In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🍺🛍️Fresh Hops & Pop Up Shops - River’s Place

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🛝 Hope Playground Reopens in Redmond After Vandalism Setback

 🌉 Bend Switches to Truss Design for Hawthorne Pedestrian Bridge to Save Millions

 🚧 Greenwood Quick Build Project Yields Mixed Results After One Year

☢Deschutes County to host household hazardous waste collection events next month in La Pine, Sisters and Redmond

🚔 One Year of Recovery-Focused Reform: Deschutes County’s Deflection Program Marks Milestone

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🔥 Early Morning Apartment Fire Displaces Residents and Claims Pets in Redmond

🔥 🏡Redmond Fire Crews Contain Late-Night House Fire on SW 35th Street

🚨Crime News

 🚓Police standoff at SW Redmond home ends with man's peaceful surrender

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

🎉Deschutes Land Trust marks 30 years of protecting Central Oregon lands

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🏘Real Estate News

🏘📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

💲Prineville car show donates $10,000 to help veterans’ housing

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

 ✅ Answer: B) It was Bend’s first brick building

Expanded:
Built in 1910 by Albert and Sadie Lucas, the Lucas House was the very first brick structure in Bend — predating many of the commercial buildings downtown. Though rumors have circulated about local clay being used for bricks, no records confirm that for this home. Today, the building still stands and operates as Bunk + Brew, welcoming travelers in much the same spirit as it did over a century ago.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

🌆 Bend

🎸 MXPX with The Ataris; Century Center (70 SW Century Dr) presented by Volcanic Theatre Pub; Music (Punk Rock); Fri Sep 26, doors 6:00 pm, show ~7:00–11:00 pm; Nostalgia-packed punk bill outdoors at Century Center; volcanictheatre.com / tixr.com. volcanictheatre.com+2Tixr+2

🎶 If & When (Fresh Hops & Pop-Up Shops); River’s Place (787 NE Purcell Blvd); Music + Market; Sat Sep 27, 2:00–4:00 pm; Free folk duo set alongside fresh-hop flights and pop-up vendors; riversplacebend.com/live-music. The Source - Bend, Oregon+1

🌇 Redmond

🎭 Almost, Maine (by John Cariani); High Desert Music Hall (818 SW Forest Ave); Theatre; Thu Sep 25 (opening) through Oct 18, eve curtain times; Sweet, vignette-style comedy about love under the Northern Lights; hdmm redmond listing / Visit Redmond calendar. General Duffy’s Waterhole

📚 Annual Book Fest; High Desert Music Hall (818 SW Forest Ave); Art & Lit; Sat Sep 27, day; Community celebration of books and authors; Visit Redmond calendar. General Duffy’s Waterhole

🏔 Sisters

🎻 Sisters Folk Festival (Multiple Downtown Stages incl. Sisters Depot); Music – Festival; Fri–Sun Sep 26–28 (various set times); Town-wide roots/folk festival across seven stages; sistersfolkfest.org / Sisters Depot info. SFF+1

🏜 Madras

🐮 Cowdeo – Jefferson County Kids Rodeo; Jefferson County Event Complex (430 SW Fairgrounds Rd); Kid-Friendly – Rodeo; Sat Sep 27, Opening Ceremony 8:30 am, events 9:00 am–afternoon; Beloved youth rodeo with multiple divisions and events; jeffco.net/cowdeo. Jefferson County Oregon

🌲 La Pine / Sunriver

⛳️ Putt, Pints & Putters (Gray’s Trail); Sunriver Resort – Gray’s Trail; Fundraiser – Putting Challenge; Fri Sep 26, 9:00 am–3:00 pm; Benefit event with prizes on the putting course; organizer post. Instagram

🪗 Oktoberfest Accordion Performance; The Village at Sunriver; Music – Folk; Fri Sep 26, early afternoon (see calendar); Festive polka/folk set as part of Oktoberfest weekend; Village calendar. Village Properties at Sunriver

 🍺 Oktoberfest at SHARC; SHARC (57250 Overlook Rd, Sunriver); Festival – Food/Drink/Music; Sat Sep 27, 11:00 am–5:00 pm; German bites, beers, games & live music; sunriversharc.com / Event listing.

 🎵 Sleepless Truckers (Integrity Auto Services Concert Series); Wetlands Taphouse (51375 US-97); Music – Country/Rock; Sat Sep 27, 6:00–9:00 pm; Free outdoor concert on the Ed Staub & Sons Stage; VisitCentralOregon/Wetlands. Visit Central Oregon+1

🍔 Grange Open Door Day + Free Community BBQ; La Pine Grange Hall; Community – Open House; Sat Sep 27, 10:00 am–2:00 pm; Meet neighbors, learn about classes, and grab a free BBQ lunch; lapinegrange.org. La Pine Grange

📍 Prineville

🎸 Sleepless Truckers; Initiative Brewing – The Station (Prineville); Music – Country/Americana; Thu Sep 25, evening (start ~6:00 pm); Free outdoor set from regional favorites; Shazam concert listing. Shazam

 🐕‍🦺 Mt. Bachelor Kennel Club Agility Trials; Crook County Fairgrounds (1280 Main St); Sports – Dog Agility; Fri–Sun Sep 26–28, daytimes; Regional agility competition, spectators welcome; fairgrounds calendar.

