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

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 🚨 Former Redmond Officer’s Lawsuit Ends in Mistrial

 🔥 Fire Season Ends Across Central Oregon District, Debris Burning Permitted with Caution

✍️ Oregon Launches Upgraded Health Plan Shopping Tool Ahead of Open Enrollment

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News (Regional)

👩‍⚖️$51.2M Judgment Issued Against Safeguard Metals and Owner for Defrauding Seniors, Including in Oregon

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

🧑‍🎓COCC Launches $1.3M Program to Support First-Generation College Students

🤖Meta Donation Boosts Crook County Schools’ Robotics and CTE Programs

👕👖👚Deschutes County Behavioral Health hosts free clothing giveaway for youth - Central Oregon Daily News 🎦

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

🏘️💲 $4M State Loan Guarantee Backs 134-Unit Joule Housing Project in Bend’s Orchard District

📈Bend’s Housing Market Increasingly Unaffordable for First-Time Buyers, City Reports Show

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

 ✅ Answer: A) Sisters

🧙 Expanded Answer:
Sisters, Oregon is home to “Scarecrow Row,” a festive and quirky display that lines Cascade Avenue with dozens of handcrafted scarecrows during October. Locals and visitors stroll through downtown to admire the creativity, with entries from schools, artists, and small businesses. It's part of the town’s broader celebration of fall and community spirit.

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

Movies in the Mountains
🎥 Outdoor Cinema – Mt. Bachelor Parking Area | Fri Oct 17 & Fri Oct 24 · at sunset
Drive-in classics under the stars with snacks and FM sound. centraloregonvacationhomes.com/journal/october-events-in-central-oregon

Scotty Austin’s Rocktober Fest
🎸 Rock Show – Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave | Sat Oct 18 · 6 PM
Hard-rock night with the former frontman of Saving Abel. midtownbend.com

Jason D. Williams · Supersuckers · Wayne Hancock
🎶 Rockabilly/Alt-Country Triple Bill – Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave | Sun Oct 19 · 7 PM
Piano-pounding madness plus two cult favorites. midtownbend.com

House Happy Hour @ Crux
🍻 Community Meetup – Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St | Sun Oct 19 · 3 – 4:30 PM
Casual brewery mixer hosted by The House Gyms. thehousegyms.com/upcoming-events/bend-happy-hour-october-19

Skeptoid Science Trivia
🧠 Trivia Night – Worthy Brewing (Hop Mahal), 495 NE Bellevue Dr | Tue Oct 21 · 7 – 9 PM
Brainy science-themed trivia with beer and prizes. worthybrewing.com/events

Nolan Taylor (Live)
🎵 Singer-Songwriter – Domino Room | Tue Oct 21 · 7 PM
Rising Americana artist on tour. midtownbend.com

Spafford
🎶 Jam Band – Volcanic Theatre Pub | Wed Oct 22 · 8 PM (doors 7 PM)
High-energy improvisational rock. volcanictheatrepub.com/events

Leadbetter & Moore
🎸 Acoustic Set – McMenamins Old St. Francis (Father Luke’s Room), 700 NW Bond St | Wed Oct 22 · 7 – 10 PM
Free show from a beloved Bend guitar duo. mcmenamins.com

LAYZ Presents BLACKOUT – NO SIGNAL
🎧 EDM Dance Night – Domino Room | Thu Oct 23 · 8 PM
Bass-driven light show party. midtownbend.com

The Emo Night Tour
🎤 Sing-Along Party – Domino Room | Fri Oct 24 · 8 PM
National touring emo nostalgia night. midtownbend.com

Watkins Glen’s “Flashback to ’75” Halloween Party w/ Yak Attack
🎃 Halloween Jam – Volcanic Theatre Pub | Sat Oct 25 · 8 PM
Annual throwback costume bash with live jam band. volcanictheatrepub.com/events

