News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
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Sisters' incoming Fire Chief Roger Johnson wasn't looking for a new job. Johnson has a 27-year history at Douglas County Fire District #2 in Roseberg, where he's a battalion chief. He started there when he was 19 years old. It took a rare opportunity to pull him away from the department where he'd spent his whole career. "I wasn't actively searching for a career change at all," he explained. "In fact, this is the only position I've tested for other than my parent agency."... Full story
The outdoor burning season in Sisters Country closes for the summer no later than June 3 at dusk. The closure may occur sooner in the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, depending on the fire danger conditions that result from weather factors such as lack of precipitation, low relative humidity, high temperatures and wind. Residents are urged to complete their outdoor burning as soon as possible. Prior to any outdoor burning, you must call the outdoor burning line to confirm that burning is open for the day. The phone number... Full story
As of June 1, a single AirLink or Life Flight Network membership will no longer provide Sisters Country residents with complete coverage for air medical membership services. This is the result of a change in ownership of AirLink Critical Care Transport, which has been sold by the St. Charles Health System. On June 1, AirLink will be under new ownership and no longer have reciprocity with other air medical membership programs in the Pacific Northwest or Intermountain West. To have complete membership coverage for air medical s... Full story
To the Editor: Thanks for the informative article, "Greenhouse gardening is a must," in last week's issue of The Nugget. The article was especially timely in light of newly approved CC&Rs for Tollgate that allow greenhouses. There is a statement in the article that isn't necessarily true. We are warned that even the tougher cold-weather vegetables will wilt when the temperature drops to 19 degrees, as it did in Sisters on the morning of May 10. The parsnips, radishes, beets, kale, spinach, endive, cabbage, collards, carrots a... Full story
In the fall, Sisters High School will be offering a number of new alternatives to students in terms of finishing their high school education. These options will include accredited online classes, dual-credit college classes, and credit by proficiency for elective classes. "We need to keep up with the changes in education," said Dan Saraceno, long-time counselor at Sisters High School. "It is all about the kids. We want to provide the opportunities that will keep Sisters kids in Sisters." The education marketplace is more... Full story
The Sisters School Board will appoint a member to fill a vacant seat left by the resignation of long-time board member Glen Lasken. The remaining term expires on June 30, 2013. Applicants must live in the school district, not be a district officer or employee, and be a qualified voter in the district. Board chair Christine Jones said that engaged, public-spirited individuals should not shy away from applying due to concerns about the scope of the volunteer job. "I think people are scared that it's just a huge, overwhelming... Full story
In an event replicated in over 190 nations throughout the world, photographers from the Sisters Area Photography Club (SAPC) fanned out around Sisters Country, photographing a day in the life of the community as part of a photographic "ADay" in the life of the world event on Tuesday, May 15. The Swedish-based 'ADay.org' project is the largest crowd-sourcing still photography event ever undertaken and has enlisted participation of celebrity, professional and amateur... Full story
Dale Draeger loves horses. "I wonder if we really change very much," she said. "What I loved as a child, I am still passionate about." A childhood spent riding her horse, exploring nearby trails and playing tag on horseback with friends started the obsession. In her 20s she lived near Lower Bridge. "My horse would wait patiently while I would drag branches and tumble weeds together to make a jump course out in the bush. There were beautiful places to explore all around us."... Full story
The Community 101 class at Sisters High School awarded $5,000 in grants to six groups Monday night during the Community 101 Dessert at the high school. Two awards went to high school programs: $650 to Life Skills, a program for special-needs students, and $350 to the Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition (IEE) course. Other grants were $1,500 to Just 1X, an organization that encourages students to speak out about friends engaging in destructive substance abuse, $1,000 to Bethlehem Inn, $1,000 to Sisters Skate Park... Full story
Sisters is a Mecca for innovative artists, especially those who work with fiber, fabric, stitching and color. Beginning June 1, Sisters artist Kathy Deggendorfer will present "View from the Village." The show features some of the top fiber artists in Oregon. Nine women, all Oregon artists, each working in a different medium, will incorporate the form of a house or dwelling as the basis for creative expression. "It should appeal to those who love to see innovative uses... Full story
Students at Black Butte School recently won a statewide competition in an educational resource called The Stock Market Game. Given a fictional $100,000 stake, the students won by having lost the least in the eight weeks they played the market, ending up with $96,741. In the process, they learned lessons in math, economics, world and domestic markets, writing, and the value of research. And how easy it is to lose money in the stock market. Teacher Erin Conway enrolled her... Full story
The girls' tennis team sent their No. 1 and No. 2 doubles teams to the state tournament held at the University of Oregon, May 17-19; they were both knocked out in the first round. Oregon Episcopal took championship honors at the tourney, and Crook County was runner-up. St. Mary's finished third and Valley Catholic took fourth. Jen Houk and Elise Herron (No. 1 doubles) fell 0-6, 2-6 to Kenzi Harris and Mallory Martz of LaSalle. Shelbi Thompson and Paige Tosello (No. 2 doubles) lost 1-6, 1-6 to Isabel Robertson and Meridith... Full story
