A lot of people put their exercise regimens on hold during the long, winter months because they don't think it'll be safe to do the things they like to do.  While it's true that Winter is a more dangerous time of year to be out and about -- low temperatures raise the risks for everything from frostbite and muscle pulls to slips on icy sidewalks -- you don't need to stay cooped up inside all ... [full story]

Patient anxiety. There are books devoted to it. Web sites. There’s even “White Coat Syndrome,” which causes a patient to have high blood pressure and other symptoms only in the doctor's office. The fact is when it comes to visiting the doctor, anxiety-induced symptoms can range from mild fear to a full-blown clinical phobia. Is it the medicinal smell? The stark white walls? The long wait? A bad previous experience? Perhaps it’s the fear of ... [full story]

(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]

(PART 1 OF A 2-PART FEATURE) About three years ago, White Oaks treatment center staff began noticing a new population of young people coming in for heroin detox. It is a predominantly white, middle-class group between the ages of 18 and 25, though there have been clients younger than that. They come from Peoria and also from smaller towns and more rural areas. Some of them live in nice, comfortable homes, either with their parents ... [full story]

"American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America" by Chris Hedges; Free Press; 255 pages; $25.   The chords Hedges pounds out in "American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America" might have rung more clearly and carried further before the results of the Nov. 7 elections were in. Still, the problems with this book are more than a case of unfortunate timing: Hedges has constructed a slippery slope and then gone and ... [full story]

Police have released the identity of the pedestrian killed Monday night when he was struck by a vehicle as he attempted to cross S. Third Street near Powers Road in Bend.  It is likely that the victim’s dark clothing and alcohol impairment were contributing factors in the incident, said Sgt. Dan Ritchie, although the investigation is ongoing. Ben James Bjork, 48, was found lying in the middle of the street when officers responded to the ... [full story]

Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Sherman, Wasco and Wheeler counties and their 32 cities received $404,002 in December in the Oregon Liquor Control Commission’s (OLCC) statewide liquor revenue allocation. Here’s the distribution: Crook Co., pop. 24,525, $12,013 -- Prineville, $14,137; Deschutes Co., pop.152,615, $74,758 -- Bend, $106,490; Redmond, $33,238; Sisters, $2,468; Gilliam Co., pop. 1,885, $923 -- Arlington, $827; Condon, $1,089; Lonerock, $28; Hood River Co., pop. 21,335, $10,451 -- Cascade Locks, ... [full story]

SUNRIVER, Oregon -- Two Sunriver Resort sales managers have been named to the President and Chairman's Club by Destination Hotels & Resorts.  Debra Jolma and Joseé Cullins were honored at Miramonte Resort and Spa in Palm Springs on January 10.  The President and Chairman's Club recognizes sales managers who exceeded their yearly booking goals.    Debra Jolma and Joseé Cullins were honored at Miramonte Resort and Spa in Palm Springs on January 10. Debra Jolma, Senior Sales Manager, ... [full story]

Salem -- The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) distributed $24,273,300 in earnings from the Common School Fund to Oregon’s 198 K-12 public school districts.  Regionally, Bend-La Pine Schools received $635,723, Redmond $282,827, and $175,404 went to Crook County School District.   “Common School Funds make a difference for Oregon’s school districts.  Every dollar helps in the effort to ensure that all students in Oregon are successful,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo.  Twice ... [full story]

It takes nearly 7 million trucks and 20,000 locomotives to transport more than 9 billion tons of goods throughout the U.S. each year. Trucks carry about 66 percent of all freight shipped in the U.S., with rail transport shipping about 16 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. While the ground freight transport system is invaluable to businesses, the economy and consumers, it is not without costs. Moving freight accounts for 20 percent of ... [full story]