🚨 Redmond restaurants hope for answers after series of break-ins

Issue #094

13 Mar

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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚨 Redmond restaurants hope for answers after series of break-ins

⛽ Gas prices in Central Oregon

🏛 Crook County, Oregon, Switches Government Structure

❄🏔 Snow-trackers find Sisters playground

📰 Regional News

🏔 Oregon avalanche forecaster dies in snowslide he triggered while skiing

📰 Community News

🍴 Redmond's first alcohol-free food cart pod opened last month

🐶 Pet of the Week - Meet Lopo! 💖

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

 

What is the name of the volcanic cave system near Bend, Oregon?

A) Crater Lake Caves

B) Lava River Cave

C) Oregon Caverns

D) Newberry Cave System

👇Find the Answer at the end of the Newletter👇

BEND

Spring Weather on the way!!!!

Fran Healy Spring GIF by Travis

 

Redmond restaurants hope for answers after series of break-ins

Owners and staff at a pair of Redmond restaurants are speaking out after becoming victims of a burglary spree.

“Been a little bit of heartbreaking because Redmond is not like that,” Hola! Server Jair Hernandez said.

Rosalda Villicana owns La Frontera. The restaurant and marketplace has faced three break-ins in the last two months.

"It started in the beginning of the year," she said. "They damaged my electricity in the back. They damaged my cash drawers, took all the money that I had in here, broke into a window.”

La Frontera is just down the road from Hola!, which has had four break-ins within the same time frame.

"It's a little bit scary because you don't know if you're going to open the door and find somebody in the building," Hernandez said. "It's that 'on-guard' feeling.”

Both businesses say they’ve followed up with Redmond Police, who told Central Oregon Daily they could not comment on the matter due to an ongoing investigation. But Hernandez is hopeful the authorities will find answers before the next attempt.

“There is no clues right now," he said. "All they (Redmond Police) got is some stuff that the intruder left behind, such as a cigarette or gum or a backpack. So they are after the DNA. So hopefully that will help us.”

Both restaurants tell Central Oregon Daily they’ve taken steps to prepare for future break-ins.

“This is really hurting the business," Villicana said. "If this keep this up, you think about just quitting."

Gas prices in Central Oregon

Crook County, Oregon, Switches Government Structure

Crook County in Oregon has overhauled its government system, shifting from a traditional County Court with a full-time County Judge and two part-time Commissioners to a modern Commission-manager form. Now, three full-time Commissioners, with equal authority, will steer the county alongside a newly appointed manager responsible for daily operations and administrative duties. This change, led by Commissioner Susan Hermreck, aims to enhance efficiency and address growth challenges by adopting a full-time commission and recruiting a county manager. Despite some opposition, particularly concerning the elimination of the County Judge title, the move has received significant public support for its potential to better manage Crook County's future growth. The search for a permanent county manager is underway, and the new board structure is set to redefine leadership roles, including a rotating Chair position, in upcoming meetings.

Snow-trackers find Sisters playground

What a difference a few weeks make. Ski Hoodoo waited until January to open for lack of snow. Now they are sitting atop 80 inches plus, with more coming in. At the nearby Sno Parks, and Three Creek Sno Park closer to town, the snowmobiles are revved up and gliding over deep snow terrain.

The Three Creek snow-measuring station reported 40-inch snowpack on Saturday - 88 percent of normal, a big gain from just a few weeks ago. The late-season snow is a delight of snowmobilers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers who share the winter playground.

The diverse groups generally play well together as each has its designated trails. But in recent years a new breed of recreationalists have shown up. Owners of ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) of the tandem and side by side versions have figured out how to remove the wheels and replace them with treads or trax, as is preferred.

With higher profiles and/or wider stances they can appear intimidating. Their tank-like drive system can also make a bigger footprint on the snow. They are not always welcomed with open arms.

A foursome from Redmond acknowledged the reaction.

"We know we are the bad boys when we pull into the lot. We get lots of stares and questions about where we're going to run," said Gary Tolman, speaking for the group.

"Once we tell folks we're going to be well out of their way in back country, far from their trails, everybody seems to relax a bit," added Cal Deitrich.

It's also the case that the rigs are like magnets, with groups forming around the machines, and talk soon turning to: "How much (cost), how fast, and how hard to convert (wheels to treads)?"

A conversion kit runs between $3,000 and $5,000, with the average over $4,000. They can be run over mud, rocks, and logs but when used in the snow they will last years with little maintenance.

Experts say that it's a learning curve with first-time riders typically driving too fast and losing control. They are harder to steer. Compared to sleds (snowmobiles) however, they are generally more maneuverable and utilitarian. They cannot compete with sleds in terms of steep terrain or overall speed. On the flip side, they can be rigged for plowing and have a bigger payload.

The speedometer is fooled when you put on trax.

"If it reads that you are going 50, it'll be more like 25 or 30," Tolman explained.

Gloria Edmunds from Powell Butte thought out loud that the snow-rigged ATVs had one huge advantage over her sled, as she eyed the full driver and passenger enclosure: "That's gotta be warm."

Rita Bradley from Bend, on hand for cross-country skiing, was skeptical of the machines' impact.

"Aren't those treads going to mess up the snow?" she asked.

Deitrich tried to assure her that used properly they actually leave little impression.

