In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🥒🎾🍻Don’t Miss the Pickleball Action at Ballers & Brew Grand Opening on Sep 21st!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🤗Jefferson County corporal returns home after stage 4 cancer battle KTVZ

 📰 Former caregiver of Desert Sage Memory Care speaks out after second heat-related incident in a year KTVZ

 📰 High Desert Museum Earns National Accreditation for Animal Care Excellence

 🤔Bend Extends Safe Stay at “Dirt World” at Juniper Ridge

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

📰Regional News

 🏈 Ducks vs. Beavers: Final Showdown (for Now)

🎫 FTC Sues Ticketmaster Over “Deceptive” Fees & Resale Tactics

💥🚁Military helicopter crashes near Washington base

🥰Community News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🚧Year-long traffic detour ahead as northeast Bend roundabout work starts

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🏘️Real Estate News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

📰 🏘️ Bend Chamber Launches Pre-Approved ADU Design Library

🗝️First Story Nonprofit Offers Homeownership in Sisters

📰Cascade Natural Gas launches hybrid heating system pilot in Bend

🛍️Will Leather Goods to Open New Store in Bend’s Old Mill District

🏥☕From emergency room to roastery: The remarkable revival of Redmond's Patrick’s Corner - Central Oregon Daily News

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

Answer - B. Mitchell

Expanded Answer:

Mitchell is a small town located just about 9 miles from the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. It's considered the gateway to the Painted Hills and offers a few amenities like lodging, cafes, and gas stations for visitors. The drive from Mitchell to the Painted Hills takes roughly 15–20 minutes, making it the most convenient nearby base for exploring one of Oregon’s most stunning geological wonders.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Don’t Miss the Pickleball Action at Ballers & Brew Grand Opening on Sep 21st!

🌆 Bend

Summer Music Series at The Grove Market Hall
📍 NW Mt. Washington Dr, Bend
🎵 Live Music / Family Friendly
🗓 Thursday, September 18 & Saturday, September 20, 6:00–8:00 pm
Free outdoor music with great eats and atmosphere.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Warren Zeiders with Chayce Beckham
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🎸 Country Concert
🗓 Friday, September 19, doors 6:00 pm, show 7:30 pm
Big country show under the stars with special guest Chayce Beckham.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Art in the West Closing Party
📍 High Desert Museum
🎨 Art / Community / Social
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 6:00–8:00 pm
Live art demo, local food & drinks to wrap up this seasonal exhibit.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Pick It Up, Bend!
📍 Old Mill District – West Event Lawn
🌱 Volunteer / Outdoor / Family
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Pitch in for a community cleanup event to keep Bend beautiful.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

Fort Rock Sunset Hike & Stargazing (Wanderlust Tours)
📍 Departing from Bend
🌌 Nature / Adventure
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 7:00–11:30 pm
Hike to Fort Rock at sunset, then stay for the stars.
🔗 https://visitbend.com/event-calendar/

🌇 Redmond

Cascade Equinox Festival
📍 Deschutes County Fairgrounds
🎪 Festival / Music / Art / Workshops
🗓 September 19–21, 2025
Three days of live music (jam, electronic, folk), immersive art, yoga, food trucks, and more.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/event/cascade-equinox-festival/

🏔 Sisters

Karaoke Nights at Hardtails Bar & Grill
📍 175 N Larch St, Sisters
🎤 Music / Nightlife
🗓 Friday & Saturday nights, September 19 & 20
Classic small-town karaoke scene at a legendary biker bar.
🔗 https://www.sisterscountry.com/EVENTS

🏜 Madras

Madras Speedway Season Finale
📍 Madras Speedway
🏁 Motorsports / Community
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 5:00–9:45 pm
Final night of racing for the season – get loud, go fast.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/calendar-of-events/madras/

🌲 La Pine / Sunriver

Sweet Motor Live at Wetlands Taphouse
📍 Wetlands Taphouse, La Pine
🎸 Music / Nightlife
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 6:00–9:00 pm
Live band, great beer, and a lively La Pine crowd.
🔗 https://allevents.in/la-pine/september

Anything With Wheels Car Show
📍 La Pine Community Center, 16405 1st St, La Pine
🚗 Car Show / Family Friendly / Fundraiser
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Classics, modern, and custom vehicles. Bounce house, Harvest Depot BBQ, and community fun.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/event/anything-with-wheels/

📍 Prineville

Crooked River Wetlands Walk
📍 Crooked River Wetlands
🌿 Nature / Family Friendly
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 7:30–10:00 am
Join a naturalist for a walk through the scenic wetlands.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/calendar-of-events/prineville/

