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In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 🪢🧶 Macramé Plant Hanger Workshops

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

  ⛽ Spring Break Travel Surges Despite Highest Gas Prices in Years

 📉 Bend-La Pine Schools Facing $7M in Budget Cuts

  🐾 Crook County K-9 Jett Dies at 13, Remembered for Service and Loyalty

 🚧 Highway 126 Reopens After Powell Butte Bridge Work

📚 New Central Library Opening Date Set for Bend

 🌌 “Stars Over Sisters” Highlights Central Oregon’s Dark Sky Status

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🏍 Motorcycle crash in Bend sends rider to hospital

 🚨 Investigation Underway After Body Found Along Culver Highway

🚨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

 🏡 Thistle & Nest Celebrates First Home Sale at New Development

 🌱 COID Buys Land in Juniper Ridge for Future Expansion

 🏡 Bend Named One of HGTV’s “Best Up-and-Coming Cities”

 🧥 REVOLVR Expanding with Second Bend Location at Old Mill District

 🎨 Hood Avenue Art Enters New Chapter with New Owners

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

✅ Answer: C) Blue Banks

Expanded Answer:
While many people assume these striking blue-toned formations are part of Blue Basin in the John Day Fossil Beds, this location is actually a separate, lesser-known area about 15 miles north of Mitchell. Often referred to locally as “Blue Banks,” it features similar blue-gray clay and ash deposits—but sits outside the official national monument boundaries, making it a bit of a hidden gem even among Central Oregon explorers.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

Create Your Own Beautiful Plant Hanger on a Selenite Crystal!

2 dates to choose from

&

Join us for a fun and creative macrame plant hanger class where you’ll learn the art of knotting and design your very own plant hanger masterpiece. What to Expect: Guided Instruction: Morgan Tuttle from Mountain Fiber Designs, will guide you through each knot and technique to make your very own macramé plant hanger on selenite crystal wand. The class will be approximately 2 hours. All Materials Provided: We supply everything you need, including an individual macramé stand, pre-cut cording and printed instructions. Take Home Your Creation: Leave with a handmade plant hanger and purchase a plant from the plant shoppe to showcase your newfound skills. Who Can Join? Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, everyone is welcome! This class is perfect for a relaxing afternoon with friends or a solo creative adventure.

When: Sunday March 22nd - 2pm - 4pm

Where: Flourish of Tumalo 64702 Cook Ave, Bend, OR

When: Saturday March 28th - 2pm - 4pm

Where: River’s Place 787 NE Purcell Blvd, Bend, OR

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Event Sources:

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Local News…

⛽ Spring Break Travel Surges Despite Highest Gas Prices in Years

Spring break travel is picking up across Central Oregon, even as gas prices climb to their highest levels in four years. According to AAA Oregon, Bend remains a top destination thanks to its year-round outdoor appeal, drawing visitors regardless of the forecast. But getting here isn’t cheap—gas prices in Bend averaged $4.56 per gallon this week, with the statewide average at $4.61, both well above the national average of $3.84.

Despite the spike, most travelers aren’t canceling plans—they’re უბრალოდ adjusting budgets instead. AAA says visitors are more likely to cut back on dining, shopping, and other discretionary spending to offset fuel costs. It’s the priciest spring break at the pump since 2022, but for many, that’s not enough to put travel plans on hold.

 📉 Bend-La Pine Schools Facing $7M in Budget Cuts

Bend-La Pine Schools is preparing for more than $7 million in budget cuts as the district works to close a growing financial gap heading into the next school year. District leaders say a combination of declining enrollment and rising operational costs is putting pressure on the budget, forcing difficult decisions about staffing and programs. Like many districts across Oregon, Bend-La Pine relies heavily on state funding tied to student numbers—meaning fewer students directly translates to less revenue.

At the same time, expenses continue to climb, including salaries, retirement costs, insurance, and utilities, creating a widening gap between what the district brings in and what it spends. Officials say the goal is to make strategic cuts that minimize impact on students, but acknowledge the financial challenges aren’t going away anytime soon as they work to stabilize the budget for future years.

 🐾 Crook County K-9 Jett Dies at 13, Remembered for Service and Loyalty

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of retired K-9 Jett, who passed away at the age of 13 after years of dedicated service. Jett, a drug detection dog who retired in 2021, spent his career working alongside his handler and helping keep the community safe. Officials say he passed peacefully with his handler and family by his side, marking the end of a long life both in service and retirement. (Facebook)

In an emotional tribute, Jett’s handler reflected on the strong bond they shared and the impact the K-9 had both on and off duty. Beyond his work in law enforcement, Jett was remembered as a loyal companion and beloved member of the sheriff’s office family—one whose presence will be deeply missed by colleagues and the community alike.

