The Salvation Army seeks help in aiding needy families in The Dalles area this year. The number of families who have signed up for assistance this year is up about 25 percent from 2008, Capt. Paul Chouinard, of The Dalles Corps, said. Full Story »
WASHINGTON — An unexpected surge in college enrollment has created an $18 billion shortfall in the Pell Grant program, the biggest in its history. Full Story »
Police and firefighters responded to a house fire at 1015 Garrison Street Wednesday evening around 7:43 p.m. The fire apparently started around wiring in the attic of the home. It was reported by someone outside the home who noticed smoke coming from attic vents, according to the fire report. Full Story »
One lane of East Third Street will be closed for the two blocks between Madison and Taylor streets on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of The Dalles Public Works Department will be doing an investigation on the water main at the corner of East Third and Monroe streets. Full Story »
GRANTS PASS — With school funding tight, state leaders would like to squeeze a little more money out of timberland in Oregon’s Coast Range — the last, best remnant of a network of state lands that once paid for K-12 education. Full Story »
For the first time in more than two decades, Wasco County Court will commission a professional study of wages and job descriptions for the county’s approximately 150-person workforce. Full Story »
RESERVE, N.M. — A federal program that began as a safety net for Pacific Northwest logging communities hard-hit by battles over the spotted owl in the 1990s has morphed into a sprawling entitlement — one that ships vast amounts of money to states with little or no historic connection to timber, an analysis by The Associated Press shows. Full Story »
North Central Public Health District will hold another public H1N1 vaccine clinic for priority vaccination groups at Wahtonka’s west campus, 3601 W. 10th St. in The Dalles, according to Teri Thalhofer, RN, district director. Full Story »
Wasco County Commissioner Bill Lennox views the reshaping of the government’s operating structure as a pivotal moment in local history. “Our goal is to step out of the past but protect that piece of our culture by retaining our direct accountability to the people,” he said. Full Story »
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Army captain from Oregon has pleaded guilty to charges that he stole nearly $700,000 from the government while in Iraq. Capt. Michael Dung Nguyen pleaded guilty Monday to theft and money-laundering charges. Sentencing is March 1. He is stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. Full Story »
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — Dozens of survivors of Pearl Harbor on Monday solemnly remembered those who died in the Japanese aerial assault 68 years ago as a top Navy commander said their bravery laid the foundation for the subsequent U.S. victory in World War II. Full Story »
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Northwest Airlines pilots who overshot Minneapolis have blamed air traffic controllers in part for the incident, saying controllers violated procedures. Full Story »
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc. have signed off on their plan to team up against Google Inc. in the lucrative Internet search market. Full Story »
ATLANTA — Swine flu infections continue to wane, just as vaccine is becoming plentiful enough that some communities are allowing everyone to get it, not just those in priority groups. Full Story »
I can see all the downfalls of feeling sorry for yourself. I want to move on... —Jake French Sometimes it only takes a moment to send a life spinning in a vastly different direction. Full Story »
ZILLAH, Wash. (AP) — Debbie Mendoza leaned over to pet the dog she just ruled dangerous. Mendoza, the judge at Zillah Municipal Court, smiled and let Raja, a pit bull, lick her hand. Full Story »
KABUL — U.S. Marines and Afghan troops Friday launched the first offensive since President Barack Obama announced an American troop surge, striking against Taliban communications and supply lines in a southern insurgent stronghold, a military spokesman said. Full Story »
Sometimes, reaching out across the years to reconnect can bring the most surprising results. Roger Howe — insurance agent, search and rescue team member and bowhunter of bears — had just such an experience this year. Full Story »
Jackass Penguins take a walk at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Japan. AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye
More Photos and Slideshow »
All Comics »
