Letters to the Editor 10/05/2011

To the Editor:

Regarding new four-way stop at Hood Avenue and Elm Street:

Was there any consideration as to why that intersection is not already a four-way stop? I will tell you why there is no stop on Elm; the fire department is one block up from there and a stop sign on Elm Street slows the response time.

The other solution to the problem: start ticketing bicyclists for breaking the law; they are subject to the same rules of the road as a motor vehicle. I would very seriously rethink this move and reverse this action. It is not a good move.

Smokey Bittler

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To the Editor:

What statement do we want to make?

Roundabout vs. signal... seems there are strong opinions for and against; here's mine. As a small-business owner I talk to a lot of travelers passing through town. Numerous customers have commented on the fact that THE reason they chose to stop in Sisters (and stimulate the economy) was because of the artistic feel, the attention to detail and the fact that it doesn't feel like every other small town in Oregon. Sisters has character; roundabouts have character.

Having lived in D.C. and in some Australian cities, I have first-hand experience with both very large (three-lane) and single-lane roundabouts. I found them to meter traffic flow, slow speeders, safely accommodate pedestrians and be beautiful locations for artwork and lovely landscaping. Roundabouts don't seem to be an issue for freight-hauling rigs other than the fact that they might slow them down a little (NOT a bad thing when entering the center of our pedestrian-friendly town).

Traffic lights? Sure, they serve a purpose, but how do I say this? "UGLY." What do you want the image to be when travelers enter town? I want them to say, "Wow, how creative, look at that statue, this looks like an amazing town, let's stop."

Not to mention a trucker or motor home hitting a green light (or heaven forbid, running a yellow) as they come into town could have a lot of speed and be truly dangerous.

I realize that the roundabout option would be more expensive, but I think sometimes we have to look at the bigger picture. What stimulates our economy? What keeps Sisters alive? One big factor is our tourist trade. Personally, I think it is money well spent if roundabouts beautify our town, spark conversation and encourage folks to slow down and enjoy themselves. Please consider this option and make your voice heard. Without our input we are certain to end up with an ugly stoplight at each end of town. No thanks.

Jennifer McCrystal

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To the Editor:

Regarding road research on North Pine Street:

North Pine Street is a dirt, potholed main artery to and from Sisters. Talking to George Kolb, PE, interim director of Deschutes County Road Department and his correspondence in regards to North Pine Street (formerly Squaw Back Road): It seems there are a number of residents who feel a blade to the road and the potholes are inappropriate; these residents feel they don't want any traffic on a county road that other residents travel (contractors, emergency units, forest service, electric company, UPS, FedEx, etc.). On the other hand, there are a number of residents who want it done.

This issue of North Pine Street has been an issue on-going for at least 22 years. The question is: Why not blade North Pine, Mr. Kolb? $5 million for beautifying Cascade Avenue?

Take a ride on North Pine Street some time. May you and I take a ride on North Pine? Mr. George Kolb, professional engineer, interim director, Deschutes County Road Department, 541-322-7113.

Mike Griesman

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To the Editor:

After a nearly four-year learning experience in the restaurant business, our partnership has made the difficult decision to close Thyme in favor of leasing the facilities to a new owner.

We wish to thank the Sisters community and our loyal customer base for your friendship and support. We're confident that over the coming months we will find an owner/operator with the vision and values to deliver a great dining experience.

Our employees worked diligently to bring success to Thyme. It's with a heavy heart that we close our doors in the midst of this difficult economy.

Tate Metcalf, Bill Willitts, Chip Dickinson, Ken Yopp

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To the Editor:

For nearly 23 years my wife and I have been proud of being residents of this lovely area - it's natural beauty and the pleasant community.

However, for the past three or four weeks, always about 11 p.m., I have been hearing a pounding noise in the area. I wondered who was doing house repairs that hour of the night.

This week, two neighbors called me to ask if I had heard the late-night gunshots! Not being a hunter, I had not recognized the eight-shot sequence as coming from a rifle magazine. I can understand a person poaching a deer to feed a starving family, but three or four times a week for three or four weeks?

To me, it sounds more like some sicko with his 50-caliber toy jacklighting deer for the sheer joy of it. I have reported this to the sheriff's department and they request that anyone else aware of this call their night number and they will be on the trail immediately. Please help; we don't need this kind of lowlife in our area.

Russell B. Williams