In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 🎄 Wild Wreath Workshop in Redmond

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

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 🥧 Thousands Turn Out for "I Like Pie" Run at Riverbend Park

 🩰 Final Bow: Three Bend Ballerinas Take the Stage in Bittersweet Nutcracker Farewell

🛍️ Grace and Goods Thrift Boutique to Open in Redmond, Supporting Bethlehem Inn

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News🚨Crime News

 🚓 Fatal Crash on Hwy 20 Leads to Arrest in Deschutes County

🥰Community News

 🎁 KIDS Center Launches Holiday Toy & Gift Card Drive for Children Impacted by Abuse

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘️Real Estate & 💼Business News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

 🏡 Tumalo Luxury Home Sells for $3.385M — Half the Asking Price

💼 Upcoming Workshops to Boost Your Small Biz Game

☕ WildRoots Coffee House Opens Second Location in NW Bend

🛍️ Shop Local Saturday: Support Central Oregon’s Small Businesses!

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

Correct Answer: B) A volcanic explosion caused when rising magma hit groundwater

Expanded Answer:
Despite its dramatic, bowl-shaped appearance — which led many early researchers to suspect a meteor strike — Hole-in-the-Ground is actually a maar, a rare volcanic crater formed when magma rose toward the surface and violently flashed underground water into steam. The resulting explosion blasted out a crater nearly a mile wide and up to 500 feet deep. It’s one of the best-preserved volcanic maars in Oregon and a striking reminder of the explosive geological past shaping Central Oregon’s high desert.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

🎄 Wild Wreath Workshop in Redmond

Dec. 5th

Get into the festive spirit with The Native Plant Society of Oregon at their Wild Wreath Making Workshop on Thursday, December 5th, from 12:30 to 5:30 PM at the Redmond Library (827 SW Deschutes Ave). Entry is free and includes complimentary warm drinks and holiday cookies! Wreaths are $30, centerpieces $20 — cash or Venmo accepted. Registration is required, so be sure to scan the QR code or visit their site to reserve your spot.

Create something beautiful using native greenery while supporting a great cause — and take home a little holiday cheer!

 🎄🎅 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

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

Deschutes Public Library Events

Other Event Sources:

Visit Central Oregon Event Listings

Bend Magazine Event Listings

Local News…

🥧 Thousands Turn Out for "I Like Pie" Run at Riverbend Park

BEND, Ore. — Over 5,000 locals laced up their shoes and bundled up for Bend’s beloved Thanksgiving tradition—the I Like Pie run—now held at its new home in Riverbend Park. Formerly hosted at the Old Mill District, the event outgrew its old venue and expanded this year with scenic new routes, community spirit, and plenty of pie.

Participants walked or ran one of three course options, all culminating in the same sweet reward: a slice of pie from a stash of 400 donated by Costco. The fun-filled event supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend, and organizers hope to surpass last year’s fundraising total of $40,000 with a new goal of $50,000.

Also new this year was the Perfect Slice Challenge, a friendly pie-baking competition judged by community leaders including Senator Anthony Broadman and Mayor Melanie Kebler. “This challenge is a way of bringing together community leaders for something we can all agree on—delicious pie on the morning of Thanksgiving,” said Broadman.

From community bonding to charitable giving (and lots of whipped cream), the event was a holiday hit.

 🩰 Final Bow: Three Bend Ballerinas Take the Stage in Bittersweet Nutcracker Farewell

BEND, Ore. — After more than a decade of dancing together, three Bend ballerinas—Emma Hayden, Hailey Crum, and Lydia Chance—will take their final curtain call in The Nutcracker this weekend at the Tower Theatre. Now high school seniors, the trio has been dancing since they were toddlers and will soon complete the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance curriculum, with plans to take the advanced RAD exam next spring. A passing score earns academic credit in the UK.

This weekend’s performance marks a meaningful milestone, not just as the culmination of their years with Academie de Ballet Classique, but also a final shared experience between lifelong dance partners and friends. While each dancer expressed excitement to take the stage one last time, they also reflected on the deep bonds they’ve formed. “They’ve just been through everything with me,” Hayden shared. “Through the good, the bad—just everything.”

