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In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔 Local Trivia ANSWER

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

 🐎 Oregon High Desert Classic

🏓🥒Pacific Northwest Classic 2024

🎉New Event Calendar! Central Oregon Local Live!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰💵Reward offered for information on 'suspicious' Cow Valley, Bonita wildfires

👮'Not a cold case': Bend Police working to solve Evelyn Weaver homicide 1 year later

🍕Portland's famous Ken's Artisan Pizza opening Bend location in November

🏛️City of Bend defends new 3rd and Wilson intersection, says more of design to come 🎦

🔥20K Acre Fire Triggers Evacuations in NE Oregon, Threatens 395

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨 Crime News

 📰 Community News

🏘️ Real Estate News

📰🏘️Central Oregon Market Report | July 17, 2024 by Reed Melton

🏡Summer Bliss on a Budget: 5 Outdoor Transformations Priced Below $200

 🫴💖 Local Cause Spotlight

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

😁 MEME of the Day

🌆 On going Events

📲Sponsors & Partners

Bend, Oregon, is home to which natural spring that is famous for its striking turquoise blue color and consistent flow rate, located in the Cascade Mountains?

A. Tumalo Springs

B. Paulina Springs

C. Opal Springs

D. Metolius Springs

Answer: D. Metolius Springs

Expanded Answer: Metolius Springs, located in the Cascade Mountains near Bend, Oregon, is renowned for its brilliant turquoise blue waters and steady flow rate. The springs emerge from the base of Black Butte, forming the headwaters of the Metolius River. This natural wonder is a popular destination for those seeking to experience the beauty and tranquility of Central Oregon's unique landscapes.

BEND

REDMOND

PRINEVILLE

Events Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon

Oregon High Desert Classic

July 17-21, July 24-28

Hayden Homes presents the Oregon High Desert Classics July 17 – 21 & 24 – 28, 2024.  The prestigious OHDC is the only event of its kind in Central Oregon. Approved by the US Hunter Jumper Association, this show attracts world class riders from all over the US and Canada. One of a small handful to receive Heritage Horse Show designation, it is also the only show of its caliber which is primarily a fundraiser for a non-profit. The Classics are held the last two weeks of July every year.

Each year, 600 horses and 3000 participants gather at J Bar J Boys Ranch to compete for $150,000 in prizes on six of the last remaining grass footing rings in the country. Thousands of family, staff, vendors, and spectators join them, celebrating the athleticism of horses and riders, and enjoying a variety of food and shopping at the vendor booths in the show village green.

The Oregon High Desert Classics serve as the primary annual fundraiser for J Bar J Youth Services, a nonprofit organization that facilitates positive change for youth. J Bar J hosts the show on its property housing The Boys Ranch, a residential program and school for adjudicated boys.

Pacific Northwest Classic 2024, sponsored by Thump Coffee and hosted by Bend Pickleball Club, begins at 8am on July 24 and will run through the evening of July 28 at Pine Nursery Park in Bend. Over 600 pro and amateur players from across the country are registered to play in the sold out, fifth annual Pacific Northwest Classic. Tournament Director Christie Gestvang says, “We are switching things up this year with a round robin format for amateur doubles and players are very enthusiastic about the change. The tournament has put up a $34k purse this year so we know the competition will be fierce but friendly. Bend Pickleball Club, our tournament title sponsor Thump Coffee, and all of our sponsors welcome this year’s players and spectators to the Northwest’s premier pickleball event!”

For those who want to start the pickleball fun early, Bend Pickleball Club and Thump Coffee will host “Pickleball Fight Night” from 6pm-8pm on July 23 at Pine Nursery Park. The High Desert Matrix will take on the Willamette Valley Winers in a MLP format with a $2,400 purse. This family-friendly event includes a no-host beer garden and food from Wagyu and is, according to Gestvang, the perfect warm-up for this year’s tournament.

In addition to Thump Coffee, Pacific Northwest Classic’s title sponsor, numerous local and national companies are sponsoring the tournament. Platinum Sponsors are Horizon Broadcasting Group, Pickleball Zone, and Selkirk. Gold Sponsors are Widgi Creek Pickleball, Mike’s Fence Center, Physik, and Garcia, Barnblatt, Foster of TSG Wealth Management. Silver Sponsors are Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys, Jigsaw Health, Vida Mate, and Dobson’s Choice.

