When people learned of Susan “Phoenix” Lane’s disappearance last November, the mountain community was shaken, even more so when she was found murdered eight days later on Nov. 29, and her husband Michel Fournier was taken into custody.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t because something like this has never happened on the mountain, but because of what Lane was to so many — a mother, a sister, a friend.  Dozens of people joined the search to look for her, adamant that she wasn’t a “mi

For nearly 30 years, Jamie Simpson has hiked into the local forests in search of edible treasures. Over that time, he’s gathered countless chanterelles, hedgehogs, and lobsters. This mushroom season has been different, though. Fewer finds and a busier schedule has left him low on returns. On Sunday, November 16, however, that tough run ended when Simpson hauled in an enormous cauliflower mushroom. This rare species of mushroom typically weighs about two pounds. The big boys t

For nearly 50 years, Brightwood resident Nathan Mills has lived with an imbalance. At birth, his right leg was shorter than his left. And even after surgeries in his youth to keep his left leg from outgrowing his right, Mills was left with a four-inch difference between the two.  This has required creativity — such as specially lifted shoes — and years of pain management.  Even so, Mills operates with a very positive mentality in his daily life, choosing to “focus on the thin

Get ready for a new restaurant coming soon to the Mountain. Mt. Hood Village Deli and Sweets is set to open in the Mt. Hood Village RV Resort right off Highway 26 in Welches. Mother and daughter owners Alexis McElheran and Kelley Jee are thrilled to be adding another restaurant option for locals.  The long-time Mt. Hood residents are hard at work making repairs and sprucing up the space in advance of their opening. The anticipation is palpable and contagious. “I know people a

All kinds of wildlife — furry mammals, flying birds, crawling amphibians, and even tiny insects — need food, water, and shelter to survive. Each species has its own needs. Some animals can live in small spaces, while others need much larger areas. Some animals need consistent conditions all year, while others only need them at certain times in their life cycle. Your yard or property might already have some of the habitat needed by wildlife. But by improving what’s there or ad

The Sandy and Hoodland Libraries have been raising funds to defer costs to outfit a new mobile library vehicle for several months.  With the vehicle, the staff plan to facilitate programs like their storytime and 1,000 Books before Kindergarten at daycare centers, preschools, and kindergarten classes; provide STEM activities at schools; and offer technology classes at senior centers and retirement communities. "Access to technology and proper instruction empowers seniors to s

In an era when police departments nationwide are grappling with staffing shortages and strained public relations, finding new ways to connect with the community has never been more essential. The Sandy Police Department is taking a particularly creative approach to that end through a new video project that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the men and women serving the city The project, spearheaded by Sergeant Thornton, whose responsibilities include recruitment, retention,

Mary Forrest, owner of Forrest Insurance Agency, had been to the Welches School before, thanks to watching her two boys play sports there. But on Tuesday, Oct. 14, Forrest got a much more nuanced look into what goes on during school hours, thanks to the annual Principal for the Day event held in partnership with the Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce. “I expected to observe a day in the life of a principal, but I came away with so much more,” she said. “I had no idea just how ful

As immigration continues to be a topic of relentless discussion, it goes without saying that many people are accepting risk and danger to enter countries for better opportunities. Whether it is due to economic crisis, organized crime, or an overall desire to better themselves, refugees continue to risk everything for a chance at a better future. And while many members of our community can say they have experienced this firsthand, a few members of our Mt. Hood Villages family

Mark Bachmann has spent more than half a century in pursuit of fish – and something deeper. His book, The Virtue of Fly Fishing V2 , published last spring, gathers those decades of reflection into a 409-page work that is part memoir, part natural history, and part meditation on how humans fit within the living systems that sustain us. “The Virtue of Fly Fishing,” Bachmann writes in his foreword, “is about the art, science, history, politics, religion, romance, and adventure i

