In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather 🎦

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚘🚨 Bend Police arrest more than 600 for DUII in 2023

🏛️🚨 City of Bend and Bend Police Department Promote Transparency Through Data-Driven Approach

🥶 Deschutes County Public Health offers cold-snap safety, health tips, provides list of warming shelters

⚖️ DOJ: Prineville man pleads guilty for role in torture, murder of monkeys

😁 Meme of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

What is unique about the Pine Marten Express chairlift at Mount Bachelor?

A) It's the longest chairlift in North America.

B) It can convert from a quad chair to a six-person chair.

C) It operates entirely on solar power.

D) It was the first chairlift built on Mount Bachelor.

👇Find the Answer at the End of the Newsletter 👇

BEND

Northern Oregon Cascades (Passes)

 Friday - Patchy blowing snow. Snow may be heavy at times. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Snow accumulation of 5 to 11 inches. Windy. Pass winds west 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, diminishing to 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. Chance of snow near 100 percent. Wind chill values as low as 1 below.

Saturday - Blowing snow. Snow may be heavy at times. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Windy. Pass winds east 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Chance of snow 90 percent. Wind chill values as low as 26 below.

Saturday Night - A slight chance of sleet. Snow. Patchy blowing snow. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Blustery. Pass winds east 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Chance of precipitation 90 percent. Wind chill values as low as 23 below.

Sunday - Partly sunny. A chance of snow showers, mainly in the morning. Chance of snow 50 percent. Wind chill values as low as 5 below in the morning.

Bend Police arrest more than 600 for DUII in 2023

Bend Police arrest 602 for DUII in 2023

In 2023, Bend Police arrested 602 people for driving under the influence of intoxicants. That is a decline in arrests from 2022, when Bend Police arrested 693.

Here are a few statistics about the 2023 DUII arrests: 

Officers made the most DUII arrests in April (65).

The average number of DUII arrests made each month was 50. 

Officers made the most arrests between the hours of 12 a.m. and 1 a.m., but DUIIs were recorded at all hours. Of the 602 DUII arrests in 2023, 108 (18 percent) were made between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• 50 registered a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .01 to .07 (8 percent of all arrests)

• 178 registered a BAC of .08 to .14 (30 percent)

• 122 registered a BAC of .15 to .19 (20 percent)

• 119 registered a BAC of .20 and above (20 percent) 

• 60 had only drugs in their system (10 percent) 

• The remainder are pending lab results.

The traffic team, including our DUII officers, accounted for 225 DUII arrests, about 37 percent of all arrests. 

Of those in the BAC range of .20% or higher, 47 were arrested between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. That’s nearly 40 percent. 

Fifteen arrestees had a BAC of .30% or higher in 2023. That level of intoxication is so high that the Deschutes County Jail will not accept them without medical clearance from St. Charles Medical Center.

A variety of drugs were identified in DUII arrests. Those include fentanyl, THC, methamphetamine, morphine, methadone, cocaine, MDMA and prescription drugs. Many DUIIs were for a combination of drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.

Of the 602 arrests, 198 (33 percent) required telephonic search warrants, which officers apply for when an arrestee declines to consent to a breathalyzer or blood draw, asks for an attorney, or whose breathalyzer test is not consistent with the level of impairment.

In 2024, the Bend Police Department remains committed to aggressively enforcing DUII in our city. We ask our community to never get behind the wheel of a vehicle when you are impaired. Call a rideshare, taxi or friend or family member to make sure you get where you're going safely without putting anyone's lives at risk. 

City of Bend and Bend Police Department Promote Transparency Through Data-Driven Approach

 https://policedata.bendoregon.gov/

In an era where transparency and accountability are of paramount importance, the City of Bend and the Bend Police Department have taken significant steps to ensure that the community remains informed about their daily operations and services. Utilizing data- and evidence-led approaches, they have launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing residents with insights into reported crimes, calls for service, and other vital data points.

Promoting Transparency and Accountability

The primary objective of this initiative is to promote transparency and accountability within the City of Bend. By making critical data and reports publicly available, both organizations aim to foster a deeper understanding of their operations and enhance their services to the community.

"We believe that an informed community is an empowered community," said Sheila Miller, Police Communications Manager. "Our commitment to transparency extends to the data we collect, and we want our residents to have easy access to this information."

Data Sources and Accuracy

But where does this data come from, and how accurate is it? The data is sourced from the Deschutes County 911 database, a valuable repository of information. However, it's important to note that the numbers displayed on the platform may vary slightly from the official totals once investigations are concluded. Therefore, while the data offers valuable insights, it should not be solely relied upon for official purposes, as it is subject to change.

Additionally, the City of Bend and Bend Police Department prioritize victims' privacy by rounding address locations to the nearest block.

A Comprehensive View of Data

The data is organized into various categories, each offering a unique perspective on community safety and police operations:

1. Calls for Service: This category includes incidents when a community member contacts 911 or the Deschutes County non-emergency dispatch phone number seeking police assistance, or when an officer self-dispatches to an incident in our community. Residents can find more detailed information on the "Calls for Service" page.

