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🚨 Idaho Man Arrested After Reckless Driving Incident, Taken into Custody on Roof of Bend Home

Issue #117

22 Apr

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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🌊 Redmond Intentionally Floods Dry Canyon, Dirt Trails Remain Closed

🎭 Special Report: That's a wrap? Bend-La Pine theater students fear budget cuts mean an end to their programs - KTVZ

🛣️🌄Road to Pilot Butte summit opening Monday

💥 ODOT conducts another blasting operation along new Bend Parkway route

🧑‍🌾🧺Downtown Bend Farmers Market set to begin its 2024 season on May 1; here’s who shoppers can choose from this year

🚨 Crime News

💊La Pine Couple Arrested for Fentanyl Trafficking Following Traffic Stop

🚨 Idaho Man Arrested After Reckless Driving Incident, Taken into Custody on Roof of Bend Home

 📰 Regional News

🔥Oregon lodge famously featured in ‘The Shining’ will reopen to guests after fire forced evacuations

💖 Monday's Health Corner: The Benefits of Grounding

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots of Events

 

BEND

Redmond Intentionally Floods Dry Canyon, Dirt Trails Remain Closed

REDMOND, OR -- The city of Redmond intentionally flooded a portion of the Dry Canyon this week. Assistant City Engineer Lindsey Cromsigt says it’s part of the development of a new drinking water well near the dog park, "The new well is really needed to support the city’s growing water demand and provides capacity and redundancy for our water system. So that testing was conducted per state requirements."

Cromsigt tells KBND News, "To test the well, we had to run a constant rate test, as required by the state. So we were pumping 3,500 gallons per minute out of the well for a 12 hour period." She adds, "We’re really excited that the well performed per the expectations and we’re going to be able to produce the water needed to meet our city’s growing demand."

However, that testing resulted in as much of three feet of flooding in some areas north of the disc golf course, "So, the paved walking paths in the Dry Canyon are open and the disc golf course will reopen shortly after this weekend. However, the dirt walking trails between the West Canyon Rim entrance and the disc golf course will remain closed until further notice, as we re-evaluate the restoration needed in that area." Cromsigt hopes the water will soak back into the ground naturally, but says if it takes too long, they'll bring in pumps to get things cleared.

 She expects dirt trails to reopen in a few weeks. "We do ask that residents respect the trail closures and stay off the dirt paths until the signs and barricades are removed from the area; and just continue to use those paved path areas, in the meantime."

Despite those barricades and signs, visitors have been seen walking through water, "We ask that people do not walk through muddy or swampy areas because those muddy conditions will further hinder our progress and make the restoration take a longer period of time." Cromsigt says, "Walking in muddy conditions only further deteriorates the dirt trails that we are trying our hardest to preserve.

So, by letting the water dry out and letting the conditions return back to normal, that’s when we can have our most effect doing our restoration plan."

This is the first time the Dry Canyon has been used for such an operation. The city’s last new well - its eighth - was developed in southwest Redmond, and crews used a nearby canal to catch water pumped out during testing. 

Because more infrastructure is needed, Redmond's ninth well isn't expected to be operational until late 2026. 

Special Report: That's a wrap? Bend-La Pine theater students fear budget cuts mean an end to their programs - KTVZ

Mountain View High School theater teacher Amy James says she's worried changes next year could mean elimination of their theater program. 

ktvz.com/news/special-reports/2024/04/19/special-report-thats-a-wrap-bend-la-pine-theater-students-fear-budget-cuts-mean-an-end-to-their-programs

 

Road to Pilot Butte summit opening Monday

The Oregon Parks and Recreation District announced it will open the gate to the Pilot Butte summit road at 10:00 am on Monday. It will be open daily from 10:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m.

ODOT conducts another blasting operation along new Bend Parkway route

ODOT crews completed another blast Saturday morning of hard basalt along U.S. Highway 97 north of Empire Avenue to make way for the new section of the Bend Parkway. The road was briefly closed for the work to allow for a clear zone around the blast site. Video courtesy of Connect Central Oregon.

