In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 🎃 Smith Rock Ranch: Central Oregon’s Fall Playground

🎃🏃‍➡️Madras Airport Fun Run & Harvest Festival – Oct. 25

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 🏥 Central Oregon Medicare Advantage Patients Caught in Coverage Limbo

🚑 Alfalfa Fire District Launches Medical Transport Service with New Ambulance

 🍯 Ranch Wine with a View: Lazy Z Ranch Opens Tasting Room in Sisters

 🏫 Redmond School Board Reinstates Equity Policy Language Amid Heated Debate

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🔥Fire in storage facility on Bend's east side

🚨 Fatal Crash in Harney County Claims Life of 91-Year-Old Burns Resident

🚨Crime News

🔫 Near Miss: Bullets From Target Shooting Incident Land Near Worker in Opal Springs

📰Regional News

🐟 One Year Later: Klamath River Teeming with Life After Historic Dam Removal

🥰Community News

🎨 Student Artist Brings Central Oregon to Life in New Sisters Ranger Station

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘️Real Estate News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

🏠 Raising More Than Walls: Youth-Led Affordable Housing Project Takes Shape in Prineville

🚧 Deschutes County Seeks Bids for Maier Building Parking Lot & Harriman Street Frontage Project

🌉BPRD gives green light to study long-paused Deschutes River bridge in SW Bend 🎦

🏡 Applications Open for Affordable Homes at Bear Creek Village in Bend

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

How did you Do?

✅ Correct Answer: C) $1,000

Expanded Answer:
When Walt and Dorothy Elmer opened the first Elmer’s Colonial Pancake House in Portland in 1960, they built the menu around a buttermilk pancake recipe they had purchased for $1,000—a hefty sum at the time. That original recipe was reportedly kept locked in a safe, and it’s still the foundation of the pancakes served at Elmer’s restaurants across the Pacific Northwest today.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

SISTERS

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

 🎃 Smith Rock Ranch: Central Oregon’s Fall Playground

Every autumn, the quiet farmlands of Terrebonne burst to life as Smith Rock Ranch transforms into one of Central Oregon’s favorite fall destinations. Set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Smith Rock’s cliffs and the Cascade peaks, this working farm turns into a harvest wonderland filled with family-friendly adventures. Visitors can wander through the sprawling pumpkin patch, test their sense of direction in the ranch’s famous corn maize—this year themed after Monopoly!—and hop aboard the Snoopy Tram or a horse-drawn wagon for a ride through the golden fields. From pony rides and a petting zoo to barnyard golf, a shooting gallery, live music, and a festive market brimming with local produce, there’s something for every age (and every selfie).

Open from late September through Halloween, Smith Rock Ranch perfectly captures the spirit of the season—crisp air, bright pumpkins, and plenty of laughter echoing across the fields. Admission to the pumpkin patch and market is free, and activity tokens or maze tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Don’t forget your camera—the views alone are worth the trip! Whether you’re here to pick the perfect pumpkin, get lost in the corn maze, or simply soak in the high-desert charm, Smith Rock Ranch is a fall tradition that keeps Central Oregon smiling year after year. 🍁

https://www.smithrockranch.com/ 

🎃🏃‍➡️Madras Airport Fun Run & Harvest Festival – Oct. 25

Looking for some fall fun with a side of runway adventure? ✨ Lace up your sneakers and head to the Madras Airport on Friday, October 25 for a festive morning of fitness, food, and family fun — all for a great cause!

The day kicks off bright and early at 7:00 a.m. with a delicious pancake breakfast 🍽️ to fuel you up for the races. Whether you're in it for speed or just a stroll, you can choose between a 1-mile run or a full 5K. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Proceeds benefit the Central Oregon 99s scholarship fund, helping the next generation of female aviators soar. ✈️💪

Once the races wrap up, stick around for a FREE Trunk or Treat 🎃🚗 from 10 a.m. to noon, where costumed kids can collect candy from creatively decorated cars. Want to join the fun? You can even sign up to host a Trunk or Treat vehicle and show off your Halloween spirit.

Don’t miss this sky-high celebration of fall, fitness, and community!
Questions? Call Lorraine at (541) 777-4935.

