In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚨🔥Fire Ravages Faugarwee Circle - Home in Deschutes River Woods

🚨DUII Arrest Made Following Crash and Tesla Rollover on NE Third Street in Bend as Wrong-way Driver is Apprehended

❄️🏔️Mt. Bachelor Nordic Cup Race Series: Central Oregon's Exciting Season-Long Skiing Competition Begins

🚨😔 Missing La Pine Woman Found Deceased: No Foul Play Suspected

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

😊 Monday’s Health Corner - The Expanding Role of Microbial Communities in Human Health

 How high is Mount Bachelor?*

A) 9,068 feet

B) 8,032 feet

C) 10,234 feet

D) 7,500 feet

👇Find the Answer at the end of the Newletter👇

BEND

 Fire Ravages Faugarwee Circle Home in Deschutes River Woods

Deschutes River Woods, 01/28/24 - In the early morning hours of January 28, 2024, Bend Fire Department sprang into action following an urgent call from a concerned neighbor. At approximately 4 am, the neighbor reported a blazing inferno across the street, prompting a swift response from local fire crews.

Upon arriving at Faugarwee Circle, responders were met with a harrowing sight. The residence was fully engulfed in flames, presenting a formidable challenge for firefighters. Their rapid and coordinated efforts, however, proved successful in halting the fire's advance and preventing further damage to surrounding structures.

Remarkably, it was determined that no occupants were present in the home at the time of the fire, ensuring that there were no reported injuries or casualties. The devastating blaze, however, exacted a heavy toll, resulting in an estimated $25,000 in damages.

The house, a 1970's manufactured home, is now considered a complete loss, along with all of its contents. The extensive damage rendered it impossible for investigators to definitively determine the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary indications point towards an accidental origin, but further investigation will be required to pinpoint the precise source.

In the aftermath of this devastating event, the homeowners, who were contacted in town, are working closely with their insurance company to initiate the daunting cleanup and recovery process.

The Bend Fire Department's rapid response and professionalism played a pivotal role in preventing further destruction, and their commitment to safeguarding the community is duly acknowledged.

DUII Arrest Made Following Crash and Tesla Rollover on NE Third Street in Bend as Wrong-way Driver is Apprehended

A 24-year-old driver who sped down Bend’s Northeast Third Street the wrong way and onto the sidewalk Friday morning was arrested on DUII charges after crashing and rolling his Tesla several times, coming to rest at a bank retaining wall, police said.

Officers were called shortly before 8 a.m. to the reported single-vehicle rollover crash, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said. Officers found the driver of the white Tesla was out of the car, with superficial injuries.

Miller said officers determined the driver was under the influence of intoxicants and took him into custody.

They reviewed video footage that showed the car traveling south at over 60 mph in both the northbound lanes and the northbound sidewalk before crashing at the entrance to the US Foods CHEFT’STORE and rolling multiple times, coming to rest at the retaining wall for US Bank.

The driver was taken to St. Charles Bend with minor injuries and for a blood draw as part of the DUII investigation, Miller said. He then was taken to the Deschutes County Jail.

Mt. Bachelor Nordic Cup Race Series: Central Oregon's Exciting Season-Long Skiing Competition Begins

 The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Cup Race Series is set to kick off this Sunday and run through April 6 at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center. This series brings together various cross-country ski races, offering a season-long format for central Oregon skiers to compete in. Racers earn points in each race they complete, with prizes awarded to the top male and female season-point holders.

The races, including the Great Nordeen, Par for the Course 1 and 2, OG Classic, and Cascade Crest, aim to encourage skiers to participate in multiple events and track their improvement over the season. This marks the first organized series of its kind in the area, providing a cohesive structure for the Nordic skiing community.

Nordic skiing has gained popularity nationally and locally since the COVID-19 pandemic, with a surge in interest and participation. The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Cup Race Series aims to provide structure and a sense of community for local Nordic skiers, offering a goal to achieve and a chance to meet others in the community.