Catch their final performances:

• Sat., Nov. 29 at 1:30 PM & 6:00 PM

• Sun., Nov. 30 at 12:00 PM & 3:30 PM
  🎟️ Limited tickets available at ABCBend.com

Ticket pricing:
👶 Ages 2 & under (lap-sitting): Free
🧒 Ages 3–11: $21 | 👨‍👩‍👧 Adults: $29–$39 | ⭐ Premium: $49
(Additional Tower fees apply)

🛍️ Grace and Goods Thrift Boutique to Open in Redmond, Supporting Bethlehem Inn

BEND, Ore. — A new thrift store with a mission is opening soon in Redmond. Grace and Goods Thrift Boutique, located at 214 NW 6th Street just behind the Bethlehem Inn shelter, will officially open its doors on December 10. Operated by Bethlehem Inn, the shop’s proceeds will directly support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon.

“This store helps fund critical services like shelter, case management, and over 100,000 meals we provide each year,” said Jon Baker, development director at Bethlehem Inn. Every purchase made at the boutique will go toward helping residents of the nonprofit’s Bend and Redmond shelters take meaningful steps toward stability and independence.

Fire & Rescue…

🚓 Fatal Crash on Hwy 20 Leads to Arrest in Deschutes County

On Monday night, November 24, a tragic two-vehicle crash occurred on Highway 20 near milepost 51 in Deschutes County. Oregon State Police say a jackknifed Freightliner semi-truck was blocking both lanes of travel when a westbound Subaru Outback collided with the trailer at highway speeds. The Subaru's driver, 25-year-old William Micah Carter of Springfield, and passenger, 24-year-old Jennifer Lynn Lower of John Day, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators cited dark conditions and a lack of active emergency warning equipment as contributing factors. The truck driver, 32-year-old Rajinder Kumar of Fresno, California, was uninjured but has since been arrested for Criminally Negligent Homicide and Reckless Endangering. Highway 20 was closed for approximately seven hours during the investigation. The crash remains under active investigation.

Crime News…

Community News…

 🎁 KIDS Center Launches Holiday Toy & Gift Card Drive for Children Impacted by Abuse

BEND, Ore. — KIDS Center has launched its annual Hope for the Holidays Toy and Gift Card Drive, aiming to bring comfort and joy to children and families impacted by abuse across Central Oregon. The drive runs now through December 15, with a goal of supporting over 500 local kids and families this season.

Donations can be made in several easy ways:

• 🎁 Shop the Amazon Wish List to have gifts delivered directly to the Center

• 💳 Drop off gift cards during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm) or place them in the secure drop box at 1375 NW Kingston Ave, Bend, OR

• 💻 Donate online via their website

Your generosity can help make the season brighter for families healing from trauma.

Regional News…

City of Bend Events

Road Construction

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | November 26, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

 Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a relaxing holiday with family and friends. Typically, the day after Thanksgiving marks the opening day for Mt. Bachelor in Central Oregon, but this year the weather hasn't cooperated. However, relatively mild conditions mean hiking, mountain biking, or walking in your favorite downtown area are all great options this year.

Next week's numbers will be down with fewer business days for transactions, and most people will be taking a well-deserved break. However, this week's activity remains steady, continuing the trend of more transactions this year than last. The national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.22% this morning, approaching recent lows and likely contributing to the strong activity this fall. When business starts again on Monday morning, there will only be 22 business days left this year! Most pending sales beginning Monday will close in 2026, making 2025 nearly a memory.

This morning in Deschutes County, there are 17 fewer listings than last week, now at 1,056. On this day in 2024, there were 1,019 active listings, with the steady activity this fall cleaning up a lot of excess inventory. Sixty-two pending sales this week are down a bit from recent trends, but ten more than this week last year. Sixty closed transactions this week are seven more than in 2024. The sold-to-original list price ratio this week was 94.8%, compared to 96.1% last year.

Active listings in Crook County this week are down nine from last week to 180, nine more than this week in 2024. Eight pending sales this week are one more than this week last year, and eight closed transactions are double last year's. The sold-to-original list price ratio this week was 92.46%, compared to 95.85% last year.

In Jefferson County, inventory increased by three to 127, compared to 107 this week last year. There were no pending sales this week, compared to 5 in 2024. Four transactions closed this week, down two from this week last year. The sold-to-original list price ratio this week was 94.92%, compared to 90.21% last year. With so few closed transactions in Jefferson County each week, year-over-year comparisons don't carry much weight.

