In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🎃🐾🐕🐈Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest

🎃 Halloween in the Old Mill District – Friday, Oct. 31 | 4–7 p.m.

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 🚧 Bend Wraps Up Street Work, Gears Up for Winter Plowing Season

⚖️ Bend Pays Former Equity Director $86K Amid Resignation, Allegations & Ongoing Review

 🤖 Meet Baobao: Central Oregon’s First Robot Server Rolls into Jia Asian Street Kitchen

 📰 More Local News Around Central Oregon…

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

 🚨 Gas Leak Causes Scare Near Downtown Bend

🚨Crime News

 🔫 Shooting at Bend’s Safeway East Believed to Be Targeted Incident

🚨Three Men Indicted in Central Oregon Drug Trafficking Case

⚖️ Warm Springs Man Charged in Fatal Shooting on Reservation

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🚧Franklin Avenue construction detour delayed

🏘️Real Estate News

🏘️📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

🍻 Sunriver Brewing’s Galveston Pub Says Goodbye Nov. 1 as Redevelopment Begins

🥪 Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese Closes Doors at Cascade Village

💸 Good News for Central Oregon: Cascade Natural Gas Rates Drop Starting Oct. 31

🛋️ City Home Expands in Bend with New Pop-Up Store in Old Mill District

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🧠 Test your Central Oregon knowledge!

 Answer: B) O’Kane Building
Located at NW Oregon Avenue and NW Bond Street, the O’Kane Building is reported to be haunted—visitors and staff have claimed they’ve heard footsteps, seen shadowy figures, and sensed unseen presences in the basement.

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Are you looking for a wicked-ly good way to spend your Halloween this year? Come stop by the Old Mill District family-friendly Halloween party!

HSCO will be hosting a Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Contest that you will definitely not want to miss! Registration is open from 4-5:30PM and it is free to enter! Judging will begin at 5:30PM and local celebrity judges will hand out prizes for the top 3 costumes. Do you think your pup has the best outfit on the block? Be sure to show off their ghoulishly cool costumes at this can't-miss event!

🎃 Halloween in the Old Mill District – Friday, Oct. 31 | 4–7 p.m.

Celebrate a spooktacular evening of fun and community in the Old Mill!

• 🍬 Trick-or-Treating at participating shops throughout the district.

• 🐾 Pet Costume Contest – Register from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., judging begins at 5:30 p.m. near the entrance to Regal.

• 🎪 Aerial Performances by Central Oregon Aerial Arts – enjoy thrilling shows throughout the evening.

• 🧙‍♀️ Witches Paddle – Watch witches and warlocks paddleboard down the Deschutes! Launch from Riverbend Park at 4:00 p.m. (Donations accepted for MountainStar Family Relief Nursery).

🚗 Free parking available with staff on hand to help direct you.

🔗 Full event details here

Bend

🎵 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

🎃👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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

🎃🎵 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

🎃👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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

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Local News…

 🚧 Bend Wraps Up Street Work, Gears Up for Winter Plowing Season

The City of Bend has officially completed its 2025 Street Preservation Program, improving 67 lane miles of roadway for approximately $4.85 million. Using a mix of paving, slurry seal, and chip seal treatments, the City focused on applying the right method at the right time to stretch maintenance dollars and extend the life of its nearly 930 lane miles of roads. “This work helps extend the life of our roads that are vital to our community,” said Streets & Operations Project Manager Paul Neiswonger.

With fall turning to winter, the Transportation & Mobility Department is shifting gears into snow season. The City has 18 snowplow operators per shift and 32 pieces of equipment ready to go, including everything from light-duty trucks to heavy-duty graders. Crews will follow a strict plowing priority system, starting with major arterials and routes essential for emergency services, hospitals, schools, and public transit. You can view the full plowing map and winter driving tips at bendoregon.gov/winter.

⚖️ Bend Pays Former Equity Director $86K Amid Resignation, Allegations & Ongoing Review

When Andrés Portela III resigned as Bend’s Equity and Inclusion Director in September, his initial letter painted a troubling picture of City Hall as an “unsafe, inequitable and professionally hostile environment.” He described enduring racism both in the community and within the workplace, alleging senior city officials undermined his leadership and removed him from key decisions—including the quiet restructuring of his department over the summer. The city has not publicly released Portela’s original resignation letter, but OPB obtained a copy directly from him, which the city later confirmed as authentic.

