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- 🏛️Deschutes County Commission declares state of emergency to address fentanyl crisis / 🧑⚕️🤒Deschutes County confirms case of human plague in local resident
🏛️Deschutes County Commission declares state of emergency to address fentanyl crisis / 🧑⚕️🤒Deschutes County confirms case of human plague in local resident
Issue #071
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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…
🤔Local Trivia
🌄 Bend, OR Weather
📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?
🤝Family to Bring Much-Needed Addiction Treatment Center to Bend
🧑⚕️🤒Deschutes County confirms case of human plague in local resident
🏛️Deschutes County Commission declares state of emergency to address fentanyl crisis
🚨 Drug Agents Arrest Bend Resident and Seize Narcotics
🚨Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Cracks Down on Illegal Marijuana Operation
⚖️Bend Woman Pleads No Contest to Manslaughter Charges Stemming from Fatal Highway Crash
🚨Redmond's Hola Restaurant Burglarized Twice in as Many Months
🏛️Bend City Council Reviews Draft Code for New Transportation Fee
🤝 “Youth Career Connect” provides local high school students real-world experience
😁 MEME of the Day
📅 Lots of Events
What percentage of the nation's llama population is located in Oregon, including Bend?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 50%
D) 75%
👇Find the Answer at the end of the Newsletter👇
BEND
Northern Oregon Cascades
Friday
Snow showers, a slight chance of drizzle and freezing drizzle in the morning, then snow and rain showers likely in the afternoon. Snow level 2000 feet. Snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Ice accumulation around a trace. Pass winds west 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, diminishing in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 90 percent. Rainfall amounts a tenth to a quarter of an inch.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. A chance of snow and rain showers in the evening. Snow level 2500 feet. Light wind. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. Free air freezing level at the surface, rising to 4500 feet in the afternoon. Pass winds southeast 5 to 10 mph, becoming west in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. A chance of rain and snow after midnight. Snow level 3500 feet. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
Sunday
Partly sunny with a chance of rain and snow. Snow level 4500 feet. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and snow. Snow level 4500 feet. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
Monday
A chance of rain and snow in the morning, then rain and snow likely in the afternoon. Snow level 4500 feet. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
Family to Bring Much-Needed Addiction Treatment Center to Bend
Bend, OR - Bend is about to be home to an addiction treatment program whose concept was inspired by one of its owner’s journey to sobriety. Situated in the upscale community of Somerset, Recover Together Bend (RTB) will offer customized inpatient care at its five-acre, 15-bed residential facility. After detox, clients undergo 30 to 90-day programs involving individual, group, family and experiential forms of therapy. Each patient’s treatment plan, which is customized to meet their individual needs, is designed with long-term sobriety as a goal. After “graduating,” clients are encouraged to resume treatment by participating in RTB’s alumni and mentorship programs.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ranks Oregon #1 in the nation for methamphetamine and prescription opioid misuse while alcohol is the most misused substance in the state, with a little over 12% of Oregonians suffering from alcohol use disorder. Oregon’s youth are not exempt from the epidemic. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that 26% of people age 12+ have used marijuana in the last year, with some 47.28% of those 18-25 having experimented with the drug.
RTB is a family-run enterprise. Husband/wife team Marvin Ament, MD and Judith Brill, MD head the organization that includes son, Michael, an attorney who serves as Co-CEO and manager of the facility; and his brother and Co-CEO Zack, whose own experience in substance misuse led to a career in the field. His initial endeavor, Westwind Recovery with several locations in Los Angeles, has been lauded by Newsweek Magazine for its novel approach and efficacy in treating those with substance misuse issues.
For more information about RTB, call 541-617-4544 or visit their website.
Deschutes County confirms case of human plague in local resident
Deschutes County Health Services has confirmed a case of human plague in a local resident. The individual was likely infected by their symptomatic pet cat.
“All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” said Dr. Richard Fawcett, Deschutes County Health Officer.
Symptoms of plague usually begin in humans two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea. These symptoms may include a sudden onset of fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and/or visibly swollen lymph nodes called buboes.
