Ted Thonstad, Superintendent of the Sisters Schools District, today announced his intention to leave the district at the end of the current academic year.  He informed the school board of his decision during a previously scheduled executive session meeting of the board.  Mr. Thonstad joined the district in August of 2004, and intends to remain in his position through the term of his current contract, which extends through June 30, 2007.  He will have served ... [full story]

Hot Buttered Rum will appear at the Domino Room at 8:30 p.m.  on Saturday, December 9. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.  We are separated by age or gender, by belief systems or money, by city blocks or hemispheres. But the sheer scale or severity of world events can sometimes steamroll even the deepest of these rifts. Large-scale military conflict, slow but unrelenting climate changes, and the disturbing depletion of our global ... [full story]

Bellatazza, a popular, award-winning coffee shop began brewing coffee in Sunriver last week.  Bellatazza Caffe, a traditional café specializing in espresso preparation and coffee roasting, is currently located in downtown Bend and has struck a licensing agreement with Sunriver Resort.  Located in Sunriver Realty’s new distinctive building on Beaver Drive at the gateway to Sunriver’s commercial shopping village, Bellatazza opened to huge Thanksgiving vacation crowds. “Sunriver Resort is delighted to offer a great new service ... [full story]

Enroll in Six Part Series and Find Your Own Voice – No Experience Necessary Ellen Waterston, award-winning author and poet and founder of the Writing Ranch and The Nature of Words, will conduct a six-part series of workshops on writing creative nonfiction and memoir starting January 9, 2007. Titled “Getting Out of Your Own Way,” the workshops will be held at the Broken Top Clubhouse Board Room, Bend, Oregon from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. each ... [full story]

Winning Over Anger and Violence has elected Alicia Mehlis, to the Board of Directors. She has been a teacher and principal in Southern California schools. She has served as a fundraiser and committee member for many community and professional organizations. As a member-at-large, Ms. Mehlis will help with promotions and fundraising.WINNING Over Anger and Violence has provided counseling services for 19 years in Central Oregon. It is currently seeking community members to help with fundraising, ... [full story]

New tax laws could mean extra savings for you when it comes time to file your taxes. But CPA/Attorney Jim Lange says you need to learn how the new laws affect you now to ensure you take advantage of the full savings. The end of the year is fast approaching. Time for the usual indulgences: eating too much at parties, spending too much on holiday gifts, and planning overly ambitious New Year's resolutions to undo ... [full story]

Cascade Harley-Davidson and Buell announced today their annual Holiday Charity Drive to benefit St. Vincent de Paul.  The public is invited to bring toys, clothes or food donations to Cascade Harley-Davidson until December 15 and receive 10% off select merchandise. The annual Christmas Tree Lot opens December 1 and net proceeds will benefit local charities. For more information, visit www.cascadeharley.com, or call 541.330.6228. About Cascade Harley-Davidson After acquiring the dealership from Bears and Roses Harley-Davidson ... [full story]

Purrfect Gift Raises Money for Humane Society Capturing the essence of your four-legged friend in a photograph is difficult.  The Humane Society of Central Oregon is making it easy to get a professional photograph of your pet which also raises money for animals in need.  On Saturday, December 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Humane Society of Central Oregon, Bend Petography will capture the spirit of your furry friend in a holiday ... [full story]

Weather conditions on Thursday allowed rescue team members to successfully recover the body of Roger Rouse, the 53-year old father who died in the Mt. Bachelor area after going missing and failing to return from a snowmobile ride he began with his son on Sunday. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, assisted by Jefferson County/Camp Sherman Hasty Team, the US Forest Service, and City of Bend Water Department recovered Roger Rouse from the Bridge Creek ... [full story]

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]