In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🏡🌱Spring Home & Garden Show

📅Save The Date Section

💖Treat Yo’ Mama

🎶Redmond Community Choir Presents "Celebrating the Great American Songbook"

🍸🍹💃Round up of Cinco de Mayo celebrations!

❤️‍🩹🌿 A Smarter Approach to Wellness!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🏞️Priest Hole Recreation Site Reopens with Major Upgrades

📰From streets to stability Bend woman’s journey to home ownership

🎨 Sisters Art Station Inspires Creativity for All Ages

📰Regional News

🦦Oregon Zoo Says Goodbye to Tilly, a Rescued Otter Who Became a Star

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🚶🧑‍🦽ADA Sidewalk Improvements - Prineville

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News 

🚨Crime News

🚨Barricaded Fugitive Arrested After Standoff in Southeast Bend

📰La Pine Man Arrested for Allegedly Beating Puppy With Shovel

📰Community News

🪵🪚 La Pine High Logging Team Chops Its Way to Second Place at State Convention

🫴FANraiser Brings in $126K to Support Central Oregon Families

Have some news or know of news for our Community News Segment - share it with C.O. Local Buzz

🏘️Real Estate News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

🛠️7 Kitchen Updates Perfect for Anyone Planning To Age in Place

😁 MEME of the Day

How did you do on the Trivia Question?

Correct Answer: A) Tumalo

Expanded Answer:
In the early 1900s, Tumalo was promoted as a model irrigation town under the name "Laidlaw." Promoters claimed that residents could get water simply by “tapping” into plentiful irrigation lines—earning it the nickname "Tap Town." However, many settlers were disappointed by the actual lack of reliable water. The project eventually failed, and the area became known as Tumalo. The name "Laidlaw" faded, but the town's unique early branding is a quirky piece of Central Oregon history.

Good Morning!

BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon?

Spring Home & Garden Show

The 2025 Central Oregon Spring Home & Garden Show is set to take place from May 2 to May 4 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. This annual event, now in its 32nd year, is organized by the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) and sponsored by Johnson Brothers Appliances.

Event Details:

• Dates & Times:

  • Friday, May 2: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Saturday, May 3: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Sunday, May 4: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Location: Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR

• Admission: Free entry and parking

Attendees can explore over 200 exhibits featuring the latest trends in home building, remodeling, landscaping, and sustainable living. The show offers a comprehensive look at home and garden solutions, making it a valuable event for homeowners and enthusiasts alike.

For more information and updates, visit the official COBA events page: (coba.org). 

Coming up

🌿 A Smarter Approach to Wellness!

Mothers Day Event

River's Place in Bend, Oregon, is set to host its annual "Treat Yo' Mama" event on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025. This festive celebration offers a delightful mix of local artisan vendors, live music, and a curated rosé wine tasting experience, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for families to honor the special women in their lives.

Event Highlights:

• Local Artisan Market: Explore a diverse selection of handcrafted goods, including jewelry, home décor, and unique gifts from talented local makers.

• Live Music: Enjoy performances by local musicians, providing a lively soundtrack to the day's festivities.

• Rosé Wine Tasting: Savor a variety of rosé wines, perfect for toasting to moms everywhere.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With a spacious outdoor area, food trucks, and a welcoming environment, it's an ideal spot for families to gather and celebrate.

For more details and to stay updated on the event schedule, visit River's Place Live Music.

Redmond Community Choir Presents "Celebrating the Great American Songbook"

Mark your calendar for a musical afternoon as the Redmond Community Choir presents their spring concert on Sunday, May 18th at 4 PM. This special performance, "Celebrating the Great American Songbook," will feature the 75-member choir singing timeless classics from legends like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and more.

Adding to the program, the choir will perform Bob Chilcott’s "A Little Jazz Mass," accompanied by a stellar rhythm section of Central Oregon musicians and special guest artist Richard Tuttobene on piano.

The concert will be held at Redmond High School and is free to the public, with donations gladly accepted. The Redmond Community Choir is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and part of the COCC Community Education program.

For more information, visit redmondcommunitychoir.org.

Cinco De Mayo

Here’s a roundup of Cinco de Mayo 2025 celebrations in Central Oregon, featuring food, music, dance, and family-friendly fun:

🎉 Bend Celebrations

River’s Place – Live Music & Tamales

• When: Monday, May 5, 6:00–8:00 PM

• What: Live music by Estrellas, handmade tamales, elotes, and specialty cocktails.

• Where: 787 NE Purcell Blvd, Bend

• Details: A festive outdoor event with food trucks and drinks. (Bend Source)

Hola! Downtown – Salsa Night

• When: Saturday, May 3, 7:30–10:30 PM

• What: Salsa dance lesson followed by live music from BENDiciones Salsa Orchestra.

