In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎄 Downtown Bend Lights Up for Bend Christmas Parade

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

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 🔥❤️ Community Rallies Around Alfalfa Family After Devastating House Fire

 🌲 Bend-Based Boulder Ridge Named Eastern Oregon’s Top Forestry Operator

 💊 Bend Offers Free Deterra Pouches to Keep Meds Out of Groundwater

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

 🔥 Hot Ashes Spark Shed Fire in SW Bend

 🚨 Four-Vehicle Crash on Hwy 97 in La Pine Sends Two to Hospital

🚨Crime News

 🚨 Manhunt in Terrebonne Ends in Arrest After Violent Crash Incident

⚖️ Manslaughter Charges Upgraded in Deadly Hwy 20 Semi Crash Near Brothers

🥰Community News

 🎨 Sisters 4th Graders Brighten Downtown With Holiday Window Art Tradition

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘️💼Real Estate & Business News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

🏠 Deadline Nears for Wildfire Survivors to Apply for Homeowner Assistance

🏭 Lexington Manufacturing Brings Jobs Back to Prineville After Owens Corning Closure

🐓 Wild Rooster Bar & Grill Set to Open in Prineville

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

 ✅ Correct Answer: C) A tension fracture or fissure

Expanded Answer:
Crack in the Ground is a fascinating volcanic fissure located in the high desert near Christmas Valley in Central Oregon. Unlike slot canyons carved by water, this formation is a tension fracture—a large crack in the Earth’s surface formed by the stretching and pulling apart of volcanic rock, likely due to tectonic activity associated with the nearby volcanic field. It’s over 2 miles long and up to 70 feet deep in places, offering a walkable path through a dramatic and unexpected chasm in the otherwise flat landscape.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

🎄 Downtown Bend Lights Up for Bend Christmas Parade

Mark your calendar — on Saturday, December 6, 12:00 Noon the streets of downtown Bend will come alive with holiday spirit as the Bend Christmas Parade rolls through town at noon. The annual parade, now in its 40‑plus-year run, brings together volunteers, families, and community groups to transform downtown into a sparkling winter celebration with floats, music, festive costumes, and all the charm that makes this event a local favorite. (Cascade Relays)

This year’s theme — “A Storybook Christmas!” — invites everyone to favorite holiday tales. Expect to see floats inspired by classics like The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and more — a festive parade of nostalgia, creativity, and community joy. (Cascade Relays)

Grab a hot cocoa, bundle up, and find a cozy spot along the route — the Bend Christmas Parade is a beloved tradition and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season in Central Oregon.

 🎄🎅 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.

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Local News…

 🔥❤️ Alfalfa Family Begins to Rebuild After Devastating Fire

Daren and Beth Wiese, longtime residents of Alfalfa, are facing unimaginable loss after a fire tore through their Deer Lane home on December 1. What began as a flue fire quickly engulfed the house, destroying the structure and nearly all their belongings. Thankfully, everyone escaped safely—but the Wieses are now displaced and beginning the difficult process of starting over.

Beth shared her deep gratitude for first responders: “The initial response was rapid. The fire district did their absolute best and I will be forever humbled by the efforts of the primarily volunteer crew.”

In true Central Oregon spirit, friends and neighbors have rallied to help. A verified GoFundMe has been launched to support the family with essentials, temporary housing, and the long road ahead. If you’d like to help, you can donate here: Support the Wieses

 🌲 Bend-Based Boulder Ridge Named Eastern Oregon’s Top Forestry Operator

Bend’s own Boulder Ridge, LLC has been honored as Eastern Oregon’s Operator of the Year by the Oregon Department of Forestry for its exceptional work thinning nearly 2,000 acres of overcrowded ponderosa pine and white fir on the east side of the Cascades. The forestry crew was praised for reducing wildfire risk and improving forest health by selectively removing trees infested with dwarf mistletoe—an effort that required complex logistics to haul timber to mills in Gilchrist, Sisters, Culver, Christmas Valley, and even Roseburg due to limited local capacity.

Also receiving regional Merit Awards for outstanding forest stewardship were Staton Forestry for its wildfire mitigation efforts in the Gilchrist State Forest, and Jeff Maben for forest health improvements on private lands in Grant County. Their work supports cleaner streams, healthier wildlife habitat, and safer communities. Videos showcasing Boulder Ridge and the other honorees can be viewed at oregon.gov/odf.

 💊 Bend Offers Free Deterra Pouches to Keep Meds Out of Groundwater

The City of Bend is stepping up efforts to protect Central Oregon’s groundwater by distributing free Deterra pouches, which safely neutralize unused prescription medications before they reach the wastewater system. The single-use pouches deactivate active drug compounds—just add pills, patches, or liquids with warm water, wait 30 seconds, and toss the sealed pouch in the trash.

