In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather 🎦

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

💦🏛️Sisters Library Closes Temporarily Due to Water Leak

🏛️ Chinese Billionaire's Oregon Timberland Ownership Raises Concerns

🚨🔥Redmond Fire & Rescue Battles Early Morning Blaze, Saves Propane Tank from Disaster

💥🚨Several Crashes and Fatalities on South Hwy 97

🚨 Redmond man dies of cold exposure after car became stuck on outcropping above Dry Canyon UPDATED INFORMATION

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

🛁🧊 Monday’s Health Corner - The Rising Wave of Cold Plunge Therapy: A Dive into Chilly Wellness

When was the Crooked River High Bridge built?

A) 1926

B) 1936

C) 1951

D) 1967

👇Find the Answer at the End of the Newsletter 👇

BEND

Sisters Library Closes Temporarily Due to Water Leak

Sisters, OR - The Sisters Library closed on Wednesday, January 17, after a significant water leak flooded parts of the building. The leak was discovered Wednesday morning, with standing water found in the community room and the children’s area. The cause is still under investigation, but early assessments point to a burst pipe, which happened during the recent cold snap that sent temperatures plummeting into sub-freezing territory for days. The Sisters Library will remain closed while contractors and disaster mitigation services work to ensure that any leaks are repaired and that all structures and furnishings are dried or replaced if needed.

“Staff are just heartbroken with this situation,” said library Director Todd Dunkelberg. “But we are working closely with our contractors to repair the damage and are eager to reopen again as soon as possible.”

Dunkelberg says that at this time they do not have a reopening date for the Sisters Library.

“We are in the early stages of assessing the damage, so are reliant on our contractors to continue their exploration and repair,” Dunkelberg said. “We will keep the public updated as to the progress of the repairs via our website and social media channels.”

The external book drop at the Sisters Library remains open, so customers can still return their checked-out materials. Sisters customers can still access eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital resources online via the library’s website (www.deschuteslibrary.org). Other libraries remain open; hours and locations can also be found on the library’s website.

Chinese Billionaire's Oregon Timberland Ownership Raises Concerns

Bend, OR - A recent report revealed that a Chinese billionaire linked to the Chinese Communist Party owns 198,000 acres of Oregon timberland, prompting Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) to call for a Treasury Department review of the $85 million deal made in 2015. This purchase accounts for almost half of all Chinese-owned U.S. farmland. Chen Tianqiao, the billionaire in question, is the founder of Shanda Group, a global investment firm. Chavez-DeRemer expressed national security concerns and questioned the approval process, citing similar transactions near military bases. Shanda Group confirmed the purchase when Tianqiao was a CCP member but stated he left in 2017. A community effort is underway to protect the land from future development. Chavez-DeRemer seeks reforms to safeguard U.S. agricultural land from foreign adversaries.

Redmond Fire & Rescue Battles Early Morning Blaze, Saves Propane Tank from Disaster

REDMOND, OR- At approximately 3:30am Sunday, January 21st, Redmond Fire & Rescue was alerted to a reported shop building on fire, located at 6688 NW 66th St, Redmond. Due to the very icy roads fire crews experienced a longer than normal response time. Once fire screws safely arrived on scene they observed a 20x30 shop building with heavy fire. Fire crews quickly brought the fire under control and kept the fire from spreading to a nearby propane tank. The shop building was being used to store vehicles and no occupants were inside at the time of the fire.

Fire investigators were on scene conducting interviews and evaluating the fire scene.

Estimated loss is valued at $100,000.

Redmond Fire & Rescue was assisted by Crooked River Fire & Rescue.

Several Crashes and Fatalities on South Hwy 97

Five members of a Bend Family killed, 6th critically injured

Klamath County, Ore 17 Jan 2024 – On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 9:45 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a commercial motor vehicle versus passenger vehicle crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 193, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Chrysler Pacifica, operated by Juan Ochoa Bravo (39) of Bend, was traveling northbound when it lost control and slid into the southbound travel lane.  A southbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Iskanyan Avetis Vardani (56) of Los Angeles (CA), attempted to avoid the Chrysler by swerving off the southbound shoulder of the highway.  The front passenger side of the Chrysler collided with the front end of the Peterbilt causing significant damage and sending the Chrsyler spinning across the northbound lane.

The operator of the Chrysler (Juan Ochoa Bravo), Eve Saldana Alcantar (37), Erik Ochoa Saldana (18), a female juvenile (15), and a male infant (1) were declared deceased at the scene. An 11-year-old girl also riding in the minivan was taken to an area hospital with critical injuries.

Fatal Crash - HWY 97 - Klamath County

Klamath County, Ore 17 Jan 2024 - On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 6:28 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a commercial motor vehicle versus pickup crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 197, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound GMC pickup, operated by Michael Randolph Lasley (78) of Clearlake (CA), crossed into the southbound lane and struck a southbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Zachary Ryan Sprangler (29) of Grants Pass, head on.

The operator of the GMC (Lasley) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Peterbilt (Sprangler) was reportedly not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by Chemult Fire and ODOT.

