In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎭 🥸Moustache Bash Returns This Saturday at 10 Barrel East!

🎄🎅 3rd Annual Lunch with Santa & Holiday Bazaar – Terrebonne

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 🦌 Wildlife Crossings on Highway 97 Cut Collisions by 80%, but Risks Remain

⚠️ Pacific Power Warns Customers of Holiday Season Billing Scams

🚦 Bend Approves $14M Overhaul of Olney & Revere Intersections

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

 🚓 Bend Man Arrested After Breaking Into Home, Violating Restraining Order

🚔 Bend Man Arrested for Possession of Child Sex Abuse Materials

 🚨 Bend Woman Arrested in Major Fentanyl & Meth Bust Near Madras

🥰Community News

🎁 Help DCSO Reach $50K Goal for 25th Annual Shop with a Cop

📰Regional News

💰 PacifiCorp Reaches $150M Settlement with Over 1,400 Plaintiffs in 2020 Wildfire Cases

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘️Real Estate & Business News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

 🏥 Woodside Health Acquires Medical Outpatient Building in Bend

 🔥 The Hudson: Live-Fire Chophouse & Social Club Coming to Downtown Bend This Winter

📉 Oregon’s Economy Slowing, Job Growth Stalls, Economist Tells Bend Chamber

🏠 Habitat for Humanity ReStore Returns to Redmond After 5-Year Hiatus

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

 ✅Answer: A) It last erupted around 5,800 BC.

Mount Bachelor is a dormant stratovolcano located in Central Oregon, just west of Bend. It last erupted approximately 7,000 years ago—around 5,800 BC—during the Holocene epoch. The mountain is part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc and was formed by a series of eruptions that began over 18,000 years ago. Unlike some older volcanic peaks in the region, Mount Bachelor is relatively young in geological terms and retains a classic cone shape. Today, it’s known not for lava flows but for powdery snow—home to one of the largest ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest, attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

🎭 Moustache Bash Returns This Saturday at 10 Barrel East!

Get ready to suit up and show off your best 'stache — the annual Moustache Bash hosted by Bend Firefighters is back this Saturday, November 22 from 5–9 PM at 10 Barrel Brewing – East (62950 NE 18th St, Bend). This lively fundraiser supports the Bend Firefighter’s Community Assistance Program, which helps local families in crisis beyond traditional emergency services.

Come dressed as your favorite action hero for a night of fun, prizes, and fundraising. Enjoy a costume contest, moustache contest (yes, fake ones count!), and a raffle packed with awesome prizes donated by local businesses. Learn more or donate at bendcommunityassistance.org.

🎄🎅 3rd Annual Lunch with Santa & Holiday Bazaar – Terrebonne

Get ready for a festive afternoon at the 3rd Annual Lunch with Santa & Holiday Bazaar! Happening Saturday, December 6th from 11 AM to 4 PM, this family-friendly event invites kids to enjoy holiday fun including make-your-own pizza, hot cocoa and cookies, holiday arts and crafts, and of course a photo with Santa. Parents can browse a selection of unique gifts at the holiday bazaar while the kiddos enjoy the activities.

The event takes place at 8483 NW Lone Pine Rd., Terrebonne. Tickets are $10 per child, and the day is hosted by Lone Pine Legacy. For more information, email [email protected] or call 541-383-4246.

For Holiday Bazaar List and Thanksgiving Reservation List visit Tuesday’s Event Edition HERE

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Other Event Sources:

Visit Central Oregon Event Listings

Bend Magazine Event Listings

Local News…

 🦌 Wildlife Crossings on Highway 97 Cut Collisions by 80%, but Risks Remain

BEND, Ore. – More than ten years after wildlife undercrossings were built along a stretch of Highway 97 south of Bend, collisions between vehicles and large animals like mule deer and elk have dropped by nearly 80%, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The $18.9 million project, completed in 2012, included a multi-use underpass and a dedicated mule deer crossing to support seasonal migrations between the High Cascades and high desert.

