In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🛩️Airshow of the Cascades

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

😖Large-scale animal abuse, neglect cases surge in Deschutes County

📰Confederate Flag at Homeless Camp Sparks Free Speech Debate in Deschutes County

⬇️🌿💵Low Crop Prices Undercut Farmers’ Progress

🚫📴Redmond Becomes First Central Oregon District to Enforce Cell Phone Ban in Classrooms

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

⛑️Missing rock hunter found safe in Maury Mountains

 🚨Crime News

🚨🚔Reckless Driver Arrested After High-Speed Chase from Bend to Sunriver

⚖️Trial Begins in Alleged Smith Rock Shooting Plot

⚖️Bend man pleads guilty, loses dog ownership after witnesses record alleged dog beating

📰Regional News

📰 ⚠️Special Session Called: Oregonians Push Back Against Governor’s Transportation Funding Plan

🥰Community News

🙏Sisters Rodeo honors volunteers

👶Marked for Love Diaper Bank Launches to Help Central Oregon Families

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

⚠️Bend to Begin Franklin Avenue Reconstruction in September 2025

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🏘️Real Estate News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

🇺🇸🏡 RootedHomes Expands Down Payment Aid for Veterans

📰 Downtown Redmond's Revival

💲⚒️🖌️Best Low Cost Home Improvement Ideas for Central Oregon Home Owners

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

You guys are good! 24 out of 26 got this one right!

Answer: C) It has no dams
Expanded Answer: The John Day River is Oregon’s longest undammed river, making it a rare and ecologically valuable waterway. Its wild and scenic sections offer opportunities for rafting, fishing, and wildlife viewing while supporting salmon and steelhead runs.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

MADRAS

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Featured Events

✈️ Spotlight Event: Airshow of the Cascades Madras, OR

📍 Madras Municipal Airport
🗓️ Friday, Aug 22 | 1 PM – 11 PM
🗓️ Saturday, Aug 23 | 9 AM – 4 PM

🛫 Day 1 – Friday, August 22
Get ready for the roar of engines and the thrill of aerobatics! Day one of the Airshow of the Cascades features an exciting mix of aviation performances, static aircraft displays, a classic car show, food vendors, and live music. As the sun sets, stick around for a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the Madras skies.

• Patriots Jet Team and other aerial acts

• Ground displays, vendors, and family zones

• Live music throughout the day

• Fireworks finale at night

• Food trucks and beer garden

🛩️ Day 2 – Saturday, August 23
The fun continues with a full day of high-flying action and hands-on experiences. Saturday brings more aerobatic performances, flyovers, educational exhibits, and access to vintage warbirds. It’s a great chance to get up close to aviation history and enjoy another round of local music and community fun.

• All-day flying exhibitions and ground attractions

• Access to WWII aircraft and interactive exhibits

• Vendors, local artisans, and food options

• Ideal for families, photographers, and aviation buffs

🎟️ More Info & Tickets: https://cascadeairshow.com/

 📅 Events: Bend

 🎶 Mt. Joy – 2025 Tour
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Aug 22 | Doors 6 PM, Show 7:30 PM
Indie-folk favorites return with new music and fan-loved tracks.
🔗 Tickets

🍷 Wine Workshop: The French Connection
📍 Flights Wine Bar, Bend
🗓️ Thursday, August 22 | 6-8PM
🍇 Explore Pinot Noir through the lens of the Willamette Valley and Burgundy.
💲 $2–$25
🔗 More Info – Visit Central Oregon

🔥 Bend Burn & Barrel
📍 Tetherow, Bend
🗓️ Thursday–Friday, August 22–23 | 5-9PM
🥃 A cigar-and-spirit tasting experience with live music and curated culinary pairings.
💲 $349
🔗 More Info – Visit Bend

🎤 Matt Rife – Problemattic World Tour
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Aug 23 | Doors 6 PM, Show 7:30 PM
Viral comedian hits Bend; 18+ event, no phones allowed.
🔗 Tickets

🎶 Tanner Cundy
📍 McMenamins Old St. Francis School – Father Luke’s Room
🗓️ Aug 23 | 7 PM
Live performance from multi-instrumentalist; free show.
🔗 More Info