Fatal Crash - HWY 97 - Klamath County

Deschutes County, Ore 19 Jan 24- On Friday, January 19, 2024, at 12:21 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 97, at the intersection with Hwy 31, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Chevrolet Trail Blazer, operated by Marveen Louise Cloud (87) of Fort Rock, was in the left turn lane waiting to turn east onto Hwy 31.  The Chevrolet attempted to turn left, crossing the northbound lane, and was struck by a northbound Dodge Dart, operated by Cheyenne Raelee Johnson (22) of Lapine. 

The operator of the Dodge (Johnson) suffered minor injuries and was transported for evaluation.  

A passenger in the Dodge, Joanne Lee Banzer (77) of Lapine, was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Cloud) suffered minor injuries and was transported for evaluation.

The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. Roadway conditions do not appear to be a contributing factor to this crash.

OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Lapine Fire, and ODOT.

Redmond man dies of cold exposure after car became stuck on outcropping above Dry Canyon

UPDATE ON THIS STORY, LINK BELOW

 REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Redmond man died from cold exposure Sunday after his car got stuck on a rock outcropping above the Dry Canyon, authorities said.

Police responded to a crash Sunday morning and found a vehicle on the canyon rim just above the Dry Canyon Trail, by a residential neighborhood near Spudbowl Park.

Deschutes and Crook County Medical Examiner Anne Onishi confirmed that it was a 38-year-old man who was married and lived and worked in the area.

A neighbor told NewsChannel 21 someone knocked on their door around 8 a.m. Sunday and said there was a car hanging off the edge of the cliff, and a man was found lying in the snow. It’s not known how long he was there.

Police declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation.

At least 10 other deaths have been linked to fallen trees or suspected hypothermia in Oregon's recent severe storms and extreme cold, The Associated Press reports.

The post Redmond man dies of cold exposure after car became stuck on outcropping above Dry Canyon appeared first on KTVZ .

Police report sheds light on Redmond man’s death from cold exposure after crash, fall on rocks above Dry Canyon

Story HERE

Road Construction updates:

Wilson Ave Bend / Purcell & Neff Bend / Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project

What’s Up Central Oregon

Monday January 22nd

Beertown Comedy Open Mic 6:30 PM Sign ups/ 7:00 PM Show.  Silver Moon Brewing 24 NW Greenwood Ave Bend Event Details

Bingo with Bren Supporting Think Wild 6:00 PM -  8:00 PM Bevel Craft Brewing 911 SE Armour Rd Bend

Tuesday January 23rd

Dive into the Hive: Explore the World of High Desert Bees 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM This is an online, free event. We will email you the Zoom link prior to the event.

Nebulas and Pulsars, O my  5:00 PM Stars and Bars - Central Oregon Astronomy Club - VFW Post 4108 491 SW Veterans Way Redmond Event Details

Live Music @ Greg’s Grill on the Deschutes 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Greg’s Grill in the Old Mill District 450 SW Powerhouse Dr Bend Event Details

Wednesday January 24th

Bingo Benefiting Central Oregon Veterans Ranch (COVR) 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Otto’s Landing 652 NW 7th St Redmond Event Details

Spaghetti Dinner at The Bunker Bar 5:00 PM American Legion Ray Johnson Post 44 704 SW 8th St Redmond Event Details

Deschutes Public Library Events

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

The Rising Wave of Cold Plunge Therapy: A Dive into Chilly Wellness

In recent years, the wellness world has seen a frosty new trend take hold: cold plunge therapy. This invigorating practice involves immersing oneself in cold water, typically around 15°C (59°F), and has garnered a wave of enthusiasts who swear by its health benefits. This article delves into what cold plunge therapy is, its potential health benefits, and why it's gaining popularity.

What is Cold Plunge Therapy?

Cold plunge therapy, also known as cold water immersion, is a practice that involves entering a bath or pool of cold water for a short duration. This method has been used for centuries in various cultures for health and spiritual reasons. Today, it's gaining traction among athletes, celebrities, and everyday wellness enthusiasts.

Health Benefits:

1. Improved Circulation: The shock of cold water prompts the body to boost blood flow, potentially improving overall circulation.

2. Reduced Muscle Inflammation and Soreness: Many athletes use cold plunges post-workout to reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery.

3. Enhanced Mental Health: Cold water immersion is linked with increased endorphin release, which can lift mood and reduce stress.

4. Boosted Immune System: Some studies suggest that regular cold plunges can enhance the immune response.

5. Increased Metabolism: Exposure to cold can activate brown fat, leading to increased calorie burning.

The surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors. Social media influencers and celebrities showcasing their cold plunge experiences have played a significant role. Additionally, the growing interest in natural and holistic health practices has driven individuals to explore this age-old method. Moreover, scientific research backing its benefits has given it a stamp of legitimacy.

Cold plunge therapy, with its roots in ancient traditions, is making a splash in the modern wellness scene. As people continue to search for natural ways to boost their physical and mental health, this chilly practice is likely to remain a hot topic. However, it's important to approach it with caution, especially for those with underlying health conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new health regimen.

Medical Disclaimer: All information, content, and material of this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Local Trivia Answer:

 When was the Crooked River High Bridge built?

A) 1926

B) 1936

C) 1951

D) 1967

Answer: A) 1926

The Crooked River High Bridge was built in 1926 as part of the Oregon State Highway System. It is a steel arch bridge spanning the Crooked River in Jefferson County, Oregon, and is noted for its impressive architecture and the beautiful scenic views it offers.