If not diagnosed early, bubonic plague can progress to septicemic plague (bloodstream infection) and/or pneumonic plague (lung infection). These forms of plague are more severe and difficult to treat. Fortunately, this case was identified and treated in the earlier stages of the disease, posing little risk to the community. No additional cases of plague have emerged during the communicable disease investigation.
According to Oregon Health Authority, plague is rare in Oregon, with the last case reported in 2015. It spreads to humans or animals through a bite from an infected flea or by contact with an animal sick with the disease. The most common animals to carry plague in Central Oregon are squirrels and chipmunks, but mice and other rodents can also carry the disease.
Tips to prevent the spread of plague:
Avoid all contact with rodents and their fleas. Never touch sick, injured, or dead rodents.
Keep pets on a leash when outdoors and protect them with flea control products. Do not allow pets to approach sick or dead rodents or explore rodent burrows.
Pet cats are highly susceptible to plague, and infected cats can transmit the bacterium to humans. If possible, discourage their hunting of rodents. Consult a veterinarian immediately if your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents.
Residents should keep wild rodents out of homes and remove food, woodpiles, and other attractants for rodents around homes and outbuildings.
Do not camp, sleep, or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed.
Refrain from feeding squirrels, chipmunks, or other wild rodents in campgrounds and picnic areas. Store food and refuse in rodent-proof containers.
Wear long pants tucked into boot tops to reduce exposure to fleas. Apply insect repellent to socks and trouser cuffs to help reduce exposure to fleas.
Deschutes County Commission declares state of emergency to address fentanyl crisis
The Deschutes County commissioners have voted to declare a 90-day state of emergency to address Central Oregon’s growing fentanyl crisis. The Board issued an emergency order on Wednesday, recognizing the growing threat to public health. Commissioner Phil Chang abstained from the vote, stating he thought it was not fully developed yet.
“We have fentanyl everywhere and our young people are dying,” said Patti Adair, Deschutes County Commission Chair. “We need to solve this problem.”
Overdose deaths increased by 100% between 2018 (six deaths) and 2022 (twelve deaths) in Deschutes County. In early January, Deschutes County Health Services identified four overdose fatalities within a six-day period that appeared to be linked to the use of fentanyl and in combination with other substances.
Despite these local increases, overdose fatalities in Deschutes County remain lower than statewide averages.
Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and about 100 times stronger than morphine as a pain reliever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Now is the time for action. We’re experiencing a crisis and need the community to understand how dangerous this is,” said Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone. “We need the community to come together and look out for one another. This is getting worse every day.”
“We are absolutely having a crisis,” said County Commissioner Phil Chang. “However, I am abstaining from today’s vote because I don’t think our next steps have been fully developed. I want to better understand what actions the County is prepared to take.”
In 2023, the County created an Opioid Overdose Response Team, which together with community partners, is deploying enhanced prevention resources, education and awareness and other direct services to the tri-County region.
Deschutes County Health Services distributes and provides training for Naloxone, a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl, when given in time.
In 2022, more than 100 lives in Deschutes County were saved by residents who administered Naloxone to someone experiencing overdose. More than 95 percent of those resident bystanders (including friends, family members and strangers) provided either rescue breathing or CPR as part of their response to an overdose.
Deschutes County Health Services encourages everyone to be aware of the signs of overdose. For more information, please visit www.deschutes.org/stopoverdose.
Drug Agents Arrest Bend Resident and Seize Narcotics
Bend, OR - On February 7, 2024, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) concluded a long-term investigation with the arrest of Justin Thomas Joseph Polit, a 45-year-old resident of Bend. Polit faces charges including unlawful possession of methamphetamine, attempted delivery of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The arrest unfolded following diligent efforts by drug agents who had been tracking Polit's alleged involvement in drug trafficking activities. This arrest marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to curb the distribution of illegal narcotics in the Central Oregon area.
Earlier, on April 5, 2023, the CODE team had arrested Polit on charges related to the unlawful manufacture, possession, and delivery of cocaine. Despite this initial arrest, subsequent investigations revealed that Polit was allegedly continuing to engage in drug distribution activities in the region.
