In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

⛽💲The gas price fluctuate between $3.19 and $3.69 in Bend

🏛️☎️Deschutes County warns of scam involving Environmental Health phone number 

🚨🔥2 Fires in Juniper Ridge Homeless Camp within 2 days of each other

🏛️City of Bend Completes Planning for Stevens Road Tract

🛣️🚧Road Construction updates

🎖️🤝🏠 An injured Bend Veteran will receive a new home soon

📰 Regional News

🚨🚔Oregon State Police assists with search for missing child

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

💖 Monday’s Health Corner - The Health Benefits of Dry Sauna: A Wellness Guide

Before becoming known as 10 Barrel Brewing Co., what was the original name of the brewery founded by Chris and Jeremy Cox in Bend, Oregon?

A) BarrelHouse Brewing Co.

B) Wildfire Brewing Company

C) Cascade Brewing Co.

D) Hop Valley Brewing Company

👇Find the Answer at the end of the Newsletter👇

BEND

The gas price fluctuate between $3.19 and $3.69 in Bend as of 2.11.2024. Find the cheapest station near you.

Gasoline Prices in Bend

Please note, prices may vary and can change frequently. Always check the current prices before going to the gas station.

For more prices visit GasBuddy for Deschutes County, Crook County, Jefferson County

Deschutes County warns of scam involving Environmental Health phone number 

Deschutes County Environmental Health has received multiple reports from community members who have received calls that appear to come from Deschutes County.

Callers appear to be “spoofing,” or faking, the Health Services’ Environmental Health main phone number, so the call appears to be coming from Deschutes County on the recipient’s caller ID. Some community members have reported being asked to purchase a vacuum cleaner.

Deschutes County reminds residents to never share personal identifying information with a caller with whom you have not initiated contact or have not verified as legitimate.  

If you have fallen victim to this or similar scams and have lost money as a result, please contact Deschutes County non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911. 

2 Fires in Juniper Ridge Homeless Camp within 2 days of each other

Bend, OR - Residents of Juniper Ridge were met with a swift response from Bend Fire & Rescue and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, February 8, 2024, following multiple reports of smoke billowing from the area. The incident, which occurred at 8:00 am along the east side of Highway 97 north of Wiley Circle, involved a fully engulfed 24-foot travel trailer.

Fortunately, first responders were able to contain the blaze swiftly, preventing its spread to nearby trees and vegetation. Despite the prompt response, the trailer was unoccupied at the time of the fire, leaving investigators without any eyewitness accounts. Consequently, the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Fire destroys motor home in ‘Dirt World’ area

Bend, OR - On the morning of February 10th, residents near mile post 131 on Highway 97, just north of Bend, were alarmed by the sight of a large smoke column rising from an area north of Juniper Ridge. Concerned citizens quickly reported the incident, prompting a swift response from emergency services.

Bend Fire & Rescue, along with units from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, sprang into action upon receiving the reports around 9:00 AM. Upon arrival, responders discovered a motorhome fully engulfed in flames, sustaining severe damage. Efforts to contain and extinguish the fire were promptly initiated by Bend Fire units. Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the blaze commenced. According to witness statements, the sole occupant of the motorhome had informed a bystander of the fire before leaving the scene prior to the arrival of emergency units.

As of now, the fire remains under investigation, with authorities committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.

In light of this incident, Bend Fire emphasizes the importance of exercising extreme caution when using open flames, whether indoors or outdoors. They urge individuals to ensure that any open flame devices are attended to at all times, kept well away from combustible materials, and equipped with working smoke alarms. Additionally, they advise against falling asleep with open flames in use.

Before utilizing open flame devices for cooking or heating purposes, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the manufacturer's guidelines and adhere to local safety codes governing their use.

Oregon State Police assists with search for missing child

Child who wandered from home was found safe by an OSP trooper

POLK COUNTY, Ore. 9 Feb. 2024 – On Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers from both the Salem and McMinnville Area Commands responded to Grand Ronde in Polk County to help look for a missing child. At about 5:30 p.m. a four-year-old child had wandered off from his home on property which includes 20 acres of thick vegetation. It was cold, dark, and there had been recent predator attacks on livestock on the property. 

