In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🚘Classic Car Fest @ River’s Place

🔢🪖Bingo 4 Heroes

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 📰 Regional Business Alliance Launches to Boost Local Business Advocacy

🏠Redmond Safe Parking Sites Face Funding Crisis After State Bill Excludes Support

📰🍔Killer Burger Names Franchise Veteran Jean Grossman to Its Board Amid Expansion into Bend

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

⚖️ Turner Man Sentenced to 17+ Years in Federal Prison Following Drug Trafficking Arrest in Bend

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

🫴👩‍🌾Volunteers needed to help plant new native garden in downtown Bend

🎃Family’s fiery Halloween display looks like a real house fire

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘️Real Estate News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report By Reed Melton

🚫🔥🏘️ Red Cross Urges Central Oregonians to Check Smoke Alarms During Fire Prevention Week

🏠🎨RootedHomes & Caldera to Unveil Teen-Created Community Mural in Redmond

🏢🏭Jackstraw Apartments open next to Bend’s Box Factory

🐓🍺🍔Wild Rooster Bar & Grill Gallops into Prineville This Fall

📦🔐 Logsden Street Self Storage Now Open in SE Bend

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

 ✅ Correct Answer: A – Bend
Expanded Answer: Parts of Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey were filmed in the forests near Bend. The scenic wilderness of Central Oregon served as a perfect stand-in for the Sierra Nevada.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Bend

• 🖼️ The $20 Art Show — Viewing Days — High Desert Museum, 59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702 • Mon–Sun Oct 6–12, museum hours. Huge exhibit/sale of small works curated by Bright Place Gallery. (www.livenation.kr)

• 🎬🎶 BendFilm Festival (Opening mid-week; daily screenings/panels)
  Location: Multiple downtown venues (e.g., Tin Pan Theater, Tower, Volcanic), Bend, OR
  Type: Festival / Film + music-adjacent events
  Time: Wed–Sun Oct 8–12, various times
  What: Five days of indie films, Q&As, parties, and pop-up music; one of the region’s marquee arts events.
  Info/Tix: BendFilm 2025 festival page. (BendFilm)

• 🎧 Sploinky Rave (EDM) — Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97701 • Fri Oct 10, 9:00 pm–late. High-energy dance night (18+). (Sploinky Rave)

• 🎶 An Evening with Shafty (Phish tribute)
  Location: The Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97701
  Type: Music
  Time: Sat Oct 11, 7:00 pm
  What: Beloved Phish tribute brings extended jams to Midtown.
  Info/Tix: Midtown Ballroom site. (midtownballroom.com)

• 🎵 Sitting At A Bar 25 Years Mini-Fest (Rehab, (hed) p.e., more)
  Location: The Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97701
  Type: Music / Festival-style show
  Time: Sun Oct 12, 6:00 pm
  What: Throwback alt/rap-rock bill—nostalgia heavy.
  Info/Tix: Midtown Ballroom calendar. (midtownballroom.com)

• 🎭🛍️ Bend Moonlight Haunted Market + Live Music (DJ Sorski)
  Location: Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97701
  Type: Festival/Market + Music
  Time: Sat Oct 11, 4:00–11:00 pm (live music 7:00–9:00 pm)
  What: Night market with vendors, tattoos, food & live music; all ages, free.
  Info: Visit Bend & Bend Magazine listings. (visitbend.com)

Redmond (incl. Terrebonne area venues)

• 🐎 Sanctuary Barrel Race: Fall Into Fast Cash
  Location: First Interstate Bank Center, Deschutes County Fair & Expo, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756
  Type: Sports — Equestrian
  Time: Thu–Sat Oct 9–11, all day (multiple divisions)
  What: Major barrel-racing meet with significant payouts; exciting spectator action.
  Info: Expo calendar; Oregon Barrel Racing schedule. (expo.deschutes.org)

• 🎸 Live at the Vineyard: Mango Stew (island rock)
  Location: Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards, 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760
  Type: Music
  Time: Fri Oct 10, 5:00–8:00 pm
  What: Easygoing “palm-tree rock” set—Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Eagles vibes with wine & wood-fired pizza.
  Info/Tix: Visit Central Oregon & venue listings. (Visit Central Oregon)