ATV.com claims that "the larger surface area of the tracks results in a more even distribution of the vehicle's weight, reducing the individual points of pressure that force the machine down into the ground. This is particularly important when using ATVs in delicate ecosystems or areas with loose topsoil, such as wetlands and grasslands."

Weekly Road & Traffic Report Week of March 2nd - March 8th Redmond

Weekly Road Construction Update Week of March 10th to March 16th Deschutes County

 

Oregon avalanche forecaster dies in snowslide he triggered while skiing

NORTH POWDER, Ore. (AP) — An avalanche forecaster died in a snowslide he triggered while skiing in eastern Oregon last week, officials said.

Nick Burks, 37, and a friend — both experienced and carrying avalanche air bags and beacons — were backcountry skiing the chute on Gunsight Mountain on Wednesday, near Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.

His friend skied down first and watched as the avalanche was triggered and overtook Burks. The companion was able to locate Burks quickly by turning on his transceiver, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office said.

People at the ski lodge saw the avalanche happen and immediately told first responders, the agency said in a statement on Facebook.

Bystanders were performing CPR on Burks as deputies, firefighters, and search and rescue crews arrived, but the efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, the sheriff's office said. The other skier wasn't hurt.

The Northwest Avalanche Center said via Facebook that Nick had been part of their professional avalanche community for years. He worked as an avalanche forecaster for the Wallowa Avalanche Center in northeastern Oregon, and before that as part of the snow safety team at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski and Summer Resort southeast of Portland.

Avalanche forecasters evaluate mountain snow conditions and other weather factors to try to predict avalanche risks. The job, avalanche safety specialists say, has become more difficult in as climate change brings extreme weather, and growing numbers of skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers visit backcountry areas since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our backcountry community is small and we understand the tremendous grief many are experiencing,” the Wallowa Avalanche Center said in a statement on their website, adding that a full investigation would be done with a report to follow.

Eleven people have been killed in avalanches in the U.S. this year, according to Avalanche.org.

Redmond's first alcohol-free food cart pod opened last month and the owner says people have been supportive of the dry venture.

"I think the rewards will be higher than the risks. It's just a matter of time that we get known and people come and try our food. But we have a plan and we have a goal. And just for the sake of community, I think we're going to stick to our guns and we're going to roll the way we started," says Hoss Talebi, owner of Redmond Food Park.

Talebi says he plans to add several more food carts to the lot and he is expecting business to pick up as the weather warms up.

 

Meet Lopo

💖

Lopo is a handsome senior German Shepherd mix boy who came to us from a local shelter that we partner with right here in Central Oregon and we're excited to bring him into our program and introduce him to you. German Shepherd dogs like Lopo are known for their intelligence and loyalty. Lopo is one of the shelter's senior residents who is kind, loves to please, and loves to go on walks. He enjoys meeting new people and he loves kids too! He sure doesn't seem like his age. If you are willing to support this sweet boy through his senior years, we hope that you'll consider applying to meet this wonderful gentleman. He's healthy, up to date on his shots and neutered. Submit your adoption application through our website today and don't miss this opportunity to bring this lovable pup home with you for a home trial towards their adoption. Will you be his hero?

Foster update:

"Lopo is doing really great. He's playing well with my 2 dogs in the backyard. He learns quickly and knows many commands already. He loves toys, and great energy for being 9. We haven't had any potty issues and he lets me know if he needs outside. He loves the snow and has become a great friend to my dogs. He knows all the basic commands. A gentle giant who loves to play tug of war and cuddle!"

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

What’s Up Central Oregon

March Madness

March Madness is an annual fundraiser for Stroke Awareness Oregon. It's also great fun for college basketball fans and there are prizes. Proceeds support our work educating about the causes and prevention of stroke and supporting stroke survivors and their families in their best possible life. Stroke is a brain attack and affects anyone of any age, race or social standing. It is the 4th leading cause of death in Oregon. One in 5 people will suffer a stroke.

Welcome to Stroke Awareness Oregon's March Madness Fundraiser!

Register by March 17th!

$10 Suggested Donation

$30 Total For Second Entry

Once your donation is complete, you will receive an email with further directions and the bracket link. 

Wednesday March 13th

Matt Walden  @ McMenamins Old St. Francis School Father Luke’s Room 6:00PM - 9:00PM

Thursday March 14th

Trio  @ Beach Hut Deli 5:00PM - 7:00PM

Friday March 15th

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend @  Boneyard Pub Bend Fire Pipes & Drums & Yeates Academy of Irish Dance

Saturday March 16th

Ski For All @  Mount Bachelor 8:00PM - 8:00PM

Bend Fire Pipes & Drums St Paddy’s Day 2024 Pub Crawl @Downtown Bend Sat & Sun 4:00PM - 9:30PM

 

Enjoy local pubs around Bend and support HSCO's programs and services that serve people and animals in our community. Visit 14 local brew pubs with your friends and canine companion(s) and enjoy good vibes throughout March on the weekends.

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Please visit this Week’s Sponsors & Partners ⬇️

 

What is the name of the volcanic cave system near Bend, Oregon?

A) Crater Lake Caves

B) Lava River Cave

C) Oregon Caverns

D) Newberry Cave System

Answer: B) Lava River Cave

The Lava River Cave near Bend, Oregon, is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which is managed by the United States Forest Service. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.

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