Fourteen-year-old Xiao Fan lost his parents in a flood. Fifteen-year-old Si Xun has only one hand; when her parents divorced, neither wanted her. Sixteen-year-old Xiao Ying was found abandoned as an infant. Now, thanks to a new company in Bend and the dedication of a man raised in Chinese orphanages, these teens and several others have a shot at a secure future.Launched earlier this year, Scrolls From China sells intricate, museum-quality Chinese wall scrolls painted ... [full story]

Former founder and director of the COCC Massage Therapy Program Deby Grant-Bowman and partner Jim Parker LMT/AAS Massage, are opening the Sage School Of Massage & Healing Arts on October 9, 2006, a private, state-of-the-art school offering a complete massage therapy licensing program.The program offers manageable schedules, 750-hour integrated curriculum, educational loans, an evening program and job placement program.  There will be private parking for every student.  The program is licensed by the Oregon Department ... [full story]

It’s rare to find a teenager that truly has a grasp of what they want to be when they grow up.  Many talk of wanting to be a rock star or actor, but not Michael Tobey.  He always knew he was destined to be a chiropractor.   Dr. Michael Tobey says of his profession, "I like serving people. I think it's the greatest joy." As a young teen, he used to get headaches and nose bleeds.  His mother, who ... [full story]

At age 60, Mike Schmidt has accomplished a lot in his life.  He has owned two businesses, fought in the Vietnam War, run a political campaign, worked his way through the ranks of corporate America to serve as VP for a major banking company, raised a family and retired only to come out of retirement again. That is just the beginning of the story for the Oklahoma native come president & CEO of The Bend Chamber ... [full story]

KQAK-FM has been named 2006 Oregon Radio Station of the Year by the Oregon Association of Broadcasters.  The announcement was made at the Fall Conference of the Oregon Association of Broadcasters on August 25, 2006.    105.7 KQAK-FM was named the 2006 Oregon Radio Station of the Year by the Oregon Association of Broadcasters.  (L-R) Jeff Nelson, Dan Dubay, and Bruce Cannon “This is a tremendous honor for our team of 23 full-time and 6 part-time employees,” ... [full story]

RK Advertising announces the addition of Michael Paul as an Account Executive.   Michael brings more the 20 years of sales and marketing experience to his position. RK Advertising is a full service promotional product agency partnering with companies to grow and develop their business and marketing efforts.   Michael Paul  [full story]

In college, Fire Chief Larry Langston had dreams of becoming a teacher.  He attended Colorado State University as an undergraduate and graduate student where he earned his degree in biology. Just as he planned, he taught high school biology and coached the wrestling and baseball teams.  However, at the age of 21, a new interest began to take root, an interest in fire fighting. “I spent five summers in Montana fighting wild-land fires while I ... [full story]

Talk to Gary Bonacker and it is easy to see that he has an amazing passion for life, his family, cycling and his shop Sunnyside Sports.  The 53-year-old shop co-owner has what most people dream of; a great business, a wonderful wife, Susan, and a precious nine-year-old little girl, Frankie.  He was content with where he was in life and what he was doing.    Gary Bonacker, co-owner of Sunnyside Sports    (L) Lance Armstrong, (R) Gary BonackerThen ... [full story]

When Jerry Leach went on vacation to Mexico, he had no idea it would lead to him living in Bend and managing the Ticket Mill in the Shops in the Old Mill District. The 29-year-old native Oregonian was passing through Northern California when it struck him that it was time to move to Central Oregon, the place where he had spent many of his childhood summers. “Before I even crossed back into the state line, ... [full story]

Horizon Broadcasting Group has named Bill Baker as News Director for its Central Oregon cluster of radio stations. Baker has been heard on the nationally syndicated “Dairyline” radio program for the past 7 years, and also serves as its General Manager of Operations. “We are delighted to have a seasoned news professional like Bill joining our team,” said Keith Shipman, President & CEO of Horizon Broadcasting Group.  “Bill is a terrific reporter, producer and anchor ... [full story]

If anyone had told Scott Sabo five years ago that he would be doing hotrod, air suspensions and hydraulics he would have laughed at them. However, that is one of the many things his custom shop; Suspension Specialties is known for today.   Scott Sabo of Suspension Specialties,  63055 Corporate Pl.      The 39-year-old Bend business owner is known for going beyond what is normal and has made quite a name for himself in automotive circles. “I have ... [full story]

The St. Charles Foundation today announced that it has received a $15,000 capital campaign pledge from SELCO Community Credit Union. “As an organization celebrating its 70th year of serving members, SELCO understands the power of long-term thinking and creating a bold vision for the future. Clearly, so does St. Charles,” said Ava Milosevich, President and CEO of SELCO Community Credit Union. “We look forward to seeing the benefits that their work and this donation will ... [full story]

Oregon nanotechnology efforts receive Appropriations Committee funding approval   Senators Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith have announced that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved millions of dollars in funding for defense-related projects in Oregon, including significant funding for a number of Oregon nanotechnology projects through the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI).  Three Central Oregon businesses are slated to receive a total of $9 million if the FY2007 Defense spending bill is approved by the full ... [full story]