Pressed Flower Bookmarks – Craft Session
📍 Prineville Library
🌼 Arts & Crafts / Family
🗓 Saturday, September 20, 10:00 am
Create beautiful handmade bookmarks using real pressed flowers.
🔗 https://visitcentraloregon.com/calendar-of-events/prineville/

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Deschutes Public Library Events

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Local News…

High Desert Museum Earns National Accreditation for Animal Care Excellence

The High Desert Museum in Bend has officially earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)—a prestigious recognition granted to fewer than 10% of wildlife exhibitors nationwide. This honor affirms the museum’s exceptional standards in animal care, education, and conservation, making it just the fourth AZA-accredited facility in Oregon. The rigorous multi-year process included a thorough review of wildlife care, staff training, visitor experience, and conservation efforts. The museum now joins an elite group of institutions also accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), reinforcing its status as a leader in both wildlife stewardship and public education.

Bend Extends Safe Stay at “Dirt World” at Juniper Ridge

The City of Bend has decided to extend the operations of the Juniper Ridge “Temporary Safe Stay Area” (also known as Dirt World), delaying its planned closure. The site is a 170‑acre area set aside for camping by those without homes. Officials are also considering scaling it down beyond 2026 rather than shutting it fully, while continuing to manage public safety, sanitation, and service needs. The move comes amid debates over how to balance support for unhoused residents with neighborhood impacts and longer‑term housing solutions.

Fire & Rescue…

Crime News…

Regional News…

 🏈 Ducks vs. Beavers: Final Showdown (for Now)

Oregon and Oregon State face off this Saturday, Sept. 20, in what could be their last rivalry game for a while. Due to shifting schedules, the long-standing matchup will pause after this season, with plans to resume in 2027.

The Ducks come in hot at 3–0 and are heavy favorites, while the Beavers are still searching for their first win of the season. Kickoff is at 12:30 p.m. in Eugene. Whether you're a Duck fan or a Beaver (GOBEAVS) fan, this one's for the books.

📺 Where to Stream

• The game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. SI

• You can stream Big Ten Network via BTN’s own “Watch Live” service. Big Ten Conference

• It may also be available through Peacock, which carries Big Ten football content. @peacocktv

🎫 FTC Sues Ticketmaster Over “Deceptive” Fees & Resale Tactics

The Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from seven states have filed a major lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, accusing them of deceptive and unfair ticketing practices that have driven up costs for consumers and hurt artists and fans alike.

According to the lawsuit, Ticketmaster allowed ticket brokers to bypass purchase limits using fake accounts—then profited as those same tickets were resold at sky-high prices on its own platform. The FTC also claims the company hid excessive fees until the end of the checkout process, with fees sometimes adding 40% or more to the base price.

Ticketmaster, which controls roughly 80% of the major U.S. ticketing market, allegedly raked in $16.4 billion in fees from 2019 to 2024.

The suit could have major implications for how tickets are bought and sold in the U.S., especially as pressure mounts to break up the company’s grip on live events.

Military helicopter crashes near Washington base

Tacoma, WA - Four U.S. service members were aboard a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed late Wednesday near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, according to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. The aircraft, an MH-60 Black Hawk from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, went down in a rural area near Summit Lake, southwest of Tacoma. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and authorities have not confirmed any casualties as the situation continues to develop.

Community News…

 City of Bend Events

Year-long traffic detour ahead as northeast Bend roundabout work starts

BEND, Ore. -- Construction to add a roundabout to a major thoroughfare in northeast Bend is set to begin Monday. That means traffic disruptions and a detour set to last for a year.

A roundabout is being added to Butler Market Road at Wells Acres Road, known for being a tough and sometimes dangerous spot for drivers trying to turn left onto Butler Market Road.

In addition, the project will install a new sewer main and bicycle and pedestrian improvements, including stamped concrete buffers between vehicle traffic and bike lanes, between Brinson Boulevard and the Eighth Street roundabout.

Starting Monday, Sept. 22, the city will close westbound traffic between Brinson Boulevard and Eighth Street. That means westbound drivers will have to detour by taking Brinson to Boyd Acres Road to get back to Butler Market Road. Eastbound traffic will remain open in the construction zone.

This is Phase One of a two-phase project. The full project is set to finish in the fall of 2026. The city confirmed to Central Oregon Daily that the westbound closure and detour will be in place for the duration.

The project is part of the 2020 Transportation GO Bond which voters approved in 2020. 

