News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 30
A head-on collision on Highway 126 less than a mile east of Sisters on Saturday, March 25, put two Central Oregon men in the hospital. According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Austin Leslie Lyle, 19, of Redmond, was driving a 2000 Subaru station wagon and traveling east toward Redmond on Highway 126 about one half mile east of the Highway 20/126 junction in Sisters. Russell William Luloff, 43, of Terrebonne, was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban and traveling west toward Sisters. Lyle reportedly attempted a pass a... Full story
Sisters keeps on growing but the capacity to supply electricity to new development is not keeping pace. Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) has informed the City of Sisters that “CEC’s power supply system for the Sisters area is at or near capacity.” That means that under the right conditions, Sisters is subject to temporary “rolling blackouts.” Such blackouts were a possibility last winter when sub-zero temperatures put a strain on the electrical system in the Sisters a... Full story
The head of the Sisters teachers union was pleased with Nancy Brown’s investigation into the apparently improper use of a reference book in the administration of statewide third-grade math tests. “I thought she did a very fair and thorough job, interviewing many employees, not just the teachers involved,” Kelly Powell told The Nugget Monday. “She came to conclusions that will help us in the future and brought out the fact that this was an honest mistake, that people were teaching the way they thought best to meet the needs o... Full story
Last week, the Sisters City Council appropriated $10,000 for a “Greater Sisters Community Vision & Growth Strategy,” a series of “Community Summits” and a survey. The end result is is to be “a vision that portrays a desired future condition for the Greater Sisters community” and a plan to achieve it. Total price tag: $72,000 (See story, page 4). Three city councilors who voted to appropriate the city’s contribution — Mayor Dave Elliott, Brad Boyd and Lon Kellstrom —expr... Full story
To the Editor: Given the instructions that are reported in your article and in similar articles in the Bend Bulletin, I find it impossible to believe that four college educated teachers could not figure out that a math reference book, characterized by some as a glossary, would not be considered a textbook or the equivalent of a dictionary. Both of these references were specifically banned by the instructions. I think we have a problem similar to what the definition of the word “is” is. These teachers must have reasoned tha... Full story
There may be a “cloud” hanging over Sisters in coming years, but it’s not the kind that blocks the sun. City Councilor Brad Boyd reported to the council Thursday night, March 23, that he and City Manager Eileen Stein have been discussing with OutlawNet and others the possibility of creating wireless Internet coverage for the Sisters downtown area. Boyd said that at this point he believes the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce should take the lead on the project with Outla... Full story
A poster designed by Barbara Berry of Sisters has been selected as the official poster for the 2006 PRCA Sisters Rodeo. A prize of $3,000 was awarded for the winning design, according to Bonnie Malone of the Sisters Rodeo Association. “We had 22 entries in the contest, making the final selection difficult,” Malone said. “Other entries will be on display during rodeo week, June 4-11, at Navigator News on East Hood Avenue in Sisters. Some of that artwork will be available for p... Full story
The audience at Saturday’s concert by John Gorka will not only enjoy a return performance by one of the most popular performers at the 2005 Sisters Folk Festival, it will also be treated to a solo performance by Sisters singer-songwriter Brent Alan. Alan is best known locally as a member of the band Stone Soup. He was tapped by folk festival event organizers to open the Gorka show on Saturday, April 1. The Sisters artist is working on a five-song set list that will cover a range of themes and textures. Primarily a guitarist,... Full story
Civic leaders and citizens will spend a year and $72,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to develop a “Greater Sisters Community and Growth Strategy.” The Sisters City Council voted on Thursday, March 23, to contribute $10,000 to the project. Groups will meet in a series of “community summits” to develop “a vision which portrays a desired future condition for the Greater Sisters Community,” according to plan documents. The project is also supposed to develop a “strategic... Full story
Two Sisters moms were looking for child care options for their little ones and decided to make their own solution. Faith Curtis and Melissa Robertson are starting a child care co-op in which families share child care responsibilities and no money changes hands. “It’s just such a big hit to pay for child care,” said Curtis. Curtis has a two-year-old and a four-month-old baby. Her friend Robertson has a 16-month-old with a second baby on the way. The two moms held a meeting last weekend where five families shared their dream... Full story
The boys golf team placed second out of four teams at Eagle Crest on Thursday, March 23. Madras won with a score of 353. Sisters was second with 356 and Burns took third at 393. La Pine rounded out the scoring at 454. Scott Barton carded a three-under-par 69 to take tournament honors. “He played well,” said Coach Barton. “Scott went 35/34 and was under on both sides.” Scott had five birdies in the match. On the 12th hole, a long par three, Barton hit a shot into the wind fo... Full story
Bill Smith is seeking the the District 53 seat in the Oregon House of Representatives, the seat currently held by Republican Gene Whisnant. Smith faces an uphill battle; Democrats have not made much impression in Central Oregon legislative races. But Smith is not a typical Democrat. In fact, on many issues he sounds a lot like the former Republican who used to hold the seat — Ben Westlund. Like the maverick senator who is making an independent bid for governor, Smith rails a... Full story
The girls softball team suffered a 10-0 loss to top-ranked Molalla on Thursday, March 23. Molalla got four runs in the first inning and racked up six more in the fourth to push the score to 10-0. Sisters had five fielding errors which was a big part of the loss. Sam Stoneback pitched the entire game for Sisters. Both Courtney Overstreet and Brenna Mooney had singles. The Lady Outlaws will compete in the La Pine tournament, which has been moved to Madras due to snow in La Pine, Thursday through Saturday, March 30-April 1.... Full story