Some top contenders for the season points include Eric Martin, Marshall Greene, and James Southam for the men, and Carrie Carney, Mary Wellington, and Emily Hyde for the women. The series promises to bring together skiers of all ages and abilities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition in the central Oregon Nordic skiing community.

For more information on the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Cup Race Series or to register for races, visit mbsef.org/mt-bachelor-cup-nordic-races. Entry fees range from $30 to $60 per race.

Missing La Pine Woman Found Deceased: No Foul Play Suspected

Missing La Pine Woman Found Deceased: No Foul Play Suspected

Published on January 28, 2024

La Pine, Oregon - The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has sadly confirmed that Tamera Torkelson, the missing 35-year-old woman from La Pine, was discovered deceased on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, in the vicinity of 6th St. and Hwy 97 in the La Pine area.

Tamera Torkelson had been reported missing on January 25, 2024, prompting a diligent search effort by the authorities and the community. She was described as a 5'06", 180 lbs. female with black shoulder-length hair and brown eyes. She had left her residence at approximately 10:00 pm on January 24th, 2024, on foot, without a phone or identification. Tamera was last seen wearing a black and white sweater, unknown color leggings, and slippers or sandals of an unknown color. While her destination was uncertain, it was known that she had friends in the La Pine area.

In the days following her disappearance, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office initiated an extensive search operation, which included the deployment of K9 Bloodhound, Copper, and his handler, Search and Rescue Deputies, Detectives, drones, and the Patrol Division. They also sought assistance from the community.

However, the search concluded tragically when Tamera Torkelson's lifeless body was found. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division conducted a thorough investigation and has ruled out foul play in her death. The Deschutes County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her passing.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office expressed its gratitude to the residents of La Pine for their assistance during this challenging time. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Tamera Torkelson as they navigate through this difficult period.

‘We’re just here to help’: Community gathers in Redmond to raise funds for Bend family who lost 5 members in crash

Redmond, OR - A food truck in Redmond hosted one in a series of fundraisers Saturday for a Bend family who lost five members in a recent highway crash. The Ochoa family is survived by an 11-year-old girl who was critically injured.

NewsChannel 21 spoke Saturday with family members and those supporting them to get an update.

"He was the natural leader. He was the center of the family that brought all his friends, family together," said Javier Gutierrez Bacilio, Juan Ochoa Bravo's nephew-in-law.

At the El Patron Mexican Kitchen in Redmond, all the proceeds from the day will help with funeral expenses for the Ochoa family.

The restaurant owners told us what prompted them to start the fundraiser. Owner Martin Iriche Corona had his daughter, Jatziri Cruz Policarpo, translate for him.

She said, "When we first arrived to Central Oregon, or he arrived at the beginning, he got a lot of support from the community when he first got here, to settle in. He's saying that this is his way of returning that favor."

The food truck sold pozole, quesadillas, hand-made masa products and aguas.

Cruz Policarpo said, "They're also tipping us, but we're also handing them over to them as donations. So we're not taking anything. Everything that we are getting is going to them."

And family members came to thank the community for their support.

Gutierrez Bacilio said, "You could say definitely about my uncle, Juan, that he was one of the kindest, most cordial people, who helped everybody. In terms of being charitable with people, that was a part of what made him stand out."

Oregon State Police responded to a head on crash last week -- two miles north of the state Highway 58 junction in Klamath County.

They found Juan Ochoa Bravo had been driving a Chrysler Pacifica heading north when he lost control and it slid into the southbound lane.

Five people died at the scene -- Bravo and four family members, leaving a sole survivor, an 11-year-old girl, in critical condition. The family will be making a visit to Portland to see her.

Redmond resident Maria Vasquez said, "I have a family of seven, and I never have felt like this. You know, anybody that can help, we're just here to help."

Meanwhile, an online fundraiser begun by family friend Pedro Molina is approaching its $100,000 goal of helping the family with expenses. Last Sunday, a big crowd turned out for a fundraiser at the Masonic Lodge in Bend.

If you wish to pay your respects, the family is inviting people to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Bend on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 10 a.m..

