In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia ANSWERS

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🚵‍♀️Women of the Dirt Kickoff @ Mt Bachelor

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🐕🐩🐈🐇🐍A century in, Bend’s Fourth of July Pet Parade is as fun a tradition as ever 🎦

📚Deschutes Public Library decides to close the East Bend Library by the end of 2025

🏔️🛣️McKenzie Pass Now Open

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🚧 Road Closures

🔥Fire & Rescue News

🏠🔥Redmond Fire & Rescue Responds to Multiple Structure Fires

🔥Uncontrolled Weed Burning Ignites Fire in Terrebonne

🚨 Crime News

👮Portland Man Arrested for Fatal Hit-and-Run: Charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide in 2023 Crash- Redomond

📰 Real Estate News

🏠Central Oregon Market Report | July 3, 2024 By Reed Melton

💐Radiant Retreats: 5 Bedroom Makeovers Inspired by Blooming Summer Gardens

🫴💖 Local Cause Spotlight

🐶😺Changing Lives, One Paw at a Time: The Heartwarming Work of The Humane Society of the Ochocos

Fundraisers | Pets available

😁 MEME of the Day

What geological formation is Pilot Butte?

A) A mountain
B) A hill
C) A volcanic cone
D) A mesa

Answer: C) A volcanic cone

Expanded Answer:
Pilot Butte is a volcanic cone, formed by the accumulation of volcanic material ejected during a volcanic eruption. It stands as a prominent landmark in Bend, Oregon, and is one of the few volcanoes located within a city.

What is the elevation of Pilot Butte?

A) 4,000 feet
B) 3,000 feet
C) 4,500 feet
D) 3,500 feet

Answer: D) 3,500 feet

Expanded Answer:
Pilot Butte rises to an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) above sea level. This height makes it a significant feature in the landscape of Bend, Oregon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

BEND

Events Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon

Women of the Dirt Kickoff @ Mt Bachelor

July 13th 2024

Gear up for an exhilarating start to your summer at the Women of the Dirt Kickoff event! Designed exclusively for female riders, from newcomers to seasoned pros, join us for a day dedicated to celebrating our passion for mountain biking. Whether you're riding solo or with friends, this event promises camaraderie, skill-building, and plenty of adrenaline-pumping adventures.

Event Schedule:

9:30 AM: Check-in 
10:00 AM: Grouping of Riders
10:30 AM: Riding Session Begins
12:30 PM: Lunch Break (on your own)

A century in, Bend’s Fourth of July Pet Parade is as fun a tradition as ever

Deschutes Public Library decides to close the East Bend Library by the end of 2025

Nearly 15 years after it opened as what officials call a "temporary solution," the East Bend Library on Dean Swift Road will close by the end of next year, as the Deschutes Public Library Board decided recently not to renew the lease that expires Dec. 31, 2025.

Here's a news release Wednesday from the Deschutes Public Library about that decision:

Deschutes Public Library Board Votes to Transition East Bend Library Operations to Central Library at Stevens Ranch in 2026

The Deschutes Public Library Board recently reviewed lease options for the East Bend Library, which is located at 62080 Dean Swift Road in east Bend.

After discussing renewal options—which were limited to two- and five-year extensions by the leasing company—and factoring in the upcoming addition of the new 100,000-square-foot Central Library at Stevens Ranch less than two miles away, the Board decided not to renew the lease agreement for the East Bend Library. The current lease runs through December 31, 2025.

McKenzie Pass Now Open

BEND -- McKenzie Pass opened the morning of July 4 with fresh, smooth pavement for all to enjoy. The pass has remained closed while crews paved the narrow and winding section of road between the winter gate and the summit on the east side of the pass. 

Funding from a Federal Lands Access Program grant is improving the highway from the junction with U.S. 20 in Sisters to the summit at Dee Wright Observatory. Improvement grants like this are critical to low-traffic volume roads like McKenzie Pass. 

While the paving between the winter gate and the summit on the east side is complete, paving will now be moving below the snow gate on the east side. This section of highway is wider, so crews will flag traffic through one lane while paving the other. Expect some delays while this work continues. After the paving is done, crews will stripe and sign the road. The project should be complete by late August. 

Drivers on this winding road need to be on the lookout for cyclists and pedestrians, as this is a popular scenic route for many types of road users. Vehicles longer than 35 feet are prohibited from using the highway due to its sharp, narrow curves.

Every year, we close McKenzie Pass from November to mid-June. Weather conditions, logistics and cost make it impractical to maintain for travel year around.

When we close the road, it is closed to everyone and is not maintained. We do not open it early for cyclists or pedestrians. Even after the snow melts each spring, our crews have a lot of work to do before the road is safe for travel. Each winter trees come down and heavy rain and snow move rocks and debris onto the road. All of this is cleaned up and the pavement is patched before we open. Take a look at these pictures and videos to see what it takes to open the pass every year. 

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Redmond Fire & Rescue Responds to Multiple Structure Fires

July 5, 2024, REDMOND, OR- At approximately 1:30am on July 5, Redmond Fire& Rescue was altered to a possible structure fire in the 2100 block of NW Redwood Ave. Redmond Police arrived on scene and advised dispatch that two houses were heavily involved in fire. With this information the incident commander requested additional resources from Bend Fire & Rescue and Cloverdale RFPD.