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | September 17, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

The consensus is that the Federal Reserve will decrease the overnight rate by 25 basis points today. While I remain skeptical that it will happen, and candidly do not believe it is the right move, my opinion is irrelevant. However, if rates decline, I do not expect mortgage rates to fall below this morning's national average 30-year fixed-rate conventional rate of 6.15%. The markets typically adjust in anticipation of rates coming down, and pre-price rates accordingly. By this time next week, we will know what today's Fed meeting brings to the market.

With mortgage rates decreasing, buyers have been active, and as a result, more sellers are coming to market at a time when inventory is typically in decline. Single-family homes for sale in Deschutes County increased this week by four, now at 1,395. This level is 143 more than this week last year. Four listings isn't an earth-shattering number, but it bucks the trends of the past several years. Sixty pending sales this week are down from recent levels, while 88 closed transactions are an increase, reflecting the strong activity of late summer.

Active listings in Crook County decreased by one to 242 single-family homes. Ten pending sales are strong and consistent with the past several weeks. Nine closed transactions are the most since early July.

The Jefferson County inventory also increased this week to 137 single-family homes on the market. Six pending sales are in line with recent activity, with four closed transactions.

Decreasing mortgage rates and steady activity in the Central Oregon housing market, are drawing out sellers. Listing price decreases are prevalent, but the median sale price is still up from last year. That in no way means there aren't great deals available, but this is a long way from a market collapse in our region. A big part of the equation is competition from increased supply. How long inventory levels stay elevated will be an essential metric to follow over the next few months. Whether mortgage interest rates continue to fall will be another critical component heading into spring. In any event, it will take some time to absorb the excess inventory, so changes are unlikely to happen immediately. I will continue to track the data to uncover the early signs of new market trends. 

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Active Listings

🏘️ Bend Chamber Launches Pre-Approved ADU Design Library

The Bend Chamber of Commerce, with support from Simplicity by Hayden Homes, has unveiled a new Pre-approved ADU Design Library—a major step toward making Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) easier and more affordable to build in Bend.

The online library features architect-reviewed, permit-ready ADU plans that meet local building codes. Homeowners can browse designs and fast-track the permitting process, saving both time and money. The initiative supports Bend’s housing goals by increasing housing diversity and enabling more people—especially local workers and families—to stay rooted in the community.

This effort follows the City of Bend’s recent move to allow up to two ADUs per lot (one up to 800 sq. ft., and one up to 500 sq. ft.), further expanding housing options across town.

Architects and designers are encouraged to submit plans for inclusion. Learn more and explore the library:
🔗 Pre-Approved ADU Design Library

First Story Nonprofit Offers Homeownership in Sisters

First Story, a Central Oregon nonprofit founded by Hayden Homes, is providing a chance for first‑time homebuyers in Sisters to own a home through its zero‑down, no‑interest 30‑year loan program. To qualify, applicants must earn 80% or less of the area median income for Deschutes County—between about $64,000 and $98,000 depending on household size. The current available home is the middle unit in a triplex in McKenzie Meadows Village, built by Hayden Homes and classified as a “Fresh Start” home (previously lived in by a First Story homeowner).

When a “Fresh Start” home is sold or defaulted on, First Story has the first right to reacquire it, then split appreciation with the homeowner while ensuring the home remains part of the affordable housing stock. Applicants also must complete a homebuyer education course (through NeighborImpact) before applying. First Story emphasizes that its homes are integrated into regular neighborhoods, helping owners feel less isolated and more part of the community.

For more information, visit https://www.firststory.org.

Cascade Natural Gas launches hybrid heating system pilot in Bend

Cascade Natural Gas is launching a pilot project in Bend to test “hybrid” heating systems that combine gas furnaces with electric heat pumps. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs while maintaining reliability. The project—conducted in partnership with GTI Energy—will install three different types of these hybrid systems in 24 homes. The equipment will be provided to participants at no cost, installations are expected to finish by October, and the systems will be monitored through the 2025‑26 heating season.

Homeowners interested in participating, including low‑income households, can apply through Cascade’s program; local HVAC contractors will also be involved in installation and maintenance. Results of the pilot—covering emissions reductions, energy savings, and resident satisfaction—will be documented in a final report due by the end of 2026.

Will Leather Goods to Open New Store in Bend’s Old Mill District

Will Leather Goods is expanding into Bend! The retailer has announced it will open a new store in the Old Mill District, bringing its line of high-quality leather products to the area. The new location is part of the company’s ongoing growth, and Bend shoppers can soon expect access to the brand’s range of leather bags, accessories, and travel gear without having to travel far.

Exact opening dates, store size, and other details haven’t yet been released, but this move reflects confidence in Bend’s retail market and adds another draw to the Old Mill shopping district.

 😎Just sayin

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