- Central Oregon Local Buzz
- Posts
- 📰Final Person From The Dillon Falls Tragedy Indentified | 🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report
📰Final Person From The Dillon Falls Tragedy Indentified | 🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report
Issue #365
Happy Friday, Central Oregon!
As we cruise into the weekend, today’s Local BUZZ brings a little bit of everything — from a retro car show and community celebrations to breaking news and big local developments. We’ve got new doctors landing in Madras, major projects breaking ground in Redmond and La Pine, and a new design firm making waves with a woman-led vision for building better spaces.
Also on tap: a long-awaited closure in the Dillon Falls tragedy, a major CODE drug bust in Bend, and a local nonprofit finding smart ways to fight food waste. Don’t miss your Friday dose of Local Trivia, real estate updates, and a sneak peek at what’s happening across the region this weekend. Let’s dive in!
Stay safe, stay informed, and as always—thanks for being part of the buzz. 🐝
In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…
🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays
🌄Bend, OR Weather
📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?
🚘🥃🍸Driven Through the Decades: Car Show & Anniversary Party
📰Local News - What’s a Happening?
📰 Closure Reached As Final Person From The Dillon Falls Tragedy On July 19 Identified; Family Notified
⚒️ Groundbreaking held for new mental health treatment center in Redmond
🏗️ Construction to resume on delayed La Pine wellness center project
🩺New Medical Residents Arrive in Madras to Help Ease Doctor Shortage
🛩️🗼Bend Municipal Airport's new air traffic control tower is almost complete
🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News
⛑️Deputies seek public's help for man missing in Crook County for a week
🚨Crime News
🚨💊 CODE Search Warrant in Bend Nets Multiple Arrests, Drug Seizure
📰Regional News
🥰Community News
🥒🥕🫙 Preserving the Harvest: Cascades Cannery Tackles Food Waste Locally
📆City of Bend Calendar of Events
🚧 Road Closures & Construction
🔥Central Oregon Fire Info
🏘️Real Estate News
🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton
⚒️ Construction underway on 178-unit multifamily community in Bend
🏈🎾🏐New 60-acre sportsmen’s park announced for La Pine
🤔🏘️ Madras weighs zoning change for 72-unit affordable housing project
🏘️ Iron Roots Design + Build Expands as Woman-Led Firm Shapes Central Oregon Spaces
💖Sponsors
😆Today’s Meme

![]() | ![]() |
🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!
Which small town in Grant County served as a gold rush boomtown in the 1860s? |
Answer: A) Canyon City
Expanded Answer: Canyon City exploded in population during the 1862 gold rush and was once one of the richest gold mining towns in the Northwest. Today, it retains its historic charm and serves as the county seat of Grant County.
What’s Up Central Oregon?
Featured Events
Driven Through the Decades: Car Show & Anniversary Party