✍️ Register for the run and/or sign up to host a Trunk or Treat vehicle

Register for the Run

Host a Trunk or Treat vehicle

Bend

🎤 Maria Bamford
Where: Tower Theatre, Bend
When: Fri Oct 24, 7:30pm
What: Beloved stand-up comic with a singular, surreal style.
More Info: livenation.com/venue/tower-theatre-events
(Live Nation)

🎧 The Emo Night Tour
Where: Midtown Ballroom, Bend
When: Fri Oct 24, 8:00pm
What: Scream-along DJ party spinning 2000s emo/pop-punk anthems.
More Info: midtownballroom.com/calendar
(Midtown Ballroom)

🎃🎶 Big Spooky 2 w/ DEFUNK
Where: Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend
When: Fri Oct 24, doors 8:30pm (21+)
What: Halloween-themed bass party with Canadian funk-bass producer DEFUNK.
More Info: volcanictheatre.com/events
(Volcanic Theatre Pub)

🎃🎵 Yak Attack & Watkins Glen “Flashback to ’75” Halloween Party
Where: Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend
When: Sat Oct 25, 8:00pm (21+)
What: Funky live-loop trio + Dead/Band-inspired supergroup — costumes encouraged.
More Info: volcanictheatre.com/events
(Volcanic Theatre Pub)

🎵 Night Moves + Sam Blasucci
Where: Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend
When: Tue Oct 28, evening
What: Indie grooves and California folk-soul under one roof.
More Info: jambase.com/venue/volcanic-theatre-pub
(JamBase)

🎵 Jonah Marais
Where: Midtown Ballroom, Bend
When: Wed Oct 29, 7:00pm
What: Pop singer/songwriter (Why Don’t We) on his solo tour.
More Info: midtownballroom.com/calendar
(Midtown Ballroom)

🎭 BEAT Children’s Theatre: Beetlejuice JR
Where: Open Space Event Studios, Bend
When: Thu Oct 30 – Sat Nov 8 (opening night Thu Oct 30)
What: Family-friendly stage adaptation of the spooky hit.
More Info: openspace.studio/events
(Open Space)

🦇 Katacombs — Bend’s Premier Goth Night
Where: Domino Room (Midtown), Bend
When: Thu Oct 30, evening
What: Monthly darkwave/industrial/goth dance night.
More Info: midtownballroom.com/calendar
(Midtown Ballroom)

🎃🎚️ Barely Alive (EDM Halloween)
Where: Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend
When: Fri Oct 31, late
What: Heavy-hitting bass duo throws a Halloween blowout.
More Info: jambase.com/venue/volcanic-theatre-pub
(JamBase)

🎭 La Bon Burlesque: BITE CLUB
Where: Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend
When: Sat Nov 1, doors 7:00pm
What: Saucy, seasonal burlesque showcase for grown-ups.
More Info: volcanictheatre.com
(Volcanic Theatre Pub)

Redmond

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tyler & Clarry’s Treasure Hunt Adventure
Where: High Desert Music Hall, Redmond (start location; downtown route)
When: Sat Oct 25, 10:00am–1:00pm
What: Free, family-friendly literacy scavenger hunt with local authors/illustrators.
More Info: highdesertmusichall.com/calendar
(High Desert Music Hall)

🎃👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Trick-or-Treat on 6th Street
Where: Downtown Redmond (6th St closed Black Butte → Forest)
When: Fri Oct 31, 4:00pm–6:00pm
What: Community street trick-or-treat hosted by Redmond Chamber & partners.
More Info: visitredmondoregon.com/event/trick-or-treat-on-6th-street-2
(Visit Redmond Oregon)

🎃🎶 Nightmare on General Duffy’s Street
Where: General Duffy’s Waterhole, Redmond
When: Fri Oct 31, 4:00pm–10:00pm
What: Outdoor Halloween party with live music, food trucks & costumes.
More Info: visitredmondoregon.com/venue/general-duffys-waterhole
(Visit Redmond Oregon)

Sisters

🎵 Jeffrey Foucault w/ Sam Weber
Where: The Belfry, Sisters
When: Thu Oct 23, 7:00pm
What: Intimate Americana and storytelling at a beloved venue.
More Info: belfryevents.com/event/jeffrey-foucault
(The Belfry)

🎃🎵 Halloween Party: David Jacobs-Strain & The Crunk Mountain Boys
Where: The Belfry, Sisters
When: Fri Oct 31, 8:00pm–11:30pm
What: Roots-blues throwdown; costumes encouraged.
More Info: belfryevents.com/events
(The Belfry)

