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

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

📰 Redmond Poised for Manufacturing Surge as Amazon and Nosler Move In

🐎Family Offers $2,000 Reward for Missing Horse in Mount Washington Wilderness

🌱 Go Underground at the High Desert Museum’s New Exhibit: Soil Alive! 🌱

🚫 Recreational use advisory issued for Prineville Reservoir

🔥 Pile Burning Season Begins Across Deschutes National Forest

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

💥🏍️Tragic Accident Claims Life of Bend Motorcyclist in Horse Ridge

🚨Crime News

📰Regional News

📰⚠️Debate Over Oregon’s $4.3 Billion Transportation Package Deepens Amid Gas Tax Controversy

🥰Community News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

❄️ West Side of McKenzie Pass Closes for Season After Weekend Snowfall

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

SANTIAM PASS

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/ 

Bend

Art with a Splash of Science (Grades 1–5)
🎨 Kids Workshop – Tower Theatre Education Program, 835 NW Wall St | Wed Oct 15 · 1 – 4 PM
Hands-on art meets science session for elementary students. towertheatre.org

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…

Redmond Poised for Manufacturing Surge as Amazon and Nosler Move In

REDMOND, OR — The City of Redmond is preparing for a major boost in local industry, as global giant Amazon and renowned ammunition maker Nosler expand their operations in the area. According to Redmond Economic Development Inc. (REDI), Amazon’s first local delivery center is under construction and will bring over 170 jobs once complete—highlighting Redmond’s growing reputation as a strategic hub in Central Oregon.

In addition, Nosler is relocating its manufacturing from Bend to Redmond, further solidifying the city’s economic momentum. REDI and city leaders say these are the kinds of family-wage jobs that help residents afford housing and stay rooted in the community. While welcoming growth, officials remain focused on preserving Redmond’s small-town character. “We will continue to grow… and we’ll do that in a strategic manner,” said Deputy City Director Steve Ashworth. REDI’s Steve Curley echoed the sentiment, calling Redmond “a place where we’re really building America.”

From Central Oregon Daily News 🎦

Family Offers $2,000 Reward for Missing Horse in Mount Washington Wilderness

SISTERS, OR — A Central Oregon family is offering a $2,000 reward for the safe return—or confirmed whereabouts—of their 24-year-old horse, Cinnamon, who vanished on August 4 during a trail ride near Benson Lake in the Mount Washington Wilderness. Fully tacked at the time he bolted, Cinnamon’s bridle and lead rope were found days later near a nearby lake, but there have been no sightings since August 8.

The Dunning family fears the worst as winter weather and road closures close in on the search area. Erika Dunning, Cinnamon’s owner, says the horse had never bolted before and describes the ordeal as deeply emotional and traumatic. The Foley Ridge Fire also stalled early search efforts, and the west side of McKenzie Pass is now closed, though the east side remains open until November 6. The family is urging anyone interested in helping to access the Robinson Lake Trailhead, and more information is available at FindCinnamon.com.

 🌱 Go Underground at the High Desert Museum’s New Exhibit: Soil Alive! 🌱

BEND, OR — There’s a bustling, hidden world beneath our feet—and the High Desert Museum is inviting you to dig in. Opening Saturday, October 18, Soil Alive! is an interactive, bilingual exhibit that takes visitors of all ages on a subterranean journey through the living, breathing world of soil. From burrowing animals to fungal networks and microscopic organisms, guests will explore how thousands of hidden relationships turn dirt into the lifeblood of the High Desert ecosystem.

Located in the Brooks Gallery and open through March 29, 2026, the exhibit features immersive landscapes like the Ponderosa Pine Forest and Sagebrush Steppe, with adorable Soil Ambassadors like the Pygmy Rabbit and Pogie the Fungus guiding the way. Families can hear underground sounds, magnify biotic crusts, connect mycelial networks, and even smell the soil. Alongside the wonders, Soil Alive! also highlights threats like invasive jumping worms and cheatgrass—offering tips on how we can all protect this vital resource.

Recreational use advisory issued for Prineville Reservoir

PRINEVILLE, OR — The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a recreational use health advisory for Prineville Reservoir after detecting elevated levels of microcystin, a toxin produced by harmful algae blooms. Swimmers and boaters are urged to avoid areas with visible blooms, as ingesting contaminated water can lead to serious illness.

While camping, hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching remain safe, high-speed water activities that create spray—like water skiing—should be avoided. Children and pets are especially vulnerable. Dogs, in particular, can become extremely ill or die within hours of exposure by drinking the water or licking toxins off their fur. Drinking untreated lake water is dangerous, even when boiled or filtered, and OHA advises using alternative water sources if your home draws directly from the lake. Fishing is discouraged, especially consumption of fish and crayfish from the reservoir.