Saturday, September 6th, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Located at Bendistillery - 19330 Pinehurst Rd Bend, Oregon
Admission is free to the public!
Car show entries are $20 with a portion of proceeds being donated to Furnish Hope
Car show check-in: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate 30 years of Crater Lake Spirits and 10 years of Ablis at our Driven Through the Decades Car Show & Anniversary Party!
Kick things off with our classic car show, where entries will roll in from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM before the event officially opens at 3:00 PM. While you check out the cars, enjoy live music from multiple acts, full-sized cocktails featuring Crater Lake Spirits, beer from Bridge 99 Brewery, and an N/A bar with refreshing offerings from Ablis and Humm Kombucha.
Savor delicious tacos from Fresco & Fryed, browse local vendor booths, challenge your friends to lawn games, and enter for a chance to win exciting giveaways.
We’re also proud to partner with Furnish Hope, a local nonprofit that helps furnish homes for those in need. They’ll be on-site with a cozy lounge space to relax in, and a portion of all event proceeds will go directly to support their mission.
Whether you’re here for the cars, the music, the drinks, or the community spirit, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss. Car show participants can sign up and submit their entry donation below—space is limited, so register early.
If you would prefer to pay for your car show entry with cash please email us at [email protected]
📌 Bend
🎨 First Friday Art Walk (Downtown Bend)
Where: Start at Downtown Bend (Visitor Info: 916 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703)
Type: Art/Community
When: Fri, Sept 5, 5:00–8:00 PM
What: Galleries, live music, merchant specials in the downtown core.
Info: Event details. (Visit Bend)🎸 Free Breedlove Guitars Music Night @ Volcanic Theatre Pub
Where: 70 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702
Type: Music
When: Fri, Sept 5, 5:00–9:00 PM (drop-in)
What: Showcase with local players and Breedlove demos.
Info: Event page. (Visit Bend)🚂 Eastern Cascades Model Railroad Club – 28th Annual Open House (Kid-friendly)
Where: 21520 Modoc Ln, Bend, OR 97702
Type: Family/Kid-friendly, Hobbies
When: Sat–Sun, Sept 6–7, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
What: Ride-on outdoor trains, indoor HO layouts, food vendors. Free admission.
Info: Club site and listings. (Eastern Cascades Model Railroad Club, Visit Central Oregon)🥕 NorthWest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market (Live music + demos)
Where: NW Crossing Dr (two blocks east of Mt. Washington Dr), Bend, OR 97703
Type: Market/Community
When: Sat, Sept 6, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
What: Seasonal produce, artisans, and music sets.
Info: Market site & date listing. (NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market, Step Outside)🎻 Sam Grisman Project @ Tower Theatre
Where: 835 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97701
Type: Music (Americana/Acoustic)
When: Sun, Sept 7, 7:30–9:30 PM (doors 6:30)
What: David “Dawg” Grisman/Jerry Garcia songbook tribute led by Sam Grisman.
Tickets: Tower Theatre. (Tower Theatre)
📌 Redmond
🐴 Cascades Futurity & Aged Event (Cutting Horse Show)
Where: Deschutes County Fair & Expo, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756
Type: Sports/Equestrian
When: Tue–Sun, Sept 2–7 (runs through Sept 14; multiple sessions daily)
What: Regional cutting-horse competition; vendors, food & bev on site.
Info: Event calendars. (Deschutes Expo)🎪 Venardos Circus – “Decade of Dreams” (Animal-free, Broadway-style)
Where: Deschutes County Fair & Expo, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756
Type: Theatre/Circus, Kid-friendly
When: Thu–Sun, Sept 4–7
Showtimes: Thu 7 PM; Fri 7 PM; Sat 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM; Sun 2 PM & 5 PM
What: Classic circus artistry with live music and aerial acts under the big top.
Tickets/Info: Expo listing & official tour page. (Deschutes Expo, Venardos Circus)🚗 41st Oregon High Desert Swap Meet & Car Show
Where: Deschutes County Fair & Expo, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756
Type: Festival/Car Show (All ages)
When: Sat, Sept 6, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM
What: Large annual auto swap meet + car show; free public admission.
Info: Expo calendar & event pages. (Deschutes Expo, 925 The Ticket, Mafca)🍷 Live at the Vineyard: Kurt Silva (solo) — Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards
Where: 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760 (just N. of Redmond)
Type: Music/Wine
When: Thu, Sept 4, 5:00–8:00 PM
What: Americana/folk/country with wood-fired pizza & wine available.
Tickets/Info: Event page. (Visit Bend)🎉 Summer Groove Party Band + Jackson Michelson — Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards
Where: 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760
Type: Music/Dance
When: Fri, Sept 5, 5:30–9:00 PM
What: High-energy dance party night at the vineyard.
Tickets/Info: Event page. (Visit Bend)🎤 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series: Corey Kent
Where: General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
Type: Music (Country)
When: Sat, Sept 6, 3:00–9:00 PM
What: National touring country artist outdoors at Duffy’s.
