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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 14, 2016)
18 Wednesday, December 14, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon s LETTERS Continued from page 2 In short, appointing a military official to the position of SecDef is a very bad idea. Gary Leiser s s s To the Editor: Chuck Humphreys’ letter regarding the closure of the gravel pit (The Nugget, Letters to the Editor, December 7) has some appropri- ate points, and it is definitely worth noting that the safety issues it presents are significant. However, I do feel the underlying issue was not stated and, for reasons known to those residing in Crossroads, might not be some- thing the writer wanted to emphasize. Crossroads residents, and especially those who’ve been here for some time, are well aware of the intention Sisters Trails Alliance has to develop public trails on private land which, by the way, will not happen — ever. We, its resi- dents, intend to keep this community private and will not tolerate an invasion of privacy from any outside entity or rogue residents looking to gain favor from any organization. As I stated earlier, the gravel pit appears unsafe and its usage does need some serious review. However, is a permanent closure the right answer, or is it the ultimate intention of Sisters Trails Alliance to gain futile progress toward the development of land, despite the consequences it could have on private commu- nity residents? Why not a reconfiguration effort for the gravel pit to become one of the named cinder pits the USFS designates and recognizes? Eric Diaz s s s To the Editor: The point that I wished to make in my letter of September 28 and today is that we are not necessarily safe in our homes during a high- wind event. The only place to be is away from all of the big trees. Sincerely and experientially, Anita Louise Kirkaldy s s To the Editor: I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to Chuck Humphreys for his let- ter to The Nugget dated December 7, calling attention to a serious and dangerous situation we have here in Sisters, the McKenzie Gravel Pit. As a member of Oregon Equestrian Trails (OET) and Sisters Trails Alliance (STA), I helped build the Jimerson Trail and it is my adopted trail for making sure all trash is picked up at least twice a year. About a month ago Donna Timmerman of STA drove me out to inspect the McKenzie Gravel Pit. I was horrified to realize just how close the pit is to the Jimerson Trail and was appalled by the graffiti and trash in the pit. The Forest Service had placed a sign, “no shooting,” but it had been shot full of holes and knocked down. The gate that had been put at the entrance had been torn off its hinges. Chuck has provided all the facts. The major and most sobering fact being a statement by Bill Lewis of COSSA, after a recent inspec- tion of the pit, in which he states, “...it is defi- nitely unsafe for target shooting...” I wish I had the answers. Do we just wait until there is an unfortunate accident — be it in Crossroads, a car or cyclist on Highway 242, or a child playing on Trout Creek Butte — before some form of legal action is taken? I totally agree with Chuck that everyone has a right to be in the forest doing what they love most. Cyclists (STA) and trail riders (OET), have been working together for sev- eral years to achieve that goal. By working together building and maintaining trails these two organizations have made great strides in making sure that each of their respective sports gets to enjoy the trails in a safe and respectful manner. There are multiple places for shooters to enjoy their sport that are safe. Why are a few idiots allowed to get away with this defiant, der- elict and disrespectful behavior? What action can be taken to stop the shooting at McKenzie Gravel Pit before a serious accident occurs? With what I observed it is just a matter of time. Gayla Nelson We’ve Got Tons of Great Gifts and Tools for Christmas! YOUR YEAR-ROUND IRRIGATION EXPERT Backfl ow Installation & Testing Winterization Nelson Horse Waterers Underground Field Irrigation Residential Irrigation Services miller I R R I G A T I O N H Hours: M-F M F 8 to 5 5, S Sat. 8 to 4 4:30, 30 Cl Closed dS Sundays d 440 N. Pine St. • 541-549-8141 • www.hoyts.net Our Promise to Our Community... …We’re here for you every day and after hours with medical care you can count on! Our gift to you… Bring in this ad through December 10 for a FREE fl u shot! Walk-In & Urgent Care Serving our Sisters Community... Open every day d except Christmas Ch i t 541-548-2899 | 3818 SW 21st Pl. 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