When Susan “Phoenix” Lane was found last year, and her death ruled a result of domestic violence by those who love her, people on the mountain reached out — to the county, the state, legislators, and anyone who would listen — requesting better resources to help those experiencing abuse in their community.  It wasn’t the first time Mount Hood residents had professed a need for this kind of support, but the circumstances and media coverage of Phoenix’s death helped emphasize th

The sound of live music, laughter, and dancing spilled out of Pub 26 in Welches on September 19, as neighbors gathered for Fiesta Latina, an annual event honoring Latino and Hispanic heritage on the mountain. Guests enjoyed food and drink specials courtesy of Pub 26, colorful decorations, and a packed dance floor energized by the lively northern Mexican music of Los Nuevos Palomitos. Raffle prizes from local businesses helped support Mt. Hood Unida’s ongoing programs. Now in

Over the last several years, Mt. Hood has rediscovered one of its most valuable cultural treasures: the Steiner Cabins. On October 18, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum (MHCCM) in Government Camp will host an open house and raffle in honor of these once-forgotten marvels. Get set for fun, education, and some pretty enticing prizes when the event kicks off at 1 p.m. For any readers who may have missed our coverage of the Steiner Cabins, October 18’s event is the perfect

Mt. Hood Hospice and the Sandy Senior Center have partnered on hosting this event to honor veterans for three years. Credit: Mt. Hood Hospice As a nonprofit organization, Mt. Hood Hospice serves those nearing the end of life, and their families, regardless of their ability to pay.  About a quarter of those they care for have served our country.  As part of the national We Honor Veterans program, their team is dedicated to recognizing the unique needs of veterans and their fam

Every year, hundreds of tourists flock to Mt. Hood to jog through the summertime heat as participants in the annual Hood to Coast Relay. The organization has its eyes on celebrating the rich diversity on display for runners making the trek from the tip of the mountain all the way to the relay’s finish line in Seaside. Since the race is a fixture in the community, we asked locals for their personal opinions on the annual event, and the reviews were ... mixed. Across Instagram

It isn’t every day the mountain gets to celebrate a centenarian! On Monday, September 15, longtime resident Fred Thornberg turned 100 – bringing with him a lifetime of service, humor, and community spirit that has enriched the Mt. Hood area for more than five decades. Thornberg moved to Oregon from Utah in 1968 with his wife Dana, and worked as a home builder. “I was a Lion in Utah,” he recalled. “A friend asked me to join here, and I did.” That simple decision turned into 55

As Jamela Turin prepares for her first high school varsity game, she remembers her parents’ advice: “Don’t act younger than everyone. You can’t play like everyone’s older than you… act like you belong there.” Her parents told her this when she was notified that she, as a freshman, made Sandy High School’s girls varsity soccer team. She wasn’t just excited because she was a freshman on varsity – she was excited for her whole team’s potential to succeed.  After several strenuou

The mornings are becoming crisp in Sandy, and nothing feels more welcoming than the smell of coffee and fresh baked goods at the AntFarm Café & Bakery. For more than ten years, the café has been part of local life, serving meals and drinks that not only nourish customers but also support the youth and family programs of AntFarm. From vision to gathering place Construction began and the café opened in 2013. Youth and volunteers helped strip floors, polish wood, and bring the v

A Sudden Shift in Funding. In early spring, AntFarm Youth Services learned that the funding which had powered its summer work experience program for nearly a decade had been cut. The news was sobering, but the response was immediate. Staff knew that if nothing was done, youth across Sandy, Estacada, and Molalla would lose a meaningful opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with their community. Rather than step back, AntFarm mobilized. Leaders, staff, and partners came toget

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines. It’s time to rev it up and go to the 27th Annual Sandy Cruisin’ Car Show on Saturday, Sept. 13, on the grounds of the St. Michael Catholic Church. More than 200 vehicles are expected to roll into the sprawling church lot to compete in the show. Trophies will be awarded in 23 classes, with winners selected by people’s choice. The Dick Larrowe Memorial Trophy, named after one of the car show’s founders, will be awarded to the best in sh