Letters, letters, letters

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To the Editor:

Kay McLaren's column in last week's Nugget was right on. There is nothing that can't be accomplished when everyone who benefits from a project cooperates.

It is also true that not having public restrooms for the visiting public is disgraceful.

The city constituents may not want a sewer system, but we don't need one to have public restrooms. There are a number of systems available that don't require a sewer. You can see them at rest stops that dot our highways. They can also be found in some tourist-related towns like Sisters.

The Chamber of Commerce from time to time has looked into this type of system, but nothing has come of it, presumably because it was looked at within the confines of the $20,000 flush fund. With a little creative financing, we might be able to acquire one or two units.

Kay asked the question "Can a restroom facility fund be established?" Shirt Stop is willing to contribute $25 to $50 a month to such a fund. If the chamber or any other bonafide group was able to borrow, say, $50,000 to purchase these units, such a fund would be able to service the debt and maintain the units on a month-to-month basis. I believe this is worth while pursuing. What do the rest of the businesses think?

Peg & Ray Buselli

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To the Editor:

An osprey must have read the last two issues of The Nugget. One flew over and hovered and stared intently, obviously looking for some fish in the area where Squaw Creek and Indian Ford Creek meet at the base of McKinney Butte.

For 17 years, we have watched the changes in the creek - the clearing of willows and trees; the months of dry streambed; the mining for gravel; the narrowing of the stream by filling in the banks - all degrading an important and beautiful stream.

We are excited about the projects proposed to restore the flow in the stream and enhance the riparian conditions on the banks. And, I'm sure the osprey is too!

Alice Dugan

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To the Editor:

Last year a trench was cut across Cloverdale Road (just east of Sisters) for some construction work. The contractor followed up with the appropriate re-surfacing; due to ground moisture, however, the base sunk and with it the road sunk also.

Thus was born the new version of the "Cloverdale Ditch." (There is already an irrigation canal with the same name.)

After several months of "bottoming out" my truck on my twice-daily commute, I decided to take a proactive stance. Each phone call began with "I'm not calling to complain, I'm calling to get things done." My third phone call was to Deschutes County Public Works Department.

Within a week of my call to public works, a crew was assigned to check out my concern. They didn't know exactly what they were looking for - until they, too, crashed through the ditch in a county dump truck (not known for great suspension, I'm sure).

The "Cloverdale Ditch" was repaired the next day!

My thanks to the crew at Deschutes County Public Works for their prompt attention to my request and to the power of "positive politics" in making things happen.

Sincerely,

Karen Yeargain

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To the Editor:

Capable, caring, considerate, concerned! These are the adjectives that come to mind as I think back on the events that occurred in our home the night of July 21.

My wife, Juanita, was talking to our son, Richard Curtis, the fire chief in Anacortes, Washington, when I started having chest pains. I asked to talk to him and described the situation. He asked a few questions and immediately said "call 911!" and, "Don't be embarrassed, that's what they're there for."

We did so, and in a very few minutes they arrived. Four young men and a young lady.

They immediately laid out their equipment, asked a few questions as they put on a pressure cuff, checked my pulse, attached the pads and probes for an EKG and put a clothespin-type clip on my finger for other vital signs information. All this was done without a moment of wasted time or hesitation.

The result of their findings was, fortunately, favorable. Apparently angina pain a little stronger than usual.

My hat is off to these men and women and others throughout the country who have taken the time and effort to become trained as Emergency Medical Technicians. It has taken untold hours of study and practice to acquire the knowledge needed to do their job and they all seem to have a common characteristic: an attitude of caring and concern for others.

As a result, all of us should have a better sense of security, knowing they are there and available.

If any of us have a medical emergency, "Call 911, that's what they're there for!"

Wes and Juanita Post

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To the Editor:

We would like to publicly thank Diane from Posey Nursery for donating plants to replace the stolen plants at the Log Cabin area which is planted and maintained by Sisters' Garden Club members so all who enter Sisters from the east entrance of town may enjoy the beauty of flower gardening.

We also wish to thank Creekside Ranch Growers for their generous donations to the planting areas in town that the Garden Club members are responsible for.

Many hours of work by members keep the areas looking lovely and we appreciate the compliments we have received for our efforts.

Let's all help Sisters look good.

Thanks,

Lorena Bliven, in charge of the Log Cabin landscaping

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To the Editor:

The Federal Dog Police have arrived in Sisters to protect the sacrosanct post office from Judd Daggett, dachshund.

He will not be allowed unless he is certified as a seeing eye dog.

After nine years, I'm going to need some help so he doesn't get squished trying to enter. It has been a highlight of his life as he greets his many human friends.

I could wear sunglasses and carry a white cane but I'm sure the Feds would sniff me out.

Glory Daggett

PS: Thank heaven he wasn't wearing his gun belt and six shooter from "Nuts & Bolts" the last time he entered. Picture the panic!

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