In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 🎃 Smith Rock Ranch: Central Oregon’s Fall Playground

🎃🏃‍➡️Madras Airport Fun Run & Harvest Festival – Oct. 25

🕵️‍♀️ Murder, Mayhem & Music at River’s Place!

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 🖤 Summit High Graduate, La Mesa Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty

🚫 Former Bend Music Teacher Has License Revoked After Prison Sentence

🚔 Jefferson County Sheriff Debunks ICE Rumors in Madras

🥞 Elmer’s Restaurant Returns to Bend This November

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

 🚗 Three-Vehicle Crash in Powell Butte Causes Only Minor Injuries

🚨Crime News

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

🔥 After the Fire: Sisters Man Rebuilds with Community’s Help

🎃🌟Madras farmer’s 1,349-pound pumpkin places top 5 at West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🚧 Final Sewer Work to Close Olney & Wall Intersection Oct. 27–29

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

 🎃 Smith Rock Ranch: Central Oregon’s Fall Playground

Every autumn, the quiet farmlands of Terrebonne burst to life as Smith Rock Ranch transforms into one of Central Oregon’s favorite fall destinations. Set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Smith Rock’s cliffs and the Cascade peaks, this working farm turns into a harvest wonderland filled with family-friendly adventures. Visitors can wander through the sprawling pumpkin patch, test their sense of direction in the ranch’s famous corn maize—this year themed after Monopoly!—and hop aboard the Snoopy Tram or a horse-drawn wagon for a ride through the golden fields. From pony rides and a petting zoo to barnyard golf, a shooting gallery, live music, and a festive market brimming with local produce, there’s something for every age (and every selfie).

Open from late September through Halloween, Smith Rock Ranch perfectly captures the spirit of the season—crisp air, bright pumpkins, and plenty of laughter echoing across the fields. Admission to the pumpkin patch and market is free, and activity tokens or maze tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Don’t forget your camera—the views alone are worth the trip! Whether you’re here to pick the perfect pumpkin, get lost in the corn maze, or simply soak in the high-desert charm, Smith Rock Ranch is a fall tradition that keeps Central Oregon smiling year after year. 🍁

https://www.smithrockranch.com/ 

🎃🏃‍➡️Madras Airport Fun Run & Harvest Festival – Oct. 25

Looking for some fall fun with a side of runway adventure? ✨ Lace up your sneakers and head to the Madras Airport on Friday, October 25 for a festive morning of fitness, food, and family fun — all for a great cause!

The day kicks off bright and early at 7:00 a.m. with a delicious pancake breakfast 🍽️ to fuel you up for the races. Whether you're in it for speed or just a stroll, you can choose between a 1-mile run or a full 5K. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Proceeds benefit the Central Oregon 99s scholarship fund, helping the next generation of female aviators soar. ✈️💪

Once the races wrap up, stick around for a FREE Trunk or Treat 🎃🚗 from 10 a.m. to noon, where costumed kids can collect candy from creatively decorated cars. Want to join the fun? You can even sign up to host a Trunk or Treat vehicle and show off your Halloween spirit.

Don’t miss this sky-high celebration of fall, fitness, and community!
Questions? Call Lorraine at (541) 777-4935.

✍️ Register for the run and/or sign up to host a Trunk or Treat vehicle

Register for the Run

Host a Trunk or Treat vehicle

Bend

🎛️ LAYZ Presents: BLACKOUT: NO SIGNAL
Where: Midtown Ballroom/Domino Room, Bend
When: Thu Oct 23, 8:00pm
What: Dark, heavy bass music night from LAYZ’s “Blackout” tour.
More Info: midtownballroom.com
(Midtown Ballroom)

🎤 Maria Bamford
Where: Tower Theatre, Bend
When: Fri Oct 24, 7:30pm
What: Beloved stand-up comic with a singular, surreal style.
More Info: livenation.com/venue/tower-theatre-events
(Live Nation)

🎧 The Emo Night Tour
Where: Midtown Ballroom, Bend
When: Fri Oct 24, 8:00pm
What: Scream-along DJ party spinning 2000s emo/pop-punk anthems.
More Info: midtownballroom.com/calendar
(Midtown Ballroom)

