In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎡 Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🌲 Sisters Ranger Station closing temporarily as new building nears finish

📰Wildfire survivors to pay taxes

 🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

⛑️Search Continues for Missing Tuber at Dillon Falls

⭐ Statement From Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert On Dillon Falls Search Efforts -07/31/25

🚨Crime News

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

🗺️Honoring a Geography Pioneer

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🏘️Real Estate News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

📩Community Invited to August 5 Groundbreaking Ceremony for Northpoint Vista

📝 Applications open for new $175,000 - $225,000 homes in La Pine

📰Bend approves rule change to allow 2 ADUs per property

💲🏠Bend off-grid ready mega-estate sells at auction for more than $5 million

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

✅ Answer: B) Sparks Lake
Expanded Answer: Sparks Lake was formed about 10,000 years ago when lava from the Mt. Bachelor volcanic chain flowed into the Deschutes River valley, creating a natural dam. The lake now sits at the edge of lava fields and is known for its scenic beauty and reflections of South Sister and Broken Top.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

SISTERS

REDMOND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Featured Events

 🎡 Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo July 30 to August 3, 2025

📍 Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, Redmond

Hold onto your hats—Central Oregon’s biggest summer tradition is back and better than ever! The 105th Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo promises five jam-packed days of heart-pounding rodeo action, high-flying carnival rides, toe-tapping live music, and finger-lickin’ fair food.

From morning until late into the night, you’ll find something for everyone—whether you’re riding the Ferris wheel, cheering on the NPRA rodeo pros, or grabbing a corndog and fresh-squeezed lemonade on the midway. Kids will love the bounce houses, animal exhibits, and games, while grown-ups can kick back with a cold drink and enjoy free nightly concerts by big-name headliners (included with fair admission!).

🌟 Highlights include:
• FREE Summer Concert Series every night
• Demo Derby madness on Saturday, Aug. 2
• Livestock shows, artisan vendors & 4-H exhibits
• Over 40 carnival rides & classic fair treats
• And yes—the Budweiser Clydesdales are back!

🎟️ General admission gets you into everything—concerts, rodeo, exhibits, and more. Upgrade to VIP concert access for just $10. Parking is free, and kids 5 and under are often free with a voucher.

Don’t miss this once-a-year celebration of everything that makes Deschutes County shine. Grab your boots, your friends, and your appetite—and we’ll see you at the fair!

📅 Events: Bend

🎵 Caamp with Futurebirds
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Saturday, August 2 | Doors 5:00 PM, Show 6:30 PM
🎸 Live Music
Folk-rock favorites Caamp take the stage with high-energy openers Futurebirds.
🔗 Tickets

🎸 Joe Bonamassa Live
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Sunday, August 3 | Doors 6:30 PM, Show 8:00 PM
🎶 Live Music
The blues-rock legend returns to Bend for an unforgettable guitar-driven night.
🔗 Tickets 

📅 Events: Redmond & Nearby

🎡 Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo
📍 Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond
🗓️ Wednesday, July 30 – Sunday, August 3 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
🎪 Fair & Festival
The 105th annual county fair returns with PRCA rodeo performances, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, live entertainment, craft vendors, and regional food trucks.
🔗 More Info & Tickets (Instagram)

🎭 Shakespeare at Maragas Vineyard – “As You Like It”
📍 Maragas Vineyard, 15523 US‑97, Culver
🗓️ Friday, August 1 | Gates 6:00 PM, Show 7:00 PM
🎭 Theater
Guerilla Shakespeare Co. stages a playful, outdoor rendition of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” amid the vines—general admission seating on the lawn.
🔗 Get Tickets (Maragas Winery)

🎨 Downtown Redmond First Friday Art Walk
📍 Historic Downtown Redmond
🗓️ Friday, August 1 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🖼️ Art & Culture
Stroll downtown galleries, boutiques, and cafes during Redmond’s monthly art stroll—enjoy live music, artist receptions, and special shop‑and‑dine promotions.
🔗 More Info (drycanyonarts.org)

🛍️ Redmond Farmers Market
📍 Centennial Park – 725 SW Evergreen Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
🗓️ Fridays | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🍎 Farmers Market / Food & Drink / Family-Friendly
Support local growers and makers—fresh produce, artisan crafts, food trucks, live music, and kids’ yoga every week. 🔗 More Info (Redmond Oregon Farmers Market) (visitredmondoregon.com, Redmond Oregon Farmers Market)

🌄 Events: Sisters

🧘 Creekside Yoga
📍 The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse, 13300 US‑20, Sisters, OR
🗓️ Friday, August 1 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🧘 Wellness
Unwind with outdoor yoga steps from Whychus Creek, taught by Ulla Lundgren. Mats provided; $25.
🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)

