In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🍺🥃 The Little Woody Festival — Sip the Spirit of the Forest

 🍺🏃‍♀️‍➡️Featured Spotlight: The Little Woody Beer Run

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚨Kayakers discover body near Lava Island Falls in Deschutes River

⚠️ Toxic Algae Blooms Advisory

😔‘It took everything he had’: Friend helps 81-year-old Sisters man who lost home to Flat Fire

📰Redmond Council Advances Canyon, Airport Projects

📰Bend’s Outback Water Facility Expansion could mean higher water bills

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

📰Regional News

📰 Trump Administration Targets 2 Million Acres of Oregon Forest Protections

📰Oregon Lawmakers Reconvene Special Session to Address $350M Transportation Shortfall

🥰Community News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

📰County offering grants to reduce wildfire risk

🏘️Real Estate News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

🌞 Bend Emerging as a Destination for Accessible Outdoor Adventure

🏠🍂 Get Your Central Oregon Home Ready for Fall

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

Answer: B) Ancient sandals
Expanded Answer: Archaeologist Luther Cressman discovered sagebrush bark sandals in Fort Rock Cave in the 1930s. These sandals were later radiocarbon-dated to over 9,000 years old, making them among the oldest footwear ever found.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

SISTERS

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Featured Events

 The Little Woody Festival — Sip the Spirit of the Forest

Mark your calendar—this weekend, Bend’s beloved beer festival returns in full gnome-glory! Join us at the Deschutes Historical Museum on Friday, August 29 (5–9 p.m.) and Saturday, August 30 (noon–9 p.m.) for The 2025 Little Woody Festival—Central Oregon’s premier celebration of barrel-aged brews. (The Little Woody)

Settle into the forested ambiance as you sample oak-aged stouts, fruit-forward sours, ciders, whiskies, and more—all paying homage to the forests, orchards, and barrels that define great craft beverages. (The Little Woody)

What’s Happening:

• Friday VIP Experience kicks off at 4 p.m., featuring an exclusive tasting session with 503 Distilling and a craft canned cocktails discussion at 4:30 p.m. (The Little Woody)

• Comedy Night—“Locals Only”—from 6:15–7:30 p.m., followed by live roots and blues music from Lickety Split (formerly The Bunkhouse Two) at 8 p.m. (The Little Woody)

• Saturday Highlights begin at noon with the beloved Bend Beer Run, which now includes free festival entry. (The Little Woody)

• Secret Comedy Show under the trees from 6:15–7:30 p.m. features surprise comics as seen on Don’t Tell Comedy, Hulu, and Comedy Central. (The Little Woody)

• End the night with dreamy jazz and folk-infused performance by the Erin Cole Baker Band at 8 p.m. (The Little Woody)

Tickets & Fun Extras:

• General tasting packages start at just $15 (Gnomaste) and go up to $50 for VIP (The Big Woody), which comes with a commemorative T-shirt and early-entrance perks. (The Little Woody)

• Not drinking? No problem—grab a $5 “DD Entry” ticket and join the fun. (The Little Woody)

• Don’t miss the Gnome Costume Contest Saturday at 6 p.m.—compete for titles like Best Dressed Gnome, Best Gnome Squad, and Fan Favorite Spirit of the Little Woody. (The Little Woody)

• Wrap up your visit with the exclusive Big Token Growler Fill—a rare chance for Gnomie Homies to take home a growler filled straight from the festival taps. (The Little Woody)

Featured Spotlight: The Little Woody Beer Run

Put on your comfiest shoes and creative costume: this Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM, join the Little Woody Beer Run, a spirited 5K that kicks off at The Commons Café in downtown Bend and finishes straight into the heart of The Little Woody Festival at the Deschutes Historical Museum (The Little Woody).

This untimed, laid-back course takes participants through scenic Drake Park and along the Deschutes River, with four craft beer stops along the way featuring local breweries such as Worthy, Crux Fermentation Project, Deschutes Brewery, and UPP Liquids (The Little Woody).