🎃🎶 Big Spooky 2 w/ DEFUNK
Where: Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend
When: Fri Oct 24, doors 8:30pm (21+)
What: Halloween-themed bass party with Canadian funk-bass producer DEFUNK.
More Info: volcanictheatre.com/events
(Volcanic Theatre Pub)

🎃🎵 Yak Attack & Watkins Glen “Flashback to ’75” Halloween Party
Where: Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend
When: Sat Oct 25, 8:00pm (21+)
What: Funky live-loop trio + Dead/Band-inspired supergroup — costumes encouraged.
More Info: volcanictheatre.com/events
(Volcanic Theatre Pub)

🎵 Night Moves + Sam Blasucci
Where: Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend
When: Tue Oct 28, evening
What: Indie grooves and California folk-soul under one roof.
More Info: jambase.com/venue/volcanic-theatre-pub
(JamBase)

🎵 Jonah Marais
Where: Midtown Ballroom, Bend
When: Wed Oct 29, 7:00pm
What: Pop singer/songwriter (Why Don’t We) on his solo tour.
More Info: midtownballroom.com/calendar
(Midtown Ballroom)

🎭 BEAT Children’s Theatre: Beetlejuice JR
Where: Open Space Event Studios, Bend
When: Thu Oct 30 – Sat Nov 8 (opening night Thu Oct 30)
What: Family-friendly stage adaptation of the spooky hit.
More Info: openspace.studio/events
(Open Space)

🦇 Katacombs — Bend’s Premier Goth Night
Where: Domino Room (Midtown), Bend
When: Thu Oct 30, evening
What: Monthly darkwave/industrial/goth dance night.
More Info: midtownballroom.com/calendar
(Midtown Ballroom)

🎃🎚️ Barely Alive (EDM Halloween)
Where: Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend
When: Fri Oct 31, late
What: Heavy-hitting bass duo throws a Halloween blowout.
More Info: jambase.com/venue/volcanic-theatre-pub
(JamBase)

🎭 La Bon Burlesque: BITE CLUB
Where: Volcanic Theatre Pub, Bend
When: Sat Nov 1, doors 7:00pm
What: Saucy, seasonal burlesque showcase for grown-ups.
More Info: volcanictheatre.com
(Volcanic Theatre Pub)

Redmond

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tyler & Clarry’s Treasure Hunt Adventure
Where: High Desert Music Hall, Redmond (start location; downtown route)
When: Sat Oct 25, 10:00am–1:00pm
What: Free, family-friendly literacy scavenger hunt with local authors/illustrators.
More Info: highdesertmusichall.com/calendar
(High Desert Music Hall)

🎃👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Trick-or-Treat on 6th Street
Where: Downtown Redmond (6th St closed Black Butte → Forest)
When: Fri Oct 31, 4:00pm–6:00pm
What: Community street trick-or-treat hosted by Redmond Chamber & partners.
More Info: visitredmondoregon.com/event/trick-or-treat-on-6th-street-2
(Visit Redmond Oregon)

🎃🎶 Nightmare on General Duffy’s Street
Where: General Duffy’s Waterhole, Redmond
When: Fri Oct 31, 4:00pm–10:00pm
What: Outdoor Halloween party with live music, food trucks & costumes.
More Info: visitredmondoregon.com/venue/general-duffys-waterhole
(Visit Redmond Oregon)

Sisters

🎵 Jeffrey Foucault w/ Sam Weber
Where: The Belfry, Sisters
When: Thu Oct 23, 7:00pm
What: Intimate Americana and storytelling at a beloved venue.
More Info: belfryevents.com/event/jeffrey-foucault
(The Belfry)

🎃🎵 Halloween Party: David Jacobs-Strain & The Crunk Mountain Boys
Where: The Belfry, Sisters
When: Fri Oct 31, 8:00pm–11:30pm
What: Roots-blues throwdown; costumes encouraged.
More Info: belfryevents.com/events
(The Belfry)

Prineville

🎃👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Prineville Candy Crawl
Where: Downtown Prineville (Chamber program)
When: Fri Oct 31, 1:00pm–5:00pm
What: Passport trick-or-treat at participating businesses; prize drawing.
More Info: prinevillechamber.com/events (Candy Crawl)
(CASA of Central Oregon)

