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In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

  🐾 Dance for Dogs: A High-Energy Jazzercise Fundraiser

 🤠 High Desert Stampede Kicks Off Rodeo Season in Redmond (2 Nights Left to go)

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

  🚦 Bend Rolling Out Red-Light & Speed Cameras — Warnings Start April 15

 🔥 New “Before You Burn” Tool Aims to Prevent Oregon Wildfires

  🚔 Bend Police, Officer Honored for DUII Enforcement Efforts

🗑️Free yard debris disposal returns to Deschutes County collection sites this spring

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

  🔥 La Pine Home Heavily Damaged by Fire, Possible Link to Solar Battery System

🚨Crime News

  🚨 Armed Robbery Suspect Sought After $0.86 Hold-Up in Bend

⚖️ Guilty Plea in 2020 Bend Double Homicide Brings 25-Year Sentence

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘️💼Real Estate & Business News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

🏔️ Mt. Bachelor Expands into Bend with New Hotel & Year-Round Basecamp

 🍔 Mountain View Roadhouse Opens in Bend, Reviving Classic Eastside Location

 🥐 New French-American Restaurant “Rosemary & Fox” Opens in Bend

 🫖🎨 New Tea & Art Lounge Opens in Downtown Bend

🏗️ Redmond Supportive Housing Village Moving Closer to Groundbreaking

🏘️ Bend Growth Plans Continue with Southeast Expansion Area

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

✅ Answer: B) Columbia River Basalt Group

🧠 Expanded Answer:
The rimrock cliffs are remnants of the Columbia River Basalt Group, a vast series of lava flows that erupted millions of years ago. These flows spread across parts of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, creating thick layers of basalt that were later exposed by erosion—forming the dramatic cliffs and canyon walls we see today in places like the Sisters area.

GOOD MORNING

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT 

 🐾 Dance for Dogs: A High-Energy Jazzercise Fundraiser

Where: Downtown Jazzercise (Bend) https://www.jazzercise.com/studio/or/bend-united-methodist-church
When: Saturday, April 25 • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
What: Get ready to sweat for a great cause! RylieMay Rescue Ranch is teaming up with the Downtown Jazzercise crew for a high-energy, feel-good workout that supports senior dog rescue efforts. This special team-taught class is open to all fitness levels—whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking for a fun way to move. Even better, 100% of proceeds from the class will go directly to helping senior dogs find the love and care they deserve. Come dance, have fun, and make a difference for some truly deserving pups. https://www.ryliemayrescueranch.com/

🤠 High Desert Stampede Kicks Off Rodeo Season in Redmond (2 Nights Left to go)

Rodeo season is officially underway in Central Oregon as the High Desert Stampede returns to Redmond, bringing four days of high-energy competition and western entertainment. Held April 1–4 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, the PRCA-sanctioned event features everything from bull riding and barrel racing to team roping and saddle bronc riding, drawing top athletes and fans from across the region. (High Desert Stampede Professional Rodeo)

The annual event is known for its fast-paced action and family-friendly atmosphere, with performances each evening and additional activities like vendor markets and after-parties. Organizers say the Stampede continues to grow as a kickoff to the rodeo season, blending world-class competition with a full western experience that keeps spectators coming back year after year. (High Desert Stampede Professional Rodeo)

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Local News…

 🚦 Bend Rolling Out Red-Light & Speed Cameras — Warnings Start April 15

Drivers in Bend will soon notice increased enforcement at some of the city’s busiest intersections. The City of Bend and Bend Police are launching an Automated Traffic Enforcement program, with cameras going live April 15 at three high-incident locations: SE Reed Market & Third Street, NE Neff & 27th Street, and Business 97 & Powers Road. For the first 30 days, drivers caught running red lights or speeding will receive warnings by mail—no fines yet.

Starting May 15, those warnings turn into citations. The program, operated in partnership with Verra Mobility, is aimed at reducing crashes and addressing ongoing community concerns around speeding and dangerous driving. Signs are already posted near the camera zones and at key entry points into the city. Bend Police say this system is meant to supplement—not replace—traditional traffic enforcement, with safety as the primary goal.

 🔥 New “Before You Burn” Tool Aims to Prevent Oregon Wildfires

A new statewide tool is launching to help Oregonians avoid one of the biggest causes of wildfires—escaped debris burns. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, backyard burning sparks an average of 225 fires each year. The new “Before You Burn” website and mobile app gives residents a quick way to check if burning is allowed at their exact location, along with any required permits or safety steps before lighting up.

Users simply enter their address to get real-time guidance tailored to local regulations. The tool, developed over two years with partners including the Keep Oregon Green Association and the Department of Environmental Quality, is focused specifically on debris burning—not campfires or agricultural burns. Officials say using the tool is a simple step that could prevent costly and dangerous wildfires, noting that those responsible for illegal burns can be held liable for suppression costs that can climb into the millions. https://beforeyouburn.net/

🚔 Bend Police, Officer Honored for DUII Enforcement Efforts

The Bend Police Department has been recognized as the 2025 Enforcement Agency of the Year by the Oregon DUII Multi-Disciplinary Training Task Force, highlighting the department’s strong focus on impaired driving enforcement. Officer Zachary Childers also received top honors, being named 2025 DUII Officer of the Year—an award further recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving at the statewide conference.