🎸 Cheyenne West Band
📍 Hardtails Bar & Grill, 175 N Larch St, Sisters, OR
🗓️ Friday, August 1 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎶 Live Music
Join Hardtails’ free concert series for Cheyenne West’s high‑energy folk‑rock under the stars.
🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)

🛒 Sisters Farmers Market
📍 Fir Street Park
🗓️ Sundays, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
👪 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Shop fresh produce, artisan goods, and enjoy live music and kids’ activities at this weekly community market in Fir Street Park. 🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)

🌲 Events: Sunriver & La Pine

🔭 1-Hour Nighttime Visit
📍 Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory (57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR) Map
🗓️ Friday, August 1 | 10:45 PM – 11:45 PM
Seek the stars in an intimate, one-hour telescope tour with expert guidance.
More Info SNCO

🛒 Sunriver Saturday Market
📍 SHARC (56888 Overlook Rd, Sunriver, OR) Map
🗓️ Saturday, August 2 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Shop local produce, crafts, and treats every weekend through September.
More Info The Source Weekly - Bend

🛒 Vegetable Man of La Pine Farmers Market
📍 Vegetable Man LaPine (51530 Hwy 97, La Pine, OR) Map
🗓️ Saturday, August 2 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Seasonal produce and artisan goods from a local La Pine institution.
More Info AllEvents

🐴 Events: Prineville, OR

🛒 CROP Farmers Market
📍 Stryker Park (NE 4th St & Elm St, Prineville, OR) Map
🗓️ Saturday, August 2 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Local produce, artisan goods, live music and more at this seasonal market.
More Info Crop

🛍️ Events: Madras

🍎 Madras Saturday Market
📍 Sahalee Park
🗓️ Saturdays | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🛒 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Mark your calendar for this vibrant weekly market at Sahalee Park, featuring fresh produce, berries, honey, eggs, teas, handmade soaps, and unique artisan goods. 🔗 More Info (Travel Oregon)

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

Deschutes Public Library Events

Other Event Sources:

Local News…

Sisters Ranger Station closing temporarily as new building nears finish

The Sisters Ranger District Station will temporarily close starting Aug. 4 as staff prepare to move into a new, modern facility. Visitors seeking permits or maps should contact nearby Forest Service offices or approved local vendors.

Wildfire survivors to pay taxes

A bill that would have eased federal tax burdens for survivors of utility-caused wildfires failed at the end of Oregon’s 2024 legislative session, despite strong early support. The proposal, SB 926, aimed to make utilities like PacifiCorp—not victims—responsible for paying federal income taxes on settlements. It also would have blocked utilities from passing wildfire-related lawsuit costs and infrastructure repair expenses onto ratepayers if found at fault.

The bill’s collapse was blamed on last-minute changes by Democratic lawmakers, who folded it into a different package. With no federal extension in place, survivors receiving settlements after January 2026 may owe significant federal taxes—up to one-third of payouts averaging $5 million. A similar state-level tax exemption was passed, but federal relief remains uncertain. For the Full Story - The Nugget Newspaper

 Fire & Rescue…

The following story is still unfolding and we will post updates as we are made aware of them.

Statement From Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert On Dillon Falls Search Efforts -07/31/25

Temporary Flow Reduction at Dillon Falls to Support Ongoing Recovery Efforts at Dillon Falls

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to locating the third victim from the tragic water-related incident that occurred August 19th at Dillon Falls. Over the past two weeks, our deputies and Search & Rescue teams have conducted an extensive search using every available resource — including swiftwater rescue technicians, professional divers, side scan sonar, remote-operated submersible, drones, aerial searches, and specially trained Human Remains Detection Dogs.

Given the thorough search conducted below the falls — where the first two victims were recovered — and recent alerts from our K9 teams in the upper section of the rapids, we are focusing our attention on specific areas where crews will search next. The K9 alerts are helping provide important clues and direction as we continue working through challenging river conditions.

Many of the areas of interest are extremely hazardous and not safe or suitable for dive operations due to swift currents, submerged hazards, and unstable conditions.

Statement from the Deschutes Basin Board of Control:

“The Deschutes Basin Board of Control, made up of eight local irrigation districts that deliver water across Central Oregon, is partnering with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to support the recovery of the individual still missing at Dillon Falls.

“To aid in operations, irrigation districts will temporarily reduce flows in the Deschutes River beginning Friday, August 1. Recreationists and irrigators may notice reduced flows through Monday, August 4.”

Once water levels begin to recede, our swiftwater technicians will move into position and begin focused operations in and around key locations within the rapids. We are hopeful that the reduced water flows will assist in advancing these recovery efforts.

We are grateful for the partnership of the irrigation districts and local farmers as we continue working to exhaust every possibility in our mission to bring closure to the family.

