In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

📰Bingo benefiting RylieMay Rescue Ranch @ Spider City Brewing

💖Valentine Affair Market

🍲2025 HDFFA SOUPer Bowl

📅Save The Date Section

❄️🏂Oregon WinterFest

🦀Powell Butte Community Center Crab Feed! Yum.

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰📹Bend Police Launch Community Camera Registry to Aid Investigations

📰La Pine Community Health Center Lays Off 11% of Staff Amid Federal Funding Freeze

🐕Keeping Your Dog Active in Winter: Mobile Dog Gyms Offer a Solution

📰Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch delivers yearly State of the City address

👏Farm animal sanctuary near Sisters earns global acclaim

🐂Local cowboys help wrangle escaped bulls running around the streets of Prineville 🎦Central Oregon Daily News

📰Regional News

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

💥Two Killed in Highway 97 Crash in Klamath County

🚨Crime News

🚨Redmond Police Arrest Suspect in 7-Eleven Stabbing Incident

🚨Bend Police Arrest Man for Methamphetamine Possession

📰Community News

Have some news or know of news for our Community News Segment - share it with C.O. Local Buzz

🏘️Real Estate News

🏘️Central Oregon Market Report - By Reed Melton

📰Old Mill District adding 3 buildings for retail, dining, entertainment

🥳🎉Sisters Named a Top Small Town for Outdoor Activities

📲Sponsors & Partners

😁 MEME of the Day

Which town was established before La Pine but eventually declined as La Pine grew?

A) Gilchrist
B) Rosland
C) Crescent
D) Sunriver

Correct Answer:
✅ B) Rosland

Expanded Answer:

Before La Pine was established, the town of Rosland was an early settlement in the area, with a post office opening in 1897 to serve local homesteaders and timber workers. However, when the region developed further, La Pine became the more prominent community—especially after the railroad and Highway 97 favored it as a transportation hub. As a result, Rosland gradually declined, and its post office eventually closed. Today, Rosland Campground marks the location of the former town, offering a historical connection to Central Oregon's early settlement era.

Good Morning!

 BEND

SANTIAM PASS WEATHER

GOVERNMENT CAMP WEATHER

WILLAMETTE PASS WEATHER

Events Sponsored By

Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

Valentine Affair Market

A market and bazaar featuring 65 tables of items from local vendors, including candles, jewelry, clothes, hats, glassware, custom made tumblers, fresh baked goods, jams and jellies, photo art, home decor, household decor, makeup companies, goat soap, and more. Free admission to the public.

February 8, 2025

Time 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM

@Crook County Fairgrounds 1280 Main Street Prineville, Oregon

Who will be the 2025 HDFFA SOUPer Bowl Champion? Be sure to attend our second annual soup-sampling event to find out. 2025 participating restaurants will be: 10 Barrel, Anthony’s, Brasada Ranch, Cheri’s Hazelnut Cream, Dear Mom Cafe, Deschutes Brewery, El Sancho Taco, Fix & Repeat, Jackson’s Corner, Mountain Burger, Schoolhouse Produce, Spork, and Terra Kitchen.

HDFFA’s SOUPer Bowl 2025 takes place Saturday, February 8, 2025! Admission times will be 12 pm or 1:30 pm. Ticket sales for the event begin Friday, January 3, 2025. We are offering two ticket prices: $25 for a single admission or $50 for a single admission with raffle tickets.

February 8, 2025

Time 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM

@Grace First Luthern Church 2265 NW Shevlin Park Road Oregon
 

Coming up - Save the Date

Oregon WinterFest

Join the annual Oregon WinterFest from February 14 to 16, 2025, in the Old Mill District. This family-friendly festival features live music, art installations, delicious cuisine, and a range of entertainment suitable for all ages. Enjoy the winter wonderland atmosphere and participate in various activities throughout the weekend.

 LOCAL EVENTS

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Bend Police Launch Community Camera Registry to Aid Investigations

BEND, Ore. – The Bend Police Department has introduced CONNECT BEND, a new community camera registry designed to enhance public safety by leveraging privately owned security cameras. The program aims to help officers respond to incidents more efficiently by streamlining the collection of video evidence.

