🌟 Get the Central Oregon Local Buzz VIP Wallet Pass!

✅Add it to your Apple or Google Wallet and never miss a thing!
🎉 Instant event alerts📰 breaking local news, 💥 special VIP perks — all sent right to your phone.

Stay connected. Stay local. Stay in the know. Find it HERE

In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

  🔫 Bend City Council Approves Ban on Firearms in City Buildings

  ⛳ Bend Golf Club Reopens Early After Mild Winter

🏛️ Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe Leaves GOP, Registers as Libertarian

 🥾 11.5 Miles of New Trails Open at Cline Buttes Near Redmond

🏕️ Oregon State Parks Updates Camping Rules, Grants Millions for Recreation Projects

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

 ⚖️ Sunriver Woman Found Guilty in Child Abuse Case; Parents Also Convicted

🥰Community News

 🌎 Volunteers Needed for Oregon Spring Cleanup During Earth Month

🎟️ Redmond Kiwanis Vintner’s Dinner Returns May 8

📰Regional News

 🎟️ Oregon Lottery Raffle Nearly Sold Out as $1 Million Drawing Approaches

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘💼 Real Estate & Business News

🏘📊 Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

 🧱 Sisters Breaks Ground on Long-Planned Workforce Housing Project

 📞📧 Cascade Natural Gas Customers Asked to Submit Comments to PUC

  🏠 Merkley Backs Bill to Limit Corporate Home Buying

  🏟️ Bend Explores Building a Large Indoor Arena for Community Events

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

Answer: B. To supply electricity for Bend’s early lumber mills and homes

Expanded Answer:
Mirror Pond wasn’t originally created as a scenic attraction for Bend. It formed after the Newport Avenue Dam was built in 1910 by the Bend Water, Light & Power Company to generate hydroelectric power for the rapidly growing town. At the time, Bend’s economy was booming thanks to the lumber industry, with massive sawmills operating along the Deschutes River near what is now the Old Mill District.

The dam helped produce electricity used to power homes, businesses, and industrial operations connected to Bend’s timber economy. By slowing the Deschutes River, the dam also created the calm stretch of water that became known as Mirror Pond, named for the way the still water reflects Drake Park and the surrounding landscape. Over time, what began as an industrial utility project evolved into one of Bend’s most recognizable and photographed landmarks.

Bonus Trivia Question:

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

Check Trip Check Before you travel over the Passes ⬇

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

New Events Calendar - Check it out! 👇

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

Other Event Sources:

Deschutes Public Library Events

Visit Central Oregon Event Listings

Bend Magazine Event Listings

Visit Redmond Event Listings

Local News…

 🔫 Bend City Council Approves Ban on Firearms in City Buildings

The Bend City Council has unanimously approved a new ordinance banning firearms inside certain city-owned buildings used for public meetings. The move aligns with Oregon’s Community Safety Firearms Act (Senate Bill 243), which allows local governments to restrict firearms—even for concealed handgun license holders—inside government facilities.

The restriction will apply to locations such as Bend City Hall, the Municipal Court building, and the Public Works Campus at Juniper Ridge. City officials say the goal is to create a safer and more welcoming environment for residents attending meetings and interacting with local government. The city will now develop administrative policies, post signage at affected buildings, and update its website to inform the public about the new rules.

⛳ Bend Golf Club Reopens Early After Mild Winter

A mild and unusually dry winter in Central Oregon is allowing Bend Golf Club to reopen its full 18-hole course on Friday, several weeks earlier than the typical late-March start. Course Superintendent Scott Moffenbeier said each season varies, but the warm conditions and lack of snow in town made it possible to bring the course back online sooner than usual.

While the light snowpack has been challenging for ski resorts and winter sports businesses, golfers are getting an early start to the season. Bend Golf Club normally keeps a 10-hole winter loop open for practice rounds, but the early reopening means players can now enjoy the full course. For locals, it’s the perfect Central Oregon combo — ski on the mountain in the morning and golf in town later the same day.