Prineville

🎃👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Prineville Candy Crawl
Where: Downtown Prineville (Chamber program)
When: Fri Oct 31, 1:00pm–5:00pm
What: Passport trick-or-treat at participating businesses; prize drawing.
More Info: prinevillechamber.com/events (Candy Crawl)
(CASA of Central Oregon)

👻🎃 Ghost Town Haunted House (Crooked River Park)
Where: Crooked River Park, Prineville
When: Fri Oct 31, 5:00pm–11:00pm (Little Boo 5–6pm; Haunted House 6–10pm)
What: 3rd-annual community haunted house; $5 admission; concessions available.
More Info: visitcentraloregon.com/event/ghost-town-haunted-house-4
(Visit Central Oregon)

Sunriver

🎃👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Trick-or-Treat in The Village
Where: The Village at Sunriver
When: Fri Oct 31, 3:00pm–5:00pm
What: Participating businesses hand out treats — look for “Trick-or-Treat Here” signs.
More Info: villageatsunriver.com/events/trick-or-treat
(The Village at Sunriver)

La Pine

🎨👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Halloween Paint Party
Where: Legend Cider Co, La Pine
When: Sun Oct 26, 4:30pm
What: Guided, family-friendly Halloween art session with multiple designs to choose from.
More Info: allevents.in/la-pine/10-26-25-family-halloween-paint-party-legend-cider
(AllEvents)

🎃👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Figaro’s Trunk-or-Treat
Where: Figaro’s Pizza of La Pine
When: Fri Oct 31, 4:00pm–7:00pm
What: Community trunk-or-treat with candy and costumes.
More Info: allevents.in/la-pine/trunk-or-treat/200029062002014
(AllEvents)

Madras

🎪🎃 MDA Halloween Night Market
Where: Downtown Madras (5th Street)
When: Sat Oct 25, 5:00pm–8:00pm
What: Spooky market with witches dance, Halloween music and costume contest.
More Info: visitcentraloregon.com/event/mda-halloween-night-market
(Visit Central Oregon)

🎡🎃 Heroes Haunted Carnival (Family Fundraiser)
Where: Jefferson County Event Complex, Madras
When: Sat Oct 25, afternoon–evening
What: Carnival games, trick-or-treat maze, pumpkin painting and family fun.
More Info: madraspioneer.com “Events and Happenings” listing / Visit Central Oregon
(Madras Pioneer)

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Local News…

🏥 Central Oregon Medicare Advantage Patients Caught in Coverage Limbo

Nearly 30,000 Medicare Advantage members across Central Oregon are facing deep uncertainty as contract negotiations continue between PacificSource Health Plans and St. Charles Health System. With Providence Health Plan exiting the region in 2026, PacificSource remains the sole Medicare Advantage provider—but its unresolved deal with St. Charles has left patients scrambling during Open Enrollment.

Local residents like Joe Gilles worry about losing access to care close to home. “They told me I could go to another hospital—but the closest ones are in Portland or Eugene,” Gilles said. A letter from PacificSource warned that St. Charles may be out of network starting January 1, 2026, if no agreement is reached. The Council on Aging has been fielding calls from concerned seniors and is urging patience while offering free Medicare counseling through Oregon's SHIBA program. Both PacificSource and St. Charles say they remain committed to negotiations, but no resolution has been announced. For now, patients wait—with health and finances hanging in the balance.

🚑 Alfalfa Fire District Launches Medical Transport Service with New Ambulance

The Alfalfa Fire District is now handling its own emergency medical transports, thanks to a new partnership with Bend Fire & Rescue and Deschutes County Commissioners—and a $20,000 grant from the Roadhouse Foundation. The grant helped fund a new ambulance equipped for Basic Life Support calls such as cardiac arrest and respiratory distress, improving response times in the growing Alfalfa area.

Previously, Bend EMS covered Alfalfa calls, but with Bend’s continued growth stretching resources, both departments say this move benefits the entire region. “If we can shave off 5, 10, 15 minutes, it does our people way better,” said Keegan Parvin, Alfalfa’s duty officer. Bend Fire’s Deputy EMS Chief Drew Norris added the change helps keep Bend units available for calls in town, maintaining faster overall response times across their massive 1,450-square-mile service area.

