In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🎇🚫Bend Police Department and Bend Fire & Rescue Remind Community of Fireworks Ban, How to Report - 06/21/24

⚖️ District Attorneys Unveil New Details After Bend Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

🤔City of Bend Explains the new intersection at Wilson Ave and 3rd St

📰 Multi-Agency Meeting To Address China Hat Campers Results In "All Hands On Deck" Project

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

The Long Bend Fire - Press Release | Photos | Twitter Updates

🚧 Road Closures

🧑‍🚒⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🏠🔥Fire Destroys Home in Tollgate Subdivision Near Sisters

💓 Monday’s Health Corner - 💧The Lifeline of Health: An In-Depth Look at the Benefits of Water / and Filtration

🫴 Local Cause of the Month

🧒 "Building Brighter Futures: The Inspiring Work of Kids Inspired Non-Profit"

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🎶🎸Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival hits Sisters

🧑‍🌾🤠🥕🥒🍅HOWDY DO: PRACTICAL LAND MANAGEMENT

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

BEND

MADRAS, OR

Bend Police Department and Bend Fire & Rescue Remind Community of Fireworks Ban, How to Report - 06/21/24 

Summer is warming up, and with the July 4 holiday quickly approaching, the City of Bend Police Department and Bend Fire & Rescue wish to remind the community about the rules regarding fireworks use in Bend and the surrounding area.

Within Bend city limits, the use, sale and possession of fireworks is banned per City Ordinance. This means that sales tents and in-store purchases of fireworks in Bend are not permitted, and fireworks purchased elsewhere cannot be brought to Bend and discharged. 

There are a few novelty items, or “non-fireworks,” that are legal to use in Bend such as smoke bombs, wire core sparklers, snakes and party poppers. 

Fireworks outside of city limits must be Oregon-legal. Fireworks that explode, eject balls of fire, fly into the air, or travel more than six feet along the ground are illegal within the state of Oregon.

Violations can result in criminal or civil penalties, including fines per offense. This could mean up to $750 for City ordinance violations, and according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal, as much as $2,500 for firework use violating state law. There could also be costs for damage, injury and services incurred because of noncompliance.

If you are in an area that permits fireworks, please remember to use them safely. 

• Have a water source nearby in case of an accident or defective firework.

• Only use fireworks on non-combustible surfaces like gravel or pavement.

• Follow age restrictions. Only adults should light and use fireworks – never children.

• Soak discharged fireworks in water before disposal.

If you want to report the use of fireworks in the city of Bend, you can do so by emailing [email protected]. Reporting will not prompt a police or fire response but will allow us to collect data about illegal firework use throughout the city. If you see illegal use of fireworks that is creating an imminent danger to people or property, you should call 911. 

Independence Day is one of the busiest days of the year for first responders. The Bend Police Department will have additional patrol teams on hand to deal with the influx of calls, but we ask the Bend community to help our officers by following the local ban on fireworks, which will allow quicker responses to emergencies and avoid a flood of calls to Deschutes County 911 dispatch. 

Learn more at bendoregon.gov/fireworks.

District Attorneys Unveil New Details After Bend Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in 2023 Fatal Shooting of Powell Butte Resident

Russell Votruba, a Bend resident, recently admitted to manslaughter in connection with the May 2023 fatal shooting of Christopher Hoffmann from Powell Butte. This admission came as part of a plea deal that saw Votruba sentenced to 18 years in prison.

The district attorneys for Crook and Deschutes Counties provided additional insights into the case during a recent briefing. According to Crook County DA Kari Hathorn, Votruba confessed to shooting Hoffmann, stealing his car, and engaging in a police chase on Highway 97 near Bend. During the pursuit, Votruba fired shots, one of which hit a patrol car and another striking himself in the upper chest.

Hathorn revealed that Votruba and Hoffmann had a complex relationship as "off-and-on friends" for a long time. Votruba's history of mental health issues and substance abuse was also highlighted. He had been released from the hospital just days before the shooting after being placed on a mental health hold.