A food fest fundraiser to support the family is planned Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at Bear Creek Elementary School, and another fundraiser and raffle is planned next Saturday, Feb. 3, from noon to 9 p.m. at Boss Rambler Beer Club on NW Galveston Avenue.

The post ‘We’re just here to help’: Community gathers in Redmond to raise funds for Bend family who lost 5 members in crash appeared first on KTVZ .

Road Construction updates:

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

What’s Up Central Oregon

Monday January 29th

Karaoke Night at the Bunker Bar 5:00 PM American Legion Ray Johnson Post 44 - 704 SW 8th St Event Details

Community Night Rhythms of Life Discussion 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Westside Church 2051 NW Shevlin Park Rd Bend Event Details

Nutrition Workshop 5:30 PM The Haven Coworking 1001 SW Disk Dr. Bend Savannah and Dennis from The Yard will be hosting this exciting opportunity to learn some amazing tools to improve your nutrition without sacrificing the foods you love. Event Details

Tuesday January 30th

Pop Up Yoga at Hanai 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Hanai Center Hanai 62430 Eagle Rd. Bend Tickets $22 Event Details

Lunch & Learn 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Redmond Chamber of Commerce & CVB 446 SW 7th St Redmond Event Details

Bend Roots Radio with Docs of Rock 6:00 PM Silver Moon Brewing 24 NW Greenwood Ave Bend Event Details

Wednesday January 31st

Family Night - Dinner & Ministry 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM First Assembly of God Prineville 839 S Main St Prinveville Event Details

Comedy Open Mic - Rotating Hosts  8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Craft Kitchen & Brewery 62988 Layton Ave #103 Bend Event Details

Live Music at Va Piano Vineyards 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Old Mill District Bend Event Details

Deschutes Public Library Events

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 The Expanding Role of Microbial Communities in Human Health

The human microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms living in and on our bodies, has traditionally been associated with digestive health. However, recent research is rapidly expanding our understanding, revealing that these microbial communities play crucial roles far beyond the confines of our digestive tract.

Beyond Digestion: The Far-Reaching Influence of Microbes

The microbiome's influence extends to various aspects of our health, including immune function, mental health, and the prevention of chronic diseases. This intricate microbial world, comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, acts as a critical player in the maintenance and development of our immune system. It helps in distinguishing between friendly and harmful organisms, thereby preventing autoimmune diseases.

Moreover, there is an increasing body of evidence supporting the "gut-brain axis," a bidirectional communication pathway linking the intestinal microbiota with the brain. This connection suggests that our microbiome can influence mental health, potentially affecting mood, stress responses, and susceptibility to neurological disorders.

Microbiome and Chronic Diseases

In terms of chronic diseases, studies indicate a correlation between the composition of the gut microbiome and conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. For instance, certain bacteria in the gut can influence the metabolism of dietary components, thereby affecting the body's energy balance and fat storage.

Personalized Medicine and the Microbiome

The diversity and complexity of the human microbiome have prompted interest in personalized medicine approaches. Understanding an individual's microbiome composition could lead to more tailored dietary and medical interventions, improving health outcomes.

Environmental and Lifestyle Impacts

The composition of our microbiome is not static; it is influenced by various factors, including diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. This dynamic nature offers potential avenues for modifying the microbiome through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes to promote overall health.

Conclusion

As research continues to uncover the extensive roles of the microbiome, it becomes evident that these microscopic inhabitants are integral to our overall well-being, far beyond digestive health. This knowledge paves the way for innovative approaches in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced microbiome for optimal health.ining a healthy and balanced microbiome for optimal health.

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.

Please visit our Sponsors of Monday’s Health Corner

⬇️

How high is Mount Bachelor?

A) 9,068 feet

B) 8,032 feet

C) 10,234 feet

D) 7,500 feet

Answer A) 9,068 feet

Mount Bachelor stands as the largest volcano in the Mount Bachelor volcanic chain, a 25-kilometer-long formation comprised of various cinder cones, lava flows, and shield volcanoes. Its formation as a stratovolcano, characterized by layers of lava and ash, contributes to its rugged and picturesque terrain.

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