📣 What’s Happening in Central Oregon: Top Stories & Events

Issue #357

 

 Good morning, Central Oregon!

We’re kicking off today’s edition with a flyover of local highlights—literally! The Airshow of the Cascades is ready to soar, and we’ve got all the details. In today’s headlines, a Bend woman calls for the removal of a Confederate flag at a homeless camp, the Sisters city council makes a surprising decision about the Red Rock statue, and cross-town bike routes are gaining momentum. Plus, meet the interim sheriff in an exclusive community interview and catch up on serious local updates—from a fatal crash on Highway 97 to crime news, fire alerts, and community kindness.

And don’t miss your dose of sunshine ☀️ with the weather, events calendar, and today’s meme to make you smile. Let’s dive in!

In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

🛩️Airshow of the Cascades

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚫🏴Bend woman seeks removal of Confederate flag at Juniper Ridge homeless camp

🚫🖼️ Sisters council opts for landscaping over Red Rock statue

🚴‍♂️Bend cross‑town bike routes advance

⚠️💊Bend healthcare provider warns about Kratom supplement

🎙️Community Gets First-Look Interview with Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

💥Highway 97 crash south of Deschutes River Woods kills one

🚨Crime News

📰Juveniles arrested for thefts at Crook County Fair

📰Regional News

🥰Community News

💝Annual memorial honors teens with acts of kindness

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

Grizzly Mtn Fire Watch Camera 08.18.25

 BEND

SISTERS

CRANE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR

 

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

Featured Events

✈️ Spotlight Event: Airshow of the Cascades Madras, OR

📍 Madras Municipal Airport
🗓️ Friday, Aug 22 | 1 PM – 11 PM
🗓️ Saturday, Aug 23 | 9 AM – 4 PM

🛫 Day 1 – Friday, August 22
Get ready for the roar of engines and the thrill of aerobatics! Day one of the Airshow of the Cascades features an exciting mix of aviation performances, static aircraft displays, a classic car show, food vendors, and live music. As the sun sets, stick around for a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the Madras skies.

  • Patriots Jet Team and other aerial acts

  • Ground displays, vendors, and family zones

  • Live music throughout the day

  • Fireworks finale at night

  • Food trucks and beer garden

🛩️ Day 2 – Saturday, August 23
The fun continues with a full day of high-flying action and hands-on experiences. Saturday brings more aerobatic performances, flyovers, educational exhibits, and access to vintage warbirds. It’s a great chance to get up close to aviation history and enjoy another round of local music and community fun.

  • All-day flying exhibitions and ground attractions

  • Access to WWII aircraft and interactive exhibits

  • Vendors, local artisans, and food options

  • Ideal for families, photographers, and aviation buffs

🎟️ More Info & Tickets: https://cascadeairshow.com/

 📅 Events: Bend

🎭 The Wolves
📍 The Greenhouse Cabaret
🗓️ Aug 18–19 | 7:30–9:30 PM
Award-winning play about a girls’ soccer team; sharp dialogue, emotional depth.
🔗 More Info

 🎶 Counting Crows w/ The Gaslight Anthem
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Aug 19 | Doors 5 PM, Show 6:30 PM
Alt-rock legends perform fan favorites like “Mr. Jones” with special guests.
🔗 Tickets

🎲 Bingo Night – Fundraiser
📍 River’s Place
🗓️ Aug 19 | 6–8 PM
Cards $1–$5; win cash while supporting local nonprofits.
🔗 More Info

🎶 Travis Ehrenstrom Band
📍 McMenamins Old St. Francis School – Father Luke’s Room
🗓️ Aug 20 | 6–8 PM
Outdoor show with singer-songwriter stylings.
🔗 More Info

🎨 Bend Wine Bar: Sunflower Still Life Painting
📍 Bend Wine Bar
🗓️ Aug 20 | 6–8 PM
Guided painting class paired with local wine.
🔗 More Info

🎶 Lainey Wilson w/ ERNEST & Kaitlin Butts
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Aug 21 | Doors 5 PM, Show 6:30 PM
High-energy country show featuring chart-topper Lainey Wilson and openers.
🔗 Tickets

🎶 Ali & Co – Women’s Songwriter Showcase
📍 Bar Rio Cocktails & Tapas
🗓️ Aug 21 | 6–8 PM
Free night of Americana, jazz, and blues hosted by Ali Renee.
🔗 More Info

