In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚨💊 Police Bust Drug House in Bend, Four Arrested

🍽️🤝 The Giving Plate, Expands to Better Serve the Community in Bend

 🚙 Driver found ‘frozen to the ground’ as SUV dangles off cliff dies, Oregon officials say

👵👴Redmond Senior Center to Hold Grand Re-Opening of Kitchen After Extensive Remodel

😁 MEME of the Day

🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛ Pets of the Week - Kiara & Flower

📅 Lots of Events

What was the primary purpose of the Crooked River High Bridge?

A) Pedestrian crossing

B) Railway bridge

C) Automobile traffic

D) Water supply conduit

👇Find the Answer at the End of the Newsletter 👇

BEND

Sisters

 Police Bust Drug House in Bend, Four Arrested

Bend, Oregon - January 23, 2024

In a significant operation today, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, in conjunction with the Bend Police Department, executed a search warrant at a residence in the 20000 block of Willopa Court in Bend, effectively bringing to an end a year-long investigation into reported drug-related activities at the location.

Multiple complaints and calls from concerned citizens about drug-related problems at the address prompted the authorities to take action. The operation commenced at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, when officers from the CODE team and the Bend Police Department descended upon the property. Announcing their presence and brandishing a valid search warrant, officers swiftly moved to secure the premises. As a result of the operation, four individuals were detained and subsequently arrested.

The arrested individuals include:

1. Scott Anthony Sims, a 55-year-old Bend resident, facing charges of unlawful possession of a Schedule II-controlled substance and frequenting a place where controlled substances are used.

2. Timothy Emery Kempher, a 44-year-old Bend resident, charged with frequenting a place where controlled substances are used, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, and a parole violation leading to an arrest warrant.

3. Andrew Charles Hill, a 53-year-old Bend resident, charged with frequenting a place where controlled substances are used.

4. Leah Marie Carlson, a 33-year-old Bend resident, charged with frequenting a place where controlled substances are used.

The investigation revealed that the residence had been involved in the illegal use and distribution of narcotics. Just days prior to the operation, a 911 call was received, reporting an overdose on fentanyl powder at the same location. Although the individual survived, it underscored the gravity of the fentanyl overdose problem across the nation. The CODE team emphasized its commitment to pursuing cases involving fentanyl, as each seizure has the potential to save lives.

During the execution of the search warrant, detectives from the CODE team confiscated a significant amount of illicit substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Additionally, they seized steroids, digital scales, and packaging materials, all linked to the illicit drug trade.

Of note, Timothy Emery Kempher was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest due to a parole violation. He was also in possession of brass knuckles, classified as a restricted weapon.

Following their arrests, Scott Anthony Sims and Timothy Emery Kempher were transported and incarcerated at the Deschutes County Adult Jail. Meanwhile, Andrew Charles Hill and Leah Marie Carlson were cited and issued court dates to appear.

The Giving Plate, Expands to Better Serve the Community in Bend

The Giving Plate, a food pantry in Bend, is moving forward with its expansion plans for two new buildings. Executive Director Ranae Staley shared that this project has been in development since 2017. The goal is to create a more dignified shopping experience for their guests and enhance their capacity to receive and store food while collaborating with other agencies.

The first step of this expansion involves moving into the Distribution Center on First Street next month. Following that, the Community Store on South Highway 97 is set to open in April. Staley emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the growing need for hunger relief. This expansion is not just a small change but a significant organizational shift that will impact their programs and how they receive food donations from the community.

Staley expresses excitement about this transformative time for The Giving Plate and mentions that they will require assistance with both projects. They are looking for volunteers, especially those with physical strength for moving tasks and individuals with handyman skills to help create a welcoming environment for their guests.

Driver found ‘frozen to the ground’ as SUV dangles off cliff dies, Oregon officials say

By Daniella Segura,

A man died after being found “frozen to the ground” in 2-degree weather as his SUV dangled off a cliff, according to Oregon officials.

A passerby called 911 on Jan. 14 saying they saw what looked like a car that had “driven over the canyon edge,”

Redmond Police Department Sgt. Jonny Dickson said in a Jan. 14 report. When he arrived, Dickson said he saw a Toyota 4Runner with its front end “hanging over the edge of the cliff.” Dickson used an easement to get closer to the SUV, according to the report. As he approached the car, he did not see any footprints. However, “the vehicle was running, and I could hear a warning buzzer going,” Dickson said. The driver door was open, Dickson said, leading him to assume the driver may “have climbed down the canyon wall.” As Dickson was searching around, he said he looked down to see “a human figure in a crevice about 5 feet below” and called for medics. Dickson realized the driver likely exited the SUV and fell down the crevice, according to the report.

After making his way to the man, who was unresponsive but breathing shallowly, Dickson said he tried to move him. However, Dickson could not, as the man “appeared to be frozen to the ground below,” the report says. As Dickson awaited for fire medics to arrive, he freed the man’s left arm from the ground and used a rescue strap to place the man “in the best breathing position.” Dickson also noticed the man had a “bump on his forehead,” which was likely from his fall from the SUV, according to the report. After fire medics arrived on scene, Dickson said the man was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

The man, who has been identified as Jason Gerhart, 38, later died at the hospital, a spokesperson for the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office said.