 🚧 Highway 126 Reopens After Powell Butte Bridge Work

Highway 126 east of Redmond has reopened following recent bridge work near Powell Butte, easing travel for drivers who’ve been navigating delays in the area. The project focused on improvements to a canal bridge along the route, part of a broader effort to upgrade infrastructure and improve safety along this stretch of highway. (GovDelivery)

While the road is now back open, drivers should still expect occasional slowdowns as work continues in phases. The larger OR 126 improvement project includes bridge upgrades, paving, and safety enhancements between Redmond and Powell Butte, with construction expected to continue into 2026. (oregon.gov)

📚 New Central Library Opening Date Set for Bend

A major milestone is on the horizon for Bend’s library system, as the new Central Library at Stevens Ranch is now expected to open in May 2026, giving the community a modern, expanded hub for learning, gathering, and resources. The nearly 100,000-square-foot facility will feature meeting and co-working spaces, a children’s discovery area, creative zones, and even a café—designed to serve as the new centerpiece of the Deschutes Public Library system. (Deschutes Public Library)

The opening comes at a key transition moment, as the Downtown Bend Library prepares to close in April for a year-long remodel. During that time, the new Central Library will take on a larger role in serving Bend residents, with drive-thru services expected to begin in April ahead of the full opening. Once complete, the combination of the renovated downtown branch and the new Stevens Ranch location will significantly expand library access and services across the city. (Deschutes Public Library)

🌌 “Stars Over Sisters” Highlights Central Oregon’s Dark Sky Status

Sisters continues to shine—literally—as its “Stars Over Sisters” feature highlights the town’s growing reputation as a premier stargazing destination. Recently designated an International Dark Sky Community, Sisters is being recognized for its efforts to reduce light pollution and preserve clear night skies, making it one of the best places in Oregon to take in the stars. (The Nugget Newspaper)

As spring unfolds, skywatchers can look forward to prime viewing opportunities, including the Virgo constellation rising in the eastern sky through late June. Experts say the best time to catch it is between 9 and 11:30 p.m., offering residents and visitors alike a chance to experience Central Oregon’s night sky at its best. (The Nugget Newspaper)

Fire & Rescue…

🚨 Investigation Underway After Body Found Along Culver Highway

Authorities are investigating after a body was discovered Tuesday morning along Culver Highway in Jefferson County. Dispatchers received the report around 8:03 a.m., with the scene located near an address along the highway just outside of Madras. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded and secured the area as part of an active investigation. (Madras Pioneer)

At this time, officials have not released details about the person’s identity or cause of death, and say the investigation remains ongoing. More information is expected as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the discovery.

Crime News…

Community News…

 Regional News… 

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

Friday’s

Real Estate & Business News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | March 18, 2026

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

The Central Oregon housing market remains steady, but only incrementally more so than last year. While mortgage rates are undoubtedly lower, the national average for a fixed-rate 30-year conventional mortgage today is 6.31%, up 30 basis points from recent lows. The 6% threshold appears stubborn so far in 2026, and it is unlikely to change until the third quarter at the earliest. Supply is building amid early-summer-like weather, creating opportunities for buyers and bringing down the average days on market for pending and closed transactions. A benefit of these market conditions is stability in prices and conditions, and fewer surprises.

Today in Deschutes County, supply is up by 57 to 959 single-family homes. This week in 2025, there were 927 active single-family listings. Fifty-nine pending sales this week are down 16 from last week, with the average list price at $810,408. Two hundred six homes are pending in the last three weeks, nearly identical to last year's 204 for the same time period. Thirty-six closed transactions are down 13 from last week, with the average at $804,365, and the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 97.18%, nearly identical to last week's 97.19%.

The sluggish inventory build in Crook County is beginning to break, with 12 more listings this week, bringing the total to 181 single-family homes on the market. In 2025, this week in March, 161 single-family homes were listed. This week marks the third consecutive week with 12 pending sales, nine more than the same three-week stretch in 2025. Four transactions closed this week, up from two last week and averaging $886,250, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 94.79%.

