News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 30
Sisters schools brought home good grades for last year. All three Sisters schools earned "outstanding" ratings on the Oregon Department of Education 2011-12 "report card." The report cards were issued on Thursday, October 11. To view the report cards visit http://www.ode.state.or.us/data/reportcard/reports.aspx. The report cards measure a school's academic achievement by the percentage of students meeting state standards and also provide comparisons with schools of similar demographics. Sisters schools exceeded state... Full story
With leashed dogs in one hand and kettle corn in another, a solid wave of out-of-town visitors and locals converged on the annual Sisters Harvest Faire early Saturday morning, taking full advantage of the bright break in the drippy weather. The festive weekend event is one of the longest-running traditions in Sisters, dating back over three decades. This year it drew more than 180 unique artisans and craftsmen from throughout the Pacific Northwest. Shoppers sampled a bounty... Full story
Lon Kellstrom has been serving in the challenging and often contentious unpaid volunteer position as a city councilor since 1999. He has served as mayor for the last four years. Why would he want to put in another four years? "I would like to build on the success of the last four years," said Kellstrom. "With a new council we need some continuity. There are a couple of projects that I would like to see get completed. "I would like to see the airport annexation completed and... Full story
Senator Ron Wyden's visit to Sisters Country on Tuesday, October 9, centered on two themes the long-time Oregon legislator hopes to see advanced: clean energy and forest restoration. After a briefing in Bend on the 27,000-acre Pole Creek Fire, Wyden headed out to Sisters for a barbecue in a hangar at Sisters Airport and a tour of ENERGYneering Solutions, Inc. (ESI). In his post-lunch remarks, Wyden noted that the behavior of the Pole Creek Fire demonstrates that "there are... Full story
Choices at the ballot box are seldom so straightforward. The annexation of the Sisters Airport property into City of Sisters is a clear benefit with no discernable downside. The airport is a community asset, providing a base for emergency services, access for visitors who fly in to the Sisters Country, and a key piece of transportation infrastructure that can be enhanced to help businesses locate in Sisters. One such business is already housed at the airport. ENERGYneering Solutions, Inc. (ESI) is a business with a very... Full story
To the Editor: The Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of Sisters Country. The Cascade Avenue (US Hwy. 20) improvement project planned by the City of Sisters and Oregon Department of Transportation is vital to the long-term health of our community and business district. The Chamber is engaged in marketing efforts to bolster business for those directly affected by the Cascade Avenue improvements while simultaneously showcasing the businesses along the re-routes for increased... Full story
Whitney Richey, a resident of Walterville, Oregon, was crowned 2013 Sisters Rodeo Queen on October 7, at Sisters Rodeo Grounds. The 22-year-old was one of six contestants to vie for the title. Judging is based on combined points from an interview, a speech to rodeo members and guests, and horsemanship demonstrated in a detailed pattern of riding. According to Judge Wendy Weems, "Whitney's horsemanship allowed her to shine above the others." Richey competed on Remi, her... Full story
The heavy-metal combatants of the Knights of Mayhem recreate the chivalrous sport of jousting for a modern audience. Sisters' James Johnson is a proud member of the touring troop, applying his years of rodeo skills and extreme snowmobiling to the tournament lane with his trusty battle steed. Recently returned from shows and training camps in Texas and Utah, Johnson is preparing for a tournament at a renaissance faire next week in California. "I've been involved in competitive... Full story
According to his friend Sen. Betsy Johnson, Ben Westlund "couldn't play the spoons." But the former state representative and Oregon treasurer who died after a battle with cancer in 2010 had a deep appreciation for the value of music and the arts. That appreciation led him to help spearhead the creation of the Oregon Cultural Trust, which supports arts and culture in the state. The trust was approved by the Oregon Legislature in 1999. On Monday, October 8, the Oregon Cultural... Full story
"What? I won it with only one ticket!" exclaimed Helen Schmidling, of Sisters Gallery & Frame Shop, when Friends of the Sisters Library (FOSL) Board Members Zeta Seiple and Leanne Smith handed her the "Friendship Village Quilt." The idea to create and sell a special quilt, with ticket sales going back into the FOSL treasury, took root last spring when the quilt project was organized by Zeta Seiple and Vicky Hughes, both members of FOSL and Casual Quilters. One day they said... Full story
The girls volleyball team posted their seventh straight sweep with their win over Sweet Home, and they continue to be unstoppable in league. The Lady Outlaws beat the Huskies in three quick sets at home in Sisters on Tuesday, October 9, with scores of 25-9, 25-12 and 25-15. Strong play and excellent serving from the entire squad led to an easy win. Megan Minke led the team with 12 kills, followed by Duree Standley, who posted eight on the night. Nila Lukens tallied seven... Full story
The girls soccer team posted a 4-0 shutout over Elmira at home on Tuesday, October 9, which puts them in second place in league standings, just behind Junction City. Sisters' first goal of the contest came in the 19th minute of play. Haley Carlson served a beautiful corner kick which dropped right in front of the net. Liz Stewart got her foot on the ball and drove it into the net for the goal. Coach Audrey Tehan told The Nugget that the combination of Carlson's serves and Stew... Full story
Jon Stark, economic development manager for Redmond since 2008, was invited to the city council workshop Thursday to share his insights on the position of economic development director and on the organization and funding of economic development efforts. When asked what he would suggest for Sisters, Stark said, "It has to come from the community. The community has to have the will to have this person. Not just the council, it has to come from private business, and the chamber. There has to be an interest in changing the way... Full story