To learn more or report illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767 or visit their Harmful Algae Blooms page.

 🔥 Pile Burning Season Begins Across Deschutes National Forest

CENTRAL OREGON — Fire crews with the Deschutes National Forest are set to begin pile burning operations as early as Wednesday, October 16, weather permitting. Up to 15,000 acres are slated for treatment this fall and winter to reduce wildfire risk and improve overall forest health.

Burning locations include areas west of Bend near Triangle Hill and Wanoga Butte, south of Sisters near Forest Service Road 1505, and around Crescent, with work planned near Wickiup Estates and along Highways 58 and 97. The operations focus on burning leftover vegetation from forest management efforts like thinning and timber sales. Smoke may linger in some areas for several days, but crews will monitor piles until they’re fully extinguished. For updates and alerts, residents can text COFIRE to 888-777 or visit centraloregonfire.org.

More local News:

• Bend witches to paddle the Deschutes Oct. 31 
  The Bend Witches Paddle is 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 31, starting at Riverbend Park. The witches paddle is collecting essential supplies, including wipes ... (youroregonnews)

• COCC Awarded $1.3 Million Federal Grant to Expand Student Support Services 
  BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Central Oregon Community College (COCC) a $1.3 million TRIO Student Support Services ... (KTVZ)

• Free Medication Take-Back Event Set October 25 at Bend Police Department 
  Community members with unwanted medications on hand can dispose of them safely during a free event hosted by St. Charles Health System and the Bend ... (cascadebusnews)

• MountainStar Family Relief Nursery Sixth Annual Bend Witches Paddle 
  The witches are back for the Sixth Annual Bend Witches Paddle, a whimsical and spooky tradition in support of MountainStar Family Relief Nursery’s (MountainStar) ... (cascadebusnews)

• Ranae Staley steps down as The Giving Plate’s executive director; Donna Mills chosen to serve in interim role
  BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Ranae Staley has made the decision to step down from her role as The Giving Plate's executive director, effective September 15th. "We are sincerely grateful for her dedication and the many accomplishments achieved during her tenure," a message from Board President ... (KTVZ News Channel 21)

Fire & Rescue…

Tragic Accident Claims Life of Bend Motorcyclist in Horse Ridge

A 41-year-old Bend man, Eric Blayney, was found dead Monday morning after failing to return from a solo motorcycle ride on OHV trails east of Bend. Blayney was reported missing around 3:00 a.m. after he didn’t return home Sunday. His last known location was tracked using the Life360 app on his phone, which led friends and Deschutes County Forest Patrol deputies to the Horse Ridge area.

Blayney was discovered unresponsive by friends on a private road adjacent to the trail system around 10:41 a.m. Despite CPR and use of an AED, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe he may have accidentally turned onto a gated private road and struck a metal chain while riding at a high speed. His motorcycle was still in fourth gear when found. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has extended heartfelt condolences to Blayney’s loved ones.

Crime News…

Regional News…

Debate Over Oregon’s $4.3 Billion Transportation Package Deepens Amid Gas Tax Controversy

Oregon lawmakers recently approved a $4.3 billion transportation funding package during a special session called by Governor Tina Kotek, marking one of the largest infrastructure investments in state history. The plan includes a 15 percent increase in the state gas tax, along with higher vehicle registration fees, to fund road maintenance, bridge repairs, and climate‑resilient transportation projects across the state.

While supporters say the measure is essential to address aging infrastructure and growing transportation needs, critics argue the tax hike places too heavy a burden on residents already facing high costs of living. Opponents are preparing a referendum effort to put the new tax before voters, but Governor Kotek has not yet signed the bill — a delay that some claim could reduce the 90‑day window available to gather signatures. The Governor’s office has not commented on the timing of the bill’s signing, but the debate underscores rising tension between calls for immediate infrastructure investment and demands for greater voter input on major fiscal decisions.

Community News…

City of Bend Events

❄️ West Side of McKenzie Pass Closes for Season After Weekend Snowfall

EUGENE, OR — Following recent snowfall in the Cascades, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has officially closed the west side of McKenzie Pass (OR Hwy 242) for the season. Crews shut the gates Tuesday morning near the junction with Highway 126 and at the summit by Dee Wright Observatory.

The east side of the pass remains open for now, but is expected to close no later than November 6, depending on weather. McKenzie Pass, which reaches an elevation of 5,325 feet, is a narrow, scenic highway not maintained during the winter. ODOT reminds travelers that beyond the locked gates, there are no services, cell coverage, or road maintenance, and conditions may be hazardous. For updates on mountain routes, visit TripCheck.com or call 511.

 😎Just sayin

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