👻🎃 Ghost Town Haunted House (Crooked River Park)
Where: Crooked River Park, Prineville
When: Fri Oct 31, 5:00pm–11:00pm (Little Boo 5–6pm; Haunted House 6–10pm)
What: 3rd-annual community haunted house; $5 admission; concessions available.
More Info: visitcentraloregon.com/event/ghost-town-haunted-house-4
(Visit Central Oregon)

Sunriver

🎃👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Trick-or-Treat in The Village
Where: The Village at Sunriver
When: Fri Oct 31, 3:00pm–5:00pm
What: Participating businesses hand out treats — look for “Trick-or-Treat Here” signs.
More Info: villageatsunriver.com/events/trick-or-treat
(The Village at Sunriver)

La Pine

🎨👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Halloween Paint Party
Where: Legend Cider Co, La Pine
When: Sun Oct 26, 4:30pm
What: Guided, family-friendly Halloween art session with multiple designs to choose from.
More Info: allevents.in/la-pine/10-26-25-family-halloween-paint-party-legend-cider
(AllEvents)

🎃👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Figaro’s Trunk-or-Treat
Where: Figaro’s Pizza of La Pine
When: Fri Oct 31, 4:00pm–7:00pm
What: Community trunk-or-treat with candy and costumes.
More Info: allevents.in/la-pine/trunk-or-treat/200029062002014
(AllEvents)

Madras

🎪🎃 MDA Halloween Night Market
Where: Downtown Madras (5th Street)
When: Sat Oct 25, 5:00pm–8:00pm
What: Spooky market with witches dance, Halloween music and costume contest.
More Info: visitcentraloregon.com/event/mda-halloween-night-market
(Visit Central Oregon)

🎡🎃 Heroes Haunted Carnival (Family Fundraiser)
Where: Jefferson County Event Complex, Madras
When: Sat Oct 25, afternoon–evening
What: Carnival games, trick-or-treat maze, pumpkin painting and family fun.
More Info: madraspioneer.com “Events and Happenings” listing / Visit Central Oregon
(Madras Pioneer)

🕵️‍♀️ Murder, Mayhem & Music at River’s Place!

 
📍River’s Place, Bend | 🗓️ Wednesday, Oct. 29 | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎉 Someone’s been murdered and you’re invited to the party! River’s Place is celebrating 7 years in Bend with a live-action Clue-style mystery bash—and you get to play detective. Search for clues, interrogate suspects like Miss Scarlet and Col. Mustard, and figure out who took poor Stephanie out… was it in the Study with the Rope? 🤔🔎

🎻 Live bluegrass by Blackstrap Bluegrass sets the vibe, and if you guess correctly, you'll be entered into a drawing for a BIG PRIZE. Costumes encouraged, sleuthing required. Come raise a pint, solve a crime, and toast to 7 killer years! 🍻💀

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Local News…

 🖤 Summit High Graduate, La Mesa Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty

Tragedy struck this week when Lauren Craven, a 25-year-old graduate of Summit High School in Bend, was killed in the line of duty while serving as a patrol officer in La Mesa, California. Craven died at the scene after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 8 near San Diego as she stopped to assist motorists involved in a crash.

The collision unfolded after two vehicles initially crashed, one overturning in traffic and being hit by another. Officer Craven arrived to help but was fatally struck by a separate oncoming vehicle. A second person involved in the original crash, a man in his 20s, also died. Craven had joined the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024. She held a degree in international relations from Loyola Marymount University, following studies at University of Redlands. The community is mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant gone far too soon

 🚫 Former Bend Music Teacher Has License Revoked After Prison Sentence

The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission has officially revoked the teaching license of former Bend music teacher Erik Duane Ekstrom, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for multiple child sex abuse crimes. The commission’s decision, issued last month, permanently bars Ekstrom from reapplying for a license, citing his convictions as “gross neglect of duty.”

Ekstrom was arrested in 2022 and sentenced in May after pleading guilty to six felony charges, including encouraging child sex abuse, using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct, and luring a minor. He had joined the Bend-La Pine School District in 2021, teaching at Highland Magnet School and later working at Summit High School and other campuses. Authorities said none of the children depicted in the explicit materials were believed to be from Central Oregon.

