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🔥⛪Fire at Old Stone Church | 🏘️📈📉Central Oregon Market Report
Issue #323
Good morning and welcome to your Friday edition of the Central Oregon Local Buzz!
In today’s issue, we’re keeping you in the loop on the latest local news—from neighborhood concerns over proposed transmission lines to a fiery attic blaze at WebCyclery and a motorcycle crash that temporarily shut down Empire Avenue.
We're also featuring this week’s Real Estate Roundup with fresh updates on market activity across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about home prices, it’s a solid pulse-check on what’s moving in Central Oregon.
Plus, we’re excited to introduce our newest sponsor: Can Monkey! 🦍♻️ Say goodbye to dragging your trash bins to the curb—they do it for you. Weekly service that’s affordable, contactless, and stress-free. Learn more here:
Let’s get into it—scroll down for all the buzz!
In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…
🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays
🌄Bend, OR Weather
📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?
🎸Uncle Jesse and the Trapper Keepers @ The Belfry
📅Save The Date Section
🏡🌱Home & Garden Show
💖Bend Health Fair
📰Local News - What’s a Happening?
✈️ Seattle to Redmond flight delayed after passenger mentions explosive, airport says
🍺📰Boss Rambler Beer Club to close west Bend taproom this summer
⛷️Bend skier saves leg with jacket, headphone cords as tourniquet at Mt. Bachelor
📰Bend Neighborhoods Push Back Against Proposed Transmission Line Routes
📰Regional News
📆City of Bend Calendar of Events
🚧 Road Closures & Construction
🔥Central Oregon Fire Info
🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News
🔥⛪Fire at WebCyclery Causes Major Smoke Damage in Downtown Bend
💥🏍️Motorcyclist Injured in Collision on Empire Avenue; Issued Multiple Citations
🚨Crime News
📰Community News
🪨🏠Built by hand, Saved by heart: The revival of Petersen Rock Garden
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
➕🏘️Redmond to add 74 homes for homeless residents by next year
📰Central Oregon Builders Help Meet Demand for New Homes at Caldera Springs
😁 MEME of the Day
How many World War II military training sites are commemorated along Oregon's U.S. Highway 97, designated as the World War II Veterans Historic Highway? |
How’d you do on the Answer?
Answer: C) 8
Expanded Answer:
In 2009, the Oregon Legislature designated the 322-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 97—from the California border to Biggs Junction—as the World War II Veterans Historic Highway. This designation honors the nearly 150,000 Oregonians who served during World War II and highlights eight significant military training sites located along the route. To commemorate this, 18 signs were installed along the highway, marking these historic sites and educating travelers about Oregon's contributions to the war effort.
Good Morning!
Bend Airport 04.25.25
BEND
What’s Up Central Oregon?
Uncle Jesse and the Trapper Keepers
The Trapper Keepers are a 90’s party band from Bend, OR. They specialize in playing all your favorite songs from the best era of music! Punk, Pop, Rock, R&B, and everything in between. Join us as we dance the night away while benefitting The Blitz At Black Butte Ranch Disc Golf Tournament. DJ Ben will be spinning vinyl to open and close the show. Music goes from 7-9:30 check them out on The Gram @trapperkeepersbend and @djben
📍 The Belfry, Sisters, OR
📅 April 26, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
🎟️ Buy Tickets – $10
🌍 Earth Day Celebration
Earth Day Celebration at Hanai Center
Join the Hanai Foundation on April 22nd from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM to honor Earth Day. This event offers an opportunity to remember our responsibility as stewards of this beautiful planet. Engage in activities that foster joy, reverence, and connection.
📍 Hanai Center
📅 April 22, 2025, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎟️ More Info
🎶 Music & Performing Arts
Portland Cello Project: Sunshine & Stars
Experience an unplugged cellos-only show with the Portland Cello Project, featuring songs inspired by light and hope. Nancy Ives joins as a star cellist and composer in this unique performance.
📍 Tower Theatre
📅 April 24, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ More Info
🧘 Wellness
Wellness Wednesday at The Vineyard
Recharge your body and spirit with an evening of vitamin injections, wellness tips, good vibes, and wine—plus stunning views and amazing company. Health meets happy hour at Faith Hope and Charity Vineyards.