• Where: 920 NW Bond St, Bend

• Details: All-ages, no cover charge. (LATIN DANCE BEND)

Monkless Brasserie – Tacos & Beer Pairing

• When: Monday, May 5, 11:30 AM–9:00 PM

• What: Taco and beer flight pairings, margarita specials, and scenic river views.

• Where: 803 SW Industrial Way, Bend

• Details: A relaxed celebration with great food and drinks. (AllEvents)

Currents at Riverhouse – “Cinco de Monday”

• When: Monday, May 5, 4:00–10:00 PM

• What: Brisket tamales, elote bowls, and a new margarita menu.

• Where: 3075 N Hwy 97, Bend

• Details: Riverside dining with Tex-Mex flavors.

Silver Moon Brewing – DJ & Tacos

• When: Monday, May 5

• What: Latin food from Tablas Mobile Cuisine and music by DJ Cruz.

• Where: 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend

• Details: An evening of food, brews, and energetic music.

🌮 Redmond Celebrations

Redmond Downtown Park – Cultural Festival

• When: Sunday, May 4, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

• What: Live music, traditional food, artisan market, and family activities.

• Where: 16101 NE Redmond Way, Redmond

• Details: Hosted by Centro Cultural Mexicano; a free, family-friendly event.

Wild Ride Brewing – Paint Party

• When: Monday, May 5, 6:00–8:00 PM

• What: Guided painting session with food and drinks available.

• Where: 332 SW 5th St, Redmond

• Details: All ages welcome; tickets required.

Bangers & Brews – Family Fiesta

• When: Monday, May 5, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM

• What: Piñatas, food specials, drinks, and free meals for veterans.

• Where: Redmond location

• Details: Family and dog-friendly celebration.

🌟 Additional Celebrations

• La Rosa Mexican Kitchen (Bend): 20th annual Cinco de Mayo party with giveaways and specials.

• Campfire Hotel (Bend): Dance party with DJ SOLO, pool access, and food/drink specials.

• Bar Rio (Bend): Festivities with DJ Giancarlo and a variety of margaritas.

• SCP Hotel Redmond: Cinco de Mayo Paint Party; pre-registration required.

LOCAL EVENTS

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Local News…

Priest Hole Recreation Site Reopens with Major Upgrades

The Bureau of Land Management has reopened the Priest Hole Recreation Site east of Prineville after a $2 million overhaul aimed at improving accessibility, organization, and river health. Once a rugged, overused area plagued by illegal camping and pollution, the site now features 14 designated campsites, improved vault toilets, day-use areas, a boat launch, and upgraded ADA picnic facilities. The gravel road has been graded, guardrails installed, and barriers put in place to prevent vehicle damage to the riverbed. Sparked by a surge in popularity since the 2017 eclipse and the pandemic, the improvements are designed to protect the John Day River while offering a better experience for campers, anglers, and boaters. The BLM is currently seeking a volunteer campground host, and while use remains free for now, fees are expected in the future to support site upkeep.

Read the full story here

From streets to stability Bend woman’s journey to home ownership

In a powerful milestone moment, Laura Elder—a former addict who once experienced homelessness—helped raise the walls on her future home in Bend this week, thanks to the nonprofit First Story. The organization partners with Hayden Homes to offer affordable, zero-down, zero-interest homeownership opportunities to families who might otherwise be priced out of Central Oregon’s housing market. For Elder, the home represents more than shelter—it fulfills a vision she created in treatment of a stable, sober life with her children.

Watch Full Story Here

Sisters Art Station Inspires Creativity for All Ages

Lifelong artist and educator Mia Bradley has opened Sisters Art Station, a new creative hub in Sisters that offers art programs for children, teens, and adults. From toddler art sessions to Paint & Sip events and family workshops, the studio at 282 S. Cedar St. invites the community to explore their artistic side in a fun, welcoming space. A native of Sisters and former Farm School teacher, Bradley is passionate about nurturing creativity—and her own daughters are now part of the program too.

Read the full story here

Regional News…

Oregon Zoo Says Goodbye to Tilly, a Rescued Otter Who Became a Star

The Oregon Zoo is mourning the loss of Tilly, a beloved North American river otter who passed away at the age of 16. Tilly was humanely euthanized on April 30 after her health declined due to advanced age. She was considered geriatric for her species, as the median life expectancy for river otters in accredited zoos is 12.9 years .

Tilly's journey at the Oregon Zoo began in 2009 when she was rescued as an orphaned pup near Johnson Creek. At just a few months old, she had been wounded by an animal attack and was seriously malnourished. After her rescue, Tilly thrived under the care of the zoo staff and became known for her exceptional parenting skills. She raised four pups of her own—Mo, Ziggy, Tucker, and Nellie—and served as an adoptive mother to rescued orphans like Little Pudding and current zoo residents Flora and Hobson .