Pouches are available for a limited time at three city locations: the Public Works Campus (21051 NE Talus Pl), Water Services Billing Office (639 NW Franklin Ave), and the Bend Police Department lobby (555 NE 15th St). For those without a pouch, safe drop-off sites are also available at St. Charles Health System, the Bend Police Department, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

 Fire & Rescue…

 🔥 Hot Ashes Spark Shed Fire in SW Bend

A shed fire broke out late Tuesday morning, December 4th, in a southwest Bend neighborhood off Chuckanut Drive. A quick-thinking neighbor spotted the blaze and alerted the nearby homeowner while another called 911. Bend Fire & Rescue arrived swiftly, containing the fully involved shed fire before it could spread to nearby homes. The fire destroyed the garden shed, scorched a property fence, and singed several large pine trees. Investigators determined the cause to be accidental—hot ashes from a wood stove, placed on dry compost too close to the shed, ignited the blaze. Damages are estimated at $20,000.

Fire officials are reminding residents to use caution when disposing of ashes from wood-burning appliances. Ashes should be allowed to cool inside the appliance for 2–3 days, then placed in a metal container with a lid and stored well away from flammable materials. Even ashes that appear cool can still harbor embers capable of igniting fires up to a week later.

 🚨 Four-Vehicle Crash on Hwy 97 in La Pine Sends Two to Hospital

A crash involving two semi-trucks and two pickups shut down Highway 97 in La Pine for over five hours Wednesday afternoon, leaving two people seriously injured. The collision happened around 3:30 p.m. near 1st Street, when a white semi-truck rear-ended a Dodge pickup, spinning it into oncoming traffic where it struck a red semi and caught fire. The Dodge's driver and passenger were hospitalized with serious injuries.

Oregon State Police say the white semi then struck a trailer being pulled by a black Ford pickup. A Bakersfield, California man has been identified as a suspect, though no formal charges have been filed as of Thursday morning. The highway reopened around 9:00 p.m. as investigators wrapped up on scene.

Crime News…

🚨 Manhunt in Terrebonne Ends in Arrest After Violent Crash Incident

A dramatic early morning incident in Terrebonne ended in the arrest of 29-year-old Trent Michael Conley of Washington, who fled the scene of a violent rollover crash around 1:00 a.m. near Odem Avenue, adjacent to the Alpaca Ranch property. When deputies arrived, they found a woman trapped and injured inside the wrecked vehicle. Conley, who was identified as the driver, fled on foot before authorities arrived.

Conley was already wanted on a nationwide felony assault warrant and now faces a long list of new charges, including Kidnapping, Rape, Assault, Strangulation, Hit and Run, and more. Law enforcement launched an intensive manhunt involving a K-9 unit, SWAT, and multiple agencies. At approximately 7:50 a.m., Conley was located and taken into custody east of Highway 97 near NW Galloway Avenue. Authorities say there is no longer a threat to the public, though a strong police presence will remain in the area as the investigation continues. Residents are thanked for their cooperation throughout the search.

⚖️ Manslaughter Charges Upgraded in Deadly Hwy 20 Semi Crash Near Brothers

The driver accused in a fatal Highway 20 crash east of Brothers is now facing two counts of first-degree manslaughter after a Deschutes County grand jury elevated the charges this week. Rajinder Kumar, 32, was initially charged with criminally negligent homicide but now also faces three counts of reckless endangerment tied to the November 24th crash that killed William Micah Carter, 25, and Jennifer Lynn Lower, 24. Bail was increased to $500,000 at his arraignment Wednesday.

Oregon State Police said Kumar's semi-truck was jackknifed across the highway in dark conditions without visible warning signals when it was struck by a westbound Subaru Outback. Both occupants died at the scene. Federal officials say Kumar entered the U.S. near the southern border in 2022 and later received a commercial driver’s license in California. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Kumar remains in custody at the Deschutes County Jail.

Community News…

 🎨 Sisters 4th Graders Brighten Downtown With Holiday Window Art Tradition

Downtown Sisters is looking a bit more magical this week thanks to the creative hands of Sisters Elementary fourth graders, who painted more than 50 store windows as part of a beloved annual tradition now in its 25th year. The project, started by teacher Clay Warburton, lets kids bring their imaginations to life for the whole community to see—whether it’s Buddy the Elf and the Narwhal or Santa Claus relaxing in a lawn chair (shirt optional).

For many students, it’s a moment they’ve looked forward to for years. Warburton says the tradition not only celebrates art and the holidays but creates a nostalgic bridge between past and present for locals: “I hope it gives [former students] that memory—‘I remember doing that in fourth grade.’” The painted windows now line the streets of downtown Sisters, bringing smiles and festive cheer to residents of all ages.