Prosecutors disclosed that Votruba and Hoffmann had spent the weekend before the incident consuming large amounts of drugs and alcohol. After the shooting, Votruba contacted a family member of Hoffmann and admitted to using Hoffmann's phone before the altercation.

During sentencing, Votruba's defense claimed self-defense, alleging that Hoffmann had pointed a gun at Votruba. However, Hathorn stated that this defense was not supported by the evidence gathered.

The plea deal included Votruba pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter with a firearm and felon in possession of a firearm charges. He also pleaded guilty to a Deschutes County charge of unlawful use of a weapon, with several other charges being dismissed. As part of the sentencing, Votruba will face post-prison supervision but cannot be considered for any reduction in sentence or temporary release from custody.

Hathorn emphasized the impact of mental health issues and substance abuse in the case, pointing out the failure of certain measures in addressing these issues. She also thanked the various law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.

In a statement, Hathorn highlighted the tragic nature of Hoffmann's murder and expressed remorse from Votruba during sentencing. Hoffmann's family participated in the proceedings, expressing their hope that Votruba does not harm anyone else in the future.

City of Bend Explains the new intersection at Wilson Ave and 3rd St

The recently opened Wilson Avenue Corridor includes a protected intersection at the corner of Wilson Avenue and Third Street. The protected intersection is very similar to a traditional intersection except that it provides more separation and visibility between different modes of travel. The design of a protected intersection aims to reduce speed and improve safety of vehicle turns, improve sightlines and reduce the distance and time during which people on bikes and pedestrians are exposed to conflicts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Does a cyclist have to wait for the pedestrian ‘Walk’ signal?
  
  No.  A cyclist can cross within the green crosswalk in the same manner as any other vehicle – when there is a green light for their direction of travel. 
   

• Can I use the bike lane to turn right in my car? 
  
  No. The curb-protected bike lanes are for bike travel only.
   

• Can I drive on the corner islands?

The concrete corner islands have two different levels:

1. The lower level that is closer to the travel lanes are “mountable truck aprons” meant to be driven on by large vehicles (buses, trucks, vehicles that are towing). These are not unique to protected intersections – all of our roundabouts have mountable truck aprons.

2. The upper level is not meant to be driven on and is there to protect cyclists from vehicle strikes. 

• Why is the Third Street and Wilson Avenue intersection designed like that? 
  
  This intersection was designed to reflect newer design philosophies to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety.  The intersection is based on a ‘protected intersection’ design.  More information can be found here: https://nacto.org/publication/dont-give-up-at-the-intersection/protected-intersections/

Questions or Comments

• Construction Phone Line: (541) 322-9919

• Project website: bendoregon.gov/wilson

• Project Contacts:

  • Sinclair Burr – PE, Project Manager 

  • ShanRae Hawkins – Project Public Involvement Coordinator 

The Wilson Avenue Corridor Project is the first Transportation General Obligation (GO) Bond project approved by voters in 2020. To learn about more projects around Bend included in the GO Bond, visit bendoregon.gov/gobond.

Multi-Agency Meeting To Address China Hat Campers Results In "All Hands On Deck" Project

by Heather Roberts KBND

 The Coordinated Houseless Response Office held what’s being called an “all hands on deck” roundtable meeting Thursday to address the homeless crisis near China Hat Road.

Among the officials and service providers, they heard from Linda Long, who knows firsthand what it’s like to live in a China Hat encampment. "I would really like to emphasize that playing whack-a-mole with the homeless doesn’t work and it never will. Believe me. Homeless people can be very creative," she told the group of around two dozen. She says forcing campers off will just push them somewhere else. Long told them she's pleased people are now listening, "Only fear and angst ends up driving the conversation instead of compassion and understanding; on both sides of the line."

