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?

🔥Outdoor Debris Burning to Reopen October 1 Across Deschutes County and Redmond Areas

⛽📈Gas tax and vehicle registration hike brings mixed reactions across Central Oregon 🎦 CO Daily News

📰BLM Completes $200,000 Cleanup of Long-Term Homeless Camps Near La Pine

📰Recall Effort Targets Sisters Mayor and Council President Over Statue Dispute

🛩️💲 Bend Municipal Airport Awarded $3.9M in FAA Funds for Taxiway Upgrades

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

💊🚔Police Seize Drugs and Guns After Crash Ends Attempted Elude in Madras

💣🚫False Bomb Threat Shuts Down Crook County Justice Center; Driver Arrested for DUII and Disorderly Conduct

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🚧Bend’s Olney Avenue construction faces new setback

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

💖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?

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)

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…

Outdoor Debris Burning to Reopen October 1 Across Deschutes County and Redmond Areas

Outdoor debris burning will reopen at sunrise on Wednesday, October 1 in both the Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2 and Redmond Fire & Rescue service areas, as cooler temperatures and increased humidity have reduced wildfire risk to moderate levels. Central Oregon fire agencies coordinate the timing of open burning to ensure safe conditions across jurisdictions. However, debris burning remains permanently banned within the city limits of Bend and Redmond, and is also prohibited on public lands owned by the City of Bend, Deschutes County, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires in approved fire rings are allowed year-round in most areas if proper safety measures are followed.

Before lighting any outdoor fire, residents are strongly urged to check current burn status and local rules, which can vary by location. In Redmond, a burn permit is required for open debris burning outside city limits and can be obtained at rdmfire.org, while in Rural District #2, residents should call 541-322-6335 each day to confirm whether burning is allowed. Fires must be constantly attended by an adult, have a 10-foot clearance from combustibles, and be fully extinguished—cold to the touch—before leaving the site. Water, tools, or extinguishing equipment must be readily available at all times. Larger fires, agricultural burns, and bonfires may require special permits. Violations can result in citations, fines, and liability for any damage caused. For more information on Bend-area regulations, visit bendoregon.gov/burninginfo.

BLM Completes $200,000 Cleanup of Long-Term Homeless Camps Near La Pine

LA PINE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has completed a major cleanup operation on the northeastern edge of La Pine, targeting several long-term homeless encampments. The cleanup effort, which included the removal of hazardous materials, trash, and abandoned vehicles, is expected to cost over $200,000 and involved a coordinated response between the BLM, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and City of La Pine officials.

The cleanup took place near Darlene Way, where public lands had been heavily impacted by extended camping activity. In addition to removing debris, the BLM also decommissioned and barricaded several illegal access routes to discourage future unauthorized camping. According to the agency, this step was essential to restoring the area and protecting natural resources and public safety.

Local leaders emphasized the importance of community input and partnership. “I want our residents of South Deschutes County to know that we hear you, we are responsive, and we live here too,” said La Pine Mayor Jeannine Earls, expressing pride in the measurable progress made. La Pine City Manager Geoff Wullschlager echoed that sentiment, saying, “Hopefully, we have collectively provided a baseline for other communities and districts to tackle similar challenges.”

Lisa Clark, BLM Deschutes Field Manager, noted that while BLM is responsible for managing public lands, the agency lacks resources to address the human side of homelessness. “This kind of response requires participation from many agencies,” she said. “With support from the City of La Pine and Deschutes County, we’ve been able to develop a partnership that can take action to protect both the citizens and the environment.”

The BLM says the effort aligns with the federal directive to reduce crime and promote safe, accessible public lands through responsible management and community collaboration. Officials from all participating agencies pledged to continue working together to address public safety and health concerns in La Pine and the greater South Deschutes County region.

Recall Effort Targets Sisters Mayor and Council President Over Statue Dispute

Sisters, OR - Sisters resident Frank Claxton has filed recall petitions against Mayor Jennifer Letz and Council President Sarah McDougall, accusing both of neglecting their duties in connection with the City Council’s decision not to place the “The Match” sculpture—commemorating Lane Frost’s iconic 1987 bull ride—at the Locust Street/Highway 20 roundabout. Claxton and supporters argue that Letz and McDougall led the opposition to the statue’s placement at that high-profile location, citing safety concerns, and instead supported the formation of an arts council to manage public art decisions.

The petitions allege that Letz failed to uphold her fiduciary and ethical responsibilities, citing state statutes on good faith, public trust, and removal of elected officials for neglect of duty. No statements have yet been released by city leadership. The recall, which comes too late for the November ballot, would appear before voters as early as March 10, 2026, if it gathers the required 400–500 signatures (15% of registered voters). The last known recall in Sisters occurred in 1998.

