In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🍺🥃 The Little Woody Festival — Sip the Spirit of the Forest

 🍺🏃‍♀️‍➡️Featured Spotlight: The Little Woody Beer Run

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰 Commissioners to hold public hearing for changes to county outdoor lighting regulations

📰 Deschutes County advisory committee begins work to draft proposed commissioner districts

🏫📵Central Oregon school districts release plans for phone policy, amid Governor Kotek phone ban

🍔Killer Burger Brings Its Signature Burgers to Bend

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚒Fire at Prineville Freight Depot Contained Before Reaching Structures

💥Prineville Woman Killed in Rollover Crash on George Millican Road

 🚨Crime News

📰Regional News

📰Public Hearing Highlights Backlash—and the Governor’s Absence

🥰Community News

📰Think Wild asks for help protecting fire-injured animals

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

SISTERS

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Featured Events

 The Little Woody Festival — Sip the Spirit of the Forest

Mark your calendar—this weekend, Bend’s beloved beer festival returns in full gnome-glory! Join us at the Deschutes Historical Museum on Friday, August 29 (5–9 p.m.) and Saturday, August 30 (noon–9 p.m.) for The 2025 Little Woody Festival—Central Oregon’s premier celebration of barrel-aged brews. (The Little Woody)

Settle into the forested ambiance as you sample oak-aged stouts, fruit-forward sours, ciders, whiskies, and more—all paying homage to the forests, orchards, and barrels that define great craft beverages. (The Little Woody)

What’s Happening:

• Friday VIP Experience kicks off at 4 p.m., featuring an exclusive tasting session with 503 Distilling and a craft canned cocktails discussion at 4:30 p.m. (The Little Woody)

• Comedy Night—“Locals Only”—from 6:15–7:30 p.m., followed by live roots and blues music from Lickety Split (formerly The Bunkhouse Two) at 8 p.m. (The Little Woody)

• Saturday Highlights begin at noon with the beloved Bend Beer Run, which now includes free festival entry. (The Little Woody)

• Secret Comedy Show under the trees from 6:15–7:30 p.m. features surprise comics as seen on Don’t Tell Comedy, Hulu, and Comedy Central. (The Little Woody)

• End the night with dreamy jazz and folk-infused performance by the Erin Cole Baker Band at 8 p.m. (The Little Woody)

Tickets & Fun Extras:

• General tasting packages start at just $15 (Gnomaste) and go up to $50 for VIP (The Big Woody), which comes with a commemorative T-shirt and early-entrance perks. (The Little Woody)

• Not drinking? No problem—grab a $5 “DD Entry” ticket and join the fun. (The Little Woody)

• Don’t miss the Gnome Costume Contest Saturday at 6 p.m.—compete for titles like Best Dressed Gnome, Best Gnome Squad, and Fan Favorite Spirit of the Little Woody. (The Little Woody)

• Wrap up your visit with the exclusive Big Token Growler Fill—a rare chance for Gnomie Homies to take home a growler filled straight from the festival taps. (The Little Woody)

Featured Spotlight: The Little Woody Beer Run

Put on your comfiest shoes and creative costume: this Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM, join the Little Woody Beer Run, a spirited 5K that kicks off at The Commons Café in downtown Bend and finishes straight into the heart of The Little Woody Festival at the Deschutes Historical Museum (The Little Woody).

This untimed, laid-back course takes participants through scenic Drake Park and along the Deschutes River, with four craft beer stops along the way featuring local breweries such as Worthy, Crux Fermentation Project, Deschutes Brewery, and UPP Liquids (The Little Woody).

Your $45 registration includes:

• A Little Woody tasting glass

• Six drink tokens for beer or cider at the festival

• Entry to live music, games, barrel-aged brews, and the gnome-themed fun that makes the festival so memorable

• Costume contest opportunities (great prizes for the most creative gnome outfits!) (The Little Woody)

This 21+ event is perfect for blending movement, local brews, and festive flair. Lace up, grab your friends, and get ready for a brew-tiful run!

 📅 Events: Bend

 🧒 Sawmill Demonstration — High Desert Museum; Thu 8/28, 12–3pm
What: 1904 Lazinka Sawmill in action; free w/ admission.
More info: Museum calendar

 🎲 Trivia on the Moon — Silver Moon Brewing; Thu 8/28, 7pm
What: weekly trivia; optional reserved seating supports charity.
More info: Source listing

 🎤 Karaoke Thursdays — Bunk+Brew; Thu 8/28, 7–10pm
What: open karaoke; food carts on site.
More info: Source listing

🖼️ Art in the West (exhibition, daily) — High Desert Museum; Mon–Sun, 9am–5pm
What: juried fine art show & silent auction (runs thru 9/20).
More info: Exhibit page