Deschutes National Forest Supervisor Holly Jewkes said in other parts of Oregon, the Forest is a half an hour drive from home. "The Deschutes National Forest is not 100% unique, but we’re so close to community. We’re on the Urban Growth Boundary of several cities, subdivisions all throughout Central Oregon. And that’s an amazing opportunity and it’s also a challenge." She said it's why conflicts between campers, recreators and property owners are more common here.  

The roundtable meeting also included representatives from U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). Local groups also participated, like Central Oregon Veterans Outreach and other service providers, the Homeless Leadership Coalition and staffers from U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden's offices, as well as from the offices of U.S. Representatives Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Cliff Bentz. 

Those at the meeting agreed to participate in a pilot project, with the China Hat area targeted first.

The goal, they say, is to get people into housing, not only temperary shelters, using strategies recently released by the USICH. They hope to eventually use the multi-agency collaborative approach in other areas with high concentrations of unsheltered people in Central Oregon. 

KBND News sat down with COIC Executive Director Tammy Baney, who took part in the meeting and will be charged with leading the coordination. We asked why it's taken so long to find this approach, how long before property owners south of Bend will see measurable change, and how the pilot project will work. Here is our full conversation

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update – Long Bend Fire | June 23, 2024

Central Oregon —The Long Bend Fire (Incident #277) is burning approximately four miles southwest of Maupin on the west side of the Deschutes River. The fire is currently estimated at 625 acres and 0% contained burning on Bureau of Land Management and private lands.

Overnight the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 1 “Be Ready” notice for all residences south of Mile Post 24 Hwy 216 to Blue Rock Road, Maupin. Evacuations remain in place for Harpham Flat Campground & Wapinitia Campground. Boaters in the general area are asked to use caution as helicopters may be dipping water out of the river.

Fire activity on the Long Bend Fire decreased in the early morning hours. The fire remains on the west side of the Deschutes River and is currently moving to the north and west following the river drainage. The south end of the fire continues to be quiet with some slow spread to the southwest.

Rappellers are monitoring the Wapinitia Canyon area. The Juniper Flat Rural Fire Protection District is engaged in the northwest corner. An engine is patrolling the east side of the Deschutes River for any potential spot fires.

Resources engaged on the Long Bend Fire include 8 engines, 3 water tenders, 4 rappellers, and miscellaneous overhead.

A 20-person hotshot crew will arrive this morning. A Type 3 incident commander took command of the fire overnight. Additional Type 3 Incident Management Team resources will arrive today. Firefighters on the ground will be supported by one Type 1 helicopter, one Type 2 helicopter and air attack.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

For current wildfire information, the public can visit centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on X (Twitter) @CentralORFire.

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Bear Creek and 27th Street Improvements Project

ONLINE INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE
JUNE 14 - 28, 2024

Fire Destroys Home in Tollgate Subdivision Near Sisters

A fire originating from an unattended Traeger smoker barbecue on the front porch resulted in the destruction of a home in the Tollgate subdivision northwest of Sisters on Friday afternoon. Although the family inside managed to escape without injury, one firefighter sustained injuries during the incident.

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District promptly responded to a reported house fire in the 14800 block of Saddle Horn in the Tollgate area at approximately 4:20 p.m., as confirmed by Division Chief and Fire Safety Manager Jeff Puller.

Upon arrival, fire crews found the single-family home engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to nearby grass and brush, according to Puller.

The initial response from Sisters' engine crews was supplemented by support from the Cloverdale Rural Fire District, a ladder truck from Black Butte Ranch Fire, and firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service.

Although the combined efforts managed to bring the fire under control, the home and its contents were declared a total loss, with property damages estimated at $200,000.

The Lifeline of Health: An In-Depth Look at the Benefits of Water

Water is an elemental force of nature, an omnipresent and often underappreciated contributor to our health. Let’s peel back the layers and uncover the multifaceted benefits of staying properly hydrated.

