In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🍂🎪🛍️🎶 Bend Fall Festival

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🐩Over 40 Poodles from Alfalfa Case Now Available for Adoption

📰DMAC to Hold Public Listening Session on Commissioner District Map

📰Apply for City of Bend Community Advisory Bodies

📰Melissa Steele Named Deputy Fire Marshal of Wildfire Preparedness in Bend

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🔥🏠Family Escapes Safely After Furnace Fire Destroys Portion of Bend Home

🚨Crime News

🚨 Homicide Investigation Underway After Redmond Man Found Dead Near Pelton Dam

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

⛳ Prineville golf tournament to support injured teen Paige Wood

🕵️‍♀️The Curse of the Curate’s Collection: Escape Room at Deschutes Historical Museum

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🏘Real Estate News

🏡📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

👏 Sisters Home Watch Earns National Accreditation for Excellence in Property Care

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

🍂 Local Trivia: Bend Fall Festival Edition!

Each year, the Bend Fall Festival transforms downtown into a vibrant celebration of the season with music, art, food, and community spirit. But do you know how long this fall tradition has been running?

 ✅ Correct Answer: D) 1990s

Expanded Answer:
The Bend Fall Festival began in the 1990s and has since grown into one of Central Oregon’s most anticipated seasonal events. Hosted in downtown Bend, the festival features multiple music stages, a harvest market, a fine art promenade, and a family fun area. It brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the bounty and beauty of fall in the high desert—complete with pumpkin-inspired eats, local brews, and handmade artisan goods. It’s now a true staple of Bend’s cultural calendar!

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Bend

BendFilm Festival (22nd Annual) 🎬
Where: Multiple venues incl. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703
When: Wed–Sun, Oct 8–12 (daily screenings)
What: Five days of indie films, panels, and parties across downtown Bend.
More info / Tickets: bendfilm.org/festival (passes & schedule). (bendfilm.org)

Open Mic Night on the Moon (Silver Moon Brewing) 🎤
Where: 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97703
When: Sun, Oct 12, 5:00–8:00 PM
What: Supportive weekly open mic on Silver Moon’s stage. Signups on site.
More info / Tickets: silvermoonbrewing.com event page. (Silver Moon Brewing)

Bend Fall Festival—Day 3 🎪🍂
Where: Downtown Bend (Wall & Oregon corridors), Bend, OR 97703
When: Sun, Oct 5, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
What: Street festival with art market, family zone, and music stages. Free entry.
More info / Tickets: bendfallfestival.com (music lineup & FAQ). (Visit Central Oregon)

Circle Jerks w/ Negative Approach (Volcanic Theatre Pub) 🤘
Where: 70 SW Century Dr #100, Bend, OR 97702
When: Sun, Oct 5, 8:00 PM
What: Classic punk bill in an intimate room.
More info / Tickets: Volcanic Theatre calendar. (Volcanic Theatre Pub)

Swan Lake (Grand Kyiv Ballet) — Matinee & Evening 🩰
Where: Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703
When: Sat, Oct 4, 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
What: Full-length ballet presented by Tower Theatre Foundation. Reserved seating.
More info / Tickets: Tower events page (links to ticketing). (towertheatre.org)

Bend Fall Festival—Day 2 🎪🎶
Where: Downtown Bend, Bend, OR 97703
When: Sat, Oct 4, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
What: Arts & harvest market, plus an evening concert headliner. Free entry.
More info / Tickets: bendfallfestival.com (day schedule & lineup). (Bend Fall Festival)

Worlds of Song (Tower Theatre) 🎶
Where: 835 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703
When: Fri, Oct 3, 7:30 PM (doors 6:30 PM)
What: Vocal showcase launching the Tower’s season. Reserved seating.
More info / Tickets: Tower Theatre listing. (towertheatre.org)

The Polish Ambassador (Volcanic Theatre Pub) 🎛️
Where: 70 SW Century Dr #100, Bend, OR 97702
When: Fri, Oct 3, 8:00 PM (doors 7:00 PM)
What: High-energy electronic/dance set.
More info / Tickets: Volcanic Theatre events. (Volcanic Theatre Pub)

Bend Fall Festival—Opening Night (Music & Food only) 🎪🎵
Where: Downtown Bend, Bend, OR 97703
When: Fri, Oct 3, 5:00–10:00 PM
What: Kickoff evening with live music and food court. Free entry.
More info / Tickets: bendfallfestival.com. (Bend Fall Festival)

