In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🏎️What’s Your Wild Ride? Show

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🐾🐾23 Dogs Rescued from Extreme Heat in Redmond Animal Neglect Case

 🛵🏍️Bend Police report surge in illegal electric motorcycles, dirt bikes

🛍️Madewell Coming to Bend’s Old Mill District in 2026 as Claire’s Future Remains Unclear

🐕‍🦺📱K-9 Cache helps DCSO track and find electronic devices

💝Museum at Warm Springs Secures $1.5 Million from State to Begin Revitalizing Permanent Exhibit

⚠️Oregon Health Authority Issues Recreational Advisory for Odell Lake

 🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🏍️💥La Pine Man Killed in High-Speed Motorcycle Crash at Busy Intersection

🚨Crime News

🚨🔪Bend Man Arrested After Early-Morning Stabbing Incident

⚖️ Redmond Woman Admits to Stabbing Mother During Court Hearing

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🏘️ Real Estate News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

😎🔌Is Solar Power for your home in Central Oregon Worth It Now?

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

How did you do?

✅ Answer: C) It’s part of a collapsed caldera
Expanded Answer: Smith Rock is the remnant of an ancient volcanic caldera that collapsed millions of years ago. The towering cliffs are formed from layers of welded tuff, created by explosive eruptions. It’s now a world-famous destination for rock climbers.

GOOD MORNING

Couldn’t decide on which sunrise photo to share, so you get my favorites from this morning. 😊

 BEND

REDMOND

The Cove Palisades State Park

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Featured Events

🎉 Featured Event: What’s Your Wild Ride? Show
📍 Downtown Redmond – 332 SW 5th Street
🗓️ Saturday, August 16

Redmond is revving things up this Saturday with the What’s Your Wild Ride? Show — and trust us, it’s not your average car show. Hosted by Wild Ride Brewing, this event is all about celebrating the weird, wild, and wonderful ways people roll. Expect everything from classic cruisers to decked-out hot rods, custom bikes, and rides that defy explanation. Add in tasty food trucks, cold brews, local vendors, and a whole lot of Redmond charm, and you’ve got yourself a perfect summer afternoon.

Curious what counts as a “wild ride”? Come find out — it’s gonna be a good time.

 📅 Events: Bend

🎵 Trampled by Turtles & Josiah and the Bonnevilles
Where: Hayden Homes Amphitheater —
When: Fri, Aug 15 • Doors 5:00pm • Show 6:30pm
What: Bluegrass/folk favorites with a modern edge.
More info / Tickets: bendconcerts.com • Live Nation.

🎵 Alabama Shakes
Where: Hayden Homes Amphitheater
When: Sat, Aug 16 • Doors 5:00pm • Show 6:30pm
What: Brittany Howard and co. bring soul-soaked rock to the riverfront.
More info / Tickets: Live Nation listing.

🎵 Glass Animals
Where: Hayden Homes Amphitheater
When: Sun, Aug 17 • Doors 5:00pm • Show 6:30pm
What: Chart-topping psych-pop live.
More info / Tickets: bendconcerts.com • Live Nation.

🧤 Volunteer Project Day (BPRD)
Where: NE Bend canal trail
When: Sat, Aug 16 • 9:00am–12:00pm
What: Trail work morning with Bend Park & Rec; tools provided.
More info / Sign-up: Bend Park & Recreation. volcanictheatre.com

 📅 Events: Redmond & Nearby

🛍️ Redmond Oregon Farmers Market
Where: Centennial Park, 725 SW Evergreen Ave
When: Fri Aug 15, 3:00–7:00 pm
What: Produce, makers, food trucks, live music; weekly through August.

🍺 Wild Ride Brewing Pint Night (benefiting Redmond Youth Football)
Where: Wild Ride Brewing — Redmond Tap Room, 332 SW 5th St — 
When: Thu Aug 14, 5:00–8:00 pm
What: $1/pint donated; Kona Ice on site.

🚗 “What’s Your Wild Ride?” Show (cars, bikes & more)
Where: Wild Ride Brewing — Redmond Tap Room, 332 SW 5th St —  
When: Sat Aug 16, 10:00 am–3:00 pm
What: Open show for all makes/models/years; family-friendly.
Details / Registration: 

🎸 Brogan Woodburn (Live patio set)
Where: Feast Food Co., 546 NW 7th St —    
When: Fri Aug 15, 5:30–7:30 pm
What: Lo-fi jazz guitar on the patio; free.

