News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Sorted by date Results 1 - 23 of 23
A dazzling array of classic cars lined the street attracting folks to Sisters' sixth annual Glory Daze Car Show on Main Avenue this past Saturday. More than 98 vintage automobiles from rat rods to street rods, muscle cars to stock restored cars were on display with their sparkling clean engines and shiny leather seats as the early morning rays reflected off their brightly polished paint. Enthusiasts could see that the participants maintained an exceptional level of care and... Full story
The packed house at Thursday night's planning commission hearing heard passionate testimony on both sides of the Temporary Use Permit (TUP) appeal for Celia Hung's planned use of the vacant lot at the corner of Cascade Avenue and Oak Street. Planning staff had approved the TUP, but due to high public interest, it was called up for review. Appellant #1 was Celia Hung requesting the granting of the TUP without conditions. Appellant #2 was John Keenan (and Jean Wells Keenan) against the granting of the TUP. Both sides of the... Full story
Events are as notable a part of the Sisters landscape as the Cascade mountains or tall pine trees. From cowboys to quilts, from music to mountain bikes, from antiques to geological wonders, it seems that there's always something on offer in town, designed to enhance the cultural life of the community - and to attract tourists and their dollars. Vendors selling arts and crafts, food, clothing and other goods are sometimes part of broader events; sometimes the vendors are the... Full story
Based on an extensive facilities review report given Wednesday night, the Sisters School Board voted to kick off a $14.5 million school bond campaign for the November 4 election. For the county-average $235,000 home, this 15-year bond would amount to $149 per year in property taxes, or $12.42 per month. The facilities review report was the result of an intensive school facilities review process conducted through weekly meetings over the last two months by a mix of district personnel and local interested citizens. Most... Full story
To the Editor: Sisters Country is a unique region with special attributes that clearly define it for residents and visitors alike. It is precisely those attributes that provide intrinsic value that puts this region on the map for tourists to visit and perhaps one day to live. Moreover, it is those attributes that also encourage people to invest in the community with their money and their time. Three of the most precious attributes are the Sisters Rodeo, the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, and the Sisters Folk Festival.... Full story
We can't keep turning our heads. I am a cyclist. I currently own and ride four bikes; road, mountain, street, and racing (time trial). During the last 10 years, I have bought and sold seven others. I own a fair amount of spandex, and I wear it when I ride. Before retiring, I commuted by bike for several years. In July I am glued to the flat screen for the three weeks of the Tour de France. I think cycling is cool. Now you know where I am coming from, right? I stand firmly against the construction of the paved trails... Full story
Marcus Arends is getting some hands-on experience in his academic field this summer. The University of Oregon junior is working as a paid intern for the City of Sisters planning department. Arends, who was born and raised in Sisters, is a Planning and Public Policy & Management major at U of O. His experience of Sisters helped lead him onto that path. "Being around to see community change happening - it was something that really interested me," he said. As often happens, a... Full story
It's been almost 20 years since the first Sisters Folk Festival took place at Sisters Middle School. A lot has changed since 1995. Since that time the organization has grown substantially, producing arts-related events throughout the year and funding arts education and scholarships through the Americana Project. The organization manages an annual budget approaching $1 million. All of that activity and growth takes long hours of planning and execution from a dedicated staff and board. After a board of directors'... Full story
David C. Clemens died on Sunday, July 20, at his home at Black Butte Ranch. David was born in Corvallis on September 14, 1937, and grew up in Wasco, California. His parents were Clifton and Dorothy Clemens, and he had one brother, Douglas Clemens (wife Linda, children David Jr. and Jennifer). David graduated from Pamona College, California. He served in the U.S. Army. David is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Laurine, and his stepson Brent Freeland (wife Kelly,... Full story
Cody William Aberman, 27, of Pickerington, Ohio, passed away in his sleep suddenly and unexpectedly on July 1, 2014 in Sisters. Cody was born March 8, 1987 in Columbus, Ohio. Cody graduated from Pickerington North High School in 2005 and the Central Ohio School of Broadcasting in 2013. He was employed by Mad Sky Roofing and Restoration, and NBC Universal Production Services for the Golf Channel. He covered the 2014 Senior PGA Tournaments in Branson, MO and Pittsburgh, PA.... Full story
Sisters Cow Camp is a busy place in the summer and will be so again on the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27, Equine Community Resources (ECR)is hosting a judged trail ride dubbed "Clippity-Clop To Snip 'Em Off," with proceeds going toward funding a low-cost gelding clinic. Participants head off in small groups every 15 minutes to alleviate congestion at six obstacles to be judged during the nine-mile ride on Saturday. Sunday's ride is non-judged. Alison Weston of Weston Equine Services is working with ECR to host... Full story