🏛️ Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe Leaves GOP, Registers as Libertarian

Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe has announced he is leaving the Republican Party and has officially registered as a Libertarian, saying he no longer feels comfortable being part of the traditional two-party system. Beebe emphasized that the change in party affiliation won’t affect how he leads the city, telling Central Oregon Daily that residents can expect the same approach and leadership they’ve seen during his time as mayor.

Beebe said he still considers himself conservative and expects he will vote Republican on many issues, but he believes Libertarian ideals place a stronger emphasis on personal freedom and limited government. He also hopes his decision encourages others to question the political system and think independently rather than automatically aligning with one of the two major parties.

🥾 11.5 Miles of New Trails Open at Cline Buttes Near Redmond

Outdoor enthusiasts have a new place to explore in Central Oregon. A new 11.5-mile trail system has opened at Cline Buttes Recreation Area near Redmond, the result of about two years of work led by the Central Oregon Trail Alliance and supported by thousands of volunteer hours. The expansion adds new hiking and mountain biking routes while also improving connections between existing trails in the area. (Facebook)

The project also rerouted several trails to avoid private property and sensitive conservation areas while introducing options for a wider range of users, including beginner-friendly routes. Cline Buttes—volcanic domes rising above the Deschutes River canyon—are already a popular recreation destination, offering sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains and Central Oregon’s high desert landscape. (Wikipedia)

🏕️ Oregon State Parks Updates Camping Rules, Grants Millions for Recreation Projects

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved several rule updates and grant awards during its February meeting, including changes to camping cancellation policies, special access passes, and future pricing flexibility at state parks.

Beginning in April 2026, new reservation rules will take effect. Visitors will no longer receive refunds on the day of arrival, and no-show reservations will not be refunded. Refund amounts will now vary depending on how long a reservation was held and how close it is to the arrival date when canceled. The commission also updated its Special Access Pass program, limiting new passes to Oregon residents, while continuing to provide free year-round day-use parking and up to four nights of free camping per month.

The commission also approved updated rate ranges for park reservations to allow the agency to better respond to inflation and demand, though officials emphasize these ranges do not represent immediate price increases. In addition, June 6, 2026 will be State Parks Day, offering free parking for Oregon residents, and the reservation system will begin allowing license plate numbers instead of printed parking tags. The commission also awarded more than $3.5 million in recreation grants, funded through ATV permits, gas tax revenue, and RV registration fees, while approving additional projects including work at Lake Owyhee and Cape Lookout State Parks.

Fire & Rescue…

Crime News…

 ⚖️ Sunriver Woman Found Guilty in Child Abuse Case; Parents Also Convicted

A Deschutes County judge has found 34-year-old Sarah Session guilty on nine counts of assault, criminal mistreatment and coercion involving her 9-year-old stepson following a three-week trial in Bend. Prosecutors said the boy was isolated and abused in the home, including being beaten, deprived of food and subjected to dangerous levels of salt. Evidence presented in court included disturbing videos showing the child in a tarp-covered room.

Session’s parents, Gary and Paula Hardenburg, were also convicted for their roles in the case, including charges related to criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence. After the verdicts were announced, the judge ordered Session and her mother taken into custody immediately. Sentencing for all three defendants is scheduled for April 3 in Deschutes County Circuit Court.

Community News…

🌎 Volunteers Needed for Oregon Spring Cleanup During Earth Month

  Registration is now open for the 2026 Oregon Spring Cleanup, a statewide volunteer effort running throughout April that invites communities to help remove litter and restore natural spaces across Oregon.

Organized by SOLVE in partnership with Portland General Electric, the annual cleanup has been expanded this year to run for the entire month of April, turning Earth Month into a coordinated effort to care for parks, beaches, waterways, and neighborhoods across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Volunteer projects include litter removal, invasive species clearing, native plantings, and habitat restoration, with more than 65 events already open for registration and organizers hoping to host 200+ projects statewide.

Last year’s cleanup mobilized nearly 4,500 volunteers across 214 projects, removing more than 26,000 pounds of trash and clearing over 22 acres of invasive plants. Organizers are encouraging individuals, families, schools, and businesses to sign up for existing events—or even host their own cleanup project with planning support, supplies, and disposal assistance provided by SOLVE. Anyone interested in volunteering or leading a cleanup can learn more and register at solve.org/oregon-spring.

