In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🐕🐩🍻 HSCO Pup Crawl

🦅Sky Hunters @ High Desert Museum

🌷 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Returns

📅Save The Date Section

🎨🍷⚡☺️Sip, Create, Activate – A Creative Wellness Event

🕺Spring Fling Dance 2025

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰 ​Two-Thirds of Bend Drivers Oppose Greenwood Ave Road Diet​

📰Some Bend homeowners asked to move fences for wider pedestrian-bike paths

📰Farmers cancels hundreds of Sisters-area policies 🎦

 🧗EP Climbing Celebrates 40 Years of Revolutionizing the Sport of Climbing

📰Regional News

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

📰Community News

🥂🍾RootedHomes Celebrates 10 Years with Sip & Support Fundraiser at Tetherow Resort

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 | March 26, 2025 By Reed Melton

📆Oregon Property Tax Deferral Program nears deadline to apply

🍺Crux Fermentation Project Sells Bend Property, Secures Long-Term Lease to Stay Open

😁 MEME of the Day

Good Morning!

BEND

SANTIAM PASS WEATHER

GOVERNMENT CAMP WEATHER

WILLAMETTE PASS WEATHER

Central Oregon Scene

Sky Hunters

The High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon, invites you to the captivating "Sky Hunters" program, running daily from March 22 to March 29 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. This engaging event features live demonstrations where majestic raptors soar overhead, showcasing their agility and prowess. Presented by skilled wildlife specialists, the program offers a unique opportunity to witness these powerful predators up close. Tickets are $7, with a 20% discount for museum members, and are available at the museum on the day of the event. Note that seating is first-come, first-served, and the program may not be suitable for young children. For more details, visit High Desert Museum's Sky Hunters.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is hosting its 13th Annual Pup Crawl throughout March 2025, offering a delightful blend of community engagement, craft beverages, and support for local animals in need. This cherished event invites residents and their canine companions to gather at various local breweries, with all proceeds directly benefiting HSCO's mission to care for and advocate for animals in Central Oregon.

Event Details:

• Dates & Times: The Pup Crawl occurs every Friday and Saturday evening in March, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

• Locations:

  • Saturday, March 1: Monkless Belgian Ales

  • Friday, March 7: Van Henion Brewing and Bridge 99 (4:30 – 6:30 PM)

  • Saturday, March 8: Bend Brewing

  • Friday, March 14: Crux Fermentation Project

  • Saturday, March 15: Worthy Brewing

  • Friday, March 21: Bevel Craft Brewing

  • Saturday, March 22: Wild Ride Brewing in Redmond

  • Friday, March 28: Sunriver Brewing in Sunriver, Bend Eastside, and Galveston pubs

  • Saturday, March 29: Boneyard Pub

Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, and attendees can enjoy their favorite craft beverages while supporting a worthy cause.

Participation Details:

During each Pup Crawl night, attendees can purchase exclusive HSCO merchandise:

• Logo Pint Glass & One Beverage: $15

• Logo Glass & One Beverage at Three Different Pup Crawl Nights: $30

• Logo Beanie Hat: $20

• Logo Beanie & One Beverage: $30

Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Bend Pet Express and Bend Studio, 100% of the proceeds from these sales directly support HSCO's efforts.

Special Highlights:

This year's Pup Crawl features a new logo designed by Clara Smith, a local Bend artist. Her winning design, inspired by her playful dogs and their love for treats, will be showcased on the Pup Crawl pint glasses, beanies, and promotional materials. Smith expressed her gratitude towards HSCO, having adopted her Australian Cattle Dog, Colt, from the organization five years ago.

About HSCO:

Established in 1961, the Humane Society of Central Oregon is dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond by compassionately caring for animals and advocating on their behalf. As a socially conscious shelter, HSCO collaborates with community partners to provide resources and services aimed at improving the welfare of all vulnerable animals in the region.

Join the Fun:

The Pup Crawl is a fantastic opportunity for community members to come together, enjoy local brews, and make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to the event, HSCO welcomes all to participate and celebrate the spirit of community and compassion.

For more information and updates, visit HSCO's official website or their social media channels.

🌷 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Returns

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a trip to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, opening this Friday, March 21 in Woodburn, Oregon. Though just outside Central Oregon, the vibrant rows of blooming tulips draw thousands of visitors from across the state, making it a popular spring destination.

