Oregon and the nation expect to have more vaccine available this year than ever, although as much as 50 percent of this year's supply may not arrive in Oregon until November and December. "Supplies are arriving in Oregon daily but we encourage patience and persistence in seeking vaccinations this year," said Lorraine Duncan, immunization manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division.  Duncan said public health officials are encouraging communities, providers and ... [full story]

According to data released recently by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), Redmond High School’s 2004-05 dropout rate matched the state average of 4.2%. This figure represents an increase of 1.9% from the previous year (2003-04) and is above the percentage from each of the past five years. “Our 4.2% dropout rate translates into each graduating class losing twenty percent of its students between eighth and twelfth grades,” states Keith Hanson, Curriculum Director.  “This figure ... [full story]

The Deschutes Basin Land Trust announced recently that TransCanada has made a five year, $75,000 commitment to the Land Trust’s Community Preserves and Back to Home Waters programs. The donation will help conserve land for local communities and for the return of salmon and steelhead to the upper Deschutes Basin. TransCanada officials toured the Land Trust’s Metolius Preserve on October 5th to see the education and restoration made possible by their gift.TransCanada operates the Gas ... [full story]

More Bend-La Pine Schools high school students stayed in school in 2004-05 than their peers statewide, according to information released by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) this week. The ODE study shows that the five Bend-La Pine Schools high schools average dropout rate of 2.6% is significantly lower than the state dropout average of 4.2%. Superintendent Doug Nelson says that lowering the dropout rate has been a community effort.  “We have been working closely with our ... [full story]

One out of three home fires begins in the kitchen October is National Fire Prevention Month and Bend Fire & Rescue is reminding residents to 'Prevent Cooking Fires: “Watch What You Heat”. During this year's fire safety campaign, Bend Fire & Rescue will be spreading the word about the dangers of cooking fires--most of which result from unattended cooking—and teaching local residents how to prevent cooking fires from starting in the first place. According to the ... [full story]