In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

⛷🚵‍♀️🛶Get Ready for the 2025 SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle in Bend, Oregon

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

📅Save The Date Section

🍺➕Bend Brews & Beyond

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🏌️‍♀️X-Golf Indoor Golf Center Opening in Bend’s Old Mill District

🎶🎟Live Nation announces $30 concert ticket deal for Hayden Homes Amphitheater

🛶Bend’s Miller’s Landing is getting a major upgrade

📰Deschutes County expands Household Hazardous Waste disposal options in Bend

🚨Crime News

📰Bend Police Seek Witnesses in Ongoing NE Bend Homicide Investigation

🚨Smith Rock BMX in Redmond Seeks Community Support Following Break-In

⚖Former Bend teacher sentenced to prison on child pornography charges

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🚧Olney Avenue improvement project update

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🏘Real Estate News

🏘📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

🌱 OSU EXTENSION SERVICE: Container gardening made easy, a great choice for Central Oregon

😍Sponsors

😁 MEME of the Day

Correct Answer: B) A World War II-era military training or gunnery range

Expanded Answer:
The Mystery Triangle near Trail Crossing is a distinct triangular formation that continues to baffle historians and locals alike. While no definitive records confirm its original use, one of the most enduring theories is that it served as a military training site or gunnery range during World War II. Its shape, scale, and remote location seem to support this possibility. The site is now part of the Crooked River National Grassland, where federal rules prevent the use of metal detectors or removal of artifacts—preserving its secrets and keeping the mystery alive for the next curious explorer.

Good Morning!

BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon?

Get Ready for the 2025 SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle in Bend, Oregon

The SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle (PPP), Central Oregon’s iconic multi-sport race, returns on Saturday, May 17, 2025. This beloved event, organized by the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF), draws over 2,000 participants and thousands of spectators each year, making it one of the largest multi-sport events in the Northwest.

🏁 Race Overview

The PPP challenges individuals, pairs, and teams to complete six diverse legs spanning from the snowy slopes of Mt. Bachelor to the scenic Deschutes River in Bend. The race includes:

• Alpine Ski: A sprint uphill followed by a downhill ski on the Leeway trail.

• Nordic Ski: A 6 km cross-country course through Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic trails.

• Bike: A 20-mile ride descending Century Drive into Bend.

• Run: A 5.2-mile trail run along the Deschutes River, starting at the Athletic Club of Bend.

• Paddle: A 1.5-mile kayak leg on the Deschutes River.

• Sprint: A final half-mile dash to the finish line at Riverbend Park.

Participants can compete solo, in pairs, or as part of a team, with various categories accommodating different age groups and abilities, including adaptive and non-binary divisions.

🎉 Community Celebration

The finish line at Riverbend Park transforms into a festive hub, featuring food vendors, sponsor booths, and live entertainment. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on racers and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The awards ceremony will take place from approximately 3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

🎨 2025 Official Artwork

This year’s official PPP artwork was designed by Caya Christiansen, a Summit High School graduate. Her vibrant design, showcasing iconic race elements and local landmarks, will be featured on event merchandise, celebrating the creative spirit of the community.

🏆 Supporting Youth Athletics

Proceeds from the PPP support MBSEF’s mission to provide affordable athletic programs to over 800 youth athletes in Central Oregon, fostering sportsmanship, self-discipline, and healthy lifestyles.

For more information, registration details, and course maps, visit the official PPP website: pppbend.com.

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.

Coming up

Bend Brews & Beyond

The event will feature 50+ Oregon breweries and cideries including—for the first time ever—every locally-owned Central Oregon hopped, appled, and honeyed beverage producer as well as over a dozen non-alcoholic beverage makers, allowing everyone to celebrate together whether they feel like drinking alcohol moderately or not at all.

The festival takes place in downtown Bend’s Drake Park (777 NW Riverside Dr.) on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25 from 12-8 p.m. The event is 21+ only and tickets are required for all attendees.