Trivia on the Moon (Silver Moon Brewing) 🧠🍺
Where: 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97703
When: Thu, Oct 2, 7:00 PM
What: Team trivia (up to 8 per team); optional reserved tables benefit F*Cancer.
More info / Tickets: Source Weekly listing / Trivia on the Moon. (The Source - Bend, Oregon)

Bingo at Cascade Lakes Brewing (benefit night) 🎲
Where: 21175 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR 97702
When: Thu, Oct 2, 5:00–7:00 PM
What: Cash-prize bingo supporting Think Wild; all ages welcome on the pub deck.
More info / Tickets: Visit Bend / Source Weekly listing. (Visit Bend)

Redmond

Sanctuary Barrel Race: Fall Into Cash (Deschutes County Fair & Expo) 🐎
Where: 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756
When: Thu–Fri, Oct 9–10 (times vary)
What: Fast-paced barrel racing in the indoor arena.
More info / Tickets: Expo Center calendar. (expo.deschutes.org)

General Duffy’s—Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show (The Annex) 💗🎉
Where: 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
When: Wed, Oct 8, 5:30 PM
What: DJ, speakers, raffles, desserts; fundraiser fashion show.
More info / Tickets: Event post (Eventbrite link in article). (Backyardbend)

Redmond Saturday Market (Live Music: Jon Andrew Franklin) 🛍️🎵
Where: Downtown Redmond (Evergreen & 7th), Redmond, OR 97756
When: Sat, Oct 11, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
What: Seasonal farmers & makers market with live tunes.
More info / Tickets: Market calendar. (Redmond Saturday Market)

Redmond Saturday Market (Live Music: Elias Kauhane) 🛍️🎵
Where: Downtown Redmond (Evergreen & 7th), Redmond, OR 97756
When: Sat, Oct 4, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
What: Harvest-season market; vendor booths & food.
More info / Tickets: Market calendar. (Redmond Saturday Market)

Rocky Mountain Ski & Board Sale (Expo Center) 🛍️⛷️
Where: 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756
When: Fri–Sat, Oct 3–4 (Fri 4–9 PM; Sat 9 AM–4 PM)
What: Annual preseason gear swap & sale.
More info / Tickets: Expo Center event list. (expo.deschutes.org)

Karaoke Night (Blacksmith Public House) 🎤
Where: 308 SW Evergreen Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
When: Thu, Oct 2, 6:00–9:00 PM
What: Community karaoke hosted by DJ Chris.
More info / Tickets: Sunset Sound Events listing. (Sunset Sound Events - Central Oregon)

Sisters

Sisters Harvest Faire (Downtown) 🎪🍁
Where: Main Ave between Larch & Fir, Sisters, OR 97759
When: Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
What: Juried arts & crafts, food, and live music—annual fall tradition.
More info / Tickets: Sisters Country / FestivalNet listing. (sisterscountry.com)

Sisters Farmers Market (Fir Street Park) 🥕🎵
Where: 150 N Fir St, Sisters, OR 97759
When: Sun, Oct 5, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
What: Weekly growers & makers market with live music and kids’ activities.
More info / Tickets: Explore Sisters venue page. (Sisters Oregon)

Hillstomp’s Last Hurrah (The Belfry) 🎶
Where: 302 E Main Ave, Sisters, OR 97759
When: Sat, Oct 4, 7:00 PM
What: Portland trash-blues duo’s farewell-vibe show in an intimate hall.
More info / Tickets: The Belfry / Bandsintown listing. (The Belfry)

Karaoke at Hardtails Bar & Grill 🎤
Where: 175 N Larch St, Sisters, OR 97759
When: Fri–Sat, Oct 3–4, 8:00 PM–late
What: Weekend karaoke at the outlaw-country dive bar.
More info / Tickets: Source Weekly / Nugget News calendar. (The Source - Bend, Oregon)

Madras

GWPCA National Dog Show (Jefferson County Event Complex) 🐶🏆
Where: 430 SW Fairgrounds Rd, Madras, OR 97741
When: Wed–Mon, Oct 1–6 (multi-day blocks)
What: German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America national specialty & events.
More info / Tickets: Fairgrounds “Upcoming Events.” (Jefferson County Oregon)