In 2025 alone, Bend Police made more than 550 DUII arrests, with Officer Childers responsible for 151 of those. Alongside enforcement, the department has expanded prevention efforts, including student education programs and increased patrols during high-risk times like New Year’s Eve. With impairment involved in four of Bend’s five fatal crashes last year, officials say these efforts remain critical as they continue working to keep impaired drivers off the road and improve safety across the community.

🗑️Free yard debris disposal returns to Deschutes County collection sites this spring

Deschutes County is encouraging residents to get their homes ready for wildfire season and take advantage of the free yard debris drop-off events offered each year through the FireFree program. During a wildfire, most homes are lost when falling embers smolder and ignite dry, vulnerable areas around a house. https://www.deschutes.org/forester/page/free-yard-debris-disposal-returns-deschutes-county-collection-sites-spring

Fire & Rescue… 

 🔥 La Pine Home Heavily Damaged by Fire, Possible Link to Solar Battery System

A Wednesday afternoon fire caused significant damage to a home in La Pine, with officials saying the blaze may have been connected to a bank of solar power batteries. Crews responded around 12:15 p.m. to a home on Buena Vista Drive, where the fire started in the laundry room and quickly spread, damaging about 25% of the structure and leaving heavy smoke damage throughout.

Roughly 14 firefighters responded, with support from neighboring agencies, and were able to contain the fire without any reported injuries. Investigators say the potential involvement of a solar battery system remains under review, while officials noted that working smoke detectors were present in the home—likely helping prevent a more serious outcome.

Crime News…

 🚨 Armed Robbery Suspect Sought After $0.86 Hold-Up in Bend

Bend Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect involved in a bizarre armed robbery Wednesday night at Abby's Legendary Pizza. Around 9:03 p.m., officers responded to the restaurant after a man allegedly pulled a handgun on an employee while cashing out an Oregon Lottery ticket worth just 86 cents. The employee handed over the small amount and refused further demands before the suspect fled the scene on a black BMX bike heading west toward NE Second Street.

The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male in his 20s or 30s, about 5’8”, wearing a black hoodie, black baseball cap, light gray jeans, and black gloves. He is facing potential charges including attempted first-degree robbery, coercion, and unlawful use of a weapon. The Bend Police Department is urging anyone who recognizes the individual or has information to contact non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

 🚨 Guilty Plea in 2020 Bend Double Homicide Brings 25-Year Sentence

A Bend-area man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty in connection to the 2020 killings of his brother and his brother’s fiancée at a northeast Bend home. According to reports, the man accepted a plea deal that reduced the charges to manslaughter and conspiracy, with prosecutors emphasizing the importance of bringing some level of closure to the victims’ families.

The victims, Ray Atkinson Jr. and Natasha “Tasha” Newby, were found dead in their home after a welfare check, with investigators determining they died from blunt force trauma. Authorities previously alleged the case involved a murder-for-hire plot tied to a family dispute over an estate. A co-defendant—identified as the man’s nephew—has pleaded not guilty and is still awaiting trial, which is currently scheduled for later this year.

Community News…

 Regional News… 

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

Friday’s

Real Estate & Business News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | April 1, 2026

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

Inventory throughout Central Oregon is up year-to-date, but the gap over 2025 is narrowing. This morning, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 6.45%, down several basis points from recent highs, but still 45 basis points above the lows reached a few weeks ago. There are no straight lines in real estate data, especially in the early stages of spring, when our market is gearing up for peak season. However, much of the speculation about mortgage rates in the 5% range and the significantly increased activity in 2025 has waned. Sellers always want a rising market, and buyers want falling prices, and at this point, neither is getting their wish. Stability is the ongoing trend, at least for now.

This morning in Deschutes County, there are 1,027 single-family homes listed, an increase of 31 from last week. Sixty-five pending sales this week are down 20 from last week and averaged $1,021,945, with 21 of those transactions reducing the asking price by an average of 6.46%. Seventy-five transactions closed this week, up 20 from last week, with 27 of those sales reducing the asking price by an average of 6.53% before securing a contract. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 96.33%.

Crook County supply is stable this week at 193. Eleven sales are pending, up by four from last week, and averaging $610,268. Four of the pending sales reduced the asking price by an average of 5.29% before securing a contract. Nine transactions closed this week, down three from last week, with four reducing the asking price by an average of 1.75% before securing a contract. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 97.51%.

The Jefferson County inventory is down by one this morning to 120 single-family listings. Ten sales are pending, up six from last week, and averaging $476,640. Half of the pending sales reduced the asking price by an average of 4.57% before securing a contract. Three transactions closed this week, with two reducing the asking price by an average of 7.13% before securing a contract. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 96.53%.