 🎵 Goo Goo Dolls — Live in ’25 — Hayden Homes Amphitheater; Fri 8/29, doors 5:30pm / show 7pm
What: outdoor summer tour stop on the Deschutes.
Tickets: Live Nation

🎭 “Under the Stars” Cabaret — Cascades Theatrical Company; Fri 8/29 & Sat 8/30, 7:30pm
What: musical-theatre cabaret with Central Oregon performers.
Tickets: Cascade A&E preview → CTC

 🎵 Japanese Breakfast — Live in ’25 — Hayden Homes Amphitheater; Sat 8/30, 6pm
Tickets: Live Nation

 🎵 Saturday Jazz Sessions (Jack Krouscup Quintet) — River’s Place; Sat 8/30, 6–8pm
What: free patio jazz at the food-truck lot.
More info: Source listing

🔢 Not’Cho Grandma’s Bingo (fundraiser) — Silver Moon Brewing; Sun 8/31, 10am–12pm
What: high-energy bingo; portion benefits local orgs.
Tickets/Info: CASA calendar

🎵 Chicago — Live in ’25 — Hayden Homes Amphitheater; Sun 8/31, 7pm
Tickets: Live Nation

🎵 Bill Keale (Live Music) — River’s Place; Sun 8/31, 6–8pm
More info: River’s Place live music

 📅 Events: Redmond & Nearby

 🎵 Music on the Green (Free Concert Series) — American Legion Park; Wed 8/27, 5:30–7:30pm
What: family-friendly outdoor show with food & craft vendors.
More info: Destination Redmond event

 🎤 Karaoke Night at Blacksmith — Blacksmith Public House; Thu 8/28, 6:30–8pm
What: weekly karaoke in the taproom & food-truck lot.
More info: Visit Redmond

 🧒 Redmond Farmers Market — Centennial Park; Fri 8/29, 3–7pm
What: produce + makers; family friendly.
More info: Visit Redmond

🎪 Reggae Rise Up Oregon (Festival) — Deschutes County Fair & Expo; Fri–Sun 8/29–8/31 (Fri 12–11:30pm; Sat–Sun similar)
What: national reggae lineup, art & vendors.
Tickets: Visit Bend listing

🌄 Events: Sisters

🖼️ Fourth Friday Artwalk — Downtown Sisters; Fri 8/29, 4–7pm
What: gallery stroll with receptions & demos.
More info: Sisters Arts Association

 🎵🍷 Wine on the Deck — The Suttle Lodge; Tue 8/26, 6–7pm
What: casual guided tasting on the lodge deck.
More info: Suttle Lodge calendar

🧒 Sisters Farmers Market — Fir Street Park; Sun 8/31, 10am–2pm
What: 50+ vendors, live music & kids’ activities.
More info: Explore Sisters event

🌲 Events: Sunriver & La Pine

 🧒 Sunriver Farmers Market — The Village at Sunriver; Thu 8/28, 8:30am–12:30pm
What: weekly producer market.
More info: Sunriver Area Chamber (Sisters Arts Association)

🎵 Summer Concert Series — Sunriver Resort (Backyard stage); Fri 8/29, 6:30–8:30pm
What: outdoor live music at the resort.
More info: Sunriver Resort events (sisterscountry.com)

🧒 Saturday Market at SHARC — SHARC Amphitheater; Sat 8/30, 10am–2pm
What: makers, food & family activities.
More info: Sunriver Parks & Rec (Visit Central Oregon)

🎵 Live Music @ Owl’s Nest — Sunriver Resort; Sat 8/30, 8–10pm
What: evening set in the resort’s historic pub.
More info: Visit Central Oregon (bendticket.com)

🎤 Karaoke & Pint Night — Wetlands Taphouse; Thu 8/28, 6–9pm
What: karaoke party + pint specials.
More info: Wetlands Taphouse (IG) (Instagram)

🎵 Use ’ta Do (Live Music) — Twin Lakes Resort; Sat 8/30, 2–4pm
What: lakeside set at the resort.
More info: Twin Lakes Resort calendar (Twin Lakes Resort)

🎵 Live Music on the Deck — Twin Lakes Resort; Sun 8/31, 12–2pm
What: midday music by the water.
More info: Twin Lakes Resort calendar (Twin Lakes Resort) 

🐴 Events: Prineville, OR

 🧒 C.R.O.P. Farmers Market — Stryker Park; Sat 8/30, 9am–1pm
What: community market with local growers & makers.

