Oregon Law Enforcement and Business Leaders Call on Lawmakers to Increase Federal Funding for Head Start Attorney General Hardy Myers, Oregon law enforcement leaders and a representative of the business community released a report recently that shows Head Start not only prepares children to succeed in school, it also prevents crime, saves Oregon taxpayers money and is good for the economy. The report calls for increased investments to expand access to Head Start and improve ... [full story]

OCHOCO DISTRICTPRINEVILLE RESERVOIR WMA:  The entry gates for the North Side Access Road have been shut closing the WMA to motorized access for the protection of wintering big game.  The area is open to foot traffic and other non-motorized access.   COUGAR: Cougar are reported regularly in the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units, at all elevations and habitat types.  Areas to consider include the Alkali Butte and Sanford Creek (Maury WMU); Bridge Creek, Sunflower Creek, and ... [full story]

A recent study found that many Americans are in danger when it comes to taking prescription medicine because they cannot comprehend how much and how often the medication should be taken. Misunderstanding was particularly high among those with an eighth-grade literacy level or below and those who took many prescription drugs. The study, "To Err is Truly Human: Literacy and Misunderstanding of Prescription Drug Labels," was released Nov. 29 at www.annals.org and will be printed ... [full story]

Some streams closed to trout fishing. Few new reports for the Central zone this week as conditions have not changed much; contact ODFW at the Deschutes Watershed Office (541) 388-6363 or Klamath Watershed Office (541) 883-5732 for more information on fishing opportunities. ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-14 inch rainbow trout are fair. Illegally introduced bullhead have had a negative impact on trout angling. Recent snows may limit access. Contact Ochoco National Forest @ 541-416-6500. CLEAR ... [full story]

Cascade Bancorp has been selected as a participant in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and the Davidson 99 Regional Index. According to a recent FORBES article, Standard and Poor's Small-Cap 600 index has returned 53% over the past three years versus a 28% return for its larger counterpart, the S&P 500. The Standard & Poor's SmallCap 600 is one of the preferred small-cap indexes in the U.S., covering approximately 3-4% of the domestic equities markets. ... [full story]

In 2005, Deschutes Brewery officially launched its Reserve Series with Mirror Mirror, a delicious oak-aged barley wine loosely based on a double batch of Mirror Pond Pale Ale. This year our brewers decided to experiment with an Imperial Stout, appropriately named The Abyss after its dark, deep and mysterious flavor experience. The Abyss has immeasurable depth inviting you to explore and discover its rich, complex profile. Hints of molasses, licorice and other alluring flavors draw ... [full story]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife needs assistance from local steelhead anglers this winter to evaluate the hatchery steelhead program at the Nehalem Hatchery.Kiosks have been placed at key locations along the river, and anglers are asked to stop and fill out a short survey at the end of their fishing day. The goal of the project is to estimate the contribution of each hatchery stock to the sport catch, and to collect information about ... [full story]

The sixth annual Make-A-Wish Radiothon exceeded its goal and raised $35,645 and 266,414 frequent flier miles that will help grant 8 wishes to children living with life-threatening medical conditions in Central Oregon.  The Make-A-Wish Radiothon aired on 105.7 KQAK-FM, THE PEAK 104.1 and LITE 95.1.    The Peak 104.1’s Larry Wilson (left) and Bryon Mengle (right) with Wish Kid Aaron at the sixth annual Make-A-Wish Radiothon.  The two-day event raised $35,645 and 266,414 air miles to ... [full story]

Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski proclaimed tomorrow “Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day” and asked that all flags at public institutions be flown at half-staff on Thursday, December 7, 2006 in remembrance of the 65th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.  “On this 65th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, we should take a moment to think about the veterans who gave their lives fighting for their country,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Pearl Harbor Day is a day not only to remember the veterans ... [full story]

Faced with rising health care costs and increasing patient financial responsibility, a new 0.00% financing program at St. Charles provides patients with a needed payment option.To provide patients with more payment options and help ease concerns about how to cover the ever-increasing number of “self-pay” expenses (out-of-pocket hospital care costs not covered by insurance or other providers) St. Charles Medical Center – Bend and St. Charles Redmond have partnered with Aequitas Capital Management to offer ... [full story]