INSID
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The Nugget
IDE U G ALL UT
F ULL O P VE A S &
PRE-SORTED STANDARD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sisters, OR Permit No. 15
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Vol. XLIV No. 32
www.NuggetNews.com
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Air support helps battle lightning fires Cooler weather on Sunday assisted firefighting crews in gaining increased containment on Sisters Country fires that were sparked by lightning in a storm that moved across the region last Thursday, August 5. The Bean Creek Fire and Monty Fire started about a mile apart east of the Monty Campground near Lake Billy Chinook. Air resources were a significant help in keeping the fires from getting big. Central Oregon Helitack deployed three trucks and a helicopter within hours after lightning ignited the fires. The BLM team based in Prineville included firefighters from Montana. They stationed themselves and extensive gear at Sisters Eagle Airport. Gusty winds challenged crews on the Bean Creek Fire on Friday afternoon, but after multiple large air tankers dropped retardant, crews on the ground were assisted by helicopters dropping water to cool hot spots, and dozers constructed preliminary containment lines. A local Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) Type 3 team has now taken command of the
POSTAL CUSTOMER
McDonald’s did not turn away firefighters By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Helicopters operating out of Sisters Eagle Airport have helped ground crews battle two small blazes that erupted from lightning strikes on August 5. fire. Additional resources arrived on the two fires on Sunday to add capacity to containment efforts. Crews mopped up heat around the perimeter to continue securing containment lines. As of Sunday night, the Bean Creek Fire remained at 138 acres and the Monty Fire remains at 23 acres. A Level 1 evacuation notice (Get Ready) issued by Jefferson County
Sheriff’s Office for houses on Montgomery Shores on the Metolius Arm was lifted late Monday afternoon. Monty Campground on the Sisters Ranger District remains closed. Temperatures are expected to soar into the high 90s and may crack 100 degrees this week, which makes fire conditions more dangerous and firefighting more arduous. Fire officials emphasized that
the important thing members of the public can do to help firefighters is to help prevent human-caused fires. With an increasing number of acres on fire in the Pacific Northwest, fire and aviation resources are stretched thin. The public is reminded that the region remains in extreme fire danger and public use restrictions are in place on all federally managed public lands.
Sisters McDonald’s has taken a severe beating in the news and on social media for the past month — for something that did not happen. A viral Facebook post, amplified by a story run on KTVZ-21, led people across the nation to believe that the local McDonald’s had refused service on July 13 to firefighters battling the Grandview Fire, who were then treated to a steak dinner at another Sisters restaurant. But a timeline and evidence from security cameras, confirmed by Oregon Department of Forestry officials, demonstrates that, as owner Scott Acarregui asserts, “McDonald’s did not at any point refuse service to ANY firefighters.” He told The Nugget, “We refused service to the general See MCDONALD’S on page 23
Tensions over masking Will the well run dry in Sisters? at school board meeting Well drillers are busy — but mostly By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent
The boardroom at the Sisters School District office was packed with over 30 citizens for the monthly meeting held Wednesday, August 4. Most were there to express their opposition of the recent mask mandate for K-12 students handed down by Governor Kate Brown two days earlier. Twelve of those in attendance spoke during the community comment portion of the meeting, addressing concerns about masks along with the issues of critical race theory, bullying, and Black Lives Matter (BLM). Board members in attendance included Jeff Smith,
Inside...
Edie Jones, Don Hedrick, and David Thorsett. Jenica Cogdill was absent. After a robust recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, Board Chair Don Hedrick opened the meeting for community comments, which filled the first half of the hour-long meeting. Most of the comments centered on Brown’s announcement that took place a few days earlier. In a statement Thursday, July 29, Brown said, “The science and data are clear: the Delta variant is in our communities, and it is more contagious. My priority is to ensure our kids are able to safely return to full-time, in-person learning this fall, See MEETING on page 12
Some property owners have reported that their water wells had run dry. Fortunately, those cases are sparse. The larger issue remains water curtailment for farmers, especially hay producers, who are facing uncertainty that they will have enough water for a second cutting. The second cutting is the difference between profit and loss. Worries are mounting particularly in the north county. Canvasing four well drillers and pump service outfits leads to the conclusion that the vast bulk of their calls remain repair or replacement of pumps — typical jobs for this time of the year. There are few calls to deepen wells.
with new wells and routine repair and replacement. So far, Sisters Country has not seen the severe drop in well water experienced in other parts of Oregon.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
New wells, however, are in high demand commensurate with countywide population growth and property subdividing. When 40 acres are
developed as eight five-acre tracts, that’s seven new wells. The backlog is generally four See WELLS on page 14
Letters/Weather ............... 2 In the Pines....................... 4 Announcements...............10 Sisters Salutes ................ 11 Classifieds.................. 18-19 Meetings .......................... 3 Obituaries ..................... 6-7 Entertainment ................. 11 Crossword ....................... 17 Real Estate ................ 20-24
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
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Letters to the Editor… The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer’s name, address, and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond, or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is 10 a.m. Monday.