Tickets/Info: Listing. (Visit Bend)🕺 Karissa & The Loose Screws — Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards
Where: 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760
Type: Music/Country
When: Sat, Sept 6 (see event listing for schedule)
What: Country-rock dance night at the vines.
Tickets/Info: Event page. (Visit Bend)
📌 Sisters
📌 Madras
📌 Prineville
📌 Sunriver
📌 La Pine
HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?
Other Event Sources:
Local News…
Closure Reached As Final Person From The Dillon Falls Tragedy On July 19 Identified; Family Notified
Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the recovery and identification of the third and final individual from the July 19 incident at Dillon Falls.
On August 27, two kayakers exploring Lava Island Falls on the Deschutes River discovered the body in the rapids, downstream from Dillon Falls. Search and Rescue teams, assisted by Bend Fire & Rescue, conducted a complex recovery operation in an inaccessible area with swift water that took about five hours to complete.
The Deschutes County Medical Examiner has identified the body as Derek Slesinger, 33, of Newark, Delaware. He was visiting Central Oregon as part of a group of six friends recreating in the area on the weekend of the incident. Three tragically died, and three survived. The other two victims who lost their lives included:
Amanda I. Loyd, 39, of Rockwall, Texas
Lindsay V. Bashan, 33, of Parkland, Florida
Following confirmation of Slesinger’s identity, Sheriff Ty Rupert met with his mother. She asked that her family remain out of the public eye but offered heartfelt thanks to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives, and especially the Search and Rescue teams whose efforts she greatly appreciates. She shared that, although the loss has been heartbreaking, she is grateful to finally have closure and the opportunity to honor her son’s life.
“We are incredibly grateful to our Search and Rescue volunteers for their tireless dedication and to the kayakers who came forward when they discovered Derek. Most importantly, we are thankful his family has answers and some measure of closure after weeks of uncertainty. That is what matters most,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.
The recovery of Slesinger officially ends the search efforts connected to the Dillon Falls tragedy. Since July 19, Search and Rescue teams have devoted hundreds of hours to combing the stretch of river around Dillon Falls. Strong currents and Class VI rapids make recovery operations of this nature extremely difficult. Sections of the Deschutes River create additional challenges, with dangerous, unpredictable, and constantly shifting conditions. Slesinger was recovered in swift waters, and how Slesinger came to rest at Lava Island Falls will never be fully known.
"I also want to recognize the many partner agencies that assisted throughout these operations—Bend Fire & Rescue, Bend Police Department, The Portland Police Bureau, Civil Air Patrol, the Oregon State Marine Board, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, AirLink, and Leading Edge Aviation,” added Sheriff Rupert. “These efforts take teamwork, persistence, and coordination across many agencies, and I am proud of everyone who contributed. In the end, it was a combination of that teamwork and two kayakers being in the right place at the right time that allowed us to bring this case to a close.”
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that rivers can be unpredictable and dangerous. It’s essential to plan ahead, know take-out locations on rivers, obey all posted warnings, and always have a life jacket. These steps are critical for anyone recreating on local waterways.
Statement by Derek Slesinger’s Mother, Diana Adames
On behalf of my family, I want to thank the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue, and all of the agencies and people who helped bring closure to this accident.
There have been a lot of rumors about what happened, but the truth is, most people don’t know or understand the whole story. I spent many days out on the river and was treated with such kindness by the Search and Rescue teams. They went above and beyond, spending more time than anyone can imagine searching for my boy. I also want to thank Sheriff Rupert, who kept me updated, took all my calls, and supported me every step of the way. I am deeply grateful to the kayakers who noticed my son in the river and came forward.
We may never know exactly where Derek was all this time or why he ended up downriver. None of that matters to me. What matters is that I can finally bring my son home, let him rest in peace, and close this chapter.
I also want to thank community members, like my new friends Piera and Kerri, who embraced, supported, and showed me kindness. Local businesses stepped up, such as Hook & Plow, Dear Mom Cafe, Still Vibrato, Donner Flower Shop, and 10 Barrel, who were so good to me. I’ll never forget it. They showed me the wonderful side of humanity.
As my family and I bring Derek home, I ask that our privacy be respected so we can say goodbye and let him rest in peace. Please know that my gratitude to this community, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, its Search & Rescue teams, and everyone who stood by me is heartfelt and will remain with me forever.
Diana Adames
Groundbreaking held for new mental health treatment center in Redmond