Three volunteer positions are expiring on the City Planning Commission on June 30. The planning commission reviews major land-use applications; advises the city council on planning policies as well as changes to the comprehensive plan and development code. The City of Sisters encourages interested parties to apply for the opening by completing an application by 5 p.m. on July 1. These positions are for "in-city" residents, with the term lasting through June 2016. The commission regularly meets in Sisters... Full story
The Sisters Outlaws track and field athletes went beyond the script as the team advanced 10 athletes to the 4A State Championships set for May 25-26 at Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. The Outlaws girls dominated the district championships, sweeping to their second consecutive district team title with 178.5 points. Sweet Home finished second with 126, followed by Cottage Grove (116), Elmira (105), Junction City (76) and La Pine (52.5). "The girls have been... Full story
Keith Greeninger has built a loyal following in Sisters Country since he first thrilled the audience at the Sisters Folk Festival in 2004. The Santa Cruz-based singer-songwriter will bring his down-to-earth song-and-story craft and his passionate stage show to The Barn in Sisters on Saturday, June 2, at 7 p.m. for what's being billed as "Songs and Stories: An Intimate Evening With Keith Greeninger." Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own snacks and beverages. A suggested... Full story
The Sisters High School Mandarin language students want to recognize the following individuals and businesses for their contribution to the success of our China Trip 2012 fundraising efforts: Kathy Deggendorfer, Sue Stafford and Sisters Art Works for allowing our participation in the Holiday Faire; Jeff McDonald and Ray's Food Place for providing space for our carwash and first-aid kit sale; Sisters Community Church for allowing us to use its parking lot for our yard sale; Kris Calvin and Earthwood Homes for... Full story
Sophomore Paul Fullhart was the only Outlaws player that made an appearance at the state tournament held at the University of Oregon Thursday through Saturday, May 17-19. Fullhart lost 2-6, 1-6 to Conor Picken of Valley Catholic in the qualifying round. Oregon Episcopal was crowned tournament champions and Catlin Gabel was runner-up. Phoenix finished third and LaSalle Prep was fourth. Of Fullhart, Coach Garth Tosello said, "Paul always puts in his best effort. He's tenacious, he has great integrity on the court and he selfles... Full story
The Outlaws trounced the Cougars 9-1 in a state play-in game at home in Sisters on Thursday, May 17. The win marked the Outlaws' 23rd consecutive victory. Justin Harrer got a base hit in the first inning to get the Outlaws rolling. Harrer advanced to second on a wild pitch, and Jarden Weem's base hit to right field moved Harrer to third. While Shane Groth was at the plate the Cougar catcher interfered with the swing and Harrer came home for Sisters' first run of the contest.... Full story
Through the past two decades, Paulina Springs Books has been a cultural hub in Sisters. Locals, part-time residents and visitors have all come to rely on the Sisters bookstore, not only for a good read, but also for a chance to gather to meet favorite authors and enjoy a powerful sense of community. On Saturday, May 26, current owner Brad Smith will welcome the original owners Diane Campbell and Dick Sandvik, along with staff and customers, for a celebratory event marking the... Full story
For the past several years at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, the Deschutes Land Trust has been patiently working to restore a significant reach of Whychus Creek to its historic, healthy condition. Finally, in February, the stream was redirected into a newly constructed channel that closely approximates the original course of the creek. Early signs indicate that the mammoth project is progressing exactly as hoped. Amanda Egertson, stewardship director for the Land Trust, took the t... Full story
The boys lacrosse team's stellar season quickly came to an end when they lost 9-7 to a very strong and physical Westview team on May 18, at Reed Stadium. Sisters did not have a strong first-half performance and were fortunate to be down only 2-1 at the half, with their lone goal coming from Cris Smoot. The defense kept the game tight. Westview scored four more times in the third quarter and held the Outlaws scoreless. At the close of the third quarter Westview was on top 6-1.... Full story
Sisters Elementary School third-graders recently completed several sessions at the Sisters Athletic Club pool, learning skills that have the potential to save their lives. The Third Grade Swim Program is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sisters and supported by Sisters Athletic Club and the Sisters School District. Organizers estimate around 900 Sisters kids have spent time learning basic swimming skills over the program's nine years of operation. This year's 11th-graders were... Full story
Blazin Saddles will host a celebration May 26 to mark the opening of its third season in Sisters. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be test rides, raffle prizes, food and more. They will announce the Winner of the I Ride 365 Challenge. Blazin Saddles is located at the corner of Hood Avenue and Pine Street. Wendy von Kalinowski and Mark Smeltzer of Studio 69217 will be offering free design consultations at Cork Cellars on Wednesday, May 23, from noon to 2:30 p.m., and 4 to 7 p.m. They invite you to... Full story
If there is a way that science can be blended with the arts, the instructors and students of the Sisters High School IEE (Interdisciplinary Environmental Education) and biology classes have found the path. The proof of that was demonstrated Tuesday, May 15, at Mount Bachelor Village Conference Center in Bend during the annual Students Speak Watershed Summit. Schools from throughout Central Oregon took part in the event, including Sisters Middle School, Sisters High School,... Full story
The Fellowship at Bend church received planning commission approval Thursday night for a renovation of 6,700 square feet of the old Weitech building on the corner of Larch Street and Barclay Avenue. The Fellowship will have their first meeting in the new facility June 10. Lead Pastor Loren Anderson said, "We are excited to be able to be a part of the (Sisters) community. We are thrilled to be able to use that building; it is a lot easier than going in and out of schools." The Fellowship started in Bend in 2004, and has grown... Full story