In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🎂🥳Harold's Birthday @ Hoodoo

❄️🏂Oregon WinterFest

📅Save The Date Section

🦀Powell Butte Community Center Crab Feed! Yum.

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰👮 Bend Police Open Applications for 41st Community Academy

📰❄️ County accepting nominations for 2025 Safe Sidewalk Awards

📰Pilot Butte Middle School Briefly Secured as Police Search for Escaped Hospital Patient

📰Regional News

💥Massive Pileup on I-84 Near Multnomah Falls Involves Up to 30 Vehicles Amid Whiteout Conditions

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🔥Fire Heavily Damages Madras Home, Displaces Resident

🚨Crime News

🚨Traffic Stop in La Pine Leads to Seizure of Nearly 5 Pounds of Meth

🚨Illegal THC-Infused Taffy Operation Shut Down in Bend

📰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

📰Applications open for 18 new energy-efficient Habitat for Humanity homes in Redmond

😁 MEME of the Day

Which of the following is the oldest county in Central Oregon, established in 1882?

A) Deschutes County
B) Jefferson County
C) Crook County
D) Wasco County

✅ C) Crook County

Expanded Answer:

Crook County was the first county established in Central Oregon, created on October 9, 1882, from a portion of Wasco County. Its county seat, Prineville, became an early center for ranching and timber industries. As the population grew, parts of Crook County were later divided to form Jefferson County in 1914 and Deschutes County in 1916, making Crook County the "parent" of the other two. Despite its early prominence, Prineville was eventually outpaced by Bend as the economic hub of the region.

Good Morning!

 BEND

SISTERS

SANTIAM PASS WEATHER

GOVERNMENT CAMP WEATHER

WILLAMETTE PASS WEATHER

Hey Everybody….

Events Sponsored By

Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

Harold's Birthday @ Hoodoo

Who's the coolest mascot ever?  Harold the Hodag from Hoodoo of course !!  Come help Harold celebrate his birthday on February 15th.  Shred with Harold and his buds, Yeti and Sas.  You may see some aliens out there too!  Free Hot Chocolate and Smores! Presented by Cascade Lake Spirits and Black Butte Ranch.  

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.

Coming up - Save the Date

 LOCAL EVENTS

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Bend Police Open Applications for 41st Community Academy

Bend residents interested in learning more about local law enforcement will have the opportunity to participate in the Bend Police Department’s 41st Community Academy, set to begin on April 1, 2025.

The 11-week program, running through June 10, offers an inside look at police operations, including patrol procedures, investigations, records, and evidence handling. Participants will also learn about specialty units such as narcotics enforcement, traffic safety, the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the K9 unit. Additionally, the program covers topics like mental health in policing and officer survival tactics.

Classes will be held every Tuesday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a special range and scenario training session scheduled for Saturday, May 3. The academy can accommodate up to 40 participants, and there is no cost to attend. Preference will be given to applicants who live within Bend city limits.

Applications are open until 5 p.m. on March 29 and can be submitted online through the Bend Police Department’s website.

County accepting nominations for 2025 Safe Sidewalk Awards

The Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is asking community members to nominate local businesses, individuals and organizations for the 2025 Safe Sidewalk Awards.

Since their inception in 2006, the Safe Sidewalk Awards are presented by BPAC annually to recognize businesses, individuals and organizations who make an extra effort to keep sidewalks around their property clear of snow, ice and other debris or hazards.

Deschutes County code requires businesses to clear ice or snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property within six hours of daylight; residential properties must do so within 24 hours. Other sidewalk hazards, such as overgrown landscaping and sprinkler overspray also need attention from property owners throughout the year.  

To nominate a business, individual or organization, please fill out a nomination form and submit it by March 20. Winners of the 2025 Safe Sidewalk Awards will be recognized at a future Board of County Commissioners meeting.

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BPAC is an advisory committee appointed by the County Board of Commissioners whose mission is to improve conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians throughout Deschutes County. For more information, please visit: www.deschutes.org/BPAC or call (541) 388-6528.

Media Contact:

Tanya Saltzman, Senior Planner

(541) 388-6528

Pilot Butte Middle School Briefly Secured as Police Search for Escaped Hospital Patient

Pilot Butte Middle School was placed in a precautionary secure status on Wednesday afternoon while police searched for a hospital patient who had walked away from St. Charles Bend.

The individual, last seen near Neff Road and Cliff Drive wearing blue scrubs, prompted a search effort by law enforcement. Authorities advised the public to call 911 if they spotted him.

By 4:10 p.m., police confirmed that the man had been located and arrested in Redmond. Further details on the arrest were pending.

Massive Pileup on I-84 Near Multnomah Falls Involves Up to 30 Vehicles Amid Whiteout Conditions

On Thursday, February 13, 2025, a significant multi-vehicle collision occurred on Interstate 84 (I-84) westbound near milepost 35, approximately three miles west of Multnomah Falls in Multnomah County, Oregon. The incident, which took place around 10:45 a.m., involved between 20 to 30 vehicles, including cars, trucks, and semi-trucks. Initial reports suggested over 100 vehicles were involved; however, this number was later revised as visibility improved.