Pacific Northwest Classic is a free, family-friendly event. Spectators are encouraged to attend but please note that event parking at Pine Nursery Park is very limited and on a first come, first served basis. Additionally, some tournament brackets may be held at Pickleball Zone, located at 63040 18^th Street in Bend. For a complete, current tournament play schedule, please visit bendpickleballclub.com/pnw2024.

Reward offered for information on 'suspicious' Cow Valley, Bonita wildfires

A reward is being offered to find whoever is responsible for setting several fires in Malheur County, including the Cow Valley and Bonita fires. 

The Bureau of Land management said the fires all began between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on the morning of July 11. They are believed to be human caused and are suspicious. 

In addition to the Cow Valley and Bonita fires, other small wildfires were started. The Cow Valley Fire was more than 133,000 acres and 77% contained as of Thursday morning. The Bonita Fire was 2,700 acres and 90% contained. 

Anyone with information about any of these incidents should call We Tip Anonymous at 1-800-47-ARSON, online at wetip.com.

'Not a cold case': Bend Police working to solve Evelyn Weaver homicide 1 year later

Thursday marked one year into the investigation of the death of Evelyn Weaver. The 28-year-old was found deceased in her home in the 200 block of NW Hill Street on July 18, 2023.

Bend Police said Thursday it is working "diligently" to solve the homicide.

"This is not a cold case – our Department currently has one detective assigned full-time to Ms. Weaver’s homicide, as well as a detective supervisor overseeing the case’s progress. Our Department will not stop working to bring justice to Ms. Weaver and her family," Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said in a statement.

When asked if there was any update, Miller wrote, “I have nothing further I can share at this time.”

Weaver's silver 2004 Honda CR-V was missing when her body was discovered.

It was found a week later in Klamath Falls. Police released surveillance images of the CR-V stopping at a street corner in Klamath Falls and of someone getting out. The images were taken on July 15, three days before Weaver’s body was found.

Police asked people with surveillance cameras between Bend and Klamath Falls to check them to see if they had spotted anything.

In an unusual request, police also asked Tesla drivers last August to check their vehicle’s camera systems. Tesla’s Sentry Mode uses the car’s external cameras to monitor and record activity. It activates when anything moves close to the vehicle while parked or driving. The clips are saved for later review.

Portland's famous Ken's Artisan Pizza opening Bend location in November

Ken's Artisan Pizza, an award-winning wood-fired oven pizzeria in Portland, announced Thursday it is opening up a new location in Bend.

The new restaurant will be located in the Downing Hotel building at 1033 NW Bond Street. It's set to open in November.

"We are thriled to bring the authentic Ken's Artisan Pizza experience to Bend," owner Peter Kost said in a statement. "The historic Downing Hotel building provides the perfect backdrop for our artisinal pizzas, and we look forward to becoming a part of this community."

Here is the full announcement from Ken's Artisan Pizza:

Portland, Ore. (July 18, 2024) — Ken’s Artisan Pizza, the award-winning pizzeria renowned for its Italian-inspired, wood-fired oven pizzas with an American accent, announces the opening of its second location in Bend, Oregon. Slated to open in November 2024, the new pizzeria is located at 1033 NW Bond Street in Downtown Bend, in the historic Downing Hotel building.

Originally opened in 2006 by James Beard Award-winner Ken Forkish, and owned by Peter Kost since January 2022, Ken’s Artisan Pizza has been a staple in Portland’s culinary landscape for almost two decades. Under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef Vince Krone, the pizzeria has demonstrated incredible staying power and popularity.

“We are thrilled to bring the authentic Ken’s Artisan Pizza experience to Bend,” said owner Peter Kost. “The historic Downing Hotel building provides the perfect backdrop for our artisanal pizzas, and we look forward to becoming a part of this community.”

Ken’s Artisan Pizza has consistently ranked among the top pizzerias in the country and the world. The prestigious Naples-based 50 Top Pizza recently named Ken’s Artisan Pizza the 5th best pizzeria in the United States in 2024, and the pizzeria has earned multiple Green Oven awards for its commitment to sustainability.