• 🎸 Live at the Vineyard: The Substitutes (classic rock)
  Location: Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards, 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760
  Type: Music
  Time: Sat Oct 11, 5:00–8:00 pm
  What: Central Oregon’s long-running classic-rock outfit in the vineyard’s amphitheater setting.
  Info/Tix: Venue event page; Visit Bend/Travel Oregon mentions. (Faith, Hope, Charity)

Sisters

• 🎉 Sisters Harvest Faire (Downtown Street Fair)
  Location: East Cascade Ave (downtown core), Sisters, OR 97759
  Type: Festival / Art & Craft + Music
  Time: Sat–Sun Oct 11–12, 10:00 am–4:00/5:00 pm
  What: Beloved fall tradition with juried artisans, food vendors, and live entertainment in the heart of Sisters.
  Info: Bend Magazine listing / Sisters Chamber info. (Redmond, Oregon)

Sunriver

• 🍄 Sunriver Fungi Fest & Mushroom Show
  Location: SHARC (Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center), 57250 Overlook Rd, Sunriver, OR 97707
  Type: Festival / Nature, Food, Kid-friendly
  Time: Sat Oct 11, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
  What: Talks, guided mushroom walks, ID station, marketplace & food trucks; fun for all ages.
  Info/Tix: Village Properties event page (details & pricing) / SNCO link. (Village Properties at Sunriver)

• 🎃 Sunriver Resort Fall Festival
  Location: The Backyard at The Lodge at Sunriver Resort, 17600 Center Dr, Sunriver, OR 97707
  Type: Festival / Kid-friendly
  Time: Sat–Sun Oct 11–12, 12:00–5:00 pm
  What: Petting zoo, pony rides, pumpkin patch, crafts, and seasonal food & drink; complimentary entry (activities for purchase).
  Info: Sunriver Resort page; Bend Magazine/Visit Central Oregon listings. (sunriverresort.com)

La Pine

• 🎶 Live Music: Sweet N’ Juicy (funk/pop trio)
  Location: The Wetlands Taphouse, 51425 US-97, La Pine, OR 97739
  Type: Music
  Time: Fri Oct 10, 7:00–10:00 pm
  What: Up-tempo, playful originals and covers—dance-friendly night at La Pine’s taphouse.
  Info: Wetlands Facebook event. (Visit Central Oregon)

• 🧠 Tuesday Trivia @ The Wetlands
  Location: 51425 US-97, La Pine, OR 97739
  Type: Games — Trivia
  Time: Tue Oct 7, 6:00–8:00 pm
  What: Friendly weekly trivia—good excuse to gather with a pint and neighbors.
  Info: Wetlands Facebook. (Visit Central Oregon)

Prineville

• 🖼️ A.R. Bowman Museum — Galleries Open
  Location: 246 N Main St, Prineville, OR 97754
  Type: Art/History (museum visit)
  Time: Tue–Fri Oct 7–10, 10:00 am–5:00 pm; Sat Oct 11, 11:00 am–4:00 pm
  What: Explore Crook County history in a beautifully restored 1911 bank building; free admission (donations welcome).
  Info: Bowman Museum site. (A.R. Bowman Museum)

Madras

• 🎬 BendFilm x OPB: Guardian of the Land — Special Screening
  Location: Madras Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 412 SE Buff St, Madras, OR 97741
  Type: Film / Cultural event
  Time: Sun Oct 12, Doors 5:30 pm; Show 6:00 pm
  What: Free community premiere of Warm Springs filmmaker LaRonn Katchia’s documentary in partnership with BendFilm & OPB (tickets required).
  Info/Tix: MPAC site & social posts. (mpac.509j.net)

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Deschutes Public Library Events

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Local News…

Regional Business Alliance Launches to Boost Local Business Advocacy

A new collaborative effort is taking shape in Central Oregon with the launch of the Regional Business Alliance, a joint initiative by the Central Oregon Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO). With founding partners including St. Charles Health System, Mid Oregon Credit Union, Pacific Power, and Visit Bend, the alliance is designed to amplify the voice of local businesses across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. Program manager Jennifer Stephens says the group aims to engage more directly with local governments and private businesses, filling a gap not fully met by chambers or EDCO alone.

