In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎭 The Prince of Egypt Hits the Stage — A Musical Journey You Won’t Forget!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 👮 Join the Conversation: Sheriff’s Town Hall in Sunriver

 💡Pacific Power Rates Going Down Slightly in 2026

🅿️Updated Bend parking code takes effect

 🚌 CET to Reintroduce Bus Fares in February — New Pass System Launches Jan. 1

💃🥶Bend New Year's celebration starts with dance party, ends with polar plunge 🎦

🦨 Meet Douglas Fur: The High Desert Museum’s Adorably Curious New Ambassador

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🚨Redmond Homicide: Search for Armed Person of Interest

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘️💼Real Estate & Business News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

🏡 Crook County Launches Free Property Recording Alert Service

✈️ RDM Seeks Local Businesses for New Airport Concessions

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

Correct Answer: D) Volcanic pumice

Expanded Answer:
Much of the La Pine Basin sits on deep layers of porous volcanic pumice, which drains water quickly and makes traditional farming difficult—one reason ranching and forestry dominated instead.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

🎭 The Prince of Egypt Hits the Stage — A Musical Journey You Won’t Forget!

🎭 The Prince of Egypt Hits the Stage — A Musical Journey You Won’t Forget!
Presented by Ovation Performing Arts | January 2025 | Redmond, OR
Get ready to cross the Red Sea and step into an epic tale of faith, freedom, and destiny — because The Prince of Egypt is coming to life on the Ovation Performing Arts stage this January!

This awe-inspiring musical is packed with breathtaking songs (yes, including “When You Believe” 🎶), stunning choreography, and a powerhouse cast of local youth and adult performers who are pouring their hearts into every moment. You’ll follow Moses from the palace to the desert and beyond, with all the drama, wonder, and spectacle you’d expect from a Broadway-caliber production — right here in Central Oregon.

Ovation is known for bringing big talent to our local stage, and The Prince of Egypt is no exception. Whether you're a theatre buff or just looking for an unforgettable night out, this show will stir your soul and leave you cheering from your seat.

🔥 Seats fill fast, so don’t miss your chance to experience this musical masterpiece.

🎟️ More info & tickets: ovationpa.com

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Local News…

 👮 Join the Conversation: Sheriff’s Town Hall in Sunriver

Deschutes County residents are invited to a community Town Hall with Sheriff Ty Rupert on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Three Rivers School in Sunriver (56900 Enterprise Drive, cafeteria). This is your chance to ask questions, share concerns, and help shape the future of public safety in your community.

“These Town Halls are about listening,” said Sheriff Rupert. “We want to hear what matters most to each corner of Deschutes County.” The next Town Hall will be held in Terrebonne on January 14, with meetings in Sisters and Bend coming soon.

 💡Pacific Power Rates Going Down Slightly in 2026

Oregon's Public Utility Commission has approved a small rate decrease for PacifiCorp (Pacific Power) customers beginning January 1, 2026. The adjustment stems from PacifiCorp’s annual forecast of power costs for the year ahead and reflects a collaborative agreement between the utility, PUC staff, and consumer advocates.

For the typical residential customer using 900 kWh, that means a monthly bill drop of about $0.96—bringing the average bill to roughly $153.28. The decrease is driven by lower anticipated fuel costs and power purchase expenses. Thanks to House Bill 3179, no rate increases can happen during the winter heating season, offering relief when customers need it most. Additional rate changes are expected in April.

Pacific Power customers can explore bill assistance, budget-friendly energy programs, and cost-saving tips by calling 888-221-7070 or visiting pacificpower.net.

🅿️Updated Bend parking code takes effect.

Bend’s updated parking code is now in effect, changing how parking tickets are handled. Citations will be processed through Bend Municipal Court, similar to traffic tickets, to ensure consistency and judicial oversight. Drivers must respond within 14 days to avoid additional fees. Starting January 21, tickets can be paid or contested online or in person, with meter and overtime fines starting at $12.

🚌 CET to Reintroduce Bus Fares in February — New Pass System Launches Jan. 1

After nearly six years of free rides, Cascades East Transit (CET) will reintroduce fares across Central Oregon starting February 1, 2026. Most trips within Bend and Redmond will cost $2 one way, capped at $6 daily. Dial-A-Ride fares will be $4 per ride, with discounted rates for reduced-fare riders — who make up roughly 75% of CET’s passengers. Reduced fares will be $1 per trip, capped at $3 per day.

To make the transition smoother, CET is rolling out a new payment system — CET GO — on January 1. The system includes a mobile app and reloadable smart card for secure, easy fare payments. Riders can enroll at several upcoming Transit 101 pop-up events, including:

• Jan. 7, 12:30–3:30 p.m. at Downtown Bend Library

• Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at Crook County Library (Prineville)

• Jan. 12, 12:30–3:30 p.m. at Redmond Library

• Jan. 20, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at OSU-Cascades

• Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 in Warm Springs (locations TBD)

CET is also launching the Central Oregon Community Movement Fund to help low-income riders access transit passes through local nonprofits. Interested donors can reach out to Andrea Wasilew at [email protected].

🦨 Meet Douglas Fur: The High Desert Museum’s Adorably Curious New Ambassador

There’s a new fuzzy face at the High Desert Museum—and he’s turning heads (and sniffers). Meet Douglas Fur, a young skunk who’s quickly become a fan favorite and a beloved part of the wildlife education team. Seized by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife after being illegally kept as a pet, Douglas was too accustomed to people to be released into the wild. Instead, he’s found a new home—and purpose—at the museum.