Sheriff Ty Rupert
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

Crime News…

Regional News…

Community News…

Honoring a Geography Pioneer

A recent Nugget News article pays tribute to Lewis Ankeny "Tam" McArthur, the legendary Oregon geographer behind the book Oregon Geographic Names. His passion for place names and historical accuracy shaped how we understand Oregon’s landscape today. Learn how his legacy lives on through his family and the stories he helped preserve.
🔗 Read the full story

 City of Bend Events

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | July 30, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

 While I do not expect the Fed to lower the overnight rate in today's meeting, mortgage rates have been trending down over the last few weeks, with the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.77% this morning. I doubt the slight downtick in rates is much of a factor in another robust week of activity in Central Oregon, and attribute it mainly to the seasonal push towards fall. With inventory higher than at any time over the last several years, buyers have selection, and sellers have competition. Activity is steady throughout Central Oregon, but the dynamics are not equal across all price points or between the three counties of our region. Deschutes County is experiencing a shrinking pool of homes for sale, while Crook and Jefferson counties are still seeing growth. And the activity in the Luxury Markets is picking up, as you can read about in my Friday Luxury Market Report.

Deschutes County inventory declined for the second consecutive week, a strong indication that we are past the peak for listings in 2025. This morning, there are 1,544 homes for sale in the county, nineteen fewer than last week. Eighty-seven pending sales match the biggest week of 2025, and the most since October 2, 2024. Sixty-seven homes closed this week at an average of $915,803, with the average price reduction 5.54%.

Crook County inventory increased this week to 256 single-family listings, up nine from last week. The different regions of Central Oregon all have their nuance, and the differences between inventory trends between Crook County and the rest of the region illustrate that clearly. Six pending sales match last week at an average of $481,467, and seven closed transactions averaging $688,296 round out this week's data. The average price reduction for the closed transactions was 7.98%.

Jefferson County also had an increase in inventory this week, up by eleven to 131 single-family listings. This increase is a healthy inventory level for the county, and a sharp contrast with the sixty-six listings available this week in 2022. Five pending sales averaging $439,540 and seven closed transactions averaging $474,747 are substantial numbers consistent with recent weeks. The average price reduction for the closed sales this week was 11%, proof that buyers are in a reasonably strong position heading into fall.

The data in this report is an excellent way to track overall trends, but it glosses over individual neighborhoods, different price points, and doesn't account for unique properties. Reading my Friday Luxury Market Report helps to shed some light on the various segments of our housing market, with data for Deschutes County between $1 million $2 million, $2 million $3 million, and over $3 million. In this Friday's report, I will contrast sales activity and price trends above and below the 1 million dollar mark to better illustrate how the market is trending. Ultimately, a buyer's situation and needs are more important than price trends. Still, sellers' willingness to negotiate, competition, and moderately lower mortgage rates are combining to create real relief for stretched buyers.  

Sign Up for the Central Oregon Market Report

Sign Up for the Central Oregon Luxury Market Report

Active Listings

Community Invited to August 5 Groundbreaking Ceremony for Northpoint Vista

The City of Redmond invites the community to the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Northpoint Vista Mixed Income Neighborhood, located at NE Kingwood Avenue and NE 15th Street, at 10am, Tuesday, August 5, 2025. This 40-acre, 450-unit neighborhood will feature a mix of affordable, workforce and market rate housing products (both rental and ownership), commercial services, walking paths and open space park areas. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of Phase 1 infrastructure development, followed by Phase 1 housing construction planned for spring of 2026.

“I am proud of the collaborative work that has transpired to make Northpoint Vista possible. Beginning with the donation of land from our County Commissioners to our state legislators who made it possible to annex the land as well as worked to secure grant funding for needed infrastructure,” remarks City Councilor Cat Zwicker. “By supporting a diverse range of housing options for our community, the city can better meet the needs of our residents, from seniors and students to young families and individuals just entering the workforce.”

On May 6, 2025, Redmond City Council awarded a contract to Taylor Northwest for the construction of the Northpoint Phase 1 Infrastructure. Improvements in this phase will include public roadways, sidewalks, multi-use paths, water, sewer and storm water facilities, all in the southern half of the site. NE 17th Street will also be fully extended along the western property boundary between NE Kingwood and Maple Avenues.

Housing construction will begin in spring 2026. The first housing project will offer affordable homeownership to households at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI).

Representative Emerson Levy, who played a key role in securing resources, stated, “Northpoint will bring more affordable housing to Redmond, allowing people to stay in Central Oregon, raise families, grow businesses and retire in the community they love. I’m proud the Legislature leaned into creativity and invested in Redmond’s future.”

Subsequent mixes of housing will be built over the next 5 years. Housing types will include multi-family apartments, duplexes/townhouses as well as single-family homes.

