In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚔OSP plans saturation patrols in Central Oregon

🏛️Lawmakers advance Kotek's housing and homeless aid proposals

🛫 Avelo Airlines Extends Nationwide Flight Schedule Through Labor Day to 47 Popular Destinations

🔥Initial Reports of an early morning house fire in Sisters

🚗🚨Local Uber Driver Arrested for Alleged Kidnapping

🚙 Deschutes County Grapples with RV Regulations

📰 Community News

💝Heart Bombs decorate downtown Bend for 10th year

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

Which of the following is NOT a flagship beer produced by Silver Moon Brewing?

A) Mango Daze IPA

B) Hazy IPA

C) Voodoo Dog ISR

D) Bone Crusher Stout

👇Find the Answer at the end of the Newletter👇

BEND

North Oregon Cascades - Passes

For Current conditions - Tripcheck

Friday

Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of snow showers in the morning, then a chance of rain and snow showers in the afternoon. Snow level 1500 feet. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Breezy. Pass winds east 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent. Rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow and rain showers in the evening, then snow and rain likely after midnight. Snow level 3500 feet. Little or no snow accumulation. Brisk. Pass winds east 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent. Rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch.

Saturday

Snow and rain. Snow level 4000 feet. Pass winds east 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

Saturday Night

Rain, snow and freezing rain. Snow level 5000 feet. Pass winds southeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain with a slight chance of 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.

Washingtons Birthday

Rain and snow. Snow level 4000 feet. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and snow. Snow level 4500 feet. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.

OSP plans saturation patrols in Central Oregon

High visibility patrols to focus on impaired drivers

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. 15 Feb. 2024 – The Oregon State Police (OSP) is ramping up patrols in Central Oregon from Feb. 16-18, 2024. A high visibility saturation patrol is planned for the President’s Day long weekend and coincides with the annual Bend Winterfest which is expected to increase local traffic and bring a large number of visitors to the area. 

Troopers will be focused on impaired driving prevention, detection, and enforcement along with an emphasis on Fatal 5 violations which are statistically shown to contribute to serious injury and fatal crashes. 

Fatal 5 violations include: 

• Speed 

• Occupant Safety 

• Lane Usage 

• Impaired Driving 

• Distracted Driving 

“Safety is always our primary goal. We want to intercept impaired drivers before they can hurt themselves or someone else,” said Capt. Kyle Kennedy. “We know that speed, distracted, impaired, and other unsafe driving behaviors are major contributors to serious injury and fatal crashes. We proactively enforce dangerous driving behaviors to help minimize the impacts to our communities.” 

OSP and City of Bend patrols will be focusing coverage along Hwy. 97, Hwy. 20W, and within the city of Bend. 

Lawmakers advance Kotek's housing and homeless aid proposals

Salem, OR - Oregon Senate Committee advances Gov. Kotek's housing plans, proposing $350 million in spending, less than her $500 million proposal. Bills include $100 million for homeless programs. Republicans cite other spending priorities. Bills aim to ease land use regulations, create housing office. Funding includes $75 million revolving fund, $100 million for shovel-ready projects, and allocations for shelters, rental assistance, and home repairs. Additional funds proposed in House for water infrastructure projects.

For the complete story by Peter Wong - Central Oregonian

Avelo Airlines Extends Nationwide Flight Schedule Through Labor Day to 47 Popular Destinations

 Avelo Airlines announced February 15th it is extending its nationwide flight schedule through Labor Day. Avelo Customers can now book summer travel to 47 popular destinations across the country through September 3, 2024.

Avelo flies to 23 states and Puerto Rico with very low one-way summer travel fares starting at $58*. Travelers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.

Avelo Airlines Head of Commercial Trevor Yealy said, “Summer is right around the corner, and we are excited to announce the extension of Avelo’s nationwide flight schedule through Labor Day. With Avelo’s everyday low fares, now is the perfect time for travelers to book their summer vacation or long-weekend getaway.

With 47 popular destinations to choose from, Avelo offers somewhere for everyone – from sun-soaked beaches to outdoor adventure destinations, to cultural and entertainment hotspots.”

America’s Most Convenient Airline

Avelo was founded to Inspire Travel by saving travelers time and money. Since taking flight nearly three years ago, Avelo has flown more than 4 million Customers on more than 30,000 flights.

