Letters to the Editor 11/8/2023

Hunters in the forest

To the Editor:

There were a few misconceptions promoted in T. Lee Brown’s column of November 1. She stated that a hunter had fired off 12 rounds without looking. Since hunters are limited by regulation to a maximum of five rounds, one in the chamber and a magazine that can hold no more than four cartridges, it was clearly not a hunter who was shooting.

The second misconception is that hunters take over the entire forest during the fall of the year. In fact the rifle deer season in this area was October 7th to October 18. The vast majority of hunters have taken hunter safety courses, and handle firearms responsibly.

Incidentally, I am a bow hunter and don’t really have a dog in this fight. I just hate for inaccurate information to be published in the media, where uninformed members of the public are influenced by it.

I walk on forest trails near Sisters on a nearly daily basis and have never been in a situation where a hunter has shot in my direction. The greatest danger I have experienced is from cyclists who come zooming up behind me on trails without warning and seem to think they own the whole trail.

Jim Thrower

5G concerns

To the Editor:

We all need to be on the right side of history on this issue.

I have it from a very reliable source that there is at least one 5G tower erected on the site of the new elementary school, and that T-Mobile has leased the space.

Let’s start a conversation. 

Who allowed the 5G tower on school grounds? We now know it is T-Mobile’s tower, (according to a very reliable source).  How much did it cost? How much are they paying a month to lease the space so close to our children? (They are also close to Sisters Middle School and Sisters High School, as the elementary school is in between the other two.)

Anyone else worried about a 5G tower closest to our most vulnerable — our children?

Fact: Young children’s skulls are thinner and more vulnerable to 5G and electromagnetic frequencies than the general population.  These frequencies cause physical, neurological, and cognitive damage.

Fact: The FCC hasn’t studied the effects of radio frequencies from cell phones and other sources (cell towers) since 1997. Are these towers safe to be near our children? Look at your old cell phone from 1997 — oh my, things have changed...

Fact: Radio frequencies are cumulative; they are the silent cause of cancer, brain fog, poor health, neuro and cognitive decline over the long term.

Look at those towers next time you drive by the new elementary school site. Would you want those towers in your backyard eight hours a day, five days a week? 

Let’s do an experiment! At home — unplug and turn off your TV, Wi-Fi, cellphones, and other wireless connections at night. What?! Turn off our cellphones?! Yes. See if you sleep better, wake up refreshed, and headaches gone! 

It might take a while, but give it a try.  

Jayne Simmons

Never forget

To the Editor:

As a nation we have two important days that remind us to never forget how blessed we are to live in this country: Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. While different in intent, the bond that links both events are the individuals who selflessly take an oath secured with their own life to protect and defend America.

What is special about Veteran’s Day is that all of us have the opportunity to personally thank our veterans for their service. See a person wearing anything signifying military service; go up to them and let them know you appreciate their commitment. It will be greatly welcomed, especially if from a young child.

As a child I remember how teachers would model patriotism when they led us in the Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Thank you to all veterans; and may God bless America. Mark 10:27 KJV.

Jeff Mackey

Schools impacting lives

To the Editor:

After a successful start to the new school year, I wanted to give you a brief update from the November School Board meeting.

Two presentations were given at the start of the meeting. First, two teachers from Sisters Middle School presented a highly positive collaboration between Sisters Middle School leadership students and some of our lifeskills students during a recent fieldtrip to Shevlin Park. The goal was to encourage a sense of welcoming and belonging and continue to build an inclusive and positive school culture. Thanks to the success of the outing, the staff plan to continue the collaboration throughout the year.

The second presentation concerned the IEE program at Sisters High School, where teacher Rand Runco and two senior interns, Presley Adelt and Lilly Sundstrom, presented on the profound positive impact that the program has on approximately 50 juniors and 10 senior interns. The curriculum includes class studies, six field studies, and two major overnight expeditions, where the students learn everything from art and fitness to navigation, team building, and leave no trace principles. The IEE is celebrating over two decades of deeply enriching the lives of participating students.

Enrollment figures were slightly up this month, particularly at the high school. Currently, Sisters School District counts 1,188 students enrolled at our three schools.

The new Sisters Elementary School construction is on track for an official move at the end of this school year. To view the plans and videos of the construction, you may visit the website: https://district.ssd6.org/departments/district-office-operations/operations/2021-bond-new-elementary-school/. Sisters School District continues to work in close collaboration with Sisters Park & Recreation District to plan the future usage of the existing elementary school.

We are excited to announce that the District is working on developing an affordable housing pilot program for potential District staff in collaboration with the nonprofit organization, Rooted Homes. Good interest in the project was shown at both the introductory and follow-up meetings.

Congratulations to our performing arts students and staff for the fantastic rendition of “SpongeBob the Musical.” Additionally, all of our sports teams qualified for the state playoffs this fall.

Great job Outlaws!

I want to thank teachers, staff, and the community for the time and investment in all of the amazing the educational and cocurricular opportunities offered in Sisters’ schools.

Curt Scholl, Superintendent