The Oregon State Police (OSP) attributed the pileup to a combination of factors, including icy and slick roads, limited visibility, and near-whiteout conditions. An SUV caught fire during the incident, but all occupants managed to exit safely. Four individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals. No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported.

In response to the hazardous conditions, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) temporarily closed westbound I-84 near Multnomah Falls. The highway has since been reopened, but authorities continue to advise caution due to ongoing severe winter weather. Travelers are encouraged to check current road conditions via TripCheck.com before embarking on their journeys.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for much of the area, effective through 10 a.m. Friday. Residents are urged to postpone travel until weather conditions improve. If travel is necessary, it's essential to stay informed about the latest weather and road conditions to ensure safety.

 City of Bend Events

Fire Heavily Damages Madras Home, Displaces Resident

Madras, OR - A fire heavily damaged a Madras home on Wednesday and displaced a resident, Jefferson County Fire and EMS reported.

Fire crews were dispatched around 11:45 a.m. to the report of a building on fire in the Fairgrounds Road area, said Deputy Chief of Prevention Jared Earnest.

Deputies arrived first and confirmed all occupants were out of the building, Earnest said. Fire crews arrived shortly after and discovered a single-family dwelling with an attachment on the north side actively burning, with flames moving underneath and into the structure.

Crews set up for offensive operations and were able to bring the fire under control within a half-hour, Earnest said in a news release.

Crews were challenged initially by having to gain access underneath the home to extinguish the fire located under the structure. They remained on scene for an additional hour to conduct overhaul operations.

During the fire, Warm Springs Fire and Safety provided mutual aid medical coverage for the fire district and a personnel callback was issued to provide district staffing.

One person was living in the structure and was not injured. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the person with housing, as the fire damaged the structure to the extent that water and power had to be shut off.

Earnest said Jefferson County Fire and EMS would like to thank the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Warm Springs Fire and Safety, Pacific Power and Deschutes Valley Water for their assistance during the incident.   

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office, earnest said.

Traffic Stop in La Pine Leads to Seizure of Nearly 5 Pounds of Meth

A routine traffic stop in La Pine led to a major drug bust on February 12 after deputies discovered nearly five pounds of methamphetamine inside a vehicle.

A Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled over a vehicle on Highway 97 for a speed violation when suspicion arose that controlled substances might be present. A narcotics K-9 unit was called to the scene, and the dog alerted to the presence of drugs. Deputies obtained a search warrant and uncovered a commercial quantity of methamphetamine inside the vehicle.

The driver, identified as 61-year-old Ronald Dale Reed of Bend, was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on charges of unlawful possession and unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office continues its efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region, utilizing specialized units such as K-9 teams, SWAT, and patrol divisions to enhance public safety.

Illegal THC-Infused Taffy Operation Shut Down in Bend

A long-term investigation into an unregulated cannabis operation in Bend resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of illegal marijuana products, psilocybin, and cash.

On January 24, Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement (DCIMME) detectives executed search warrants at two locations—one on SE Franklin Avenue and another on Discovery Park Drive. Investigators uncovered an illicit production operation involving THC-infused taffy, marijuana concentrates, and psilocybin edibles intended for black market distribution.

Authorities seized 74 marijuana plants, over 26 pounds of processed marijuana, nearly 4,550 grams of concentrates, and 996 grams of psilocybin edibles. Additional evidence, including packaging materials, rosin presses, and pre-rolled joints, pointed to illegal sales beyond Deschutes County.

Two suspects were cited in connection with the operation. Trischa Savino, 29, was charged with attempted unlawful delivery of a marijuana item, a misdemeanor. Peter Nobel, 29, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including unlawful manufacturing and possession of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a school. Investigators say Nobel manipulated the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program to grow more than his legal limit and convert the excess into edibles for financial gain.

The case underscores law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal cannabis operations, which bypass regulatory safeguards and pose risks to public safety.

Central Oregon Market Report | February 12, 2025

by Reed Melton

This morning, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 7.05%, the same as last week. Inventory levels across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties have increased slightly this week, indicating that we may have reached the bottom for 2025. Even if we have seen the bottom for inventory levels, the increases will be slow for the next several weeks until more sellers begin listing for the summer. With the weekly activity across Central Oregon so steady, I will again take the opportunity to share a year-end recap, this time for Sisters. 

