(PART 1 OF A 2-PART FEATURE) Julia Jointer parked the pickup and hustled through the icy rain into her mother's neat South Peoria, Ill., ranch, its windows festively lit for the holiday season. Without a word, she walked right by her mother, ignoring the judgment on her face, and by her two sons, who shifted their eyes as if pretending not to see. She went straight into her bedroom, shut the door and locked it.   HEROIN'S HOLD ... [full story]

Redmond Mayor Alan Unger and officials from the Oregon Department of Transportation were on hand Monday, January 8 to officially open the Maple-Negus Overpass and activate the new traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 97 and Maple Avenue.   Redmond Mayor Alan Unger activates the new traffic signal at Hwy. 97 and Maple Avenue. The new overpass and traffic signal, in conjunction with the newly opened Maple Avenue Bridge, are designed to improve traffic flow.  The Maple-Negus ... [full story]

Oregon public health officials investigated a record 119 norovirus outbreaks in 2006, and already this year 13 potential new outbreaks have been reported to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Public Health Division. Investigations into 87 of the outbreaks have been completed; they occurred in 18 counties and affected more than 3,000 people, according to Mel Kohn, M.D., state epidemiologist in ODHS. The previous year, ODHS investigated 58 norovirus outbreaks in 22 counties that ... [full story]

If you drive a dark green car, you are traditional, trustworthy and well-balanced, according to Leatrice Eiseman, author of "The Color Answer Book." A dark blue set of wheels could mean you are credible, confident and dependable, but if you prefer to drive a light to medium blue car, you are cool, calm and faithful. But what would people say about Fahrenheit Orange and Fahrenheit Yellow, Volkswagen's new colors? If you are a driver looking ... [full story]

Last spring it was necessary to limit the office hours of the Deschutes County La Pine Community Development office due to staff changes. The hours are now restored to four days a week for a greater part of the workday. Hours had been reduced at the La Pine location of Community Development (CDD) due to the promotion of the one Permit Tech in the office.  Finding a replacement for the position was compounded by staff ... [full story]

Opening gifts during the holidays is fun; opening the resulting bills is no fun at all.  Yet every holiday season millions of consumers use their credit cards to finance gifts they don't have the cash to pay for.  Around the middle of January, holiday bills start arriving and a strong case of post-holiday remorse sets in.  When faced with the post-holiday blues, debt can seem overwhelming and impossible to handle.  If you are feeling sick ... [full story]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Angler and Aquatic Education Program is encouraging Oregon schools to apply to the Future Fisherman Foundation for Physical Education Grants for the 2007/2008 school year. The deadline is March 2, 2007. These grants provide opportunities for schools to create or enhance a fishing and/or boating program within their physical education programs. Students not only develop skills but also develop a better awareness and concern for the resource. Schools interested ... [full story]

Bend Musicians and Artists perform benefit concert to raise over $8,000 in medical and surgical expenses for local drummerand community activist Joe Katroscik An all-star line-up of Bend musicians and artists will perform in a benefit concert at the Domino Room Sunday, January 21, to help pay over $8,000 in medical and surgical expenses for local drummer and community activist Joe Katroscik. Tickets to the 6 p.m. fundraiser are $15 at the door. The Domino Room is located ... [full story]

A geologic tour of the lower Crooked River Basin; which includes Smith Rock State Park, Ochoco Reservoir, and the Redmond and Prineville areas; is one of the highlights of the newest issue of Oregon Geology Magazine. Published by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), Volume 67, Number 1, Fall 2006 of Oregon Geology is available free online in PDF form at http://www.OregonGeology.com. Also of interest in Oregon Geology is a look at ... [full story]

National study supports agency's move toward new child safety model A federal report released Tuesday by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) validates the direction the state has been moving to improve child protective services. At the state's request, the National Resource Center for Organizational Improvement provided technical assistance to ODHS to identify opportunities to improve the safety of children in Oregon's child welfare system. "We're pleased that the direction we've been moving is ... [full story]