REDMOND, Ore. -- A new mental health treatment center in Redmond is one step closer to reality. Local leaders gathered Thursday for a groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of Joy Behavioral Health, located along Northwest Canal Boulevard.
The 16-bed facility will provide treatment for people suffering from severe mental illness. The center will offer the highest level of care outside of a state hospital while filling a crucial need in Central Oregon.
Holly Harris, interim health director for Deschutes County, said, “We have had one residential facility in our community for 20 years and we have been a growing community. We have been under resourced in this area for decades. This is a big deal to add 16 additional beds to our community.”
Construction on the new facility is expected to last just over a year. The first patients could be admitted to the center sometime in late 2026 at 815 NW Canal Blvd in Redmond.
Here is the full announcement from Deschutes County:
Elected officials and business leaders gathered in Redmond today to celebrate the groundbreaking of Jory Behavioral Health, a secure residential mental health treatment facility for adults suffering from severe and persistent mental illness. The facility will help close critical gaps in mental health treatment in Oregon and help keep individuals who need help closer to home.
Construction to resume on delayed La Pine wellness center project

LA PINE, Ore. -- An expansion project at the La Pine Community Health Center is set to resume after being delayed in the spring. The health center announced Thursday that construction will resume on its new wellness center that was originally supposed to open earlier this year.
The medical care facility serving south Deschutes County says that funding issues that halted the project in March have been resolved.
No exact timeline has been announced on when construction will resume.
Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $1.6 million to the health center in 2023 to help toward the creation of the wellness center.
New Medical Residents Arrive in Madras to Help Ease Doctor Shortage

Two new medical residents, Drs. Ben Khalil and Callie Krewson, have begun their training in Madras this summer as part of the Three Sisters Rural Track Program, an OHSU-sponsored initiative aimed at addressing Oregon’s primary care physician shortage. As the first graduate medical education program in Central Oregon, the RTP places residents in rural communities like Jefferson County after a year of training in Portland, where they gain hands-on experience in family medicine, emergency care, and childbirth.

Each resident is expected to serve 300–400 patients, with long-term goals of expanding access to care and encouraging new doctors to remain in the region. Program leaders highlight the critical need for rural physicians and note that more than half of residents typically stay near where they train. If this holds true, the RTP could help bring 20 or more new doctors to Central Oregon in the next decade—providing care for tens of thousands of residents in underserved areas.
Fire & Rescue…
Deputies seek public's help for man missing in Crook County for a week

PRINEVILLE. Ore. -- The Crook County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for its help in finding man reported missing last week.
Gordon Grafton III, 29, left his home in the Post area on Thursday, Aug. 28 around 5:00 p.m. according to the sheriff's office and a missing person poster circulating on social media. He was reported missing the next day.
His vehicle was found Sunday night in a rural part of southeast Crook County. The missing person flyer indicated it was on Bear Creek-Fife Road about 1.5 miles from the intersection of Bear Creek and Camp Creek roads. He was not found after a search of the area by deputies.
The area was searched again Tuesday using drones and a K-9, but Grafton was not found. The sheriff's office said it is continuing to search the area. No other details were released.
A relative says Grafton is white, 29, 5 feet 6 inches tall and 160 pounds with blonde, shaggy hair and bright blue eyes. He has several tattoos: an eye on his throat and giant wings on his chest, a wolf skeleton on his left side neck and a compass on his right hand. His fingers say "self made." He has a cowboy skull head with a hat and wild wrag on his top left wrist.
Anyone who sees Grafton or knows his whereabouts is asked to call 541-447-6398 and contact Sergeant Javier Sanchez or Deputy Dakota Peterson.
Crime News…
CODE Search Warrant in Bend Nets Multiple Arrests, Drug Seizure

BEND, Ore. – On Sept. 4, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team served a search warrant at a home on Alpine Drive in Bend, resulting in five arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Among those arrested was Brach Addison Roberts, 32, who was found hiding inside the home. Bend Police K9 Buck located Roberts, who was treated for minor bite injuries before being booked into jail on a felony warrant. Shawn Allen Claxton, 55, and Alli Elizabeth Anderson, 33, were also arrested on outstanding warrants. Jennifer Renee Flood, 52, and Kathryn Michele Nelson, 60, were cited for drug-related offenses, with Nelson also facing a meth possession charge.
In all, 10 people were found on the property. Detectives say the location had long been under investigation following reports of frequent short-term visits consistent with drug activity.
CODE is a multi-agency task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program and includes local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement partners.
Regional News…
Community News…
Preserving the Harvest: Cascades Cannery Tackles Food Waste Locally