The festival features 40 acres of colorful tulips, along with local food vendors, wine tasting, craft booths, and family-friendly activities. Weekends often include hot air balloon launches (weather permitting), live music, and special themed events.

The festival runs daily through April 27, offering plenty of opportunities to take in the blooms at their peak. It's a perfect weekend day trip for those looking to shake off winter and enjoy a stunning display of Oregon agriculture in full color.

Coming up

Sip, Create, Activate – A Creative Wellness Event

Looking for a fun way to recharge? Join us Friday, April 11th for Sip, Create, Activate — a vibrant blend of art, community, and wellness hosted in the Energy Room at Epic Energy Centers in Bend. Led by local artist and owner Kelley Salber, this event invites you to tap into your creative flow while “activating” your energy—think cellular-level rejuvenation in a space designed to uplift.

Enjoy half-off regular session pricing, adult beverages, and all the supplies you need to create something meaningful. Space is limited and registration is required. Come sip, create, and connect with your community in the most energizing way possible! Ask about bringing your own wine to energize in the space.

Spring Fling Dance 2025

Get ready to shake off those winter blues and welcome the spring season in style at the 3rd Annual Spring Fling Dance, hosted by your SROA Owner’s Enrichment Committee! Join us on April 12th for an unforgettable night of great tunes, light bites, and a no-host bar. Local DJ from Flip Flop Sounds will be spinning all the best hits from the 60’s and 70’s, so gather your friends and hit the dance floor! This event is 21+ only, and you won’t want to miss it!

Got questions? Give us a call at 406-599-1440!

Ticket Delivery: No need to print tickets. We will have your name at our registration desk.

Venue Information

SHARC Event Space

57250 Overlook Road
Sunriver, OR 97707

LOCAL EVENTS

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Deschutes Public Library Events

Local News…

Two-Thirds of Bend Drivers Oppose Greenwood Ave Road Diet​

BEND, Ore. — Bend drivers are making it clear. By a nearly two-to-one margin, they do not like the Greenwood Avenue Quick Build Project — aka, the Greenwood Road Diet.

The project transformed Greenwood from four lanes to three between Third Street and Hill Street. It added new crosswalks, buffered bike lanes and more ADA parking spaces.

The City of Bend released results of its public survey so far, taken between Aug. 19, 2024 and January 31. Nearly 1,600 people have responded.

The survey asks users to rate the project from one to five stars. It also asks if the new Greenwood is working better for users, what method (car, bike, walk, etc.) the normally use on Greenwood and if the changes have affected travel time.

Sixty-three percent had a negative response, the city said. That's up from 57% in December. Thirty-two percent had a positive response, down five points from December. Five percent were neutral. 

Other findings, according to the city: 

• 543 comments generally disapproved of the changes

• 466 comments generally approved

• The corridor had 25 crashes, down from 32 over the same 5-month time period

The public can continue to weigh in at this link.

Other construction in the area, including the closure of the intersection at Wall Street and Portland Avenue, have exacerbated the problems on Greenwood as drivers use it as a detour.

The project is expected to continue through August. The City Council will then decide whether to make the change permanent.

Some Bend homeowners asked to move fences for wider pedestrian-bike paths

Central Oregon Daily News

BEND, Ore. --  Property owners on the east side of Bend are being asked to make some adjustments on their property for an upcoming streetscape project.

The city is adding 10-foot-wide paths for pedestrians and bicyclists along the north side of Bear Creek Road and the west side of 27th Street.

The City of Bend's engineering department sent notices to several homeowners in the area, asking them to move back fencing that extends into the public right of way. The letter, sent in November, asks for the encroaching fence line to be removed by Monday.

“We’re not asking for the entire fence to be relocated but really, there’s critical sections as path comes into intersections and we need to build the accessible ramps at these locations. That fence needs to be moved back so that path can connect to that ramp," Bend Chief Operations Officer Russell Grayson said.

One homeowner who reached out to Central Oregon Daily News, concerned about the pathway coming close to her front porch and just feet from her home.

Grayson said the city does not actively look for fences extending beyond private property lines. However, when that intrusion interferes with a city project, the property owner has to bring those improvements back behind their own property line.