Using Fusus technology, the registry allows police to create an interactive map of security cameras throughout Bend. While officers already canvass neighborhoods for surveillance footage following a crime, this program will enable them to contact registered camera owners more quickly to request video evidence when necessary.

“This is a big opportunity for Bend residents and businesses to work with police to keep our entire community safe,” said Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz. “When a crime happens in your neighborhood, you can help us solve it quickly and safely.”

How the Program Works

Registering a camera takes less than a minute through a secure online portal and is completely free. Signing up does not grant police access to live video feeds; instead, it simply notifies investigators that a camera is present at a given location, allowing them to request footage if an incident occurs nearby. Participants can unsubscribe or modify their registration at any time.

For those looking for additional integration, residents and businesses can opt to purchase a FususCORE device, which connects to existing security systems and provides conditional access to live video in case of an emergency. Camera owners maintain control over access and settings.

For more information or to register a camera, visit www.bendconnect.org.

La Pine Community Health Center Lays Off 11% of Staff Amid Federal Funding Freeze

La Pine, OR – La Pine Community Health Center (LCHC) has laid off 11% of its staff as it awaits further details on a federal funding freeze. CEO Erin Trapp emphasized that direct patient care remains unaffected, and the organization is taking proactive steps to ensure continued services.

The center clarified that the temporary closure of its school-based health clinic was due to a power outage, not funding issues. LCHC remains committed to preserving healthcare access and expects the workforce reduction to be temporary.

Sen. Ron Wyden condemned the funding freeze, calling it an illegal disruption that could harm Oregon healthcare providers. Despite the challenges, LCHC’s Wellness Center construction remains on track, and leadership continues to monitor the funding situation closely.

Keeping Your Dog Active in Winter: Mobile Dog Gyms Offer a Solution

Bend, OR – Cold weather can make walking your dog challenging, but some pet owners are turning to mobile dog gyms like See Spot Run to keep their pets active.

Bend resident Jacob Roe-Bauer says the service has been a great alternative for his dog, Dwight, during the winter. "He's a pit, and pits don’t exactly love cold weather. We can get him around the block, and he’s done. But with See Spot Run, he can take a nice 30-minute walk or jog," Roe-Bauer shared.

Experts note that the temperature at which it becomes too cold for dogs varies by breed, age, and size. If you do take your dog outside, keep walks short, dress them appropriately, and watch for ice or salt, which can irritate their paws.

KTVZ VIDEO HERE

Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch delivers yearly State of the City address

REDMOND, Or, Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch delivered his annual State of the City address Thursday morning at Redmond City Hall.

The address reflected on the past year, providing updates on city projects, current challenges, and a look ahead at key initiatives for 2025.

Mayor Fitch shared his focus areas which include fiscal responsibility, quality of life, economic vitality, public safety, and environmental stewardship

Earlier, Fitch said, “I again look forward to sharing the challenges we face as a community, how the city is working to manage growth, and providing the community with quality services through transparency and an open government.”

Additionally, Mayor Fitch provided an overview of city priorities ranging from infrastructure, affordable housing, and long-range planning efforts to fostering cooperative partnerships and water conservation initiatives. 

The State of the City address streamed live on the city’s website at www.redmondoregon.gov.  A recording will also be available for on-demand viewing. 

Farm animal sanctuary near Sisters earns global acclaim

A farm animal sanctuary near Sisters is being recognized for its quality of care.

Harmony Farm Sanctuary has received accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

The farm animal rescue is home to 145 permanent residents. They rescue and find new homes for 70 to 100 farm animals every year.

Founder Robine Bots explained the work that went into receiving accreditation.

"You have to prove the highest standards of care for animal welfare, governance, safety for volunteers, financial stability. It took us about 18 months and hundreds of hours of work to get this accreditation," Bots said.

Caring for these animals also takes a lot of food. The sanctuary goes through more than 40 tons of hay in a single year.

Harmony Farms partners with animal sanctuaries throughout the Pacific Northwest.

 City of Bend Events

Two Killed in Highway 97 Crash in Klamath County

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. – Two people were killed, and two others were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday on Highway 97 near milepost 249, according to Oregon State Police (OSP).

Crash Details

Investigators said the crash occurred on February 2, 2025, when a green Ford Expedition traveling southbound lost control, sliding sideways into the northbound lane. The SUV was struck on its side by a white Ford F-350 towing a horse trailer, which was traveling northbound.

