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?

 🍦 Cuppa Yo Opens New Northside Bend Location Near Costco

❄️ Learn About Winter Volunteer Opportunities on the Deschutes National Forest

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Man Critically Injured in Pedestrian Crash on NE Third Street

🚨 Early Morning Scare in Romaine Village Draws Large Police Response

🔌🔥Electrical fire damages home

🔥 Land Rover Erupts in Flames on Highway 97; No Injuries Reported

🚨Crime News

 💻Deschutes County issues warning about email scam

👩🏻‍⚖️Madras Man Arrested, Arraigned After Alleged Kidnapping and Robbery at Gunpoint

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

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

🎵 Jacob Jolliff Band with SkilletHead
Where: Tower Theatre, Bend
When: Tue Oct 21, 7:30pm
What: High-octane progressive bluegrass with mandolin ace Jacob Jolliff and local pickers SkilletHead.
More Info: towertheatre.org/events
(Tower Theatre)

🧠 Skeptoid Trivia @ Worthy Brewing
Where: Worthy Brewing Main Pub, 495 NE Bellevue Dr, Bend
When: Tue Oct 21, 7:00pm-9:00pm
What: Trivia night with a skeptical-science twist hosted in the beer garden; beers & bites available. Worthy Brewing+1

🎛️ 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…

 🍦 Cuppa Yo Opens New Northside Bend Location Near Costco

Bend’s favorite frozen yogurt spot, Cuppa Yo, just got a little closer for Northside residents! The beloved local brand officially opened the doors to its newest shop on Friday, Oct. 17, at 20789 NW Henry Ave, Suite 160—right next to the new Costco.

This third Bend location joins the Eastside and Westside stores, continuing Cuppa Yo’s 15-year tradition of swirling joy and building community. The new Northside store offers the same rotating lineup of delicious frozen yogurt flavors and creative toppings that loyal “Cuppa Yomies” have come to love. Owners Keith and Crystal say they’re deeply thankful for the support of Central Oregon over the years: “This family business exists because of you, our amazing customers.” After more than two years in the making, the couple is thrilled to bring their signature frozen treat experience to a new corner of town. Learn more at cuppayo.com or follow @cuppayobend on Instagram.

❄️ Learn About Winter Volunteer Opportunities on the Deschutes National Forest

Discover Your Forest is inviting community members to get involved with winter volunteer programs on the Deschutes National Forest by attending their annual Winter Volunteer Information Night on Tuesday, October 28, from 5–6 p.m. at Embark Coworking Community (2843 NW Lolo Drive, Bend).

The nonprofit, which partners with the U.S. Forest Service, is seeking volunteers for a variety of winter roles, including the Project SNOW education program, Snowshoe with a Ranger interpretive tours, and Visitor Services at local ranger stations. Volunteers receive full training and uniforms and are asked to commit to at least one day per week. While Visitor Services is offered year-round, the seasonal snow-focused programs run from December through March 2026.

 Fire & Rescue…

🚨Man Critically Injured in Pedestrian Crash on NE Third Street

Bend, OR - A 26-year-old Bend man remains in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle while crossing NE Third Street Friday night.

Just after 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 17, Bend Police responded to a crash involving a pedestrian near the intersection of NE Third Street and Thurston Avenue. Officers arrived to find a white Toyota RAV4 stopped in the northbound lanes and the injured man lying in the roadway. Officers immediately began lifesaving efforts until medics from Bend Fire & Rescue arrived and transported the victim to St. Charles Bend.

According to police, the driver—a 61-year-old man from Idaho—called 911 to report he had struck a man who was crossing the road with a bicycle. He remained at the scene and was cooperative with investigators.

NE Third Street was closed between Revere and Underwood avenues for about two and a half hours while the Bend Police traffic reconstruction team examined the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and no citations have been issued at this time.

🚨 Early Morning Scare in Romaine Village Draws Large Police Response

Bend, OR - Early Friday morning, Oct. 17, Bend Police responded to a series of calls reporting explosions and a possible armed individual in the Romaine Village neighborhood. The first reports came in around 4:09 a.m. from residents in the 61000 block of S Queens Drive, who described hearing what sounded like explosions or a vehicle crash. About 15 minutes later, another caller reported seeing a person with a possible rifle walking the area, dressed in cut-off pants or shorts, a hoodie, and a baseball cap, and smoking a cigarette. The caller also reported hearing what may have been gunfire.