🎶 Coyote Rider – Live Music on the Patio
📍 Oregon Spirit Distillers
🗓️ Aug 21 | 6–8 PM
Americana and folk on the patio with craft cocktails.
🔗 More Info

🎭 Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
📍 Tower Theatre
🗓️ Aug 21 | 7:30 PM
Musical retelling of the story of Joseph in dazzling color and sound.
🔗 More Info

🎶 Mt. Joy – 2025 Tour
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Aug 22 | Doors 6 PM, Show 7:30 PM
Indie-folk favorites return with new music and fan-loved tracks.
🔗 Tickets

🎤 Matt Rife – Problemattic World Tour
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Aug 23 | Doors 6 PM, Show 7:30 PM
Viral comedian hits Bend; 18+ event, no phones allowed.
🔗 Tickets

🎶 Tanner Cundy
📍 McMenamins Old St. Francis School – Father Luke’s Room
🗓️ Aug 23 | 7 PM
Live performance from multi-instrumentalist; free show.
🔗 More Info

🎶 Left On Tenth
📍 Volcanic Theatre Pub
🗓️ Aug 24 | 5 PM
Boisterous Bend-based funk-rock-reggae band; free show.
🔗 Tickets

🎨 Art in the High Desert
📍 Riverbend Park
🗓️ Aug 22–24
🕔 Fri 5–8 PM | Sat 10–6 PM | Sun 10–4 PM
130+ juried artists showcasing fine art, ceramics, painting, jewelry & more.
🔗 More Info

🎨 Paint & Sip at Austin Mercantile
📍 Austin Mercantile
🗓️ Aug 23 | 2–4 PM
Create your own painting with wine; includes supplies & instruction.
🔗 More Info

🍺 Pursuit of Hoppiness – Hoppy Beer Festival
📍 Bevel Craft Brewing
🗓️ Aug 23 | Noon–5 PM
12 hop-forward beers, tasting tokens, and commemorative glass.
🔗 More Info

🎨 Bend Wine Bar: Paint Your Pet Class
📍 Bend Wine Bar
🗓️ Aug 24 | Time TBA
Bring a photo and paint your furry friend’s portrait.
🔗 More Info

 📅 Events: Redmond & Nearby

 🎶 Music on the Green – 2025 Series
📍 American Legion Park
🗓️ Aug 20 | 5:30–7:30 PM
Family-friendly concert series with food trucks and local vendors.
🔗 More Info

🎭 The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical
📍 High Desert Music Hall
🗓️ Aug 21–24 | Thu–Sat 7 PM, Sun 3 PM
Adventure musical where Greek mythology meets teen angst.
🔗 More Info

 🎶 Niko Moon – Live at Duffy’s
📍 General Duffy’s Waterhole
🗓️ Aug 22 | 5–10 PM
Country-pop star brings the “Good Time” tour to Redmond.
🔗 More Info

🎶 Summer Groove Party Band – Live at the Vineyard
📍 Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards, Terrebonne
🗓️ Aug 22 | 6–9 PM
Get your groove on with disco, soul & dance classics.
🔗 More Info

🌄 Events: Sisters

 🧺 Faerie Basket Weaving Workshop
📍 Pine Meadow Ranch
🗓️ Aug 19 | 10 AM–3 PM
Cattail basket workshop with Sylvia Friday.
🔗 More Info

 🎶 Muddy Souls
📍 The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse
🗓️ Aug 21 | 6 PM
Upbeat bluegrass band from Portland plays lakeside.
🔗 More Info

🌲 Events: Sunriver & La Pine

 🎶 Music in the Pines Concert Series
📍 La Pine Parks & Recreation
🗓️ Aug 21 | 5–8 PM
Free community concert under the trees; bring a chair!
🔗 More Info

🎲 La Pine Bingo Night
📍 McMenamins Old St. Francis School, Bend
🗓️ Aug 22 | 7 PM
Monthly bingo night with fun prizes (and a hotel stay!).
🔗 More Info

🐴 Events: Prineville, OR

 🎪 Celebrate the Outdoors
📍 1377 S Main St.
🗓️ Aug 23 | 8 AM–8 PM
Family festival with BB gun shoot, archery, scavenger hunt & more.
🔗 More Info

🛍️ Events: Madras

 🛫 Airshow of the Cascades – Day 1
📍 Madras Municipal Airport
🗓️ Aug 22 | 1–11 PM
Aviation performances, fireworks, car show & live music.
🔗 More Info