GWAR · Helmet · Dwarves · Blood Vulture
🤘 Metal Show – Domino Room | Sun Oct 26 · 4:30 PM
Stacked heavy-music lineup closing out Rocktober. midtownbend.com

Redmond

Columbia River Circuit Finals Rodeo
🤠 Rodeo – Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way | Thu – Sat Oct 16 – 18 · Evenings
Top cowboys and cowgirls compete for regional titles. expo.deschutes.org

Southern Oregon Flea Market (Redmond Edition)
🛍️ Market – Expo Center (High Desert Activity Center) | Sat Oct 18 · 9 AM – 2 PM
140+ tables of antiques and collectibles; $2 admission. visitredmondoregon.com

The ScareGrounds Haunted Attractions
👻 Haunted Houses – 120 SW Glacier Ave | Thu–Sat Oct 16–18 & Thu–Sun Oct 23–26 · Evenings
Two terrifying walk-throughs downtown: Asylum for the Criminally Insane and Demented Toy Factory. redmondscaregrounds.com

Tyler & Clarry’s Treasure Hunt Adventure
🧩 Family Event – High Desert Music Hall, 818 SW Forest Ave | Sat Oct 25 · 10 AM – 1 PM
Interactive treasure hunt for kids and families. highdesertmusichall.com/calendar

Sisters

Jeffrey Foucault w/ Sam Weber
🎶 Singer-Songwriter Concert – The Belfry, 302 E Main Ave | Thu Oct 23 · 7 PM
Acclaimed Americana songwriter in an intimate setting. belfryevents.com

Sunriver / Three Rivers

Live Music: Dustin Sciaraffo
🎵 Acoustic Rock – Century Commons Taps & Trucks, 56809 Venture Ln | Sat Oct 25 · 6 – 8 PM
Food-truck lot fun with live music and craft beer. centurycommonstaps.com

La Pine

Sunday Maker’s Market (Indoors)
🛍️ Makers Market – Legend Cider Co., 16481 Bluewood Pl | Sun Oct 26 · 12 – 4 PM
Local artisans, pantry goods and crafts inside the cidery taproom. legendcider.com/lapineevents

Prineville

History of the Timber Industry: “Decline of the Timber Industry”
🎓 Lecture – A.R. Bowman Museum, 246 N Main St | Thu Oct 16 · 6 – 7:30 PM
Free talk with historians Steve Lent and John Shelk of Ochoco Lumber. bowmanmuseum.org

“Gourd-geous Creations” Succulent Gourd Workshop
🎨 Craft Class – Smiley Lavender Farm, 6411 NW Puckett Rd | Sat Oct 18 · 10 AM – 12 PM
Create living succulent arrangements in farm-grown gourds. smileylavenderfarm.com

Terrebonne

Smith Rock Ranch Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch
🎃 Fall Festival – Smith Rock Ranch, 1250 NE Wilcox Ave | Daily Through Sun Oct 26 · Hours Vary
Corn maze, pumpkin patch, market booths and family activities. smithrockranch.com

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Local News…

Former Redmond Officer’s Lawsuit Ends in Mistrial

A long-running lawsuit against the City of Redmond and its Police Department ended this week in a mistrial, after jurors were unable to reach the required nine-member majority verdict.

The case was brought by former Redmond police officer Ryan Fraker, who served more than 15 years with the department before being terminated. Fraker alleged he was the target of retaliation and a toxic work environment after raising concerns about misconduct within the department, particularly involving a supervising lieutenant. His suit sought roughly $5 million in damages, claiming that false accusations about his honesty effectively ended his law enforcement career.

Fraker’s termination was controversial — the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office at the time, later stated there was no evidence he had lied, contradicting the department’s justification for labeling him dishonest. That finding added weight to his claims of retaliation and damaged reputation.

The trial began October 9 in Deschutes County Circuit Court and concluded October 16 when the jury announced it was deadlocked, resulting in a hung jury and a declared mistrial. City officials have not commented on the outcome due to ongoing legal proceedings.