The child had been missing for about two hours when law enforcement officers from numerous agencies arrived on scene to assist with the search. Personnel from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department, Grand Ronde Tribal Police, Polk County Fire District, Polk County Search and Rescue, and OSP searched the property and surrounding area for approximately two hours before the child was found safe. 

Troopers Lorence and Watkin of the McMinnville Area Command were among the first law enforcement on scene and assisted with coordinating the search. They were joined by Troopers Bass and Stetson from the Salem Area Command and Sr. Trooper Smith, and his K-9, responded from off-duty to assist with the search. 

After about four hours on his own in the cold, the child was found by Trooper Lorence near a pullout on Hwy. 18 about one mile west of the property. Trooper Lorence had separated from the main search team to search near the highway. At about 9:30 p.m., he located the child who asked, “Can you take me home?” The child was evaluated by medical personnel on scene and reunited with his grateful family. The child had minor injuries from a fall; however, was otherwise uninjured. 

Captain Kyle Kennedy said, “We are grateful this child was found so quickly and unharmed. We appreciate the compassion and dedication displayed by our troopers and all the responding personnel. We know how distressing this situation was for this child and his family and are glad of the positive outcome.”

City of Bend Completes Planning for Stevens Road Tract

After a two-year public process, Bend City Council unanimously adopted amendments to the Bend Comprehensive Plan for guiding the master planning of the Stevens Road Tract.

In 2021, legislation allowed Bend to bring 261 acres of land into the Urban Growth Boundary, known as the Stevens Road Tract, located southeast of Bend, east of the TC Energy natural gas pipeline, and south of Stevens Road.

In 2022, the Council approved a concept plan for the Tract, setting the vision for its development. In 2023, an amendment to the Bend Urban Growth Boundary included the Stevens Road Tract.

The newly adopted amendments aim to guide future development toward a walkable, mixed-use, and well-connected community, focusing not just on housing but also on amenities like businesses, schools, parks, and trails.

These actions are the final steps before the Department of State Lands, current owner of the Tract, offers it for sale to a buyer. The City will work with the buyer to ensure compliance with the new plan policies, master plan code, and necessary infrastructure.

The amendments ensure the future master plan includes a complete mixed-use community, dedicating at least 20 acres for affordable housing, potentially accommodating up to 759 units. Seven acres will prioritize households with educators.

The Oregon Department of State Lands will propose the sale to the State Land Board, comprised of the Governor, Secretary of State, and Treasurer, at a future meeting. For more information, visit their website.

Road Construction updates:

• Intersection of Wall Street and Colorado Avenue for a gas main work, single lane closure with potential delays, Feb. 12 – 16, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• Parrell Road between Badger Road and Rae Road for a sewer main installation, full road closure with detour, Feb. 12 – 14.

• SW 18th Street between SW Simpson Avenue and SW Forest Ridge Avenue for infrastructure improvements, full road closure with detour, begins Feb. 12.

  Updates

Redmond:

Wickiup Ave./Reservoir Dr., between 49th & 43^rd St., 1/15 – 3/15, road closure, local access only, Please use detour, Capital Improvement Project www.redmondoregon.gov/ReservoirDriveProject, Taylor Northwest

Deschutes County:

Hunnell Road: Loco Road to Tumalo Road Improvement (Bend Area) – Clearing and excavation work will be occurring on Hunnell Road between Pohaku Road and Tumalo Road.

Traffic Information – Beginning Feb. 12, Hunnell Road is closed to traffic between Pohaku Road and Tumalo Road. Access for local traffic will be maintained during construction. Work hours are 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

An injured Bend Veteran will receive a new home soon.

The national nonprofit, Homes For Our Troops held an event Saturday at Elks Lodge to kickoff the start of the building process and introduced Army Sergeant Christopher Chatwin to the community.