In 2013, Tilly was honored with the zoo's "Mom of the Year" award for her dedication to nurturing young otters. Her maternal instincts were evident in her commitment to teaching her pups essential survival skills, including swimming. A video of Tilly giving her pup Mo swimming lessons gained widespread attention, earning over a million views on the zoo's YouTube channel .

Tilly also gained a touch of pop culture fame when a photo of her was featured on the NBC sitcom "30 Rock," where she was noted for her resemblance to the character Tracy Jordan, played by Tracy Morgan .

"This is a very sad time, especially for Tilly’s care staff," said Jen Osburn Eliot, who oversees the zoo’s North America area. "Some of our keepers were here the day she first arrived in 2009 as a tiny pup. She overcame adversity just to survive, and she helped other otters do the same."

Tilly's legacy lives on through her offspring and the countless visitors whose lives she touched during her time at the Oregon Zoo.

 City of Bend Events

ADA Sidewalk Improvements - Prineville

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is actively upgrading sidewalk curb ramps in Prineville to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. This initiative is part of a broader statewide effort to enhance accessibility and pedestrian safety.

Construction is focused on two key areas:

• U.S. 26 (Ochoco Highway): From the intersection with Hickey Farms Road to NE Stearns Drive.

• OR 380 (Paulina Highway): From NE Combs Flat Road/NE Mason Drive to NE Combs Flat Road/SE 2nd Street.

Work commenced in late April and is expected to continue through the summer. Residents can anticipate daytime construction activities, including sidewalk, shoulder, and lane closures, with flaggers directing traffic as needed. Some noise and minor delays are possible during this period.

This project is a segment of ODOT's larger commitment to bring over 25,000 curb ramps across Oregon into ADA compliance, ensuring safer and more accessible routes for all pedestrians.

Fire & Rescue News…

Crime News…

Barricaded Fugitive Arrested After Standoff in Southeast Bend

BEND, Ore. — April 30, 2025

A tense standoff unfolded Wednesday afternoon in southeast Bend, concluding with the arrest of a 32-year-old man wanted on a statewide felony warrant.

At approximately 2:44 p.m., Bend Police received information that Brach Addison Roberts, a local resident, was inside an apartment at the Old Mill Apartments near SE Third Street and McKinley Avenue. Roberts was wanted for violating probation related to a prior drug conviction and was reportedly in possession of an illegal firearm.

Due to the potential threat, the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT), a regional SWAT unit, was activated. Officers established a perimeter and closed McKinley Avenue between Third and Fourth streets. Using loudspeakers, they urged Roberts to surrender peacefully, warning that force could be employed if he did not comply.

Around 5:35 p.m., after nearly three hours of negotiations, Roberts exited the apartment and was taken into custody without incident. A woman who was also in the apartment surrendered and was briefly detained but later released. A subsequent search of the residence did not yield any firearms.

Roberts was transported to the Deschutes County Jail, where he is being held on a $75,000 bail for the probation violation. His criminal history includes convictions for second-degree assault in 2009, fleeing police in 2016, fentanyl delivery in 2023, and resisting arrest and escape in 2024.

The Bend Police Department acknowledged the public's cooperation during the incident and confirmed that no injuries occurred.

La Pine Man Arrested for Allegedly Beating Puppy With Shovel

A 75-year-old La Pine man was arrested this week on multiple charges of animal abuse following an investigation into a disturbing incident involving a 5-month-old Dachshund puppy.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of alleged animal abuse on April 26 in the 15000 block of Sparks Drive in south Deschutes County. A witness told authorities they saw the suspect beating the puppy with a shovel and had captured the act on video.

Deputies identified the suspect as John Coe Richardson. During the initial contact, Richardson was reportedly uncooperative, and officers were unable to seize the animals at that time. The case was forwarded to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for review.

On April 30, deputies arrested Richardson in the La Pine area without incident. Three dogs, including the injured puppy, were removed from his property and taken to the Central Oregon Humane Society for evaluation and care.

Richardson has been booked into the Deschutes County Jail and faces charges of aggravated animal abuse in the first degree and second-degree animal abuse. The investigation is ongoing.

Watch Central Oregon Daily News Full Story Here

Community News…

La Pine High Logging Team Saws Its Way to Second Place at State Convention

La Pine High School’s forestry sports team claimed second place overall at the Future Natural Resource Leaders state convention in Corvallis, where students competed in traditional logging events like axe throwing, crosscut bucking, and choker setting. Senior Jaret Lorimor stood out by competing in 18 events and earning the title of Overall Logger of the Year. For many students, the program offers more than just competition—it provides purpose, practical job skills, and a path toward careers in forestry and utility work. Despite coming from a small school, La Pine’s team continues to outperform much larger programs thanks to dedication, teamwork, and community support.