Fraker’s case was one of two similar lawsuits filed against Redmond Police in recent years, both describing what plaintiffs called a hostile internal culture. The mistrial leaves open the possibility of a retrial or future settlement discussions between the parties.

Fire Season Ends Across Central Oregon District, Debris Burning Permitted with Caution

As of 12:01 a.m. on October 17, fire season is officially over for all 2.3 million acres protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District. The announcement applies to forestlands across ten counties including Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, and Wheeler. While 2025 brought an average number of fires, ODF officials say the intensity and pace of response made it anything but typical—highlighting major efforts on the Rowena Fire near The Dalles, the fast-moving Cram Fire, and the Flat Fire, where 827 homes were saved.

With fire restrictions lifted, landowners may resume burning yard debris and using burn barrels, though permits and local regulations still apply. Residents are urged to burn responsibly and consult their local ODF office or fire department before lighting any outdoor fires. For details and updates, visit odfcentraloregon.com.

Oregon Launches Upgraded Health Plan Shopping Tool Ahead of Open Enrollment

Oregonians can now get a head start on open enrollment with the newly enhanced Window Shopping tool at OregonHealthCare.gov. The upgraded platform, launched Oct. 15, makes it easier to compare 2026 health plans, check coverage for doctors and prescriptions, and preview potential savings before open enrollment begins on Nov. 1, 2025.

The new tool offers side-by-side plan comparisons, improved provider and prescription lookups, and updated financial estimates based on individual income and location. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15, 2026, and is the key window for people without job-based insurance, Medicare, or OHP to secure affordable coverage. Free help from local insurance agents and certified community partners is also available. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to connect with an expert.

Fire & Rescue…

Crime News (Regional)…

$51.2M Judgment Issued Against Safeguard Metals and Owner for Defrauding Seniors, Including in Oregon

A federal court has ordered Safeguard Metals LLC and its owner, Jeffrey Ikahn, to pay more than $51 million in restitution and civil penalties for running a nationwide investment fraud scheme that targeted seniors and retirees. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), along with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and regulators from 30 states, including Oregon, brought the case against the firm for deceptive practices tied to precious metals investments.

From 2017 to 2021, the company misled more than 450 customers—many elderly—into investing over $68 million, largely from retirement accounts, in overpriced silver coins. The court found Safeguard Metals systematically spread false information and withheld key facts while fraudulently overcharging clients. The ruling affirms regulators’ commitment to protecting vulnerable investors, with any restitution paid in this case offsetting penalties from a related SEC action.

Regional News…

Community News…

COCC Launches $1.3M Program to Support First-Generation College Students

Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is launching a new program aimed at helping first-generation college students succeed, thanks to a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Starting next semester, the initiative will pair 140 students each academic year with dedicated success coaches and tutors to provide personalized guidance and academic support.

“These staff members will build strong relationships with students, identify the barriers they face, and connect them with the resources they need to succeed,” said Andrew Davis, COCC’s Dean of Student Engagement. The college is currently hiring for the program, which is designed to improve graduation rates and ensure first-gen students thrive during their time at COCC.

Meta Donation Boosts Crook County Schools’ Robotics and CTE Programs

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – Crook County School District is enhancing its robotics and career technical education (CTE) programs once again, thanks to continued support from Meta, Facebook’s parent company. While the exact amount of the latest donation wasn't disclosed, Meta has now invested more than $2.2 million in the district to date.

The funding is helping upgrade robotics equipment, support student competition teams, and launch community events like Robotics Night, where families can engage with student innovations. “It allows us to function,” said CTE Director Ryan Cochran. “Meta’s help has transformed our robotics program.” In addition to robotics, a portion of the donation will also fund materials for CTE programs in welding, construction, and irrigation—providing students with even more hands-on learning opportunities.

