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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

*NOTICE

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📅Save The Date Section

🌕🛍️Bend Moonlight Market

❄️🏂Oregon WinterFest

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰District releases after-action review after student brought gun to Pilot Butte M.S. last year

🦃Wild Turkeys Flock Near Sisters, Causing Concerns

📰 Pamplin Settlement Forces Sale of R2 Ranch and Other Assets

🌃Rare 6-planet parade to light up Central Oregon skies

📰Regional News

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

💥Two Fatal Crashes Involving Redmond Residents Leave Community Mourning

⛑️Oregon State Police and Linn County Sheriff’s Office Partner for Highway 20 Rescue

🚨Crime News

📰Community News

🐶Humane Society of the Ochocos in dire need of more sponsors for kennel space

 Have 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 | January 22, 2025 By Reed Melton

🪵🪓Make Your Winter Prep Easier with the Best Firewood Splitters

📲Sponsors & Partners

😁 MEME of the Day

What year did the Old St. Francis School reopen as a McMenamins property after its transformation?

A) 1999
B) 2004
C) 2010
D) 2015

Answer: B) 2004

Expanded Answer: McMenamins reopened the Old St. Francis School in 2004 after acquiring the property and undertaking extensive renovations. The historic building, which had closed as a school in 2000, was transformed into a boutique hotel featuring guestrooms, pubs, a theater, and a soaking pool. McMenamins preserved many historical elements, ensuring the site remained a vibrant part of Bend’s history while offering modern attractions.

Good Morning!

 BEND

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GOVERNMENT CAMP WEATHER

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Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

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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

District releases after-action review after student brought gun to Pilot Butte M.S. last year

The Bend-La Pine School District on Thursday released its after-action review on the October 2024 incident in which a seventh grader allegedly brought a loaded handgun to Pilot Butte Middle School and had a list of targets. The report lists conclusions the district made about its response and what steps to take going forward.

The student self-reported having the gun to a teacher on Oct. 21. A school resource officer was called in, police and the school district previously reported. Nobody was hurt and it was determined the student was acting alone.

Bend Police later said it learned the student intended to use the gun and had a list of targets. Police said the student was facing charges of suspicion of attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, disorderly conduct, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree theft at the time. The student was later released over the objections of the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office.

Bend Police said a parent of the 12-year-old was cited for improper storage of a firearm.

The after-action report does not add a lot more information about the incident itself what was already reported.

The district highlighted a number of "strengths," including that a "trusting relationship" between the 12-year-old student and the teacher was key in defusing the situation.

"The active threat situation was averted by a trusting relationship between the student and a staff member from the prior school year. This trusting relationship allowed the student intending to cause harm to feel comfortable in coming forward and asking for help," the report reads.

The report also said an officer was placed at Pilot Butte Middle School two weeks before the incident. The report lists it as a "data-driven decision made in partnership with District Administration and Bend Police Department leadership based on the number of calls for service over past school years."

In announcing the report, the district said the "intent of the after-action review is to understand how well the district’s safety measures and crisis response are working in tandem" with police.

“Our commitment is to learn from this incident, strengthen our safety systems, and better prepare to prevent threats and to respond effectively to any school emergency,” said Superintendent Dr. Steven Cook.

The report lists several questions that were considered after the incident. Among them: whether metal detectors or gun detectors should be installed. The district concluded that detectors are “not necessarily the best resource” to prevent firearm-related incidents. It also stated that the Pilot Butte incident was the only firearm arrest at a Bend school in the past five years.

The report also discusses consideration of using AI-based technology and wireless panic alarms.

School district policy states that expulsion is mandatory when a student is determined to have brought a firearm to a school. Under Oregon law, the expulsion can last no more than one calendar year.

The full report can be found below.

Wild Turkeys Flock Near Sisters, Causing Concerns

Large flocks of wild turkeys, or "rafters," are gathering in the Camp Polk area near Sisters, likely due to someone feeding them. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) says these unnatural flock sizes — up to 50 birds — increase risks of disease, attract predators, and cause property damage, frustrating local residents.

Biologists attribute the turkey population spike to mild winters but urge people to stop feeding them, as turkeys are highly adaptable and can find natural food sources. Hazing methods like spraying with water or banging pots (with a permit from ODFW) are allowed to deter the birds.

Relocation is not an option due to avian flu concerns, and hunting isn’t feasible as the flocks are on private property. ODFW emphasizes that the best solution is to avoid enticing the birds in the first place.

Pamplin Settlement Forces Sale of R2 Ranch and Other Assets

Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr., 83, has settled with the U.S. Department of Labor for violating federal pension laws. The lawsuit revealed that Pamplin used company pension funds to purchase overvalued real estate, jeopardizing millions in retirement funds. While the pension plan remains in good standing for its 2,000 participants, Pamplin must restore losses, repay misused funds, and pay millions in fines.

As part of the settlement, Pamplin is required to sell significant assets, including the 81,000-acre R2 Ranch in Jefferson and Wasco counties. Other holdings, such as two Yamhill County wineries, a hazelnut farm, and industrial properties, will also be sold.