Camp Sherman in Sisters Country To the Editor: Re: Bill Bartlett’s “News Nuggets” If the definition of “Sisters Country” is indeed “up for debate” I would encourage you to include the Camp Sherman community and not limit it to the Sisters School District boundaries. Our community, while small, is so important to our region both culturally and ecologically. We have a public K-8 school (Black Butte School)
that is often overlooked in the reporting The Nugget does on “Sisters Country” schools. Camp Sherman kids eventually attend Sisters High School. All Camp Sherman residents frequent Sisters business for services. Many of us volunteer for organizations based in Sisters. Our beautiful basin attracts both tourists (which also use Sisters services) and Sisters locals alike. Please include us in your definition of “Sisters Country.” Our residents See LETTERS on page 22
Sisters Weather Forecast
Courtesy of the National Weather Service, Pendleton, Oregon
Wednesday
Thursday
August 11 • Mostly Sunny
Friday
Saturday
August 12 • Mostly Sunny August 13 • Mostly Sunny August 14 • Mostly Sunny
98/65
101/65
99/66
96/62
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
August 15 • Partly Cloudy
August 16 • Mostly Sunny
August 17 • Sunny
91/59
85/54
84/55
The Nugget Newspaper, LLC Website: www.nuggetnews.com 442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759 Tel: 541-549-9941 | Email: editor@nuggetnews.com Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. Third Class Postage Paid at Sisters, Oregon.
Editor in Chief: Jim Cornelius Production Manager: Leith Easterling Creative Director: Jess Draper Community Marketing Partner: Vicki Curlett Classifieds & Circulation: Angela Lund Proofreader: Kit Tosello Owner: J. Louis Mullen
The Nugget is mailed to residents within the Sisters School District; subscriptions are available outside delivery area. Third-class postage: one year, $55; six months (or less), $30. First-class postage: one year, $95; six months, $65. Published Weekly. ©2021 The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All advertising which appears in The Nugget is the property of The Nugget and may not be used without explicit permission. The Nugget Newspaper, LLC. assumes no liability or responsibility for information contained in advertisements, articles, stories, lists, calendar etc. within this publication. All submissions to The Nugget Newspaper will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyrighting purposes and subject to The Nugget Newspaper’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially, that all rights are currently available, and that the material in no way infringes upon the rights of any person. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return or safety of artwork, photos, or manuscripts.
Helping veterans...
Thanks to the generous participation of the Sisters community in The Nugget’s Stars & Stripes special feature, The Nugget was able to present over $400 to Central Oregon Veterans Ranch last month. The donation will further their mission to help veterans find a sense of belonging and purpose through meaningful interactions, team projects, education, growing plants, and caring for animals on the ranch.
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The Delta blues By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
Last month, my wife and daughter and I hit the road to Montana to join some 25,000-30,000 other people at the Under the Big Sky Music & Art Fest, held on a ranch just outside Whitefish. Three days of the best in “Americana” or “alt-country” music on two stages, on grounds packed with people. None of us are much for crowds in general — but there is something primal and exhilarating about being part of an exuberant tribal gathering, joyously caught up in music. And we felt perfectly comfortable doing it — though Marilyn did sometimes mask up when we had to move through dense masses of people. Now, let me be clear: We didn’t get vaccinated just so we could pretend that the music never stopped. But feeling comfortable in a big, music-loving crowd is, for us, one of the most significant perks of “vaccine privilege.” Getting the jab allowed us to feel comfortable getting back to a profoundly valued aspect of our lives that the pandemic had pretty much shut down. It looked like we were well on our way “back to living life before there isn’t any life to get back to living,” as Dwight Yoakam has it. The surge of the Delta variant was not welcome news. You might say we’ve got the Delta blues. Bad news on the COVID-19 front keeps falling down like hail. Makes you feel like you’ve got a hellhound on your trail. (Hat tip to Robert Johnson.*) Thing is, though, this was bound to happen. Coronaviruses mutate — a lot; that’s why there are so many strains of the common cold. What the Delta blues has taught us — or reinforced, because we really should have known this from the early days of the pandemic — is that COVID-19 is here to stay, no matter how much hot foot powder we sprinkle around our door. Those who are awaiting a time when we can achieve zero risk with COVID-19 are as deluded as those who insisted that the whole thing was a hoax or
that it would somehow magically disappear. We have to learn to live with this hellhound lurking in the treeline of our world, sometimes lunging out to snap, snarl, and bite. The development of vaccines against COVID-19 is a triumph of science and American can-do ingenuity. You can fault the Trump Administration for missteps and foolish messaging on the coronavirus pandemic — but give them credit for Operation Warp Speed. The partnership between institutions Americans are often (rightly) leery of — the federal government and Big Pharma — in this case provided a means of mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 and enabling us to get back to “living life.” They’re not a silver bullet that can slay the hellhound, but they go a long way toward mitigating its bite. The vaccines remain an effective means of avoiding getting sick, or avoiding serious effects if you do get bitten. Way I look at it, getting the jab is like putting on a seatbelt when I hit the highway, or carrying a pistol on the regular — a reasonable and responsible measure to protect myself and my loved ones from the vicissitudes of life. At this point, mask mandates seem counterproductive. Nobody should be faulted or shamed for wearing one if they choose to. They are still federally mandated at healthcare facilities, and we should respect that requirement, especially with the stresses and strains our local healthcare system is under. But pushing masks on everyone again — including the vaccinated — sends mixed signals (at best) about the efficacy of the vaccines and needlessly stokes social tensions (see related stories pages 1 and 3). Those social tensions are, in their way, as dangerous to our future as COVID-19. Like poor, old Bob sang, you “can tell the wind is risin’, the leaves tremblin’ on the tree.” *Hellhound On My Trail, Robert Johnson, The Complete Recordings
Contact information for the elected officials that represent Sisters residents can be found on page 10: “Contact your representatives...”
