News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
2009 started with a roar - the roar of wind. A New Year's Day windstorm tore off roofs, blew down trees and knocked out power to residents in the Cloverdale area.
Perhaps it was an omen of a tumultuous year to come.
The Sisters Country already faced a tough year as the national economy cratered and the real estate market froze like a Sisters Country pond on a subzero day.
Businesses throughout Sisters, from Realtors to merchants to manufacturers felt the pinch of hard times in 2009 and the local real estate market was only beginning to show signs of life late in the year.
Still, all was not bleak. Occupancy rates at Sisters Country lodging establishments were stronger than anywhere else in the region and held on par with previous years, indicating that tourists were still coming to Sisters.
The Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, which started the year in turmoil, righted itself and began to show initiative under the directorship of Erin Borla, as the separate Sisters Business Attraction and Retention Team (SBART) worked to improve Sisters' image as a business-friendly community.
In August, one major retailer invested significantly in Sisters as Bi-Mart opened a store in the Three Wind Shopping Center. Huge crowds turned out for the grand opening as local residents flocked to the store both for jobs and to shop.
Bi-Mart's arrival revitalized the moribund shopping center, but the shot in the arm came too late to save the venerable Coyote Creek Café, which closed its doors for good in November.
The economy and jobs were a focus in a rancorous debate over annexation of 30 acres of land, known as McKenzie Meadows, on the west side of Sisters. The site is proposed for a senior living community and a housing development. After a long battle, the city council annexed the land in December.
Land annexation was not the only controversy facing the City of Sisters. The city council approved a gas tax in order to fund long-term street maintenance. The move theoretically beat a state-imposed moratorium, but the matter has been referred to the voters, who will decide in March if they want the new tax.
The school district, too, dealt with its share of financial headaches and controversies. Facing a steep budget shortfall due to the declining economy and plunging state funding, the district failed to pass a renewal of local option tax support in November; the voters reversed themselves and approved local option in the spring.
One institution in Sisters fell on very hard times. The Sisters Park & Recreation District fell into financial crisis and came within a few days of closing its doors entirely. Instead, it cut hours and programs as a substantially new board of directors began work to reinvent the district and revamp its mission.
The Sisters Country became the focus of a major statewide debate as the state legislature and the governor proposed designating the Metolius River Basin as an Area of Critical Statewide Concern (ACSC). The move, made in response to proposed destination resort developments in the area, owed its focus to Sisters resident Linda Davis, who identified the ACSC as a tool to stop development.
Governor Ted Kulongoski signed legislation establishing the Metolius ACSC in a ceremony in Camp Sherman in July.
Central Electric Cooperative completed construction on a new Tollgate substation as the utility works to prepare for a switchover from 69kv power to 115kv power.
2009 was a year of high achievement for some in the Sisters Country. The Lady Outlaws were crowned state champions in volleyball for the second time in three years. Local ultra-marathoner Sean Meissner won the Canadian Death Race in August and Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts was named Greatest Charger of all time by the San Diego franchise celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Sisters resident Norma Funai was honored by the governor with the Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Regional Award.
In a major group accomplishment, the Sisters Trails Alliance completed the Peterson Ridge Trail, a complex of cycling, equestrian and hiking trails at the southern edge of Sisters. The trail system is expected to become a major draw to the area, enticing mountain bikers to test their skills in challenging and beautiful terrain.
New events contributed to arts and culture in Sisters, including a logging exposition hosted by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, a Ranch Life and Rodeo event, new winter events sponsored by the Sisters Village Association, and a new "Doggie Dash." For the first time, BendFilm expanded its reach into Sisters, hosting a portion of its program here.
Sisters enters 2010 wary of continued tough economic conditions, but hopeful for stronger business activity and a lively cultural environment that will play to Sisters' strengths and reinforce the community values that lead people to persevere in the Sisters Country.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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