Jefferson County Young Life Clean Comedy Night (Madras Performing Arts Center) 😂🎭
Where: 412 SE Buff St, Madras, OR 97741
When: Sat, Oct 4, 7:00–9:00 PM
What: Family-friendly standup benefiting local youth programs.
More info / Tickets: Visit Central Oregon page / artist site. (Visit Central Oregon)

La Pine / Sunriver

Sunriver Fall Festival (Sunriver Resort) 🎪🎃
Where: 17600 Center Dr (Resort Lodge / Backyard), Sunriver, OR 97707
When: Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12 (daytime blocks)
What: Family festival with pony rides, petting zoo, bounce houses, pumpkins, and more.
More info / Tickets: Sunriver Resort listing / Village Properties event. (sunriverresort.com)

Fungi Fest & Mushroom Show (Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory) 🍄
Where: 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR 97707
When: Sat, Oct 11, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
What: Displays, forays, and educational talks on PNW fungi.
More info / Tickets: Visit Central Oregon event. (Visit Central Oregon)

SHARC Owner Happy Hour (community social) 🍻
Where: 57250 Overlook Rd, Sunriver, OR 97707
When: Sat, Oct 4, 4:00 PM
What: Casual mixer for Sunriver owners at SHARC.
More info / Tickets: SHARC calendar list. (Sunriver SHARC)

Prineville

Drive-In Movie: The Iron Giant (Crook County Fairgrounds) 🎬🚗
Where: 1280 S Main St, Prineville, OR 97754
When: Fri, Oct 3, 6:00–9:00 PM (doors 6:00; film 7:00)
What: Family drive-in with concessions; $10 per car per the listing.
More info / Tickets: Fairgrounds event page. (Crook County Fairgrounds)

COBRA Barrel Races (Crook County Fairgrounds) 🐎
Where: 1280 S Main St, Prineville, OR 97754
When: Sat, Oct 4 (daytime)
What: Local barrel racing meet (check arena schedule for class times).
More info / Tickets: Fairgrounds events list. (Crook County Fairgrounds)

Crooked River Model Railroad Club – Open House 🚂
Where: Crook County Fairgrounds (clubhouse), 1280 S Main St, Prineville, OR 97754
When: Sun, Oct 5, 1:00 PM
What: Layouts running; family-friendly.
More info / Tickets: Fairgrounds events list. (Crook County Fairgrounds)

2nd Annual Fall Harvest Festival (Prineville Produce) 🎪🍎
Where: 2757 NE 3rd St, Prineville, OR 97754
When: Sat, Oct 4, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
What: Local vendors, crafts, and family activities.
More info / Tickets: Event post (FB / event hub). (Facebook)

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Local News…

Over 40 Poodles from Alfalfa Case Now Available for Adoption

The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) announced Thursday that more than 40 poodles seized from an alleged puppy mill in Alfalfa have now been surrendered and are being prepared for adoption. The dogs, ranging from young puppies to seniors, were taken from the property of Lorinda Maxwell, 62, who faces 49 felony counts of second-degree animal neglect. HSCO staff say the dogs arrived thin, matted, and in poor condition, but after weeks of medical care and rehabilitation, many are now ready to be placed into new homes.

Adoptions begin Friday, October 3, with additional poodles becoming available in the coming weeks as they receive medical clearance. Fees range from $500 for puppies under six months to $150 for seniors 10 years and older. Due to high demand, potential adopters will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, with numbers handed out at the door. HSCO said the influx of animals has pushed the shelter to 200% of its kennel capacity and is asking the community to support through adoption, fostering, or donations at hsco.org/donate. Maxwell is scheduled for arraignment on October 16.

DMAC to Hold Public Listening Session on Commissioner District Map

The Deschutes County District Mapping Advisory Committee (DMAC) will host a public listening session on Oct. 16 to gather community feedback for developing a commissioner district map. Committee members will not conduct any business during the meeting; they will be there solely to hear public input.

The DMAC began holding weekly work sessions in September to create a district map that ensures equitable representation after the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) expands from three members to five. While the committee has been receiving public comments online and in person during its weekly meetings, members wanted to hold an evening listening session to give more community members the opportunity to share their opinions.

The listening session is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, from 5:30-7:30pm in the Barnes and Sawyer Conference Room at the Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall St., Bend. The public is invited to attend in person or virtually. Virtual log in information can be found at deschutes.org/dmac.

