In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰 Deputy Aaron Myers has brought the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Sisters contingent back to full strength.

📰 Bend’s old Cracker Barrel may not become another restaurant after all

🌲🛣️ Portion of Forest Road 9701 temporarily closed for timber harvest operations

📰 Business News

📰 Monkless Belgian Ales expands reach and production

🚨 Crime

🚨 Credit card skimmer discovered at Bend 7-Eleven

🔥⛑️Fire and Rescue

💥 Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on Hwy 97 in Jefferson County Highlights Road Safety Concerns

🤝 Community News

📰 High Desert Museum Now Accepting Submissions for the 2024 Waterston Desert Writing Prize

🔦Business Spotlight - EPIC ENERGY CENTERS

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

What is the approximate length of the Crooked River in Oregon?

A) 50 miles

B) 100 miles

C) 150 miles

D) 200 miles

👇Find the Answer at the end of the Newletter👇

BEND

Deputy Aaron Myers has brought the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Sisters contingent back to full strength.

By Jim Cornelius Nugget Newspaper

Sisters, OR - With Deputy Aaron Myers on patrol in Sisters, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) Sisters contingent is once again fully staffed, with three deputies and a lieutenant operating out of the local substation.

Deputy Myers is new to the Sisters office, but he has 16 years of experience with DCSO, serving six of those years as assistant coordinator for the DCSO Search and Rescue Unit.

Deputy Myers told The Nugget that he sought the open position in Sisters because "there's a great group of people who work here (and) Sisters is a great community." He said he 'thought it would be a very good assignment.'

The deputy grew up in Bend, and his career path was set from his youth.

"I've always wanted to do law enforcement, since I was a kid," he recalled. "The draw to law enforcement is to help people, and help people when they need you the most."

Myers started his law enforcement career in corrections, then moved to patrol before taking on the SAR position. He is full of admiration for the volunteers who work search and rescue. The volunteers bring wilderness skills to bear to help people in one of the most active outdoor recreation environments in the nation.

"They're great people who volunteer to help out the community and help the people who recreate in Deschutes County. They do it for free, which is phenomenal."

Myers is an outdoorsman himself.

"I like camping, I like the outdoors, just being outside," he said. "The family (his wife and two young daughters) really enjoys the summers in Central Oregon. We don't have as many winter activities."

Deputy Myers had patrolled in Sisters "occasionally," before the City of Sisters' contract with DCSO was enhanced to provide a dedicated cadre of "City" deputies. Now he's part of a team whose duties specifically revolve around Sisters.

"I'm very excited to be here," he said.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 5415499941

Bend’s old Cracker Barrel may not become another restaurant after all

by Central Oregon Daily News Sources

Tuesday, February 20th 2024

Rumors have been circulating about what will become of the Cracker Barrel building in northeast Bend. Rumors have included that it could become a Red Lobster.

But city planning documents show it could become another type of business altogether — the city’s third Surf Thru Express car wash. An application for that purpose has been submitted to the city.

That would mean the existing building would be torn down, if the project moves forward.

The Cracker Barrel closed last March after four years of operation.

Surf Thru has locations on Bend’s east side and next to Fred Meyer.

Portion of Forest Road 9701 temporarily closed for timber harvest operations

Release Date: Feb 20, 2024

Bend, Ore.— The Deschutes National Forest is temporarily closing a portion of Forest Road (FR) 9701 to facilitate safe timber harvest operations within the Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project.

Forest Road 9701 is located south of Bend between Highway 97 and FR 18. Road barriers will be in place at the junctions of FR 9701-100 and FR 9701-900 to mark the closure. The section of road will be closed seven days a week until active timber harvest operations are complete to provide for public and contractor safety.

Forest Roads 18 and 9710 provide alternate access to the area. The public can expect to encounter log trucks and heavy equipment such as road graders on FR 18 daily during the week due to the ongoing restoration work.

Timber harvest operations in the Cabin Butte project will help restore forest health and minimize wildfire risk adjacent to communities. The project will build on previous treatments that have been completed in the area. A mix of thinning, mowing and mastication and prescribed burning treatments will be implemented over time across the project area.