🌙 High Desert Moonfest (Art + Market + Music); Pioneer Park (Prineville); Festival – Art/Music/Market; Sat Sep 27, 12:00–8:00 pm; Local vendors, food, and live tunes under early-fall skies; vendor/organizer listings.

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Local News…

 🛝 Hope Playground Reopens in Redmond After Vandalism Setback

Redmond’s Hope Playground at Sam Johnson Park is officially open again, just two weeks after vandalism forced a temporary closure. The revamped play area now features a new, bouncier dark blue surface that city officials say offers improved safety for children.

Two juveniles were caught on surveillance footage entering the construction zone on Sept. 9 and damaging materials, including spilling industrial adhesive that compromised the playground’s fall mat. Both have been arrested and face felony and misdemeanor charges. Despite the incident, the city completed repairs early and reopened the playground ahead of schedule.

 🌉 Bend Switches to Truss Design for Hawthorne Pedestrian Bridge to Save Millions

The City of Bend is revamping its plans for the Hawthorne Overcrossing Project — a pedestrian and bike bridge over Highway 97 — in favor of a more cost-effective design. Originally approved in 2024 as a single-tower cable-stay bridge, the city is now shifting to a mountain-themed truss design after learning that traffic control alone for the original plan would add millions in unexpected costs.

The truss style, which was the public’s top choice during the original design survey, is expected to save $3–$5 million and allow most of the structure to be built off-site, minimizing Parkway closures. The $30 million project remains largely funded through state and federal grants.

🚧 Greenwood Quick Build Project Yields Mixed Results After One Year

A year into Bend’s Greenwood Quick Build redesign, city data shows progress on some safety goals — but growing public frustration. About 78% of surveyed residents said they dislike the new layout, which reduced traffic lanes from four to three between Third Street and Hill Street, while adding crosswalks, bike lanes, and ADA parking.

City data shows traffic volume has dropped 6%, average speeds are down 3 mph, and pedestrian and bike use has surged. However, peak travel times have increased 35%, and reported crashes nearly doubled — though officials say more time is needed to assess long-term safety impacts. The project’s future is now being considered alongside the Franklin and Hawthorne Midtown crossing plans.

☢Deschutes County to host household hazardous waste collection events next month in La Pine, Sisters and Redmond

This October, the Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste will host household hazardous waste collection events in the communities of La Pine, Sisters and Redmond. These one-day events give residents an opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste items free of charge.

“We are excited to offer additional collection events in our rural communities so residents can discard their household hazardous waste items safely and responsibly,” said Deschutes County Hazardous Waste Supervisor Greg Brady. “Items like cleaning supplies, old paint, pesticides, and fluorescent lightbulbs can harm the environment and pose health risks if not disposed of properly.”

Items that will be accepted at the collection events include:

• Oil and latex paints and stains

• Thinners, solvents, fuels

• Oil soaked rags and absorbents

• Pool and spa chemicals

• Garden products (herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.)

• Vehicle fluids (coolants, lubricants, fuels, brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc.)

• Propane tanks and camp stove cylinders

• Aerosols (paints, garden sprays, cleaners, etc.)

• Mercury and Mercury-containing items (thermometers, thermostats, etc.)

• Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs

• Rechargeable batteries

• Household cleaners

Items that will not be accepted include:

• Business-generated hazardous waste

• Medical waste

• Explosives, fireworks, ammunition

• Compressed gas cylinders (propane tanks and cylinders are accepted)

• Barrels

  Collection event locations, dates, and hours of operation are as follows: 

• La Pine – South County Services Center 51340 U.S. 97, in the front parking lot

Saturday, Oct. 4 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Sisters - Sisters Recycling Center 328 W. Sisters Park Drive

Saturday, Oct. 11 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Redmond – Negus Transfer Station 2400 NE Maple Ave

Saturday, Oct. 18 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Household hazardous waste is also accepted free of charge at the Knott Landfill Hazardous Waste Facility every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The facility is located at 62060 SE 27^th St. in southeast Bend. To learn more about common hazardous waste materials, visit the Solid Waste Department website.

For more information, please call the Department of Solid Waste at (541) 317-3163.

🚔 One Year of Recovery-Focused Reform: Deschutes County’s Deflection Program Marks Milestone

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating one year of its Deflection Program, a voluntary, treatment-first initiative helping individuals struggling with addiction avoid incarceration and instead access support services. Since launching, the program has helped 28 people complete treatment across 33 criminal cases, with 21 more currently enrolled. By connecting participants to peer navigators, housing, job support, and recovery resources, the program aims to break the cycle of addiction and reduce repeat encounters with the justice system.