📍 Faith Hope and Charity Vineyards
📅 April 23, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎟️ More Info
🧘♀️ Health & Fitness
Stretch & Strength for Runners
Participate in a workshop focused on improving flexibility, preventing injuries, and strengthening stabilizing muscles for runners. Learn breathwork techniques to enhance endurance and mental focus.
📍 10 Barrel Brewing – East Side
📅 April 22, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🎟️ More Info
🎭 Performing Arts
The Sleeping Beauty
Enjoy a performance of "The Sleeping Beauty," a classic ballet that brings the enchanting fairy tale to life. Experience the magic and grace of this timeless story.
📍 Tower Theatre
📅 April 27, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
🎟️ More Info
Coming up
Home & Garden Show
The 2025 Central Oregon Spring Home & Garden Show is set to take place from May 2 to May 4 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. This annual event, now in its 32nd year, is organized by the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) and sponsored by Johnson Brothers Appliances.
Event Details:
Dates & Times:
Friday, May 2: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, May 3: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, May 4: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR
Admission: Free entry and parking
Attendees can explore over 200 exhibits featuring the latest trends in home building, remodeling, landscaping, and sustainable living. The show offers a comprehensive look at home and garden solutions, making it a valuable event for homeowners and enthusiasts alike.
For more information and updates, visit the official COBA events page: (coba.org).
Bend Health Fair
Join us for the 4th annual Bend Health Fair! 2025 boasts a new location, more parking, more food and more fun! Meet Central Oregon practitioners and health-related businesses at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center! Come early for an amazing swag bag! HUGE raffle benefiting the Humane Society of Central Oregon-with over $10,000 in prizes! 100% of your $5 ticket is donated to HSCO. Co-located with the Bend Beauty Expo and the Bend Creators Market! Family friendly! Spend the day shopping, eating, drinking, meeting great folks and getting to know local businesses!
LOCAL EVENTS
HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?
Local News…
Seattle to Redmond flight delayed after passenger mentions explosive, airport says
BEND, Ore. -- A flight from Seattle to Redmond was delayed Wednesday after a passenger casually indicated they had an explosive in their luggage, airport officials said.
The incident happened around noon on Alaska Airlines Flight 2030. That was an Embraer 175, according to FlightAware.
Sea-Tac Airport Spokesman Perry Cooper said a passenger boarding at Gate C-16 "made an off-hand remark regarding an explosive in their bag to flight attendants." The pilot was alerted and called police.
Cooper said the threat was determined to be unfounded but, out of caution, all the passengers were taken off the plane K9 searched the plane before takeoff. The flight took off after a 75-minute delay.
Cooper said the suspect was not arrested, but charges are pending.
The Embraer 175 can hold up to 88 seats, according to the company website. It's not clear how many people were on Wednesday's flight.
Boss Rambler Beer Club to close west Bend taproom this summer
BEND, Ore. -- Bend's craft beer scene is taking a hit.
Boss Rambler Beer Club announced it will be closing its taproom at 1009 NW Galveston Avenue at the end of the summer. Owner Kate Molletta said the closure will allow Boss Rambler to focus more on growing its Stokes Cold One brand of beer.
The building is currently up for sale, but there is no word yet on a buyer.
Bend skier saves leg with jacket, headphone cords as tourniquet at Mt. Bachelor
BEND, Ore. -- A terrifying fall at Mt. Bachelor nearly cost a local skier his life — but quick thinking, a makeshift tourniquet and a little luck kept him alive.
Earlier this ski season, Jonathan Friedland was skiing under the Outback chairlift at Mt. Bachelor when a routine run took a sudden and violent turn.
“I started tumbling and I guess what happened was my leg got caught in between my other ski that stayed on and the snow,” Friedland said. “Then I reached down and my hand is just, like, covered in blood. It looked really bad.”
His ski had sliced through his leg — deep enough to hit the bone and sever a major artery. With no cell service and blood rapidly spilling into the snow, Friedland knew he was in trouble.
Luckily, his girlfriend Ellie was skiing nearby. She spotted the trail of blood and rushed to help.