🚔 Jefferson County Sheriff Debunks ICE Rumors in Madras

Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock is pushing back against social media rumors claiming that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were operating in Madras last week. In a public statement Monday, Pollock clarified that no ICE agents were involved and that the law enforcement activity was part of a National Domestic Violence Sweep targeting individuals with serious domestic violence-related charges.

The operation involved local sheriff’s deputies, Madras Police, and parole officers, some wearing plain clothes or alternate vests due to their roles. “These differences in appearance do not make them ‘fake officers,’” Pollock emphasized, urging the public not to jump to conclusions or spread misinformation. He encouraged residents to contact the sheriff’s office directly with any concerns, noting that online speculation had already caused “unnecessary fear and division.”

🥞 Elmer’s Restaurant Returns to Bend This November

Central Oregon food lovers, get ready—Elmer’s Restaurant is making a comeback in Bend with a brand-new location opening Monday, November 24 along Highway 97, in the fully renovated former Shari’s building. Known for its hearty breakfasts, pancakes, and classic comfort food, Elmer’s is currently hiring for multiple positions including supervisors, cooks, servers, and more. Interested applicants can apply online at EatAtElmers.com/Careers by selecting the Bend location.

This marks a return to Bend for the Portland-based chain, which originally operated in town from 1966 to the mid-80s. The new location will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with special holiday hours on Thanksgiving (6:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) and Christmas Eve (6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). The restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day.

If construction stays on track, Elmer’s Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner will officially welcome guests in time for the holiday weekend on November 24.

 Fire & Rescue…

🚗 Three-Vehicle Crash in Powell Butte Causes Only Minor Injuries

A three-vehicle collision in Powell Butte on Sunday afternoon resulted in only minor injuries, according to the Oregon State Police. The crash happened around 1:10 p.m. when a westbound Ford F-350 pickup began merging into the lane of a silver BMW, also traveling west.

In an attempt to avoid the pickup, the BMW driver swerved onto the right shoulder but lost control and spun into the path of an eastbound Toyota Camry. All occupants involved were wearing seat belts, and airbags in the BMW and Camry deployed, helping prevent serious injuries.

 Crime News…

Regional News…

Community News…

🔥 After the Fire: Sisters Man Rebuilds with Community’s Help

Although fire season has officially ended in Oregon, its impacts are still deeply felt—especially for 82-year-old Braxton Holly of Sisters, who lost his home in the Flat Fire earlier this year. With just a t-shirt and shorts, Holly evacuated and returned the next morning to find his house reduced to ash and burnt-out cars.

Now living in a hotel and navigating insurance claims, Holly is tackling cleanup with resilience—and a bit of humor. “If he keeps going, I’ll have a golf course here in no time at all,” he joked about his cleanup helper. But more than anything, he’s leaning on the kindness of neighbors and friends. A GoFundMe campaign launched by a friend has already raised over $28,000, a testament to the strong community spirit helping Holly on his journey to rebuild.

Madras farmer’s 1,349-pound pumpkin places top 5 at West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

MADRAS, Ore. -- A Madras farmer who has made a yearly tradition of growing giant pumpkins in the harsh Central Oregon climate has finished in the top five at this year's West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin last weekend.

Ed Pugh's 1,349-pound pumpkin finished fourth of out dozens of entires.

In the watermelon category, Pugh took second out of five entries.

City of Bend Events

🚧 Final Sewer Work to Close Olney & Wall Intersection Oct. 27–29

The Olney Avenue and Wall Street intersection in Bend will be fully closed from Monday, Oct. 27 through Wednesday, Oct. 29 for the final phase of sewer line tie-in work as part of the Olney Avenue Improvements Project. This closure allows crews to complete a critical connection to newly installed sewer lines, replacing aging infrastructure from the 1970s and improving system capacity.

Detours will be clearly marked, and access to nearby businesses and driveways will remain open throughout the three-day closure. The intersection is expected to reopen by Wednesday evening, Oct. 29. Work on Olney Avenue between Wall and Second Street will continue into early 2026, with ongoing improvements to the water system. For updates and project info, visit bendoregon.gov/olneypedbike or call 541-322-9919.

 😎Just sayin

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