The Fundamentals of Hydration

The human body is a marvel of biological engineering, composed of approximately 60% water. This vital fluid is indispensable to every cellular process and bodily function. It’s not merely about quenching thirst—water is involved in maintaining homeostasis, nutrient transport, and even molecular activities at the cellular level.

1. Amplifying Physical Performance

Imagine your body as a high-performance vehicle. For it to function at peak efficiency, every part needs proper lubrication. Water serves this essential purpose. During physical activities, whether it's running a marathon or engaging in a rigorous gym session, hydration is key.

Dehydration impairs muscle function and can result in cramping, fatigue, and impaired coordination. Studies have shown that losing as little as 2% of your body’s water content can significantly hinder physical performance. Staying hydrated helps to maintain optimal muscle function and endurance.

2. Facilitating Digestion

Water is crucial for digestion in more ways than one. It starts with saliva, which contains enzymes that begin breaking down food. Water also ensures the smooth transit of food through the gastrointestinal tract and aids in nutrient absorption.

Moreover, adequate hydration helps prevent constipation by softening stools and promoting regular bowel movements. Fiber alone won’t do the trick; it needs water to be effective.

3. Aiding in Weight Management

Looking to manage your weight? Water might be your best ally. Drinking water before meals can act as an appetite suppressant, making you feel fuller and reducing overall calorie intake. Additionally, water has no calories, unlike sugary sodas or high-calorie lattes.

Thermogenesis—the process by which your body burns calories to generate heat—can be stimulated by drinking cold water. This means you’re burning extra calories just by consuming H2O!

4. Enhancing Skin Health

Your skin is the largest organ of your body and often reflects your overall health. Dehydrated skin looks dull and can accentuate wrinkles and pores. Proper hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and moisture levels, giving you that youthful glow we all strive for.

Water also helps flush out toxins that can contribute to skin problems like acne. While topical treatments are essential, what you put inside your body shows on the outside too.

5. Boosting Cognitive Function

Hydration has a direct impact on brain performance. Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive functions such as concentration, alertness, and short-term memory.

Our brains are about 75% water; hence, fluid balance is crucial for maintaining optimal brain function. Studies suggest that staying hydrated can improve mood and cognitive abilities while reducing the frequency of headaches.

6. Detoxifying Your Body

Our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins—be it from the environment or from metabolic processes within us. Water acts as a natural detoxifier by aiding the kidneys in filtering out waste products from the blood.

Adequate hydration supports kidney function and reduces the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It also helps maintain healthy urine flow, ensuring that waste products are efficiently expelled from your system.

Customizing Your Hydration Needs

The “8x8” rule—eight 8-ounce glasses per day—is a handy guideline but may not suit everyone’s needs. Factors like age, weight, activity level, and climate all play roles in determining how much water you should consume.

A personalized approach is often best:

• Listen to Your Body: Thirst is an excellent indicator.

• Monitor Urine Color: Light yellow indicates good hydration.

• Consider Your Lifestyle: Active individuals or those in hot climates may need more fluids.

Tips for Optimal Hydration

• Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: This constant reminder makes it easier to sip throughout the day.

• Set Alarms or Use Apps: Technology can assist in reminding you to drink water.

• Incorporate Hydrating Foods: Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges—these fruits and vegetables are high in water content.

• Flavor Your Water: Add natural flavors like lemon slices or mint leaves to make water more enticing.

Water is not just a beverage; it’s an elixir of life that fuels our existence in countless ways. From enhancing physical performance to boosting cognitive function, from aiding digestion to promoting radiant skin—water is integral to our health and well-being.

The Importance of Water Filtration

We’ve already discussed the myriad benefits of staying hydrated, but let’s take a moment to consider another crucial aspect: the quality of the water we drink. While tap water in many regions is treated and generally safe, it can still contain impurities that might impact your health over time. That’s where water filtration comes into play.

