In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🎓 Crook County Schools Near Top in 2025 Graduation Rates, Outpacing State Averages

 💧 Crooked River Ranch Water Heads to National Taste Test After Winning Oregon’s Top Honors

 🌉 Bend’s Hawthorne Crossing Bridge Project Advances With New State Leadership & Funding

⚖️ New Trial Set for Ian Cranston in 2021 Fatal Shooting of Barry Washington Jr.

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

 🚨 Fatal Crash on Hwy 126 Claims One Life, Shuts Down Roadway for Hours

 🧊 Icy Pond Rescue: Two Teens Pulled from Frigid Water at Madras Fairgrounds

🚨Crime News

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘️💼Real Estate & Business News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

 🔥Deschutes County approves stricter building rules to reduce wildfire risk

 🌱 Master Gardeners Offer Hands-On Veggie Gardening Classes Across Central Oregon

 🚗 Costco Car Wash Construction Begins in North Bend

 🏡 Play Society in west Bend to Close Doors

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

 ✅ Answer: C – Hotel Sisters
Built in 1912, Hotel Sisters quickly became the social heart of the growing town. It offered lodging, a saloon, and a gathering space for ranchers, travelers, and loggers passing through the area. Over 100 years later, the building still stands strong at the corner of Cascade Avenue and Fir Street, now home to the Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it's one of the oldest remaining structures downtown—and a beloved piece of Sisters’ frontier-era charm.

See expanded answer in the Real Estate & Business News Section 👇

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

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Local News…

🎓 Crook County Schools Near Top in 2025 Graduation Rates, Outpacing State Averages

New data from the Oregon Department of Education shows strong graduation results for Central Oregon’s Class of 2025, with Crook County School District posting one of the highest rates in the state. Crook County’s overall graduation rate rose to 97.8%, with Crook County High School itself achieving an even higher 98.4% on‑time graduation rate—well above the statewide average and among the best in the region.

Across Central Oregon, most districts saw year‑over‑year improvements: Bend‑La Pine Schools reached 85.8%, Redmond logged 91.2%, Sisters District was 94.5%, Jefferson County hit 91.7%, and Culver’s rate climbed to 94.8% for the 2024‑25 school year. These results also contribute to Oregon’s record high statewide graduation rate of 83%, reflecting continued focus on student support and success throughout the region.

 💧 Crooked River Ranch Water Heads to National Taste Test After Winning Oregon’s Top Honors

Crooked River Ranch’s local water is gaining national attention after being selected to compete in the Great American Water Taste Test, following its win as top‑tasting water in Oregon. The community’s untreated groundwater impressed judges in the state competition and earned the right to represent Oregon on the national stage, a notable achievement for the rural water supply serving thousands of residents in the Crooked River Ranch area.

This recognition highlights the quality of the local water source and puts it alongside other standout waters from across the country in one of the U.S.’s most unusual taste tests. It’s a point of pride for the community and a fun example of something uniquely local making a splash beyond Central Oregon.

 🌉 Bend’s Hawthorne Crossing Bridge Project Advances With New State Leadership & Funding

The long‑anticipated Hawthorne Crossing bridge project in Bend has entered an exciting new phase as the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) steps in to lead design and construction, marking a key milestone in connecting the city’s east and west sides. The project recently finalized a truss‑style bridge design that city engineers say strikes a balance between cost and aesthetic appeal, and it moves forward with about $32 million in combined state, federal, and local funding.

The bridge will span U.S. 97 and the railroad tracks, providing a safer, dedicated crossing for pedestrians, cyclists, and others—improving access between downtown Bend and surrounding neighborhoods while enhancing connections with existing streets, paths, and transit networks. With public outreach and design work progressing this year, planners are now focused on how the bridge landings will integrate with nearby areas and infrastructure. City leaders expect the project to improve safety and mobility for all users once complete, and a detailed update on design and next steps was presented at a recent Bend City Council work session.

⚖️ New Trial Set for Ian Cranston in 2021 Fatal Shooting of Barry Washington Jr.

Ian Cranston, the man convicted in the 2021 shooting death of Barry Washington Jr. outside a downtown Bend bar, will face a new trial after his previous conviction was overturned on appeal. The 10-day trial is scheduled to begin October 20, 2026, in Deschutes County Circuit Court, again under the oversight of Judge Beth Bagley—the same judge who presided over the original trial.