“On my way down there was like a trail of like light colored blood,” she said. “So I just took my jacket off, took off my base layer and I tied it in his wound, basically to try to stop the bleeding.”
With no medical gear on hand, she improvised — even wrapping Apple headphones around his thigh to act as a second tourniquet.
They yelled to people on the lift above them to call ski patrol. Minutes later, help arrived.
“Ski patrol came and tied a tourniquet around my thigh,” Friedland said. “That was probably the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life.”
Friedland was rushed off the mountain by snowmobile then flown by Life Flight to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. Doctors said the laceration went all the way to the bone — cutting through nerves, muscle, and an artery.
He survived. And he kept his leg. Seven weeks later, he’s still on crutches, but on the road to recovery.
“Just so impressed,” Ellie said. “He’s taken every day like an absolute champ.”
Friedland said he doesn’t know what would’ve happened if he’d been alone.
“Always ski with a friend,” he said. “If Ellie wasn’t there, I don’t know what would have happened.”
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who participates in outdoor sports or risky activities to take a Stop the Bleed course — or carry a portable tourniquet.
Friedland says he’ll ski again — but with a new perspective on life and what really matters.
Bend Neighborhoods Push Back Against Proposed Transmission Line Routes
BEND, Ore. — Residents in multiple southeast Bend neighborhoods are voicing strong opposition to PacifiCorp’s proposed 180-mile transmission line project, citing concerns over property values, wildfire risk, and environmental impacts.
The project, known as the Blueprint South transmission line, aims to connect Powell Butte near Redmond to southern Klamath County through one of four potential routes. Two of these—Route A and Route B—would pass near or through residential areas in Bend, including the Somerset and Sundance neighborhoods.
On Wednesday, PacifiCorp representatives met with Somerset residents to discuss Route A, which would bring a 550-kilovolt line close to homes. Residents expressed concerns about the proximity of the line to their properties, potential decreases in property values, and increased wildfire risks. Some suggested that Route D, located farther east, would be less disruptive.
In the nearby Sundance neighborhood, residents are similarly opposing Route B. They argue that the proposed 180-foot-tall towers would disrupt the landscape and pose environmental risks, including interference with wildlife migration patterns. The area, already designated as a high fire hazard zone, has a history of wildfires, including the 1996 Skeleton Fire that destroyed 19 homes.
PacifiCorp maintains that the new line is necessary to meet increasing electricity demands and to integrate renewable energy sources into the grid. The company emphasizes that no final decisions have been made regarding the route and that community input is a crucial part of the planning process. A final decision is expected later this year.
As discussions continue, affected communities are urging PacifiCorp to consider alternative routes that would minimize the impact on residential areas and the environment.
Regional News…
BendRedmond | Deschutes County |
Fire & Rescue News…
Fire at WebCyclery Causes Major Smoke Damage in Downtown Bend
BEND, Ore. — A fire broke out early Tuesday morning at WebCyclery, a bike shop located inside the historic Old Stone Church on NW Franklin Avenue in downtown Bend. Bend Fire & Rescue responded to the scene around 8 a.m. after store staff reported flames in a ceiling light fixture in the building's attic.
Employees initially spotted the fire in a fluorescent light fixture and attempted to contain it using a fire extinguisher. While their efforts helped slow the flames, the fire had already begun spreading to nearby boxes and stored merchandise. All staff and customers safely evacuated the building before fire crews arrived.
Photo Courtesy of EPIC Energy Center
When firefighters entered the building, they encountered heavy smoke in the attic and worked quickly to contain the blaze. A ladder truck was deployed to cut ventilation holes in the roof, helping crews suppress the fire, which was extinguished within 30 minutes.
Investigators determined the fire started due to a malfunction in the light fixture, which ignited stored goods in the attic. Damage to the building itself is estimated at around $25,000. However, smoke and fire damage to merchandise—particularly high-end mountain bikes and retail goods—could reach as high as $500,000 depending on the extent of the smoke contamination and whether items can be restored for sale.
Despite the losses, officials say quick thinking by the WebCyclery team prevented a much larger disaster. “Their fast response—using an extinguisher, evacuating the building, and calling 911—made all the difference,” said a spokesperson from Bend Fire & Rescue.