The alliance will focus on advocating for pro-business policies, infrastructure investment, and regional prosperity. It’s already hosting both virtual and in-person roundtable discussions to tackle pressing business challenges and is organizing the Central Oregon Economic and Policy Summit on Friday, Oct. 24 at Redmond City Hall. Registration is open at regionalbusinessalliance.com, and those interested in future events can contact Stephens at [email protected].

Deschutes County hires Holly Harris as new Health Services director

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County has hired Holly Harris to serve as its new Health Services Director. Harris has served as interim Health Services Director since July, when former Director Janice Garceau retired. 

“Holly's record of impactful accomplishments, strong relationships across the region and state, commitment to our team and community, and collaborative approach to tackling challenges sets her apart as a leader,” said Nick Lelack, Deschutes County Administrator. “We’re so pleased to have her in the role of Health Services Director, and we’re excited to see how she will drive the department’s success even further.”

Before serving as interim Director, Harris served as the County’s Behavioral Health Director. She joined Deschutes County in 2013 as a Behavioral Health Specialist on the MCAT team and played pivotal roles in establishing the County’s Stabilization Center and securing funding for a child psychiatric unit in the region.

Harris earned a Master of Education-Counseling from the University of Houston-Victoria and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Prior to working for Deschutes County, she served as a director of the Wharton County Juvenile Probation Department in Texas.

As Deschutes County Health Services Director, Harris will lead the day-to-day operations of the county’s largest department, employing more than 400 staff members who provide public and behavioral health services in our community.

Redmond Safe Parking Sites Face Funding Crisis After State Bill Excludes Support

Safe parking programs in Central Oregon are facing an uncertain future after being left out of funding allocated through Oregon House Bill 3644. Mountain View Community Development, which operates safe parking sites in both Redmond and Bend, received nearly $500,000 from the state last year—funding that helped more than 130 people access shelter and move toward housing stability. But this year, the nonprofit will receive nothing, putting key services at risk.

Executive Director Rick Russell says the organization is now forced to pause intake for people living in vehicles and may have to scale back its efforts significantly. Although the sites are already operational, they weren't included in the scope of the new funding bill, which prioritizes previously funded shelter models. Tammy Baney, Executive Director of the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, noted that limited resources and strict state guidelines make it impossible to direct funds toward safe parking despite the demonstrated need. Without additional support, Mountain View warns it will soon face tough decisions about what services it can continue to provide.

Killer Burger Names Franchise Veteran Jean Grossman to Its Board Amid Expansion into Bend

Killer Burger, known for its award-winning, meticulously crafted burgers, has appointed seasoned franchise executive Jean Grossman to its Board of Directors. Grossman brings more than 30 years of leadership experience from top national brands like Dunkin’ Brands, European Wax Center, and Merry Maids. Her appointment comes as Killer Burger accelerates its national growth strategy—including its recent entry into Bend, Oregon through a partnership with franchisee Cascade KB, which plans to open 13 locations across three states.

CEO Adam Sanders noted that Grossman’s strong track record in scaling franchise systems and supporting franchise partners will be pivotal as Killer Burger grows in new markets. Grossman, in turn, said she was drawn to the brand’s dedication to quality, community, and supporting its partners. With 26 locations already in the Pacific Northwest and Texas, Killer Burger is aggressively expanding, with the Bend launch marking an important step in its broader Western growth. Learn more at killerburger.com.

Fire & Rescue…

Crime News…

Turner Man Sentenced to 17+ Years in Federal Prison Following Drug Trafficking Arrest in Bend

EUGENE, Ore. — A Turner man has been sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison after a major drug trafficking arrest in Bend earlier this year. Ryan Gossett, 39, was apprehended by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputies on April 26, 2024, while on the run from an armed robbery case in Marion County. At the time of his arrest, Gossett was carrying a handgun along with small amounts of meth and fentanyl.