The DMAC recently hosted meetings in the cities of Sisters, Redmond and La Pine, and will continue to hold weekly meetings in Bend throughout the fall. Once the committee has a proposed map, it will be considered by the current three-member BOCC and then by Deschutes County voters in 2026. If approved by voters, the new commissioner districts won’t be in place until the 2028 election.

For more information about the DMAC, including meeting packets, agendas, locations, virtual participation links, and videos of past meetings, please visit deschutes.org/dmac.

deschutes.org

Melissa Steele Named Deputy Fire Marshal of Wildfire Preparedness in Bend

Bend Fire & Rescue has appointed Melissa Steele as the Department’s first-ever Deputy Fire Marshal of Wildfire Preparedness, a role focused on enhancing community resilience and readiness ahead of wildfire threats. Steele brings over two decades of experience, having served with the U.S. Forest Service and CalFire, and has been a fire inspector in Bend since 2022. Known for her leadership in wildfire prevention, she created the “Own Your Zone: First Five Feet” program and has played an active role in community education, regional planning, and support for Firewise USA® neighborhoods. Her efforts earned her the department’s Appreciation Award for outstanding service in her first year.

Steele’s promotion aligns with the Bend City Council’s 2025–2027 goals to prioritize wildfire resiliency through expanded education and outreach. Her recent work as a National Fire Academy Instructor and her commitment to prevention-driven solutions will help position Bend as a model for wildfire preparedness. “I’ve lived and worked in communities lost to wildfire,” said Steele. “My lifelong goal is to see that Bend is a success story.”

 Fire & Rescue…

Family Escapes Safely After Furnace Fire Destroys Portion of Bend Home

Bend Fire and Rescue responded to house on Imbler Dr on Bend’s west side Tuesday evening. The occupants noticed smoke in the hallway leading to the garage, evacuating and calling 911. The first arriving fire crews found smoke coming from under the house and throughout the interior. The fire was found in the hallway where the furnace is located and had spread under kitchen area. The fire was extinguished but there is significant damage was done to the floor of the home. Damage is estimated at $250,000 to the structure and contents. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, two ambulances, two chief officers and one investigator responded to the fire with a total of 23 personnel.

The fire appears to have started due to a failure or malfunction of the furnace. The ducting for the furnace travels under the house to the room vents. The fire spread under the house through the floor opening at the base of the furnace. The homeowners are working with their insurance company to begin the clean up and repairs.

This is a good time of year to get your heat source serviced before we get into winter. Whether its brand new or decades old, annual service is recommended on all types of heating appliances. Ensure flues for woodstoves are cleaned professionally at least annually. Having furnaces, pellet stoves, wall heaters, heat pumps, etc serviced annually can ensure their safe use. This also allows for preventative maintenance and cleaning to make them more efficient and last longer. Ensure proper clearance around all heat sources before using them. 36 inches is recommended space around heat sources clear of combustibles and access by children. As always, ensure you smoke alarms are working as we head into winter. Carbon Monoxide detectors are a great addition to any home using wood or gas to heat to ensure you and your family know if CO is present.

Crime News…

Homicide Investigation Underway After Redmond Man Found Dead Near Pelton Dam

The death of James W. Herrera, a 43-year-old Redmond man found dead on September 25 near Pelton Dam in Jefferson County, is now being investigated as a homicide. Redmond Police say the initial investigation determined the death occurred in Deschutes County, leading to the activation of the Major Incident Team made up of law enforcement and district attorneys from across Central Oregon. Redmond Police are leading the case but have not said whether a suspect has been identified or if there is an ongoing threat to the public, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Herrera’s body was discovered in a remote area about five miles northwest of Madras. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Redmond Police or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Meanwhile, Herrera’s family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. His mother said he was the father of five children.

Regional News…

Community News…

Prineville golf tournament to support injured teen Paige Wood

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- A golf tournament in Prineville later this month is set to raise money for a teenager seriously injured in a car crash in August.

Registration is now open for the fundraiser for Paige Wood. It will happen Saturday, Oct. 11, at Meadow Lakes Golf Course. The entry fee for a team of four is $400. There is space for up to 36 teams.

There will also be a silent auction and 50-50 raffle to pay for Paige's medical expenses. 