Downtown Bend Farmers Market set to begin its 2024 season on May 1; here’s who shoppers can choose from this year

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- - On Wednesday, May 1, the Downtown Bend Farmers Market kicks off its 2024 season in Brooks Street Alley between Franklin and Oregon avenues. The much-anticipated return of the downtown market marks the beginning of a season filled with local flavors, community spirit, and farm-fresh goodness.

"We invite locals and visitors to join us on May 1st to celebrate the start of another exciting season," said Amy Vanderlaan, BFM Board President.  "Whether you're a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, there's something for everyone to enjoy at the Bend Farmers Market."

The Bend Farmers Market (BFM) is a true farmers market, dedicated to supporting the viability of local farmers, ranchers and food producers who offer fresh local produce, protein and farm products to the people of Central Oregon. Market visitors can expect to find an abundance of seasonal produce, freshly baked goods, handcrafted artisanal food products, and much more.

Each vendor brings unique offerings, ensuring there's something for every taste and preference. With an emphasis on quality, sustainability, and supporting local producers, the market provides an opportunity for shoppers to make a positive impact on their community while enjoying the freshest ingredients Oregon has to offer.

The BFM welcomes visitors to shop with EBT/SNAP benefits and offers a $20 match each week through the Double Up Food Bucks to spend on fresh produce, and a $6 match each week to spend on cheese, meat, poultry and seafood through the Protein Perks! program.

The Market will run every Wednesday from 11am - 3pm May 1 to October 9.

Wednesday Market Vendors:

Abbott Farms, Bend Breakfast Burrito, Berkey’s Blueberries, Bohemian Roastery, Boundless Farmstead, BrandyWine Fisheries, Broadus Bees, Compassion Kombucha, Curmuffins, Dan's Smoked Salmon, DD Ranch, Deschutes Canyon Garlic, Deschutes Gourmet Mushrooms, Deschutes Produce, Farmhouse Pies, Fibonacci Farms, Field’s Grassfed Beef, FixaFoods, Gather Nuts, Halfway Farm, Happy Harvest Farm, Hummus Stop, Lazy Z Ranch, Lidia's Chocolate, M's Bakery, Marquam Hill Berries, Mill Fire Baking, Noosh, Not Bread, North 44 Farm, Oh Ghee, Oregon Spirit Distillers, Upriver Organics, Pine Mountain Ranch, Rainshadow Organics, Rawmona's Kitchen, Rooper Ranch, Sungrounded Farm, Sweet Bean Provisions, The Crows Croft, Tumalo Lavender, and Zodiac Farms.

 

 

La Pine Couple Arrested for Fentanyl Trafficking Following Traffic Stop

Crescent Lake, Oregon - April 19th, 2024:

A significant arrest was made on April 18th, 2024, as the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, in coordination with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, concluded a prolonged investigation with the apprehension of Mario Michael Fivecoats, 35, and Rebecca Ann Toepher, 31, both residents of La Pine, Oregon, for alleged fentanyl trafficking.

The investigation, spanning an extensive duration, identified Mario Fivecoats as a fentanyl trafficker operating in south Deschutes County. It is alleged that Fivecoats imported fentanyl pills from Portland into central Oregon, where he distributed them across the Deschutes County region.

Following a comprehensive surveillance operation across multiple counties overnight, CODE Detectives, aided by the Oregon State Police, intercepted Mario Fivecoats and Rebecca Toepher at the Crescent Lake Junction in Klamath County. The couple was stopped while traveling in a 2009 Honda Civic on Highway 58. Notably, Toepher's 6-year-old son was also in the vehicle during the stop.

During the traffic stop, CODE Drug K9 “Bonnie” detected a controlled substance inside the Honda, prompting detectives to secure and execute a search warrant granted by the Klamath County Circuit Court.