Mortgage interest rates in 2026 should be nearly 6%, down 75 basis points from much of 2025. Buyers have already responded to lower rates this fall, as indicated by the increase in sales volume this year. The trend of more sales volume should continue next year, which will bring inventory down slightly. Looking at this year's price trends, I expect modest price growth next year. If mortgage interest rates dip below 6%, prices will firm up, and inventory will decrease further. Most of these developments will be modest, with stability in our housing market continuing into 2026.  

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Active Listings

🏡 Tumalo Luxury Home Sells for $3.385M — Half the Asking Price

BEND, Ore. — A luxury estate in Tumalo featuring a 7,300-square-foot home and nearly 20 acres of land has sold at auction for $3.385 million, just over half its original $6.3 million listing price. The sale, finalized last month, followed an October auction hosted by Platinum Luxury Auctions after an earlier summer auction was postponed. The opening bid began at $2.85 million.

Built in 2014, the spacious residence boasts six bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, a grand two-story living room, gourmet kitchen, family room, and dining area. Outdoor features include a hot tub on a private terrace and sweeping Cascade Mountain views. The property also offers pastures, a horse arena, irrigation rights, and a five-stall barn with heated tack room—making it an ideal retreat for equestrian enthusiasts.

 💼 Upcoming Workshops to Boost Your Small Biz Game

Get ready to level up your business skills with two dynamic, low-cost online workshops designed to empower entrepreneurs and solopreneurs alike. Hosted by SCORE, these sessions are perfect for those just starting out or looking to grow smarter and stronger.

📚 Business Law & Tax Topics for Emerging Businesses
🗓️ Monday, Dec. 8 | 8–10am PT | $10 | Online via Zoom
This session dives into when and how to seek legal advice for your business—from forming your LLC and handling vendor agreements to understanding tax deductions and preparing for investors. If you’re ready to protect and grow your business with confidence, this class is for you.
🔗 Register Now (recording provided to all paid registrants)

🚀 Solopreneurship 101
🗓️ Monday, Dec. 8 | 11am–1pm PT | $10 | Online via Zoom
Running your own show? This workshop covers everything from mindset to marketing to help you thrive as a freelancer, consultant, or solo business owner. Great for those launching their business or needing a fresh reboot.
🔗 Register Now (recording provided to all paid registrants)

Both sessions are jam-packed with real-world advice you can put into action immediately—don’t miss out!

☕ WildRoots Coffee House Opens Second Location in NW Bend

BEND, Ore. — WildRoots Coffee House has officially opened a second location at Shevlin Crossing in northwest Bend. The popular café, known for its cozy vibe at its original Empire Avenue spot, is now serving customers at 2230 NW Labiche Lane, near the roundabout at Shevlin Park Road and NW Crossing Drive. Owners Kris and Laura Steinke are excited to bring their welcoming space to a new part of town and invite the community to stop by for great coffee and connection.

The new café is open Monday–Friday from 6am to 4pm and weekends from 7am to 4pm. It’s located on the ground floor of Shevlin Crossing, a development by Taylor Brooks, whose team says WildRoots is already a hit with neighboring businesses and visitors alike. More information is available at wildrootscoffeehouse.com or on Instagram at @wildroots_coffeehouse.

🛍️ Shop Local Saturday: Support Central Oregon’s Small Businesses!

Small Business Saturday is back this weekend, giving Central Oregonians a perfect excuse to explore their favorite local shops while discovering new ones. Downtown Bend is celebrating with all-day shopping on Saturday, capped off by a special receipt raffle from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the DBBA tent on Wall Street near Bellatazza. Shoppers can bring any receipt from a downtown business for a chance to win prizes, making it an easy—and fun—way to support the businesses that keep Bend’s downtown vibrant.

Prineville is also joining in with its own Small Business Saturday celebration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring store specials, giveaways, and swag bags from participating businesses. Whether you’re hunting for holiday gifts or simply want to show love to the businesses that fuel our local economy, this Saturday is all about keeping your dollars close to home and helping Central Oregon’s small business community thrive.

 😎Just sayin

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