 🍯 Ranch Wine with a View: Lazy Z Ranch Opens Tasting Room in Sisters

John and Renee Herman have transformed a slice of Sisters’ legendary Lazy Z Ranch into a hub for regenerative farming, community gathering, and handcrafted mead—aka “ranch wine.” After purchasing 84 acres on the town’s eastern edge in 2020, the Hermans leaned into their agricultural roots and a passion for sustainability to launch Lazy Z Ranch Wines. The tasting room, now open just off Highway 20, features stunning views of the Three Sisters, locally crafted charcuterie, and an inviting space where guests can sip, sketch, and savor honey-based mead made right on the farm.

What started with hay, bees, and a vision for regeneration has grown into a triple-bottom-line business rooted in ecology, community, and economy. The honey from their thriving hives fuels the meadery, and the revenue from wine sales supports broader regenerative ag practices on the ranch. With a picnic-friendly lawn, occasional food trucks, and a growing slate of events, Lazy Z aims to be more than a winery—it’s a place where Sisters locals and visitors alike are invited to enjoy what the Hermans call “the community’s front yard.” Learn more at lazyzranch.com.

Read Full Story Here - The Nugget News

 🏫 Redmond School Board Reinstates Equity Policy Language Amid Heated Debate

REDMOND, Ore. — Tensions ran high at Wednesday night’s packed Redmond School Board meeting as the board narrowly voted 3–2 to revise its Educational Equity Policy (JBB), restoring the original language recommended by the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA). The emotionally charged meeting followed days of public comment online and in person, as the policy became a flashpoint in broader debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in schools.

Supporters argued the updated policy reaffirms the district’s commitment to ensuring all students—regardless of background—have equal access to quality education and resources. Critics, however, voiced concern that DEI initiatives shift focus away from academic fundamentals. Passionate speakers on both sides shared personal stories and political views, turning the policy discussion into a referendum on identity, education, and values in the Redmond community. The adopted changes reflect OSBA’s suggested language, with some modifications, as the district moves forward navigating community concerns and educational priorities.

The documents below are from the Redmond District. The first is the JBB policy that was readopted in 2023. The second is new policy adopted Wednesday night. According to RSD Public Information Officer Logan McGinnis, the areas in gray are what is suggested by OSBA while the red are the updated changes. Sections that are crossed out are being removed.

More Local News…

 Bend Park and Recreation District wins three statewide awards, including innovation honor for Miller’s Landing 
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Park and Recreation District has received three statewide awards from the Oregon Recreation and Park Association, recognizing excellence in innovation, heroism, and leadership in community recreation. The district’s Miller’s Landing Renovation Project earned ... (KTVZ News Channel 21)

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Behind the Badge: From training to the streets, what it takes to serve and protect in Bend 
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- As Bend continues to grow, so do the challenges faced by those sworn to keep the city safe. The Bend Police Department is expanding ... (KTVZ)

 Fire & Rescue…

 🔥Fire in storage facility on Bend's east side

A passerby called 911 just before 4am Friday morning after noticing smoke coming from a storage complex that backs up to Bear Creek Rd at Janalee Pl. Crews responded to the area and searched both storage complexes in the area until finding smoke coming from a building in the Storage Solutions complex on Twin Knolls Dr. Fire was found in one unit and spreading to adjacent units in that building. The fire was quickly extinguished, and crews began removing contents from adjacent units to prevent further damage to property.  
 

The owner of the storage complex and the managers assisted in identifying the owners of the individual units and notification will be on going. The fire is still under investigation but appears to be accidental. The building damaged consisted of seventh (17) 10ft x 30ft large storage units, all but 2 were occupied with storage. Three units were damaged by fire and the rest have differing levels of smoke damage. Estimated loss to the building is $25,000 and content loss is $100,000.
 

Most storage locations require, or at least suggest, occupants obtain insurance coverage for your contents. Check with your insurance provider to see if storage items are covered under your current policies or if additional coverage may be needed. The design of these storage complexes does limit damage to just the single building, one of 16 buildings in the complex. Any storage outside of the building that burned was not affected.

🚨 Fatal Crash in Harney County Claims Life of 91-Year-Old Burns Resident

A tragic two-vehicle crash occurred Monday, October 20 on Highway 20 near milepost 144 in Harney County. According to Oregon State Police, 91-year-old James Joseph Hammeke of Burns was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe that entered the highway from Rattlesnake Road when it was struck on the driver’s side by a westbound Freightliner semi-truck operated by 45-year-old Jaswinder Singh Sidhu of Oregon City.