A search of his vehicle two days later uncovered a much larger stash: over 900 grams of methamphetamine, 330 grams of fentanyl, and firearm magazines. Gossett, who has a history of drug-related convictions, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of meth. The investigation was led by DCSO’s Criminal Detectives Division with help from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team and U.S. Marshals Service.

Regional News…

Sarah Young Named Executive Director of Oregon's Prescription Drug Affordability Board

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has announced the hiring of Sarah Young as the new executive director of the state’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board and the Drug Price Transparency Program. A native of eastern Oregon, Young brings a wealth of experience from her time as director of policy and research at the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, where she led initiatives on rural hospital policy, COVID-19 response programs, and quality improvement efforts for Critical Access Hospitals. DFR Administrator TK Keen praised Young as a strong addition, noting her return to Oregon and her deep background in healthcare policy.

Alongside Young’s appointment, the board also welcomed a new member, Michele Yoder, pharmacy director for the Multnomah County Health Department, and confirmed the reappointments of Dan Hartung, Christopher Laman, and Dan Kennedy. Young officially began her new role on Oct. 6.

Community News…

Volunteers needed to help plant new native garden in downtown Bend

BEND, Ore. -- A new native garden is being planted in downtown Bend this weekend.

Pollinator Pathway of Bend has partnered with the Oregrown dispensary to plant more than 100 native, drought-tolerant plants. The new native garden will be planted in the Triangle Pocket Park where Bond and Wall streets meet on the north end of downtown.

“The plants that we’re planting here are going to create forage and habitat for native pollinators. We have about 35 different species, all native to Central Oregon. Bloom time and color all different times throughout the season. That’s gonna encourage more pollinators to find habitat here, and to be able to actually grow a pollinator pathway through downtown,” said Gwen Bartonek, president of Pollinator Pathway Bend.

Pollinator Pathway Bend needs volunteers to show up from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m on Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers will be laying the groundwork on Saturday and planting on Sunday. Volunteers also have a chance to take home non-native plants that are being removed from the area.

City of Bend Events

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | October 8, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

Stability in the housing market continues, with mortgage interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan remaining at 6.38%, and inventory levels higher than in several years. Our spectacular weather this fall is likely a contributing factor, yet another aspect helping buyers. At this time of year, homes listed for many weeks, or even months, tend to finally find a buyer, with fewer new listings entering the market. This year continues to outpace 2024 in all aspects: Deschutes County year-to-date sales in 2024 were 2,616, with an average sale price of $852,307, compared to 2,730 and $874,657 so far in 2025. And 2024 was up over 2023, showing steady but modest price appreciation since the peak in 2022. Whether the Fed lowers the overnight rate again this year remains to be seen, but another 25-basis-point decrease is unlikely to alter the trends of 2025.

There are nine fewer homes listed in Deschutes County this week, bringing the total to 1,322. Sixty homes are pending at an average list price of $896,213, a modest decrease from recent weeks' activity. Fifty-nine transactions closed this week, averaging $799,362, with 34 of those closings reducing the price an average of 7.64%. This week in 2024, there were 1,174 listings in Deschutes County, 11.19% fewer than this year.

Crook County listings of single-family homes decreased by four to 228. Nine pending sales averaging $850,553 are consistent with the past several weeks. Ten transactions closed, averaging $494,123, with six of the ten reducing the price an average of just 1.9%. This week in 2024, there were 180 listings in Crook County, 26.7% fewer than this year.

This morning in Jefferson County, there are 129 single-family listings, only two fewer than last week. Seven pending transactions averaging $460,664 occurred this week, with one closed transaction at $310k, 3.33% above the list price. This week in 2024, there were 118 listings in Jefferson County, 9.3% fewer than this year.

How low inventory levels drop this winter, along with mortgage interest rates, will be a significant factor in shaping the trends for spring 2026. The low point for Deschutes County inventory last season occurred on February 5, 2025, at 750 listings. Additionally, the lowest inventory levels were reported in Crook County on February 26, 2025, at 143 listings, and in Jefferson County on January 15, 2025, at 89 listings. Based on the trends this fall, inventory levels will remain elevated through winter, providing spring buyers with a greater selection. If mortgage rates this spring dip below 6%, I expect activity to be robust, with buyers quickly absorbing excess inventory. Several factors could shape the trends in our market for next year, but inventory levels and interest rates are the two primary contributing factors to how the market develops in 2026. 

