The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

To the Editor:

I appreciated reading Randall McCall's letter in last week's Nugget, which opposed the views I expressed in my letter published the prior week. In my letter, I stated several concerns about the Tollgate-to-Sisters High School trail's resurfacing along the portion that traverses Tollgate property.

A couple days earlier, I had a lengthy and mutually respectful conversation with a fellow Tollgate resident about the issue. She explained in depth the reasons why she supported the entire trail's resurfacing (many of which were the same as points Mr. McCall made). Hearing her rationale led me to reconsider and moderate my position.

I now appreciate more fully how the entire trail's resurfacing would benefit Tollgate and Sisters residents, and I would fully support it if two of my previously stated concerns were addressed and allayed.

I would want the Sisters Trails Alliance to issue binding assurances that they would not attempt to use the resurfaced trail as a Trojan Horse to revive their proposal for a Sisters-to-Black Butte Ranch asphalt path, as they have previously stated they might do.

Also, I would want to know that use of the Tollgate portion of the trail by the broader public would not lead to the loss of Tollgate's associated easement rights.

These concerns are legitimate, as are the views expressed by people who support the resurfacing of the entire Tollgate-to-Sisters High School trail. Let's have a discussion and make the outcome a win-win for all involved.

Michael Cooper

s s s

To the Editor

My wife and I recently returned from beautiful Methow Valley, WA for a few days of Nordic skiing. While scoping out a rendezvous point along the community trail, signs directed us to a rest area. The rest area turned out to be a delightfully appointed self-service warming room complete with snacks and hot beverages. The room was attached to a private residence. A note on the door said, "This room is provided as a GIFT to users of the community trail."

WOW.

The Methow Valley community trail (www.methowtrails.org) was conceived of in 1977 and today encompasses over 200 km of hiking, biking and Nordic ski trails of which 44 percent crosses over 175 private properties via easements generously provided by visionary private property owners. Today, this amazing trail system generates over 6.7 million dollars annually in economic benefit to the area.

WOW.

Later, while skiing blissfully along the well-groomed trail and contemplating the generosity of so many private landowners co-operating to make this fabulous trail possible, we came upon a unique modern structure with a traditional forest service sign, including user icons, that said "BASECAMP."

As a curious builder, I had to investigate.

Shortly after opening the door, I was greeted by a friendly fellow, who introduced himself as Greg.

I said, "Is this a public warming space?" He said, "No, this is my home - but come on in anyway!" After profuse apologies, Greg told me he could have built his house anywhere on his four-acre property, but he and his wife love being close to the trail and seeing all the happy people ski past their front window.

He also said homes close to the trail command a higher value in the real estate market, and knows of no issues related to theft, vandalism or assault due to trail use by the public.

I was their first bona fide "intruder" and would I care for a hot drink?

WOW!

Onward we went, meandering through forest, stream and meadow passing people of all ages and physical capabilities - every one with rosy cheeks, wide smiles, and cheerful greetings to others on the trail.

WOW.

Kris Calvin

•••

To the Editor:

I am in strong support of upgrading the existing Tollgate trail.

Given the dollars made available through generous donations, the residents of Tollgate would be receiving an upgrade to our living community without additional cost to the homeowner. Hiking and cycling trails connecting living communities to towns and cities has the dual benefit of increasing livability and increasing property value for those living there.

Let's get it done.

Winter Lewis

•••

To the Editor:

My ole Dad used to say, "you can't change the spots on a leopard." We sure witnessed a recent example of that as two prominent "black-face" Democratic politicians were exposed.

I thought all that changed after the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Or was 1964 just a political necessity resulting from public pressure as Americans witnessed on TV night after night peaceful demonstrators being beat, watered down with fire hoses, attacked by dogs, or being lynched?

The "party of slavery" racists didn't give up easily. Senator Robert KKK Byrd even filibustered for 14 hours 13 minutes leading the fight to defeat the 1964 legislation. I'll bet there are a lot more secrets not yet revealed.

I have to admire how Democrat politicians have fooled many into believing that everyone who disagrees with them are racists. Seriously, who uses race baiting constantly, who uses race as a tool to divide, who runs elections focused on race, and who manages the largest cities where poverty and crime have the most negative effect on people of color? Who are the real racists then? Maybe it hasn't changed at all; like spots on a leopard.

Jeff Mackey

•••

To the Editor:

Hats off to President Trump on his State of the Union address! I am one of many who is deeply appreciative to this administration for all the good they have done for the citizens of this country. His speech was outstanding, and I deeply respect the Office of the President. He's got a tough job, and he's doing it well.

Jordan Pope

•••

To the Editor:

Well, actually I do think highly of my neighbors and the Sisters schools, which are known for excellence.

I'm impressed by the many students who've been highlighted as Student of the Month, by activities such as the Sparrow Club, the Seed to Table program, the talented athletes and others gifted in art, music, science, etc. And my comments were not meant to suggest that those who choose the LGBT route are not also talented in many ways and worthwhile, loving people. Our own extended family has members in that community.

But nevertheless, I and many others are very concerned that many of our young people all over the country are being led into a lifestyle that is detrimental to them - in increasing numbers as it is being presented to them as being a normal choice, even becoming something of a fad and a cool thing to do. Also it is detrimental to female athletes who have worked hard to excel in their sport, only to be beaten by "girls" who are biological

boys!

The arguments in support of this are arguments with God, not with me. For "In the beginning God created them male and female." Psalm 139:13-16: "You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together... your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came

to be."

God is not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. It is up to you whether to believe God or fallible humans.

Lorene Richardson

•••

To the Editor:

On Friday, February 8, my son set down a new black tote bag with a Veterans symbol on it, at the outgoing bus stop in Sisters near the library. He was looking at a map and had to hail the bus, forgot the bag.

Inside were birthday items; a small carrot cake, a loaf of hobo bread, a box of graham crackers, various articles, jokes from The Nugget, a birthday card with a gift card inside, a weather instrument. The tote bag was new, also. On the card was the name Geof or Feffie and on the cake container, also.

If anyone has any information, please contact Linn Watson, 541-549-0892. Thank you.

Linn Watson