Subsequent to the search, CODE Detectives seized a commercial quantity of counterfeit pharmaceutical tablets containing fentanyl, along with methamphetamine, from within the vehicle.

In coordination with Oregon DHS - Child Welfare, arrangements were made for the care of Toepher's 6-year-old child, who was later released to responsible relatives.

The charges against Fivecoats and Toepher include:

1. Unlawful Possession and Attempted Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)

2. Unlawful Possession and Attempted Distribution of Methamphetamine (Felony)

3. Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

Both individuals were lodged in the Klamath County Sheriff’s Jail following their arrest.

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team, supported by various law enforcement agencies including the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, emphasizes the collaborative effort in combating drug-related offenses and ensuring community safety.

For additional information, please contact Sgt. Kent Vander Kamp at 541-550-4869 or via email at [email protected].

About Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team:

CODE is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program and various Central Oregon law enforcement agencies, dedicated to disrupting drug trafficking activities and safeguarding communities against illicit drug trade.

Idaho Man Arrested After Reckless Driving Incident, Taken into Custody on Roof of Bend Home

Bend, Oregon - April 21, 2024:

A chaotic situation unfolded on Sunday afternoon in Bend as law enforcement successfully apprehended Nicholas Michael Wood, a 42-year-old Idaho resident, following a reckless driving incident that culminated in a standoff.

The incident began around 12:30 p.m. when an off-duty Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputy reported a reckless driver on U.S. Highway 20 near Millican. The driver, later identified as Nicholas Wood, was operating a gold Toyota Sequoia and was observed engaging in dangerous maneuvers such as illegal passing, speeding, and erratic driving that nearly caused multiple collisions.

Upon spotting the vehicle, an Oregon State Police trooper and a Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop. Wood, however, evaded the authorities and led them on a pursuit. The pursuit was eventually discontinued before entering Bend, with deputies deploying spike strips outside the city limits, albeit unsuccessfully.

Wood's route took him southbound on NE 27th Street and then westbound on Knott Road, maintaining high speeds as he headed north on Brookswood Boulevard. Although law enforcement staged in various locations, they did not actively pursue Wood. At approximately 1:08 p.m., a Bend Police officer successfully deployed spike strips, but Wood continued driving recklessly, eventually colliding head-on with another vehicle on Brookswood Boulevard. The occupants of the vehicle Wood struck were hospitalized due to the collision.

Following the crash, Wood fled his vehicle and sought refuge on the roof of a detached garage in the 20000 block of SW Sunny Way. Negotiations between law enforcement and Wood lasted for about two hours without success. Subsequently, officers and deputies resorted to less-lethal options, including pepper balls containing chemical irritants and 40-millimeter less-lethal ammunition, before finally apprehending Wood at approximately 3:39 p.m.

Bend Police expressed gratitude to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Bend Fire for their collaborative efforts in resolving the situation. Bend Fire provided a ladder truck to aid in Wood's removal from the roof.

Wood was transported to St. Charles Bend for evaluation and remains there pending release, after which he will be lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on multiple charges, including Assault II, Felony Hit & Run, Reckless Driving/Reckless Endangering, Eluding law enforcement, and DUII.

During the incident, Brookswood Boulevard was closed between Murphy Road and Reed Market Road for several hours, impacting local traffic flow.

Oregon lodge famously featured in ‘The Shining’ will reopen to guests after fire forced evacuations

GOVERNMENT CAMP, Ore. (AP) — Oregon’s historic Timberline Lodge, which featured in Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film “The Shining,” reopened to guests Sunday after a fire that prompted evacuations but caused only minimal damage.

The lodge said Saturday in a Facebook post that it will support guests while repairs are being done, as well as work to ensure water quality. Historic preservation efforts are also underway.

“There are challenges ahead but we are through the worst of it,” the hotel said. “First responder and Timberline staff efforts have been nothing short of remarkable during a very difficult time. This successful recovery is because of their dedication.”