🎹 Saturday Night Live @ Niblick & Greene’s: Potter & Quon
Where: Niblick & Greene’s (Eagle Crest), 7535 SW Falcon Crest Dr —  
When: Sat Aug 16, 7:00–9:00 pm
What: Free live music in the lounge; no cover.
Details: Niblick & Greene's

🧶 Beginner Crochet Workshop
Where: Redmond Library —  
When: Fri Aug 15, 10:30 am–1:30 pm
What: Learn crochet basics; materials provided.
Details: Deschutes Public Library

🌄 Events: Sisters

🎨 Makin’ It Local Art Exhibit — Sisters Country (290 E Main Ave)
Fri–Sun, Aug 1–31 • 10 AM – 5 PM — Glass art and paintings by local creators. sisterscountry.com

🎬 Outdoor Movie Nights — Village Green Park (305 S Fir St)
Thursdays • 7:15 PM – 10:15 PM — Family-friendly film under the stars. Sisters Oregon

🛒 Sisters Farmers Market
📍 Fir Street Park
🗓️ Sundays, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
👪 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Shop fresh produce, artisan goods, and enjoy live music and kids’ activities at this weekly community market in Fir Street Park. 🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)

🌲 Events: Sunriver & La Pine

🎶 Music in the Pines Concert Series — La Pine Community Park (16405 1st St)
Thursdays • 5 PM – 8 PM — Free family-friendly outdoor concerts. lapineoregon.gov

🌽 Sunriver Resort Farmers Market — Activity Barn (57007 Center Dr)
Wednesdays • 10 AM – 2 PM — Farm-to-table produce and artisan vendors. Visit Bend

🐴 Events: Prineville, OR

 
🌽 CROP Farmers Market — Stryker Park (NE 4th & Court St)
Saturdays • 9 AM – 1 PM — Seasonal produce and artisan foods.

🛍️ Events: Madras

 
🌽 Madras Farmers Market — Sahalee Park (Madras)
Saturdays • 9 AM – 2 PM — Produce, artisan goods, family activities.

Check back often in the Calendar App below as it is updated regularly 👇

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

Deschutes Public Library Events

Other Event Sources:

Local News…

23 Dogs Rescued from Extreme Heat in Redmond Animal Neglect Case

Authorities rescued 23 Pit Bull mixes—four adults and 19 puppies—from a Redmond property on August 11 after reports of animal neglect. The dogs were found confined in metal crates covered with heavy blankets during 100-degree weather on NE O’Neil Way. Several puppies were in distress from heat exhaustion, some crawling in dirt under direct sunlight. Deputies removed the animals and transported them to BrightSide Animal Center, where shelter staff acted quickly to cool them down. All dogs survived and are now recovering. The owners, Nicole Allison Sly and Jeremy Shane De France, later surrendered the dogs and face 23 counts of animal neglect.

 How You Can Help

Members of the public who want to support or are interested in giving these dogs a safe, loving home can learn more about the adoption process, volunteering, or ways to give by visiting BrightSide Animal Center at 1355 NE Hemlock Ave. in Redmond, calling (541) 923-0882, or going online to www.brightsideanimals.org. Adoption hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Bend Police report surge in illegal electric motorcycles, dirt bikes

Bend Police are seeing a sharp rise in illegal electric motorcycles and dirt bikes on city streets. Unlike e-bikes, these high-speed vehicles often reach 50 to 60 mph and are not street legal. Police urge riders to know the difference and follow city laws.

Madewell Coming to Bend’s Old Mill District in 2026 as Claire’s Future Remains Unclear

Fashion retailer Madewell is set to open a new storefront in Bend’s Old Mill District in early 2026, marking the brand’s first location in Central Oregon. The shop will occupy part of the former Victoria’s Secret space, located next to Warby Parker. The announcement adds to a growing lineup of national brands moving into the popular shopping and entertainment destination.

Meanwhile, questions surround the future of Claire’s Boutique, another long-time tenant in the Old Mill. The accessories and ear-piercing chain’s parent company recently filed for bankruptcy for the second time and announced plans to close hundreds of locations nationwide. While Claire’s is still listed as an active store in the Old Mill District, no official word has been given on whether it will remain open.

As one trendy retailer prepares to open its doors, another may be closing them, signaling continued shifts in the local retail landscape.

Museum at Warm Springs Secures $1.5 Million from State to Begin Revitalizing Permanent Exhibit

The Museum at Warm Springs has received a $1.5 million state grant to begin a major renovation of its aging Permanent Exhibit, which has been in place since the museum opened over 30 years ago. The funding, awarded through Oregon’s Cultural Resources Economic Fund, will help replace outdated technology, improve exhibit infrastructure, and protect tribal artifacts. The museum has now launched a broader fundraising campaign to raise the remaining funds needed—estimated at over $3 million—to fully restore and modernize the exhibit.

Oregon Health Authority Issues Recreational Advisory for Odell Lake

On August 14, 2025, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a health advisory for Odell Lake in Klamath County due to the detection of the toxin microcystin from harmful algae blooms. The public is urged to avoid swimming and high-speed water activities—such as water skiing and power boating—in areas with visible blooms, since ingestion is the primary exposure route. While boating is permitted, creating excessive spray could lead to inhalation of cyanotoxins, so low-speed navigation is recommended. Drinking untreated lake water is particularly dangerous, as toxins cannot be removed by boiling or filtering; those relying on untreated sources should use alternatives. Children and pets are especially vulnerable—dogs in particular may become gravely ill or die quickly from exposure—and ingestion of contaminated water or contact with algae can pose serious health risks.