Bend Municipal Airport Awarded $3.9M in FAA Funds for Taxiway Upgrades

BEND, Ore. — Bend Municipal Airport will receive $3.93 million in federal grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support critical infrastructure upgrades, including runway reconstruction and new taxiway lighting. The funding is part of the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, which awarded more than $18 million to airports across Oregon. According to Bend Airport Manager Tracy Williams, the grant will fund the Taxiway A and B Rehabilitation Project, which includes installing new edge lighting and performing preventative maintenance to extend the life of the airport’s two parallel taxiways—enhancing ground safety and long-term functionality. Bend Airport is the third most active of Oregon’s 97 public-use airports, and this investment underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining safe and efficient aviation operations.

The announcement was part of a broader funding package secured with support from Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, who emphasized the importance of regional airports in supporting local businesses, emergency response efforts, and travel throughout the state. “Investing in critical airport improvements like taxiways and lighting strengthens our infrastructure,” said Merkley. Wyden added that projects like this are possible thanks to federal efforts such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which continues to bolster vital public assets across Oregon. Other recipients of FAA grants include airports in Hillsboro, Scappoose, Klamath Falls, and Hood River.

 Fire & Rescue…

Crime News…

Police Seize Drugs and Guns After Crash Ends Attempted Elude in Madras

Three individuals were arrested after a vehicle crashed while attempting to evade a traffic stop near Madras on the evening of Wednesday, September 24. Around 9 p.m., Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team detectives attempted to stop a black 2023 BMW X1 suspected of transporting illegal drugs from the Portland area into Jefferson County. The driver pulled off U.S. Highway 26 onto NW Gumwood Lane, where the vehicle drove through fences, over a lawn, and rolled onto its side in a failed attempt to flee. No active pursuit was underway at the time of the crash. Police identified the driver as Tyler Wayne Fuller of Redmond, and the passengers as Cynthia Michelle Winishut of Redmond and John Christopher Allen Richardson of Bend. All three are convicted felons, and two of them had outstanding warrants.

A drug detection K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. With a search warrant granted by a Jefferson County judge, officers discovered a commercial quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl, three firearms, drug packaging materials, records, and a scale. All three individuals were transported to St. Charles - Madras for evaluation. Fuller and Richardson were booked into the Jefferson County Jail on numerous charges including felon in possession of a firearm, possession and delivery of controlled substances, and eluding police. Winishut was cited for unlawful possession of a firearm and released with a court date. The CODE team, assisted by multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies, believes the drugs were being distributed across Jefferson and Deschutes counties. The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible.

False Bomb Threat Shuts Down Crook County Justice Center; Driver Arrested for DUII and Disorderly Conduct

PRINEVILLE, Ore. — A tense situation unfolded Tuesday morning at the Crook County Justice Center when a man pulled up to the facility and claimed he had an explosive device in his vehicle. The incident began around 11:15 a.m., when Jacob Haugen arrived in a tan car and told deputies he believed there was an improvised explosive device (IED) inside.

Law enforcement quickly locked down the area, closing the Justice Center and nearby businesses as a precaution. The heavy police presence was immediately noticed by bystanders and sparked concern on social media. Staff at Mid Oregon Personnel, located nearby, described being asked by officers to relocate to the east side of their building for safety. “There were two officers in my flowerbed,” said company president Greg Lambert, who said his office was locked down until the all-clear was given.

After searching the vehicle, officials confirmed no explosive devices were found. The car was later towed from the scene. Haugen was arrested and lodged in the Crook County Jail on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) and Disorderly Conduct in the First Degree.

Regional News…

Community News…

 City of Bend Events

Bend’s Olney Avenue construction faces new setback

BEND, Ore. -- Efforts to reopen Olney Avenue near downtown Bend is delayed to due soil conditions.

A project to install sewer and water lines under the soon-to-be reconstructed Olney Avenue encountered problems while attempting to bore a tunnel under the BNSF railroad tracks. The dirt under the railroad bed is soft and collapsed into the trench contractors were digging.

Project managers are now waiting for Burlington Northern construction crews to assist with installing utility lines under the railroad crossing.

"If they can get here later this year then we should be able to open this in the December-January time frame. If they can't get their crews out here until the spring then we'll find a way to open Olney temporarily for a few months and then we'll have to close it again in the spring once the BNSF crews are ready to go," City of Bend Engineering Director Ryan Oster said.

Greenwood and Revere avenues remain the detour routes around the Olney Avenue closure.

 😎Just sayin

Follow us on facebook