The Forest doesn’t maintain roads for winter conditions. The public should be aware of weather and road conditions and drive with caution if traveling on Forest Service roads during the winter.

The Cabin Butte project is within the Central Oregon Landscape, one of 21 focal landscapes identified within the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The restoration work that will be accomplished across the 25,804-acre project area supports the Deschutes National Forest’s commitment to addressing the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to reduce severity of wildfires, protect communities and improve the health and resiliency of fire-dependent forests. 

Monkless Belgian Ales expands reach and production

• By SUZANNE ROIG The Bulletin

• Feb 21, 2024

Bend, OR - Bend’s Monkless Belgian Ales is bucking the craft beer sales slump and has expansion plans that will distribute its product as far east as Kansas.

The brewery, which began with small, 10-gallon batches in a home, is now taking over the former Avid Cider production facility on Ninth Street and Wilson Avenue. The 8,500-square-foot facility is twice the size of the brewery’s current facility on High Desert Lane.

The move will be complete April 1, said Robin Clement, who owns the brewery with her husband, Todd Clement.

“There are not many Belgian-style breweries in the state, or for that matter in the nation,” Robin Clement said. “Overall, I think the combination of Belgium’s brewing heritage, the unique flavor profiles of the beers and the fact that they are not hop-forward, as so many other beers in the Pacific Northwest, adds to the appeal and strength of the market.”

Avid Cider, also founded in Bend and acquired by Michigan-based Blake’s Hard Cider, took over the lease of Silver Moon’s SW Badger Avenue space last year, and Silver Moon consolidated its production at its Greenwood Avenue pub and production facility in Bend.

In a crowded market, Central Oregon craf brewers innovate, revamp

In a crowded market, Central Oregon craft brewers innovate, revamp

Competition for shelf space, health conscious consumers and a maturing craft beer industry, are contributing to declining sales and consolidation for brewers nationwide. With more than 300 craft brewers, Oregon ranked 12th in 2022, the year data are most current, according to the Brewer’s Association. Bend has 22 craft breweries.

Continue Reading

Credit card skimmer discovered at Bend 7-Eleven

Bend, OR - A credit and debit card skimming device found on a card reader at at Bend 7-Eleven Monday night.

The device, used to steal credit card information, was located on the card reader at the main register in the store at 1008 NW Galveston Ave.

The store manager confirmed to Central Oregon Daily News that an employee was alerted to it Monday night.

The device in question was put over the “tap” portion of the reader. It was working for at least a portion of the day Monday, but has since been disabled.

The store said a report has been filed with Bend Police.

If you believe you may have used the card reader at that 7-Eleven recently, be sure to check your accounts to make sure someone hasn’t accessed it fraudulently — particularly if it was a debit card, which generally are linked to bank accounts.

Here is more information from the FBI about card skimming and how to protect yourself.

Skimming

Skimming occurs when devices illegally installed on ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or fuel pumps capture data or record cardholders’ PINs. Criminals use the data to create fake debit or credit cards and then steal from victims’ accounts. It is estimated that skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion each year.

Fuel Pump Skimming

• Fuel pump skimmers are usually attached in the internal wiring of the machine and aren’t visible to the customer.

• The skimming devices store data to be downloaded or wirelessly transferred later.

Tips When Using a Fuel Pump

• Choose a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of the attendant. These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.

• Run your debit card as a credit card. If that’s not an option, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN.

• Consider paying inside with the attendant, not outside at the pump.

ATM and POS Terminal Skimming 

• ATM skimmer devices usually fit over the original card reader.

• Some ATM skimmers are inserted in the card reader, placed in the terminal, or situated along exposed cables.

• Pinhole cameras installed on ATMs record a customer entering their PIN. Pinhole camera placement varies widely.

• In some cases, keypad overlays are used instead of pinhole cameras to records PINs. Keypad overlays record a customer’s keystrokes.

• Skimming devices store data to be downloaded or wirelessly transferred later.

Tips When Using an ATM or POS Terminal

• Inspect ATMs, POS terminals, and other card readers before using. Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched. Don’t use any card reader if you notice anything unusual.

• Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN. Then, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry.

• Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location, which are less vulnerable targets.

• Be alert for skimming devices in tourist areas, which are popular targets.

• Use debit and credit cards with chip technology. In the U.S., there are fewer devices that steal chip data versus magnetic strip data.

• Avoid using your debit card when you have linked accounts. Use a credit card instead.

• Contact your financial institution if the ATM doesn’t return your card after you end or cancel a transaction.

Story first appeared in Central Oregon Daily

Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on Hwy 97 in Jefferson County Highlights Road Safety Concerns

Jefferson County, Ore. 19 Feb. 24-- On Monday, February 19, 2024, at 4:16 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a five-vehicle crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 107.5, in Jefferson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated two southbound commercial motor vehicles were traveling on icy roads when the trailing CMV struck the rear end of the lead CMV.  The collision caused the lead CMV trailer to slide sideways into the northbound lanes. A northbound red Toyota Tacoma, operated by Felipe Gamboa-Lupercio (55) of Terrebonne, and a white Toyota Tacoma, operated by Timothy Fuzi (52) of Terrebonne, struck the sliding trailer. A northbound GMC Sierra, operated by James Johnson (60) of Terrebonne, then struck the Toyota Tacomas as well.

The operators of the CMVs, Mark Williams (64) of Hood River and Corey Heikkila (41) of Portland, were reportedly not injured.

The operator of the GMC Sierra (Johnson) was reportedly not injured.

The operator of the white Toyota Tacoma (Fuzi) was reportedly not injured.

The operator of the red Toyota Tacoma (Felipe Gamboa-Lupercio) and the front passenger, Genaro Gamboa-Lupercio (62) of Redmond, suffered injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

The rear passenger of the red Toyota Tacoma, Jose Refugio Gamboa-Lupercio (57) of Redmond, was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation.  The primary factors contributing to this crash are considered roadway conditions and speed. 

OSP was assisted by Jefferson County Fire, Madras Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, and ODOT.

High Desert Museum Now Accepting Submissions for the 2024 Waterston Desert Writing Prize

BEND, OR — What do bestselling author Tucker Malarkey, Emmy award-winning actor Sam Waterston and one winning writer have in common? 

All will take part in the High Desert Museum’s 10^th annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize which honors excellence in literary nonfiction about deserts. The Prize is now accepting submissions until May 1, 2024. 

This year the Waterston Desert Writing Prize will recognize the winner with a $3,000 cash award and a reception and reading at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon on September 26, 2024. The winner and finalists will be selected by the 2024 guest judge Sam Waterston – renowned actor and brother of Prize founder Ellen Waterston.

Known for his work in theater, television and film, Sam Waterston gained stardom portraying DA  Jack McCoy on the NBC crime series Law & Order (1994–2010, 2022–), for which he has received a Screen Actors Guild Award, Golden Globe Award and Emmy Award. Today you can also catch Sam’s performances in the Emmy-nominated Netflix Original series Grace and Frankie and Hulu’s award-winning limited series The Dropout in which he plays George Schultz. Other accolades include an Academy Award nomination for his role as journalist Sydney Schanberg in The Killing Fields (1984) and OBIE and Drama Desk awards in theater.

Sam Waterston will announce the 2024 winner and address attendees during the Waterston Desert Writing Prize ceremonies alongside the 2024 Prize winner and the 2024 keynote speaker, Tucker Malarkey, who will attend in person. 

Nationally bestselling author of the critically acclaimed and national bestselling novels An Obvious Enchantment and Resurrection, Malarkey’s first major work of nonfiction, Stronghold, describes one man’s journey to save salmon habitat in the U.S. and Russia. Stronghold was an editor’s pick for The New York Times, National Book Review, Outside and Forbes. With a career that began at The Washington Post, Malarkey’s love of human culture and wilderness have since taken her all over the world.

The Prize was established in 2014, inspired by author and poet Ellen Waterston’s love of the High Desert — a region that has been her muse for more than 40 years. The Waterston Desert Writing Prize celebrates writers whose work reflects a similar connection to a desert, recognizing the vital role deserts play in ecosystems and the human narrative.

