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  • 🚨💥Tragic Head-On Collision Claims Two Lives on U.S. Highway 97 / 🚨2 Redmond Residents Arrested with Half a Pound of Fentanyl

🚨💥Tragic Head-On Collision Claims Two Lives on U.S. Highway 97 / 🚨2 Redmond Residents Arrested with Half a Pound of Fentanyl

Issue #034

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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚨💥Tragic Head-On Collision Claims Two Lives on U.S. Highway 97

🚨 Multi-Agency Operation Dismantles Illegal Marijuana Network in Deschutes County

🏛️ Redmond City Council Greenlights $4 Million for Early Pre-Construction in $49 Million Public Safety Project

🚨2 Redmond Residents Arrested with Half a Pound of Fentanyl After Months-Long Investigation

📅 Lots of Events

 

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What’s a happening?

Tragic Head-On Collision Claims Two Lives on U.S. Highway 97

 

A devastating head-on collision occurred on Saturday evening on U.S. Highway 97 between Bend and Redmond, resulting in the loss of two lives, confirmed by Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels on Sunday.

The tragic incident took place around 7:15 p.m. Saturday near milepost 128, approximately six miles south of Redmond, as reported by ODOT TripCheck. District Attorney Gunnels stated, "It was a fatal crash on Highway 97 north of Tumalo Junction. It was a cross-over crash in which the driver who crossed over has died, and the passenger in the oncoming vehicle that was hit has died as well."

The condition of the driver of the vehicle that was struck remains unknown, as Gunnels did not have information on his status.

In response to the crash and ensuing investigation, a five-mile section of the highway was closed for several hours on Saturday night. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) implemented a detour and advised motorists to use an alternate route or anticipate extended delays. Initially, ODOT cautioned, "Expect extended delays or use an alternate route."

The affected stretch of the highway was closed between mileposts 123 and 128, with a detour established via 61st Street to Canal Boulevard, and then to Yew Avenue.

Tragically, another crash was reported around 10:45 p.m. just south of the closure, near 61st Street.

This story first appeared at KTVZ

Multi-Agency Operation Dismantles Illegal Marijuana Network in Deschutes County

 

 

Kelly James King 39-year-old male was arrested for illegal marijuana growing operation.

On December 12, 2023 at 7:00 am, Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Team (DCIMME) supported by the  Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, Redmond Police Department, Bend Police Department, Oregon Army National Guard Counterdrug, Oregon Water Resources, Deschutes County Code Enforcement, Oregon State Police and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, executed three search warrants after conducting a long term investigation into the illegal production of marijuana at the 21000 block of Tumalo Pl. Bend OR and 63000 block Logan Ave. Bend OR.

As a result of the investigation and execution of the search warrants a total of 330 growing marijuana plants, approximately 100lb of processed marijuana material, one firearm, and 50 grams of psilocybin mushrooms were seized.

Some significant environmental concerns arose as well, specific concerns included but were not limited to; non-permitted dangerous electrical wiring which consisted of exposed wiring, breakers, and outlets. Black mold and marijuana mite infestation, and ground water contamination due to herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers being disposed of on the properties.

Redmond City Council Greenlights $4 Million for Early Pre-Construction in $49 Million Public Safety Project

Redmond City Council has approved $4 million for early pre-construction work on the $49-million Redmond public safety project, set to be finished by early 2025. This funding will facilitate the hiring of contractors for a future police station at 2983 NW Canal Boulevard. The move is aimed at saving costs and ensuring the project stays on schedule. The project's manager, Cumming Group, highlighted the importance of early procurement for supplies and site development. This funding will expedite vital aspects like underground utilities and grading, even before obtaining the final building permit.

2 Redmond Residents Arrested with Half a Pound of Fentanyl After Months-Long Investigation

 Two Redmond residents, Thomas Andrews (55) and Melanie Doherty (49), were arrested on December 14 after a months-long investigation led by Central Oregon Drug Enforcement and the Redmond Police Department. During a vehicle stop in Terrebonne, police discovered nearly half a pound of fentanyl in both powder and pill forms. Andrews faces felony charges for possession and attempted delivery of a controlled substance, while Doherty was arrested for misdemeanor possession and conspiracy to commit delivery of a controlled substance. Both individuals have prior criminal records in multiple counties. The investigation involved collaboration with several law enforcement agencies, including Oregon State Police, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bend Police Department.

 

 

Upcoming Events

What’s Up Central Oregon?

December 18th (Monday)

December 19th (Tuesday)

December 20th (Wednesday)

 December 21st (Thursday)

  •  Winter Nights @ High Desert Museum High Desert Museum Oregon  TICKETS $10 adults, $6 child (3-12)      

    4:00 PM - 7:30 PM

  • Winter Solstice Gathering And S'more Cook Out The Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room 550 SW Industrial Way, #194 Bend Celebrate the Solstice next to the fire with a hot mug of spiced Gluhwein and make some gourmet S'mores. An evening of great wines and new friends. Cheers! 

    5:00 PM - 9:00 PM 

  •  Starfest@Eagle Crest Eagle Crest Oregon Last Night 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

  • Third Thursday At The Grove The Grove 921 NW Mt. Washington Drive Bend

    5:00 PM - 08:00 PM 

  • Live Music With Beverly Anderson Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market 21175 SE Reed Market Road, Lot #2 Bend

    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

December 22nd (Friday)

  •  4th Friday Artwalk in Sisters, OR

    By Sisters Arts Association   Downtown Sisters Oregon 222 West Hood Avenue Sisters 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM 

  • The Grinch's Cave Adventure @ Juniper Preserve

    TICKETS $25

    3:00 PM - 04:00 PM 

  • Grimes Christmas Scene Crook County Fairgrounds 1280 Main Street Prineville 5:00 PM - 08:00 PM 

  •  Christmas In The Pines Crook County Fairgrounds 1280 Main St. Prineville 5:30 PM - 09:00 PM Christmas in the Pines has become a Prineville tradition.  Located at the Crook County Fairgrounds, this is a beautiful drive thru Winter Wonderland. Christmas in the Pines is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 5:30-9:00 now through New Year’s. Live Nativity is on Saturday nights only, from 5:30-8:00. No entry fees but we welcome donations of non-perishable food or pet food.

  • Never Come Down With Skillethead - Solstice Celebration 

    The Belfry 302 E. Main Avenue Sisters TICKETS $25

    6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

  • Ursids Meteor Shower Snowshoe Tour

    By Wanderlust Tours 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

  • Swingin' Tower Christmas! Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall Street Bend TICKETS $36 - $46 (plus $4 Historic Preservation fee) Friday, Saturday & Sunday doors open at 6 PM

     

December 23rd (Saturday)

  • Subaru Stoke Weekend #1 @ Mt Bachelor 7:00 AM Mt Bachelor is teaming up with Subaru to spread the stoke on Saturday, Dec.23 and Sunday, Dec. 24th.  Grab some buddies and head to the mountain in your Subaru for a day of shredding Subarus with 3 or more passengers will be given priority parking in the West Village Lot until all spots are filled. Once you pull in, you'll be redirected to one of our Stoke Patrollers who will hook you up with a preferred parking spot for the day and give you a Subaru swag bag. Hit the road early in your trusty Subaru and get rewarded! Coffee vouchers will be redeemed at Cocoa's Cafe which opens at 8:00 a.m.   

  • Snowshoe With A Ranger-FREE Mt Bachelor Oregon

    10:00 AM - 2:30 PM

  •  Adam Carlson Jazz Trio River's Place 787 Northeast Purcell Boulevard Bend 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM 

December 24th (Sunday)

advent

Ongoing Events Here

 

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