Officers flooded the area and conducted a thorough search for several hours, but found no evidence of an explosion, shooting, or any other disturbance. Despite the large police presence, no suspects were located, and the investigation yielded no further leads. Police asked residents with surveillance footage from that morning to check their cameras and report anything unusual to non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

🔌🔥Electrical fire damages home

Sisters, OR - At approximately 6:53 a.m. on October 13, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District (SCSFD) crews were dispatched to a report of a residential structure fire on Cowboy Street in Sisters.

Crews from SCSFD, Black Butte Ranch, and Cloverdale Fire Districts were dispatched to mitigate the incident. Shift Commander Captain Pat Burke quickly sized up the incident, determining that the fire was isolated to an exterior outlet on the side of the home. Captain Burke determined that his engine would be able to handle the issue without additional support. All other resources were returned to service.

The fire resulted in damage to the exterior siding and one window of the home. SCSFD personnel used power tools to open the exterior wall to ensure the fire had not spread. Additionally, crews isolated the electrical service to the home until an electrician could be contacted to ensure the home would be safe to reenergize.

Black Butte Ranch and Cloverdale Fire also responded to this incident as part of their ongoing partnership with SCSFD.

🔥 Land Rover Erupts in Flames on Highway 97; No Injuries Reported

Bend, OR - A father and son had a close call Saturday afternoon when their Land Rover caught fire on Highway 97 in Bend, following a suspected coolant leak. The incident happened around 2:15 p.m., shortly after the pair noticed the vehicle's coolant level was low while returning from a visit to the Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch and en route to a youth soccer game. They pulled over in a safe area without vegetation, but moments later, the engine compartment ignited. The father spotted the flames and quickly got both of them away from the vehicle before it became fully engulfed, sending thick black smoke into the air.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews arrived swiftly and extinguished the fire, while Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies assisted at the scene. No injuries were reported. Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering explained that while coolant is not highly flammable, it can combust when sprayed onto hot engine parts, potentially leading to engine fires or electrical shorts. A KTVZ News reporter happened to be nearby and captured exclusive footage of the blaze just before emergency crews arrived. Despite the dramatic scene, both father and son walked away safely—shaken, but unharmed.

Crime News…

💻Deschutes County issues warning about email scam

Deschutes County staff want to remind community members to be wary of suspicious emails designed to steal their personal information. The Community Development Department (CDD) recently discovered that cybercriminals sent a fake email from a CDD staff member, demanding payment and deceiving recipients into revealing sensitive data.

If you receive an email demanding an urgent payment, requesting bank account, Social Security numbers or other personal information, or containing suspicious links and attachments, it may be a scam. Always take protective measures:   

• Verify the source – Check email addresses carefully and look closely at the branding. If it looks unusual, contact the sender to confirm. 

• Think about the message – Does it stress urgency or ask for sensitive information? Legitimate county sources will not request sensitive information via email.

• Don’t open unexpected attachments – Avoid opening or downloading attachments unless you are sure of the source.

• Do not click links – Avoid clicking on any links unless you are sure of the source.

Deschutes County urges community members to remain diligent and watch for scams. For tips more on how to avoid phishing scams visit: www.cisa.gov/recognize-and-report phishing.

If you believe you are the victim of a cybersecurity scam, please call Deschutes County 9-1-1 non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911 or visit www.deschutes.org/911 to report a crime online.

👩🏻‍⚖️Madras Man Arrested, Arraigned After Alleged Kidnapping and Robbery at Gunpoint

A Madras man, identified by police as Coby Michael Powell, was arrested Thursday and arraigned Friday after a Prineville woman told officers she had been kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint the previous weekend. According to Bend Police, the 31‑year‑old victim said she had driven to Madras after being released from Crook County Jail to meet Powell and stay with him. After an altercation with the victim’s boyfriend, Powell allegedly forced her into his truck, drove toward Bend, held a gun to her head, took her phone and threatened to shoot her. The victim escaped when the vehicle reached the boyfriend’s Bend home and called police from a nearby 7‑Eleven.

Detectives, joined by Redmond Police and the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, stopped Powell after he left work in Redmond, executed search warrants on his vehicle and home, and seized firearms connected to the case. Powell was booked into the Deschutes County Jail on multiple charges including first‑ and second‑degree kidnapping, first‑ and second‑degree robbery, coercion and menacing. At his arraignment Friday, Judge Michelle McIver set bail at $150,000 and ordered no contact with the victims, no possession of firearms or ammunition, and a prohibition on leaving the state without permission; a grand jury indictment is expected and further court proceedings were scheduled.

Regional News…

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