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
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Mask ‘frustration’ rising in Sisters By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
PHOTO COURTESY DESCHUTES LAND TRUST
Creek restoration
Heavy equipment is being used to further Whychus Creek restoration in a reach on the Rimrock Ranch.
underway at Rimrock Ranch By Sue Stafford Correspondent
Another section of Whychus Creek that runs through Rimrock Ranch is undergoing large-scale restoration to improve habitat for fish and wildlife in and around the creek. The property belongs to the Deschutes Land Trust (DLT). Crestline Construction is executing the design created by the Upper Deschutes Wa t e r s h e d C o u n c i l (UDWC). The entire project
was threatened when the Grandview Fire broke out on July 11 and burned over 6,000 acres in Jefferson and Deschutes counties. The fire burned across portions of the north boundary of the ranch, but thanks to the efforts of employees from Crestline Construction (see story on page 14) and firefighters working to contain the fire, restoration work on Whychus Creek was able to resume on July 19. After 100 years of the creek being manipulated by human activity, the Upper
D e s c h u t e s Wa t e r s h e d Council and Deschutes Land Trust have partnered with the U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Portland General Electric, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove fish passage barriers, improve water quality and quantity, create healthier habitat for fish and wildlife, and make the creek more sustainable in the longterm. See RESTORATION on page 15
It’s not only at the school board meeting where frustration is mounting in Sisters Country over mask protocols and expectations. (See story page 1.) Guidance from the CDC and the White House has shifted dramatically in the last 10 days and at times appears confusing. As recently as May, President Joe Biden was emphatic to a reporter’s question: “If you’ve been fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask. Let me repeat. If you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear
a mask. The safest thing for the country is for everyone to get vaccinated.” Many took that literally, thinking there was light at the end of the tunnel. Conditions changed on the ground, however. On July 27, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky announced: “In areas with substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends fully vaccinated people wear masks in public, indoor settings to help prevent the spread of the Delta variant, and protect others. This includes schools,” Walensky said. “The CDC See MASKS on page 21
Extreme heat is very dangerous for pets Sisters Country will see temperatures soar back into the high 90s this week, with a prediction of 100 degrees on Thursday. With high temperatures comes increased risks for heat-related illness, for people and animals. The Oregon Humane Society (OHS) works to get the word out on how dangerous high heat can be for pets — and how quickly the effects can become dire. The best place for your pet to be during the heat of the
day is inside with you, keeping cool, OHS recommends keeping pets indoors and out of the heat, if possible. “If you see an animal in distress because of the heat, please take immediate steps to help, in addition to calling local police,” OHS states. “Provide the pet with a bowl of cool water; create a shady area where the animal can relax; set up a water sprinkler for the animal; knock on See PETS on page 20
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to affect gatherings, please contact individual organizations for current meeting status
SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wednesday (September-June), Stitchin’ Post. All are welcome. 541-549-6061.
Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 4 p.m., meeting at Sisters Community Church. Al-Anon Mon., noon. / Thurs., 10 a.m., 541-549-6157. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Go Fish Fishing Group 3rd Monday, Sisters Area Woodworkers 541-610-7383. 7 p.m. Sisters Community Church. All 1st Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 541-639-6216. ages welcome. 541-771-2211. Alcoholics Anonymous Thurs. & Sisters Astronomy Club 3rd Sun., 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Heartwarmers (fleece blanketmakers) Tuesday, 7 p.m., SPRD. 541-549-8846. Transfiguration / Sat., 8 a.m., Episcopal 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 1 p.m., Sisters City Church of the Transfiguration / Mon., Hall. Materials provided. 541-408-8505. Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m., Email: sistersbridge2021@ 5 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Hero Quilters of Sisters Thursday, gmail.com. Church / Big Book study, Tues., noon, 1 to 4 p.m. 541-668-1755. Sisters Caregiver Support Group Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Citizens4Community, Let’s Talk 3rd Tues., 10:30 a.m., Village Green Gentlemen’s meeting, Wed., 7 a.m., Park. 541-771-3258. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / 3rd Monday, 5:30 to 8 p.m. RSVP at Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, Thurs., citizens4community.com Sisters Cribbage Club Please call for details. 541-923-1632. noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Military Parents of Sisters Meetings Church / Step & Tradition meeting, Fri., are held quarterly; please call for details. Sisters Habitat for Humanity Board noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran of Directors 4th Tuesday, 6 p.m. 541-388-9013. Church. 541-548-0440. Location information: 541-549-1193. Oregon Band of Brothers – Sisters Sisters Kiwanis Thursdays, 7 to Black Butte Ranch Bridge Club Chapter Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., Brand 33 Restaurant at Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., BBR community Takoda’s Restaurant. 541-549-6469. Aspen Lakes. 541-410-2870. room. Partner required. 541-595-6236. Prayer Shawl Group 2nd & 4th Sisters Parent Teacher Community Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Call for 2nd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at Sisters For Saturday meeting dates and location: 503-819-1723. Saloon. 541-480-5994. location, email: steelefly@msn.com. SAGE (Senior Activities, Gatherings Sisters Parkinson’s Support Group Central OR Spinners and Weavers & Enrichment) Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. Meeting by Zoom. Guild One Saturday per month, Jan. to 4 p.m. at Sisters Park & Recreation 541-668-6599. thru Oct. For schedule: 541-639-3217. District. 541-549-2091. Sisters Red Hats 1st Friday. Location information: 541-279-1977. Sisters Aglow Lighthouse Council on Aging of Central Oregon Senior Lunch Tuesdays, noon, Sisters 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Thursdays, Community Church. 541-480-1843. Zoom. 503-930-6158. Noon, Aspen Lakes. 541-760-5645.
BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS
Sisters Speak Life Cancer Support Group 2nd & 4th Tues, 1-2:30 p.m. Call for location: 541-410-9716. Sisters Trails Alliance Board 1st Monday, 5 p.m. Sisters Library. Public welcome. 808-281-2681. Sisters Veterans Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Restaurant. 541-903-1123. Three Sisters Irrigation District Board of Directors 1st Tuesday, 4 p.m., TSID Office. 541-549-8815. Three Sisters Lions Club 2nd Tuesday, noon, Ray’s Food Place community room. 541-419-1279. VFW Post 8138 and American Legion Post 86 1st Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 541-903-1123. Weight Watchers Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. weigh-in, Sisters Community Church. 541-602-2654.
SCHOOLS Black Butte School Board of Directors 2nd Tuesday, 3:45 p.m., Black Butte School. 541-595-6203. Sisters School District Board of Directors One Wed. monthly, SSD Admin Bldg. See schedule online at www.ssd6.org. 541-549-8521 x5002.
CITY & PARKS Sisters City Council 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 541-549-6022. Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Directors 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m., SPRD bldg. 541-549-2091. Sisters Planning Commission 3rd Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 541-549-6022.
FIRE & POLICE Black Butte Ranch Police Dept. Board of Directors Meets monthly. 541-595-2191 for time & date. Black Butte Ranch RFPD Board of Directors 4th Thursday, 9 a.m., Black Butte Ranch Fire Station. 541-595-2288. Cloverdale RFPD Board of Directors 3rd Wed., 5:30 p.m., 67433 Cloverdale Rd. 541-548-4815. cloverdalefire.com. Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD Board of Directors 3rd Tuesday, 5 p.m., Sisters Fire Hall, 541-549-0771. Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD Drills Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Sisters Fire Hall, 301 S. Elm St. 541-549-0771. This listing is for regular Sisters Country meetings; email information to lisa@nuggetnews.com
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Crime historian conducts dig for D.B. Cooper case evidence VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — Nearly 50 years after skyjacker D.B. Cooper vanished out the back of a Boeing 727 into freezing Northwest rain — wearing a business suit, a parachute, and a pack with $200,000 in cash — a crime historian is conducting a dig on the banks of the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington, in search of evidence. KOIN reports that Eric Ulis, a self-described expert on the infamous D.B. Cooper case, began a two-day dig on Friday. Ulis and four volunteers are searching for evidence about 10 to 15 yards away from where a boy found $6,000 of Cooper’s ransom money in 1980. Ulis said his theory is that Cooper buried the parachutes, an attaché case and the money at the same time, but dug smaller holes instead of one large one. The case of Cooper has become infamous, not only in the Pacific Northwest but also in the country. The FBI Seattle field office called the investigation one of the longest and most exhaustive in the agency’s history. On November 24, 1971, the night before Thanksgiving, a man described as being in his mid-40s with dark sunglasses and an olive complexion boarded a flight from Portland to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac). He bought his $20 ticket under the name “Dan Cooper,’’ but an early wireservice report misidentified him as “D.B. Cooper,’’ and the name stuck. Sitting in the rear of the plane, he handed a note to a flight attendant after takeoff.
