Starting December 1, the new human papillomavirus vaccine will be added to the list of immunizations covered in Oregon under the federal Vaccines for Children program. The cancer-preventing immunization, more commonly referred to as HPV vaccine, has been on the market since June at a cost of $120 per dose. Three doses are required for full protection. Currently some private insurance plans cover the vaccine but not all do, according to Lorraine Duncan, immunization manager ... [full story]

The holidays are coming, and with the season comes the 13th year of Santa Express, a partnership between the Bend Fire Department, the Bend Firefighters Association, and The Salvation Army to provide food, clothing, and toys to families in need in Central Oregon. A new part of Santa Express this year is a one-day Santa Express Coat & Blanket Drive, conducted in partnership with Sportsman’s Warehouse.  On Friday, December 8, stop by the parking lot ... [full story]

Oregon's first confirmed influenza case of the season has been reported to the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division, state officials announced today. The case of influenza A occurred in a 34-year old Washington County adult male, and was reported by Kaiser Permanente Northwest laboratory, said Mel Kohn, MD, MPH, state epidemiologist in DHS. Kohn added that the man was not hospitalized and is recovering at home. "This tells us that flu has ... [full story]

On December 7, the 65th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Oregon Parks and Recreation (OPRD) and the Des Chutes Historical Center (DHC) will dedicate two new memorials in honor of Colonel Rex T. Barber.  On April 18, 1943, Barber, who served as a W.W. II Army Air Corps fighter pilot, shot down Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, architect of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The first dedication begins at 1:00 p.m. at Peter Skene ... [full story]

The last place you expect to find classic regional Italian cuisine is at an airport. Particularly in a restaurant celebrating the 15th century artist Leonardo da Vinci, who gave the world the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper." But entrepreneurial chef Stefano Colaiacomo has taken a carefully considered culinary flier and has opened Stefano's da Vinci Ristorante ( www.stefanosdavinci.com) at Daugherty's Sky Harbor, an executive jet complex one minute away from Long Beach (Calif.) Airport, ... [full story]

AgendaThursday, December 7, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.Des Chutes Historical Center129 NW Idaho Avenue, Bend1.  Call to Order/ Roll Call 2.  Consideration of Minutes of July 20, 2006 3.  Consideration of Minutes of August 31, 2006 4.  Consideration of Minutes of September 21, 2006 5.  Consideration of Minutes of October 19, 2006 6.  General Comments and questions from the public. (Topics that are not on the agenda.) 7.  Public Hearing.Bend Planning Division Case: PZ 06-607Owner/Applicant:  Joan M. ErcoliniAddress: 350 NW Staats Avenue, Bend, ... [full story]

Central Oregon Community Colleges’s Cascade Chorale will present “Holiday Magic” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9; and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 10, at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. James W. Knox, assistant professor of music at COCC, will direct. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. This is a fundraising event for Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living. The event is sponsored by SELCO Credit Union and Tennant Development. Tickets cost $15 and are ... [full story]

Motorized vehicle use will be prohibited in parts of the McKay Creek watershed on the Lookout Mountain Ranger District of the Ochoco National Forest from December 1, 2006 to May 21, 2007, to protect natural resources. McKay Creek flows from the western edge of the national forest toward Prineville, along Forest Road 27.  Open routes in the closure area include Forest Roads 27, 2705, 2710, 33, 325, 350 and 3320.  Dispersed camping will be allowed ... [full story]

On Tuesday, December 12th, a public meeting will be held by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to present its Flood Insurance Study Revisions for incorporated Deschutes County. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Deschutes County Services Center building in the Barnes Room, located at 1300 NW Wall Street.Representatives from the Oregon State Department of Land Conservation and Development, FEMA, and other local communities will be on hand to discuss the ... [full story]

The community can help the homeless animals this holiday season by participating in the Humane Society of Central Oregon’s holiday wish trees by donating food and supplies.  For the pet lover on your list give an adoption gift certificate or identification tag.  For those that prefer to choose their own present, a gift certificate from the Humane Society Thrift Store is the perfect answer.  For those who like to make it easy for others to ... [full story]