A graduation ceremony honoring nine participants will take place Thursday, September 25, at 2:00 p.m. at The Taylor Center in Bend.

Fire & Rescue…

🔥 Early Morning Apartment Fire Displaces Residents and Claims Pets in Redmond

REDMOND, OR — An early morning fire broke out at the Greystone Apartments on SW 11th Street in Redmond around 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24. Redmond Police were first to arrive on scene and reported flames coming from a unit’s windows. Officers immediately began evacuating nearby apartments.

Redmond Fire & Rescue crews arrived moments later to find heavy fire conditions and acted quickly to contain the blaze to the original unit. Due to the extent of the fire, the response was upgraded to a second alarm, bringing in additional resources. Fortunately, all residents escaped safely.

Tragically, two dogs and several reptiles and pet rats did not survive the fire. Firefighters made a rapid interior attack in hopes of saving any remaining animals and to prevent the fire from spreading to the rest of the building.

An investigation revealed the fire was caused by combustible items left on the stovetop — a sobering reminder to never store anything on or in your oven, whether electric or gas.

In total, six residents from three apartment units were displaced. All have found temporary housing with friends or family.

Redmond Fire & Rescue expressed gratitude to Bend Fire & Rescue, Cloverdale RFPD, Redmond Police, and Redmond Public Works for their critical support during the incident.

🔥 Redmond Fire Crews Contain Late-Night House Fire on SW 35th Street

REDMOND, OR — Redmond Fire & Rescue responded swiftly to a residential structure fire late Tuesday night, September 24, after receiving multiple 911 calls around 9:20 p.m. reporting flames and smoke at a home on SW 35th Street — with fire quickly spreading to nearby trees.

When crews arrived, they found the single-story home fully involved, with flames encroaching on the surrounding grass and vegetation in the wildland-urban interface. Firefighters quickly deployed handlines to knock down the structure fire and prevent further spread to adjacent natural areas.

Thanks to their rapid response, the fire was brought under control before it could cause more widespread damage. All residents made it out safely. One person was displaced and is being supported by family.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Redmond Fire & Rescue extended their thanks to Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District, Redmond Police Department, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance on scene.

Crime News…

Regional News…

Community News…

🎉Deschutes Land Trust marks 30 years of protecting Central Oregon lands

The Deschutes Land Trust is celebrating 30 years of land conservation in Central Oregon.

The land trust buys private property and turns that land into nature reserves. Much of that land is open to the public with hiking trails and more opportunities to enjoy nature.

“So much of our work started in the city of Sisters and 30 years later, you can find a land trust preserve or conserved property in almost every community in Central Oregon. We’re really proud of all that growth and all the new communities we’ve been able to serve," Deschutes Land Trust Executive Director Rika Ayotte said.

The Deschutes Land Trust manages more than 18,000 acres of land in Central Oregon. It also works with private property owners to conserve wildlife habitat on their land.

 City of Bend Events

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | September 24, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

The Federal Reserve delivered the highly anticipated rate decrease (25 basis points) that everyone had been waiting for, but mortgage interest rates initially rose. Mortgage rates align with the trends of the 10-year Treasury note, rather than the Fed's overnight rate, and bond investors have concerns about inflation and other economic aspects that have driven yields higher. However, a closer inspection reveals that mortgage rates are lower on average than they were in the last several weeks. Whenever consensus opinion expects rates to decrease, mortgage rates come down in anticipation of the event, and preceding the Fed meeting, rates adjusted to the lowest level in years at 6.13%. While today's rate is up at 6.37%, overall rates are still lower than the trend leading up to the Fed's rate cut. All in all, conditions this fall favor buyers, with increased selection and moderate interest rates.

There are seven fewer listings in Deschutes County this week than last, now at 1,388. Sixty-six pending sales, at an average of $1,089,557, represent an increase of six from last week and a slight decrease from the volume seen since mid-July. Sixty-five transactions closed at an average of $784,693. The average price reduction for pending sales before securing a buyer was -9.81%, and the average for closed transactions was -6.78%. The sold-to-list ratio for the closed transactions was 97.86%.

Crook County inventory is down twelve from last week, now at 230 single-family listings. Eleven pending sales, averaging $640,882, are consistent with the volume of the past several weeks. Six closed transactions occurred this week, averaging $727,233. The sold-to-list ratio of the closed transactions was 100.07%, with two of the six closed transactions showing price reductions averaging 3.14%

The inventory of single-family homes in Jefferson County has decreased by one, now standing at 136 listings. Four pending sales occurred, averaging $449,675, with three price changes resulting in an average decrease of 9.52% before a buyer was secured. Two transactions closed at $500,000 (list price $540,000 = 7.4% decrease) and $624,000.

While transaction volume is steady considering the time of year, the decrease from summer highs is keeping inventory elevated. Sellers motivated to move their property this year will need to consider accepting a lower price, which will significantly benefit buyers. Nothing in our diverse market is equally applicable across all properties, but generally speaking, the fall is a great time to purchase. 

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