Advance online tickets for admission, souvenir mug and 7 drink tokens are $40 for alcohol and $30 for non-alcohol passes. Two-day passes will be available. Tickets are truly limited and the event is expected to sell out. If available, tickets will be $55 ALC/$45 N/A at the gates.

Beyond drinking together, attendees can greet—and thank—the people responsible for the bounty of tasty beverages from 3-5 p.m. during the Meet the Makers session. It will be followed by the Brewers Decathlon where teams of brewers will compete for the coveted Bend Brews & Beyond Mashlete Trophy awarded to the team that dominates in ten challenges designed for professional brewers only. Attendees are encouraged to don their funkiest pants to earn the title of the inaugural Bend Drinking Pants Pageant. (“The most fun you’ll have with your pants on.”) Two specialty beers will be available per hour in the Next-Tap section. Music will be provided by a combination of live musicians and a DJ. Ten of Bend’s most beloved food trucks will be on site. Everyone is encouraged to drink responsibly and make plans to arrive and depart safely with transportation options being announced soon.

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Local News…

X-Golf Indoor Golf Center Opening in Bend’s Old Mill District

Golfers in Central Oregon will soon have a year-round option to practice their swing—rain, snow, or shine—thanks to the opening of X-Golf in Bend’s Old Mill District. The new indoor golf facility features seven high-tech simulators, a full bar, and food service, all under one roof. A soft opening is planned for this weekend, with a grand opening celebration set for Friday, May 16.

The simulators utilize advanced South Korean laser technology to measure ball speed, club speed, spin rate, and distance with high accuracy. The environment is designed to be welcoming and low-pressure, catering to both seasoned players and those new to the game.

Unlike traditional golf simulators, X-Golf Bend also offers league play, space for corporate events, and an on-site dining experience. It's one of the few spots in the region combining golf simulation with a full-service bar and restaurant.

During the colder months, the venue is expected to be especially popular among local golfers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for an off-season alternative. The simulators can recreate iconic courses such as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, offering an immersive experience without ever leaving town.

Tee times are available to book online. Rates start at $55 per hour from Sunday through Thursday and $65 per hour on Fridays and Saturdays. Sessions can range from one to six hours, with the option to add 30 minutes during booking.

For more information or to reserve a time, visit the X-Golf Bend website.

Live Nation announces $30 concert ticket deal for Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Live Nation has launched a new $30 ticket deal for this year’s concert lineup at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend.

Tickets go on sale at a discounted rate for more than 20 shows at Hayden Homes starting May 21st. The concert deal includes all frees, upfront, in the $30 ticket price.

Participating shows at Hayden Homes Amphitheater

• Warren Zeiders

• Brad Paisley

• Goose

• Leon Bridges

• Yacht Rock Revue

• Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder

• Peter Frampton

• Earth, Wind & Fire

• Barenaked Ladies

• Billy Currington

• Trevor Noah

• Dropkick Murphys

• Maoli

• Old Dominion

• CAAMP

• My Morning Jacket

• LCD Soundsystem

• Alabama Shakes

• Counting Crows

• Mt. Joy

• Goo Goo Dolls

• Japanese Breakfast

• Chicago

Additional information on the $30 Ticket to Summer from Live Nation

• How $30 Ticket to Summer Works: Starting May 21, in the U.S. and Canada, fans can visit LiveNation.com/TickettoSummer to see the full list of participating events. Once they’ve selected a show, they should look for the ticket type labeled “$30 Ticket to Summer,” add the ticket(s) to their cart, and proceed to checkout.

• How to Find Participating Shows: Fans can filter their search on LiveNation.com/TickettoSummer by participating events, venues, or artists. While on the website, fans can also set the location to the closest city and the site will refresh to only include participating shows nearby.

• How to Buy Tickets: $30 Ticket to Summer will be available starting with T-Mobile and Rakuten early access beginning Tuesday, May 20. The general onsale will begin Wednesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. local time while supplies last at LiveNation.com/TickettoSummer.