Named via auction at the High Desert Rendezvous fundraiser, Douglas now follows staff around like a puppy, a behavior that comes naturally to young skunks. While he doesn’t keep a regular schedule, lucky visitors may spot him during Mammal Encounters or summer’s Desert Dwellers program. Want a better chance at meeting Douglas Fur? The museum recommends grabbing an annual pass for more frequent, surprise sightings.

Fire & Rescue… 

Crime News…

🚨Redmond Homicide: Search for Armed Person of Interest

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking 51-year-old Don Henry Vandenberg, Jr.—also known as “Tank”—as a person of interest in connection with a fatal shooting in Redmond. On the morning of December 31, deputies responded to reports of a gunshot victim near NE Greenwood Avenue and NE 17th Street, a location locally referred to as “Redmond Dirt World.” They found 32-year-old Justin Garrett Jiminez deceased from a gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

Vandenberg is described as a white male, 5’7”, about 160 pounds, bald with facial hair, and heavily tattooed. Distinctive tattoos include “Fit for Duty” on his chest, “Tank” on his upper abdomen, an Ace of Spades on his upper left arm, “EK” on his right calf, and more. He is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him or knows his whereabouts should not approach and should immediately call 911.

Community News…

Regional News…

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

Friday’s

Real Estate & Business News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | December 31, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

Happy New Year!

As we count down the hours to 2026, the national average for mortgage interest rates today on 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgages sits at 6.2% comapred to 7.07% on the last day of 2024. Inventory levels in Central Oregon are up slightly to moderately, depending on the county. A significant indicator of where the housing market will trend next year will be how low inventory levels drop over the next several weeks before supply begins to build toward the summer peak. As mortgage rates decline, it becomes easier for those with attractive mortgage rates to consider selling, particularly as rates dip below 6%. I expect transaction volume to increase in 2026, with prices either maintained or rising from 2025 levels.

Supply of actively listed single-family homes in Deschutes County declined by 30 this week, to 870. The last week of 2024, there were 848 listings. Twenty-eight pending sales occurred this week, down significantly from the previous week due to the holiday season. The average pending sale price was $766,871, and 18 of those transactions reduced the list price by an average of 6.77%. Thirty-five transactions closed, averaging $881,005, with the sold-to-original-list price ratio at 96.24%. The transaction volume of sold single-family homes in Deschutes County in 2022 was 4,130; in 2023, 3,162; in 2024, 3,345; and so far in 2025, 3,494. The average sale volume between 2014 and 2019 (the last time frame not impacted significantly by extraordinary forces) was 4,523. While transaction volume is still below average, each year since the 2023 decline has improved, and the Deschutes County housing market is healthier and more stable than in the past several years.

Single-family homes listed in Crook County decreased by four this week to 159. This week last year, the level was 155. Five pending sales averaged $916,980, and three of those listings reduced the asking price by an average of 9.97%. Five transactions closed, averaging $494,700, with the sold-to-original-list price ratio at 89.95%.

In Jefferson County, supply decreased by three to 124 single-family listings. In the last week of 2024, there were 99 listings in the county. While a 25% increase in supply is significant, Jefferson County's supply during and directly after the pandemic market took the biggest hit of the three Central Oregon counties. The level of supply and activity in Jefferson County is healthy and stable. Three sales are pending this week, averaging $594,300, with one showing a 4.14% price reduction before securing a buyer. Two transactions closed at $325,000 and $800,000, with a sold-to-original-list price ratio of 93.12%.

Heading into 2026, sellers have stable market conditions, which makes pricing for a sale easier. With prices sure to increase somewhat, pushing the envelope early in the year may produce a positive outcome. However, I anticipate mid-single-digit appreciation, and encourage anyone hoping to secure a buyer sooner than later to exercise some pricing restraint. Byers in 2026 will benefit from lower rates and potentially have more tools available, such as a 50-year mortgage term. Without wading too deeply into the pros and cons of a 50-year mortgage, it can be an effective short-term tool for some buyers.

I wish you and your families a happy and prosperous 2026! If you need anything, do not hesitate to reach out.  

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Active Listings

 🏡 Crook County Launches Free Property Recording Alert Service

The Crook County Clerk’s Office has launched a new free tool to help property owners keep tabs on their land records. The Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS) sends same-day email alerts when documents are recorded under a monitored name, helping residents stay informed and detect potential fraud early.

Each alert includes a direct link to view the recording details and instructions on how to obtain a copy. It’s an easy, secure way to monitor your property and protect your ownership.

👉 Sign up here

✈️ RDM Seeks Local Businesses for New Airport Concessions

Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is opening the door for local businesses to join its growing terminal as part of a new wave of food, beverage, retail, and vending concessions. As part of its $180 million terminal expansion, RDM is hosting a pre-proposal open house on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the airport’s first-floor conference room (2522 SE Jesse Butler Circle, Redmond). Presentations will be held at 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.

The airport, which serves over 1.3 million passenger trips annually, is adding over 6,000 sq. ft. of new concession space and is looking for local partners—including minority-owned and ACDBE-certified businesses—to help shape the traveler experience. Final proposals are due March 31, 2026, via BidLocker. Learn more about the opportunity and submission process at:
👉 redmondoregon.gov/business/rfps-rfqs

 😎Just sayin

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