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In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 💘🎨Artists’ Gallery Sunriver — Valentine’s Day Second Saturday Artist Reception

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 🐺 Wolf Spotted Near Homes in Sunriver Area

🌪️ Deschutes County Residents Sound Off on Top Hazards, Shape 2026 Mitigation Plan

 🚨 Redmond Police Announce New Sex Offender Registration Location

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

 🚙🔥RV fire destroys La Pine shop, home spared - CODN 🎦

🚨Crime News

  🚔 FBI Seeks Tips After Fatal Hit-and-Run on Hwy 26 Near Warm Springs

🚨 Crooked River Ranch Man Killed in I-205 Pursuit Crash

🥰Community News

 🧸🍞 Kiwanis Clubs Launch “Battle of the Buns” Baby Wipes Drive

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘️💼Real Estate & Business News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

 🌲 Listing Season Is Here: Smart Spring Selling in Central Oregon

🚘 Local Dealership to Close After Owner’s Death

 🧥 Eddie Bauer Outlet at Bend Factory Stores Preparing to Close

 📈 Central Oregon Economic Forum Highlights Innovation Growth

♻️ Goodwill Planned Near Costco in North Bend

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

Correct Answer: C) Newberry Volcano

Expanded Answer:
The Big Obsidian Flow, located within Newberry Volcano just south of Bend, is one of the largest obsidian flows in the United States. It formed about 1,300 years ago during a volcanic eruption that produced massive amounts of rhyolite lava, which cooled so rapidly it turned into obsidian—volcanic glass. This sharp, shiny black rock was highly prized by Indigenous peoples for making tools and trade items, and today the flow is a striking reminder of Central Oregon’s very recent volcanic past.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

Artists’ Gallery Sunriver — Valentine’s Day Second Saturday Artist Reception

📍 Where: Artists’ Gallery Sunriver, 57100 Beaver Dr., Bldg. 19, Sunriver, OR 97707

📅 When: Saturday, February 14 — 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

🎨 What: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with art, wine and community at the monthly Second Saturday Artist Reception hosted by Artists’ Gallery Sunriver, a cooperative fine-art gallery featuring the work of more than 30 Central Oregon creators. Enjoy light refreshments while browsing a vibrant mix of ceramics, jewelry, glass, fiber, wood, paintings, mixed media and photography — and meet the talented artists behind the work. Whether you’re shopping for a meaningful Valentine’s gift or simply soaking up creative energy, this free and welcoming reception is the perfect way to spend the evening in The Village at Sunriver.

🌟 Featured & Participating Artists:
💎 Oregon Sunstone (Karla Proud) – Exceptional jewelry designs showcasing Oregon’s state gemstone.
🏺 Diane Miyauchi – Functional and decorative pottery with expressive glazes and spirited forms.
🌲 Blue Spruce Pottery – Nature-inspired ceramic art rooted in the beauty of the Northwest.
🔥 Peter Roussel & David Warren – Ceramic artists known for distinctive form and texture.
🧵 Stacey Colgan & Perry Drevo – Fiber and fabric art blending color, texture and craftsmanship.
✨ Glass Artists: Heidi Brown, Jesica Carleton, Cheryl Chapman, Becky Henson, Robin McQuiston — blown and sculpted glass creations.
💍 Jewelry Artists: Mat Garriott, Emily McFadden, Amy Pfeiffer, Joseph “Little Bear” Sanchez — handcrafted wearable art.
🔨 Metal & Wood Artists: Jim Fister, Terry Foster, Jesse Pemberton, Anton Yakushev — fine woodworking and metalwork.
🖌️ Painters: Marjorie Cossairt, Bill Hamilton, Bonnie Junell, Dianne Lay, Lori Orlando, Deni Porter, Laura Jo Sherman — styles ranging from landscape to abstract.
🖼️ Mixed Media: Sylvia Avenius-Ford, Dottie Moniz, Wade Womack — imaginative, layered works.
📷 Photographers: Holly Fischer, Barb Gonzalez, Sonja Runar, Carolyn Waissman — striking photographic art.

