In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

❤️‍🩹🌿 A Smarter Approach to Wellness!

💖Treat Yo’ Mama

📅Save The Date Section

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

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 📰 Timed Reservation Tickets for Lava River Cave Available Starting Friday; Cave Opens May 16

📰Higher bills for Bend roads: Council approves transportation fee Phase 2

📰Jury sides with Mt. Bachelor in skier’s $4.67 million injury lawsuit

🚤New Year-Round Dock Installed at Crane Prairie Reservoir

🔥⛑Fire & Rescue News

💥⛑Head-On Crash Closes Bend Parkway; One Driver Seriously Injured

🚨Crime News

🚨Bend Man Shot at SW Apartment Complex; Suspect Arrested Hours Later

📰Canadian Man Arrested in Connection with 2023 Bend Homicide

🚨Bend Police Investigating Homicide in Northeast Bend, Suspect in Custody

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🏘Real Estate News

🏘📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

⛵ Elk Lake Resort Finds New Local Owners Committed to Legacy

😍Sponsors

😁 MEME of the Day

Answer:
B) Sheep wool production

Expanded Answer:
In the early 1900s, Shaniko earned the nickname "Wool Capital of the World." The town thrived as a major hub for sheep ranching and wool shipping in Central Oregon. Thanks to the Columbia Southern Railroad, Shaniko became a key distribution point, with vast quantities of wool from surrounding ranches transported through the town. At its peak, Shaniko shipped millions of pounds of wool annually, making it one of the most important economic centers in the region—before the decline of the railroad led to its gradual fade into ghost town status.

Good Morning!

BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon?

 🌿 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.

Coming up

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.

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Local News…

Timed Reservation Tickets for Lava River Cave Available Starting Friday; Cave Opens May 16

The Deschutes National Forest has announced that timed reservation tickets for the 2025 season at Lava River Cave will be available beginning Friday, May 9. The cave, a popular destination located within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, is set to open for the season on Friday, May 16 .

To manage increasing visitation and enhance safety, the Forest Service continues to implement a timed reservation system introduced in 2022. Visitors can book their reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations open daily at 7 a.m. Pacific Time.

Each reservation allows for a two-hour entry window, with six daily entry blocks starting on the hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors are required to arrive within 30 minutes of their scheduled time and must depart the parking lot within two hours. Notably, 50% of the reservations are available on a seven-day rolling basis, while the remaining 50% become available 24 hours in advance .

Reservations are per vehicle, not per person, and are free of charge. However, a $2 service fee is applied per transaction by Recreation.gov. Additionally, a valid federal recreation pass, such as the Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass, is required for entry. Visitors arriving by bicycle or on foot do not need a timed reservation .

Lava River Cave is Oregon’s longest continuous lava tube, stretching nearly a mile underground. The cave maintains a constant temperature of approximately 42°F (5.5°C) year-round. Visitors are advised to dress warmly, wear sturdy footwear, and bring reliable light sources. Flashlights can also be rented on-site. To protect the resident bat population from White-nose syndrome, visitors are asked not to wear clothing or bring gear that has been used in other caves or mines .

For more information or to make a reservation, visit Recreation.gov or contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at 541-383-5300.

Higher bills for Bend roads: Council approves transportation fee Phase 2

BEND, Ore. -- The Bend City Council approved moving into the second phase of the Transportation Fee Wednesday, meaning monthly utility rates for residents and businesses will be going up this summer. The money goes toward general road and sidewalk maintenance.

The funds are used for things like pavement restoration, street preservation, signs, striping, sidewalk and other concrete work, bicycle enhancement, street sweeping and cleaning, snow removal and other programs, the city has said.

Phase 2 will begin on July 1 under the following structure:

• Single-unit residential accounts: $10.50 per month (up from $5.60)

• Multi-unit housing (apartments, duplexes, etc.): $7.75 per month, per unit (up from $4.15)

• Utility billing assistance: $5.25 per month (up from $2.80)

• Businesses: $6.25 to $20.50 per 1,000 square feet per month, depending on amount of use

The City says Phase 1, which launched on July 1, 2024, is on track to generate $5 million for the fiscal year 2024-25. The city wants to be able to make $10 million per year in this next phase.

A third phase could come in 2026 to generate $15 million annually. City of Bend Community Relations Manager Jacob Larsen said the council plans to hold further discussions about other revenue sources which could affect Phase 3 rates.

Residents were not given the chance to vote on the transportation fee. The city said it's not a tax and, therefore, not required to be put up for public vote. 🤔

Jury sides with Mt. Bachelor in skier’s $4.67 million injury lawsuit

BEND, Ore. -- The parent company of Mt. Bachelor is thanking a jury for rejecting a nearly $4.7 million lawsuit by a woman who broke her leg at the resort.

Jeanne Scanland fell while getting off the Pine Marten lift in 2022, breaking her leg. She sued for negligence, saying the exit area was not properly maintained and the lift operators failed to react appropriately.