“Miss, I have a bomb and would like you to sit by me,’’ it said. The man demanded $200,000 in cash plus four parachutes. He received them at Sea-Tac, where he released the 36 passengers and two of the flight attendants. The plane took off again at his direction, heading slowly to Reno, Nevada, at the low height of 10,000 feet. Somewhere, apparently over southwestern Washington, Cooper lowered the aircraft’s rear stairs and jumped. He was never found. But a boy digging on a Columbia River beach in 1980 discovered three bundles of weathered $20 bills — nearly $6,000 in all. It was Cooper’s cash, according to the serial numbers. Over the years, the FBI and amateur sleuths have examined innumerable theories about Cooper’s identity and fate, from accounts of unexplained wealth to purported discoveries of his parachute to potential matches of the agency’s composite sketch of the suspect. In July 2016, the FBI announced it was no longer investigating the case. Editor’s note: In 2011, Marla Cooper, who grew up in the Brooks-Scanlon logging camp in the early 1970s, visited town. She had participated in an ABC News interview in which she posited the theory that her uncle Lynn Doyle Cooper of Sisters was the man known as D.B. Cooper. The interview and Cooper’s visit sparked a bit of Coopermania in Sisters. Read the story at bit.ly/ NuggetCooperCase.
The Law Office of
JOHN H. MYERS, LLC — Downtown Sisters —
WILLS & TRUSTS
In the
PINES By T. Lee Brown
Where is Sisters Country? Call it “the Sisters area” or go for “Sisters Country,” a successful marketing tagline rolled out by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce a while back. I like calling it Sisters Country. Our home. Where we live and work and play. Where the heck is it, exactly? Bill Bartlett mentioned in last week’s issue of The Nugget that it might be defined by the borders of Sisters School District. I respectfully disagree. Wherever The Nugget covers news and community? That’s Sisters Country, and it most definitely includes Camp Sherman, Suttle Lake, and environs. The term Sisters Country is big enough to encompass our neighbors in Jefferson County, zip code
97730, and Black Butte School District. Speaking of boundaries: Did you know that Sisters Parks & Recreation District (SPRD) and Sisters School District (SSD) do not share the same borders? Some local parents might not realize that, until they go in to sign up for SPRD camps — only to discover that their family’s address is considered part of Redmond’s parks and rec. Even if you’re an active part of the Sisters community and your kids attend school here, you might not fall under SPRD’s rubric. Out-of-district people can still participate; it costs more. I asked Jennifer Holland, SPRD’s executive director, what’s up with that. “This is a very common question,” she assured me. “Sisters Park & Recreation District is called a ‘special district.’ We have our own district lines that, while are similar to SSD, are not the same.” Apparently it’s often seen in special districts, including the one Holland worked for before moving to Sisters (Willamalane over in Springfield). SPRD’s boundaries were determined back in 1998, when the special district formation was on the ballot for voters to approve. “Many factors go into
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deciding the district boundaries including needs for services and who is likely to support the measure,” Holland said. “As you know, Central Oregon has changed a lot in the last 20-plus years, so what was true then may not be true today.” To change district lines, SPRD would need to float a ballot measure to “annex” specific areas. Those specific areas would then be subject to SPRD-supporting property taxes. “There have been conversations with myself and the board on the potential need for this, as there are pocket neighborhoods who are in the SSD boundaries but not ours,” Holland explained. “Future steps remain to be seen,” she said. “However, I do believe it will be a topic during our next strategic planning process.” The board of SPRD cannot, alas, tell us where exactly Sisters Country is. Maybe we should put that question on the ballot, too. But who would get to vote on it? Only the residents of 97759? Or the wider swath of Sisters Country? That was a joke, folks. That’s not a ballotable issue. So I’ll just keep using the term in an inclusive and vague kinda way. Shout-out to my friends in 97730!
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…For your support and patience as we add staff and refine our service during the post-COVID tourist season. — The Ski Inn Team
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
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Commentary...
Compromising homelessness
By Erik Dolson Columnist
Two weeks ago, camps of the homeless, aka the houseless, aka those living in rough shelter, in squalor and despair rank in the hot July sun near the Columbia River in Portland, seemed almost apocalyptic. After asking liberals and conservatives what they thought could be done, and reading a variety of publications, I think there may actually be some options but am not at all sure we can get there from here. Because I had a bias against publicly funded “affordable housing” (at a social level the concept may be self-defeating in a capitalist system), I’d dismissed that housing the homeless was possible. But last week I read a tweet from a progressive politician (I was looking for something by Cormac McCarthy, okay?) which said “housing is a human right.” This caused a shift in my thinking. I do believe there are “human rights” that a civilized society guarantees its members. In other words, an individual is guaranteed a minimal standard of living by the fact of being a member of our society and we will not accept misery under the overpass.