Pamplin admitted to using pension funds improperly, and he is now barred from serving as a trustee. The settlement ensures compensation to the pension plan for lost earnings and improper real estate deals.

Pamplin’s media holdings, including the Madras Pioneer and Central Oregonian, were sold in June 2024. The offices of both newspapers are now for sale, as they were purchased with pension funds.

Federal officials emphasize that the judgment protects workers’ retirement benefits and holds fiduciaries accountable. Criminal charges against Pamplin remain a possibility, though none have been filed.

Full Story Here

Rare 6-planet parade to light up Central Oregon skies

A fairly unusual planetary alignment will light up the night skies of Central Oregon this week, as long as the weather cooperates.

Six planets will align in what’s known as a planetary parade starting Tuesday night. Four planets will be visible with the naked eye -- Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. To see Neptune and Uranus, you'll need a telescope or binoculars.

The best time to look up at the night sky will be right after sunset.

"It’s not very often we get a planetary alignment. It’s super cool. We can show people the really neat planets. Jupiter and Saturn are the ones that are so fascinating with the telescope. Venus is kind of cool. Mars is kind of cool, but Jupiter and Saturn really steal the show," Central Oregon Community College Astronomy Professor Bob Grossfeld said.

A public viewing will take place in the Old Mill District on Thursday night, although the exact location has yet to be announced. A telescope will be available to view the full lineup of planets.

Venus and Saturn will glow in the southwestern sky, with Jupiter in the southern sky and Mars in the southeast or east. The planets will shine brighter than the stars, and Mars will look like a reddish-orange dot. Consider downloading stargazing apps to help with where to look.

The planetary parade isn’t over yet. Mercury will join the lineup next month, offering a rare sight in the night sky.

 City of Bend Events

Two Fatal Crashes Involving Redmond Residents Leave Community Mourning

Redmond, Ore. — The Redmond community is reeling after two fatal crashes claimed the lives of two residents, Madyson Braelyn Curtis, 20, and Theodore “Ted” Kleinman, 79, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.

The first incident occurred at approximately 11:34 a.m. on Highway 22 in Linn County. According to Oregon State Police, Ted Kleinman was driving a red Cadillac eastbound near Minto Road when his vehicle veered off the roadway and collided head-on with a blue Ford F-150. The Ford was driven by Delores Ann Carroll, 76, also from Redmond. Both Kleinman and Carroll sustained serious injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital, along with Glenn L. Carroll, 51, a passenger in the Ford, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Tragically, Kleinman succumbed to his injuries later that day.

The highway was closed for approximately four hours as the OSP Collision Reconstruction Unit conducted its investigation.

Kleinman, a longtime Redmond resident, was known for his active engagement on the neighborhood-focused Nextdoor app, where he frequently shared advice, updates, and kind words with his community. Many residents expressed their condolences on the platform, describing him as a thoughtful and friendly neighbor who will be greatly missed.

Later that evening, at approximately 5:10 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle rollover on Interstate 82 in Umatilla County. Madyson Curtis, a 20-year-old Redmond resident, was driving a black Chevrolet Tahoe westbound near milepost 8 when her vehicle left the roadway for unknown reasons. The Tahoe rolled several times before coming to rest in the median.

Curtis, who was ejected from the vehicle, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The highway was impacted for about 30 minutes during the on-scene investigation.

Both incidents serve as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safe driving practices. The Redmond community continues to grieve the loss of two of its own.

Authorities are still investigating the causes of both crashes, and no further information is available at this time.

Oregon State Police and Linn County Sheriff’s Office Partner for Highway 20 Rescue

LINN COUNTY, Ore.—In a collaborative effort, the Oregon State Police (OSP) and Linn County Sheriff’s Office conducted a successful rescue on Highway 20 near milepost 68 on the morning of January 22, 2025.

At approximately 9:15 a.m., an OSP Fish and Wildlife Trooper encountered an abandoned vehicle on the highway shoulder. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle’s owner, a 30-year-old woman, had wandered away and become lost in the surrounding forest. The individual had left her vehicle for unknown reasons and ventured onto a nearby U.S. Forest Service road.

Responding swiftly, the Linn County Search and Rescue team and an OSP Fish and Wildlife K-9 unit were dispatched to the scene. The K-9 team, led by Scout, successfully tracked the woman’s location approximately one mile from her vehicle. Troopers on-site provided critical assistance, including building a fire and offering food, emergency blankets, and other aid until the search and rescue team arrived with a snowcat to transport her safely back to the highway.

Medics from the Sweet Home Fire Department evaluated the woman on-site before transporting her to a local hospital for further medical care.

While this rescue unfolded, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office also received reports of two additional motorists stranded on snow-covered forest roads. Sheriff Michelle Duncan emphasized the importance of preparation when traveling in winter conditions. “This is a good reminder for motorists to always have a plan and adequate equipment if traveling or recreating in the snow,” she said.