Inventory in Jefferson County is up by two from last week, now at 112 single-family listings. This week of March 2025, 106 single-family homes were listed. Six pending sales this week are up two from last week, with the average pending list price at $480,157. Four transactions closed this week, averaging $333,499, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 98.69%.

The phrase that best describes the 2026 housing market in Central Oregon so far is "incremental improvement." Exciting real estate data translates to a hectic, stressful market, and I am sure many buyers are relieved by steadier conditions. While sellers may not be seeing dramatically higher prices, it has become far easier to determine accurate pricing in today's market.

Want a tailored market analysis for your neighborhood or price range? Request a custom report or schedule a consult: [email protected] 

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Active Listings

 🏡 Thistle & Nest Celebrates First Home Sale at New Development

Thistle & Nest has marked a major milestone with the first home officially closing at its new development, signaling early momentum for the project. The sale represents a significant step forward as the community begins to take shape, with more homes expected to follow as construction and interest continue to build.

Developers say the project is designed to offer thoughtfully planned housing with a focus on livability and community, aimed at meeting growing demand in Central Oregon. With the first closing now complete, Thistle & Nest is positioning itself as a new option for homebuyers looking to put down roots in the region.

 🌱 COID Buys Land in Juniper Ridge for Future Expansion

The Central Oregon Irrigation District (COID) has purchased a new parcel of land in Bend’s growing Juniper Ridge industrial area, a move aimed at supporting long-term operations and future growth. The property, located along Cooley Road, includes existing canal infrastructure and offers the district easier access to key systems serving roughly 3,500 customers across the region. Officials say the site’s central location and proximity to COID’s hydroelectric facility make it a strategic fit for both current needs and future planning.

While no immediate development is planned, COID says the property could eventually be used for office space, operational facilities, or even revenue-generating industrial leases. Development is likely still a few years out, with early timelines pointing to 2027 or 2028. The purchase was funded through the sale of other district property and is not expected to impact customer rates, as Juniper Ridge continues to evolve into a key hub for industrial growth in Bend.

 🏡 Bend Named One of HGTV’s “Best Up-and-Coming Cities”

Bend is once again earning national attention—this time landing on HGTV’s list of the best up-and-coming cities in the U.S. The recognition highlights Bend’s continued growth, strong job market, and appeal as a lifestyle destination, especially for those seeking outdoor recreation, vibrant downtown energy, and a high quality of life. (HGTV)

HGTV points to Bend’s unique mix of natural beauty and livability as key factors, from its access to trails, rivers, and mountains to its booming food and craft beverage scene. With steady population growth and increasing national visibility, Bend continues to stand out as one of the most desirable places to live—and visit—in the country.

 🧥 REVOLVR Expanding with Second Bend Location at Old Mill District

Bend’s longtime menswear staple REVOLVR is gearing up to open a second local storefront, this time in the Old Mill District. The boutique retailer, which has been a downtown favorite since 2015, is taking over the former Francesca’s space and plans to open its doors in early May—just ahead of the district’s busy summer season. The new 1,500-square-foot shop will feature a curated selection of the brand’s best-selling apparel and accessories, offering the same elevated yet approachable style REVOLVR is known for.

Owners Christine and Jon Davis say the move wasn’t originally part of the plan, but the energy and growth of the Old Mill District made the opportunity hard to pass up. With its riverfront setting, steady foot traffic, and packed event calendar, the location felt like a natural fit. The new space will blend REVOLVR’s clean, modern aesthetic with the building’s industrial character, while also filling a noticeable gap—bringing a dedicated men’s clothing option to one of Bend’s most popular shopping destinations.

 🎨 Hood Avenue Art Enters New Chapter with New Owners

Hood Avenue Art, a longtime fixture in Sisters’ vibrant arts scene, is under new ownership as local creatives Scott Cordner and Cathleen Calkins take the reins. The couple, who have been part of the Central Oregon art community for years, say they’re committed to honoring the gallery’s legacy while bringing fresh energy, new exhibitions, and expanded opportunities for both artists and visitors. (Cascade Arts & Entertainment)

Cordner, a well-known landscape photographer and former partner in the gallery, will help guide its artistic vision, while Calkins—an accomplished storyteller and photographer—will focus on marketing, outreach, and collaborations. The gallery, which showcases work from more than 30 regional artists across multiple mediums, is also welcoming new talent as part of this transition, reinforcing its role as a creative hub in Sisters. (Cascade Arts & Entertainment)

 😎Just sayin

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