Cranston was convicted in 2022 of first-degree manslaughter, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon after shooting Washington outside The Capitol bar on NW Oregon Avenue. He was acquitted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. However, the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled in October 2025 that the trial court erred by refusing to instruct the jury that Oregon law does not require a person to retreat before acting in self-defense—a key point raised by Cranston's legal team. The appellate court concluded that the omission may have misled the jury and was not a harmless error, thus sending the case back for retrial.

Fire & Rescue… 

🚨 Fatal Crash on Hwy 126 Claims One Life, Shuts Down Roadway for Hours

A tragic head-on collision on Highway 126 near milepost 7 in Crook County left one person dead and another seriously injured Wednesday morning. Oregon State Police say a westbound Jeep Cherokee, driven by 25-year-old Aspen Cheyenne Hadley of Bend, crossed the centerline for unknown reasons and collided with an eastbound Freightliner box truck driven by 35-year-old Leah Lynn Laforest of Redmond.

Hadley was pronounced dead at the scene. Laforest sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. The crash closed the highway for about three hours as investigators worked the scene. The Crook County Sheriff's Office assisted OSP with the response.

🧊 Icy Pond Rescue: Two Teens Pulled from Frigid Water at Madras Fairgrounds

Two teenagers were rescued from an icy pond Tuesday evening after falling through thin ice at the Jefferson County fishing pond near the fairgrounds off SW Culver Highway. Emergency crews from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Fire & EMS rushed to the scene around 5:16 p.m. to find a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old partially submerged and unable to get out on their own. The ice was dangerously thin—just 1.5 to 2 inches thick—posing major hazards to responders.

Deputies initially maintained verbal contact while specialized rescue gear was brought in. With teamwork and fast action, Sergeant Ben Toops entered the pond and helped guide the teens to safety. Both were treated for hypothermia and taken to the hospital for further care. Officials urge the public to avoid frozen lakes and ponds this winter, as ice conditions remain unpredictable and unsafe.

Crime News…

Community News…

 Regional News…

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

Friday’s

Real Estate & Business News

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Central Oregon Market Report | January 28, 2026

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

 Market statistics may not be the most exciting thing you read each week, but I write these reports to share real-time data directly from our MLS, so anyone looking at the housing market will benefit. Many will focus on their wish list as buyers, or what they hope to get from a sale, which are undoubtedly important considerations. However, without a basis for where the market stands, either of those criteria can quickly lead to frustration. It is far better to understand the price range a home is likely to sell for and adjust accordingly than to enter the market with unrealistic expectations, only to be disappointed. I regularly speak with out-of-town buyers who are unfamiliar with our market and list a string of requirements for their future home in Central Oregon, with a maximum budget that can't get the job done. My goal here is to share valuable, up-to-date information to help you make the best decision possible, no matter your goals in Central Oregon!

This morning, in Deschutes County, there are 761 active single-family home listings, down 10 from last week. 57 sales are pending, down 6 from last week, and averaging $785,346. 37 of the pending sales reduced the asking price before securing a buyer by 7.72%. 36 transactions closed this week, up three from last week, with 24 of those listings reducing the asking price an average of 5.93% before securing a contract. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 94.35%.

In Crook County, inventory increased for the third consecutive week, with 154 listings this morning, up by two from last week. Six pending sales are up 2 from last week, averaging $594,067, with 3 of those properties reducing their asking prices by an average of 4.18% before securing a buyer. Three transactions closed this week, with one of those sales reducing the asking price 10.01% before securing a contract. One of those sales was on the market for just 5 days, with another for 15 days, remarkably quick for this time of year. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 95.41% for the week.

Jefferson County inventory has been steady but bouncing around, with 111 listings this morning, down five from last week. On the last day of 2025, there were 124 listings. Nine sales are pending this week, averaging $401,861, showing strong activity. Pending sales increased by 8 from last week. Six of the pending sales decreased the asking price by an average of 3.74% before securing a contract. Four transactions closed this week, with three of those properties reducing their asking prices by an average of 1.96% before securing a contract. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio this week was 97.21%.