🛫 Airshow of the Cascades – Day 2
📍 Madras Municipal Airport
🗓️ Aug 23 | 9 AM–4 PM
Full day of air acts, food, vendors & family fun.
🔗 More Info

Check back often in the Calendar App below as it is updated regularly 👇

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Other Event Sources:

Local News…

Bend woman seeks removal of Confederate flag at Juniper Ridge homeless camp

 

Bend resident Kattaryna Stiles wants a Confederate flag taken down at the Juniper Ridge Temporary Safe Stay Area, arguing it’s a hate symbol visible from Highway 97. She sent letters to the City of Bend and Deschutes County. County officials say current rules don’t address flags and any ban could face First Amendment challenges, though Mayor Melanie Kebler is reviewing options. Central Oregon Daily News

 

Sisters council opts for landscaping over Red Rock statue

The Sisters City Council voted not to place the Red Rock bronze statue in the Locust Street/Highway 20 roundabout, citing safety concerns and insufficient public input. Mayor Jennifer Letz said another location may be considered after broader community engagement; supporters of the statue expressed frustration

 

Bend cross‑town bike routes advance

Heading east, a cyclist rides down NW Delaware Avenue at the intersection of NW Staats Street in Bend Wednesday afternoon. 8-13-25 Andy Tullis/The Bulletin

City engineer Ryan Oster told the Bend City Council that about 35 percent of work is complete on two cross‑town bicycle routes forming the backbone of the Bend Bikeways project. The routes will include traffic diverters, shared‑use paths, protected intersections, flashing beacons and way‑finding signs. Officials hope the network, slated for completion next year, will boost safety, meet climate goals and reduce congestion. Bend Bulletin

 

Bend healthcare provider warns about Kratom supplement

A KTVZ report notes that kratom, a plant-based product sold for pain relief, can be addictive. Dr. David Campbell of Recover Together Bend said many patients seeking detoxification didn’t realize kratom acts like an opioid; some develop tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. He advises anyone experiencing mood swings or irritability after using kratom to consult a healthcare professional.

 

Community Gets First-Look Interview with Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert

Central Oregon Open Programming (COOP), part of Connect Central Oregon, will host an in-depth interview with newly appointed Deschutes County Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Moderated by COOP co-founder Jim Fister, the conversation will cover key topics such as staffing, retention, training, accountability, budget management, and community engagement. The interview, aimed at giving the public insight into Rupert’s background, values, and leadership approach, will be released that evening on COOP’s YouTube channel, with viewers invited to submit questions in advance via email. Central Oregon Open Programming (COOP) 
Email: [email protected] 

 Fire & Rescue…

Highway 97 crash south of Deschutes River Woods kills one

A tragic two-vehicle crash occurred Thursday night, August 14, 2025, on Highway 97 near milepost 145 in Deschutes County. According to Oregon State Police, a silver Honda Accord driven by 33-year-old Felicia Devin Nicholson of Bend crossed the center line for unknown reasons and collided head-on with a southbound Honda Odyssey. Nicholson was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Odyssey, 46-year-old Earl Christison of Oregon City, sustained minor injuries, while his wife, Erin Christison (45), and their four daughters—ages 17, 14, 11, and 9—were all transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The highway was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation.

Crime News…

Juveniles arrested for thefts at Crook County Fair

Prineville Police arrested three juveniles on Aug 14 after a search warrant connected them to thefts at the Crook County Fairgrounds on Aug 8. About $2,000 of goods were stolen from six booths; the suspects face burglary and theft charges. The investigation began when a security guard encountered the youths as they fled the fairgrounds. Central Oregon Daily News

Regional News…

Community News…

Annual memorial honors teens with acts of kindness

The families of Angela Pastorino and Alfredo Hernandez, two 18-year-olds murdered in Bend in 2022, are keeping their memory alive through kindness, one dog treat at a time.

Angela’s family has led an annual tribute honoring both teens, assembling and handing out bags of dog treats to the community. This year, they also created stickers to give away in their memory.

“There’s no gimmick or fundraising,” said Erin Kevin, Angela’s Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters and organizer of the effort. “We do this to remember them and help the community and families heal. We want people to see Angie and Alfredo’s faces and remember who they were, not just what happened to them.”

Pastorino and Hernandez were killed on August 17, 2022, in a tragic act of violence. The man responsible is serving life in prison.

The family hopes this yearly act of giving brings a little more love into the world, just as Angela and Alfredo did. Central Oregon Daily News

Bend

Redmond

Deschutes County

 

 

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 😎 Just sayin

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