Your $45 registration includes:

• A Little Woody tasting glass

• Six drink tokens for beer or cider at the festival

• Entry to live music, games, barrel-aged brews, and the gnome-themed fun that makes the festival so memorable

• Costume contest opportunities (great prizes for the most creative gnome outfits!) (The Little Woody)

This 21+ event is perfect for blending movement, local brews, and festive flair. Lace up, grab your friends, and get ready for a brew-tiful run!

 📅 Events: Bend

🖼️ Art in the West (exhibition, daily) — High Desert Museum; Mon–Sun, 9am–5pm
What: juried fine art show & silent auction (runs thru 9/20).
More info: Exhibit page

 🎵 Goo Goo Dolls — Live in ’25 — Hayden Homes Amphitheater; Fri 8/29, doors 5:30pm / show 7pm
What: outdoor summer tour stop on the Deschutes.
Tickets: Live Nation

🎭 “Under the Stars” Cabaret — Cascades Theatrical Company; Fri 8/29 & Sat 8/30, 7:30pm
What: musical-theatre cabaret with Central Oregon performers.
Tickets: Cascade A&E preview → CTC

 🎵 Japanese Breakfast — Live in ’25 — Hayden Homes Amphitheater; Sat 8/30, 6pm
Tickets: Live Nation

 🎵 Saturday Jazz Sessions (Jack Krouscup Quintet) — River’s Place; Sat 8/30, 6–8pm
What: free patio jazz at the food-truck lot.
More info: Source listing

🔢 Not’Cho Grandma’s Bingo (fundraiser) — Silver Moon Brewing; Sun 8/31, 10am–12pm
What: high-energy bingo; portion benefits local orgs.
Tickets/Info: CASA calendar

🎵 Chicago — Live in ’25 — Hayden Homes Amphitheater; Sun 8/31, 7pm
Tickets: Live Nation

🎵 Bill Keale (Live Music) — River’s Place; Sun 8/31, 6–8pm
More info: River’s Place live music

 📅 Events: Redmond & Nearby

 🧒 Redmond Farmers Market — Centennial Park; Fri 8/29, 3–7pm
What: produce + makers; family friendly.
More info: Visit Redmond

🎪 Reggae Rise Up Oregon (Festival) — Deschutes County Fair & Expo; Fri–Sun 8/29–8/31 (Fri 12–11:30pm; Sat–Sun similar)
What: national reggae lineup, art & vendors.
Tickets: Visit Bend listing

🌄 Events: Sisters

🖼️ Fourth Friday Artwalk — Downtown Sisters; Fri 8/29, 4–7pm
What: gallery stroll with receptions & demos.
More info: Sisters Arts Association

🧒 Sisters Farmers Market — Fir Street Park; Sun 8/31, 10am–2pm
What: 50+ vendors, live music & kids’ activities.
More info: Explore Sisters event

🌲 Events: Sunriver & La Pine

🎵 Summer Concert Series — Sunriver Resort (Backyard stage); Fri 8/29, 6:30–8:30pm
What: outdoor live music at the resort.
More info: Sunriver Resort events (sisterscountry.com)

🧒 Saturday Market at SHARC — SHARC Amphitheater; Sat 8/30, 10am–2pm
What: makers, food & family activities.
More info: Sunriver Parks & Rec (Visit Central Oregon)

🎵 Live Music @ Owl’s Nest — Sunriver Resort; Sat 8/30, 8–10pm
What: evening set in the resort’s historic pub.
More info: Visit Central Oregon (bendticket.com)

🎵 Use ’ta Do (Live Music) — Twin Lakes Resort; Sat 8/30, 2–4pm
What: lakeside set at the resort.
More info: Twin Lakes Resort calendar (Twin Lakes Resort)

🎵 Live Music on the Deck — Twin Lakes Resort; Sun 8/31, 12–2pm
What: midday music by the water.
More info: Twin Lakes Resort calendar (Twin Lakes Resort) 

🐴 Events: Prineville, OR

 🧒 C.R.O.P. Farmers Market — Stryker Park; Sat 8/30, 9am–1pm
What: community market with local growers & makers.