Now that I think about it, the label “social security” captures what I’m trying to get at: Even here in America, land of individuals, land of the free, land of “them that kills eats,” we believe in social security. (No, you did not pay into your Social Security account all you are likely to receive.) I also believe in (and receive) Medicare. What if we expand the label of “social security” to include minimal health care for all? That would certainly provide security and, if provided by society, becomes part of our “social security.” We share the air. So if Medicare, Medicaid, etc. also become part of our social security, can we include shelter for the homeless? To “cure” what the The Economist magazine calls “unsheltered homelessness”? Not until we liberals become a whole lot more honest. WHAT?!?!? Before America will agree that housing is a human right, liberals have to put actual concepts of acceptable “housing” or “shelter” on the table. Not doing so is dishonest hedging of bets. Yes, I know the risks of being specific. Liberals must accept that many Americans are getting through hard times by
living in the basements of relatives, or in singlewides in unregulated trailer parks, or in campers somewhere in the forest, or in a room in a house with kitchen and bathroom shared with strangers. Those Americans, and their kin, won’t accept government giving away better accommodations to the unsheltered. But if liberals have to describe what shelter they will agree is minimally acceptable, conservatives have to acknowledge that bad things happen to good people, that community well-being depends on the well-being of its most vulnerable members, and finally that we will simply not tolerate fellow Americans living and dying on the side of our freeways. Conservatives must do more than say the program rewards the undeserving, or the addicted must suffer before recovery, or bad decisions must result in bad outcomes for the good of society, or … just pick the most
unfair example to oppose any such program so it will die. Consequently, such shelter must be minimal, and we must NOT remove the social stigma of such housing. Yes, that’s harsh to liberal sensitivities. But community values are a primary mechanism that society uses to correct social malfunction at a macro level. My vision includes a warm room under a roof, a bed, a way to heat food, a toilet, a shower: 200 to 300 square feet? I don’t know. Small A-frames come to mind, with enough “space” around each unit for individual choices, whether a vegetable garden or daffodils or a hammock between poles. Arranged in a close hexagon? The hexagons themselves arranged in a pattern of hexagons? With a common area for visits by medical personnel or community conference? A pickup point for public transport to employment? A professional told me
once that a “community” can’t be larger than about 200 people. Could we prevent warfare between adjacent communities? I don’t know, I’m just throwing out ideas. My ideas may be inane or impossible. Offer your own. But don’t retreat behind “It’s not my problem.” Yes, it is. As Americans, we must look for the trade-offs while we create innovative solutions. It’s cheaper to shelter the homeless in minimal accommodations than in hospitals or jails. It also becomes simpler to address individual problems such as addiction, mental health, lack of skills, etc. There may be real savings on a social level. Then, maybe we can confront the absurdity that monthly rent for a basic apartment in many places is about half of a good monthly wage. Erik Dolson is a Sisters resident and writer. His work can be found at https:// erikdolson.substack.com.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Obituaries Walter (Wally) Henry Rietz, Jr. August 17, 1923—July 26, 2021
Wally Rietz passed on July 26. Wally was born at the home of his parents, Walter Sr. and Margaret Rietz in Highland Park, Illinois. Wally graduated from Highland Park High School and attended the University of Illinois in Champaign in 1941. Wally joined ROTC on campus in December. Finishing Officer Candidate School as a second lieutenant, Wally was assigned to the 11th Armored Division, 41st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron under the command of General George Patton. On December 16, 1944, Wally landed on the French coast in Cherbourg. That same day, German forces initiated the counter-offensive known as the Battle
of the Bulge. In May, Wally arrived at the Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Austria after it was liberated the day before. Wa l l y ’s s e r v i c e i n Europe ended June 1946. He completed his degree at University of Illinois with a BS in business. He met his future wife, Jean Easton, and started his career in Indiana and Illinois. In the early 1950s, Wally transferred to Southern California, living in Whittier for almost 20 years. He was transferred to Portland in 1970. Spending vacations in Central Oregon, Wally and Jean purchased a five-acre property in the Desert Sands subdivision and spent 23 years there in retirement.
Wally was active in Sisters Rotary, hired as a starter at Aspen Lakes Golf Club, Sisters Jazz Festival, and Deschutes County Board for Children and Families. Life became difficult to continue to stay at Desert Sands due to Jean’s failing health. In 2008, they moved to SpringRidge in Charbonneau. Wally is survived by a daughter, Roberta Strom (Dale) of Beaverton, grandsons Brock Strom of Norfolk, VA and Kerby Strom of Portland, brother Robert Rietz of Delaware, OH, and daughter-in-law Peggy White of Timber, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Jean; sons James in 1950, and Scott in 1992; brother Charles in 2019. Before Wally’s passing, he wrote memoirs of his war experience and another on
News nuggets Snippets and tidbits from Sisters Country
a.m. on September 23, 2021. Reception to be determined.