There is significant volatility in the weekly numbers, with strong weeks often followed by more tepid activity. Still, the general trajectory shows a reasonably typical seasonal build-up. A lot of ground can change over the course of a summer, but so far in 2026, activity has been more reserved than expected. The lag in expected activity in recent months is largely due to the spike in interest rates.

Current conditions and extended marketing times are creating great buying opportunities. Prices are not crashing, but many sellers are motivated, and buyers are finding properties at very reasonable prices relative to the last few years. I advise sellers not to push the price too aggressively. Whether buying or selling, a thorough market analysis is imperative to making good decisions. Please reach out anytime for a market report tailored to your specific situation.

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Active Listings

🏔️ Mt. Bachelor Expands into Bend with New Hotel & Year-Round Basecamp

Mt. Bachelor is expanding its footprint beyond the mountain with plans for a new 70-room hotel and outdoor basecamp in Bend. The new “Trailhead Lodge,” set in the former LOGE Bend property, will offer a year-round hub for outdoor recreation, located just minutes from downtown and about 20 minutes from the ski area.

The 6.6-acre property backs up to the Deschutes National Forest and is designed to serve as a central gathering spot for skiers, bikers, and hikers alike. Amenities will include a pool, hot tub, pet-friendly rooms, and outdoor social spaces, along with food and drink options featuring local beer and wine. Resort officials say the project is aimed at creating a stronger connection between the mountain and the Bend community, with reservations expected to open in early summer 2026.

 🍔 Mountain View Roadhouse Opens in Bend, Reviving Classic Eastside Location

A new dining spot has officially opened on Bend’s east side, as Mountain View Roadhouse takes over the former Phoenix restaurant space at 594 NE Bellevue Drive. The restaurant brings a full-service, casual “roadhouse” concept back to a location that once operated as Kayo’s Roadhouse decades ago—marking a return to its roots as a gathering place for hearty food and community vibes.

Owned by the Traxler Group—behind other Oregon restaurants like Chambers Grill & Taphouse—the new spot offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on approachable, American-style fare. Early buzz around the opening highlights its goal of becoming a high-volume, neighborhood staple with a lively atmosphere, adding to Bend’s growing list of new restaurant concepts in 2026.

 🥐 New French-American Restaurant “Rosemary & Fox” Opens in Bend

A new elevated dining experience has arrived in Bend with the opening of Rosemary & Fox, a French-American restaurant that officially opened its doors in mid-March. The concept brings a more refined, chef-driven menu to the local food scene, adding to Bend’s growing lineup of upscale dining options.

Early buzz around the restaurant highlights its focus on quality ingredients and a polished yet approachable atmosphere. The opening comes as Bend continues to see steady growth in its culinary scene, with new concepts ranging from casual eateries to higher-end dining experiences helping diversify options for both locals and visitors.

Rosemary & Fox: 750 NW Lava Rd #139, Bend, OR 97703

 🎨 New Tea & Art Lounge Opens in Downtown Bend

A unique new creative space has opened in downtown Bend, blending art, relaxation, and local flavors. The Tea and Art Lounge, located on Bond Street next to Deschutes Brewery, offers customers a chance to enjoy tea while working on short, “bite-sized” art projects designed to be completed in a single visit. The concept is centered around creating a calm, welcoming environment where people can unwind and tap into their creativity.

Owner Sarah Swoffer, an art teacher, designed the space to feel like a “cozy living room,” with an art studio in the back for classes and group gatherings. In addition to daily projects, the lounge offers bookable high-tea experiences, local beverages, and baked goods. The business is also planning to participate in Bend’s First Friday events, further integrating into the local arts scene.

Tea & Art Lounge: 1024 NW Bond St, Bend, OR 97703

🏗️ Redmond Supportive Housing Village Moving Closer to Groundbreaking

A major housing project aimed at addressing homelessness in Central Oregon is moving forward in Redmond, where a 75-unit supportive housing village is expected to break ground in the near future. The development, led by Mountain View Community Development, will be located near the Redmond Airport and is designed to provide long-term housing and on-site services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

Plans include small cottage-style homes, a community center, and shared amenities like outdoor spaces and a dog park. With funding now secured, the project represents one of the region’s more significant near-term housing developments and a continued push to expand supportive housing options across Central Oregon.

🏘️ Bend Growth Plans Continue with Southeast Expansion Area

Long-term housing growth in Bend continues to take shape as development planning advances in the city’s southeast expansion area, often referred to as “The Elbow.” The area is expected to eventually bring more than 1,000 new housing units along with space for jobs, infrastructure, and a future regional park as Bend prepares for continued population growth.

While still in phased development, the project highlights where much of Bend’s future housing supply will come from. City leaders say expansion areas like this are critical to meeting demand and easing pressure on the region’s tight housing market over the coming years.

 😎Just sayin

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