“Mule deer have to migrate to survive,” said ODOT Wildlife Passage Coordinator Cidney Brown. “These crossings give them a chance to do that safely while protecting drivers.” Despite the success, the danger hasn’t disappeared. Molly Honea from Think Wild said their wildlife hotline continues to receive multiple daily calls about deer struck on roadways, especially during dawn and dusk. Advocates are urging residents not to feed wildlife and to take steps like installing window treatments to reduce bird strikes.

Meanwhile, momentum is building for additional wildlife crossings. A proposal for four crossings on Highway 20 between Bend and Suttle Lake reached a major funding milestone in April, thanks to a $688,000 grant from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. Central Oregon LandWatch has now raised over $1 million and is preparing to apply for federal funds to move into the design phase. A state bill to increase wildlife crossing funding is also expected to be reintroduced in the Oregon Legislature next year.

⚠️ Pacific Power Warns Customers of Holiday Season Billing Scams

As the holiday season approaches, Pacific Power is urging customers to stay alert for a rise in scam attempts targeting utility customers. Scammers often pose as Pacific Power representatives, threatening immediate disconnection unless payment is made within the hour—often demanding payment via prepaid cards or text messages. Pacific Power reminds customers that they will never require on-the-spot payments, request prepaid card info, or demand payment via text. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact Pacific Power directly at 1-888-221-7070. Customers are also encouraged to report scam details, including the caller’s number, to help combat fraud.

 🚦 Bend Approves $14M Overhaul of Olney & Revere Intersections

BEND, Ore. – Big changes are coming to four busy Bend intersections after the City Council approved a $14 million improvement project aimed at boosting safety and traffic flow. Funded by the 2020 voter-approved Transportation Bond, the project will bring two new traffic signals and two roundabouts to intersections at Olney/4th, Olney/8th, Revere/4th, and Revere/8th. Using a progressive design-build approach—compared by City Engineer Ryan Oster to hiring an experienced kitchen remodeler—the city aims to save time and money by collaborating early with contractors who understand the project’s full vision.

The upgrades are part of Bend’s 2025-2027 budget and long-term capital plan, with construction expected to begin soon. To reduce future disruptions, the city will also coordinate sewer and water line improvements during the work. Residents and businesses can expect ongoing updates as the city continues outreach efforts to ensure transparency throughout the process.

Fire & Rescue…

Crime News…

 🚓 Bend Man Arrested After Breaking Into Home, Violating Restraining Order

A 47-year-old Bend man, Stephen Douglas Culbertson, was arrested Wednesday afternoon after allegedly breaking into a residence on NE Purcell Boulevard in violation of a restraining order. Police responded around 3:28 p.m. after the resident called 911 to report Culbertson had entered through a window and was known to have access to a knife. Officers evacuated nearby homes, safely removed the caller, and found Culbertson hiding inside. A knife was recovered nearby, and Culbertson was taken into custody without incident. He now faces charges of burglary, criminal mischief, and violating a restraining order. NE Purcell Boulevard and Courtney Drive were briefly closed during the response.

VIDEO HERE

🚔 Bend Man Arrested for Possession of Child Sex Abuse Materials

Bend Police arrested 22-year-old Kyler Ashton Kramer on Wednesday morning following an investigation into a CyberTip received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Detectives identified Kramer as the individual who had accessed and shared child sex abuse material (CSAM) online. A search warrant was executed at his residence on NW Broadway Street around 9:38 a.m., where he was taken into custody. Kramer faces 10 counts each of first- and second-degree encouraging child sex abuse. His photo has been released as investigators seek to determine if there are any local victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact Bend Police at 541-693-6911 and reference case #2025-00061261.

 🚨 Bend Woman Arrested in Major Fentanyl & Meth Bust Near Madras

A Bend woman was arrested late Wednesday night following a drug trafficking investigation led by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team. Sunshine Wright, 48, was stopped by a Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy around 10 p.m. on U.S. Highway 26 near Cherry Lane for traffic violations and suspected drug activity. With the help of K9 Keira, officers detected narcotics in the vehicle. A search revealed approximately 80 grams each of fentanyl and methamphetamine, over 10 grams of cocaine, and evidence of drug distribution. Wright was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on multiple charges, and additional charges may follow as the investigation continues. Assisting agencies included the Redmond and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Offices.