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• Gas prices continue to climb. If you drive a performance auto that requires premium unleaded fuel, you can expect to pay $4.75/gallon in Sisters for ethanol-free gas. For everybody else it’s $3.85/ gallon on average for the four petrol stations in town. That’s an increase of 23 cents in just one month and $1.09/ gallon since January. • Pump your own. Speaking of gas, the 76 station at Sisters Pumphouse & Country Store is allowing self-service due to its continuing staffing shortage. The labor crisis in Sisters remains dire with many businesses curtailing hours. • Hospitalizations for COVID-19. St. Charles remains on high alert for the possibility of the Delta variant taxing the system, but as of Monday, five COVIDrelated patients were in ICU, three of whom were on ventilators. Systemwide, St. Charles has 30 ICU beds. In all of Oregon there are 651 intensive care beds, 140 specialty ICU beds that can be diverted for COVID-19, and 5,195 acute care beds. • Sheriff hosts National Night Out event in Sisters. The Village Green was the scene of a few hundred citizens last week, many of whom were families with young children who came to meet some 40 members of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). Sheriff Shane Nelson posed with kiddos and along with Sisters Substation Commander Lt. Chad Davis and scores of deputies, gave attendees an up-close look inside the myriad vehicles
his 97 years of life. The second memoir was completed days before his passing. Wally recorded a podcast on November 6, 2019, regarding his World War II experience on “Aging Today” with host Mark Turnbull (bit.ly/WallyRietz). That episode can be downloaded. Service to be held at Willamette National Cemetery. Procession to begin promptly at 11:15
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The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office showed local children an array of law enforcement vehicles during National Night Out last week. used by DCSO in its work — from treaded search-andrescue vehicles to watercraft. Children, treated to ice cream bars, were able to sit in patrol cars and work the lights and sirens — much to their delight. • Getting a jump on the fire. Central Oregon Helitack deployed three trucks and a helicopter within hours after lightning ignited three fires near Green Ridge. The Bureau of Land Management team based in Prineville included firefighters from Montana. They stationed themselves and extensive gear at Sisters Eagle Airport, often the base for helo operations in our area during fire season. Their first mission was to drop four rappelers near the fire to clear a base pad for the chopper. • Iconic gallery begins wind-down. Ken Scott’s Imagination Gallery on West Hood Avenue expects to vacate Sisters in October. The years-long tourist favorite represents 29 artists, 24 of whom are local and all of whom will need to find new representation. Scott will take up residence in Leaburg along the McKenzie Highway. He will open a small gallery and maintain
a studio for his considerable list of commissions. • The sports nutrition company Picky Bars, in Bend, owned by American professional runners Lauren Fleshman and Stephanie Bruce and American triathlete Jesse Thomas, has been acquired by Laird Superfood for $12 million. The brand, known for its real-food granola bars, oatmeal, and granola targets athletes and people with active lifestyles.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
7
Obituaries Marvin Benson
Meredith Chaffin McKittrick Taylor
October 26, 1938—August 5, 2021
Marvin Benson passed away peacefully in his Sisters home surrounded by family on August 5. Marvin was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up helping in the family milk and grocery business, and lifeguarding on the shores of Lake Michigan. After graduating from high school, Marvin enlisted and saw many parts of the world through the lens of the U.S. Marine Corps. Shortly after his discharge, he met the love of his life, Trine, a Norwegian nurse working in the hospital at which he was a patient. They were soon married and blessed with two sons, Benny and Sam. The young family moved from the big city of Chicago to Parker, Colorado, for the adventure of building a house and raising their boys on a farm in the country. Marvin spent a 30-year career as a lithographic pressman. After retiring, Marvin and Trine moved to Sisters in 2008, following their granddaughter, Cammi, whose family moved to Sisters two years earlier. Marvin immediately
Passed July 26, 2021
became involved in the local community. As a lifelong gardener, he built the Sisters Community Garden located at the Sisters Eagle Airport. As a skilled wood craftsman, Marvin was a daily volunteer at the Sisters High School in the woodshop classes. He developed the unique skill of “painting with wood,” called intarsia art. He passed on this skill by teaching many students as the leader of a 4-H woodworking club, the Sisters Sawdusters. Marvin also loved to swim early in the morning at Sisters Athletic Club. To Marvin, all kids have special needs, but some more than others, and for those he always had a soft spot and an uncanny kindness to help. In Colorado, he was an active volunteer at the Praying Hands Ranch, connecting kids and horses as therapy for both mental and physical needs. In Sisters, he set up unique gardening experiences in the Sisters Community Garden for the special-needs kids, who became known as
Veterans memorial...