Sergeant Chatwin was injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Over the course of his five combat deployments, he sustained a traumatic brain injury and was diagnosed with neuro, cardio, pulmonary, and orthopedic sarcoidosis caused from the extended exposure to burn pits.

The condition causes bi-lateral leg limb salvage, left arm and hand limb salvage, hemi-paralysis, and internal injuries. 

The home being built for Sergeant Chatwin will feature more than 40 major special adaptations such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops. 

“The disease I have the doctors say at some point or another I’m going to end up in a wheelchair again, so this just going to help the process with that,” said, Army Sergeant Christopher Chatwin.

Read more about SGT Chatwin at https://www.hfotusa.org/building-homes/veterans/chatwin/.

Homes For Our Troops is a national nonprofit that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes to severely injured post 9/11 Veterans.

370 homes have been built since the organization’s inception in 2004. Homes For Our Troops relies on contributions from donors, supporters, and corporate partners for the building of each Veteran’s home. Community members may hold fundraisers or make donations. To find out more on how to get involved or make a donation visit www.hfotusa.org.

What’s Up Central Oregon

Bend Winter Fest 2024 - February 16th, 17th & 18th

WINTERFEST RETURNS TO BEND THIS FEBRUARY 16-18, 2024!

Get ready to experience the pure magic of winter in Bend, with a ton of cool activities and fun stuff for everyone. Here's what's in store for you:

🎶 Live Music

🌟 Dazzling Light Art

🛍️ Shopping & Food

🏂 Winter Gear

🔥 Fire Sculptures & Ice Carving

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

🍫 Hot Cocoa Run

Zwickelmania 2024!

Zwickelmania, a much-anticipated annual event celebrated across Oregon, offers beer enthusiasts a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of the state's brewing culture. Scheduled for Saturday, February 17th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., this event is a showcase of Oregon's craft beer prowess, featuring brewery tours, special beer releases, and the chance to meet the brewers behind some of the state's favorite beers. Participating breweries span from Gold Beach to Portland to Central Oregon, each offering a unique experience, such as Zwickel samples, food specials, guided tastings, and family-friendly activities. Zwickelmania is not just about beer tasting; it's an educational experience that brings beer lovers closer to the brewing process and the community that supports it. For more details and a list of participating breweries, visit the Oregon Craft Beer website 

Monday February 12th

Heart Health Week kicks off - 2.12-2.16 Various times. Larkspur Community Center Bend

Artists, Craters & Makers Westside Church Bend 6:00PM - 9:00PM

Tuesday February 13th

Galentine's MIX+MINGLE Taylor's Version Open Space 6:30PM - 9:30PM

Fat Tuesday Celebration Silver Moon 7:00PM

International Guitar Night Tower Theartre 7:30PM - 10:00PM

Valentine's Special at Black Butte Black Butte Ranch 

Wednesday February 14th

Sunset Snowshoe Tour Mt Bachelor 3:30PM - 6:30PM

Valentine's Dinner & Dance @ The Great Hall Sunriver Resort 5:00PM - 8:30PM

Kids Night Out With Camp Fire Central Oregon Amity Creek Magnet @ Thompson Elemenatry 5:30PM - 8:30PM

Under The Sea Valentine's Dinner @ Flights Wine Bar 5:30PM - 8:00PM

Valentine's Day Jazz Dinner General Duffy’s Waterhole 6:00PM - 10:00PM

The Valentine's Day Show @ McMenamins 6:00PM - 9:00PM

Wunderlust Tours: Romance On The Snow 7:00PM - 11:00PM

HDCM Concert Series: AVIARA TRIO Tower Theatre 7:30PM - 9:00PM

Valentine's Special Buffet Taj Palace $20.95

Valentine's Day Dinner @ Sunriver Resort $110 per person

A preview of upcoming Community Education courses for you.

From Cascade Business News (CBN)

Deschutes Public Library Events

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The Health Benefits of Dry Sauna: A Wellness Guide

In the pursuit of wellness and a balanced lifestyle, dry sauna sessions have emerged as a popular method to rejuvenate the body and mind. This traditional practice, with its roots in various cultures around the world, offers a myriad of health benefits that can enhance one’s quality of life. Here’s a closer look at how incorporating dry sauna sessions into your routine can contribute to your overall health and well-being.