After some volatility in the mortgage markets over the last few weeks, the trend has been heading lower, with the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage at 6.17%. Lower mortgage rates are particularly helpful at lower price points, and buyers in Central Oregon are taking advantage. Our non-winter weather also helps keep the market moving, with steady activity continuing. Inventory is slightly higher than this time last year across all three counties of Central Oregon, an early indication that sales in 2026 will exceed those in 2025. While prices are stable, conditions for buyers continue to improve. 

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Active Listings

 🔥Deschutes County approves stricter building rules to reduce wildfire risk

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners has approved new building standards for unincorporated areas of the county to address the growing threat of wildfires.

The regulations, taking effect April 1, require all new homes and accessory structures to be built with fire resistant material. 

• Roofing: In accordance with specific building code standards, roofing shall be asphalt shingles, slate shingles, metal roofing, tile, clay or concrete shingles, or other approved roofing that is deemed to be equivalent to a minimum Class B-rated roof assembly. Wood shingle and shake roofs are not permitted on structures.

• Exterior walls: Exterior wall covering or wall assembly shall comply with one of the following requirements:

  • Noncombustible material.

  • Ignition-resistant material.

  • Heavy timber assembly.

  • Log wall construction assembly.

  • Wall assemblies that have been tested in accordance with the test procedures for a 10-minute direct flame contact exposure test.

• Glazing: Exterior windows, windows within exterior doors, and skylights shall be tempered glass, multilayered glazed panels, glass block or have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes.

• Ventilation: All ventilation openings shall be covered with noncombustible corrosion-resistant metal wire mesh, vents designed to resist the intrusion of burning embers and flame, or other approved materials or devices. Ventilation mesh and screening shall be a minimum of 1/16-inch and a maximum of 1/8-inch in any dimension.

• Gutters and Downspouts: Where provided, gutters and downspouts shall be constructed of noncombustible materials and be provided with an approved means to prevent accumulation of leaves and debris in the gutter.

• Eaves, Soffits, and Cornices: Ventilation openings shall not be installed on the underside of eaves, soffits or cornices.

Major exceptions include:

• Repairs or replacements of existing components and additions to existing dwellings.

• Nonhabitable detached accessory structures with a floor area of not greater than 400 square feet located not less than 50 feet from all structures on the lot that contain habitable space.

• Structures exempted by ORS 455.315 (i.e. – agriculturally exempt structures).

• Detached accessory membrane-covered frame structures.

More details can be found at this link on the Deschutes County website.

🌱 Master Gardeners Offer Hands-On Veggie Gardening Classes Across Central Oregon

Ready to grow your own food? The Central Oregon Master Gardeners Association is launching a series of interactive classes designed to help locals start and succeed with vegetable gardening—even in the High Desert’s tricky conditions. Whether you're a seasoned grower or brand new to planting, the workshops will feature live demos and expert advice tailored to our unique climate.

Classes are open to all skill levels. 🌿 For dates, times, and locations, visit the COMGA event calendar.

🚗 Costco Car Wash Construction Begins in North Bend

More than a year after the new Costco opened on Bend’s north side, construction is finally underway on the long-promised car wash. The facility is being built near the existing gas station at the northern edge of the property.

While shoppers have eagerly awaited its arrival, an official opening date has yet to be announced. Stay tuned!

🏡 Play Society in west Bend to Close Doors

The Play Society, a beloved indoor play space for children five and under on Bend’s west side, has announced it will end open play sessions after Friday, March 27. In a heartfelt message, owner Zelda shared that the decision comes after much reflection, citing the difficulty of maintaining a healthy work-life balance while raising two young children.

While open play will cease at the end of March, the business will continue to offer birthday parties and private play date bookings as Zelda determines whether to sell the business or close entirely. Families with remaining credits are encouraged to use them before the transition. For serious inquiries about taking over the business, email [email protected]. The owner expressed deep gratitude to the families and staff who brought the space to life: “Your love and encouragement has meant more than I can put into words.”

✅ Answer: B – A devastating fire destroyed most of the original wooden buildings
In 1923, a major fire swept through Sisters, destroying much of the original downtown. When the town rebuilt, many structures were designed in a Western false-front style—partly for visual appeal, but also to reflect the town’s frontier heritage. Today, that design remains a key part of Sisters’ visual charm, helping to shape its Old West aesthetic and attract tourism.

 😎Just sayin

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