Along the way, Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. All Avelo flights are nonstop and on almost every route at least one airport is a small, easy to use airport. This makes every Avelo journey a smooth, easy and enjoyable experience.

Unlike most other airlines, Avelo Customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 13 and under will always be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost.

Additionally, Avelo offers advanced seat assignments for sale. One third of its seats are extra leg room seats, ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches, offering a more comfortable experience for Customers who value more space. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give Customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.

Avelo is distinguished by its industry-leading reliability. In 2023, the airline achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate in the U.S. airline industry and ranked #2 in on-time reliability. These results are based on Anuvu’s third-party data platform (the same company and platform utilized by The Wall Street Journal for the publication’s annual best and worst airline ranking, which excluded Avelo as well as other airlines in its coverage that did not meet the publication’s size threshold).

About Avelo Airlines:
Avelo Airlines was founded with a simple purpose — to Inspire Travel. The airline offers travelers time and money-saving convenience, everyday low fares, and a refreshingly smooth, caring and reliable travel experience. Operating a fleet of 16 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, Avelo serves 47 popular destinations across the United States, including its six bases at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region’s Wilmington Airport (ILG), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), and opening in May 2024, the Bay Area’s Sonoma County Airport (STS).

*Introductory one-way fares include government taxes and fees. Fares start at $58 for travel between BWI and HVN for travel completed between August 14, 2024, through August 27, 2024. Fares must be booked by February 21, 2024. Prices vary throughout the summer schedule. Fares are available on a limited number of flights and seats. Additional fees for carry-on and checked bags, assigned seats and other optional services may apply. A $25 charge per seated traveler applies to all bookings or changes made through Avelo’s Customer Support Center. For full terms and conditions, please see Avelo’s Contract of Carriage.

AveloAir.com

The post Avelo Airlines Extends Nationwide Flight Schedule Through Labor Day to 47 Popular Destinations appeared first on Cascade Business News.

Initial Reports of an early morning house fire in Sisters

Sisters, OR - A home on Old Barn Court just off of Camp Polk Road north of Sisters was lost to a major fire in the early hours of Thursday, February 15. According to Sisters Fire Chief Roger Johnson, the home was being remodeled and was not occupied. The owners of the home have been notified.

The structure was fully involved when firefighters arrived, Chief Johnson said. There were no injuries in the incident. The State Fire Marshal was on scene Thursday morning, and the cause is under investigation.

Photo courtesy Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District

Additional information: from KBND

Sisters Home Destroyed In Early Morning Fire

SISTERS, OR -- A home under construction northeast of Sisters went up in flames early Thursday. Firefighters from Sisters, Black Butte Ranch and Cloverdale responded to Old Barn Court at about 2 a.m. and found the home fully involved.

With no fire hydrants nearby, crews relied on water tenders from as far away as Bend. The home is considered a total loss, with damages estimated at $2.5 million. It was being remodeled and was vacant at the time. One firefighter suffered minory injuries due to a slip on the ice. They were treated and released by paramedics.

The cause is under investigation. "On arrival we found defensive fire conditions, meaning that the fire had progressed throughout the structure and it was unsafe for firefighters to enter," Tim Craid, Deputy Chief for Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, said in a statement, "Part of the roof had already collapsed prior to our arrival, and remaining portions of the home collapsed shortly after we got there."

Local Uber Driver Arrested for Alleged Kidnapping

Bend, OR - On the evening of February 13, 2024, Bend Police apprehended an Uber driver suspected of kidnapping, raising concerns about passenger safety in the popular rideshare service. The arrested individual, identified as Rocky Eugene Earl Heath, a 48-year-old resident of La Pine, faces charges of Kidnapping II and Disorderly Conduct II.

The incident unfolded at approximately 6:26 p.m. when a female passenger utilized the Uber app to request transportation to her Bend residence, merely a five-minute drive from the pickup location. Rocky, the driver identified in the app, arrived promptly, but the routine ride took a terrifying turn.

According to police reports, at 6:29 p.m., Heath unexpectedly canceled the ride and proceeded to drive the passenger around for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, despite her repeated pleas to be taken home. The ordeal finally ended when the victim was dropped off at her residence after half an hour of distressing detours.