The new 2,800-square-foot Bend location will feature 17.5-foot ceilings and an open, airy space thanks to the removal of a mezzanine. The restaurant will be outfitted with the same Le Panyol oven as the Portland location, crafted by the same artisan. This will ensure that the restaurant’s signature pizzas—made with slow-fermented dough, hand-stretched mozzarella, Italian tomatoes, and top-quality toppings—are baked to blistered perfection, creating classic 12-inch pizzas that will delight customers in Bend just as they do in Portland.

For more information about Ken’s Artisan Pizza and updates on the Bend location, please visit kensartisan.com or follow on social media.

20K Acre Fire Triggers Evacuations in NE Oregon, Threatens 395

The Umatilla County Sheriff's Office held a brief early Thursday morning concerning the Pilot Rock, OR Fire that has consumed at least 20,000 acres and continues to threaten Highway 395 south.  The town of Pilot Rock is circled in this UCSO image.

Evacuation orders were issued for numerous areas.

According to the UCSO, the shaded areas in these maps they provided are red evacuation areas, where citizens are to head, if needed, to emergency evacuation shelters set up in Pendelton and John Day.

According to the USCO:

"Over the night crews worked to hold the fire lines on the fire south of Pilot Rock. It is estimated the fire is at approximately 20,000 acres at this point. The fire is reportedly contained along Yellow Jacket Road Rd and Highway 395 S, with crews still monitoring. Fire Crews will be concentrating heavily on the west and south end of the fire along Bear Creek Rd and to the west on Gurdane Road."

They also reported:

"LEVEL 3 EVACUATION STILL IN EFFECT (GO NOW) - RED For the area of South of Coombs Canyon Rd and North of Carney Butte between the County Line on the west and just west of East Birch Creek.

ROAD CLOSURES: Highway 395 from Ukiah just south of Pilot Rock, remains closed with restricted access.

SHELTERS: Shelters have been set up at Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate in Pendleton and at Grant Union High School, 911 S Canyon Blvd in John Day."

Officials said the situation will remain very fluid, as weather conditions, temperatures, and other factors could likely result in the fire changing, as well as other fires developing.

The #WickiupFire is now ~200 acres & is 0% contained. Dozers are making good progress constructing primary line along the fire’s perimeter after this afternoon’s active fire behavior.

The #RoundMountainFire is ~50 acres, 0% contained & also experiencing active fire behavior.

Lone Rock Fire Update

Larch Creek Fire Update

Falls Fire Update

Link to: Air Quality Index map

Link to: Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map

Central Oregon Market Report | July 17, 2024

by Reed Melton

The pace of new listings slowed last week, which is typical for the second half of the summer selling season. As a result, inventory growth slowed from the pace leading up to today. Wall Street and most of the lending industry expect a rate pivot from the Fed at the September meeting, with one lender I spoke to yesterday pinning the odds at 100%. I mentioned some reasons last week why the Fed might be considering a rate pivot outside of fighting inflation, and I still maintain those reasons are more of an issue than CPI. However, there is little doubt that a rate pivot will increase home prices. A 25 basis point increase may not alter the landscape immediately. Still, seeing how the stock market reacts when Powell speaks in his dovish dulcet tones, the speculation and release of pent-up buyer demand is unlikely to soften home prices. Rising energy and home costs will begin to enter the CPI, and I still expect a September rate pivot to be a long shot. 

Inventory in Deschutes County increased more pedestrianly this week, with thirteen more total listings than last week, for 1270. The active inventory median days listed is fifty-four. Ninety-two sales were placed under contract this week, a 30% jump from the holiday-impacted week prior. Seventy-three homes closed this week at a median of $677,450, an average of $933,437, and twenty-seven median days on the market before finding a buyer. 

Crook County homes for sale increased by one to 161, mirroring last week's statistics, with the median days listed at forty-seven. Ten pending sales were also identical to last week's numbers. Seven homes closed this week, up one from last week, and the days listed at thirty-two. With fewer expensive homes in the mix this week, the median sale price was 485k, averaging $695,928.  

Jefferson County inventory increased by four to 115, with the median days listed for active inventory at sixty-one. Three homes are pending sales this week at a median price of $389,900 and an average of $423,299. One sale was listed for 20 days and closed at $982,000.