Regional News…

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

Friday’s

Real Estate & Business News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | December 3, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

 As expected, transactions were down this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday and reduced business days. The inevitability of the Central Oregon seasonal slowdown is ramping up, as buyers shift their priorities towards vacations and family. Transactions still happen, albeit at a slower pace, and fewer new listings hit the market, while many active listings expire and will not relist until spring. The valuable insight into how the 2026 market will shape up starts with following how low inventory drops, and when it begins to climb again, combined with interest rates as spring approaches. Next week is the last Federal Reserve Open Market Committee Meeting until late January, with all early indications pointing to a rate hold. The next several weeks in Central Oregon are the doldrums of the cyclical housing market.

Single-family listings in Deschutes County this week dropped by sixty to 996. Active listings have fallen below 1,000 for the first time since March 26 of this year, and are up 32 from this week last year. Thirty-seven pending sales, averaging $830,126, are nearly half of the previous week's. Thirty-five closed transactions are down 25 from last week, averaging $922,327, with the sold-to-original-list price ratio at 94.24%. The average sold price per square foot was $406.

Crook County's inventory decreased by only 4 to 174, the exact number of listings in the county this week last year. One sale is pending, listed at $375,000 after a 6.02% price decrease. Three transactions closed, averaging $575,544, with the sold-to-original-list price ratio at 94.26%. The average sold price per square foot was $288.

Active listings in Jefferson County are down by five this week to 122, up 17 from this week last year. Two sales are pending, listed at $349,000 and $365,000, with one of those listings dropping the price by 6.93% before securing a contract. Three transactions closed this week, averaging $414,865, with two dropping the list price before securing a contract, an average of 11.79%. The sold-to-original-list price ratio for the week was 92.84%. The average sold price per square foot was $291.

For most of 2025, the most significant change over the past several years was the increase in inventory. As mortgage interest rates began to fall from recent highs, more buyers stepped up, particularly this fall. Today, the national average 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 6.23%. All indications point towards slightly lower rates in 2026, which will bring more buyers to the table. It is unlikely inventory will reach 2025 levels, and with more competition from buyers, prices will increase. Sales this year show modest increases over 2024, maintaining the highs set in 2022. Over the next several weeks, I will break down the year-over-year sales volumes and prices for the different communities of Central Oregon, so stay tuned! 

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Active Listings

🏠 Deadline Nears for Wildfire Survivors to Apply for Homeowner Assistance

Oregonians who lost their homes in the devastating 2020 Labor Day wildfires have until December 31 to apply for help through the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP). Part of the state’s ReOregon wildfire recovery initiative, HARP offers financial support to rebuild, repair, replace, or purchase homes—and even reimburses out-of-pocket costs for those affected. Since opening in March 2024, HARP has already helped dozens of survivors, like Jackson County’s Dierdri Muñoz, who now calls her new home a “miracle” after losing everything in the Almeda Fire.

State housing officials urge anyone who might qualify to complete the short eligibility questionnaire before the end-of-year deadline. Survivor stories and assistance centers are available to support applicants, and OHCS emphasizes that even those unsure if they qualify should check—word of mouth has already made a big difference for many. Learn more at re.oregon.gov.

🏭 Lexington Manufacturing Brings Jobs Back to Prineville After Owens Corning Closure

After the sudden summer shutdown of Owens Corning left 184 Prineville workers jobless, a sense of relief is returning to the community as Lexington Manufacturing announces its expansion into the former facility. The Minnesota-based company plans to hire approximately 50 employees initially, with hopes of expanding that number significantly in 2026 and beyond.

The new door and window components facility will operate out of the massive 600,000-square-foot site, equipped with lamination lines, profile wrappers, mold lines, and other wood processing machinery. Company president Mike Dillon said he was drawn to Prineville’s skilled workforce and strong sense of community pride. Economic development leaders say the move will help restore one of Crook County’s top employment hubs and provide a much-needed economic boost to the area.

🐓 Wild Rooster Bar & Grill Set to Open in Prineville

Prineville is about to welcome a fresh dining and nightlife option as Wild Rooster Bar & Grill prepares to open its doors this month. The Western-inspired restaurant blends rustic charm with a modern edge, offering a lively hangout for families, locals, and visitors looking for great food and a relaxed atmosphere.

The project was built by Empire Construction, the same team behind several major Central Oregon developments completed in 2025 — including the new McCall Market Convenience Store & Fuel Station opening this month, the Sunriver Brewing Company Redmond Pub in the Westmount Building, improvements for the Humane Society of the Ochocos, Logsdon Street Self Storage in SE Bend, and the ASI Business Group build on High Desert Lane in NE Bend. These projects highlight Empire’s expanding role in shaping the region’s commercial landscape.

 😎Just sayin

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