Utilizing various investigative techniques, drug agents persisted in gathering evidence against Polit for his suspected involvement in the illegal narcotics trade. Their efforts culminated in the execution of a search warrant on February 6, 2024, at Polit's hotel room in the area of NE 27th St./ Hwy. 20 in Bend.
During the operation, Polit attempted to evade law enforcement but was swiftly apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. Upon his arrest, drug agents discovered Polit in possession of a concealed homemade 3D printed pistol frame, along with a significant quantity of methamphetamine. Subsequent searches of his hotel room uncovered additional incriminating evidence, including packaging materials, more methamphetamine, a scale, cash, a dagger, and indications of drug distribution activities.
Polit has been detained at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the aforementioned charges. As the investigation remains ongoing, authorities have indicated that further charges may be forthcoming.
It's essential to remember that criminal complaints only allege charges, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The successful outcome of this operation underscores the collaborative efforts of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, a multi-jurisdictional task force supported by various law enforcement agencies and the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. Through their combined intelligence-driven approach, these agencies remain committed to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling drug trafficking organizations at local, regional, and international levels.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program, sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), provides critical funding and resources to support multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives like the CODE team. By leveraging these resources and partnerships, law enforcement agencies continue their relentless pursuit of justice and the protection of our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs.
Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Cracks Down on Illegal Marijuana Operation
Redmond, OR - The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Team (DCIMME) recently made a significant bust, executing a search warrant in the 7000 block of SW 77th Street, Redmond, Oregon. The operation, conducted on February 6th, 2024, was the culmination of a diligent investigation into illegal marijuana possession, manufacturing, and distribution.
Christopher George Putnam was arrested in connection with the operation. He faces charges under ORS 475C.337 for possession of marijuana (exceeding legal limits by 32 times) and ORS 475C.345 for attempted delivery of marijuana (also exceeding legal limits by 32 times).
During the search, law enforcement seized an arsenal of weapons including an AR-15 and two handguns, along with a substantial amount of illicit substances. In total, 152 pounds of processed marijuana with an estimated street value of $100,000.00 was confiscated, along with nearly $10,000.00 in U.S. currency. Investigators determined that the seized marijuana was pre-packaged and destined for the black market.
The DCIMME team continues its efforts to combat illegal marijuana activities in Deschutes County. Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to marijuana cultivation by contacting the DCIMME team through non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 or via CannaFacts — Facts about Legal and Illegal Cannabis in Our Community (canna-facts.com).
The success of this operation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies and organizations, including the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, 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, and Oregon State Police.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to serving and protecting the community, with specialized units such as SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, and Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Led by Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the agency provides vital services to over 200,000 residents across 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
For further inquiries or to report suspicious activity, please contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
Bend Woman Pleads No Contest to Manslaughter Charges Stemming from Fatal Highway Crash
Madras, OR - Audrey Cooper McHugh, a 30-year-old woman from Bend, Oregon, has pleaded no contest to three counts of manslaughter and DUII-alcohol in connection with a tragic head-on collision that occurred in November 2022 on Highway 26, resulting in the deaths of three members of a Warm Springs family. McHugh's plea comes after a year-long legal process, during which prosecutors initially did not accept a plea deal offered by the defendant.
In a recent plea petition filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court, McHugh accepted responsibility for four of the seven charges against her, including manslaughter and DUII-alcohol. Originally, she had pleaded no contest to all seven counts in March of the previous year. Despite the severity of the charges, McHugh agreed to the plea under the condition that prosecutors recommend a 25-year prison sentence, which the court is likely to follow.
In her court filing, McHugh attributed the circumstances leading up to the crash to severe digestive distress caused by consuming gluten, to which she is intolerant due to celiac disease. She claimed to have experienced debilitating symptoms while driving, prompting her to pass a slow-moving vehicle at high speed in an attempt to reach a nearby gas station restroom. Tragically, this maneuver resulted in a collision with an oncoming car, claiming the lives of Saralee Spino-McCormick, 29, Jessica Johnson, 15, and her 13-year-old brother, who was the aunt of the teenagers.
According to McHugh's account, corroborated by evidence from her vehicle's event data recorder, she accelerated to over 80 mph while passing in foggy conditions, failing to notice the approaching car until it was too late to avoid a collision. McHugh sustained severe injuries in the crash, including broken bones and spinal fractures.
