In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚨💊Two Arrested in Central Oregon Drug Bust and High-Speed Pursuit

🚨💵 Scammers Posing as Law Enforcement Target Deschutes County Residents

🏛 Justice Pursued as Jesse Carl Ross Surrenders in Fatal Crash Case: $2 Million Bail Set

⚠️🛣️ Weekly Road & Traffic Report

📅 Lots of Events

😆 Meme of the Day

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Two Arrested in Central Oregon Drug Bust and High-Speed Pursuit

Two Bend residents, Andrew Scott Giordano, aged 48, and Eric Wayne Reinwald, aged 47, were arrested on December 28 following a high-speed vehicle pursuit in Redmond. The arrests were the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office.

Law enforcement officers attempted to stop a gray Volkswagen Taos at around 10:35 PM near Smith Rock Way and NE 33rd St. in Redmond. The vehicle, however, refused to comply with the traffic stop and initiated an attempt to elude police. During the brief pursuit, the fleeing vehicle hit a road bump, went off NE 33rd St. and Oneil Hwy, and came to a halt after colliding with rocks and debris. Both occupants, Giordano and Reinwald, were arrested at the scene and were fortunately unharmed in the crash.

Search warrants were subsequently obtained for the vehicle and Giordano's residence on Kirstin Ct. in Bend. These searches led to the discovery of significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in and around the vehicle, as well as cash, packaging materials, and items associated with drug distribution at Giordano's residence.

Giordano and Reinwald face multiple charges, including unlawful possession and delivery of controlled substances, commercial drug offenses, and attempting to elude police. Both individuals were incarcerated at the Deschutes County Adult Jail. The ongoing investigation may result in additional charges being filed against them.

This operation underscores the commitment of Central Oregon law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related activities and maintain the safety of the community.

Scammers Posing as Law Enforcement Target Deschutes County Residents

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is once again cautioning residents of Deschutes County about a persistent warrant scam that has resurfaced in the area. Recent reports have revealed that scammers are posing as members of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and contacting community members, requesting money to resolve warrants supposedly issued for missing jury duty. Additionally, victims are being told they can clear the warrant by paying bail using pre-paid gift cards.

In a concerning development, scammers are using local Oregon phone numbers, making the scheme appear more legitimate due to technological advancements.

It's imperative for the public to understand that law enforcement agencies will never contact citizens to request money for clearing a warrant or addressing any legal matter over the phone. If someone genuinely has a warrant, a law enforcement officer will likely visit them in person and provide proper identification.

Citizens are strongly advised to exercise caution whenever an unfamiliar person asks for money via telephone. To combat this scam, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is urging community members to share this vital information with others. Past incidents have seen innocent residents falling victim to this fraudulent scheme, and the goal is to prevent further individuals from becoming targets. This can be achieved by discussing the scam with neighbors, contacting friends or family members, and sharing the information on social media platforms. Education is the most effective tool in protecting against these scams.

If you or someone you know has been defrauded by this or a similar scam and has suffered financial losses, please contact Deschutes County non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911. Staying informed and vigilant is the key to safeguarding the community from such deceptive activities.

Justice Pursued as Jesse Carl Ross Surrenders in Fatal Crash Case: $2 Million Bail Set

OSP Update- October 12, 2023 at approximately 7:32pm, Jesse Carl Ross, 43, of Corvallis, MT was driving a Chevy Silverado northbound on the highway when he crossed the center line, sideswiped a southbound semi-truck and trailer and struck a Toyota RAV4 driven by Gary Rutledge, 57, head-on. The SUV caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames after the crash. The crash occurred about two miles south of Terrebonne. Gary Rutledge, his wife Michelle, 53, and their two children, Kate, 15, and Ryan, 17, both Reynolds High School students, died at the scene. They were on their way to view the solar eclipse in Central Oregon. 

Ross was indicted on 4 Counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree in Deschutes County and a nationwide warrant was issued for his arrest. Ross turned himself to the Deschutes County Jail on 12/26/2023. Ross is facing other charges of DUII, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Endangering. 

Ross was arraigned on 12/28/2023 and bail was kept at $2 Million.

Redmond Weekly Road & Traffic Report Dec. 30 thru Jan. 5

 Wickiup Ave., between 49th & 47^th St., 12/11 – 2/9, road closure, local access only, Please use detour, Capital Improvement Project www.redmondoregon.gov/ReservoirDriveProject, Taylor Northwest

Bend Neff & Purcell CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES – December 29 - January 5

Construction crews will observe the New Year’s Day holiday. 

Neff and Purcell Intersection 

• Installation of irrigation and landscaping continues, expect shoulder work and lane shifts.

• Some landscape plantings and restoration following construction may occur in the spring due to weather.

North Sidewalk Infill on Neff Road (Eastwood Drive to Cliff Drive)

• Near Eastwood Drive, sidewalk concrete work is expected to be completed by January 2.

• Near Cliff Drive, sidewalk concrete work is expected to be completed by January 2.

• Installation of irrigation and landscaping continues, expect shoulder work and lane shifts.

Purcell Extension – Opening late January (weather permitting) 

• Roadway closures continue. Please follow signed detour routes.

• Sidewalk concrete work continues, expect shoulder work and flaggers.

Note dates are estimates and subject to change.

ROAD CLOSURES AND DETOURS 

• Neff Road from Eastwood Drive to Cliff Drive expect single lane closure with flagging.  

• The Purcell Extension closures and detours will continue through January, weather permitting. Please use signed detour routes.

Temporary Pedestrian Access Routes

Please use marked temporary pedestrian detours. These temporary pedestrian access routes will change as needed during different phases of work.  

Interactive Traffic Impacts Map

You may also monitor other detours and closures at bendoregon.gov/traffic. 

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What’s Up Central Oregon?

Monday, January 1st

• New Year's Day Buffet @ Indian Head Casino

  • Time: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

  • Location: Indian Head Casino

• New Year's Day Brunch at Juniper Preserve

  • Time: 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM

  • Location: Juniper Preserve, 65600 Pronghorn Club Dr

  • Tickets: $85

  • Event Details

• First Day Hike At Lower 66 Trails

  • Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Location: Lower 66 Trailhead (Prineville Reservoir State Park), 1662 SW Park Dr, Prineville, Oregon

• New Year's Day Hangover Brunch

  • Time: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

  • Location: Monkless Belgian Ales, 803 SW Industrial Way #202, Oregon

  • Event Details

• New Year's Day Ride

  • Time: 11:00 AM

  • Event Details

Tuesday, January 2nd

• Manifestation Spell Jar & New Year Numerology event at the Black Bird

  • Time: Noon to 6:00 PM

  • Location: The Bohemian Peddler’s Black Bird Magical Tea & Tales, 191 SE 5th Street, Madras, OR 97741

  • Event Details

• Untamed Tuesday Event by Coalition Snow

  • Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

  • Location: 10 Barrel Brewing Company, 1135 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR

  • Event Details

Wednesday, January 3rd

• Sidney Joseph @ Crosscut Warming Hut

  • Time: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

  • Location: Crosscut Warming Hut No 5, 566 SW Milil View Way

• Sean Alan & The Vibeshiftas @ McMenamins

  • Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

  • Location: McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St, Bend, OR

  • Event Details

Thursday, January 4th

• Suttle Lodge's Fireside Concert Series: Megan Diana Fireside Show

  • Time: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

  • Location: Suttle Lake Lodge, 13300 US-20, Sisters, Oregon

  • Tickets: $10

  • Event Details

The Quons Trio @ River’s Place

• Time: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

• Location: River's Place, 787 Northeast Purcell Boulevard

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