Why Consider Water Filtration?

1. Removing Contaminants

Even treated tap water can contain trace amounts of contaminants such as chlorine, lead, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. Over time, these can accumulate in your body and potentially cause health issues. A good filtration system can effectively remove these unwanted substances, ensuring cleaner and safer drinking water.

2. Improving Taste and Odor

Have you ever taken a sip of tap water and noticed an off taste or smell? This is often due to chlorine and other chemicals used in the water treatment process. Filtration systems can remove these chemicals, giving you fresher-tasting and more enjoyable water.

3. Protecting Against Waterborne Diseases

In some areas, there’s a risk of waterborne pathogens making their way into the water supply. These can include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses. Advanced filtration systems can eliminate these microorganisms, providing an extra layer of protection for you and your family.

4. Reducing Plastic Waste

Opting for a home filtration system can significantly reduce your reliance on bottled water, thereby cutting down on plastic waste. This not only benefits your health but also contributes positively to the environment.

5. Supporting Overall Health

Filtered water ensures that you're not ingesting harmful substances that could affect various bodily functions over time. Cleaner water supports everything from better digestion to enhanced skin health, making it a worthwhile investment in your overall well-being.

Types of Water Filtration Systems

1. Pitcher Filters

Affordable and easy to use, pitcher filters are great for small households or individuals. They use activated carbon to remove common contaminants.

2. Faucet-Mounted Filters

These attach directly to your faucet and offer on-demand filtration without the need for refilling pitchers.

3. Under-Sink Filters

Installed beneath your kitchen sink, these systems provide a more permanent solution with higher capacity and more comprehensive filtration.

4. Whole-House Systems

For those looking for complete home solutions, whole-house filtration systems ensure that every tap in your home provides filtered water.

Water filtration might seem like an added step in your hydration routine, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. By removing contaminants, improving taste and odor, protecting against pathogens, reducing plastic waste, and supporting overall health, a good filtration system ensures that every drop you drink is as beneficial as it can be.

Although our water in most of Central Oregon is pretty darn good water, filtration of our water can still be beneficial. I’ve researched a few different systems for you if you don’t already have one in place or are thinking about switching what you may be using. I’ll leave the whole house system information to the professionals.

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. *May receive small compensation from amazon purchases.

Building Brighter Futures: The Inspiring Work of Kids Inspired Non-Profit

Learn More

Do you have a Local Cause you’d like us to Spotlight? Click the link to submit your information ⬇️

Events Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon

Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival hits Sisters

It’s the final countdown — the second annual Big Ponderoo Music and Art Festival hits Sisters in eight short days! Join us for a sun-soaked weekend filled with live music from 16 incredibly talented performers, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Whether you’re dancing, lounging in the sun, or indulging in festival treats, there’s something for everyone at Big Ponderoo.

Buy Tickets

Enter for Free, Volunteer!

If passionate about music, love meeting new people, or simply want to be part of an amazing festival experience, this is for you! There’s still time to join us as a volunteer.

Sign up for two full shifts and earn yourself a weekend wristband and free entry to all the amazing performances! Don’t wait — shifts are almost full.

Get Started

We’re proud to present an eclectic lineup this year filled with everything from big band swing to workingman’s country to traditional bluegrass and more. Check out these standout acts performing on the Ponderoo Stage:

The Brothers Comatose
Shadowgrass
Bella White

View the Full Lineup

HOWDY DO: PRACTICAL LAND MANAGEMENT

July 18th

Join your neighbors, School of Ranch and Pine Meadow Ranch and Nate Stacey, Small Farm Agent for OSU Extension, for our first Howdy Do! Share your best ideas, experiences, ask questions, and let the wisdom of the crowd guide you to a more productive future. There's nothing like kicking back with fellow farmers, ranchers and gardeners, swapping ideas, and meeting new friends. Come and share! Pot luck too!

Deschutes Public Library Events

Follow us on facebook