Despite initially praising Portela’s work, the City of Bend later cast doubt on his credibility, citing "inconsistent statements, behaviors, and actions" as the reason behind an $86,000 legal settlement that followed his second, sanitized resignation letter. No formal disciplinary actions were taken during his two-year tenure. The city says it will hire an outside contractor to investigate the allegations, which include a racially charged interaction with then-Councilor Barb Campbell, who confirmed she once addressed Portela as “brotha” in a public meeting. Campbell has acknowledged the remark as inappropriate and said her attempts to apologize were unsuccessful. City officials insist they remain committed to equity work, despite rising federal pressure on DEI initiatives, and maintain that restructuring within the Equity and Inclusion department was based on “leadership issues”—not retaliation.

Read Full Story Here

 🤖 Meet Baobao: Central Oregon’s First Robot Server Rolls into Jia Asian Street Kitchen

Jia Asian Street Kitchen in southwest Bend has introduced a new team member who’s turning heads and charming guests — Baobao, Central Oregon’s very first robot server. Designed to deliver dishes, clear tables, and prevent kitchen collisions, Baobao isn’t replacing any human staff, but rather helping the team work more efficiently while enhancing the dining experience. “She’s just another one of us,” said server Daisy Sanchez, adding that the robot has become a fun and helpful presence during busy shifts.

Far from a cold machine, Baobao has become a fan favorite — especially with kids, who’ve even given her thank-you drawings after meals. Staff say her cheerful chime signals it’s time to serve food, giving them more time to engage with guests. With her mix of novelty and practicality, Baobao has found a permanent home on the floor at Jia, making every visit a little more memorable.

 📰 More Local News Around Central Oregon

🧤 J Bar J Seeks Donations to Support Homeless Youth This Winter
Cascade Youth and Family Center, part of J Bar J Youth Services, is calling on the community to help support local youth experiencing homelessness as colder weather sets in. Donations will go toward providing shelter, food, and essentials. (via Central Oregon Daily)

🎃 Where to Find Family-Friendly Halloween Fun Across Central Oregon
From trick-or-treating in downtowns to pumpkin patches and spooky trails, there are plenty of festive events happening this Friday for families to enjoy. (via Central Oregon Daily)

👠 Kendall’s Catwalk for a Cause Returns to Bend
Fashion meets philanthropy as Kendall’s Catwalk for a Cause makes its return, blending community spirit and style for a night of fundraising and fun. (via KTVZ)

🎸 Summit and Bend High Schools Team Up for 80s Rock Musical
Local students are hitting the stage together for Head Over Heels, a high-energy jukebox musical featuring songs by The Go-Go’s and a storyline inspired by a Renaissance classic. (via KTVZ News Channel 21)

🧒 Spots Still Open for Fall/Winter Kids Camps at the Museum
The High Desert Museum still has openings for its three-day kids camps in November and December. Families are encouraged to register soon before spots fill. (via Cascade Business News)

🪧 Bulletin Newspaper Union Pickets Over Contract Dispute
Unionized staff at The Bulletin held a picket in downtown Bend this week, citing ongoing frustrations with contract negotiations and ownership by Mississippi-based Carpenter Media Group. (via OPB)

 Fire & Rescue…

 🚨 Gas Leak Causes Scare Near Downtown Bend

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a gas leak Wednesday on NW Franklin Avenue near downtown Bend after reports of people experiencing headaches and discomfort. Upon arrival, crews discovered a sign had been placed over an exhaust vent, causing gas to back-feed into the building. Fortunately, no one was injured, and first responders were able to quickly resolve the situation.

 Crime News…

🔫 Shooting at Bend’s Safeway East Believed to Be Targeted Incident

Bend Police continue to investigate a shooting that occurred Wednesday evening in the parking lot of Safeway East on NE Highway 20. Officers responded around 6:07 p.m. and found an 18-year-old Bend resident with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to St. Charles Bend with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and has since been treated and released. Investigators believe the incident was targeted and not random.

The suspect remains at large, and while police say there’s no threat to the general public, they’re asking people to avoid the area as the investigation continues. Due to the active nature of the case, authorities are releasing limited information at this time.