We recently experienced a wave of price reductions, typical for sellers after the Fourth of July. Positioning for the remainder of the selling season is essential, and anyone with a home that has lingered on the market and is serious about finding a buyer in 2024 made moves to correct the asking price. Attractive homes priced correctly will always sell quickly, but only some properties have instant appeal. As we approach the end of the peak of the 2024 selling season and inventory begins to decline, more properties marketed since spring will start to sell. If the Fed rate pivot becomes a reality, it may juice the remainder of the year with increased activity. With so many in and around the real estate industry talking about rate pivots for nearly two years, the expectations are at an all-time high. Anyone who sat out the last period of higher rates will likely re-engage the market, driving prices higher. I haven't heard anyone use "soft landing" in a while. Still, the premise behind the terminology implies that the economy dodged a difficult recession, and everything is business as usual. If that is true, it is hard to imagine home prices in Central Oregon going anywhere but up. 

Update: EnjoyBendLife.com has a new look! I am always working to improve the user experience on my website, and I am incredibly proud of the latest iteration. The goal was simplicity without sacrificing any of the great information and tools you expect. Everything is so intuitive that I doubt you'll have any issues. But if you need any help, please let me know. Your feedback helps create the best real estate website in Central Oregon!

Active Listings

Summer Bliss on a Budget: 5 Outdoor Transformations Priced Below $200

By Larissa Runkle
Jun 21, 2024

We all cherish a good summer staycation as much as the next person, but if your outdoor space hasn’t gotten any love beyond a cleanup of last year’s weeds—you can’t envision its full potential.

This week, we dove into the vibrant world of Instagram design to gather some inspiration.

We’ve curated five affordable, summer-ready looks that will help you transform your backyard into a stunning outdoor oasis. These designer-inspired ideas will elevate your space and provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and enjoyment—all priced below $200.

Rediscover the beauty and possibilities of your backyard with these creative and budget-friendly decor tips!

1. Designer inflatable pool

“Inflatable pools used to be just for kids, but now there are nicer ones that can make your backyard look like a resort,” says designer and founder Anh Nguyen of Print My Rugs. “With sleek modern shapes and bright colors, these pools let you create your own backyard waterpark without having to dig.”

Get the look: Transform your backyard on a dime with this exact Naturally Nordic pool.

2. Adult swing set

Another look that’s no longer just for the kids? Swing sets, especially if they’re as imaginatively re-created as this one from @imagelightingstore.

“I always ask my clients what they want their outdoor space to feel like, and the answer is often fun, relaxing, and a place to unwind,” says lead interior designer Anna Tatsioni of Decorilla. “An adult swing set provides all of that at once. Swings also provide seating but with an ambiance that brings us back to childhood.”

Get the look: Build your own bit of backyard nostalgia by following this DIY guide and pairing it with one of these hammock swings.

3. Basket lights

For those long, twinkly summer evenings, nothing rings in the transition from day to night quite like the perfect backyard lighting. For this season, we’re loving these woven basket lights from @worldmarket. Place them on a table, the floor, or even a garden path.

“I’m a basket lover because they look good, are versatile, and when combined with lights, you create magic,” says Tatsioni. “Placing these outdoors will immediately add sophistication and elegance while still keeping a delicate and artisan look.”

Get the look: Give your outdoor space a literal glow-up with these wicker globe hurricanes.

4. Checkered planters

Checkered anything has been on trend for a while now, and that’s especially true when it comes to playful summertime decor like these planters from @mackenziechilds.

“They are a very easy way to add style to your home, especially during the summer months, where color is at its fullest,” says Tatsioni. “The way the checkered pattern combines with plants is amazing. It’s modern, contemporary, stylish, risky, and speaks to a very authentic style.”

Get the look: Add some bold checks to your backyard look with this courtly check planter.

5. Turkish towel throws

Need a few more outdoor towels or throw blankets? Why not get both—with a Turkish towel-style throw like this one from @acquired_by_andrea.

“Snuggle up under a soft, tasseled Turkish throw as the night air gets cooler,” says Nguyen. “These oversized, lightweight blankets add color, pattern, and coziness to any outdoor lounge scene. Drape them over chairs, use them as picnic blankets, or wrap up in one while stargazing.”

Get the look: Get yourself some cozy, versatile outdoor throws with this Turkish towel set.

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.

WITHOUT YOU AND YOUR SUPPORT, WE WOULD NOT EXIST TO SERVE YOU SINCE 1995

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