🎶 Left On Tenth
📍 Volcanic Theatre Pub
🗓️ Aug 24 | 5 PM
Boisterous Bend-based funk-rock-reggae band; free show.
🔗 Tickets

🎨 Art in the High Desert
📍 Riverbend Park
🗓️ Aug 22–24
🕔 Fri 5–8 PM | Sat 10–6 PM | Sun 10–4 PM
130+ juried artists showcasing fine art, ceramics, painting, jewelry & more.
🔗 More Info

🎨 Paint & Sip at Austin Mercantile
📍 Austin Mercantile
🗓️ Aug 23 | 2–4 PM
Create your own painting with wine; includes supplies & instruction.
🔗 More Info

🍺 Pursuit of Hoppiness – Hoppy Beer Festival
📍 Bevel Craft Brewing
🗓️ Aug 23 | Noon–5 PM
12 hop-forward beers, tasting tokens, and commemorative glass.
🔗 More Info

🎨 Bend Wine Bar: Paint Your Pet Class
📍 Bend Wine Bar
🗓️ Aug 24 | Time TBA
Bring a photo and paint your furry friend’s portrait.
🔗 More Info

 📅 Events: Redmond & Nearby

🎭 The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical
📍 High Desert Music Hall
🗓️ Aug 21–24 | Thu–Sat 7 PM, Sun 3 PM
Adventure musical where Greek mythology meets teen angst.
🔗 More Info

 🎶 Niko Moon – Live at Duffy’s
📍 General Duffy’s Waterhole
🗓️ Aug 22 | 5–10 PM
Country-pop star brings the “Good Time” tour to Redmond.
🔗 More Info

🎶 Summer Groove Party Band – Live at the Vineyard
📍 Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards, Terrebonne
🗓️ Aug 22 | 6–9 PM
Get your groove on with disco, soul & dance classics.
🔗 More Info

🌄 Events: Sisters

🌲 Events: Sunriver & La Pine

🎲 La Pine Bingo Night
📍 McMenamins Old St. Francis School, Bend
🗓️ Aug 22 | 7 PM
Monthly bingo night with fun prizes (and a hotel stay!).
🔗 More Info

🐴 Events: Prineville, OR

 🎪 Celebrate the Outdoors
📍 1377 S Main St.
🗓️ Aug 23 | 8 AM–8 PM
Family festival with BB gun shoot, archery, scavenger hunt & more.
🔗 More Info

🛍️ Events: Madras

 🛫 Airshow of the Cascades – Day 1
📍 Madras Municipal Airport
🗓️ Aug 22 | 1–11 PM
Aviation performances, fireworks, car show & live music.
🔗 More Info

🛫 Airshow of the Cascades – Day 2
📍 Madras Municipal Airport
🗓️ Aug 23 | 9 AM–4 PM
Full day of air acts, food, vendors & family fun.
🔗 More Info

Check back often in the Calendar App below as it is updated regularly 👇

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Other Event Sources:

Local News…

Large-scale animal abuse, neglect cases surge in Deschutes County

Deschutes County is seeing a troubling surge in large-scale animal neglect and abuse cases, prompting the Sheriff's Office to begin formally tracking them for the first time. What was once an occasional issue involving just a few animals has escalated into a growing crisis, with recent cases involving dozens of dogs at a time and more than 200 animals already seized in 2025. Local shelters like Brightside and the Humane Society of Central Oregon are feeling the strain as officials point to financial hardship and lack of spay/neuter access as key drivers behind the disturbing trend. Full Story plus Video here

Confederate Flag at Homeless Camp Sparks Free Speech Debate in Deschutes County

A Confederate flag briefly flown at the city-county sanctioned homeless camp near Juniper Ridge ignited public outcry and debate among Deschutes County commissioners. While Commissioner Phil Chang proposed a possible ban on all flags at the site to prevent offensive displays, the board ultimately opted against any enforcement action, citing First Amendment protections. County legal counsel advised that regulating speech on public property would be subject to strict constitutional scrutiny. By Tuesday morning, the flag had been removed—reportedly by the resident or others at the camp—without official intervention. The incident has spotlighted the ongoing tension between free expression and community standards at publicly supported shelter sites.