🏅 Jaripeo Baile (Rodeo & Dance) — Crook County Fairgrounds; Sun 8/31, time TBA
What: traditional rodeo/bull-riding event + baile.
More info: Fairgrounds calendar

🛍️ Events: Madras

 🧒 Munchies & Movies Series — Jefferson County Event Complex; Thu 8/28, 6:30–10:30pm
What: food, games & outdoor movie night.
More info: JeffCo Events

 🎪 Pacific Northwest Freedom Run (Campout & Rally) — Jefferson County Event Complex; Fri–Mon 8/29–9/1 (all-day)
What: motorcycle rally with camping & live music.
More info: PNW Freedom Run

🧒 Madras Saturday Market — Sahalee Park; Sat 8/30, 9am–2pm
What: produce, artisans, food; family friendly.
More info: Madras Saturday Market

Check back often in the Calendar App below as it is updated regularly 👇

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

Deschutes Public Library Events

Other Event Sources:

Local News…

Commissioners to hold public hearing for changes to county outdoor lighting regulations

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) will hold a public hearing to consider proposed amendments to the county’s outdoor lighting regulations. Community members are encouraged to participate.

The BOCC has expressed support for revising the county outdoor lighting ordinance to address public concerns about light pollution. After receiving feedback from two panels convened on the topic, the county’s Community Development team has suggested the following amendments:

• Simplifying the code to support responsible lighting practices

• Updating terminology to better reflect current lighting fixtures

• Utilizing the guiding principles of Dark Sky International, which offer best practices for responsible lighting

• Clarifying types of facilities and lighting fixtures that are exempt

The public hearing will be held during the regularly scheduled BOCC meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 9 a.m., in the Barnes Sawyer Room of the Deschutes Services Building, at 1300 NW Wall St., Bend. The public is invited to attend the meeting in person, or virtually. Virtual log-in information and the meeting agenda, including the specific hearing time, can be found at www.deschutes.org/meetings.

You can find more information about the proposed lighting control amendments at this link.

Deschutes County advisory committee begins work to draft proposed commissioner districts

The Deschutes County District Mapping Advisory Committee (DMAC) will begin work in September to develop proposed commissioner district boundaries.

In Fall of 2024, voters approved a ballot measure to expand the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) from three members to five. In response, the Board appointed seven community members to the DMAC and tasked the committee with creating a map that ensures equitable representation across all five commissioner districts.

The DMAC will hold an orientation meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m. in the DeArmond Room (first floor) of the Deschutes Service Building, which is located at 1300 NW Wall St. in Bend.

The committee is expected to meet weekly through the fall as it considers the district mapping process. Meetings will be held at 1 p.m. on the following Wednesdays:   

• Sept. 10: Deschutes Service Building, 1300 NW Wall St., DeArmond Room (first floor), Bend.

• Sept. 17:  Sisters City Hall, 520 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters

• Sept. 24: Redmond City Hall, 411 SW 9^th St., Redmond

• Oct. 1: La Pine Activity Center, 16450 Victory Way, La Pine

• Remaining Sessions (Oct. 8 – Nov. 19): Deschutes Service Building, 1300 NW Wall St., DeArmond Room (first floor), Bend

Once the DMAC has drafted a district map, it will be considered by the BOCC for approval before being shared with county voters as a ballot measure in 2026. If approved, district-specific representation will begin in 2028.

The meetings will be open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate during public comment periods. For additional meeting details, including agendas, locations, and virtual participation links, please visit deschutes.org/meetings.

For more information and updates on the District Mapping Advisory Committee’s work, please visit: deschutes.org/dmac.

You can also learn more about how the committee was formed and the criteria guiding the district mapping process by listening to the latest episode of the “Inside Deschutes County” podcast.

Central Oregon school districts release plans for phone policy, amid Governor Kotek phone ban

Schools across Central Oregon are preparing to enforce Governor Tina Kotek’s Executive Order 25‑09, which mandates a ban on student cellphone use during the school day (from bell to bell). Districts statewide must adopt compliant policies by October 31, 2025, with full implementation scheduled by January 1, 2026  

In Central Oregon, districts are taking different approaches. Redmond School District will begin enforcing a zero‑phone policy from the first day of the 2025–26 school year, revisiting it after six months  . Meanwhile, Bend‑La Pine and Crook County districts plan to revise their policies by October and start enforcement in January 2026, with Bend‑La Pine’s update primarily affecting high school students  

Killer Burger Brings Its Signature Burgers to Bend

Bend has a new spot for burger lovers—Killer Burger officially opened its doors on August 18 at 20789 NW Henry Ave., Suite #180. The Bend restaurant is the latest addition from Cascade KB, the franchise group that already operates 25 Papa John’s locations and two other Killer Burger stores, including the chain’s busiest in Salem. Their success has fueled an ambitious growth plan: up to 13 Killer Burger locations across Oregon, Idaho, and Utah in the coming years.

The Bend opening reflects a larger expansion strategy praised by Killer Burger CEO Adam Sanders as a “strategic partnership” with Cascade KB, one he says is essential for scaling into new markets. Franchisee Dave Edwards shared that every opening so far has “exceeded expectations,” with strong demand signaling confidence in their move into Central Oregon and beyond.