• How to Participate in T-Mobile Early Access: T-Mobile customers get early access to $30 Ticket to Summer tickets to 1000+ shows starting Tuesday, May 20th at 10am ET until 11:59pm local time. T-Mobile customers can simply head to https://www.t-mobiletickets.com/ for details on how to unlock their exclusive tickets. With Magenta Status, T-Mobile customers get access to premium benefits and experiences like special-priced tickets to their favorite concerts and expedited entry at top venues across the country. Download the T-Life app or visit https://www.t-mobiletickets.com/ to learn more. Limitations apply.

• How to Participate in Rakuten Early Access: From 10am ET through 11:59pm ET on May 20, Rakuten members can purchase early access tickets and earn Cash Back while supplies last. It’s free and easy to join Rakuten, and members get access to savings and rewards on the shopping platform, including Cash Back across more than 3,500 stores. Sign up for Rakuten here to receive an early access code, which will be available within the My Account page of Rakuten’s app or website, beginning at 10am ET on May 20. Terms apply.

Bend’s Miller’s Landing is getting a major upgrade with innovative river access features for everyone—just in time for summer fun.

Deschutes County expands Household Hazardous Waste disposal options in Bend

The Deschutes County Solid Waste Department has expanded its Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) disposal options at Knott Landfill in Bend, giving residents the opportunity to drop off hazardous items every Friday and Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., free of charge.

Solid Waste recently brought its hazardous waste disposal program in-house, transitioning away from using an outside vendor. This shift enabled the department to increase its HHW collection days from two weekends a month to Friday and Saturday every week.

“We’re excited to be able to offer Deschutes County residents free household hazardous waste collection every week,” said Greg Brady, Deschutes County Hazardous Waste Supervisor. “Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can impact the environment, as well as community health by leaching toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater. We hope that by expanding our collection days, we can reduce the amount of hazardous waste ending up in the county landfill.”

Unfinished paint containers are among the most common household hazardous wastes found in the county landfill, largely because people are unsure how to dispose of them correctly. Another frequently tossed out item is rechargeable batteries, like those found in cell phones, laptops, power tools and toys, but this can be dangerous because lithium-ion batteries are known to start fires in the landfill. Solid Waste encourages residents to set aside their unfinished paint cans, rechargeable batteries and other household hazardous waste materials and then drop them at the Hazardous Waste Facility when it is convenient.

The County’s Hazardous Waste Facility at Knott Landfill accepts a wide variety of hazardous waste including unused paints and stains, cleaning compounds, pool and spa chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers rechargeable batteries, fluorescent tubes and bulbs, propane tanks, and more.

The Hazardous Waste Facility also accepts business hazardous waste for a fee. Businesses must pre-register and qualify as Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG). Fees are based on volume and type of material.

To learn more about common hazardous waste materials visit the Solid Waste Department website. For questions about the Household Hazardous Waste program, please call (541) 317-3163.

Crime News…

Bend Police Seek Witnesses in Ongoing NE Bend Homicide Investigation

Bend Police are asking for the public’s help as they continue investigating the May 7 homicide that left a Bend man dead and another in custody.

Detectives are seeking anyone who may have seen 27-year-old Phillip Matthew Howard Evans between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, in the area bounded by NE Second and Eighth streets and NE Clay and Marshall avenues. Investigators believe Evans was in this vicinity around the time of the homicide and are hoping witness information will help piece together his movements.

Evans is accused in the killing of 54-year-old Robert Glenn Haston, who was found dead with fatal injuries in the 100 block of NE Emerson Avenue around 7:15 p.m. that evening. Officers were originally dispatched to the scene for a report of a deceased person.

As the investigation unfolded, officers responded to a nearby trespassing call on NE Irving Avenue, where a homeowner reported a suspicious man in their yard. Officers located Evans, who matched the description, and took him into custody. He was later identified as the suspect in Haston’s death.

Evans remains held at the Deschutes County Jail on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.