Low Crop Prices Undercut Farmers’ Progress

Despite ample water this year, Jefferson County farmers face financial strain as prices for wheat, hay, alfalfa, and seed have dropped 33–50% since 2022—canceling out improved growing conditions.

Read more at: https://bendbulletin.com/2025/08/21/low-prices-overshadow-good-water-year-for-jefferson-county-farmers/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Redmond Becomes First Central Oregon District to Enforce Cell Phone Ban in Classrooms

As Oregon schools prepare to comply with Governor Tina Kotek’s mandate for stricter classroom cell phone rules by January 1, 2026, the Redmond School District has become the first in Central Oregon to implement a permanent policy. The new district-wide rule bans student cell phone use across all grade levels and introduces a three-strike disciplinary process: first-time offenders will have their phone held until the end of the day; repeat offenses will involve parent pick-up and meetings. Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline says the state’s executive order accelerated plans the district was already developing. Meanwhile, Bend-La Pine Schools plans to revise its policy by mid-October to stay ahead of the deadline. Redmond will review the effectiveness of its policy after six months.

 Fire & Rescue…

Missing rock hunter found safe in Maury Mountains

A 65-year-old West Linn woman, Valeria Puk, was found safe Saturday morning after going missing while rock hunting in the Maury Mountains of the Ochoco National Forest. She was last seen Friday near Forest Road 16, prompting her husband to report her missing when she didn’t return. An extensive overnight search followed, involving Crook County Search and Rescue with ATVs, horses, and dog teams, as well as assistance from Prineville Police’s drone team, U.S. Forest Service firefighters, and Deschutes County Search and Rescue. Puk was located around 7:30 a.m., tired and dehydrated but otherwise unharmed, and reunited with her family. Authorities used the incident to remind outdoor visitors to prepare carefully and remain in place if lost to aid rescuers.

Read more at: https://centraloregonian.com/2025/08/20/missing-rock-hunter-found-safe-in-maury-mountains/

Crime News…

Reckless Driver Arrested After High-Speed Chase from Bend to Sunriver

A high-speed pursuit that began in downtown Bend and ended on the outskirts of Sunriver Tuesday morning resulted in the arrest of 40-year-old Matthew Hammer, who now faces a string of serious charges after allegedly endangering law enforcement and the public during a reckless attempt to evade capture.

The incident began around 9:18 a.m. on August 19, when a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputy observed a black Cadillac Escalade driving erratically near the county’s main office. When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, Hammer reportedly fled, prompting the initial pursuit to be called off for safety reasons.

About 40 minutes later, a Sunriver Police Sergeant spotted the same vehicle traveling south on Highway 97. Hammer again refused to stop, instead speeding toward Sunriver, swerving into oncoming traffic, and nearly striking a patrol car head-on. Deputies deployed spike strips, deflating two of the vehicle's tires, but Hammer continued to drive recklessly through the area.

The pursuit escalated as Hammer drove along South Century Drive, Spring River Road, and through residential neighborhoods. During the chase, he allegedly rammed a Deschutes County K-9 vehicle, injuring the deputy inside. The K-9 was unharmed. Hammer also struck a parked vehicle on private property, narrowly missing a nearby resident.

Law enforcement ultimately re-engaged the Escalade and brought the incident to a close using a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver, which pushed the suspect’s vehicle safely off the road. Both the suspect’s Escalade and DCSO vehicles sustained damage during the final moments of the pursuit.

Hammer was evaluated by medics on scene, then transported to St. Charles Medical Center before being booked into the Deschutes County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including attempted assault, attempted assault on public safety officers, reckless driving, attempting to elude police, criminal mischief, and recklessly endangering others.

The Oregon State Police is investigating the crash involving the patrol vehicles, as per standard protocol. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanked its partners in the Sunriver Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Fire Department, and Deschutes County Road Department for their assistance in safely resolving the incident.

Trial Begins in Alleged Smith Rock Shooting Plot

In Deschutes County Circuit Court, opening statements are underway in the trial of Samson Garner, accused of plotting a mass shooting at the Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic. The defense disputes both planning intent and intent to fire any weapon.

Bend man pleads guilty, loses dog ownership after witnesses record alleged dog beating

A Bend man was sentenced to 15 days in jail and permanently banned from owning dogs after pleading guilty to animal abuse involving his Labrador that police say was caught on video by witnesses.