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Active Listings

Red Cross Urges Central Oregonians to Check Smoke Alarms During Fire Prevention Week

BEND, Ore. — Home fires kill seven people a day across the U.S., making them the most common disaster the American Red Cross responds to—even more so than wildfires or floods. During Fire Prevention Week, the Red Cross of Central and Eastern Oregon is urging residents to test their smoke alarms, replace old batteries, and practice home fire escape plans with their families.

“You might have less than two minutes to get out,” said Morgan Schmidt, Executive Director of the local Red Cross chapter. She emphasized the importance of having two exits from every room and a designated meeting place outside the home. The Red Cross also reminds residents to stay low when escaping through smoke and never re-enter a burning building. As part of its nationwide Home Fire Campaign, the Red Cross offers free smoke alarm inspections and replacements—call 541-749-4144 to schedule a visit.

RootedHomes & Caldera to Unveil Teen-Created Community Mural in Redmond

REDMOND, Ore. — A once-blank retaining wall at RootedHomes’ Rooted at 19th community in Redmond has been transformed into a vibrant mural by local teen artists, thanks to a collaboration between affordable housing nonprofit RootedHomes and arts education nonprofit Caldera. The public is invited to celebrate the unveiling of the 19th Mural Project on Thursday, October 16 from 4–7 p.m. at 345 NW 19th Street, Redmond.

The mural was created by five Central Oregon high school apprentices through Caldera’s youth arts program. It reflects months of research, planning, and painting—culminating in a colorful tribute to the Central Oregon landscape and a message of community, hope, and belonging. Attendees will have the chance to meet the young artists, enjoy the artwork, and hear from Caldera and RootedHomes leaders about the power of youth-driven public art.

rootedhomes.org

Jackstraw Apartments open next to Bend’s Box Factory

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A new apartment complex has opened its doors right next to the Box Factory, right by the Old Mill. The mixed-use complex will feature businesses on the first floor and more than 300 apartments for rent.

Businesses moving in the ground floor include: Sisters Coffee Company, Drybar and a collaboration between Bend Brewing Co. and Sister's Smokehouse Meats.

Above them, a variety of single, double and triple bedroom apartments will be for rent. The complex features co-working spaces, a community lounge and dinning room and manicured rooftop gardens.

Parking for 540 cars was discreetly built into the interior of the complex.

Pricing for units can vary greatly, but tenants are already buying units. Move0in day is scheduled for this Friday.

Wild Rooster Bar & Grill Gallops into Prineville This Fall

Prineville’s dining scene is getting a bold new addition with the arrival of Wild Rooster Bar & Grill, slated to open this fall. Built by Empire Construction of Bend, the new Western-inspired bar and grill promises a rustic-modern atmosphere, hearty comfort food, and a lively gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

While the full menu and opening date are still under wraps, the Wild Rooster's branding reveals a spirited and welcoming concept that celebrates community, good food, and small-town charm. With a name that evokes energy and grit, and a design crafted by local talent, the Wild Rooster is set to become a standout destination in Crook County’s evolving food and beverage scene. Stay tuned as this roadhouse-inspired hotspot prepares to crow to life.

Logsden Street Self Storage Now Open in Southeast Bend

BEND, Ore. — A new self-storage facility is now open to serve the growing southeast Bend community. Logsden Street Self Storage, the latest project by Empire Construction of Bend, officially opened its doors this September, offering a modern and secure option for residents and businesses needing extra space.

Strategically located in the heart of southeast Bend, the facility provides convenient access and a variety of storage unit sizes to fit everything from seasonal gear to household overflows and business inventory. Known for quality local builds, Empire Construction continues to meet Central Oregon’s expanding infrastructure needs with practical, community-focused developments like this one. Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or just need room to grow, Logsden Street Self Storage is ready to help.

 😎Just sayin

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