 Fire & Rescue…

La Pine Man Killed in High-Speed Motorcycle Crash at Busy Intersection

A 44-year-old La Pine man, Jacob Werner, was killed Saturday afternoon, Aug. 9, in a high-speed motorcycle crash at the intersection of Burgess Road and Huntington Road in La Pine. Witnesses reported Werner ran a red light while traveling eastbound on his 2005 Yamaha motorcycle and collided with a Jeep Grand Cherokee making a left turn. Despite lifesaving efforts, Werner died at the scene. His passenger, a 44-year-old La Pine woman, suffered serious injuries and is currently in stable condition at St. Charles Medical Center. The occupants of the Jeep, both in their 70s, were uninjured and cooperated with investigators. Authorities determined that excessive speed was the primary factor in the crash.

Crime News…

Bend Man Arrested After Early-Morning Stabbing Incident

A 21-year-old Bend man was injured in a stabbing early Wednesday morning, Aug. 13, during a domestic dispute with his brother, 19-year-old Marcus Randall Slocum. Bend Police responded around 12:59 a.m. to reports of a loud argument at an apartment on NE Bellevue Drive, where the victim said Slocum stabbed him in the lip before fleeing. The victim was treated and released at the scene, and a knife was recovered from the apartment. Slocum was later spotted returning to an apartment on Linnea Drive and was taken into custody without incident. He faces charges of Assault II, Menacing, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Kennedy Emily Lacy, also 19, was cited at the scene for resisting arrest and interfering with the investigation.

Redmond Woman Admits to Stabbing Mother During Court Hearing

At a plea hearing on August 14, 2025, 42-year-old Jessica Marie Andersch of Redmond admitted, “I did stab my mother,” despite a stern warning from Judge Wells Ashby that her statements could be used against her. Speaking by video from Deschutes County Jail—where she’s held without bail on a second-degree murder charge—she said she would rather go to prison than be around those she believes harmed her son. Formerly, Andersch had called 911 to report the killing and was found at the scene by officers with blood on her clothes, hands, and face. Her next court appearance—now scheduled for October 1—will be in person, as requested.

Regional News…

Community News…

 City of Bend Events

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

 Central Oregon Market Report | July 16, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

With mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage holding at 6.58%, and inventory in Deschutes County at highs not seen in several years, activity is picking up steam. The pending sales in Deschutes County this week reached a high not seen since August 24, 2022. Increased competition is forcing sellers to sharpen their pencils and negotiate to secure a sale. With Labor Day only a couple of weeks away, this is proving to be the best buying condition in many years. If mortgage rates continue to decline through the winter and into spring 2026, I anticipate fewer listings and increased buyer activity, which inevitably pushes prices up. If you are considering a purchase in Central Oregon, please engage the market and evaluate your options today!

Deschutes County inventory decreased by twenty this week, now at 1,502, with the average list price at $1,144,092, and the median at $832,236. Ninety-eight pending sales are enormous, and a level not seen since August 2022. The average pending sale price was $832,336, with the average price reduction before securing a buyer at 7.05%. Fifty-eight transactions closed at an average of $1,043,513, and an average price reduction of 5.89%.

Crook County activity is steady, but more subdued than Deschutes County, with 247 listings this morning, only one less than last week. The average list price in the county is $985,447, and the median is $679,000. There were eleven pending sales at an average of $750,750 and an average price reduction of 5.32% before finding a buyer. Five transactions closed this week at an average of $1,106,380, with two Brasada Ranch sales dragging up the average price. The remaining three sales ranged from $426,900 to $590,000.

Jefferson County inventory increased by six to 139 listings at an average price of $601,943, and a median of $499,900. Four pending sales at an average of $350,975, and three closed transactions at an average of $466,666, round out the week.

During the period from 2020 through 2022, prices shot up with extreme buyer demand. In Deschutes County during this time, properties were securing buyers in a matter of days, with multiple-offer scenarios prevalent. Budget-minded buyers looking for homes in Central Oregon began considering the outlying areas, like Prineville and Madras, to combat rising prices in Deschutes County. To be certain, many buyers never considered Deschutes County and preferred the outlying areas. However, with current conditions helping buyers considerably, Deschutes County activity is notably outpacing that of Crook and Jefferson Counties, as buyers are finding deals and can negotiate reasonable prices closer to Bend.

There are many great reasons to consider the less populated areas of Central Oregon, but I suggest you consider your long-term plans and price carefully. I do not anticipate a housing market collapse, as demand for Central Oregon housing and population growth are consistent and projected to continue. However, with prices mostly flat since 2022, and with increased inventory, many buyers in the recent past are at the break-even point today, or worse. With a long-term focus, everything eventually works out, but for anyone needing to sell in a shorter time window, break-even might be the best case scenario. 

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