🔗 More Info: artistsgallerysunriver.com/

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Local News…

 🐺 Wolf Spotted Near Homes in Sunriver Area

THREE RIVERS, Ore. — Residents near Sunriver got an up-close look at wildlife recently when a wolf from the Upper Deschutes Pack was filmed running along a bike path through the Caldera Springs community, weaving between homes and crossing from the golf course into neighborhood trails. The pack, present in the region for several years, has been more visible this winter due to low snowpack and the wolf breeding season, which can send young animals roaming farther from forests in search of mates.

Wildlife biologists with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife say such sightings are becoming more common where forest edges and residential areas blend, especially where elk and deer — key prey for wolves — frequent yards and open spaces. While wolf attacks on people are rare, experts remind dog owners to keep pets leashed, as off-leash dogs can provoke territorial responses. Officials encourage the public to report wolf sightings through the ODFW website to help with monitoring efforts.

🌪️ Deschutes County Residents Sound Off on Top Hazards, Shape 2026 Mitigation Plan

BEND, Ore. — A strong community response is helping guide the future of emergency planning in Deschutes County. In December 2025, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Office of Emergency Management surveyed residents about natural hazards and preparedness — and 771 people weighed in. The feedback will help shape the county’s 2026 Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan.

Survey results show winter storms (62%), wildfire (58%), and extreme heat (40%) are the hazards residents feel most impacted by. People say their top priorities include safe evacuation routes, reliable utilities, clean water, well-trained emergency responders, and protecting critical facilities. While many households have signed up for emergency alerts or created evacuation plans, fewer have taken more advanced steps like documenting property or building emergency savings. Time, cost, storage space, and unclear information were cited as the biggest barriers to preparedness. County officials say the results will directly influence mitigation priorities, grant funding efforts, and future outreach as planning moves forward.

Survey results and key findings are available here: NHMP-Public-Survey-Key-Insights.pdf

 🚨 Redmond Police Announce New Sex Offender Registration Location

REDMOND, Ore. — The Redmond Police Department will open a new, private registration office for individuals required to register as sex offenders beginning February 17, 2026. The office is located on the west side of the department’s new building at 111 NW Teak Avenue and will be staffed Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those needing to register must plan ahead to complete the process during those designated hours to remain in compliance.

Anyone with questions about the new process can contact Redmond Police at 541-504-3400. Questions specific to sex offender registration can be directed to the Oregon State Police Sex Offender Registration Section at 503-934-1258, by email at [email protected], or by visiting the state’s sex offender registration webpage.

Fire & Rescue… 

Crime News…

🚔 FBI Seeks Tips After Fatal Hit-and-Run on Hwy 26 Near Warm Springs

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is asking for the public’s help following a fatal hit-and-run crash on Highway 26 that claimed the life of a Warm Springs tribal elder. The crash happened near milepost 88 on the Warm Springs Reservation between midnight and 12:25 a.m. Tuesday.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen vehicles or people in the area at that time to submit tips at tips.fbi.gov. Family members confirmed the victim was an elder who had been living with dementia. The investigation remains active, and officials say more information will be released as it becomes available.

🚨 Crooked River Ranch Man Killed in I-205 Pursuit Crash

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. — The Oregon State Police is investigating a fatal three-vehicle crash on Interstate 205 near milepost 6 Wednesday evening that followed a pursuit by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies had been attempting to stop a white 2002 Lexus for speeding when the vehicle rear-ended a Volkswagen Golf, lost control, and rolled. The driver, 54-year-old Douglas Richard York of Crooked River Ranch, was ejected and then struck by a passing Toyota Corolla. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said York was the subject of a statewide felony warrant and BOLO issued earlier that day. The highway was closed for about four hours during the investigation, with assistance from the Oregon Department of Transportation. Questions about the pursuit are being directed to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.