EP Climbing Celebrates 40 Years of Revolutionizing the Sport of Climbing

This year, EP Climbing (formerly Entre-Prises) proudly celebrates 40 years of innovation, accessibility, and excellence in the world of climbing. What began in 1983 with François Savigny’s invention of the first climbing holds has grown into a global movement that has transformed the sport forever.

“For 40 years, EP Climbing has been driven by a passion for bringing climbing to everyone,” said JoAnne Carilli- Stevenson, sales director at EP Climbing. “From recreational climbers to Olympic athletes, we are proud to have played a part in making climbing more accessible and inspiring the next generation of climbers worldwide.”

A History of Groundbreaking Achievements

EP Climbing’s journey has been defined by industry-leading innovations and landmark achievements, including:

• 1983: Invention of the first mass-produced climbing holds by François Savigny.

• 1988: Launch of Entre-Prises USA.

• 1995-2002: Official climbing wall sponsor for the ESPN X Games.

• 1999: Introduction of Imprint Technology for 3D climbing walls.

• 2006: Introduction of Mozaik, a new wood panel system.

• 2007: Partnership established with the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC).

• 2011: Partnership with USA Climbing begins.

• 2018: Wood volume production begins in the USA.

• 2020: Official climbing wall manufacturer for the Tokyo Olympics.

• 2023: Partnership with Peak Performance Polymers for polyurethane production.

• 2023: Collaboration with IFSC to develop the TITAN, the first standardized competition boulder.

• 2024: Selected as the official wall manufacturer for the Paris Olympics.

With over 10,000 climbing walls and boulders built in more than 30 countries, EP has set the standard for quality, design, and performance in climbing infrastructure.

A Commitment to Core Values

EP’s success is built on its unwavering commitment to its core values: People, Integrity, Reliability, and Quality. These values guide its team of designers, engineers, and craftsmen as they create custom climbing solutions for gyms, recreation centers, outdoor parks, competitions, and more.

Shaping the Future of Climbing

From revolutionizing the sport with the introduction of Imprint walls to leading the charge on global stages like the Olympics, EP Climbing continues to drive the evolution of climbing. Through partnerships with the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) and USA Climbing (USAC), EP is paving the way for the next 40 years of growth and innovation.

epclimbing.com

Regional News…

 City of Bend Events

Fire & Rescue News…

Crime News…

Community News…

RootedHomes Celebrates 10 Years with Sip & Support Fundraiser at Tetherow Resort

RootedHomes is inviting the community to its second annual Sip & Support fundraiser on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Tetherow Resort. The event will celebrate the nonprofit’s 10th anniversary of expanding affordable housing in Central Oregon and unveil its new strategic plan for the future.

Guests will enjoy a family-style dinner, exceptional wines from Solena Estate, Va Piano Vineyards, and more, plus live music by Joel Chadd and a live painting demo from Sheila Dunn Art. The evening also includes raffles, a live auction, and a chance to connect over a shared mission.

“This event helps us continue building healthy, sustainable, and permanently affordable homes for Central Oregon’s workforce,” said Jamie Bradley, board president of RootedHomes.

Thanks to support from sponsors like Solaire Homes, a Net Zero Energy builder, the celebration promises to be a memorable night with a powerful impact.

🎟 Tickets and info: rootedhomes.ejoinme.org/2025

Real Estate News…

Sponsored By

Central Oregon Market Report | March 26, 2025

by Reed Melton

Stable is the best way I can describe the Central Oregon housing market today. This morning, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 6.8%, right where rates have been for a few weeks and down slightly from recent highs of 7.08%. There will always be noise in the trends with small, short-lived ups and downs, but the overall trends are remarkably stable, consistent with steady, higher mortgage rates. So far, 2025 is shaping to be incrementally more active than 2024, which was more active than 2023. Isolated market segments outperform, and unique, desirable properties move quickly. But the overall trends are consistent. 

In Deschutes County, inventory continues to grow, up forty from last week at 967. The median days listed for the active inventory are 51, and the average list price is $1,128,717. Fifty-nine pending sales, at a median of thirty-nine days listed and an average list price of $949,997, show steady activity relative to the last few weeks. Fifty-six closed transactions are a bump from recent weeks and only eighteen days listed before finding a buyer, with an average sale of $904,062. 

Bend is the largest city in Deschutes County, and unsurprisingly, most of the county's activity occurs there. This morning in Bend, there are 727 active listings with a median list time of 58 days and an average list price of $1,167,239. Thirty-seven pending sales in the last week, with a median list time of 61 days and an average list price of $1,017,038, track closely with Deschutes County activity in general. Forty closed transactions at a median day listed of 25 and an average sale price of $971,077 round out the week's data. 