City of Bend Events

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | October 15, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

Activity across Central Oregon remains steady, but differences between Deschutes County, the region's largest population center, and smaller Crook and Jefferson counties are beginning to emerge. Inventory remains elevated compared with recent years, but the seasonal slowdown into winter, combined with steady sales, has reduced the number of homes actively listed. However, with the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.31%, conditions have brought some much-needed relief for buyers.

Inventory of single-family homes in Deschutes County dropped 40 this week to 1,282, a level not seen since early May. Sixty-seven pending sales this week at an average of $905,972 is just shy of the pending sales average of the past two months of seventy. There were forty-eight closed transactions this week, averaging $889,926.

Crook County inventory dropped by six to 222 single-family listings, a volume last seen in late May. Seven pending sales are on par with the past several weeks, with an average list price of $476,114. There were seven closed transactions this week, averaging $758,214, with one in Powell Butte and another in Brasada Ranch. The Powell Butte properties, including Brasada Ranch, generally sell at prices well above the average Prineville sale price, and just two of seven Powell Butte sales this week raised the average sale price. The overwhelming majority of sales over $1 million in Crook County take place around Powell Butte.

The inventory in Jefferson County dropped by one this week to 128 single-family listings. On July 30 this year, the inventory was at 120, before spiking to 131 the following week. I assume that sellers recognized the steady activity and flooded the market later in the year, since an increase in inventory this late in the year is not typical. Four pending sales this week averaged $388,225, with two closed transactions at $265,000 in Madras and $465,000 in Metolius.

Conditions continue to favor buyers this fall in Central Oregon, but as winter looms, inventory decline will steepen. After some early snow in the mountains and brisk morning temperatures as of late, expect mild temperatures for the next several days. Cold temperatures and significant snowfall significantly slow the housing market. Keeping an eye on inventory will be one of the strongest early indications of what the 2026 housing market holds, along with mortgage interest rates over the winter and into spring. If the Fed narrative holds and rates drop another ~50 basis points between now and the end of the year, it is unlikely to affect the remainder of 2025 but will be a strong early indication of spring market conditions. 

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Active Listings

$4M State Loan Guarantee Backs 134-Unit Joule Housing Project in Bend’s Orchard District

Bend State Senator Anthony Broadman has announced a $4 million state loan guarantee to support the upcoming Joule housing development at NE 4th Street and Olney Avenue in Bend’s Orchard District. The project will add 134 multifamily units, including income-restricted housing for middle-income families earning up to 90% of the area median income. Backed by Oregon Housing and Community Services, Joule aims to meet urgent housing needs while prioritizing sustainable, low-carbon design.

Developers say the state loan guarantee helps bridge critical funding gaps that often stall multifamily projects in Central Oregon. Construction is set to begin in mid-2026, with completion expected by late 2027. The project is expected to bring jobs, long-term value, and help Bend grow responsibly by aligning with city goals for affordability and climate-conscious housing.

Bend’s Housing Market Increasingly Unaffordable for First-Time Buyers, City Reports Show

Bend’s housing market continues to slip out of reach for many first-time buyers, with new city data revealing that 16% of households would be unable to afford a home at today’s market rates. The report, presented by Urban Renewal Manager Jonathan Taylor, attributes the trend to rising income inequality, rapid population growth, and a shortage of housing. Although Bend's current population sits just above 100,000, it's expected to grow by 30,000 in the next decade, further pressuring an already strained market.

The disparity between homeowners and renters is stark—homeowners average $119,000 in annual income, while renters average $66,000. Taylor noted that the city is losing low- to moderate-income earners while wealthier households—many relocating from Portland—are capturing a disproportionate share of total income. To meet demand, the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis estimates Bend must build over 15,700 new homes in the next eight years. However, current building goals fall short, with just 1,300 units built this year—a 39% increase from last year—but well below the pace needed. City officials say they are prioritizing affordability, with about two-thirds of new units classified as “affordable housing”.

 😎Just sayin

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