2. Case Offenses: A case offense refers to an incident that has been assigned a case number because a crime or offense has taken place. The dedicated "Case Offenses" page provides further insights into these incidents.

3. Mental Health Calls: Understanding the importance of mental health crisis calls, the Bend Police Department offers more information on their "Mental Health Calls" page.

4. Bias Crimes: With updated bias crime laws introduced in 2019 by the State of Oregon, it's crucial to comprehend how law enforcement handles and reports these crimes. The "Bias Crime" page offers valuable insights.

5. Drones: To enhance emergency response and investigations, the Bend Police Department employs unmanned aerial systems, commonly known as drones. The "Drone Flights" page explains the role of these high-tech tools in public safety.

Accessing Additional Resources

For those interested in learning more about a particular case or incident, the Bend Police Department allows residents to request records. Additionally, if you have any questions or require assistance, you are encouraged to reach out via email. The Accessibility Program is also available to assist with any document, form, or related inquiries.

Stay Informed, Stay Empowered

The City of Bend and the Bend Police Department's commitment to transparency and data-driven decision-making ensures that the community remains informed and engaged in the ongoing efforts to enhance safety and services. By providing easy access to critical information, they empower residents to be active participants in the betterment of their city.

As we move forward into the new year, let us continue to support initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and the well-being of our beloved Bend community.

Deschutes County Public Health offers cold-snap safety, health tips, provides list of warming shelters

Winter weather has brought subzero temperatures, snow, and high winds, prompting Deschutes County Public Health to issue precautions for staying safe. Exposure to cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia, even above 40°F, especially when wet. Frostbite is another risk, primarily affecting the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Heart strain can occur in cold weather, so it's essential to dress warmly and take breaks during outdoor activities. Health officials recommend staying indoors during extreme cold, wearing appropriate clothing, and using precautions to prevent slips on icy surfaces. For warming shelters, call 211 or check local daytime and overnight spaces in coordination with community partners.

Read the full information here including list of warming shelters HERE

DOJ: Prineville man pleads guilty for role in torture, murder of monkeys

A Prineville man accused of taking part in the producing and distributing animal crush videos involving monkeys pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

David Christopher Noble, 48, pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos.

The Department of Justice said Noble conspired with others to send multiple online payments to people overseas to fund the production of videos depicting the torture, mutilation and murder of monkeys. Prosecutors also allege that Noble ran an online group where members would raise funds to produce, discuss ideas for, and share animal abuse videos.

Noble was indicted last May on charges of conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos and creating animal crush videos. He was also charged with illegally possessing a firearm as a dishonorably discharged person.

Prosecutors say Noble was dismissed from the Air Force in 2006 following a court martial for fraud and an unprofessional relationship. DOJ said that following an investigation in this case, a search warrant on Noble’s home was executed, where law enforcement allegedly found approximately 50 videos depicting animal abuse, along with several firearms and ammunition.

For his role in the conspiracy, DOJ says Noble faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years’ supervised release. He will be sentenced on April 24.

 RELATED: Prineville man indicted; accused of role in torture, murder of monkeys

What’s Up Central Oregon

Friday, January 12th

• Friday Night Lights @ Hoodoo

  • Time: 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

  • Location: Hoodoo Oregon

  • Event Details

• Jazz at the Oxford: Elan Trotman presents Dear Marvin - The Music of Marvin Gaye

  • Time: 06:00 PM

  • Location: The Oxford Hotel, 10 Minnesota Avenue, Bend

  • Tickets: $68, plus ticketing fees

  • Event Details

• International Fly Fishing Film Festival 2024

  • Time: 07:00 PM

  • Location: Tower Theater Oregon

  • Tickets: $20 plus $4 historic preservation fee

  • Event Details

Saturday, January 13th

• Snowshoeing With Women Who Hike In Bend

  • Time: 08:00 AM

  • Location: Swampy Sno Park Cascade Lakes Highway Bend

  • Tickets: $25

  • Event Details

• FREE Snowshoe Tours

  • Time: 10:30 AM - 02:30 PM

  • Location: Mt Bachelor Oregon

  • Event Details

• 11th Annual High Gravity Brewfest @ McMenamins

  • Time: 01:00 PM - 08:00 PM

  • Location: McMenamins

  • Tickets: $28 advance, $30 at door

  • Event Details

• 3 OF WE

  • Time: 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

  • Location: Sunday Guitars, 759 NE Greenwood, Suite 1, Bend

  • Tickets: $20

  • Event Details

Sunday, January 14th

• DC4W Run (Deschutes County 4Wheelers)

  • Time: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

  • Location: 635 N Arrowleaf Trl Sisters, OR

  • Event Details

• Soup Sundays @ Testimony Wine Bar

  • Time: 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM

  • Location: 307 NW 6th St, Redmond, OR

  • Event Details

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Local Trivia Answer:

What is unique about the Pine Marten Express chairlift at Mount Bachelor?

Answer: B) It can convert from a quad chair to a six-person chair.

The Pine Marten Express is famous for its unique design. It's one of the few lifts in North America that can be converted from a quad chair to a six-person chair, adapting to the volume of skiers.