Folks meandered through vintage trinkets, digging for treasure at the fourth annual Antiques in the Park at Sisters Creekside Park. Wide assortments of collectable antiques were on display in booths, from glassware to a 1915 gramophone. Mixed in the huge treasure chest spread across the park lawns were an array of crafts from handmade belts to decorative collars for your pooch. Vendor Patricia Beckingham had her diversified display of antiques set up in and around her tent.... Full story
You just got home after taking your pooch for his yearly booster at the veterinarian. You never expected to hear that he was overweight. What's a couple of pounds when he seems happy and healthy enough? According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention's (APOP) latest veterinary survey, 53 percent of adult dogs and 55 percent of adult cats in the United States are classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarians. Being obese can shorten your pet's lifespan. The... Full story
Warren Rice set himself a difficult goal last January: He committed to racing in the High Cascades 100 Endurance Mountain Bike Race. For half a year, the 55-year-old cyclist bent all his mental and physical effort toward training to make that grueling ride in under 12 hours. Last Saturday, he cleared the bar, finishing the Bend-area course in 11 hours and 15 minutes. "I've been worried that I'd be able to finish," he admitted Sunday morning. "It's a hard race." But finish he d... Full story
Here is a great little hike just off Highway 20 on the other side of the pass. It's one of those little-known places that is easy to drive by on your way to somewhere else, without ever knowing it's there. I'm talking about the Echo Basin Trail between Santiam and Tombstone passes, and it's a pleasant contrast to some of our local burned-over forests. The Echo Basin Trail works its way up Echo Mountain to the headwaters of Echo Creek. A narrow, but good, gravel road trims two... Full story
Tony Gonzalez is an artist and a craftsman. With intense attention to detail, he offers haircuts and hot shaves in the classic tradition of the small-town American barbershop. "It's old-school-style barbering," he said of his new Outlaws Barber Shop located in Barclay Square in downtown Sisters. "I want to keep that style going." Gonzalez offers a haircut and something a fella can't get just anywhere these days - a hot shave with a straight razor. "It's just a nice,... Full story
This all started with a phone call at 10:30 p.m., just as my wife, Sue and I were about to call it a day. "Jim?" A voice shouted into Sue's ear, when she picked up the phone, "This is Wendall." "You have Sue, Wendall," Sue replied. "Hi, Sue, I got a couple of ducklings I don't know what to do with. Can I bring 'em to you?" Wendall's a good pal who lives out in the Fort Rock Valley in a little house surrounded by miles and miles of sagebrush and sand. He's a great helper to us... Full story
This month local Sisters student Emily Ausman and another Central Oregon student, Donte Smith (who is from the Warm Springs Reservation), travelled to Taipai, Taiwan, to represent the United States at a conference for Caretakers of the Environment International (CEI). Students who attended the conference are participating in environmental community service projects in their home countries, which they presented at the conference. There were 14 countries in attendance and 41... Full story
As sure as the wildflowers blossom in early summer, when the Sisters tourist season gets underway, tents and booths start to pop up with vendors trying to sell their wares - especially at special events. The Sisters City Council is currently trying to figure out how to regulate those vendors effectively. At a workshop last Thursday morning, the council explored several ideas and instructed staff to reach out to the community to sound out opinions. The City of Sisters... Full story
The Sisters girls 7s rugby team based in Sisters is picking up heat in their first summer season. Led by Coach Brennan Morrow and Assistant Coach Keegan Bloss, the team, including (as pictured left to right) MJ Murphy, Betsy Ausman, Shayla Curtis, Megan Calarco, Riley Warburton, Chawndra Craig, Samantha Wavrin and Marissa Young, earned its first two victories on Saturday, July 19, in Portland against the Highlanders - winning 20-0, and then against Canby winning 17-0. It was... Full story
Now that we're in the throes of summer, you've probably already had a bunch of backyard barbecues and probably served the typical American fare of greasy burgers smothered in cheese, chicken dripping in sickly sweet barbecue sauce, or even the quintessential processed meat log known as the hotdog. By now you might be wondering if you can lighten it up to be cleaner and healthier - so you can still fit into that new swimsuit you bought at the beginning of summer. Well, of course you can! You just have to be creative.... Full story
All private lands along the Metolius River from Allen Springs Campground to Lake Billy Chinook (including the Metolius Arm) are now in a Level II Evacuation Order in the Bridge 99 Complex Fire. The Three Rivers Subdivision changed from a Level II to a Level I Evacuation Order. The subdivisions of Rim Park, Forest Park, and Air Park along with Cove Palisades State Park remain in a Level I Evacuation Order. The Cove Palisades State Park remains open. Level II means residents and occupants should be set to go, but do not have... Full story
The Bridge 99 Complex Fire is 31 percent contained at 5,915 acres as of this evening. Heavy thunderstorms have been moving across the region and initial attack units have responded to 40-plus reports of fire starts, with many fires already lined and contained. Early fire reports were primarily located in the same area of the Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM that was hard hit during the last lightning storm. Many of the new starts are close to where the Ochoco Complex and Center fires are already burning. Lightning... Full story
