Oregonians struggling to put food on the table are more than twice as likely to suffer from depression than those with no such worries, according to a new report released this week by the Oregon Center for Public Policy. In response to a statewide telephone survey, one in three adults from households facing limited or uncertain availability of food -- what the federal government calls "food insecurity" -- reported being depressed, said the Silverton-based institute. ... [full story]

Teachers And Students Celebrate Post-Secondary Education During College Day The halls, classrooms, and playgrounds at Bend, La Pine, and Sunriver schools are bursting with school spirit today, Friday, November 30, as thousands of students and staff arrived in the colors of their favorite collegiate schools.Superintendent Doug Nelson says that while many Bend-La Pine Schools (BLS) students may be too young to ‘hum’ their favorite team fight song, it’s not too early to instill an excitement ... [full story]

Name Suggestions Due by Monday, December 31, 2007   Following the recent reconstruction of Forest Service Road 40/Road 45, (also known as the Sunriver-to-Mt. Bachelor Road), Deschutes County Commissioners are asking the public for ideas on what to rename the road. The County has assumed jurisdiction and road maintenance of Road 40/45. Under County code, all public and private roads are required to be named. The Board of County Commissioners will consider ideas from the public and ... [full story]

Fixed mortgage rates fell to the lowest level since March, with the average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate now 6.17 percent. According to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders, the average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.36 discount and origination points. The average 15-year fixed rate mortgage popular for refinancing decreased by a similar amount, to 5.85 percent. But the average jumbo 30-year fixed rate continued to move higher, rising to 7.24 ... [full story]

Dear Editor: Millions of car owners trust independent repair shops to provide affordable and competitive automotive repair service.  Unfortunately, the ability of motorists to choose where to get their vehicle repaired could be seriously challenged in the future.  Vehicles engine, safety and entertainment systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with virtually every vehicle system either monitored or controlled by computers.  Servicing these vehicles will require that independent shops have full access to the same information and ... [full story]

PRINEVILLE, Ore. - 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, 2007, to May 31, 2008. Forest Service managers are instituting the emergency closure order because increasing off-highway vehicle use has destroyed native vegetation, increased noxious weed spread, disturbed critical big game habitat and impacted culturally-sensitive areas.  Sediment is also being carried into creeks and stream beds ... [full story]

Every two years the City of Bend conducts a citizen survey to monitor citizen satisfaction with city services and gather input from residents about issues facing the community. The survey results are an important tool for the City in identifying the needs of the community and in measuring citizens’ attitudes and perceptions of city programs and services. The results also provide information for the City to prioritize allocation of city resources, while helping to shape ... [full story]

Redmond police are seeking the public’s help in locating the driver that allegedly struck a boy in a crosswalk in southwest Redmond Thursday afternoon and fled the scene. The boy’s mother reported that a vehicle turning onto SW Rimrock Way from SW Highland Avenue hit her son as he was crossing in a marked crosswalk about 5:30 p.m., November 29, causing a minor injury to his knee that didn’t require immediate medical attention, Redmond Police ... [full story]

Three men were arrested Wednesday night in connection with a small-scale marijuana growing operation discovered in a home in northwest Redmond after complaints from neighbors prompted an investigation, authorities reported. Police also seized a quantity of MDMA, commonly known as Ecstacy, from the home.   (left to right) Casey J. Tipton, Shane Murray Fitton, and John Herbert Bluhm (DCJ photos) Acting on tips from residents in the area, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) detectives opened an investigation ... [full story]

Acting on tips from neighbors, a month-long investigation led to the arrest of a man and woman who were charged with multiple crimes following a drug raid at a southwest Bend apartment. Over $4,000 worth of cocaine, cash and other items associated with drug sales were found, drug agents reported yesterday.   Joel Gary Baxter (left) and Elizabeth Elaine MacDonald (right) - DCJ photos According to a news release prepared by Bend Police Lt. John Gautney, detectives ... [full story]