The State pilot program that spurred the Northpoint project requires that at least 30% of the housing units maintain affordability to households with incomes that do not exceed 80% AMI through deed restrictions of 50 years.

Additional requests for information may be directed to Linda Cline, housing program analyst, at [email protected].

redmondoregon.gov/northpoint

Applications open for new $175,000 - $225,000 homes in La Pine

LA PINE, Ore. -- The first round of applications have opened for a new affordable housing development by Habitat for Humanity in La Pine. The Park View neighborhood is located on the north end of La Pine along what will be a newly extended portion of Barron Drive.

The new homes range in price from $175,000 to $225,000. All of these are three-bedroom, two-bath homes with an attached garage, fire-resistant landscaping, and energy-efficient designs.

Applications for the first four of these homes are open through September 15 at this link.

Below is the full announcement from Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of La Pine-Sunriver is now accepting applications for the first four affordable homes in the new Park View neighborhood in north La Pine. Applications will be accepted through September 15th, 2025.

These homes are part of a permanent affordability model designed to help families build equity while ensuring long-term housing affordability for future homeowners. Each home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached garage, with fire-resistant landscaping, energy-efficient design, and a commitment to Dark Sky community standards.

Eligible applicants must meet income qualifications. Applicants should be between 60-80% area median income, but are encouraged to contact HFHLPS if outside these parameters.

Applications can be found on the HFHLPS website: habitatlapinesunriver.org/home-ownership and prospective homeowners learn more about the home here: habitatlapinesunriver.org/homes. 

The estimated sales price for these homes range from $175,000 to $225,000 after subsidies.

Habitat encourages community members to spread the word to anyone who may benefit—including employees, friends, and family.  

Bend approves rule change to allow 2 ADUs per property

BEND, Ore. -- The City of Bend has approved an ordinance allowing two accessory dwelling units on a single property. The city previously only allowed one ADU per parcel.

The new rules, approved by the city council last month, allow for the first unit to be as large as 800 square feet. The second ADU can be up to 500 square feet. The units can be either attached to or within 100 feet of the main home on the property, according to the Bend Chamber.

The full details can be read at this link.

Bend off-grid ready mega-estate sells at auction for more than $5 million

BEND, Ore. -- A massive, off-grid ready Central Oregon estate with five ensuite bedrooms, detached guest pods, a pool house, a shop big enough for 20 vehicles and structures made with fireproof materials just sold at auction for more than $5 million.

The home on Dodds Road between Bend and Alfalfa was on the auction block for 44 days before being sold for $5.38 million, according to Concierge Auctions.

The home was originally listed for just under $11 million, according to Bend-based Coldwell Banker Bain agent Jen Bowen. The price was ultimately lowered to just under $10 million. Bowen said the property was listed for 11 months before the sellers chose to move to an auction.

"As part of Concierge Auctions' Key for Key giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes, the closing will result in funding towards new homes built for families in need," the auction house said.

Here are more details about the auction and property from Concierge:

Concierge Auctions announced today that an exceptionally crafted mountain compound in Bend, Oregon, is pending sale for US $5.38 million following 44 days of auction marketing. Boasting panoramic, 360-degree views – including seven snow-capped mountains of the Cascade Mountain range – the property sold successfully at auction in cooperation with Jen Bowen of Coldwell Banker Bain. 

“The strong market response and swift transaction we experienced underscores the demand for truly special, luxury estates, like this one in picturesque Bend,” said Carolyn Wright, VP of Business Development at Concierge Auctions. “We’re proud to have facilitated an accelerated, seamless sales process that maximized both reach and results.”

The private gated estate offers the ultimate blend of luxury and nature. The 6,321-square-foot main residence features five ensuite bedrooms five ensuite bedrooms and six bathrooms, complemented by detached guest pods. Outdoor highlights include a poolhouse with his-and-hers facilities and entertainment pavilion with pizza oven, fire pit, and bar seating. The property borders thousands of acres of BLM land on two sides, ensuring peace and privacy. 

Ideal for car or art collectors, the estate includes a 10,000 square foot climate-controlled shop for 20+ vehicles. A 2,100 square foot recreation center overlooks a one-acre stocked pond, with a full-size sand volleyball court and shooting range nearby. Gardeners will enjoy a lavender field, automated greenhouse, and fenced pastures.

Designed by Mussa & Associates and built by local craftsmen, the home includes radiant floor heating, expansive windows with mountain views, touchless pocket doors in the primary suite, and a 40 kW Tesla solar system with battery backup. All structures feature fireproof cement or metal siding. Metal roofs offer durability and easy maintenance. Though connected to the grid, the estate can run fully off-grid.

 😎 Just sayin

Follow us on facebook