“To see how the Waterston Desert Writing Prize has grown in 10 years is exciting,” said Ellen Waterston. “Tucker Malarkey and my brother Sam Waterston will help us reach new audiences and promote the literary arts as the High Desert Museum has done since the Prize became a Museum program four years ago.” 

The winner of the 2023 Waterston Desert Writing Prize was Anna Welch. Her submission, “Momentum: A Trans-Continental Bicycle Journey,” details her 2019 adventure 3,700 miles across the continental United States. During that substantial bicycling trip, Welch encountered her first desert. Her work has been published in Wilderness Magazine and was most recently featured in the anthology True Travel Tales by Fine Line Press. 

“The many gifted writers who submit their work for the Waterston Desert Writing Prize expand how we think about desert ecosystems,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “We look forward to how our perspectives will grow in 2024.”

Emerging, mid-career and established nonfiction writers who illustrate artistic excellence, sensitivity to place and desert literacy with the desert as both subject and setting are invited to apply. The award supports literary nonfiction writers who are completing, proposing or considering the creation of a book-length manuscript. It is recommended that the writing sample submitted is part of the proposed project or closely represents it in content and style.

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony will take place at the High Desert Museum on September 26, 2024. To RSVP, visit highdesertmuseum.org/2024-waterston-ceremony.

To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize and how to submit an entry, visit highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-prize. Submissions will be accepted through May 1, 2024. 

Elevate Your Wellness at Epic Energy Centers: A Holistic Haven in Central Oregon

In the heart of Central Oregon lies a hidden gem dedicated to the optimal health and well-being of the community - Epic Energy Centers. Nestled at 205 NW Franklin Ave in Bend, Oregon, this wellness sanctuary opened its doors on February 1st, 2024, offering a unique approach to enhancing energy levels and promoting overall vitality. Founded by Rich and Kelley Salber, who have a shared passion for outdoor activities like mountain biking and skiing, Epic Energy Centers is not just a business but a labor of love aimed at helping individuals thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Epic Energy Centers focus on enhancing cellular energy levels and overall well-being through the Energy Enhancement System, developed by Dr. Sandra Rose Michaels. This system utilizes Bio-scalar technology to optimize energy levels, mental clarity, immune function, and cell regeneration. By utilizing integrative biophysics, it provides a simple and effective way to improve health. The centers believe in the body's ability to heal itself when provided with the right environment and energy support. They use scalar technology to realign the body's electrical matrix, promoting increased energy levels and helping individuals reach their full potential. The philosophy of "the power that made the body heals the body" is evident at Epic Energy Centers, where fully charged cells can regenerate and heal themselves. Epic Energy Centers also offer a far infrared sauna for detoxification after energy sessions, providing a holistic approach to well-being.

Rich and Kelley Salber are not only business owners but active members of the Central Oregon community, deeply invested in promoting health and wellness for individuals from all walks of life. With their background in outdoor activities and a shared commitment to helping others thrive, they bring a genuine passion to their work at Epic Energy Centers. Kelley's involvement in the Dry Canyon Arts Association reflects her dedication to serving the community through her artistic pursuits, further highlighting the couple's holistic approach to well-being.

Looking towards the future, Epic Energy Centers has ambitious plans to expand its reach within the community and strengthen its partnerships with local organizations dedicated to promoting health and wellness. Rich and Kelley envision a future where healthy individuals serve as catalysts for positive change within their communities, fostering a culture of well-being and vitality. By continuing to build connections and alliances with like-minded businesses and practitioners, they hope to create a ripple effect of wellness that extends throughout Central Oregon.

For those interested in experiencing the transformative effects of the Energy Enhancement System or exploring the benefits of the far infrared sauna at Epic Energy Centers, you can call them at (541) 449-9829. or visit online at epicenergycenters.com for more information about their services and offerings. Whether you're looking to recharge your energy levels, boost your immune function, or simply enhance your overall well-being, Epic Energy Centers offers a unique approach to holistic health that resonates with the spirit of Central Oregon's vibrant community.