Hammeke was transported to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. Sidhu was reportedly uninjured in the collision. The crash prompted a highway closure that lasted approximately four hours while OSP, the Burns Fire Department, and ODOT conducted an on-scene investigation.

 Crime News…

🔫 Near Miss: Bullets From Target Shooting Incident Land Near Worker in Opal Springs

CULVER, Ore. — Jefferson County deputies are investigating a reckless target shooting incident that put a worker in danger Tuesday in the canyon between Crooked River Ranch and Culver. A Deschutes Valley Water District employee reported hearing bullets strike the area around a building where he was working.

Deputies say the rounds came from someone shooting at an old garbage can on the Crooked River Ranch side, likely from Bureau of Land Management land near the canyon’s north rim. The shooter, unaware of the steep elevation drop, fired rounds that passed through the target and traveled across the canyon—landing in gravel near the worker. Fortunately, no one was injured. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Deputy Talbott at (541) 475-6520.

Regional News…

🐟 One Year Later: Klamath River Teeming with Life After Historic Dam Removal

Just a year after the final dam came down, the Klamath River is showing remarkable signs of ecological recovery. In a recent virtual press conference, scientists and tribal leaders shared encouraging news: salmon are swimming upstream in large numbers, eagles and otters have returned, and water temperatures are cooling—all pointing to a rebounding ecosystem. Damon Goodman of California Trout called the fish response “almost instant,” with 7,700 Chinook salmon documented passing through the former Iron Gate Dam site in just the first two months after removal.

Water quality has also dramatically improved. The Karuk Tribe’s real-time monitoring shows a sharp decline in harmful algae levels—once a chronic issue caused by the heat-retaining reservoirs. With microcystin toxins now nearly undetectable, wildlife and wildflowers have returned to once-toxic shorelines. Tribal fishers like Barry McCovey Jr. of the Yurok Tribe report bigger, stronger salmon, affectionately dubbed “footballs,” thanks to the cooler, faster-flowing water.

While fall-run Chinook have bounced back swiftly, leaders caution that spring-run Chinook remain dangerously close to extinction. Still, hope is rising along the riverbanks. For the Shasta Indian Nation, whose villages were submerged by the dams, hearing the river flow freely again has been deeply healing. “It felt like the earth was welcoming the water back,” said cultural preservation officer Sami Jo Difuntorum. “That meant healing.”

Continue Reading Central Oregon Daily News

Community News…

 🎨 Student Artist Brings Central Oregon to Life in New Sisters Ranger Station

Former Sisters High School student Olive Morris has created a stunning three-panel landscape painting that will soon greet visitors in the new Sisters Ranger Station lobby. Invited by District Ranger Ian Reid through a collaboration with the Sisters School District, Morris spent four months crafting a piece that captures the essence of Central Oregon—from the iconic Three Sisters peaks to vibrant native plants in the foreground.

Morris, now a student at Ridgeview High School, explored landscapes for the project, drawing inspiration from regional artists and her own love for graffiti sketching and nature. With guidance from her art teacher and Reid, she layered the canvases with snow, light, and trees reminiscent of local scenery. Reid praised the final work, calling it “better than I could have ever imagined,” and a beautiful reflection of the partnership between the Forest Service and the community. The artwork will be on display once construction is complete and the new station opens for public viewing.

City of Bend Events

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | October 22, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

With the next Federal Reserve Open Market Committee meeting only six days away, the industry insiders expect another rate cut. Mortgage rates move in anticipation of Fed cuts, not in reaction to them, and judging by today's national average 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage rate of 6.17%, another 25 basis point cut is most likely on the way. The FOMC's last meeting of the year is on December 9, and it is likely to result in another 25% decrease in the overnight rate. While activity this fall has been steady, I don't anticipate these end-of-year decreases to make a significant impact on the 2025 housing market. However, the reduced rates now are beginning to paint a picture of what is in store for 2026.