Community News…

🎁 Help DCSO Reach $50K Goal for 25th Annual Shop with a Cop

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is calling on the community to help raise the remaining funds needed for its 25th Annual Shop with a Cop event. So far, $18,000 has been raised toward the $50,000 goal, and with the December 2–4 event dates fast approaching, donations are urgently needed. This beloved tradition pairs local law enforcement with children nominated by schools and community groups for a special holiday shopping experience focused on essentials like warm clothes, school supplies, and a few treasured gifts. Entirely donor-funded, the program shows kids and families that their community cares.

Contributions can be made online, by mail, or in person at the Sheriff’s Office. Recent donations from the Elks BPOE RV’ers Club and the DCSO Posse have helped jumpstart the campaign, but more support is needed to make this anniversary year the most impactful yet. Donations are accepted year-round—learn more or give at: DCSO Shop with a Cop.

Regional News…

💰 PacifiCorp Reaches $150M Settlement with Over 1,400 Plaintiffs in 2020 Wildfire Cases

PacifiCorp has agreed to a $150 million settlement with 1,434 plaintiffs impacted by the devastating 2020 Labor Day wildfires, bringing its total wildfire-related settlements to $1.6 billion covering nearly 70% of claims in Oregon and California. The company emphasized that resolving these claims outside lengthy class action litigation provides faster relief and greater stability for those affected—and for the company’s ability to continue delivering power to over 2 million customers, including 630,000 in Oregon.

The settlement, mediated with the help of retired Judge Peter Lichtman, follows similar agreements with Oregon wineries and timber companies. While PacifiCorp continues to fight claims related to the Beachie Creek Fire—citing state reports absolving them of responsibility—the company remains open to resolving outstanding claims from the Echo Mountain, 242, and South Obenchain fires. Officials and attorneys on both sides have praised the collaborative, principled approach taken to deliver timely compensation and help communities recover.

City of Bend Events

Road Construction

Friday’s

Real Estate & Business News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | November 19, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

Stable mortgage rates and unseasonably mild weather throughout Central Oregon have helped extend real estate activity deep into the year. With Thanksgiving just one week away, which typically would coincide with the opening day of the ski season at Mt. Bachelor, the resort is showing bare ground and temperatures above freezing. Winter in the Cascade Mountains has a way of making up for lost time, and snowy weather will eventually kick in. However, the forecast for the next ten days shows sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s, extending the most pleasant fall weather in the past several years.

Deschutes County had another productive week with 74 pending sales averaging $919,407 and an average price drop before securing a buyer of 7.56%. Active listings decreased by 43 to 1,073, with the average price reduction at 6.48%. Sixty-seven transactions closed, the most since early October. The sold-to-original list price ratio was 93.13%, consistent with the past several weeks. Typically, the market slows during the holidays, but this year's weather might keep activity elevated.

Crook County activity also remains steady, with eight pending sales this week, averaging $620,006 and an average price reduction before securing a buyer at 6.98%. Inventory decreased by seven to 189 active listings, with the average price reduction at 6.23%. Six closed transactions are consistent with the past several weeks, with the average price reduction before securing a contract at 10.6%, and the average sold-to-original list price ratio at 93.36%. The price reductions this week for the closed transactions were modest, but one property east of town on Mill Creek Road skewed the data, selling for 31.375% below the original list price.

Jefferson County also had a big week of activity, with seven pending sales averaging $452,107 and an average price reduction before securing a buyer of 7.05%. The active listings decreased by four to 124, with the average list price at $575,796 and the average price reduction at 6.06%. Seven transactions closed this week, the most since early September, averaging $421,900, with an average price reduction of 14.42% and a sold-to-original price ratio of 87.06%. It was an exceptional week for buyers in Jefferson County, with one notable sale at $860k, initially listed for $1,198,000 - a reduction of 28.2%.