Community News…

🧸🍞 Kiwanis Clubs Launch “Battle of the Buns” Baby Wipes Drive

BEND & REDMOND, Ore. — The Bend Kiwanis Club and Redmond Kiwanis Club are teaming up for a friendly “Battle of the Buns” baby wipes drive to support local families in need. The fun, community-focused campaign is collecting baby wipes — a high-demand item at diaper banks and family resource centers — with a light-hearted spin on competition between the two clubs to see who can bring in the most.

Volunteers and community members are encouraged to drop off new packs of baby wipes at designated collection points throughout Bend and Redmond. The drive not only helps keep essential supplies stocked for parents and caregivers but also shines a spotlight on the ongoing needs of families in Central Oregon. Keep an eye on both clubs’ social pages for updates on friendly rivalry results!

 Regional News…

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

Friday’s

Real Estate & Business News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | February 11, 2026

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

The spring build-up of listings has begun, and it coincides with mortgage rates steadily declining. The national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage this morning is 6.11%, down 112 basis points from one year ago. Increasing inventory levels are good news for the housing market, but supply is still short of what would have been considered normal before 2020. However, each year since 2023, when levels dropped significantly, coinciding with mortgage rate increases, has been an improvement. With mortgage interest rates closing in on 6%, activity this year will outpace 2025.

The inventory of single-family homes in Deschutes County this morning sits at 778, up 20 year-to-date. Last year, this week marked the beginning of the supply build-up, and this week, levels are up by 14 from last week. However, on January 14 this year, levels were at 779, so the upward trajectory is unlikely to be a straight line. Nevertheless, from a housing perspective, spring has arrived. Fifty-nine sales are pending this week, averaging $795,596, and 29 of those listings decreased their asking prices by an average of 5.73% before securing a buyer. Thirty-two transactions closed this week, averaging $796,177, with 21 of those properties decreasing their asking price by 6.83% before a buyer stepped up. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 93.62%.

In Crook County, supply decreased by five this week to 147. In 2025, levels began the spring build-up on March 5, and levels today are up by 1 year-to-date. Nine sales are pending this week, averaging $720,444, with five decreasing the list price by an average of 13.89% before securing a contract. Three transactions closed this week, averaging $724,665, with all three reducing the price before securing a buyer, an average of 14.19%. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 78.25%.

Jefferson County supply also began the spring build-up this week in 2025, and is at 111 this morning, up four from last week. Year-to-date supply is up by 14. Five sales are pending this week, averaging $425,760, with three reducing the asking price by an average of 2.36% before securing a buyer. Two transactions closed this week in Culver at $415,000 and $870,000, with one reducing the asking price 4.14% before securing a contract. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 93.46%.

Market conditions are balanced and healthier than in recent years, with a steady build-up towards more typical inventory levels. There is a lot of nuance in the market today, with some segments more difficult to evaluate. No matter your goal this summer, a detailed market analysis tailored to your needs is a necessary step in determining your market position. I encourage both buyers and sellers to review market data before beginning a search or deciding on list prices. Of course, I am happy to provide this information, so do not hesitate to reach out!

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

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Active Listings

🌲 Listing Season Is Here: Smart Spring Selling in Central Oregon

Spring is one of the best windows to sell your home in Central Oregon. With buyers out early when the snow melts and inventory still relatively low, taking a few strategic steps now can help you attract serious offers and maximize your sale price.

1. Price it right and list early
Spring buyer demand in Bend, Redmond, and beyond means your timing and pricing matter. Price your home competitively from day one to draw interest quickly — the faster your home gets attention, the more likely it is to spark multiple offers. Aim to list before the market gets crowded later in spring.