A new nonprofit, Cascades Cannery, has launched in Central Oregon with a mission to reduce farm food waste, support local growers, and increase food security for the community. By collecting surplus produce from area farms, Cascades Cannery transforms it into healthy, shelf-stable products such as jams, sauces, pickled vegetables, and soups.
The effort is designed to address two challenges at once: the large amount of nutritious food that goes unharvested or unsold each season, and the ongoing need for reliable, year-round access to local food among families in Central Oregon.
“Every year, thousands of pounds of fresh produce are lost simply because markets can’t absorb it all,” said James Radnich, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Cascades Cannery. “Our work ensures this abundance isn’t wasted, but instead preserved to nourish our neighbors and support the farmers who grow it.”
Cascades Cannery operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a dual approach:
Farm support: purchasing or gleaning surplus produce, giving growers a return on crops that might otherwise go unsold.
Community benefit: donating preserved foods to food banks and hunger-relief partners, while also
selling products locally to generate income that sustains the mission.
The project is the first of its kind in Central Oregon and is currently building partnerships with farms, food access organizations, and local markets.
Community members who wish to get involved can learn more, donate, or sign up to volunteer at cascadescannery.org

BendRedmond | Deschutes County |
Current updates for the Flat Fire can be found in CO Fire Info above⬆️
Friday’s
Real Estate News
Sponsored by
by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

Reed Melton
Over the past several days, there has been considerable discussion about the president declaring a "housing emergency" and its potential implications. The debate centers around exempting building materials from tariffs, decreasing closing costs, and other ideas under discussion. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also mentioned these ideas in conjunction with the Federal Reserve making cuts to the overnight rate, "which will help bring housing prices down." Considering that lower rates increase prices, today's inventory is higher than in several years, and prices have softened, I disagree with Bessent's speculation on the result of Fed rate cuts. In fact, during the rate cuts of 2024, when the Fed lowered the overnight rate a total of 100 basis points, mortgage rates increased. And any tariff exclusion or closing cost decreases will be minor at best. Interestingly, Bessent hasn't reached out for my opinion on the matter.
Housing prices increased dramatically during the COVID years as the country experienced a once-in-a-lifetime demographic shift, along with the Treasury Department increasing monetary supply (M2) by an unprecedented 26.9%, coinciding with PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) rising to nearly double-digits. Since then, M2 has decreased, along with the rate of inflation, but we have not experienced deflation. In other words, the increase in prices are locked in. For many buyers, housing is unaffordable, and lower rates seem to be the logical answer. However, rates and prices are not directly correlated; lower rates attract more buyers, which in turn puts pressure on prices and decreases supply. The short answer is that timing the market doesn't work, and "waiting" has historically been a poor strategy. I won't speculate on what may happen in the future, but I can confirm that conditions today favor buyers more than at any time in several years. Milton Friedman is probably rolling over in his grave over some of the modern-day discussions about monetary policy!
Listings of single-family homes in Deschutes County decreased by 24 this week, now at 1,428. Pending sales remain steady with 80 homes placed under contract this week at an average list price of $877,728, and an average reduction before finding a buyer at -7.58%. Eighty transactions closed this week at an average sale price of $813,711, and an average decrease below the list price of -7.89%. Don't assume that the price reductions for pending and closed transactions are stacking to equal 15% reductions over the asking price in every case. Still, there is no question that some properties are selling at deep discounts from the original asking price.
Year-to-date sales in Deschutes County are at 2,304, an increase of 48 from 2024, with the median sale price at $698,384, an increase of $5,825 from 2024. The average sale price YTD is $881,472, an increase of $24,206 from 2024. The YTD numbers indicate that sale prices are flat, with the price decreases prevalent in today's market reflecting sellers returning to reality rather than collapsing prices.
Inventory in Crook County remains stable, with 235 single-family homes listed, a decrease of four from last week. There are six pending sales, averaging $450,483, with a modest price reduction of 4.35% for three of the sales before securing a buyer. There were also six closed transactions and three that negotiated a lower price by an average of -3.78%.
Jefferson County inventory shows 133 single-family homes listed, a decrease of ten from last week. Seven pending sales indicate a strong week for the county, with three that reduced the asking price by an average of -3.27%. Eight closed transactions averaged $483,168, with only one negotiating a lower price. The sold-to-original list price percentage for the closed transactions was 100.21%.
The next seasonal milestone for Central Oregon real estate will be Thanksgiving, clearing the runway for one of the busiest times of the year. With increased selection, decreased mortgage interest rates, and sellers willing to negotiate to secure a sale before the end of the year, conditions are moderately in favor of buyers. While the Fed might reduce the overnight rate in the mid-September meeting, the likelihood of mortgage rates changing significantly is low. The conditions and trends in place today will hold for the next several weeks, before the market adjusts to winter in Central Oregon. What do you think the trends will be for spring and summer 2026?
Active Listings
Construction underway on 178-unit multifamily community in Bend
BEND, Ore. - Developers have officially broken ground on Britta Ridge, a 178-unit, Class-A multifamily development located at 20300 Halfway Road in Bend, Oregon.
The project is being developed on behalf of a family based in Oregon and reflects a long-term commitment to building high-quality housing in one of the state’s fastest-growing markets. Once complete, Britta Ridge will feature three garden-style apartment buildings with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, complemented by amenities including a resident lounge, open dog park, and outdoor gathering spaces.
Several strategic factors contributed to the project’s financial viability. Britta Ridge received a 30-year property tax abatement through the City of Bend’s Urban Renewal Agency, enhancing project feasibility.
Additionally, the low land basis and recent federal tax incentives passed under the One Big Beautiful Act provided critical support in making the project feasible during a period of elevated construction and financing costs.
New 60-acre sportsmen’s park announced for La Pine