Sisters

2022

Sold - 221, Median sale - $735,000, Days Listed - 8

2023

Sold - 180, Median sale - $719,000, Days Listed - 27

2024

Sold - 171, Median sale - $750,000, Days Listed - 30

The smaller market in Sisters has a tremendously diverse set of homes, making any broad analysis more challenging. However, the standout metric in this report is the reduced sales volume. With fewer homes listed at any given moment, attractive, well-priced properties sell relatively fast. The potential mix of views, location, and acreage significantly impacts marketability. Coincidently, I listed and sold the fourth most expensive home in Sisters in 2024, a beautiful home in the Aspen Lakes Golf Course community that closed at $1,989,000. The highest-priced sale in Sisters in 2024 was $2.9M

Below, I will show the sales over the last three years for Sisters above and below 10 acres. 

Sisters - Above 10 Acres

2022

Sold - 16, Median sale - $1,525,000, Days Listed - 72

High - $6.8M, Average sq/ft 4,264, 3.8 bed/3.7 bath

2023

Sold - 9, Median sale - $1,850,000, Days Listed - 56

High - $15M, Average sq/ft 5,000, 4.6 bed/4.3 bath

2024

Sold - 14, Median sale - $1,760,000, Days Listed - 50

High - $2.9M, Average sq/ft 3,445, 3.4 bed/3.5 bath

With so few homes selling over 10 acres, the highest-priced sales significantly impact the data. Using the Median sale price helps to present a more accurate picture, but the average square footage and bedroom and bathroom counts get pulled up. The key for homes on larger acreage is the individual features of the house and property. Again, there is so much diversity that any accurate analysis requires a thorough property evaluation. But many of the homes in this category have large, very high-quality homes, extensive landscaping, and Cascade Mountain views. 

Sisters - Below 10 Acres

2022

Sold - 207, Median sale - $725,000, Days Listed - 6

High - $3.3M, Average sq/ft 2,182, 3.2 bed/2.7 bath

2023

Sold - 171, Median sale - $695,494, Days Listed - 26

High - $2.475M, Average sq/ft 2,048, 3.2 bed/2.6 bath

2024

Sold - 158, Median sale - $733,500, Days Listed - 26

High - $2.1M, Average sq/ft 2,027, 3.1 bed/2.7 bath

The lot sizes for the homes above and below 10 acres are all over the map. However, lot size only adds so much value, considering that most of these properties cannot be subdivided and are single-family home sites. The average square footage and bedroom and bathroom count show more modest properties below 10 acres and significantly more sales. In the larger data pool of homes on property less than 10 acres, the price growth since 2022 is modest at only 1.17%.

Any market analysis looking at larger data pools is problematic because of the extreme diversity of location, home size and quality, views, and many other factors. These analyses have great value in identifying overall trends, but specific reporting for an individual home requires a deeper analysis. Just like a Zestimate cannot be right on the money, neither can a view of the entire city of Sisters or all of Deschutes County. With so much data available to buyers today, I frequently have clients quoting the last sale price of a property as a basis for deciding if the list price is accurate. With the significant price growth we witnessed in Central Oregon from 2020-2022, it is easy to be shocked by the lower cost of property a few years back. However, in the last three years, prices have remained mostly flat. There are always wildcards in the pricing calculation; some properties are marketable and unique. 

I regularly design marketing and pricing strategies for my clients. I have local knowledge and a deep familiarity with the Central Oregon housing market. Contact me anytime if you have any questions about homes or property!

Active Listings

Applications open for 18 new energy-efficient Habitat for Humanity homes in Redmond

Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity has opened applications for 18 affordable, energy-efficient homes at Ward Commons in Southwest Redmond, with a deadline of March 5.

Here is the full release with information on who is eligible and how to apply:

Redmond, OR – Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce that applications are now open for 18 new homes in Southwest Redmond. This latest development comes as Habitat continues to meet the need for hardworking families and individuals to achieve affordable, sustainable homeownership in Central Oregon.

Located at 4300 SW Quartz Ave., Ward Commons features single-family detached homes with two- and three-bedroom options, attached garages, and energy-efficient, solar-powered designs to keep utility costs low. The community will also include a dedicated children’s play area and a community dog park. Estimated completion for the development is Fall 2026.

Why Apply for a Habitat Home? Habitat for Humanity offers a unique pathway to affordable homeownership. Unlike traditional home buying, Habitat’s program ensures that monthly mortgage payments remain affordable—typically ranging from $1,300 to $2,100, with payments capped at one-third of a homeowner’s income. Additionally, future homeowners receive comprehensive support, including financial literacy education and home maintenance guidance, to help them succeed in their homeownership journey.

How to Apply – Interested applicants can begin the process by completing a short eligibility form online. Those who meet the initial requirements will be invited to complete a full application. To access the eligibility form, visit BendRedmondHabitat.org.

Apply by March 5th to be considered for this exciting new development.

“We are thrilled to bring more affordable homeownership opportunities to the Redmond community,” said Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity. “Homeownership is life-changing – providing stability, wealth-building opportunities, and a foundation for future success. We encourage eligible families and individuals to apply and take the first step towards building a brighter future in Central Oregon.”

For more information about Ward Commons and how to apply, contact Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity at (541) 385-5387 or visit BendRedmondHabitat.org.

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