This morning in Deschutes County, the inventory of single-family homes decreased by 27 to 1,255. This level is 110 more than last year this week as supply begins the natural decrease into the winter months. Pending sale activity remains stable with 64 homes finding buyers, at an average list price of $923,729. Four of the pending sales exceeded $2 million, with another nine exceeding $1 million. Sixty-two transactions closed this week at an average list price of $934,656, with thirty-eight of those sales reducing the list price before securing a buyer. Thirty-one of the closed transactions negotiated a price below the asking price, with eight properties selling above the asking price.

Inventory in Crook County decreased by five this week, now at 217 single-family listings, and an increase of thirty-three from last year this week. Eight pending sales averaged $500,794, with two of those sales reducing the asking price before securing a buyer. The first of the pending sales that reduced the asking price went from $395k to $339k, while the second dropped from $800k to $549k! Five transactions closed this week, averaging $607,999. One of those closed sales was at Brasada Ranch for $1,399,999, with the original list price of $1,625,000. All four of the remaining sales negotiated a price below the list price.

Jefferson County is the outlier this week, gaining two listings to bring the total single-family listings to 130, thirteen more than this week last year. There were three pending sales this week, with one listing decreasing the list price by 3.45% before securing a buyer. Five transactions closed, averaging $385,151, with one reducing the asking price by 2.45% before securing the buyer. One of the sales negotiated a very slight discount below the asking price, while two transactions sold above the list price.

Evaluating data across the three counties of Central Oregon requires knowledge of our area and hand calculations beyond what is available in our MLS. In many cases, homes are selling for considerably less than the list price or the reduced asking price. Every property is unique, and I am always happy to help you determine what a property might sell for, whether you are buying or selling.

Mortgage interest rates rose steeply starting in 2022 and surpassed 4% on February 14 of that year. Rates peaked on October 16, 2023, at 7.94%, before the slow, steady decline to this morning's rate of 6.17%. With rates on track to be in the 5% range for 2026, this chapter of the housing market is closing, and the next begins in early spring. As buyers re-engage the market in earnest, I expect less inventory accumulation, firmer prices, and less negotiating as next year unfolds. All of these scenarios will tighten as we get closer to 5%, and even more so if rates drop below that threshold. 

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Active Listings

🏠 Raising More Than Walls: Youth-Led Affordable Housing Project Takes Shape in Prineville

Heart of Oregon Corps and Thistle & Nest celebrated a major milestone this week with the wall-raising of a new two-unit affordable housing project in Prineville. The event marked the physical beginning of a home that will provide safe, sustainable housing for local families—and the symbolic lifting of community spirit through partnership and youth empowerment.

The project is part of a growing collaboration between the two organizations. Youth enrolled in Heart of Oregon’s workforce development programs are gaining hands-on construction experience, certifications, and career mentorship, while Thistle & Nest brings its expertise in affordable homeownership using a community land trust model. The townhome, scheduled for completion in mid-2026, is a testament to how strategic partnerships can address the region’s housing challenges while equipping the next generation with tools for success.

🚧 Deschutes County Seeks Bids for Maier Building Parking Lot & Harriman Street Frontage Project

Deschutes County is inviting qualified contractors to submit bids for construction services related to improvements around the Maier Services Building and Community Development Building. The project includes upgrades to parking facilities and frontage work along Harriman Street. Planned improvements cover a wide range of infrastructure: sidewalk and curb construction, a new driveway apron, asphalt paving and striping, stormwater system installation, and landscaping work.

Bids are due by Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Full project specifications and bid documents can be reviewed at Deschutes.org/rfps, where any updates or addendums will also be posted. For questions, contact Capital Improvement Manager Eric Nielsen at [email protected]. Deschutes County reserves the right to reject any or all bids in the public interest.

🏡 Applications Open for Affordable Homes at Bear Creek Village in Bend

Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity is now accepting applications for homeownership at Bear Creek Village, its newest affordable housing community located across from Bear Creek Elementary in Midtown Bend. The development aims to provide safe, energy-efficient homes for Central Oregon’s workforce—teachers, healthcare workers, and service industry employees—who are often priced out of the current housing market.

Applicants must demonstrate need, ability to pay, and a willingness to partner with Habitat through education and sweat equity. Homes are sold with affordable mortgages tailored to each buyer, made possible by strong community partnerships. Habitat CEO Carly Colgan emphasizes, “Our homeowners aren’t given houses, they buy them,” highlighting the program’s mission to foster long-term stability and opportunity. Interested individuals can learn more and apply at bendredmondhabitat.org/habitat-homeownership.

 😎Just sayin

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