The shop is fully insured, and its insurance provider had already been contacted by the time crews cleared the scene.
Bend Fire reminds the public to always call 911 when using a fire extinguisher. Even if the flames appear to be out, firefighters can verify the fire hasn't spread and assist with safety checks and cleanup.
Motorcyclist Injured in Collision on Empire Avenue; Issued Multiple Citations
BEND, Ore. — A 19-year-old Bend resident was cited for multiple violations following a collision between a motorcycle and a vehicle Wednesday morning on Empire Avenue near NE Plateau Court.
The crash occurred around 7:41 a.m., when the motorcyclist, traveling westbound on Empire Avenue, attempted to pass backed-up traffic by riding in the bike lane. As a Chevrolet Suburban was making a legal left turn onto Plateau Court, the motorcycle collided with the vehicle.
The motorcyclist sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to St. Charles Hospital for treatment.
Following the investigation, Bend Police cited the rider for reckless driving, unlawful passing on a motorcycle or moped, driving without insurance, and illegal alteration or display of license plates. All lanes on Empire Avenue were temporarily closed while the Bend Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Team processed the scene. The roadway has since reopened.
Crime News…
Community News…
Built by hand, Saved by heart: The revival of Petersen Rock Garden
 | 🗑️ Let CanMonkey Take Out the Trash (Literally) ✅ Perfect for busy locals, vacation homes, or short-term rentals |
Real Estate News…
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Photo by Reed Melton
by Reed Melton
The word of the year for the mortgage markets is volatility, with the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage this morning at 6.98%. The chart below illustrates this volatility and shows today's rates are approaching highs for the last year. Interestingly, the lows each of the past three years since rates started climbing up to 7%, the seasonal lows occur near year-end, with rates elevated through the summer. Unfortunately for buyers in Central Oregon, the best selection of homes is available during the summer months, with correspondingly higher rates. However, staying in close contact with your lender creates an opportunity if you use rate volatility to lock in during the brief dips. Wherever rates are on any given day is anyone's guess, and if you don't like them today, waiting several days will likely produce a different number.
This week, inventory growth in Deschutes County was modest, up 38 to 1,140. Pending sales and the days listed are identical to last week at 70 and 21, with the average sale price up considerably to $882,959 from $744,669. As more homes come to market at higher price points for the summer season, the weekly average sale price typically increases. Fifty-three transactions closed this week at a median days listed of just 27 and an average sale price of $998,464.Sellers are doing well, with twenty-four of the seventy pending sales reducing the price before securing a buyer and twenty-three closed transactions negotiating a price below list. Today's market is bifurcated between rapid sales and lingering inventory, which, in many cases, can be hard to define. Some seemingly well-priced properties are sitting, but most will find a buyer as summer activity picks up.
Crook County inventory also experienced modest growth of four from last week to 188. Six pending sales with just 30 days listed and an average price of $859,950 are in line with previous weeks, but two pending sales over $1M skew the sale price. Eleven closed transactions are the most since July 2024, with a median days listed of only twelve. The average sale price was $722,818, skewed up considerably by two Powell Butte sales and one in Brasada Ranch.
Jefferson County experienced an active week that reduced inventory by four, bringing the total to 120. Eight pending sales were on the market for a median of 62 days, with an average sale price of $409,325. Four closed transactions occurred in the previous week, with a median of sixty days on the market and an average price of $378,250.
With activity in the overall market picking up, moving quickly on properties that suit your needs is essential. Not every home sells rapidly, but the extremely diverse inventory of homes in Central Oregon can make finding the right fit challenging. Letting something go that fits your needs can extend the time it takes to find the right property indefinitely.
For sellers, starting with the right price is key to a quick sale, or at least in the ballpark. Knowing what a buyer might be willing to pay for high-end homes in desirable locations can be challenging. Starting high isn't always a terrible strategy as long as a plan to adjust based on buyer feedback is in place. However, even with a lack of showings, you never know when the right buyer might appear. Since every seller has unique circumstances, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Active Listings
Redmond to add 74 homes for homeless residents by next year
REDMOND, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners agreed Monday to lease nearly 10 acres of land to Mountain View Community Development to build an entire community just north of Oasis Village. It means that by April 2026, Redmond will have added 74 new housing units to help the homeless get back on their feet and have a place of their own.
