OCHOCO DISTRICT 2nd BULL SEASON: Wet, muddy conditions appeared to keep hunters close to roads and camp, and contributed to lower than expected success. Elk appear scattered across public and private lands, at all elevations. Last years above average calf numbers should provide improved opportunities for yearling bulls, with a good carry over of mature bulls noted in the Maury and Ochoco units. Hunters in the Ochoco Unit are reminded the motorized access restrictions are ... [full story]

Opportunities in the region, particularly in the high country, will diminish with colder weather. ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-14 inch rainbow trout are fair. Illegally introduced bullhead have had a negative impact on trout angling. CLEAR LAKE: Clear Lake, located about 20 miles west of Maupin, has been stocked with keeper trout and should offer good angling opportunity.COLUMBIA RIVER FROM BONNEVILLE RESERVOIR TO JOHN DAY DAM: Bass fishing has been good in the main Columbia ... [full story]

Two alleged car thieves were arrested by Oregon State Police troopers Tuesday morning near La Pine after leading officers on a ten minute car chase on Highways 97 and 31, often at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.  One suspect fled on foot only to be found hiding in an area residential neighborhood two hours later, said authorities. At about 10 a.m. November 7, Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper David MacKenzie attempted to ... [full story]

In a joint press release issued by Chapter 92 of the Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) and Sisters School District 6, it was announced Wednesday, November 8, that a new collective bargaining agreement has been tentatively agreed to. According to the press release, details of the agreement will not be released until the OSEA Chapter 92 membership and the Sisters School Board have ratified the agreement. [full story]

Bend Fire & Rescue will conduct a live fire exercise drill at a residential house located at 61561 Sunny Breeze Lane in southwest Bend on Wednesday, November 15. New firefighter/paramedic recruits from Bend and Redmond Fire & Rescue will use this opportunity to learn about fire behavior and fire dynamics, proper scene preservation for fire investigations, and effective firefighting techniques. This exercise is part of a 10-week joint firefighter academy between Bend and Redmond Fire ... [full story]

The Franklin Bridge Underpass will be reduced to one lane of traffic on Sunday, November 12 between 6 a.m. and noon to allow maintenance work to be performed on the stormwater system.  The affected area is between Third and Harriman Streets on NW Franklin Avenue. According to Kevin Ramsey, Assistant Streets Supervisor with the City of Bend, only one lane of traffic will be open, and one direction of traffic will be allowed to move ... [full story]

With only a few weeks to go, the Bend Christmas Parade committee is busy planning and coordinating the annual parade, to be held on Saturday, December 9th at noon in downtown Bend.  Within the next few weeks, the grand marshal will be selected and additional details addressed.   “The 2006 Christmas parade committee proudly announces that Sing A Song of Christmas is the theme for this year's parade in the hope that music will enhance the ... [full story]

Retail outlets and Forest Service offices throughout Central Oregon are now selling permits to harvest Christmas trees from the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forests. About 7,000 Christmas tree permits were sold in Central Oregon last year. More than half the proceeds from the sale of permits will be retained for use on the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forests. The permits can be purchased for $5 at Forest Service offices and at some retail outlets. A ... [full story]

Hunters are reminded that it is illegal to bring deer, elk or moose parts containing central nervous system tissue into Oregon from any state or province with a documented case of Chronic Wasting Disease.In recent weeks, several hunters have been cited for not following the ban. Though the regulation has been in effect since 2002, the citations show some hunters may be unaware of, or simply not following the rules, which are crucial to keeping ... [full story]

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has signed an agreement with the city of Madras on a $4.6 million, long-term Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan as part of the city’s continuing wastewater disposal improvements. The city is expanding its treated effluent reuse capabilities as part of these improvements. The loan monies, which represent nearly half of a $9.6 million facility expansion project, will be used to increase the city’s sewage treatment capacity and ... [full story]