It's a lot easier to find a "medical home" in Sisters these days. St. Charles Family Care cut the ribbon on their new 6,000-square-foot facility in Sisters last week. The center is located in the Outlaw Station plaza along Highway 20, just west of Subway. The facility significantly expands the capabilities of St. Charles Family Care. An on-site lab allows bloodwork to be done in Sisters five days a week, relieving patients of a need to travel to Bend. The lab is not just for p... Full story
The Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a "Meet-and-Greet" reception with the four candidates running for Sisters City Council on Wednesday, October 24, at 5 p.m. at the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, 291 E. Main Ave. Light snacks will be provided. Each of the four candidates will prepare a two-minute introduction to the crowd. This will be an opportunity for them to share information about themselves and issues that are important to them. The following allotted time will provide a casual atmosphere, allowing... Full story
• Ronda McAllister wrote: This may be a bit delayed, but my mother taught me there is no such thing as a late thank-you. So I'd like to salute the Sisters cross-country and boys soccer teams. A couple weeks ago cross-country was competing in a meet in Cottage Grove and the boys' soccer team was playing there, too. The cross-country team had finished their races and could have headed back home, but chose to value supporting another Sisters team, and came over to watch the boys soccer game. Thank you, Coa... Full story
Sisters voters will decide in the current election whether to bring the 34.3-acre Sisters Airport property into the city. If voters approve Measure 9-87, the city council will then decide on whether to actually annex the property and write an airport zone. The airport hangar is owned by Sisters Airport Property LLC; the runway is owned by Sisters Runway, Inc. Both properties are managed by Julie and Benny Benson, whose ENERGYneering Solutions, Inc. (ESI) is headquartered at... Full story
Exciting stories were told this past month of personal experiences of hikers and others escaping the Pole Creek Fire that started on September 9 and burned 26,795 acres south of Sisters. Four cars were destroyed at the Pole Creek trailhead, several hikers barely escaped the flames in their car, and others were forced to take a 21-mile detour to the west side of the Three Sisters. However, two firefighters had their own dangerous experience that ended with a dramatic rescue with one of them on the ground and another flying a... Full story
Jake McAllister tallied his second consecutive hat trick, his third so far this season, to lead the Outlaws to their 6-0 shutout over the Elmira Falcons at home on Tuesday, October 9. McAllister scored Sisters' first goal of the contest in the 13th minute to get the Outlaws rolling. Justin Harrer passed the ball over to Jake, who went one-on-one with the keeper and put in a nice shot to the lower-right corner. At the 21-minute mark Jardon Weems played a ball up the right side to Evan Rickards who made a low, hard cross over... Full story
When Jacque Fleming first found Bear, a 7-month-old Australian shepherd, he had a cracked skull; he was a victim of abuse. That was two years ago. Now Bear brings comfort and earns smiles as a therapy dog for elderly hospice patients in Sisters. Fleming was somewhat skeptical when she answered what sounded like a desperate plea - a "Dog needs a home" ad on the Bend-area Craigslist nearly two years ago. Fleming was not new to animal rescue, yet when she arrived at the... Full story
If you choose to park head-in on Main Avenue, it could cost you. The Deschutes County Sheriff will now be able to issue a $25 ticket for anyone parked illegally in an otherwise designated parking space. The city council passed an ordinance Thursday amending Sisters code section 10.20 concerning parking regulation. Until Thursday the only code covering parking was as a Class D misdemeanor, which carries a $110 fine. Everybody involved thought that was excessive, so the council landed on the $25 ticket. Violations will include... Full story
Robert John Richenberg was born in Portland on September 5, 1935 to Frank and Louise Richenberg. He died October 3, 2012. Bob attended St. Thomas grade school, Central Catholic High School and graduated from University of Portland with an engineering degree. He worked for Boeing in Seattle for a short time and then went to work for ESCO Corp. until he retired. He moved from Seaside to Sisters in 2000, and lived here ever since. Bob is survived by wife Sharon; four children,... Full story
Andrew Loscutoff is a college graduate with a degree in exercise science and a minor in health. He was a two-sport NCAA athlete in track and football at Western Oregon University. He spent time as a collegiate track coach as the head of the sprint and hurdles groups at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan. He also was the strength and conditioning coordinator for the track team. On the side, he taught a beginner weight-training course and was an assistant manager of the... Full story
Therapist Matt Kirchoff is stepping into a new role with Therapeutic Associates. The Bend therapist is now in the Sisters office several days a week, seeing patients and taking on administrative duties for the practice. This comes as the lead therapist in Sisters, Gary Keown, begins his transition toward retirement. Keown continues to see patients, but is stepping away from the operation of the practice. "Gary is still seeing patients out here every day," Kirchoff noted. Kirch... Full story
Zoe Falk produced the best cross-country race of her high school career on her way to shattering the Sisters High School record for 5,000 meters as she placed second in the invitational section of the Adidas Classic held at Fernhill Park in Portland on Saturday, October 13. Falk went out with the leaders and held third place through 4,500 meters before pulling away to nab the runner-up spot behind defending 4A cross-country champion Alisha Luna of Klamath Falls. Falk's time... Full story