The cottage-style homes will be between 400 and 600 square feet and will be designed and built by Hayden Homes. Most of the homes are reserved for the disabled who are 55 and older. Their rent will be set at 30% of their income.
This village is a first for Central Oregon.
"There's nothing like this in the community of Redmond. There are very few permanent supportive housing units in our region. We need hundreds more of these and this is what helps people move out of homelessness and into a permanent place they can call home," Mountain View Community Development Executive Director Rick Russell said.
Additional fundraising will begin immediately with infrastructure being installed this winter.
Central Oregon Builders Help Meet Demand for New Homes at Caldera Springs
As South Deschutes County continues to shine as one of Central Oregon’s most in-demand markets for primary and secondary homeowners, a new trend is unfolding at Caldera Springs: builders are emerging as some of the most active buyers.
Located just 20 minutes from Bend and directly adjacent to Sunriver, Caldera Springs is widely considered the Pacific Northwest’s premier residential resort community. Since the launch of its 600-acre expansion in 2022, 158 new homesites have been purchased — led by the Caldera Springs real estate team at Sunriver Realty. While many of these homesites are purchased by future homeowners, many are being acquired by Central Oregon’s leading builders.
These trusted firms — including Arrowood Development, Artisan Homes & Design, Black Label Design, CNC Homes, Curtis Homes, Envision Development, Forest View Inc, Olsen Brothers Construction, Pahlisch Select, R&H Construction, Rogue Brothers, Stone Bridge Homes NW, Timberline Incorporated, Triangulum, Waterworks Properties, Woodhill Homes, and Zachary Construction — not only construct homes when hired by homebuyers but are now among the top purchasers of homesites themselves. Many are building beautiful spec homes that are being sold as new homes and quickly snapped up by eager buyers. Some builders have even partnered on acquisitions, enabling them to diversify offerings and expand their presence within the community.
“We greatly value our relationships with the builders choosing to invest in Caldera Springs,” said Krista Miller, vice president of Real Estate and Development at Sunriver Resort. “Their commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed, move-in-ready homes has helped meet the needs of today’s homebuyers seeking new construction without the complexity of managing the process themselves. It’s a win for our builder community, homeowners, and the continued success of Caldera Springs.”
Of the 158 homesites purchased since the expansion began, more than 58% have already welcomed new owners or are in active construction or design — a testament to the pace of development and the strong appeal of Caldera Springs and its growing builder network.
“We’re honored that these leading builders have chosen Caldera Springs and are crafting exceptional mountain homes in harmony with nature,” added Miller. “Their thoughtfully designed homes continue to help shape Caldera Springs into the premier residential resort community in the Pacific Northwest.”
Following the sell-out of its Mirror Rock homesites and the near sell-out of its Preservation homesite collection — which offered direct access to 220 acres of forever-protected Wildlife Forest Preserve — Caldera Springs is preparing to unveil its newest offering this spring: the Wild Pine Homesite Collection.
Tucked into the previously untouched northeast corner of the community, Wild Pine offers forest-immersed, water-adjacent homesites overlooking a quiet pond and meandering brook. Just moments from Caldera Springs’ newest amenities — Forest House, a recreation and aquatic complex, and Forest Park, a four-season adventure park — Wild Pine represents a rare opportunity to build a home that balances natural seclusion with vibrant community living.
Combined with the strong performance of Caldera Springs’ vacation rental program through Sunriver Resort Vacation Properties and more than $99 million in real estate sales since its expansion, including the new Forestbrook vacation homes, it’s clear the community has hit its stride.
As Miller put it, “At Caldera Springs, we’re not just selling land — we’re building something lasting. And our builder partners are helping us bring that vision to life.”
For more details about Caldera Springs, available homesites, or the builder program, contact the Caldera Springs Sales Team at 541-593-3000 or [email protected]. Visit us at the sales office inside the Lake House or tour the new Forestbrook Model Home.
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