Dickson said he found no evidence that Gerhart was speeding, adding that his condition was likely the result of falling from the SUV and “exposure to cold weather elements.”

Redmond Senior Center to Hold Grand Re-Opening of Kitchen After Extensive Remodel

The Redmond Senior Center will hold a grand re-opening of its newly remodeled kitchen and accept a major donation of $75,000 over three years from Hayden Homes to support the Redmond Meals on Wheels program.

The public is invited to attend the grand re-opening event, which will be held at 4:30pm, Thursday, January 25 at the Redmond Senior Center, 325 NW Dogwood Avenue, in Redmond.

The senior center kitchen serves hundreds of Redmond seniors with programs every day, including about 150 through Meals on Wheels and dozens more who come daily to participate in a lunch congregate program. In recent years, the declining condition of the 35-year-old kitchen began to seriously hamper operations.

“Nothing was working, just as soon as we’d get something fixed, something else would break,” said Diana Barker, chair of the Redmond Senior Center Board of Directors. “Now, it’s a beautiful facility with upgraded equipment.”

Community partners came together to fund the complete remodel, which took two years. The project cost about $500,000. The City of Redmond and Deschutes County each provided $250,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funds. Many other individual donors also support the Redmond Senior Center.

Barker said the kitchen is about much more than serving food.

“The senior center is trying to reach out and be a resource because isolation and loneliness can lead to mental health issues and decline, especially among seniors,” Barker said. “We know that companionship can really curb some of those issues. We need to keep people active and feeling like a part of the community. The senior center programs — and these meal programs — are how we do that.”

For those who can’t easily come into the Redmond Senior Center for lunch and companionship, the Meals on Wheels program is a critical lifeline. The meals prepared by Chef Jose Perez, his staff, and a band of volunteer kitchen helpers not only provide sustenance, but connection as well. Each week, hundreds of volunteer drivers check in on the community’s most vulnerable while serving them delicious and nutritious fresh-cooked meals.

It costs about $25,000 a month to fund Redmond Meals on Wheels. It’s a community program Hayden Homes is thrilled to support.

“Hayden Homes exists to Give As You Go, so together we create a strong community,” said Deb Flagan, vice president of community engagement and giving. “Redmond is our home town and we are honored to support the seniors of this community who have given so much to make Redmond the thriving city it is today.”

As the center continues to grow, leaders hope to be able to expand programs to support more seniors in Redmond and surrounding areas with services that honor older adults as valuable community members and provide a comfortable and safe place to have lunch, make friends, and learn new skills.

redmondseniors.org

Road Construction updates:

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

This week’s pets are from

Cascade Canine East & West

Meet Kiara & Flower

Kiara around 1.5y, and her daughter Flower, about 4.5m, are a very sweet pair of kitties. They are gentle, affectionate, a bit shy, but enjoy people. They may do ok with a very mellow dog or cat with time to adjust. Respectful children would be fine. Ideally would like them adopted together, but separate homes considered, depending on situation.

Call: 541-948-0097 Email: mailto:[email protected]

What’s Up Central Oregon

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

Full Moon Nordic Nights @ Mt Bachelor 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Mt Bachelor Tickets $99 Event Details

Thursday January 25th

 Suttle Lodge's Fireside Concert Series: Nathan Earle Fireside Show 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM      Suttle Lake Lodge 13300 US-20 Sisters  Tickets $10  Event Details 

Ghost of Brian Craig @ Open Space Events Studios 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Open Space Event Studios Bend Tickets $10 Event Details

Friday January 26th

Intersections: Youth Exhibition at Scalehouse supported by the Warm Springs Community Action Team By Scalehouse Collabortive for The Arts 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM Scalehouse Gallery 550 NW Franklin Avenue, Suite 138 Bend Event Details

May Erlewine with Joel Chad 07:00 PM The Belfry Sisters Tickets $20 adv ticket, $25 at door Event Details

Aging With Laughter! 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Silver Moon Brewing 24 NW Greenwood Avenue Bend Tickets $20 Event Details

So You Think You Got Jokes - Comedy Competition By BeertownComedy 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM General Duffy's 404 SW Forest Ave. Redmond Tickets $15 Online | $20 at the Door Event Details

Saturday January 27th 

Free Day! High Desert Museum 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM High Desert Museum Oregon Event Details  

Dry Gin-Uary Happy Hour @ Oregon Spirit Distillers 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM Oregon Spirit Distillers Bend Event Details

Gabrial Sweyn 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM On Tap 1424 Cushing Drive Bend 

Sunday January 28st

Heart To Voice Winter Concert 04:00 PM Bend High School Auditorium Tickets $10 Event Details

Deschutes Public Library Events

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Local Trivia Answer:

What was the primary purpose of the Crooked River High Bridge?

A) Pedestrian crossing

B) Railway bridge

C) Automobile traffic

D) Water supply conduit

Answer: C) Automobile traffic

The bridge was designed primarily for automobile traffic. It was a key part of the route connecting the towns in the area and has played a significant role in the local transportation network. The bridge was eventually unable to keep up with the growing traffic demands of US 97 (US 97), and was replaced by the wider Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge in 2000. The old bridge is open to pedestrians.