Letters, letters, letters

Last updated Jul 22, 1997 12:0pm0

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To the Editor:

I have always wondered how I would deal with a serious on-the-job injury when working in the remote areas where our job takes us.

That unfortunate situation finally happened July 15. The field crew left the office early Tuesday morning for a project located on the upper eastern slope of Squaw Back Ridge some 15 rough miles north of town. The crew split up to begin their assigned task of brushing traverse line. Dan hiked due west a mile uphill through the manzanita-covered hillside to the point where he was to begin his task. Jeremy headed south.

Shortly after Dan reached the top of the hill, he contacted Jeremy via twoway radio to let him know that he wasn't feeling good and was heading back down the hill toward the rig. Jeremy told Dan to sit tight and wait.

Jeremy then headed back to the rig and headed for town, leaving Dan on the hillside. (Would I have done that? Probably not.) Jeremy drove the long 15 miles back to town which must have seemed like an eternity to both Dan and Jeremy.

Jeremy headed to the nearest phone. Thanks to Judi Knapp, he was able to place a "911" call and ask for help. He then led the Sisters ambulance crew back to the scene and they hiked back uphill to Dan's location to begin treatment.

The BLM helitack crew (George Yokom, Gary Frueter and Caleb Cordell) working in the area responded to the emergency and provided additional manpower and transported Dan directly to the hospital.

Dan is doing as well as can be expected at St. Charles Medical Center, recovering from the heart attack.

To all who participated, from the BLM helitack team and Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District, all I can say is thank you.

And to Jeremy: I would not have done what you did under the same circumstances. Thank God you were the one on the scene. You made the right decision. Your training with the Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD and recent certification as an EMT came together at the time when it was needed.

As your employer, on behalf of Dan and myself I want to say thank you. As your Dad, with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat, all I can say is I'm proud of you.

Fred Ast

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To the Editor:

A real tribute is due the people involved in the planning and completion of the parking areas, curbs, gutters, drywells, and related street patching.

Quality workmanship is obvious, partially due to the watchful supervision of Gary Frazee.

My thanks for a needed job well done.

Clifton Clemens

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To the Editor:

The City of Sisters was able to add ample parking benefitting mostly tourists and paid for (mostly) by those who benefit from those tourists. Great!

Well how about we do what (dare I say it) California does. When paying for a building permit, depending on square footage, there is a mitigation fee that goes directly to the schools. They still have small classrooms, electives, P.E., etc. What a concept.

It surely makes sense. Two hundred homes go in, maybe adding 200 students. Where we gonna put 'em? We, too, can build a fund. Only this time it will help the future of our state, our children.

The time has come.

Denise Cristiano

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To the Editor:

There's a way to make a community and it begins with Theresa. Slavkovsky is the one. Of course, she's got some friends that help, but she's the dynamo making it happen.

The teaching fair was a day of fun and for such a cheap price. My child ran all over the place, yet I felt he was safe. Then, besides that, my day of entertainment supports children in school far away. What could be more complete and fulfilling?

But Theresa also throws that hilarious event Sisters Act which is the reason for living in a small town as far as I'm concerned. It's the local talent show that's growing and getting fewer acts that need the hook. I can't look at Marsha Marr without laughing.Or could anyone forget little Drew's Puffer Bellies?