Despite McHugh's claims of severe digestive distress, post-crash investigations revealed evidence of alcohol and marijuana consumption. While McHugh admitted to drinking two glasses of champagne before the incident and using marijuana as a sleep aid the night prior, she denied consuming alcohol while driving. A marijuana vape pen was found in her vehicle, although McHugh stated she was unaware of its presence.
The tragic collision has raised questions about the intersection of medical conditions and impaired driving, highlighting the complexities of determining culpability in such cases. McHugh's sentencing, scheduled for Friday before Circuit Judge Annette Hillman, will likely bring closure to a painful chapter for the families involved while underscoring the importance of accountability and responsibility on the road.
Redmond's Hola Restaurant Burglarized Twice in as Many Months
Redmond, Oregon – The Redmond Police Department is once again investigating a burglary that occurred at Hola restaurant, located at 514 NW Greenwood Avenue. The burglary occurred between the hours of 11:00 p.m. on February 6, and 9:40 a.m. on February 7. Items stolen from the business include three bottles of tequila and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The business does not show signs of forced entry, which is different from the reported burglary on January 21. The Redmond Police Department is seeking information from anyone that may have witness suspicious behavior at the business during the time frame of the burglary. Please call dispatch non-emergency at 541-693-6911 to report any information that may lead police to those responsible for the burglary.
Bend City Council Reviews Draft Code for New Transportation Fee
Bend, OR - The Bend City Council is considering a draft code for a new Transportation Fee, aimed at funding city transportation system maintenance and enhancements. The fee, available for public review, will cover various expenses including pavement restoration, snow removal, and bicycle infrastructure. The Council plans to phase in the fee over three years, generating $5 million in the first year and increasing to $15 million by the third year. Rates will be based on the type of property and its impact on the transportation system. Public feedback is encouraged, with listening sessions scheduled for February.
Next, the Council will hold listening sessions for the public to share its feedback to Council from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 and from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 29. Both meetings will be hybrid and will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street. Meeting information is available on the meetings and events calendar at bendoregon.gov.
The Council is expected to have a work session on March 6 to discuss feedback from the listening sessions and is expected to have a public hearing on March 20. The fee is expected to start appearing on utility bills after July 1. Learn more about the transportation fee at bendoregon.gov/transportation-fee.
“Youth Career Connect” provides local high school students real-world experience
The Max Manufactory shop in Northeast Bend doesn’t really look like your traditional high school classroom, but it’s where Mountain View junior Tanner Jacobson says he’s getting the most experience.
It’s work as part of his internship secured through the Youth Career Connect program.
“After I came here, I just realized my love for it. It makes me happy talking about it. I’m passionate about it,” Jacobson said. “It helps you get ready into that early career stage. And honestly, it’s a lot of fun.”
“We provide opportunities for students ages 16-21 to access work-based experiences through internships locally,” said Sarah Cochran, Youth Career Connect coordinator with Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council.
Head welder Zach Martin serves as a mentor to Tanner and a handful of other students at the shop.
“Tanner’s Skills, work ethic all around, attitude, seeing that is just amazing. That’s probably the coolest part,” he said.
Jacobson says having Zach around to provide insight has contributed to his quick learning curve.
“He (Zach) hopped right on… within a week, you could, I could already see a difference,” Jacobson said. “My welding teacher at school was like, ‘Holy cow.'”
It’s not just Zach seeing the improvement. Players in the real world are starting to take notice too.
“Some of my dad’s buddies, they work for other shops and they’ve been trying to offer me jobs when I get older too,” he said.
Jacobson told Central Oregon Daily he’s still unsure about trade school. But after high school, he’s hoping to get a full-time offer doing something similar to his internship.
Youth Career Connect is looking to partner with more students and employers around Central Oregon. You can find more information here
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What percentage of the nation's llama population is located in Oregon, including Bend?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 50%
D) 75%
Answer: B) 25%
If you drive a short distance from Bend, you’ll find the Crescent Moon Ranch, home to a pack of the friendliest llamas in the state! Located at 7566 US-97, they also raise the soft and beautiful alpaca-stop by and check them out if you get the chance!
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