🎟️ Redmond Kiwanis Vintner’s Dinner Returns May 8

Tickets are now on sale for the 20th Annual Redmond Kiwanis Vintner’s Dinner and Auction, set for May 8 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Redmond. Guests will enjoy a festive five-course dinner prepared by Bow Tie Catering of Bend, with each course paired with wines from Eola Hills Wine Cellars of Rickreall. When purchasing tickets, diners will select their entrée choice of filet mignon, halibut, or stuffed mushroom ravioli.

The popular event has sold out the past two years and is expected to do so again, so organizers encourage early ticket purchases. Kirby Nagelhout Construction returns as the title sponsor for the third consecutive year. Proceeds from the evening support Redmond Kiwanis youth initiatives, with this year’s primary beneficiary being the Jericho Road Student Weekend Food Project. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at redmondkiwanis.org.

 Regional News… 

🎟️ Oregon Lottery Raffle Nearly Sold Out as $1 Million Drawing Approaches

One of the Oregon Lottery’s most popular games is close to selling out for the year. Officials say fewer than 65,000 tickets remain for the annual Oregon Lottery Raffle, which offers players a 1-in-250,000 chance to win the $1 million grand prize—the best odds of any Oregon Lottery game at that prize level. Tickets typically sell out each year, including in 2025 when they were gone by March 7.

Ticket sales will continue until March 13, unless they sell out sooner, with the winning numbers scheduled to be announced March 17. In addition to the $1 million grand prize, the raffle includes 300 prizes of $500 and 1,500 prizes of $100. Winners can check results through the Oregon Lottery mobile app, online, or at participating retailers. Since launching in 1985, the Oregon Lottery has generated more than $17.8 billion for state programs including education, state parks, veterans services, and economic development.

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

Friday’s

Real Estate & Business News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | March 4, 2026

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

Strong pending-sale activity this week throughout Central Oregon coincides with rising supply and lower mortgage interest rates. With more homes available, buyers have an easier time finding what they want, and lower interest rates soften monthly payments. Mild spring weather also makes touring properties easier. However, sales year-to-date in 2026 are down, with mixed sales price numbers.

This morning in Deschutes County, there are 853 single-family homes listed, up by 25 from last week. Pending sales matched last week at 72, with the median days on market at just 12, and the average list price at $824,993. Fifty-nine transactions closed this week, averaging $822,760, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 94.92%. At this point in 2025, 465 single-family sales were averaging $855,016. To date this year, there have been 425 sales averaging $833,812. I expect this gap to narrow as the year progresses, but these numbers are not what you would expect given that mortgage rates have dropped significantly since last year.

Crook County inventory is up by eight this week, now at 169 single-family listings. Twelve pending sales this week are up five, with the median days listed at 100 and the average list price at $520,967. Eight transactions closed this week, averaging $487,112, and the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 87.37%. To date this year, there have been 47 sales, compared to 48 last year. The Average sale price at this point in 2025 was $402,400, compared to 494,000 this year.

Jefferson County's inventory declined by two this week to 108. Eight pending sales match last week, with a median days listed of 127 and an average list price of $404,843. Six transactions closed this week, averaging $366,491, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 97.42%. So far in 2026, there have been 30 closed transactions averaging $413,561, compared to 41 and $428,768 in 2025.

There could be any number of reasons sales are down this year to date, but some are likely waiting to see if mortgage rates go lower. Inventory across all three counties of Central Oregon is up year to date, and combined with lower mortgage interest rates and sellers being more realistic about price, it is only a matter of time before buyers step up. However, early indications suggest buyers are somewhat cautious, which sellers should keep in mind when pricing their homes.

Want a tailored market analysis for your neighborhood or price range? Request a custom report or schedule a consult: [email protected] 

Sign Up for the Central Oregon Market Report

Sign Up for the Central Oregon Luxury Market Report

Active Listings

 🧱 Sisters Breaks Ground on Long-Planned Workforce Housing Project

A long-anticipated workforce housing community is finally moving forward in Sisters as construction begins on Trinity Place, a new 40-unit apartment development aimed at helping local workers find affordable places to live. The project will include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes targeted to households earning roughly 50–80% of the area’s median income, addressing a critical need in a community where many local employees struggle to find housing close to work.