The complaint was originally for more than $2.3 million. On the day the trial started April 29. it was amended to request $4.67 million. The complaint indicated Scanland, "a medical doctor running her own firm, was unable to maintain her practice and was forced to close her doors, causing her lost income."

The jury determined Friday that Mt. Bachelor LLC and POWDR Corp. were not negligent. A POWDR spokesperson released this statement Monday:

"Mt. Bachelor applauds today’s jury decision affirming the resort’s operational practices and recognizing the risks inherent to skiing and snowboarding. This verdict reinforces our longstanding commitment to safety, operational excellence, and educating guests about the inherent risks of skiing and snowboarding. Mt. Bachelor will continue to emphasize proactive risk communication, including through signage, guest education, and collaboration with industry experts. We thank our legal counsel, and the jury for their diligence and civic duty to the State of Oregon."

New Year-Round Dock Installed at Crane Prairie Reservoir

The Deschutes National Forest has installed a new permanent dock at Crane Prairie Reservoir that can remain in place year-round, eliminating the need for seasonal removal. Designed to adjust with changing water levels, the dock’s bracket system protects its float components even when water recedes and the dock rests on the ground.

This upgrade addresses long-standing concerns from local guides like Jeff Perrin of The Fly Fisher’s Place, who noted that early dock removals and late installations have disrupted access and impacted business.

Next year, similar docks are scheduled for Cultus and Paulina lakes, with Suttle Lake slated for 2027 if additional funding is secured. No changes have been announced yet for East Lake, where low water levels have rendered boat ramps unusable.

Fire & Rescue News…

Head-On Crash Closes Bend Parkway; One Driver Seriously Injured

A serious crash shut down parts of the Bend Parkway for several hours Wednesday morning after a head-on collision near the Reed Market Road overpass.

Just after 8 a.m., a black Chevrolet Silverado heading south crossed into the northbound lanes when the 61-year-old driver reportedly suffered a medical event. The truck collided head-on with a Toyota Sienna, driven by a 21-year-old Bend woman who was partially ejected from the vehicle. She sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Charles Bend, along with the Silverado driver.

The man, identified as Bryan Patrick McMahon, was cited for careless driving causing an accident. Bend Police closed all northbound lanes and one southbound lane for roughly three hours while the Crash Reconstruction Team investigated the scene.

Crime News…

Bend Man Shot at SW Apartment Complex; Suspect Arrested Hours Later

A 20-year-old man was seriously injured in a shooting Tuesday night at the Stillwater Crossing Apartments on SW Atwood Drive in Bend. Police responded around 9:12 p.m. after multiple 911 callers reported shots fired, people running through the parking lot, and vehicles fleeing the scene.

The victim had been driven away from the area and was found by officers at Powers Road and the Bend Parkway. He was given aid at the scene and then transported by medics to St. Charles Bend with serious injuries.

Investigators identified the suspected shooter as 21-year-old Iziah Nicholas Coleman, a Bend resident. He was tracked to Motel 6 on NE Third Street, where the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team arrested him without incident around 12:43 a.m.

Coleman was booked on suspicion of first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, reckless endangering, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Canadian Man Arrested in Connection with 2023 Bend Homicide

Bend Police have identified and arrested a suspect in the July 2023 homicide of Evelyn Jeanette Weaver. Cole Nikolaus Sinclair, a 25-year-old Canadian citizen, was provisionally arrested in Canada on December 17, 2024, and remains in custody as the U.S. pursues his extradition.

Weaver, 28, was found dead in her Bend home July 18th, 2023. Investigators have since determined her death was a homicide. Police say there is currently no evidence that Weaver and Sinclair knew each other.

Due to ongoing legal proceedings, additional details have not been released. Authorities thanked multiple agencies, including the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, for their assistance.

The investigation remains active. Anyone who may have had contact with Sinclair is urged to call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 and ask for Detective Sergeant Tommy Russell.

Bend Police Investigating Homicide in Northeast Bend, Suspect in Custody

Bend Police are investigating a homicide that occurred Wednesday evening in the 100 block of NE Emerson Avenue. Officers responded around 7:16 p.m. on May 7 after a report of a deceased person in the area.

Police found a middle-aged white man who had suffered fatal injuries. His identity has not yet been confirmed, and an autopsy is scheduled for today.

While investigating the scene, officers were dispatched to a nearby trespassing call on NE Irving Avenue. A homeowner reported a man with a backpack acting erratically and running through his yard. Police located the man, later identified as 27-year-old Bend resident Phillip Matthew Howard Evans, and initially arrested him for trespassing.

Further investigation led detectives to identify Evans as the suspect in the homicide. He was taken into custody and transported to the Deschutes County Jail on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Detectives are actively serving search warrants as the investigation continues.

