
Starla Pointer
"Stopping By:" A reporter who knows that everyone has an interesting story to tell welcomes suggestions.

Stopping By: A home fit for royalty
Soon a knight in shining armor will have a home in Carlton. A real knight, in real armor, albeit a tiny version. But the statue will live in a castle, which is under construction on the east side ...

Stopping By: Flags forever
Every day is flag day for Owen and Sharon Johnson of McMinnville. While many people put out flags in honor of the recent Memorial Day weekend, the Johnsons display theirs every day. And not just ...

Stopping By: Seeds of learning
Brian Altree likes a good surprise, especially in the garden. “I like to grow perennial flowers that die back after the first frost,” said Altree, struggling to name just one favorite ...

Stopping By: A purposeful life
U.S. Navy veteran Stan Varuska has continued serving his country and community through membership in the American Legion. Among other duties, he has overseen the flag program for his post, Carlton ...

Stopping By: 'A good team'
Back when their children were young, Juan Gonzalez and Rosalba Gonzalez-Carrillo were looking for jobs that would allow them to work while caring for the kids. They wanted something different than ...

Stopping By: A creative place
It’s always the season for planting and growing at Incahoots, a business that thrives on change

Stopping By: A faith-filled life
A couple years ago, Eunice McAvoy bought an airline ticket for a trip to Texas so she could visit her daughter. The Lafayette resident filled out the paperwork with her birthdate and other details. When ...

Stopping By: The Beckwiths' Call
Kathy Beckwith and her husband, Wayne, are looking forward to returning to India, where they started their marriage as Peace Corps volunteers and where they have spent time helping at a school on several ...
Stopping by: Kindness first
McMinnville Realtor and civic booster Beth Caster lives her philosophy of treating others respectfully Beth Caster always focuses on the positive. “Life is good,” reads the T-shirt ...

Yard of the month: Couple’s garden alive with fish, flowers, art
Susan and Mark Gorrie won’t be the only hosts welcoming guests during the McMinnville Garden Club’s annual garden tour this Sunday, June 12. Visitors also will be greeted by the koi ...

Stopping By: Just add talent
National competition next on the list for two Mac High students who cook for culture and family For Allen Fernandez and Ire Staten, cooking and serving food is about family and culture. Both ...

Yard of the Month: Uncommon garden
Nurturing edible and unusual plants is hobby, therapy for Mac woman Ruby rhododendrons, orange and yellow ranunculus — and the most impressive garlic ever — make passersby pause at ...

Stopping by: Mac mayor moves on
Scott Hill leaves for Utah, with a fond look back at years of service to a town he’s loved for three decades For Scott Hill, McMinnville will always be home. He and his wife, Donna, soon ...

Stopping by: Robin’s swan song
Retiring McMinnville High School music teacher Robin Pederson said she’s looking forward to seeing — and hearing — former students at her final concert in May. Pederson, ...