Upon the arrival of fire crews, they were met with heavy fire on the exterior of a single family home and speeding to a second home. Firefighters made a quick attack on the fire and brought the out of control fire under control. Both homes were searched and confirmed that everyone had safely escaped.

Cause of the fire was the disposal of used fireworks into an area that contained combustibles.

This is a good reminder to ensure your homes smoke alarms are working properly and that your family has an escape plan and have practiced it.

Uncontrolled Weed Burning Ignites Fire in Terrebonne

Terrebonne, OR - A weed burning incident sparked a significant fire on the 5000 block of 10th Street in Terrebonne on the afternoon of July 4th, causing damage to property and leading to a citation for a local resident.

Around 2:05 PM on July 4th, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a fire at a residence. Deputies arrived to find a large tree and grass on fire, threatening nearby homes. They quickly informed neighbors of potential evacuations.

The Redmond Fire Department responded promptly, containing the fire before it spread further. The fire caused damage to the exterior of a house and deck, and burned approximately one and a half acres, including a neighboring field.

According to the Redmond Fire Department, Clinton Decker, 57, had been burning weeds earlier in the day. Although Decker ceased his burning activities when first contacted by fire personnel, the grass reignited later, leading to the uncontrolled blaze. Decker was cited for Reckless Burning.

The incident underscores the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations, especially during dry conditions. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office reminded residents that debris burns, including burning with burn barrels, weed burners, and open pile burning, have been banned since June 1st. They urge residents to consult with their local fire station before engaging in any burning activities.

Portland Man Arrested for Fatal Hit-and-Run: Charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide in 2023 Crash

On July 3, 2024, Redmond Police Detectives arrested 48-year-old Peter Michael Lamb near his Portland, Oregon home. Lamb is charged with criminally negligent homicide for his role in a motor vehicle crash that killed Mr. Johnny Phillips. Mr. Phillips was riding a motorcycle southbound on US Hwy. 97 when he was struck by a Dodge pickup truck driven by Mr. Lamb. The collision occurred near the intersection of NW Larch Ave. Mr. Lamb then left the scene without rendering aid or calling to report the accident.  

The crash occurred on June 8, 2023, just before 11:00 p.m. Redmond Police Officers arrived on the scene of the crash and provided initial care. Phillips was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to the injuries caused by the crash. Lamb is currently being transported to the Deschutes County jail. 

The Redmond Police Department extends its appreciation to the Oregon State Police Crime Lab and the Portland Police Bureau for their assistance with this investigation. Any questions or information regarding the case should be referred to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office. 

Central Oregon Market Report | July 3, 2024

by Reed Melton

Inventory growth has slowed with the arrival of peak selling season. Still, all three counties of Central Oregon have more homes for sale this week than last. More listings will trickle in until August or September, when the seasonal decline in homes for sale tapers off towards winter. Typically, the Fourth of July is relatively slow for showings and activity, with many buyers and sellers on lakes and hiking trails or at concerts and barbequing with family and friends. The holiday-shortened work-week will reduce the sales and pending activity before everything picks up for one of the busiest stretches of the year, from July 4th to Labor Day. I wish all of my readers a safe and happy Fourth of July!

This morning, 1211 single-family homes are listed for sale in Deschutes County, an increase of eighteen from last week. Seventy-four pending sales, at an average price of $887,196, and ninety-two closed transactions, at an average price of $818,817, round out the week. The closed sales show median days on the market of twenty, with the median price change at -3.33% and the average at $2.24%. 

In Deschutes County, acreage property in the right location is in such high demand that prices over $5M are becoming commonplace. Deschutes County grew by over 6,000 residents last year; a solid percentage are very well-qualified buyers. While some great new listings are available, we have a limited amount of inventory in the high-end that would soften prices. There are only so many large acreage locations in cool areas, and those are selling and creating comps that set the floor very high. For illustration, the median sales price in 2023 YTD, compared to 2024 across all price points in Deschutes County, is up 8.7%. In YTD 2023, eight sales over $3M at a median of $3,341,120 compared with YTD 2024, at thirteen sales and a median of $3,732,625. That's an increase of 11.7% in price and 62.5% in volume. The high-end is outpacing the rest of the market for price appreciation. Central Oregon is on the map for high-end buyers, with the prices to prove it.

Crook County inventory this morning is up seventeen from last week, at 159 single-family homes for sale. Only one pending sale, at $499,900, was registered for the week, with seven closed transactions at a median of $714,000 and an average of $832,340. I expect next week's numbers to be down considerably, with all of the fantastic Fourth of July events in Crook County, before activity picks up for the second half of peak selling season. This weekend, boating and water skiing activities on the Prineville Reservoir will be at peak season levels.

