CORVALLIS, Ore. – A hypoxic “dead zone” has formed off the Oregon Coast for the fifth time in five years, according to researchers at Oregon State University. A fundamental new trend in atmospheric and ocean circulation patterns in the Pacific Northwest appears to have begun, scientists say, and apparently is expanding its scope beyond Oregon waters.    Francis Chan brings up a sample aboard the Elahka in this July 25, 2006, photo. This year for the first time, ... [full story]

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Anglers are reporting good success on rainbow trout from 12-16 inches. BIG LAVA LAKE : Anglers are catching stringers of trout and the fish are in excellent condition averaging 13 to 16 inches in size. 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 ... [full story]

School Improvement Wednesdays kicked-off this week with early release for all Bend-La Pine Schools elementary and middle school students. Beginning Wednesday, September 27, schools dismissed elementary students at 2:00 p.m. and middle school students at 1:00 p.m. Students at Three Rivers School in Sunriver are released at 1:30 p.m.  This schedule remains in effect through June 6, 2007. “The early dismissal provides school staff an opportunity to focus on school-improvement through a variety of training, planning ... [full story]

On Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29, the railroad crossing at Smith Rock Way in Terrebonne will be closed to traffic to allow BNSF to repair the crossing. For more information, contact the Deschutes County Road Department at 388-6581. [full story]

On Thursday, October 5, 2006, the public is invited to attend an informational luncheon meeting on the Deschutes County Home Rule Charter proposal that will be on the ballot this November.  A home rule charter is like a constitution for the County which would allow changes in the structure of County government, i.e. changing the number of commissioners from three to five, having the commission elections be nonpartisan like the Sheriff and the Clerk, electing the commissioners by geographic districts ... [full story]

If you've never been addicted, this may surprise you: Getting into treatment for an alcohol, drug or gambling addiction is often a frightening experience. You're afraid of change, scared to live without your habit, questioning whether you deserve success because people have beaten you down about your failings. Not only that, but people also often get into treatment as a result of a crisis -- a brush with the law, loss of children to state ... [full story]

The Humane Society of Central Oregon needs the communities help in providing premium kitten, puppy, adult dog and cat food to feed the 158 animals currently in our shelter and foster homes.  The shelter cares for nearly 5,000 animals each year, and asks the public's assistance in the feeding of these homeless animals. The Humane Society of Central Oregon needs premium dry food for kittens, puppies, adult dogs and cats.  The animals require the best possible nutrition and ... [full story]

More than 450 kindergarten through third grade R.E. Jewell Elementary School students were given the gift of literacy on Thursday, thanks to the Chalkboard Project.  Each student received a new book to take home, in either English or Spanish, on September 28.Chalkboard Project’s Shirley Skidmore says the donation will help reinforce the importance of building a strong foundation in reading. “Research tells us that children who are proficient readers by third grade are more likely to ... [full story]