 17th in the 97006 zip code.

The winner has a year to claim their prize, but the process may take time due to security and payment steps. Oregon law requires most winners to reveal their identity, though there are exceptions.

Last year, Oregon saw its largest Powerball prize, $1.3 billion, won by a Portland couple and their friend.

A portion of Powerball sales in Oregon supports programs like education, veteran services, and state parks.

Retailers who sell winning tickets also earn bonuses, like $10,000 for selling a $1 million ticket. The location of the retailer selling the winning ticket will not be revealed until the winner steps forward for security reasons.

The last Powerball jackpot was won in December, with a $256 million prize in New York.

Powerball is played across 44 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Oregon Lottery encourages winners to sign their tickets and consult with a financial planner to manage their prize.

Deputies: Oregon pair impersonating firefighters at L.A. wildfire arrested

Two people from Oregon were arrested Saturday in the area of the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, accused of impersonating firefighters. One of the suspects has an arson conviction in Oregon.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department posted a statement that Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, were arrested for impersonating a firefighter and entering an evacuation zone.

It started when a Los Angeles Police Department patrol saw a fire truck that didn't appear to be legitimate, the sheriff's department said. Deputies contacted the suspects as they tried to enter the evacuation zone.

Deputies noted the two were wearing firefighter gear and claimed to be from the non-existent Roaring River Fire Department in Oregon, the sheriff's office said. Both were also wearing CAL-Fire t-shirts. They also had radios. They allegedly admitted to being in the evacuation zone the day before.

The suspects were arrested and the truck -- which had been bought at an auction -- was impounded. The statement did not give an indication of why the pair were allegedly impersonating firefighters or what their relation is to each other.

Neither suspect has a criminal history in California, the sheriff's department said. But Marion County, Oregon, court records confirm Dustin Lee Nehl pleaded guilty in 2017 to second-degree arson, attempt to commit a Class A Felony, unlawful possession of a destructive device and first-degree criminal mischief.

Anyone with information in the L.A. case is asked to call the L.A. County Sheriff's Department Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7893. Those who wish to be anonymous can call L.A. Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

 City of Bend Events

Connect Central Oregon hosting volunteer opportunities on MLK Jr. Day

Connect Central Oregon is inviting the community to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday by participating in local volunteer opportunities as part of the National Day of Service. Here are a few events still open to volunteers:

Valentines for Veterans

Join Camp Fire Central Oregon to create homemade cards for U.S. veterans receiving care at the state hospital.

• 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Bend Church-United Methodist, 680 NW Bond

MountainStar Family Relief Nursery

Support teachers and staff by volunteering in one of three projects: deep cleaning classrooms, building sensory kits, or repurposing children's artwork into greeting cards. Materials and snacks provided.

• 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

• 2125 NE Daggett Lane, Bend

Westside Village Magnet School

Help beautify the grounds of Westside Village Magnet School in Bend as a meaningful way to honor MLK Jr.'s legacy.

• 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• 1101 NW 12th Street, Bend

Latino Fest Storage Redesign in Madras

Volunteer with the Latino Community Association to redesign and organize storage space for Latino Fest and other events. Bring tools like hammers, drills, and measuring tape. Snacks provided.

• 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• 231 SE 6th Street, Madras

For more information and to sign up for these volunteer opportunities, visit Connect Central Oregon's website.

Bend Teacher Wins Prestigious National Award

Stephanie Johnson, a dedicated first-grade math teacher at Bend’s Pine Ridge Elementary School, has been honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Recognized for her significant contributions to STEM education, Johnson will receive a $10,000 prize and a certificate signed by the president. Her 16-year tenure at Pine Ridge includes roles in special education and first-grade teaching, with a focus on developing mathematical thinkers and connecting math to the community. Johnson, who holds degrees from the University of Oregon, also plays a key role in professional development for the district. The award, the highest national recognition for K-12 math and science teachers, involves a rigorous selection process, assessing candidates' expertise and impact on STEM education.

 😎 Just sayin

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