The investigation is ongoing, and police say detectives are still serving search warrants related to the case. Anyone with information is urged to call nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 and ask to speak with Detective Colton Henshaw.

Smith Rock BMX in Redmond Seeks Community Support Following Break-In

Redmond, OR – Smith Rock BMX, a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth BMX racing, is appealing to the community for assistance after a break-in occurred at their facility in the early hours of Tuesday, May 13. The incident took place between 12:20 a.m. and 2:20 a.m. at the High Desert Sports Complex, where the organization is based.

Surveillance footage captured masked individuals breaking into the facility, stealing merchandise, and causing approximately $500 in property damage. The stolen items are vital to the organization's operations, which focus on providing a safe and engaging environment for young BMX enthusiasts.

This break-in is part of a series of burglaries that occurred in the Redmond area on the same morning, affecting several local businesses. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating these incidents and is seeking any information from the public that could aid in identifying the perpetrators.

Smith Rock BMX has shared the surveillance footage on their social media platforms and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Community members can assist by reviewing the footage and reporting any recognizable details to the authorities.

The organization emphasizes the importance of community support in recovering from this setback and continuing their mission to foster youth development through BMX racing. Donations and volunteer assistance are welcomed to help repair the damages and replace the stolen equipment.

For more information or to offer support, individuals are encouraged to visit Smith Rock BMX's official website or contact the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office.

Note: This article is based on current information available as of May 15, 2025. Updates will be provided as more details emerge.

Former Bend teacher sentenced to prison on child pornography charges

A former Bend music teacher who pleaded guilty to child pornography charges was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison.

Erik Duane Ekstrom, 37 was arrested in 2022. He now has 17 years left in his prison sentence because of time already served.

According to court records, Ekstrom pleaded guilty in April to four counts of encouraging child sex abuse, one count of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct and one count of luring a minor. At the time of his arrest, police said the children depicted in the explicit images were not believed to be from Central Oregon.

The former teacher— who will have to register as a sex offender— will be under 36 months of post-prison supervision once he is released. During that time, Ekstrom will not be allowed to have any contact with minors and his internet use may be restricted or taken away altogether.

According to Bend-La Pine Schools, Ekstrom was hired in August 2021 to work at Highland Magnet School. For the 2022-23 school year, he was assigned to Cascade Middle School, Pacific Crest Middle School and Summit High School.

Police say they received a report on Aug. 11, 2022, from the Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program that video showing child sexual abuse had been uploaded and linked to Ekstrom's digital devices. Other tips came that also directed police to Ekstrom's digital devices.

 City of Bend Events

Olney Avenue improvement project update

A new waterline has been installed and the shared pedestrian and bike path is now paved. They are currently working on laying concrete, installing the lighting, as well as a new sewer line and utilities. The intersection of NW Wall Street and Olney Avenue is expected to remain closed throughout the month of May.

Friday’s

Real Estate News…

Sponsored By

Central Oregon Market Report | May 14, 2025

by Reed Melton

With mortgage rates steady at 6.92% for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage, a healthy supply of inventory, and just seven weeks until July 4th, the trajectory for the rest of the summer is established. Transaction volume is in line with, or slightly better than, the last couple of years, and prices are holding up. One thing to keep in mind about our market is the seasonal lull that typically occurs around July 4th. Many families take advantage of the last big summer holiday to recreate, BBQ, and take time off, setting their housing needs aside. Activity increases again after the fourth before another lull around Labor Day, followed by one of the busiest times of the year, from mid-September to early November. There is another push of activity before another lull around Labor Day, before we enter one of the busiest times of year, mid-September through early November. Seasonal-bound activity in Central Oregon has distinct periods of increased activity. Of course, transactions occur year-round, but the busy summer season passes quickly.

This morning, there are 1,299 single-family homes listed in Deschutes County. This week last year, there were 940 listings, a notable increase in the face of higher rates and economic uncertainty in many segments of the economy. A steady eighty listings are pending this week at an average of $870,297, and only 23 median days listed. Fifty-two transactions closed at an average price of $993,733, and 28 median days listed. 