Regional News…

Special Session Called: Oregonians Push Back Against Governor’s Transportation Funding Plan

Governor Tina Kotek has called a special session of the Oregon Legislature for August 29th, aiming to pass a controversial funding package for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The proposal, released by the Governor’s office, closely resembles a failed bill from the 2025 regular legislative session that many critics called the largest tax grab in Oregon’s history.

The previous version of the bill, which surfaced only three weeks before the end of the January–June 2025 session, was never brought to a vote. It collapsed under bipartisan criticism for lacking public input, being rushed through the process, and piling on new taxes and fees without clear prioritization of infrastructure needs. Notably, Democratic Senator Mark Meek was removed from the Joint Transportation Committee after opposing the proposal, highlighting internal party divisions over the plan.

Now, Governor Kotek’s revived proposal includes:

• A gas tax increase

• Higher vehicle registration fees (including mopeds, motorcycles, and utility trailers)

• Increased title fees

• A doubling of the statewide transit payroll tax

Critics argue that the Governor’s approach once again bypasses bipartisan collaboration and public sentiment. In a recent KATU poll, 82% of Oregonians surveyed said they do not support more tax increases to fund transportation.

The funding debate also recalls a key shift made in 2017 under HB2017, when then-Speaker Kotek supported a change to how gas taxes and vehicle fees are allocated. While the Oregon Constitution mandates that these funds go toward road maintenance and infrastructure, HB2017 diverted portions to other transit-related programs. Critics argue that rather than adding new taxes, the state should re-focus existing revenues on core infrastructure priorities. Governor Kotek could include this reallocation in her proposal but has not indicated plans to do so.

Another controversial element of the Governor’s proposal would give her direct hiring and firing authority over the ODOT Director, a role currently appointed by the Oregon Transportation Commission. Under current law, the Director “serves at the pleasure of the commission,” not the Governor (see Page 9 of HB2017).

Make Your Voice Heard

If you want to weigh in before the special session on August 29, you can find your legislator HERE and email them using this contact list.

Key officials to contact:

• Governor Tina Kotek

• House Speaker Rep. Julie Fahey

• Senate President Sen. Rob Wagner

Join the Capitol Rally

Concerned Oregonians will gather at the Capitol in Salem at 9 a.m. on August 29 for a rally ahead of the special session.

To read the Governor’s full proposal or listen to how HB2017 changed Oregon’s infrastructure funding priorities, follow the links provided. Go to https://www.oregoncitizen.com/take-action for more information

Community News…

Sisters Rodeo honors volunteers

Sisters Rodeo runs on volunteer effort. The rodeo association honored those volunteers last Saturday night.

The Sisters Rodeo Board of Directors hosted their annual volunteer appreciation banquet last Saturday night at Red Rock Hall, drawing 185 of the 200 volunteers who power the beloved event. Attendees enjoyed a Tex-Mex feast catered by Luckey’s Woodsman and live music from Dry Canyon Stampede. The evening included a lively auction and raffle that raised nearly $5,000 to support rodeo champion Steven Peebles, who is recovering from a serious illness. Special honors were given to standout volunteers including Bill Williams, praised for his behind-the-scenes dedication, and Taylie Hammock Bennett, recognized for her multifaceted contributions as bookkeeper, photographer, and all-around helper. The event celebrated the heart of the Sisters Rodeo: its passionate and humble volunteers.

Marked for Love Diaper Bank Launches to Help Central Oregon Families

Local nonprofit Every Child Central Oregon (ECCO) has launched the Marked for Love Diaper Bank to combat a growing but often unseen crisis—diaper need. With up to half of U.S. families unable to afford enough diapers, parents often miss work or school, and babies suffer increased health risks. Diapers aren’t covered by government aid like SNAP or WIC, making this a critical gap for low-income families. Thanks to partnerships with organizations like Baby2Baby and NeighborImpact, ECCO can now distribute diapers more efficiently across Central Oregon. Community members can support the effort by donating, hosting diaper drives, or volunteering. Learn more or get involved at markedforlove.org.