I can't stress enough how favorable the market has been for buyers this fall, despite slightly elevated mortgage rates. With double-digit percentage decreases common for closed transactions this year, the lower prices have more than compensated for the current national average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage interest rate of 6.38%. Locking in a great price today and refinancing to a low rate later creates a "best of both worlds" scenario that isn't always easy to pull off.

Whether you are active in the markets today or looking towards the future, I hope you and your families have time this Thanksgiving to appreciate the important things in your lives. Real estate will be waiting whenever you are ready! 

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Active Listings

 🏥 Woodside Health Acquires Medical Outpatient Building in Bend

Woodside Health is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Pinnacle Medical Outpatient Building, a two-story medical building located at 2450 NE Mary Rose Place in Bend, Oregon. This marks the firm’s first investment in the state, further expanding its national footprint.

Built in 2007, the 37,486 square foot property sits on 3.8 acres and is 100% leased to a diverse group of medical practices. The building is strategically located in Bend’s medical corridor with proximity to St Charles Bend Hospital, a 344-bed level II trauma center, and twelve nearby senior living communities.

“We acquired the building from a group of physician owners, we look forward to continuing to partner with them in the future,” said Ben Barr, Principal at Woodside Health. “The acquisition fits well with our portfolio strategy, which targets strong population, healthcare fundamentals, high performing tenancy, and strategically located real estate.”

🔥 The Hudson: Live-Fire Chophouse & Social Club Coming to Downtown Bend This Winter

BEND, Ore. – A bold new dining experience is firing up in downtown Bend. Next Level Dining, LLC has announced the upcoming opening of The Hudson, a live-fire chophouse and social club set to launch this winter at 900 NW Wall Street. Featuring wood- and charcoal-fired steaks, seafood, seasonal vegetables, and a vibrant raw bar, The Hudson promises a warm, communal atmosphere where dishes are meant to be shared.

Led by an experienced team—tech exec Dale Fuller, local builder Rob Kelleher, and acclaimed chef George Morris—the project blends hospitality, culinary excellence, and Bend roots. Chef Morris brings deep culinary pedigree from top kitchens nationwide, while General Manager Ken Macias adds leadership experience from Austin to Dubai. The team says The Hudson is all about “good food, genuine hospitality, and getting it right.” Stay tuned for more details as opening day approaches.

📉 Oregon’s Economy Slowing, Job Growth Stalls, Economist Tells Bend Chamber

BEND, Ore. – Oregon’s economy is hitting the brakes, with job and population growth slowing significantly, according to a top state economist speaking at Wednesday’s Bend Chamber of Commerce Impact Conference. Damon Runberg, Senior Economist with Business Oregon, noted that the state has seen virtually no meaningful job growth in two years—except in health care, which reflects an aging population's needs. Other key industries are facing job losses and mounting challenges.

While some may welcome the pause after years of rapid expansion in Central Oregon, the Chamber emphasized that now is a critical time for businesses to push for policies that make Oregon more business-friendly amid growing economic uncertainty.

🏠 Habitat for Humanity ReStore Returns to Redmond After 5-Year Hiatus

REDMOND, Ore. – Habitat for Humanity is back in Redmond with the grand opening of a brand-new ReStore location at 2744 NW 7th Street. After closing its previous location in 2020 during the pandemic, the nonprofit celebrated its return Thursday with nearly 100 attendees eager to shop for discounted home goods, tools, and building materials. The bright, 8,000-square-foot store offers gently used and even new items, with proceeds directly supporting Habitat’s mission of building affordable housing in the community.

“This physical, tangible presence is a really exciting opportunity,” said Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity. Though the ReStore was gone, Habitat continued building homes—40 in Redmond over the past five years alone. With every donation, purchase, or volunteer hour at the ReStore, locals help build a stronger Central Oregon, one home at a time.

 😎Just sayin

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