Quirk of the Week: Sometimes numbers only seem random
In southeast McMinnville, the sad Kappa Sigma fraternity house is gone — the downtrodden, vacant former fraternity house replaced by four new homes in a complex called Alissa Acres. In front of ...
Back, and Forth: Author reflects on four decades in the vineyard
“I’m optimistic about Brand Oregon,” said Allen Holstein, 43-year veteran of vineyard management and winemaking in Dundee. He spoke recently at Linfield University’s Nicholson ...
Back, and Forth: In Willamina, creative talents and spirit of community converge
Sampling four of the nine stops on the Coastal Hills Art Tour on Nov. 11 added layers to my appreciation for Willamina, a community I have gradually been getting to know. The quilt show was just the starter; ...
Back, and Forth: Telling Middle East story takes may voices, views
Two weeks ago, I wrote about the Israel-Gaza situation. I cited schools that enroll a mix of Jewish and Arab students as something that might inspire hope in the otherwise bleak and tragic landscape around ...
Back, and Forth: Chronicling comings, goings in the McMinnville art realm
Public art is a growing force in McMinnville. And while most individual pieces are static, the field itself has been increasingly dynamic. Though these things all stand still, there’s some mystery ...
Back, and Forth: The confusion of keeping tech etiquette in context
“Never use your phone on speaker in public places.” That’s the one rule I can totally agree with in the supposed “new rules of telephone etiquette.” And I saw it violated ...
Back, and Forth: The Northern Lights one of Upper Peninsula's splendors
A week’s vacation proved no less than luminescent. I was able to take eight days and travel to the family place on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, my mother’s birth territory, which holds ...
Back, and Forth: A day of aces and A’s
The occasion was the annual Vintage Base Ball game against the Portland Pioneers crew, held at the Yamhill Valley Heritage Center, sponsor of both the game and the McMinnville Gristmillers Club. The game, ...
Back, and Forth: Despite turnout, town hall maintains traditional spirit
There’s an irony to the term “town hall,” as it can refer to both a gathering and a building. “An event at which a public official or political candidate addresses an audience ...
Back, and Forth: Bouncing around those moments of meaning
Hoops is my hobby, and I plan to keep weaving as long as I can. After a long time away, I’ve gotten back into playing against other guys — competing, sometimes. No matter what happens between ...
Back, and Forth: Criticism is fine, but our content is original
Words challenge us. They do so in trying to find the right ones — the ones to craft a news story or feature that is interesting, informative and, where appropriate, evocative. Our news staff works ...
Back, and Forth: MacLocals creator inspires McMinnville state of mind
After talking with Josh Sager, I got to thinking — for reverse reasons — of a line from a 1989 James McMurtry song, “I’m Not From Here.” “I’m not from here/I ...
Back, and Forth: Finding the fun in the nooks and crannies of Carlton
In my two years in Yamhill County, I have gradually come to appreciate the small joys that make up Carlton. The number of pleasures packed into the downtown of a 2,100-population town is remarkable. My ...
Back, and Forth: Sometimes outdoor art features an inside story
One of my favorite things about McMinnville is the art walk on the Linfield University campus. I have found one of the walk’s newest works, installed two weeks ago, particularly dynamic. It got ...
Back, and Forth: Bearded space-fly guy comes in peace
Town festivals based on flowers, rodeos, derby races or other themes are always full of possibilities. But after seeing my second full-on version of the McMinnville UFO Festival, held May 19-20, I think ...