LA PINE, Ore. -- The La Pine Park and Recreation District has announced the development of a new sportsmen's park for youth and local families.
The Lorimor Heritage Outdoor Education Park will encompass 60 acres of land along 6th Street in La Pine. The park will feature a community fishing pond, an archery range and a shooting range. There will also be an office building on site that includes a gym.
La Pine Park and Rec says the park will host state archery and clay target competitions, as well as hunter education courses.
The new park will be fully funded by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
There is no exact timeline yet on when the park will open.
Madras weighs zoning change for 72-unit affordable housing project

MADRAS, Ore. -- The Madras City Council is considering a zoning change that would allow for the construction of a 72-unit affordable housing complex.
The 3.5-acre lot is on the north side of Oak Street across the street from Cowden Park near Saint Charles. The development would feature dozens of affordable units built around a centrally located clubhouse.
Members of the public voiced their opinions at a public hearing last week. The Madras City Council voted to hold another public hearing on October 14 to allow time to gather more information.
Iron Roots Design + Build Expands as Woman-Led Firm Shapes Central Oregon Spaces

Iron Roots Design + Build, led by CEO and Principal Designer Celeste McGowan, has grown into a full-service interior design and construction firm in Central Oregon. McGowan, who was inspired by her own experience with insecure housing, founded the company on curiosity and a drive to create nurturing, functional spaces. Today, Iron Roots offers clients a one-stop approach, handling everything from blueprints to furnishings while blending advanced technology with hands-on construction expertise.
As a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, McGowan has faced bias but continues to advocate for greater inclusion, mentorship, and recognition of women’s technical roles in design and construction. Looking ahead, Iron Roots is expanding its team, tackling larger projects, and strengthening local partnerships, with a strong focus on sustainability, community involvement, and supporting local nonprofits. ironrootsdesign.com
Kiln to Open 43,000-Square-Foot Coworking Hub in Bend’s Old Mill District

BEND, Ore. – Flex-office leader Kiln has announced plans to open a new 43,000-square-foot coworking space in Bend’s Old Mill District by spring 2026. The two-story location at 501 SW Hill Street will accommodate more than 500 professionals, offering private offices, open desks, conference rooms, content studios, and a wide range of lifestyle amenities including wellness zones, a theater, and vibrant lounges designed to spark collaboration.
Kiln operates more than 20 locations across the Western U.S., with each designed to reflect the character of its city. The Bend site is expected to become a hub for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and growing teams while adding a new anchor to the Old Mill District’s business and cultural scene. Memberships will open later this year, with strong demand anticipated. https://kiln.com/
Sponsors…

📊 LAKE Bookkeeping Solutions, LLC - Where your numbers reflect success!
From messy receipts to clean financials—LAKE Bookkeeping helps small businesses stay organized, make confident decisions, and grow with clarity. Ready to get your books in order?
👉 Reach out today call Laura at (541) 788-2607 email: [email protected]
♻️ Can Monkey – Hassle-Free Trash Day!
Tired of hauling your bins to the curb? Can Monkey makes trash day easy by rolling your garbage and recycling cans out—and back—so you don’t have to. Perfect for vacation homes, busy schedules, or just saving yourself the hassle.
Never take the trash out again.
How'd we do on this issue? |
We could use your help
Know somebody who lives in the Central Oregon area and would benefit from being kept in the know?
Please share Central Oregon Local BUZZ with them! It’s simple!
Reply