 🚨Three Men Indicted in Central Oregon Drug Trafficking Case

Three men have been federally indicted following the conclusion of a year-long narcotics investigation led by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team and the DEA. Andres Garcia-Mendoza, Julio Duran Vargas, and Brett Mitchell Miller face felony charges for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. The investigation, which began in summer 2024 and wrapped up in spring 2025, resulted in the seizure of over 71 pounds of meth, more than 5 pounds of cocaine, 2 pounds of fentanyl, and 16 firearms—most of which were recovered in Central Oregon.

Garcia-Mendoza, who has a prior federal narcotics conviction from 2013 and is believed to be living in Mexico, is alleged to be the ringleader of the drug trafficking operation. While authorities have not disclosed the specific locations of the seizures, the multi-agency effort included support from local, state, and federal partners across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. Officials emphasize that indictments are only allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

⚖️ Warm Springs Man Charged in Fatal Shooting on Reservation

A 31-year-old Warm Springs man, Carlos Ralph Miller-Smith, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury following a deadly shooting on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. According to court documents, Warm Springs Police responded to a shooting on October 25, 2025, where a victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the temple. The victim died the following morning. A witness identified Miller-Smith as the shooter, and he was detained at the scene.

Miller-Smith made his first appearance in federal court this week and will remain in custody pending further proceedings. The case is being investigated by the FBI and Warm Springs Police Department and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. Authorities emphasize that a criminal complaint is only an allegation and Miller-Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case falls under the federal Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

Regional News…

Community News… 

City of Bend Events

🚧Franklin Avenue construction detour delayed

BEND, Ore. -- The City of Bend said Thursday there will be a delay with the detour direction switch on Franklin Avenue due to a delay with work by a contractor. But the entire project remains ahead of schedule.

One-way traffic on Franklin between Fourth Street and Eighth Street will switch from westbound to eastbound on Wednesday, Nov. 5. That section will remain eastbound only through early December.

"This switch is necessary to allow for construction work on the north side and remaining areas. Access to local businesses and residential properties will be maintained throughout construction, and appropriate signage will be in place to guide the traveling public through the work zone," the City said in its release.

The City anticipates the project to finished in early December, weather permitting.

Friday’s

Real Estate News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | October 29, 2025

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

Today, all expectations point towards the Federal Reserve lowering the overnight rate, most likely by 25 basis points. This morning, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 6.13%, the lowest since rates hit 6.11% in early September last year. Jerome Powell and the Fed governors have consistently said they plan another cut at the last meeting of the year in December. While I do not expect rates to dip much after today's Fed announcement, by year-end, there is every likelihood that the average conventional mortgage rate will be below 6%.

If prices remain stable, there is no argument that lower rates will help buyers and, in turn, sellers. However, in healthy markets, lower rates increase competition, reduce inventory, and put downward pressure on prices. The keyword here is "healthy." Lately, I have read a lot about the housing affordability index and the broader concerns about the economy. Whether the market is shifting remains to be seen. If inventory levels of homes in Central Oregon remain elevated through winter and build rapidly in the spring, despite lower mortgage interest rates, it could be an indicator of the overall economy changing.

This morning, in Deschutes County, the inventory of single-family homes decreased by 14 to 1,241. Pending sales remain stable, albeit less than in the past several weeks, at 59. The average pending sale price was $871,529, and 35 of those listings reduced the price before securing a buyer. Fifty-three transactions closed this week at an average of $852,513, with 28 of those listings reducing the list price by 6.55% before securing a buyer. Thirty of the closed transactions negotiated a price below the list price, with the standout price drop initially listed at $3,295,000 and closing at $2,700,000, a 18% decrease. The sold-to-original list price ratio this week was 93.5%.

Inventory in Crook County this week decreased by five to 212 active single-family listings. Pending sales are on pace with the past several weeks, with eight, averaging $419,075. Seven transactions closed, averaging $638,571, with the average price reduction before securing a buyer at $5.5%. The sold-to-original list price ratio was 95.3%.

For the second consecutive week, Jefferson County inventory increased, this week by five to 135 active listings. For reference, the inventory high this year occurred on August 20 at 144. Pending sales remain stable with five this week, averaging $354,180. There were six closed transactions this week, averaging $344,533, with the average price reduction at 7.78%. The sold-to-original list price ratio this week was 93.1%.