🏅 Jaripeo Baile (Rodeo & Dance) — Crook County Fairgrounds; Sun 8/31, time TBA
What: traditional rodeo/bull-riding event + baile.
More info: Fairgrounds calendar

🛍️ Events: Madras

 🎪 Pacific Northwest Freedom Run (Campout & Rally) — Jefferson County Event Complex; Fri–Mon 8/29–9/1 (all-day)
What: motorcycle rally with camping & live music.
More info: PNW Freedom Run

🧒 Madras Saturday Market — Sahalee Park; Sat 8/30, 9am–2pm
What: produce, artisans, food; family friendly.
More info: Madras Saturday Market

Check back often in the Calendar App below as it is updated regularly 👇

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Other Event Sources:

Local News…

Toxic Algae Blooms Advisory

Advisories are now in effect for Lake Simtustus (Madras) and Ochoco Lake (Prineville) after harmful algae was detected on Aug. 27. Health officials warn the blooms can cause illness in people and are especially dangerous—even deadly—for pets.

The advisory for Odell Lake was lifted on Aug. 26.

Avoid contact with discolored or scummy water, and don’t let pets near the shoreline. Boiling or filtering does not remove toxins.

For current updates, visit the Oregon Health Authority’s algae advisory page.

Redmond Council Advances Canyon, Airport Projects

The Redmond City Council advanced two major infrastructure projects during its Tuesday night meeting: the Central Dry Canyon Project and the Airport Terminal Building Expansion. Councilors approved a $175,418 change order to reconstruct pavement on Cascade Avenue after crews discovered the existing surface was inadequate during water line excavation. Assistant City Engineer Lynsey Cromsigt said the work is more cost-effective to complete now and asked for public patience as closures and detours continue through June 2026. The project also includes a 30-day closure of the Hope Playground starting September 3.

Councilors also authorized a $16.46 million amendment for the Redmond Municipal Airport expansion, covering interior finishes, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Airport Director Zachary Bass explained that this final approval completes the full construction package, keeping the project on track and slightly under budget. Once finished, the new terminal will expand capacity, improve safety, and better accommodate Central Oregon’s growing travel demand.

Bend’s Outback Water Facility Expansion could mean higher water bills

 The City of Bend is embarking on a significant expansion of its Outback Water Facility—a roughly $50 million initiative aimed at securing safe and reliable drinking water amid rapid regional growth. The upgrades would include new pretreatment systems, additional reservoirs and wells, in-conduit hydroelectric generation, a wildfire water fill station, and enhanced federal‑level security—all aimed at boosting system resilience. The project also envisions acquiring 48 acres of adjacent Deschutes National Forest land through the Townsite Act to accommodate the improvements.

Construction could begin within 12 to 18 months, with a projected two-year build-out, putting full operation on track in about three years, best case. City officials emphasized that they are aggressively pursuing federal and state grants, FEMA support, and loans to fund the initiative, but warned Bend residents that higher water bills may be necessary if full funding doesn’t materialize.

 Fire & Rescue…

Crime News…

Regional News…

Trump Administration Targets 2 Million Acres of Oregon Forest Protections

Tumalo Mountain, Lookout Mountain are among areas affected

Federal officials are proposing to roll back the 2001 “Roadless Rule,” potentially opening 2 million acres of national forest in Oregon to logging and development. A 21-day public comment period begins Friday and runs through September 19. Local environmentalists warn of threats to wildlife, watersheds, and old-growth forests. The Bulletin

Read more at: https://bendbulletin.com/2025/08/28/trump-officials-plan-to-remove-protections-on-2-million-acres-of-national-forests-in-oregon/

Oregon Lawmakers Reconvene Special Session to Address $350M Transportation Shortfall

State legislators are back in session in Salem to tackle a $350 million gap in the transportation budget. Governor Tina Kotek has proposed a new funding plan, projected to raise $5.8 billion over the next decade through targeted tax and fee increases. While the plan could prevent immediate layoffs within the Department of Transportation, it has sparked debate over tax increases. Axios

Community News…

 City of Bend Events

Current updates for the Flat Fire can be found in CO Fire Info above⬆️

County offering grants to reduce wildfire risk

Deschutes County has earmarked $125,000 for fuel reduction grants aimed at helping local communities reduce wildfire risk. Residents can apply for grant funds beginning Sept. 1.