The driver of the Expedition was identified as Wyonna Elaine Weiser, 38, of Chiloquin. The F-350 was operated by Franklin Scott Maricle, 31, of Bend.

The impact caused the Expedition to land in a northbound ditch, while the F-350 came to rest blocking most of the highway.

Victims and Injuries

Two passengers in the Expedition were pronounced dead at the scene:

• Winnie Mae Hescock, 41, of Klamath Falls

• Laurice Lee Foster, 41, of Chiloquin

Two others in the Expedition suffered serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital:

• Driver: Wyonna Elaine Weiser, 38, of Chiloquin

• Passenger: Wauseka Brown Jr., 56, of Chiloquin

The occupants of the F-350 were not injured, including:

• Driver: Franklin Scott Maricle, 31, of Bend

• Passengers: Scott Nile Maricle, 58, of Bend, and Janelle Marci Maricle, 32, of Bend

• Two male juveniles, ages 21 months and 13 months

Investigation and Road Closures

OSP reported that the crash impacted Highway 97 for about an hour while crews investigated. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

OSP was assisted by Chiloquin Fire and Rescue and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Redmond Police Arrest Suspect in 7-Eleven Stabbing Incident

REDMOND, Ore. – A suspect has been arrested in connection with a stabbing that occurred at a 7-Eleven in Redmond on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

According to the Redmond Police Department (RPD), officers responded to a 9-1-1 call at approximately 2:16 p.m. on February 5, reporting a stabbing at the convenience store. The victim, an adult male, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Redmond Fire & Rescue (RF&R).

The suspect fled before officers arrived, prompting an extensive search. Law enforcement described him as a white male with brown curly hair, wearing a black beanie hat and a black puffy coat. Authorities advised the public to avoid approaching him and to call 9-1-1 if spotted.

Suspect Arrested Without Incident

Less than two hours after the initial report, police located the suspect at Shepherd’s House in Redmond. Officers from RPD, with assistance from the Bend Police Department (BPD), Deschutes County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), and Oregon State Police (OSP), took the suspect into custody without incident at approximately 3:46 p.m.

The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Cameron Whitney, a Bend resident. He was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on charges of Attempted Assault II and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

RPD thanked the DCSO, BPD, OSP, and RF&R for their assistance in the response, as well as Shepherd’s House Ministries for their cooperation.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the stabbing. The investigation remains active, and police encourage anyone with additional information to contact RPD.

Bend Police Arrest Man for Methamphetamine Possession

BEND, Ore. – A 49-year-old Bend resident was arrested Wednesday evening after a police drug operation led to the discovery of methamphetamine in his vehicle, authorities said.

According to the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team, officers arrested William Felton Butler on February 5 at approximately 5:00 p.m. for possession of methamphetamine, a misdemeanor offense.

Surveillance Leads to Arrest

Drug agents and Bend Police officers were conducting a surveillance operation in response to reports of drug activity in an undisclosed area of Bend. During the operation, officers observed a blue 2005 GMC Yukon repeatedly driving slowly through the area, displaying behavior they deemed suspicious.

A Bend Police officer followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop near SE 3rd Street and SE Roosevelt Avenue after observing traffic violations. During the stop, Drug Detection K9 Bonnie was deployed and alerted officers to the odor of drugs inside the vehicle.

As Butler, the driver and sole occupant, stepped out of the vehicle, a glass pipe containing methamphetamine fell from his lap and landed in the snow.

Search Warrant Uncovers More Drugs

Officers secured a search warrant for the vehicle, which led to the discovery of a metal container with methamphetamine inside the center console.

Authorities also noted that Butler was on pretrial release for multiple open cases at the time of his arrest. He was transported and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

Multi-Agency Drug Task Force Involved

The investigation was conducted by the CODE team, a multi-agency narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. The team includes officers from several Central Oregon law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard.

Authorities continue to investigate, and no further details were immediately available.