Increased inventory across Central Oregon this fall could be an early indication of a market shift. While mortgage interest rates have decreased, the reduction occurred too late in the selling season to have a substantial impact this year. Inventory trends over the next few months will paint a picture of what to expect from the spring market. If inventory increases and sales are sluggish this spring, it will create competition among sellers and put downward pressure on prices. Conversely, if lower interest rates motivate buyers, and inventory levels remain low, prices will firm up. Whatever the 2026 market holds, there is no question that conditions today favor buyers more than at any time in the past several years. 

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Active Listings

 🍻 Sunriver Brewing’s Galveston Pub Says Goodbye Nov. 1 as Redevelopment Begins

Sunriver Brewing Co. is preparing to close the doors of its beloved Galveston Avenue pub in Bend on November 1, ahead of major redevelopment planned for the block. A local family company recently purchased the Bakery Building and former Boss Rambler space, with plans to transform the area into a two-story development featuring three restaurants and offices above. Extensive demolition and construction will take place over the next year, making it impossible for the pub to continue operations during that time.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, the brewery thanked its loyal patrons and dedicated staff, writing: “After countless laughs, cold pints, and memories that’ll last a lifetime… thank you. You filled these walls with conversations, joy, and stories that’ll echo long after the last call.” Sunriver Brewing invites the community to raise one last glass at their “Ghosts, Goblins, and Goodbyes” farewell party on Friday from 6–9 p.m. While the west Bend location may be gone for now, fans can still enjoy the same great beer and hospitality at their other pubs on Bend’s east side, in Sunriver, and at the new south Redmond location.

🥪 Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese Closes Doors at Cascade Village

Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese, the comfort food hotspot known for its creative twists on classic grilled cheese sandwiches, has permanently closed its Bend location at Cascade Village Shopping Center. The closure was announced via the restaurant’s social media pages, less than a year after its opening in late 2023.

While no official reason has been shared yet, signs posted on the restaurant's doors by the shopping center’s ownership confirm the closure and tease that they’re “excited for what’s next for the space.” Though the doors are locked, much of the interior furniture and fixtures remain in place. KTVZ has reached out to the owners for comment and is awaiting a response.

💸 Good News for Central Oregon: Cascade Natural Gas Rates Drop Starting Oct. 31

Starting October 31, Cascade Natural Gas customers across Central Oregon will see a small but welcome drop in their monthly bills. The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved a rate decrease resulting from several annual filings, including a reduction in natural gas prices and a balancing of over-collections from the previous year. For the average residential customer using 56 therms per month, that means a decrease of about $0.86—or 1.39 percent—bringing the average monthly bill down to roughly $60.74.

The adjustment comes through the Purchased Gas Adjustment process, which ensures utilities like Cascade Natural Gas pass along the true cost of natural gas—without a markup. Thanks to relatively stable natural gas markets this year and careful oversight by the PUC, Central Oregon households can expect a little more wiggle room in their heating budgets as colder months settle in. PUC Chair Letha Tawney noted that while natural gas prices are largely influenced by global markets, “we are fortunate this year to see the stabilizing supply and demand ease financial pressures on customers.”

🛋️ City Home Expands in Bend with New Pop-Up Store in Old Mill District

City Home is doubling down on its Bend presence with a new seasonal pop-up store opening this November in the Old Mill District. The Portland-based retailer, known for its eclectic mix of vintage-inspired furniture and decor, will set up shop in a 900-square-foot space nestled between lululemon and Will Leather Goods—just steps from its existing 4,400-square-foot anchor store along the Deschutes River.

The new space will feature a curated mix of Western-inspired pieces, including reclaimed wood furniture, hide rugs, antique accessories, and bold wall art. “It’ll be a curated collection of elevated, Western-inspired furnishings,” said founder Kim Pelett, who launched City Home in 2012 and brings more than 35 years of home decor experience to the brand. Now with six full-time locations, the winter pop-up in Bend is a testament to the store’s strong local following. “We love everything they’re doing,” said Old Mill District Marketing Director Beau Eastes. “And it’s a great fit next to lululemon and Will Leather Goods.”

 😎Just sayin

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