Jefferson County's activity was solid last week, with six pending sales and eight closed transactions. Inventory in the county is up three to 105. The average pending sale price for the week was $481,283, with the closed transaction average at $420,062. Lake Billy Chinook, the reservoir at the confluence of the Metolius, Deschutes, and Crooked Rivers, will be filled with boaters and water sports enthusiasts for the holiday weekend, one of the busiest of the year. The second home community of 3 Rivers Recreation will be bustling!

I will be working through the holiday, so feel free to reach out if any real estate questions arise between all the fun activities you have planned. Scheduling showings can be tricky with so many families having weekend plans, but I am always happy to do my best to get you into any home you are interested in. Whenever you are ready, I am available to help you navigate any of your real estate needs. 

Click here for the full report.

Active Listings

Radiant Retreats: 5 Bedroom Makeovers Inspired by Blooming Summer Gardens

By Larissa Runkle
Jul 1, 2024

If the summer season is about anything, it’s this: lots and lots of beautiful, vibrant colors.

While neutrals will always have their charm, some interiors thrive on a bolder approach—think punchy pinks and sunny yellows or even dramatic contrasts like turquoise and gold.

Because we’re just as ready as you are to take on some bold new color schemes as the season heats up, we rounded up five of our favorite bright bedroom looks from the design world of Instagram.

Whether your guest space needs new bedding, your kid’s room is due for an update, or your own bedroom could use a redo, we’ve got you covered.

Here are five bedroom color motifs that are as radiant and fresh as your summer garden.

1. Lemonade

If you want to fully embrace the most eye-catching colors of the season, then you might consider remaking your bedroom in a lemonade-style motif like this one from @interiorsari.

“I love this bright and cheerful yellow. It is my favorite because it immediately brings joy and energy to any bedroom,” says Joyce Huston, lead designer and co-founder of Decorilla.

“I usually include this color in spaces where I want to capture and reflect light, making it feel more spacious and inviting,” adds Huston.

Get the look: Go all out with a lush lemonade theme with these Lovely Lemons sateen floral sheets.

2. Turquoise and gold

For a fun pop of seasonal color that still seems upscale—look no further than this royalty-inspired bedroom design from @designattractor.

“Turquoise and gold is a timeless combination that exudes a sense of luxury and tranquility,” says Guillaume Drew, designer and founder of Or & Zon. “Its popularity lies in the balance between the calming effect of turquoise and the opulence of gold—perfect for anyone seeking an elegant retreat.”

Get the look: Dress up your bedroom by painting it in this shade of turquoise, then pair it with this Spencer Catisha tufted bed.

3. Neon dreams

Another playful summer-approved bedroom color scheme we’re loving right now? This neon design from @sansnovazuhause.

“Neon is having a major moment. It’s all about embracing bold colors and creating a high-energy and playful space,” says Huston. “I like to use them as accents, like with throw blankets and pillows to add pops of electric blue, hot pink, or lime green, or even a neon LED wall sign.”

Get the look: Infuse your space with some neon vibes with a few of these hot pink and orange throw pillows and this sunburst wall light.

4. Lavender

If you’re after a softer, more playful summer look, we think you’ll love this lavender bedroom design from @owldesignlondon.

“Evoking feelings of serenity and warmth, lavender is a soft and romantic choice that works beautifully in a bedroom setting,” says Drew. “It’s popular for its calming properties and works particularly well for those who seek a peaceful and restful environment.”

Get the look: Create a sweet lavender retreat in your bedroom with this Zora gauze throw and this French lavender candle.

5. Woodland green

For a darker bedroom motif that’s still distinctly summery—we like to embrace different shades of woodland green, just like in this design from @ie.ame.

“This one is all about bringing the outdoors in,” says Huston. “Woodland green creates a calming and grounding atmosphere, which is perfect for nature lovers. I like to include lots of plants to really bring the forest feel to the bedroom.”

Get the look: Remake your bedroom into a woodsy wonderland with this Alsea duvet cover set and a few houseplants from Lively Root.

Changing Lives, One Paw at a Time: The Heartwarming Work of The Humane Society of the Ochocos

Are you an animal lover looking to make a positive impact on the lives of our furry friends in need? If so, you're in luck! Let me introduce you to a wonderful non-profit organization that is doing incredible work for animals in our community - The Humane Society of the Ochocos (HSO).

Visit their website at https://www.thehso.org/ to learn more about their programs, upcoming events, and how you can get involved. Together, we can make the world a better place for animals in need.

A few of the pets HSO has available:

Come on out to our Back to the 80's Fundraiser!

This event will be open to the public of all ages!
There will be a $15 admittance charge to cover the cost of food that will be included with your ticket.
Be sure to dress in your 80's best! There will be costume contests, games with prizes, door prizes, glamour shots by Photography By Arielle, face painting, as well as a silent auction with lots of fun 80's themed items!
A HUGE thank you to all that have reached out to donate and are continuing to do so!
All proceeds will go towards the shelter's new build!
You won't want to miss this one!!

Starting at 5:00 PM on July 6th at the Carey Foster Hall

To purchase tickets online, go to https://thehso.kindful.com/e/back-to-the-80s or you can come up to the shelter and grab yours there!

Made by the amazing Itzcoatl Xipil & Justina Price

Deschutes Public Library Events

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