Located near services, schools and employment centers, Trinity Place is a collaboration between the City of Sisters and nonprofit developer Northwest Housing Alternatives, backed by grants from state housing funds. The community is designed to support families, essential workers and others who have been priced out of the housing market, and is expected to provide much-needed stability for residents who live and work in the area.

📞📧 Cascade Natural Gas Customers Asked to Submit Comments to PUC

 SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is inviting Cascade Natural Gas customers and community members to share their input on the company’s proposal to increase customer rates. Anyone who wishes to comment can do so through several accessible options.

“Public input is essential to our decision-making process,” said Letha Tawney, PUC Chair. “We want every Cascade Natural Gas customer to have a clear and convenient way to share their perspective on this rate proposal.”

How to Submit Comments

Comments are accepted through June 15, 2026:

• Online Public Comment Form: here

• Email: [email protected]">[email protected] 

• Phone: 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted)

• Mail:   Oregon Public Utility Commission
  Attn: AHD – UG 525  
  PO Box 1088
  Salem OR 97308-1088

About the Proposed Rate Increase

Cascade Natural Gas filed a request with the PUC to increase the amount of money it collects from customers by $16.4 million or 15.82 percent. If approved, a typical residential customer using an average 59 therms of natural gas per month would see an estimated monthly bill increase of about $11.07, from $63.63 to $74.70 per month. Actual bill impacts will vary based on customer type (residential, commercial or industrial), usage, and rate category.

Cascade Natural Gas reports the additional revenue would support system safety and reliability improvements, along with rising operations and maintenance costs.

This is Cascade Natural Gas’ first general rate case since 2020. The filing is undergoing a nearly year-long review by the PUC, the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, and other stakeholders. Public input is an important part of this process. The PUC Commissioners are expected to make a final decision in October 2026, and any approved rate changes would go into effect October 31, 2026.

🏠 Merkley Backs Bill to Limit Corporate Home Buying

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon is backing new federal legislation aimed at easing the housing crunch by limiting large investment firms from buying up single-family homes. The proposal, introduced with Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, would prohibit major institutional investors with significant assets from purchasing houses, condos, and townhomes—an effort supporters say could help more families compete for homes in tight markets.

Supporters argue corporate investors have increasingly treated housing as an investment asset, purchasing large numbers of homes and converting them into rentals, which can drive up prices for regular buyers. The proposed Homes for American Families Act would also give the U.S. Department of Justice authority to enforce the rules and review major real estate purchases. Lawmakers say the goal is to ensure homes remain available for families rather than becoming part of large investment portfolios.

🏟️ Bend Explores Building a Large Indoor Arena for Community Events

Bend is looking into whether a large indoor multipurpose arena — able to host up to about 2,000 people — could be a game-changer for the growing community. A new feasibility study presented March 2 to the Bend Economic Development Advisory Board shows that most cities Bend’s size already have dedicated event spaces, while Bend currently does not. Researchers surveyed 20 comparable cities and local stakeholders to see what a venue could host — from graduations and concerts to youth sports, conventions and cultural events — especially during wildfire smoke or extreme weather when outdoor spaces aren’t ideal.

Consultants say such a space would need flat floor area, flexible seating, breakout rooms, meeting space, and easy parking — plus ideally a nearby hotel with about 225 rooms to maximize visitor stays. The idea is to meet community needs, spark new demand and boost revenue without competing with existing venues. But questions remain, including location, cost, operations and whether it should be a public-private partnership. A more detailed financial analysis is expected when the full study goes before the Bend City Council on April 22.

Note: This is not the same as the existing indoor arena under construction for youth sports off Highway 97 — that 45,000-square-foot facility (Bailey’s Sports) is focused on gymnastics, volleyball, BMX/skate areas and athletic programming and is expected to open next year.

 😎Just sayin

Follow us on facebook