Address: 205 NW Franklin Ave Bend, OR Get Directions

Phone: 541-449-9829

*Look for our Monday Health Corner as we delve into Energy Enhancement System

What’s Up Central Oregon

Suttle Lodge Winter Beer Festival, taking place Friday, February 23rd through Sunday February 25th, 2024

Tickets are now on sale for the fifth annual Suttle Lodge Winter Beer Festival, taking place Friday, February 23rd through Sunday February 25th, 2024, benefitting CASA of Central Oregon. Set under the snow dusted pines in the Deschutes National Forest, on the shore of Suttle Lake, The Suttle Lodge Winter Beer Festival is a one-of-a-kind Bavarian-inspired outdoor festival featuring 25+ craft breweries, cozy winter lodge vibes and more.

Each day of the festival from 12pm-5pm, the 6 cabins in Suttle Lodge’s Rustic Village will be transformed into Rifugio Huts in the tradition of backcountry ski culture that Central Oregon is known for, serving new seasonal and limited release craft beers from all around the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The Lodge itself will be open for all festival attendees to enjoy as well, with comfy seating and a special food menu from Chef Ariel Dyer. The complete list of participating breweries will be announced in January, but beer fans can prepare to see their favorite local breweries represented, as well as a choice selection of destination-worthy out-of-state brews, like Jester King from Texas, Aslan Brewing from Bellingham, and Pure Project from San Diego. Those looking for a little extra can purchase the festival’s VIP ticket experience, which includes access to a VIP Cabin serving reserve beers and spirits, tasty snacks and more.

Single Day and Weekend Pass tickets are available with GA and VIP options, ranging from $55-$215 per person. Discounted event entry for designated drivers is $10 per day or $25 for the weekend, and kids have free entry, with plenty of hot cocoa and warm apple cider to enjoy. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also welcome.

A portion of the proceeds from the 2024 Suttle Lodge Winter Beer Festival will be donated to CASA of Central Oregon, a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. CASA volunteers work within the courts in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel and community resources to ensure that every child in foster care in Central Oregon can transition into a safe and permanent home.

Thursday February 22nd

Page to Screen Trivia Roundabout Books 900 NW Mt. Washington Drive #110 Bend 6:30PM

Wolf Song: The Role of Wolf Species in Plateau Spirituality @ High Desert Museum 6PM-7PM

Full Moon Nordic Nights @ Mt Bachelor 4:00PM-8:00PM

Pint Night for the Arts @ Wild Ride Brewing Prineville 5:00PM-8:00PM

Friday February 23rd

Red Chair Roundup @ Mt Bachelor 8:00AM-3:00PM

Suttle Lodge Winter Beer Festival  23rd,24th,25th 

Bit(e) of Robotics for @ Deschutes Public Library By Camp Fire Central Oregon 3:15-5:15PM

The Lip Sync Smackdown@Open Space Studios 7:00PM-9:00PM

DENM And Little Stranger Silver Moon Brewing 9:00PM

Saturday February 24th

Intro to Trackdays/OMRRA Meet & Greet @ Boneyard Pub 5:00PM

80’s Dance Party @ Bevel Craft Brewing 6:00PM-9:00PM 

Virginia Riggs Children’s Concert & Instrument Petting Zoo @ Bend Senior High School 9:00AM

Winter Formal @ River’s Place 5:00PM-8PM 

Sunday February 25th

Mimosa Fest - Live, Laugh, Mimosa Volcanic Theatre Pub 11AM-3PM

Barrel Brawl 2024 Whiskey Cocktail Competition @ 10 Barrel Brewing East Side 1PM  

Winter Concert by Central Oregon Symphony @ Bend High Auditorium 2:00PM

DC4W Pine Mountain Run By Deshcutes County 4 Wheelers Club 8:30AM-4:00PM

Central Oregon Community College Community Education

Deschutes Public Library Events

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What is the approximate length of the Crooked River in Oregon?

A) 50 miles

B) 100 miles

C) 150 miles

D) 200 miles

Answer: A) 50 miles

The Crooked River in Oregon stretches approximately 50 miles from its headwaters to its confluence with the Deschutes River. Despite its relatively short length, the river plays a significant role in the region's landscape, providing habitat for wildlife, supporting recreational activities, and contributing to the area's natural beauty.

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