Law enforcement promptly initiated a search for Heath and his vehicle, ultimately conducting a traffic stop around 11:18 p.m. near the intersection of NW Minnesota and NW Lava. Heath was found behind the wheel of a 2023 Polestar 2 and was subsequently taken into custody without incident. His vehicle was impounded, and authorities notified Uber of the concerning allegations.

Heath currently remains in custody at the Deschutes County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings related to the charges of second-degree kidnapping and second-degree disorderly conduct. Meanwhile, the investigation into the incident continues as authorities work to ensure the safety and security of rideshare passengers within the community.

For now, this unsettling event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution when utilizing rideshare services, urging passengers to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious or alarming behavior to the authorities promptly.

Fentanyl Trafficker Arrested in Deschutes County

Deschutes County, February 15, 2024

Jeffrey Jack Cluff, a 54-year-old male from Bend, was arrested following a lengthy investigation into Fentanyl and Methamphetamine distribution in Deschutes County. Led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit (SCU) and in collaboration with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, authorities executed a search warrant at Cluff’s residence, resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of illicit substances.

Cluff, identified as a key player in the local Fentanyl trade, was found to have connections with a larger drug trafficking organization in Portland. He served as a primary distributor of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine within the county.

Cluff faces multiple charges including possession and delivery of Fentanyl, possession of Methamphetamine, and a felony warrant related to failure to register as a sex offender. Law enforcement extends appreciation to the CODE Team for their assistance in the investigation.

Deschutes County Grapples with RV Regulations

Deschutes County debates allowing RVs as rental dwellings in rural areas. Planning Commission votes against amendment due to concerns like traffic, wildfire risks. Local resident faces eviction from tiny home on wheels. Despite denial, County plans work session with commissioners for further discussion. Proponents cite affordable housing benefits, but opposition exists. Hubley argues for legality of living in tiny homes on rented properties.

For the entire story - by By Julianna LaFollette The Source

Heart Bombs decorate downtown Bend for 10th year

A local tradition on Valentines Day, downtown Bend gets decorated up and down with hearts.

2024 marks a decade for the downtown Heart Bombs.

They’re created by elementary school students at the Waldorf School of Bend to help spread a message of love.

The decorations aren’t meant to stay downtown though, the public is encouraged to take a heart and share it with someone else.

“There’s nothing better than seeing a heart somewhere completely away from downtown so that we can really see that these hearts have been taken and given to someone and really just the joy continues to spread,” said Rebecca McGuire, handwork teacher & heart bomb coordinator, Waldorf School of Bend.

This year, the school made 2,352 hearts, so plenty to go around.

The hearts stay up until they have been taken down and shared by community members.

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 

Friday February 16th

Craft Beer Tastings @ Sunriver Resort 4:00PM - 6:00PM

Romance in the Cave Tour Juniper Preserve 4:00PM - 5:30PM

Saturday February 17th

Bend Winter Fest Old Mill District

ZwickelMania - several Breweries

Sleeper Comedy with Sean Jordan Silver Moon 7:00PM

Saturday Jazz Sessions T5 Trio River’s Place Bend 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Free Muffin & Mimosas Board & Brush Bend 11:00AM - 2:00PM

Valentine’s Partner Yoga Namaspa Yoga & Massage Bend (main Studio) 3:00PM - 5:00PM

Sunday February 18th

Sunny Sweeney Volcanic Theatre Bend 8:00PM

Open Sets & Inventory Sale Nailed It with Lyndsey Bend 1:30PM

Amazing Puppy & Doggy Adoption Event - By Amazing Dogs @PetSmart Bend 11:00AM - 1:00PM

A preview of upcoming Community Education courses for you.

From Cascade Business News (CBN)

Deschutes Public Library Events

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

Which of the following is NOT a flagship beer produced by Silver Moon Brewing?

A) Mango Daze IPA

B) Hazy IPA

C) Voodoo Dog ISR

D) Bone Crusher Stout

Answer: D) Bone Crusher Stout

Silver Moon Brewing is renowned for its other flagship brews such as "Mango Daze IPA," which offers a tropical twist on the classic IPA style, "Hazy IPA," known for its juicy and hazy appearance, and "Voodoo Dog ISR" (India-Style Red Ale), which boasts a rich malt backbone with bold hop character. These flagship beers showcase the brewery's commitment to crafting unique and flavorful brews that cater to a wide range of tastes.

Follow us on facebook