News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Sorted by date Results 1 - 18 of 18
Whether or not you’ve already seen award-winning documentary “The Biggest Little Farm,” there is a great opportunity to take an evening reconnecting with the beauty of nature and experiencing what “feels like fresh air for the soul,” as described by Peter DeBruge in a Variety review of the film. Local educational farm Seed to Table is offering a free screening as a part of their virtual event, “Two Weeks of Seed to Table,” to promote their silent auction supporting their own farm expansion and educational programming.... Full story
Like most everything in 2020, Christmas is looking to be a bit different this year. For many who heeded COVID warnings, Thanksgiving already fell victim to the rampaging virus, with infections skyrocketing in Deschutes County, most of Oregon, and the nation as a whole. Although promises of a vaccine are tantalizingly close, all indications are that the heightened danger from the virus will continue for at least several more months. So, this is definitely not the year for the... Full story
After a summer focused on biking, my fall season has largely been a time of walking and hiking with a plan to mix more running in over the wintertime. My inner runner felt a definite stirring last week when I paid a visit to the area in which I grew up and took a morning hike down a very familiar trail. Every competitive runner has certain places, sounds, smells and circumstances that elicit a physiological response that says to the brain, “It’s time to run!” Wilderness Trail... Full story
Patricia Ann Kearney passed away peacefully at home on November 23, after a long illness. Her family were by her side and she was surrounded by the light of candles sent by many friends in Sisters and from around the country. Pat was born on May 15, 1943, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the daughter of William F. Kearney and Helen L. Hartz. She is survived by her companion of 25 years, Carol Wall of Sisters, whom she married on the first day it was legal, and by her brother,... Full story
Jerry Wallace, 78, of Sisters, died November 21. Jerry was born in Metzger and lived in many parts of Oregon during his life. He moved to the Sisters area to live full time in 2000. He loved the natural beauty of the area and all the friends he made over the years at Angeline’s Bakery, in the Tollgate community, and at Habitat Thrift Store. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and brother. He is survived by his three children, Julie Wallace, Jeff W... Full story
The 2018 Vision Project was undertaken to help provide clear, positive direction for the future of the community. What is happening to fulfill the vision crafted out of community input? At a recent City Council workshop, Emme Shoup, the City’s Assistant Engagement and Program Coordinator, provided the first formal Vision Implementation Team (VIT) update. Following the January 2019 adoption of the Vision and Action Plan by the City Council and other key partner agencies, the V... Full story
Rotary Club of Sisters has produced its second Christmas card featuring a Sisters-specific theme with art created by Dan Rickards from his painting “Cozy Cabin On The Metolius.” The painting depicts a winter holiday scene set on the iconic river. The heavyweight cards are 12 to a clear-lidded box, accompanied by linen finish envelopes. They are full color with the front reading: “Happy Holidays from Sisters Country.” The inside greeting says: “Wishing You a Joyous Holiday S... Full story
The year 2020 has been a year of loss in the folk and country music communities. Iconic artists like John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver, Jerry Jeff Walker, Charlie Daniels, Justin Townes Earle and others have gone up the trail — some at the end of a long ride and others far too soon. Last week, Texas singer-songwriter Hal Ketchum died at the age of 67 from complications of dementia. He had battled an array of health problems for a couple of decades. Ketchum hailed originally f... Full story
Christmas is the sacred day on which Christians celebrate the birthday of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is also a cultural celebration of love, family, giving, good cheer, eating and all things winter. The mixed ownership of this holiday can create some confusion and disagreement in the Christian church and in the wider culture. So where and when did this holiday have its origins? Was there a time when Christmas was purely a holy day? For the first three centuries after... Full story
After witnessing the phone footage of George Floyd’s death at the hands of a Minnesota police officer in May, Riccardo Waites knew his days of being a couch-activist were over. Along with activism to bring attention to systemic racism, he’s bringing equity and equality to people of color by opening doors into businesses and work environments that often don’t include Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). A Central Oregon resident for the last 20 years, Waites is a sin... Full story
The Graduate Resource Organization (GRO), which facilitates the scholarship program available to Sisters High School graduates, has grown enough in recent years that the all-volunteer GRO board of directors put plans in place last year to hire a part-time program director. The plan came to fruition earlier this month and Laura Kloss is the happy recipient of the position. She will officially begin her duties in mid-December. The board received a healthy number of applicants... Full story
When I see a children’s hospital or St. Jude commercial on the TV, it brings tears to my eyes along with this thought: “But for the grace of God there go I.” There are so many of these needed charitable organizations, and each one seems to bring a tear to one’s eye, from seeing disabled soldiers to listening to a mother of four describe her life struggles after losing her husband in the Twin Towers tragedy. Unfortunately, those commercials only bring tears to our eyes, but seldom a penny from our pockets. Americans form wh... Full story
On the Norman Rockwell covers of the Saturday Evening Post, holidays were always depicted as large family gatherings centered around a long table laden with mountains of home-cooked food. Everyone seated at the table appeared to be jovial. Hallmark and most advertisers still promote that version of the holidays — especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. I grew up with a version of Rockwell’s scene, either at home or with relatives around my grandmother’s grand table; aun... Full story
To the Editor: Please let me tell you about a true friend. To those who knew him we all called him “Pops.” Jeff May was a public servant of immense proportions and his life showed the dedication to that cause. From a full career in law enforcement, followed by many, many years of service to the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, as well as countless years teaching emergency medicine at COCC, Pops embodied the true persona of the humble servant. His volunteer exploits were diligent and admirable to the tune of countless days... Full story
Thanksgiving day is the unofficial start of the snowmobile season. This fourth Thursday of the month, the caravan from points east snakes through downtown before light breaks and heads out Three Creek Road the 11 miles to the Upper Sno-Park. By 6:15 a.m. there are already 13 rigs being unloaded. Within an hour, some 50 are packed up in the plowed lot. The later arrivals I am told needed a thermos refill at Dutch Bros, who strained to keep up with orders. Among the first are... Full story
The cold of winter has arrived in Sisters with nighttime temperatures well below freezing, forecasts for snow, and the need for the requisite warm hats, gloves, and coats. For someone who is currently unhoused, living outside or in their car, the winter weather is much more than a seasonal inconvenience. Winter temperatures can claim lives of those who lack shelter or a source of heat. The presence of COVID-19 has prevented the Sisters Cold Weather Shelter from opening its... Full story
As winter weather conditions bring snow to the high country of the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, forest managers encourage visitors to stay safe, be prepared, and to be aware of recreation regulations on the National Forests. The mingling of sunny days with winter storms can create the perception that the national forest lands are fully accessible. However, forest managers know that during this time of transition it is easy to get stuck — especially as you head to higher and remote areas across Central Oregon.... Full story
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Sisters climbed to 78 as of November 25, up from 61 the previous week and from 51 the week before that. For many weeks, the count had held at 35. The recent spike in confirmed cases matches a significant spike in Deschutes County and across Oregon. As of last Monday morning (November 30), St. Charles Health System reported 29 COVID-19 patients. Two of the COVID-19 patients were in the ICU, none of the patients on a ventilator. Hospital capacity, particularly for ICU beds, is a... Full story