1. Detoxification Through Sweating

One of the most celebrated benefits of dry sauna use is its ability to facilitate detoxification. As you relax in the high-temperature environment of a dry sauna, your body's core temperature begins to rise. This triggers a deep sweat response, which is significantly more intense than what you might experience during regular physical activity. Sweating in this controlled setting helps to flush out toxins and impurities from the body, including heavy metals like lead and mercury, through the pores of the skin.

2. Improved Cardiovascular Health

Regular dry sauna sessions have been linked to various cardiovascular improvements. The heat exposure causes blood vessels to dilate, improving circulation and lowering blood pressure. This enhanced blood flow not only contributes to a healthier heart but also aids in muscle recovery, making it a favorite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Studies suggest that frequent sauna use can mimic the effects of moderate exercise, offering a cardiovascular workout to those who may be unable to engage in traditional physical activities.

3. Stress Reduction and Mental Health Benefits

The calming warmth of a dry sauna provides a sanctuary where stress and tension can melt away. This relaxation effect is not just physical; it extends to mental health as well. The heat encourages the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators, which can help to alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety. Additionally, the quiet, meditative environment of a sauna session allows for a mental break, offering a rare opportunity for mindfulness and reflection in today’s fast-paced world.

4. Skin Health and Rejuvenation

Regular sauna goers often report improvements in the clarity, elasticity, and overall health of their skin. The intense sweating cleanses the skin more deeply than usual bathing routines, unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells. Furthermore, the increased circulation promotes better nutrient delivery to the skin, enhancing its natural glow and appearance.

5. Immune System Boost

Frequent visits to a dry sauna can have a positive impact on the immune system. The temporary increase in body temperature may stimulate the production of white blood cells, enhancing the body’s ability to fight off illness and infection. Many sauna enthusiasts report experiencing fewer colds and flu episodes, attributing this resilience to their regular sauna sessions.

6. Enhanced Sleep Patterns

The post-sauna experience often includes a feeling of profound relaxation, which can lead to improved sleep quality. The drop in body temperature after leaving the sauna mimics the natural decrease in temperature that occurs before sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. This can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with insomnia or restless sleep patterns.

Conclusion

Incorporating dry sauna sessions into your wellness routine can offer a wide range of health benefits, from detoxification and improved cardiovascular health to stress relief and better sleep. As with any health practice, moderation is key, and it's important to listen to your body’s signals. For those with pre-existing health conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning a new sauna regimen. Embracing the warmth of a dry sauna can be a rewarding addition to your path toward holistic health and well-being.

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.

For a home sauna option I recommend this portable lightweight sauna to anyone seeking a convenient and effective way to enjoy the benefits of sauna therapy in the comfort of their own home. I recently set this up in my own home and so far so good, thoroughly enjoying the convenience and benefits. If you’re on a budget, this is a great option.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

If you've used a sauna before, what's your favorite thing about it? Let us know in the comments on our facebook health question.

Before becoming known as 10 Barrel Brewing Co., what was the original name of the brewery founded by Chris and Jeremy Cox in Bend, Oregon?

A) BarrelHouse Brewing Co.

B) Wildfire Brewing Company

C) Cascade Brewing Co.

D) Hop Valley Brewing Company

Answer: B) Wildfire Brewing Company

Before its rebranding as 10 Barrel Brewing Co., the brewery founded by Chris and Jeremy Cox in Bend, Oregon, was originally known as Wildfire Brewing Company. Established in 2006, Wildfire Brewing Company laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of the most recognizable names in the craft beer industry. The brewery underwent a transformation and rebranding in 2010, emerging as 10 Barrel Brewing Co. Under its new identity, 10 Barrel gained widespread acclaim for its innovative beers and dynamic brewery experiences, solidifying its status as a key player in the craft beer scene both locally and nationally.

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