• A business owner reported a shoplifting incident in Sisters. • A driver reported a “thump” as he drove into town. Deputies were unable to locate a “thumper.” • A driver reported that a motorcycle rider laid his bike down and hit his truck on BLM roads east of Sisters. No one was hurt, but the motorcycle didn’t fare too well. • A man complained about a dog harassing him and his family. • A burglar struck the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters in Sisters and made off with 11 chainsaws. Black Butte Ranch • A woman rep... Full story
The new Sisters Library is not just a distribution system for books, educational and entertainment materials; it has become a central meeting place for the entire Sisters community. Friends and neighbors gather to talk about community events in an aesthetic atmosphere that features lots of art. Part of the library’s grand opening celebration was the First Annual Friends of the Sisters Library Art Show. The library was decked out in all those dazzling quilts hanging from the r... Full story
There’s a new a blueprint to protect more than 800 wildlife species in Oregon and a strategy to prevent any species from becoming threatened or endangered. Now, Sisters area residents can help make it succeed. The Oregon Conservation Strategy is a comprehensive report on the future of Oregon’s wildlife and its habitat, the result of 18 months of discussions and review by hundreds of stakeholders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently approved the draft strategy pre... Full story
The Sisters High School equestrian team is on a winning roll in the midst of its season. The Sisters riders placed first at the second of three district meets March 18-19 at the Deschutes County Event Center. Sisters High School has a team of 17 athletes this year and has a rider competing in every event. Sisters has to compete as a large school this year as a result of team size, making it remarkable that the team is placing first in its division. Individuals placing in the top 10 percent of their events cumulatively at the... Full story
Sisters equestrians from O’Neal Farms in Sisters were well represented at the recent Central Oregon Hunter Jumper Association show. Held on March 18-19 at Horse Butte Equestrian Center in Bend, the event opened the hunter jumper show season. Instructor Karen O’Neal’s students range in age from under 12 to adult. Results: Novice Equitation: 4. Olivia Chandler, Critter 6. Heather Wester, Rightfully Classic Jumpers, Two Feet: 1. Holly Tyler, Ballenger 4. Patience O’Neal, Tornado Maxx Novice 12 and Under, Two Feet: 4. Olivia... Full story
The boys baseball team opened league play with an 8-2 victory over Sweet Home on Tuesday, March 21 and a 6-5 victory over Molalla two days later. In Tuesday’s match-up with the Huskies, Sisters jumped out to an early 2-0 lead at the bottom of the first inning. Jeff Fitter led with a walk and quickly stole second. Carter Davenport singled to bring Fitter home. Davenport stole second and Hayden Mayea got on base with an RBI single. Austin Stark singled in the third to drive in t... Full story
• El Caporal Mexican Restaurant will open in the former site of Sisters Video on Hood Avenue at the east end of Sisters. City Planning Director Brian Rankin made the announcement at the Thursday, March 23, Sisters City Council meeting. • C&C Nursery Sales, LLC has taken over as the new owners of Double F Nursery. The nursery will still feature plants, trees, shrubs and hanging baskets. Call 504-5255 for more information. • As a thank-you to the Sisters community, Washington Mutual is offering tickets to Ice Age 2 at Siste... Full story
Capt. Jeff May is the most recent of several personnel with the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District (RFPD) to complete training at the National Fire Academy at Emmitsburg, Maryland. May, a nine-year volunteer firefighter with the district and the district’s 2005 volunteer of the year, completed a one-week course on Management Strategies for Success earlier this month. The U.S. Fire Administration manages the National Fire Academy south of Gettysburg, P... Full story
Jonathon Michael Delong, 17, died in a single-vehicle accident in Alabama on March 17. He was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, to Mark Mickel and Jodie Ford. He lived most of his life in the Fayetteville, Tennessee, area. He loved hunting and fishing. Survivors include his father Mark Mickel of Sisters; mother Jodie Ford of Fayetteville, Tennessee; grandparents Glen and Rosemary Mickel of South Africa; Shirley Neal and Erskin Moore and Jimmy Moorehead of Fayetteville;... Full story
John Simpkins and Barbara Ferguson, both artists in their own right, have a business venture that is local through and through. Simpkins is an artist and quilt designer and Ferguson is a talented quilter. Simpkins created the painting that became the 2006 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show poster. Together, the pair fashioned a quilt and pattern based on the poster. Titled “Mystic Meadow,” the pattern is available exclusively at The Stitchin’ Post in Sisters until July 9. Then it be... Full story
Camp Sherman residents were treated to an unusual musical concert Saturday evening, March 25, at the Camp Sherman Community Hall. Labirynt, a quintet of musicians playing improvisational and experimental tunes, presented the 75-minute event. Led by Western Oregon University Professor Tom Bergeron on woodwinds, the group consisted of three players from Poland and one other Western Oregon University faculty member, Keller Coker. Bergeron had met the Polish players while touring Europe in 1994, made friendships, and joined them... Full story
Jan Morgan has an important job. And she doesn’t even get paid for it. Morgan is a volunteer trained by the Central Oregon Council on Aging (COCOA) to help Sisters area seniors find the best Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage program. Although the new program started at the beginning of the year, many seniors have not chosen a plan because the options are confusing. There are dozens of Medicare programs in Deschutes County. They differ in the cost of the monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, as well as gaps in c... Full story