Sheriff Duncan advised drivers to inform friends or family of their travel plans, carry a cell phone or rescue beacon, and equip their vehicles with essential winter safety items such as blankets, warm clothing, food, water, and a first aid kit.

This successful rescue highlights the importance of preparation and the dedication of local law enforcement and emergency responders in keeping Oregon’s roads and communities safe.

Humane Society of the Ochocos in dire need of more sponsors for kennel space

The Humane Society of the Ochocos (HSO) has been overwhelmed for more than a year now, preventing it from being able to take in surrendered animals. 

"For strays, we're doubled, tripled up in kennels. Puppies are four to five in a kennel if they're small enough. Luckily everyone's inside. Last year, they weren't. We are able to keep everybody inside right now," shelter manager at HSO Jessica Williams said. 

The current shelter was built to just be a temporary building 28 years ago. HSO has only recently been able to start phase one of constructing a new building for more space.

"We need to get our building done so we can house more dogs. This building only holds 24 kennels and the new one will hold 34 so we can help the community more," HSO Executive Director Chanda Wallace said.

Eleven kennels have already been funded, but HSO is in desperate need for more sponsors to cover the 23 others.

"Each kennel is $10,000 and we need quite a few more. The sponsorship is $10,000 and you'll get a plaque, and it's a good way to honor somebody. Or 'in memory of' or organizations or businesses that want to leave their name," Wallace said.

While HSO has raised more than $100,000, it says it still needs another $200,000 just to fund the rest of the kennels.

"People are frustrated and we're frustrated that we can't take in more," Williams said. "It's what we're here to do is to take in the animals and find them good homes. So the fact that we can't take in surrenders and help people out as much as we'd like to is frustrating and then getting the back side of it is hard."

HSO says the new building should be complete by May 1, followed by more construction that will include a cat wing and administration offices.

If you wish to donate to become a sponsor of one of the kennels, you can find more information here.

Central Oregon Market Report | January 22, 2025

by Reed Melton

With mortgage interest rates stuck above 7%, inventory remains higher than in the previous few years. However, pending sales are strong to start the year. While the days of multiple offers may be mainly in the rearview mirror, attractive, well-priced properties still sell quickly. 

Recently, I have seen mortgage interest predictions from many sources, some of which are as low as 6.2%. With rates for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage at 7.08%, 6.2% is far away. In the last several months, the Fed lowered the overnight rate by 100 basis points, a move predicted to decrease mortgage rates. While that dynamic may have been true before our national debt was $36T, mortgage rates have increased as much as the Fed has decreased in that time frame. With commodities prices rising, bond investors demand higher yields to offset the expected rise in inflation, set to outpace 2024. The current situation, years in the making, isn't changing anytime soon. With the Fed backing off from further rate decreases the mortgage markets are stable.

This morning, 755 single-family homes are listed for sale in Deschutes County, a modest drop of ten from last week.The increase in inventory and higher rates are not slowing down buyers, with sixty-one pending sales this week, the most since October. A median price change for the pending sales of -4.1% shows that prices remain firm. However, the median days listed for the active inventory is ninety-eight, while the pending sale days on the market are fifty-one. Overpriced homes are lingering, and correct pricing is vital to attracting buyers. Forty-one transactions closed this week at an average price of $948,958.

In neighboring Crook County, inventory only declined two, now at 143 single-family homes for sale. Seven pending sales show solid activity at an average list price of $556,928. The median days listed for pending sales was 117, while the number for active listings was 113. Homes in Crook County, particularly at the higher price points, are taking longer to sell. The average price of the three closed sales this week was $515,333

Jefferson County inventory increased by four to 93, consistent with levels of the last several weeks. With back-to-back weeks of eight pending sales, preceded by back-to-back weeks of six, the pending activity to start 2025 is the strongest since mid-2024. One home sold for $485,000 and 156 days on the market. 

With pricing primarily flat since 2022, an increase in homes for sale, and mortgage interest rates near recent highs, a candid assessment of a property's marketability and accurate pricing are paramount. Every buyer has access to the entire market, and overpriced homes are lingering. Economic conditions are not a doom-and-gloom scenario, as the flow of new residents to Central Oregon is consistent. However, a realistic approach is required to draw buyers in. 

I regularly create detailed analyses for clients on specific, unique properties throughout our region. Whether you want to buy a starter home or list a legacy property on large acreage, I have experience evaluating prices for buyers and sellers. Don't hesitate to reach out; I am just an email or phone call away!

Active Listings

Make Your Winter Prep Easier with the Best Firewood Splitters

As winter approaches, staying warm and cozy becomes a top priority for many households in our community. If you rely on firewood for heating or ambiance, having the right tools can make splitting logs faster and safer. Check out this guide to the top-rated firewood splitters for home use to find the perfect solution for your needs. From compact models for occasional use to heavy-duty options for larger jobs, this article breaks down the best choices to help you prepare your home for the colder months ahead.

Read more here.

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