Central Oregon Market Report | February 5, 2025

by Reed Melton

 This morning, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 7.05%, almost precisely where rates have averaged for the last two years. Coincidentally, inventory levels across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties have been flat over the previous few weeks, with consistent pending and closed sale volume. The numbers are so steady that sharing them this week feels redundant. Instead, I am providing another 2024 year in review for Bend, Madras, and Prineville, the largest cities in each of the three counties that make up Central Oregon. As you will see, the individual towns have performed similarly to the broader county dataset. In the coming weeks, I will break down the activity by price points to reveal which segments outperform the wider market.

Bend

2022

Sold - 2,502, Median sale - $765,000, Days Listed - 8

2023

Sold - 1,932, Median sale - $749,970, Days Listed - 19

2024

Sold - 1,975, Median sale - $770,000, Days Listed - 27

It should come as no surprise that the highest-priced homes cluster around Bend. Sisters has more than its share of high-end sales; I will provide those numbers in future reports. In 2024, there were 603 sales in Bend zip codes over $1M, with 107 over $2M. My future reporting on activity in Bend will focus on sales below the median of ~$750k, $750k-$1M, $1M-$2M, $2M-$3M, and over $3M. These price points deserve a deeper dive to understand the Bend market thoroughly. 

Prineville

2022

Sold - 365, Median sale - $425,000, Days Listed - 21

2023

Sold - 297, Median sale - $424,995, Days Listed - 49

2024

Sold - 317, Median sale - $442,500, Days Listed - 41

With four sales over $1M in the City of Prineville, it would be easy to assume there isn't much of a higher-end market in Oregon's geographic center. However, Crook County had forty-three sales of over $1M in 2024, mostly clustered around Powell Butte or in the golf community of Brasada Ranch. A breakdown of prices for Crook County using a cap of $1M for Prineville and sales above and below $500k, with separate reports for Powell Butte and Brasada Ranch, will provide the most insight into 2024. 

Madras

2022

Sold - 196, Median sale - $382,450, Days Listed - 22

2023

Sold - 129, Median sale - $360,000, Days Listed - 47

2024

Sold - 136, Median sale - $366,000, Days Listed - 74

In 2024, no homes sold over $1M in Madras, and there were two closings over that price in all of Jefferson County.One of those sales was in Camp Sherman near Black Butte Ranch, with the other in the 3 Rivers Recreation Area at Lake Billy Chinook. For Madras and Jefferson County, a breakdown by price will be most beneficial, looking above and below $500k.

For those of you with an analytical bent, the above report will help you better understand the market. However, many of my clients simply work within their budgets to find the right home for them. Either way, I am prepared to help you in the best way possible. I am undoubtedly a numbers geek, but I also regularly scour our MLS, looking at individual properties to better understand value and what is selling at any particular price point. Providing you with the information and having the knowledge to help you make the best decision for your needs is something I take very seriously. Don't hesitate to contact me anytime if you have any questions.

Active Listings

Old Mill District adding 3 buildings for retail, dining, entertainment

The Old Mill District is adding three more buildings, which will hold retail, restaurants and apartments.

One of the buildings is 5,000 square feet with a rooftop terrace and patios for dining and entertainment.

The expansion also calls for 7,000 square feet of new retail space along what’s known as the Hot Pond.

There are also plans to create a two-story building with shops on the first floor and short-stay apartments on the second story.

Sisters Named a Top Small Town for Outdoor Activities

SISTERS, Ore. — Sisters, Oregon, has earned national recognition as one of the best small towns in the country for outdoor enthusiasts. Country Living ranked Sisters as the second-best small town overall and the top destination for outdoor sports, highlighting its exceptional hiking opportunities, including the iconic Black Butte trail.

The annual ranking, which evaluates small towns across the U.S. for their charm, amenities, and recreational opportunities, placed Sisters high on the list due to its scenic beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The town, known for its rustic charm and proximity to breathtaking landscapes, is a favorite among hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers.

Black Butte: A Must-Hike Destination

One of the area's most renowned outdoor attractions is Black Butte, a towering volcanic cone located just outside of Sisters. The steep and rewarding hike up Black Butte offers panoramic views of the Cascade Range, drawing visitors from near and far. The trail is known for its significant elevation gain but rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of Central Oregon.

Sisters' recognition as a premier outdoor destination underscores its growing reputation as a must-visit spot for those seeking adventure and natural beauty in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information on outdoor activities in Sisters, visit Travel Oregon or Visit Central Oregon.

 😎 Just sayin

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