Crook County has 218 single-family listings this morning, 99 more than this week last year. Eight pending sales, at an average of $667,500 and with a median listing time of 34 days, are consistent with the trends of the last several weeks. Three transactions closed at $399,000, $324,000, and $295,000, listed 10, 248, and 57 days respectively.

Jefferson County has 117 single-family listings this morning, up from 86 this week last year. Activity is strong, with 10 pending sales at an average price of $472,470 and a median listing duration of 26 days. Two homes closed at $680,000 in Culver, listed 389 days, and in Madras at $425,000, listed only 12 days.

The most impactful trend of this selling season is the increase in inventory. Selection helps buyers in numerous ways, with increased competition at various price points helping to moderate prices to some extent. So far, this hasn't significantly impacted the yearly median sale price, but some great deals are unquestionably available. Getting the listing price correct from the outset is key to shorter marketing times for sellers. Considering how our market activity will behave in the upcoming holidays and seasonality, there isn't much time to appeal to the broadest number of buyers. Pricing too high can extend marketing times and require a retreat to more realistic pricing when fewer buyers are available. 

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Active Listings

 OSU EXTENSION SERVICE: Container gardening made easy, a great choice for Central Oregon

If you’ve ever thought you couldn’t have a garden because you don’t have a yard, think again. Container gardening is the perfect way to grow colorful flowers, herbs and even veggies just about anywhere: a porch, patio, balcony or front step.

And the best part? It’s way easier than it looks.

Pick the right pot

First things first: choose a container with good drainage. If it doesn’t have drainage holes, drill several into the bottom of the container. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be just a bit bigger than the combined root balls of the plants you want to put in it. A container that is too large can hold too much extra water and cause root rot for plants.

Start with great planting media

With container gardening, skip the dirt from your yard. Instead, grab a good all-purpose potting mix. Look for one with stuff like perlite and vermiculite (they help with drainage) and organic matter like peat moss or compost (to keep moisture in).

Plan your plant combo

Want that “wow” factor? Think in terms of thrillers, fillers and spillers.

Thrillers are your stars — tall, spiky plants like dracaena or purple fountain grass that grab attention.

Fillers are the colorful crew in the middle — zinnias, geraniums, coleus, marigolds — you name it.

Spillers are the charmers that drape over the sides — think sweet potato vine, lobelia or million bells.

Mix different textures, colors and shapes for a container that really pops.

Planting pro tips

Before you get started, moisten your potting mix so it’s easier to work with. If your container is deep (more than 24 inches), try placing some empty plastic pots upside down in the bottom. It takes up space and saves you from using a ton of bagged potting mix.

Fill the rest with potting soil, leaving about an inch from the top of the container for a water reservoir. After planting, give it a good soak. If your pot has a saucer underneath, dump out any extra water so your plants don’t sit in a swamp.

Keep it growing

Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry — and water deeply so it reaches the roots. I prefer to see the water come out of the drainage holes to know that I saturated the soil. Throughout the season, feed your plants with a slow-release fertilizer or worm castings. Want even more blooms? Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus (like a 10-60-10 mix).

And don’t forget to dead-snip off those faded flowers to keep your plants looking fresh and blooming strong.

Need some suggestions for plants to use?

Here are a few favorite annuals to try:

• Thrillers: Cordyline, spider flower or gaura

• Fillers: Snapdragons, coleus, Dusty Miller, cosmos, petunias

• Spillers: Bacopa, creeping zinnia, sweet potato vine, million bells

Container gardening is fun, flexible and doable — even if you’re just starting out. Don’t forget that you can easily plant edibles such as carrots, lettuce and peppers in a container as well. So, grab a pot, pick a few plants and get growing!

For more extensive plant list and tips and tricks, check out the Deschutes County Extension Service at extension.oregonstate.edu/collection/central-oregon-garden-publications

 😎 Just sayin

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