Wood is a 16-year-old volleyball player who was involved in a car crash in August that left her with multiple broken bones and other serious injuries. Ongoing fundraisers have raised thousands of dollars for her recovery.

The Curse of the Curate’s Collection: Escape Room at Deschutes Historical Museum

The Deschutes Historical Museum is bringing history to life this October with a brand-new escape room experience, The Curse of the Curate’s Collection. From October 10–25, teams of up to six players will take on the role of Research Interns, racing against the clock to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and locate a long-lost collection before rivals beat them to it. Inspired by true local history, the immersive adventure is rooted in the story of Rev. J. Anthony Mitchell, a Bend curate who began collecting artifacts for a city museum in 1909. After his death, the collection was displayed throughout Bend before vanishing mysteriously from the Deschutes Public Library in 1969—remaining missing until now.

This special event also serves as a fundraiser and membership drive for the museum. Sessions run one hour and cost $180 for non-members or $150 for museum members, with non-member bookings including a complimentary household membership. Tickets go on sale October 1, with the first sessions kicking off October 10–11. Gather your team, test your wits, and see if you can escape the museum while uncovering one of Bend’s most intriguing historical mysteries. For tickets and more details, visit the Deschutes Historical Museum.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

 City of Bend Events

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | October 1, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

Mortgage interest rates have remained remarkably stable since adjusting after the last Federal Reserve meeting, with the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage steady at 6.37% this morning. While this may be slightly higher than the pre-meeting lows, this rate is the lowest since January 2023, and buyers are responding. There is no doubt buyers have been waiting for conditions to improve, and increased inventory, lower rates, and motivated sellers as we head into winter have created opportunities.

This week in Deschutes County, we experienced the largest drop in available listings of the year, down 57 to 1,331. On this week last year, there were 1,192 listings of single-family homes, still considerably less than this year's inventory. Seventy-four pending sales this week are up eight from last week, averaging $937,930. Ninety closed transactions are the most since July, averaging $942,319. The data proves that buyers are more active this fall than in the past few years. Seven hundred ninety-six of the active listings in Deschutes County show price reductions.

Crook County Inventory increased by two this week, now at 232 single-family listings. Today's inventory is down from its peak of 256 in late July, but the selection remains high for this time of year. There were seven pending sales, averaging $471,557, and twelve closed transactions, averaging $633,616. With 144 of the active listings showing price reductions, this fall in Crook County is favoring buyers more than any of the past few years.

The Jefferson County inventory is down by five to 131 single-family listings. There were four pending sales averaging $387,450, and three closed transactions averaging $403,555. Two of the pending sales were new construction, showing no price change, with the average price drop of the remaining two pending sales at 19.97%! Of course, not every property is subject to a twenty percent price decrease, but these pending sales are indicative of the deals negotiated today. Seventy-three of the active listings show price reductions.

The activity in today's market, spurred on by lower interest rates, offers a glimpse of the significant pent-up buyer demand that exists. A revealing metric to watch in the coming months will be the extent to which inventory levels drop during the winter and how quickly they rebound in the spring. Considering the downward trend in mortgage interest rates, it seems unlikely that there will be this level of inventory at this time next year. 

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Active Listings

Sisters Home Watch Earns National Accreditation for Excellence in Property Care

Sisters Home Watch has officially earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association (NHWA), a designation that highlights the company’s commitment to the highest standards of home monitoring services. Founded by Doug and Jeannie Buell, the company offers professional Home Watch services—a visual inspection of unoccupied homes to detect obvious issues early—throughout Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman, Sisters and the surrounding areas. Their journey began after a major water damage event at their own vacation home, which inspired them to help others avoid similar costly disasters. Doug, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former recreation professional, has completed the NHWA’s Home Watch Boot Camp and holds the Certified Home Watch Professional (CHWP) designation, placing him among the top-tier professionals in the industry.

After selling their Portland-based company Buell Recreation and relocating full-time to Black Butte Ranch, the Buells committed to serving their community in a more localized, hands-on way. With Doug’s background in leadership and facility management, and Jeannie’s expertise in customer care and administration, Sisters Home Watch has built a trusted reputation for reliability, professionalism, and personal service. Their clients value their deep local knowledge and their vigilant care of homes nestled in Central Oregon’s wildfire-prone and weather-sensitive environment. Learn more at sistershomewatch.com or call 541-797-4711.

 😎Just sayin

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