Watch Full Story Here

FANraiser Brings in $126K to Support Central Oregon Families

The Family Access Network (FAN) held its 19th annual FANraiser at Pilot Butte Middle School on April 18, drawing over 200 guests and raising more than $126,000 to support families in need across Central Oregon. Attendees heard powerful firsthand stories from a high school student and a single mother, both of whom received life-changing help from FAN advocates during times of crisis. The event, backed by sponsors like Hoodoo Ski Area and a generous anonymous donor, highlighted the critical role FAN plays in connecting students and families to essential resources. FAN currently operates in 65 school sites across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties.

Real Estate News…

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Central Oregon Market Report | April 30, 2025

by Reed Melton

Higher mortgage interest rates over an extended period increase the housing supply. After nearly three years of rates around 7%, the supply of homes in Central Oregon has increased significantly from pandemic lows. While the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is down slightly to 6.81% this morning, this is in the range of variability we have seen over the last several months. 

This morning, there are 1,181 single-family listings in Deschutes County, an increase of 41 from last week. The high since I started tracking the weekly numbers in April 2022 was August 7, at 1,322. For reference, this week last year, there were 841 single-family listings. With three months to go until the typical peak inventory for the year, the volume of homes for sale this year will eclipse the highs of the last few years. However, activity is also strong, with 80 pending sales this week at an average list price of $849,224, compared to 71 at $837,579 on this week last year. Fifty-nine closed transactions at an average of $850,629 have been solid for the last few months, but it was eclipsed by 103 sales this week last year at an average of $857,240. While inventory may be rising, prices are firm, if not higher, than last year. 

Crook County inventory increased by thirteen to 201 single-family listings, the highest since I started tracking the weekly data in 2022. There were three pending single-family sales this week at an average of $408,333 and eight closed transactions at an average of $782,362, showing steady activity relative to the last several weeks. This week last year, there were just 114 active listings, with seventeen pending sales at an average of $695,207 and nine closed transactions at an average of $842,182. Weekly variations can be misleading, so read next week's report, where I will provide a year-to-date analysis of the last three years to show how this year measures comparatively.

Jefferson County inventory remains somewhat muted at 117 single-family listings this morning, a decrease of three from last week. Eleven pending sales at an average of $454,291 and six closed transactions at an average of $446,533 are highs for the year. The peak inventory since 2022 in Jefferson County was 120 on September 25, 2024. This week last year, there were 80 single-family listings, three pending sales at an average of $548,500, and five closed transactions at an average of $577,700. The variability of price week-to-week in the smaller data of Jefferson County is typical and not indicative of falling prices, which will be clear in next week's year-to-date analysis.

Weekly analysis is an excellent tool for identifying trends early if the data is in context with year-to-date activity. So much can happen week to week that has nothing to do with larger trends, and there is no rhyme or reason for when homes at a particular price point will sell. Some weeks, more homes are sold at or below the median sale price, while other weeks, multi-million dollar homes close, skewing the numbers up. In the larger dataset of Deschutes County, much of this variation smooths out, but in smaller Crook and Jefferson Counties, the variation can be more noticeable. A detailed, specific analysis of individual neighborhoods and price points is the best way to evaluate a particular property. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need information to help you make the best decision for your needs.

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ACTIVE LISTINGS

Planning to Age in Place? Find Inspiration at This Weekend’s Spring Home & Garden Show

As Central Oregon's population ages, many residents are exploring ways to adapt their homes for long-term comfort and accessibility. This weekend's 33rd Annual Spring Home & Garden Show, hosted by the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA), offers a timely opportunity to discover solutions for aging in place. The event runs from May 2 to May 4 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, featuring over 200 vendors specializing in home improvement, design, and aging-friendly modifications.

Aging in place involves making thoughtful home adjustments—such as installing wider doorways, non-slip flooring, and accessible kitchen layouts—to ensure safety and independence as mobility needs change. Experts at the show will be available to discuss these modifications, providing guidance on creating a home environment that supports aging gracefully.

Admission and parking are free, making it easy for attendees to explore the latest trends and technologies in home design. Whether you're planning a remodel or seeking ideas for future projects, the Spring Home & Garden Show is an invaluable resource for homeowners aiming to age in place comfortably.

For more insights on aging-in-place design, you can read this article from Realtor.com:

7 Kitchen Updates Perfect for Anyone Planning To Age in Place

 😎 Just sayin

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