2. Boost curb appeal for those first impressions
In Central Oregon’s scenic neighborhoods, outdoor first impressions count. With spring weather arriving, tidy up yards, trim dead shrubs, clear any lingering snow debris, add fresh mulch or planters, and wash windows and walkways. Buyers often decide before stepping inside — make your home feel cared for from the street.

3. Make it feel move-in ready
Small updates go a long way. Fresh neutral paint, clean floors and carpets, modern fixtures, and decluttered spaces help buyers see themselves living there rather than imagining repairs. Fix minor issues — leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or stuck windows — before listing.

4. Excellent photos and staging matter
Most buyers first see your home online, so invest in quality listing photos and light staging that highlights your home’s best features. A well-presented listing stands out faster and attracts more showings.

5. Team up with a local expert
Working with an agent familiar with Central Oregon markets can help you price right, navigate seasonal buyer trends, and negotiate offers effectively. Local pros can also connect you with trusted contractors, cleaners, and photographers to get your home in peak showing condition.

Business News…

🚘 Local Dealership to Close After Owner’s Death

BEND & REDMOND, Ore. — After the sudden death of its owner, longtime Central Oregon businessman Chris Thomason, the Thomason Auto Group announced it is closing its Bend and Redmond dealerships for good. The company, which had served the area for about a decade, shared a heartfelt message of thanks to customers, calling them “neighbors, friends, and supporters” and expressing deep gratitude for a decade of community support. (ktvz.com)

Thomason, 42, died in an avalanche in early January near Truckee, California — a loss that prompted the difficult decision to shut down operations. The closure marks the end of a small but well-known local business, and the community has shared condolences for Thomason’s family, friends, and former employees during this tough transition. (bendbulletin.com)

 🧥 Eddie Bauer Outlet at Bend Factory Stores Preparing to Close

BEND, Ore. — The iconic outdoor brand’s outlet at Bend Factory Stores is set to close, part of a broader restructuring as the company that operates Eddie Bauer’s retail and outlet locations in the U.S. and Canada has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Reports indicate Bend employees were told the store is expected to shut by late April as the retailer winds down nearly 180 North American locations amid ongoing financial struggles.

Eddie Bauer’s bankruptcy doesn’t impact its online, wholesale, or manufacturing operations, which are being transitioned to a new licensee, and stores will remain open while a potential buyer is sought. If no buyer is found, most U.S. and Canadian physical stores, including the Bend outlet, are expected to close permanently as part of the liquidation process.

 📈 Central Oregon Economic Forum Highlights Innovation Growth

BEND, Ore. — Nearly 750 business and community leaders packed the Riverhouse Convention Center for the sold-out 2026 Economic Development for Central Oregon Annual Luncheon, themed “Embracing Innovation in Central Oregon: Where Barriers Spark Breakthroughs.” Keynote speaker Michelle Stacy — a seasoned business leader with decades of experience growing major brands — shared insights on leadership and innovation, and a panel of local executives from companies like i3DMFG, CV International, Serán Bioscience, and Deschutes Brewery discussed how Central Oregon businesses are turning challenges into opportunities for growth. (Cascade Business News)

EDCO CEO Jon Stark also highlighted economic wins, including meetings with over 600 traded sector companies this year, assisting more than 800 businesses, creating 750 jobs, and attracting $200 million in capital investment — all contributing to Bend’s top-five national ranking as a Best Performing Small City. The event underscored the region’s collaborative spirit and ongoing efforts to build a resilient, innovation-focused economy. (Cascade Business News)

♻️ Goodwill Planned Near Costco in North Bend

If you’ve driven by the new Costco site off Hunnell lately, you’ve probably noticed even more activity in that already busy retail corridor. A new Goodwill Industries store and donation center is planned for the area near Costco.

The project is part of a larger commercial development taking shape in north Bend. While a construction timeline hasn’t been officially announced, signage and site plans indicate Goodwill will anchor the new center. For longtime locals watching that part of town continue to grow, it’s one more sign that the north end retail hub isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

 😎Just sayin

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