 City of Bend Events

Bend to Begin Franklin Avenue Reconstruction in September 2025

Starting in September 2025 and running through approximately April 2026, Bend will reconstruct Franklin Avenue between 4th and 8th Streets as part of the Midtown Multimodal Connections and Streetscaping Project. The work—carried out by K&E Excavating under a guaranteed maximum price of about $14.1 million—will include major improvements such as full roadway reconstruction, new cycle tracks, wider sidewalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, stormwater enhancements, pedestrian refuge islands, and a shared-use path where appropriate. One-way traffic flow will be maintained during construction to manage disruptions, and public engagement and coordination efforts are ongoing. City of Bend press release

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | August 20, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

With the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage holding steady at 6.6%, activity remains consistent, resulting in some of the biggest weeks for transaction volume this year. Buyers are taking note of the wave of price reductions and are making moves to secure properties. This window of opportunity will remain through fall, and selection remains exceptional.

Supply of single-family homes in Deschutes County dropped below 1,500 this week, now at 1,482, a decrease of twenty from last week. It was another big week for pending transactions at 90, with the average list price for these properties at $809,292. Substantial closed transaction numbers follow significant pending activity, and this week's activity reflects that with 74 recorded transactions. The average sale price of the closed sales was $1,009,935.

Crook County inventory decreased by three this week, but remains high at 244 single-family homes listed. Eleven pending sales are on the upper end for weekly activity, with the average list price of these properties at $783,310. Five closed sales this week averaged $433,460.

Proof that the outlying communities follow unique trends lies in Jefferson County's inventory increasing this week by five to 144 single-family listings. Typically, at this time of year, inventory is in a slow, steady decline, but market conditions are keeping levels elevated. The increase in listings isn't due to a lack of activity, as there were eight pending sales this week at an average of $455,456. Two closed transactions occurred at $320,000 and $322,500. The steady activity in Jefferson County this summer has likely encouraged sellers to enter the market and take advantage of the constant pool of buyers.

It is anyone's guess where mortgage interest rates are heading, but the trend indicates a softening from highs over seven percent. However long current rates last, we are in a sweet spot that is encouraging sellers to be reasonable, with rates down enough to give buyers some breathing room. If rates in the spring end up below six percent, buyers will engage the market in droves, inventory will be unlikely to achieve the peaks seen this year, and prices will firm up. Also, because of the inventory levels seen this summer, there will likely be more lingering options through the winter for buyers still looking. There is no question that sellers keeping listings active through the winter will be ready to negotiate, creating opportunities that may look vastly different depending on how spring shapes up. 

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Active Listings

RootedHomes Expands Down Payment Aid for Veterans

Nonprofit affordable housing developer RootedHomes has launched an expanded down payment assistance program for Central Oregon veterans, enabled by a $540,000 grant. Now, veterans can receive up to $60,000 or 20% of a home’s purchase price—whichever is less—toward any RootedHomes property currently under development. First-time buyers are eligible for up to $30,000 (or 20%), and first-generation homebuyers can also access up to $60,000 (or 20%). Interested applicants must provide a DD-214 or proof of veteran benefits and attend a free info session (available in September in both Spanish and English) as the first step. (ktvz.com)

Downtown Redmond's Revival

Downtown Redmond is experiencing a vibrant resurgence fueled by strategic public–private partnerships and historic preservation efforts. The centerpiece of this transformation is the $7 million renovation of the SCP Redmond Hotel—supported by a $3.53 million Urban Renewal Agency investment—which helped spark further downtown investment. Adding to the revitalization, a modern, 40,000‑square‑foot Redmond Library has opened, serving as a cultural and community anchor. The NOVA Apartments project has replaced an aging motel with 24 mixed‑use housing units for local workers, enhancing walkability and affordability in the heart of downtown. To weave together aesthetics and growth, the city offers a Small Projects Grant Program that provides up to $5,000 for façade upgrades like paint, lighting, and landscaping—supporting both local businesses and downtown’s cohesive charm. cascadebusnews.com

Best Low Cost Home Improvement Ideas for Central Oregon Home Owners

Are you a Central Oregon homeowner looking to revamp your space without breaking the bank? Discover our list of the best low-cost home improvement ideas that can elevate your home’s aesthetic and functionality. Dive in for innovative tips, budget-friendly hacks, and ways to increase your home’s value today!

 😎 Just sayin

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