Embers from the lodge’s large stone fireplace apparently ignited the roof Thursday night, the lodge said. Guests and staff were evacuated as firefighters doused the flames, and no injuries were reported.

Damage from the fire and the water used to extinguish it is “benign” and contained to certain areas, the lodge said.

Its ski area reopened Saturday.

Timberline Lodge was built in 1937, some 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) up the 11,249-foot (3,429-meter) Mount Hood, by the Works Progress Administration, a U.S. government program created to provide jobs during the Great Depression.

It is about 60 miles (100 kilometers) east of Portland.

Kubrick used the exterior of the lodge as a stand-in for the Overlook Hotel in “The Shining,” a psychological horror movie based on the 1977 Stephen King novel of the same name.

Monday’s Health Corner Sponsored by: EPIC Energy Centers

Monday's Health Corner:

The Benefits of Grounding

Freedom Feet GIF by Hysteria

In today's edition of Monday's Health Corner, we explore the concept of grounding and its potential benefits for overall well-being. Grounding, also known as earthing, refers to the practice of connecting with the Earth's natural energy by walking barefoot outdoors, sitting or lying on the ground, or using grounding devices.

Research suggests that grounding may have several health benefits, including:

1. Reduction of Inflammation: Grounding has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to various chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.

2. Improved Sleep: Some studies indicate that grounding can improve sleep quality by helping to regulate circadian rhythms and reduce stress hormones like cortisol.

3. Stress Reduction: Connecting with the Earth's energy may help lower stress levels and promote relaxation, leading to a sense of calm and well-being.

4. Pain Relief: Grounding has been reported to alleviate pain in conditions such as fibromyalgia, with some individuals experiencing reduced pain intensity and improved overall comfort.

5. Enhanced Immune Function: Preliminary research suggests that grounding may support immune function by reducing oxidative stress and promoting a balanced inflammatory response.

6. Improved Energy Levels: Many individuals report feeling more energized and revitalized after spending time grounding outdoors or using grounding techniques.

While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and long-term effects of grounding, incorporating grounding practices into your daily routine may offer potential health benefits. Whether it's taking a barefoot walk in nature, practicing yoga outdoors, or using grounding mats or sheets indoors, finding ways to connect with the Earth's energy can be a simple yet effective way to support your overall health and well-being.

I’ve been trying out grounding fitted sheet, one thing I’ve noticed is I’m sleeping harder, and seem to not need as much sleep.

I’ve found a great company that offers some awesome Grounding Products:

Links on photos.

 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.

 

 

Upcoming Events

What’s Up Central Oregon 

StirrUp Purpose is partnering with School of Ranch to create aunique evening of learning, fun, and general do-goodery! This workshop is designed for enthusiasts of all levels to deepen their knowledge through a spirited game of Jeopardy tailored to equine education, and cool hands-on activities: Live demonstrations on tack and horse care for ranching, and more. We'll also be raising money for StirrUp Purpose!, Penny, and Jeff Campbell's latest with a special raffle. And as if all that isn't enough...a potluck! We'll be bringing pulled pork! Bring a dish! Registration is required for this event. REGISTER HERE https://schoolofranch.org/w-game-night. While there's no set fee, we suggest $20 to help us cover our costs. Reserve your spot now and be part of this fun night!
When: April 23rd, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: VFW Hall, 491 SW Veterans Way, Redmond
Cost: Contribute what you want ($20 recommended)

Monday April 22nd

Earth Day Outdoor Yoga Class @ Drake Park By Wildland Guiding Company 5:30PM - 6:30PM

Harry Potter Trivia @ The Grove 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Tuesday April 23rd

Wednesday April 24th

Wine Wednesday @ Bar Rio 3:00PM - 10:00PM

Thursday April 25th

Friday April 26th

Saturday April 27th

Sunday April 28th

 

 

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We’re all about connecting the small businesses of Central Oregon with the residents of Central Oregon. When you partner with us, you become part of something special and we will help your business be seen by thousands you may not have had exposure to before. Let’s talk.

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