Community News…

Skyliners Lodge: A Historic Gem Near Tumalo Falls Continues Its Legacy

Nestled along Tumalo Creek in the Deschutes National Forest, just west of Bend, Oregon, Skyliners Lodge stands as a testament to the region's rich history and enduring community spirit. Constructed in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the lodge showcases the National Park Rustic architectural style, featuring hand-hewn spruce logs, native stone fireplaces, and handcrafted furnishings.

Originally serving as the headquarters for the Skyliners Ski Club—Central Oregon's first ski organization founded in 1927 by Scandinavian immigrants—the lodge played a pivotal role in promoting winter sports in the area. The club's activities laid the groundwork for the development of skiing in Central Oregon, eventually leading to the establishment of the Mount Bachelor ski area.

In recent decades, Skyliners Lodge has evolved into a cherished venue for educational programs, community gatherings, and private events. Under the stewardship of the High Desert Education Service District (HDESD), the lodge became a hub for outdoor learning, hosting numerous youth programs and field trips.

Facing financial constraints, HDESD announced plans in late 2024 to cease operations at the lodge. Recognizing the lodge's significance, NatureConnect Central Oregon stepped in to assume operational responsibilities starting July 1, 2025. This transition ensures the continuation of educational and community events at the lodge. NatureConnect also secured a $128,368 grant from the Bend Sustainability Fund to replace the aging roof with a fire-resistant alternative that preserves the building's historic character.

Skyliners Lodge remains a symbol of Central Oregon's dedication to preserving its historical landmarks while fostering community engagement and outdoor education.

Read more about Skyliners Ski Club

 City of Bend Events

Friday’s

Real Estate News…

Sponsored By

Central Oregon Market Report | May 7, 2025

by Reed Melton

One of the most common questions in the real estate business is, "How is the market?" Typically, the following statement is an anecdotal assumption that the market is either hot or slow. Interestingly, I don't hear many people assuming that the market is stable. There is no question that sales volume increased in 2020 through 2022, and prices increased dramatically. How does the market look today compared to the past several years? Today, I am showing sales from January 1 through May 1, 2018, through 2025, to illustrate where the market is today and how it measures up to the recent past. Without context, data is meaningless. I always strive to provide facts without putting a spin on the data, and today, I will bring context to the weekly data I typically offer. 

30-year Fixed-Rate Conventional Mortgage Rates - January 1 and May 1

2018 - 4.06% - 4.64%

2019 - 4.54% - 4.21%

2020 - 3.76% - 3.26%

2021 - 2.83% - 3.08%

2022 - 3.33% - 5.36%

2023 - 6.48% - 6.5%

2024 - 6.73% - 7.18%

2025 - 6.97% - 6.83%

Deschutes County - Single-Family Sales/Median Sale $/Days on Market

2018 - 1,295 - $390,000 - 36

2019 - 1,134 - $407,495 - 43

2020 - 1,281 - $426,000 - 33

2021 - 1,460 - $554,250 - 4

2022 - 1,399 - $691,000 - 5

2023 - 885 - $620,215 - 30

2024 - 983 - $680,000 - 31

2025 - 995 - $699,900 - 40

Crook County - Single-Family Sales/Median Sale $/Days on Market

2018 - 133 - $275,000 - 37

2019 - 134 - $272,725 - 58

2020 - 114 - $291,000 - 52

2021 - 151 - $407,000 - 11

2022 - 158 - $445,000 - 16

2023 - 116 - $463,747 - 66

2024 - 115 - $444,995 - 46

2025 - 112 - $427,450 - 54

Jefferson County - Single-Family Sales/Median Sale $/Days on Marke

2018 - 89 - $217,000 - 45

2019 - 64 - $261,174 - 69

2020 - 87 - $250,000 - 59

2021 - 103 - $301,000 - 8

2022 - 123 - $380,000 - 18

2023 - 61 - $365,000 - 64

2024 - 60 - $447,930 - 66

2025 - 70 - $398,500 - 75

Since 2021, the median sale price in all three counties of Central Oregon has significantly increased. Days listed have also gone up since the tumultuous pandemic housing market, but we are close to the marketing time of 2019, which, in retrospect, looks like the most "normal" market of this date range. Deschutes County has experienced a significant price gain since 2018, at 79.46%, Crook County at 55.44%, and Jefferson at 83.64%. 

The Central Oregon Housing market is strong. However, with more listings and higher interest rates, competition between sellers is fierce. Accurately pricing your home can result in significantly shorter marketing times, but sellers are doing well to start 2025, and that trend will continue through the summer.

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Active Listings

 Elk Lake Resort Finds New Local Owners Committed to Legacy

Elk Lake Resort, a beloved destination in the Central Oregon Cascades, has officially changed hands after nearly five years on the market. A group of local families has purchased the historic resort, which is known for its scenic views, paddleboarding, boating, weddings, and winter activities.

The sale was handled by Fratzki Commercial Real Estate Advisors, whose team emphasized the importance of preserving the resort’s century-long legacy. The new owners plan to continue offering the same memorable experiences that have made Elk Lake a cherished getaway for generations of Central Oregonians.

 😎 Just sayin

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