Local customers didn’t hold back their enthusiasm. Social media lit up after opening day, with one fan raving about the chain’s quirky cult-favorite menu: “Bend, you showed up BIG for our grand opening… I’m addicted to the peanut butter, pickle, bacon burger!!! Sooooo good.” With loyalists already spreading the word, Killer Burger seems poised to carve out a devoted following in Bend while building momentum for its next wave of openings across the region.

 Fire & Rescue…

Fire at Prineville Freight Depot Contained Before Reaching Structures

A fire broke out on the morning of August 24 at the Prineville Freight Depot, a key transportation and logistics hub located just west of town on NW Bus Evans Road. The blaze began in an outdoor storage area containing a large amount of plastic byproduct from depot operations. Thick black smoke was visible from a distance, but thanks to a swift response from Crook County Fire & Rescue and assisting agencies, the fire was quickly contained before reaching any buildings. While no structures were damaged, the fire did cause significant damage to the overhead electrical supply system.

The Prineville Freight Depot plays an important role in regional freight movement, offering services such as rail-to-truck transloading, open and covered storage, warehousing, and connections to BNSF and Union Pacific lines via the City of Prineville Railway. The 30-acre site also includes heavy equipment ramps and daily switching service, making it a vital piece of infrastructure for Central Oregon’s logistics network.

Officials have ruled the fire accidental, though the investigation is still ongoing. Support on the scene came from Jefferson County EMS, the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Prineville Police and Public Works, and depot staff. No injuries were reported.

Prineville Woman Killed in Rollover Crash on George Millican Road

A tragic rollover crash in southwest Prineville claimed the life of a local woman on Monday morning. Just before 9:00 a.m. on August 25, Crook County deputies and EMS from Crook County Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash near milepost 9 on SW George Millican Road. When first responders arrived, they found the driver—identified as 43-year-old Rosellyn Thayer of Prineville—had been ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to investigators, Thayer’s vehicle had crossed into the oncoming lane for unknown reasons before veering onto the gravel shoulder, then back across the northbound lane, where it rolled multiple times and came to rest on the east shoulder. Thayer, who was the only person in the vehicle, was believed to have been ejected during one of the rolls. No other vehicles were involved. The road was closed for about an hour for the investigation, with one lane later reopened to traffic.

Crime News…

Regional News…

Public Hearing Highlights Backlash—and the Governor’s Absence

On Monday, August 25, Salem hosted a tense public hearing before the looming special legislative session set to begin August 29, focusing on Governor Tina Kotek’s transportation funding proposal, Legislative Concept 2 (LC 2). Despite being the architect of the plan, Governor Kotek did not attend, drawing criticism as Oregonians lined up to testify—some to warn of potential layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), others to voice frustration over increased costs. Reflecting the stakes, nearly 2,200 Oregonians submitted written testimony in advance, while dozens spoke in person of the urgency—or ire—surrounding higher gas taxes, vehicle fees, and payroll surcharges.

Opposition Grows from Citizens and Political Divide Widens

Resistance to LC 2 was palpable—from everyday Oregonians to seasoned lawmakers. Critics slammed the proposal as punitive to working families, with one La Pine resident calling the payroll tax hike “unfair to the working class,” noting that it would raise expenses by just a few dollars per month for a typical $2,000-income household. Political opposition also surfaced sharply across the aisle: Republican leaders like House GOP Leader Christine Drazan condemned what they deem a “tone-deaf” tax package ill-suited for struggling Oregon families. The divide underscores how contentious the debate has become—and why Kotek’s absence at the hearing added fuel to the fire.

Joint Interim Committee On Transportation Funding - Video

Community News…

Think Wild asks for help protecting fire-injured animals

Central Oregon Daily News Staff

BEND, Ore. -- Think Wild, a wildlife hospital in Bend, is urging the public to be on the lookout for injured wildlife in and around the burn zone of the Flat Fire. The non-profit organization said Central Oregon's native species are well-adapted to protecting themselves from fire, but if you find an injured animal, you can loosely wrap it in cotton.

Sally Compton, the executive director of Think Wild, said the organization can help if you come across an injured animal.

"If the animal is clearly injured or burned or you saw the parent deceased, and if it's safe to do so, you can contain them in a quiet, dark warm location. In a box if you're able. Then contact us," Compton said.

Compton also said another way to help is by leaving fresh water outside, but she says you should make sure it's away from your home.

Hospital staff said some species return quickly to their habitats and some benefit from new growth spurred by wildfires.

 City of Bend Events

Current updates for the Flat Fire can be found in CO Fire Info above⬆️

 😎 Just sayin

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