Crook County inventory has decreased over the last couple of weeks after hitting a peak in mid-March. This morning, there are 159 single-family homes listed, down two from last week. This activity is consistent with the season and attributed to the spike of fourteen pending transactions over the previous seven days, the most since August 7, 2024. The median days listed for the pending sales was eighteen, and the average sale price was $397,518, with only two price changes before securing a contract. Three homes closed at an average of $448,600, just five median days listed, and one transaction closed over the asking price. There is no question the availability of homes well under $500k is helping drive sales in Crook County.

Jefferson County inventory also declined this week, at 104, a drop of two from last week. Six pending sales, at an average of $427,550 and 98 days listed, are the most weekly pending sales since mid-December. Two closed transactions, at an average of $344,000, one listed 10 days and the other 20, with no price reductions, show buyers recognize good deals when they see them and jump at the opportunity.

The broad data for Central Oregon shows a steady, stable market with firm pricing. However, drilling down to specific market segments reveals segments that outperform or underperform. My Luxury Market Reports, which I send on Fridays, help to cover activity above $1M, but even that analysis glosses over the intricacies of unique properties, locations, and pricing. Location, asking price, and broader appeal can only be evaluated individually. Tracking the trends is vitally important, but any detailed analysis requires in-person evaluation. Please reach out if you need help creating a strategy to buy or sell or if you need insight into the dynamics of any region of Central Oregon.

Sign Up for the Central Oregon Market Report

Sign Up for the Central Oregon Luxury Market Report

ACTIVE LISTINGS

Oregon Property Tax Deferral Program nears deadline to apply

April 15 is the deadline to apply for the Oregon Property Tax Deferral Program for seniors and disabled homeowners struggling to make ends meet. The program helps pay property taxes for those who are eligible.

Here are more details from the Oregon Department of Revenue:

The program helps senior and disabled homeowners stay in their homes by paying their property taxes for them subject to a lien that is repaid with 6 percent interest after deferral ends. This is not a tax exemption; the program is paying the current year taxes to the local governments.  If a homeowner with a site built home had prior year taxes outstanding, once approved to the program they can request a delay of tax foreclosure from the county.

In 2024 the program paid more than $11.5 million in property taxes for 3,382 seniors and 419 disable homeowners.

How does the program work?  Participants must be at least 62 years of age or disabled and eligible to receive federal Social Security Disability benefit and have owned and lived in their home for 5 years. Participants’ income for 2025 is limited to $60,000 and homesteads qualify if their home value is less than the calculated limit. See website link below for addition eligibility criteria.

Can I file late?  Since 2022, eligible homeowners can apply to the program and pay a late application fee to the county up until December 1.

To obtain an application form or for more information please visit our Department of Revenue website at www.oregon.gov/dor/deferral

Crux Fermentation Project Sells Bend Property, Secures Long-Term Lease to Stay Open

Crux Fermentation Project has found a buyer for its Bend property after listing it for sale about a year ago. The sale, which includes a guaranteed leaseback, allows Crux to continue operating at the same location for the foreseeable future. The property was purchased for $4.4 million by Jonathan Gehrs, cofounder of Pacific Foods of Oregon, and his daughter, Molly Hummel. It includes 1.57 acres of land and an 8,816-square-foot taproom and restaurant.

The sale applies only to the property—not the Crux business itself. According to a company spokesperson, the deal frees up funds for continued investment in Crux’s growing nonalcoholic beer portfolio, improvements at its northeast Bend production facility, and employee programs, including a new 401(k) plan. Crux’s marketing and branding manager, Ashley Picerno, emphasized that there are no plans to close the Bend pub, saying the lease provides flexibility and stability as the company looks to the future.

The property was originally listed for $5.5 million, with the intention of leasing it back from the eventual buyer. In a recent update, Crux said the sale supports ongoing growth and product innovation. The company also recently moved its original copper brewhouse to an off-site production facility, making space inside the Bend taproom for future retail tenants. Crux hopes the addition of other businesses will enhance the customer experience.

Meanwhile, Crux’s Portland location, which opened in June 2023, will permanently close on March 30.

 😎 Just sayin

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