Since 2022, the County has allocated $425,000 in support of the Fall Fuel Reduction Grant program, which has funded 68 communities.

Grants are intended to help communities with specific, short-term projects that reduce fuels and improve defensible space. Typical grant awards range between $100 and $5,000.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Equipment rental

• Supplies for community work parties

• Contracting fees for roadside chipping, fuel reduction or defensible space creation

• Debris disposal fees

Note: The County discourages grant requests for regular, annual maintenance projects, such as pine needle raking and removal.

Online applications will be accepted starting Monday, Sept. 1 through Tuesday, Sept. 30. Preference will be given to communities or neighborhoods that are working toward, or have achieved, recognition as a Firewise USA™ site and are proposing projects consistent with their Firewise action plan and community assessment.

For more information about the County’s Fuel Reduction Grant Program and to fill out an online application, visit: www.deschutes.org/forester. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Questions? Contact Lauren Street, Natural Resources Specialist, at (541) 322-7141 or [email protected].

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | August 27, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

This morning, the number of single-family listings in Deschutes County is 1,452, a decrease of thirty from last week, and averaging $1,157,881. Pending sales are down slightly from the high volume of the previous few weeks, at seventy-eight, averaging $844,644. Sixty-eight closed transactions averaged $920,079. The average price reduction for the closed transactions was 7.6%, the most significant average price reduction since February.

Crook County's inventory of single-family homes decreased by five to 239, with an average $965,744. Seven pending sales are a slight decrease from recent weeks, averaging $850,986. Four transactions closed this week, averaging $1,115,981, with two price reductions. The actual price reduction numbers were a list price of $429,000 and a closed price of $425,000, but the original list price was $445,000. The second price reduction was initially listed for $2,100,000 and closed at $2,000,000.

Inventory in Jefferson County decreased by one home, now at 143, with an average price of $607,684. Four pending sales, averaging $499,450, are down slightly from recent weeks. Two transactions were closed this week, with one selling above the asking price and one below. The first property was initially listed for $407,500, dropped the price to $399,900, and closed at $406,000. The second initially listed at $329,000 and closed at $304,000.

Whether the narrative from the Federal Reserve's last meeting, suggesting a potential rate decrease in September, holds is anyone's guess. But the 30-year fixed-rate national average for a conventional mortgage this morning sits at 6.52%, the lowest since late 2024. While buying conditions are favorable, I anticipate a slowdown over the holiday weekend before activity picks up for the final busy period leading up to Thanksgiving.  

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Active Listings

Bend Emerging as a Destination for Accessible Outdoor Adventure

Bend continues to establish itself as an inclusive outdoor tourism hub. A recent feature highlights adaptive recreation—such as the AdvenChair all-terrain wheelchair—making experiences at places like Smith Rock State Park accessible to wheelchair users. This reflects a growing emphasis on accessibility across community venues, hotels, and eateries. Condé Nast Traveler

Get Your Central Oregon Home Ready for Fall

Nearly 30% of fall home insurance claims in Central Oregon come from preventable maintenance issues—things like clogged gutters, frozen pipes, and neglected heating systems. With colder weather right around the corner, a little prep now can save you from costly repairs later.

Key Tips:

• Roof & Gutters: Clear debris to prevent leaks and ice dams.

• Yardwork: Rake leaves, winterize irrigation, trim branches.

• Exterior Check: Seal cracks in siding and foundation to keep water and pests out.

• Inside: Replace furnace filters, test your heating system, reverse ceiling fans for efficiency.

• Energy Upgrades: Weatherproof windows and doors, add insulation, or install a smart thermostat to cut heating bills.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the first freeze—tackling these tasks now protects your property’s value, keeps your home cozy, and avoids insurance headaches.

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