The Rhodes Story

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Before the Rhodes purchased the lot to the west of me I was taking care of fallen trees and bitter brush. Right after the Rhodes purchased their property I told them if there was anything they needed don’t hesitate to ask. Including both tools and knowledge.

I informed them that the back of their property is where the Mule Deer hunker down due to the cover. I also said, let’s do our side yards so that they compliment one another.

A few months later the property is scalped with no cover remaining for the Mulies. As the contractor prepares the site for foundations there are no provisions made for keeping the dust down.

As the windows go in, I ask Kevin, what color will you be painting your house? Kevin replied, a cream color, matching my window frames. Nope, same exact color as my home to a Tee!

When I moved here in 2006, buying my property from Dave & Mary Newkirk, I knew that the exterior paint color was more akin to a tract house in town. I wanted something that blended in, not something that stood out like a neon sign. I spent days driving around to some of the nicer developments in Deschutes County to find the perfect paint scheme. Well low and behold, I found the perfect color just across the river. Mr Putney was kind enough to provide the paint codes and $4k later I had just what I wanted! Many people complemented me on my choice, just to have Kevin paint his house the same color. When challenging the Brain Trust, Biff indicated that there is no rule against your neighbor painting their house the same color as yours. There is a basic assumption that intelligent people would check the adjacent properties before approving a house color, since this isn’t a condominium complex.

At this point our relationship has deteriorated to the point where I now see evenly spaced stakes on my property line, indicating a fence is about to go up. Attorney helps me with a letter saying, you better not!

While having company from out of town, ding dong, pound pound pound! Yes? We want to talk to you about your letter! Not right now, I have company. They have their 10 year old son in tow? Really? I left it at, don’t build the fence! They claimed that they weren’t planning on building a fence. Shitty neighbors and liars to boot.

And now he parks his truck on my frontage property line in the setback where he cultivates cheat grass, while leaving 5 lights on all night long? What a great addition to the neighborhood!

Poster Child for Energy Conservation
Getting a jump on garbage day, 3 days in advance. Maybe no one cares? Why live in an HOA with that FU attitude.
Great Front Yard says Fred & Elizabeth Sanford! Aka the Clampits!

The only house in the neighborhood where the lights come on a 4 PM and stay on all night.
And add one more light! Yep, six lights should be keeping away that boogeyman!

Pringle Falls Loop Bridge

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On August 15th, I met with Chris Doty, The Head Man, for Deschutes County Road Maintenance. It had been indicated earlier that the WROA Board had no interest in what was going on with our bridge. Chris and I discussed a wide range of topics:

Bridge Replacement

Bridge replacement is 4 to 8 years out based on it’s current rating for failure. Our Bridge has been rated as a “51” out of 100. The rating was provided by the State of Oregon after an inspection, several years ago. The County will be conducting its own assessment within the next year and if the bridge falls below 50, the schedule for the bridge replacement will be advanced. Chris assured me that when the bridge is being replaced we would maintain our ability to travel west on Burgess along with first responders ability to access the development on the west side of the Big Deschutes. The current scope of work is for the “bridge to be replaced only” and there are no plans for widening or modifying the turns leading to or from the bridge. Great news for those owners directly downstream!

Bridge Maintenance

Chris had included a specialized street sweeper to his capital budget request for 2023, but it didn’t pass muster as we are the only need. Until he receives approval we’ll be the ones cleaning our bridge, if we want it done at all. Before winter I will be removing the years of cinder buildup to help with both snow & ice removal, beginning all too soon.

Filtration Swale for Water Runoff

Chris would like to partner with us on the bridge water runoff, using a small bit of our common area for a biofiltration swale. There again, 4 to 8 years out.

Pringle Falls Signage

For years our residents have been complaining about the large brown sign stating “Pringle Falls” – “Deschutes River” right before our bridge. Chris will be providing me with the contact number so we can discuss removing the “Pringle Falls” portion of the sign since no one other than residents of WROA can access unless it is winter,

Deer/Elk Carrion Removal

The number for deer and elk carrion removal is (541) 388 – 6581 or email [email protected]

Single Point of Contact

Chris agreed that it would be best to have a single point of contact for road issues affecting WROA residents.

Rentals In Wild River

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Daily, weekly, or monthly vacation rentals are not allowed. All rental terms must be 6 months or longer. The members of Wild River do not want strangers who are unfamiliar with our rules, coming and going.

All owners properties will be kept in “park like condition, free of weeds, trash and fire hazards. All homes must have the required defensible space as outlined in the National Firewise Pamphlet

Failure to comply will result in the association taking action to bring the owners property into compliance and billing the property owner for all actual costs plus a 25% administration fee. The Administration fee will be entered in to the general fund, not Lori’s personal FU Neighbor Fund.

Got Ants?

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Try pouring about 1/4 of the Bayer Insecticide into a one gallon garden sprayer, topping off with water. I used to area spray with a garden hose, however, it’s just like Irrigation, it’s better to hit everything individually.. I hit each mound individually, smooth over with my foot and give one more light shot. That way I’ll know which ones are new.

I’ll start categorizing soon.

Emergency Egresses –

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Everyone should learn where the alternative Emergency Egresses are located! I’ll double check the West Deschutes River Road Emergency Egress to ensure it is passable. Update, it’s not.

This is something that you should print out to keep with your Emergency Preparedness Day Pack.

All of your heirlooms (not on display) and irreplaceable items should be boxed and ready to roll!

Some Bad News – There are large boulders blocking the Egress to West Deschutes River Road from Wild River Way. Anyone want to get with the Forest Service?

We could replace the rocks with posts that are easily knocked down in an emergency. At Boeing we called them crash barriers. If you are escaping a fire you shouldn’t worry about a little front end damage or better yet get behind a 4X4!

Also for additional security maybe we’ll could fix our perimeter fence? Asleep at the switch! But yes, we need more signs!

Best get with the Brain Trust first or they will be sending the local HACKER|LEPERS, Shysters at Large after you for doing a good deed!

The large Boulders could be reused at our West Entrance blocking the old service road

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