PHOTO BY LANCE TROWBRIDGE
Family members attended a memorial honoring deceased Sisters veterans Dr. Lindsay Simmons, Frank Leithauser, and Gordon Halsten at Sisters Village Green on Saturday, August 7, 2021
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“Marvin’s kids,” and offered one-on-one time in his personal woodshop. Marvin is deeply missed by his devoted wife of 57 years, Trine Benson; his two sons and daughters-in-law Benny and Julie Benson, and Sam and Anne Benson; two grandchildren, Erick Benson and Cammi Benson; his sisters, Anne, Bobby, and Fran; and his Rhodesian ridgeback, Zoey. T h e B en s o n fam i l y wishes to thank Partners in Care, and the Sisters Fire medics for their outstanding help and support. Donations in honor of Marvin can be made to the Sisters School Foundation, Special Needs Program.
Meredith Chaffin McKittrick Taylor, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at the side of her beloved husband, Al, on July 26, 2021 at the age of 90. Meredith was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from Smith College in 1952. Meredith spent most of her adult life in Santa Barbara, California. In 1997, she began spending the summer months at Black Butte Ranch, where she became a cherished part of the Sisters community. Besides raising four children, she was actively involved in the Episcopal church and other nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara and Sisters. She valued most being with her family and friends, including the group of lifelong friends she met at Marlborough Prep School. She was an accomplished bridge player, an avid reader, and loved the arts. She stayed active by taking walks around Black Butte Ranch, swimming, hiking on the Metolius River, and
playing golf. Meredith is survived by her husband, Al; her first husband, James; her brother Larry; children Mimi (Dennis), Jim (Diane), Peter (Jennifer), and Ann (Lee); grandchildren Evan (Caitlin), Heather (Miles), Timothy, Megan, and Brian; and last but definitely not least, great-grandson Amos. She will be remembered for her intellect, quick wit, and generosity. She believed in a lifelong commitment to self-improvement, and was able to mentor and help many people along the way. She will be put to rest at her family plot at San Gabriel Cemetery in Los Angeles in a private ceremony.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Commentary...
Me and Jim Bridger By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief
A couple of years ago, the ownership of The Nugget hosted a gathering of the chiefs of their roster of community newspapers, hailing from Washington and Oregon to Michigan. We rendezvoused in their home base of Buffalo, Wyoming, which lies at the foot of the eastern slope of the Bighorn Mountains much as Sisters relates to the Cascades. It’s historic country. The Bozeman Trail, which branched off of the Oregon Trail in the 1860s to reach the goldfields in Montana, runs through the country. In 1892, local cattle barons brought in a mercenary contingent of Texas gunmen to run out small operators in the area whom they accused of rustling cattle. This nasty piece of business would go down in history as the Johnson County War. I got to Buffalo early enough to take a 15-minute drive out to the site of Fort Phil Kearney and the Fetterman Fight, where, on December 21, 1866, a massive force of Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho ambushed and rubbed out 79 U.S. Army soldiers and two civilians who had made the fatal mistake of chasing a group of decoys across Lodge Trail Ridge. All of this was, of course, a feast for someone who has been immersed in frontier history since childhood. One of the things that struck me most profoundly as I explored the site of Fort Phil Kearney was that I was walking in the footsteps of Jim Bridger. Bridger was one of the original mountain men, who became the premier scout and guide on the northern plains. I’ve been cutting his sign since I was a kid. Bridger features prominently in two historical novels by Michael Punke — “The Revenant” (which was turned into a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio), and the recently released “Ridgeline,” which vividly tells the tale of the Fetterman Fight. Lane Jacobson of Paulina Springs Books in Sisters recruited me to be Punke’s “conversation partner” in a Books in Common NW event. That talk can be viewed via the Books in Common NW YouTube channel. “The Revenant” depicts an episode from Bridger’s youth, when he was caught up in Hugh Glass’ epic struggle for survival after being mauled by a sow grizzly bear on the Grand River in now-South Dakota in
1823. “Ridgeline” depicts Bridger’s role as a scout for the U.S. Army in 1866, when they moved into the Powder River Country to construct forts to guard the Bozeman Trail route. Bridger warned the Army command that the Powder River Country tribes were gathering in great force to drive them out, but they did not heed his warnings… During his near-half-century career in the American West, Bridger saw — and facilitated — massive change. In 1822, when he first hired on to trap beaver for General William Ashley in an expedition up the Missouri River, the land was a vast wilderness, teeming with wildlife and dominated by the political, diplomatic, and military power of vigorous native peoples — the Blackfeet, Shoshone, Flathead, Nez Perce, Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. Bridger, completely illiterate, had an exceptional sense of geography and terrain, and his fur-trapping expeditions made the lay of the land known to the growing republic. When the fur trade died out — due to changing fashions and over-trapping of the resource — Bridger built a trading post in southwestern Wyoming he named Fort Bridger. It became an important waystation for the growing flood of emigrants passing through the plains and Rocky Mountains on their way to Oregon and California. By the time Bridger took up work as a scout for the army, the West was filling up with mining communities, and the Indian peoples with whom he’d lived, intermarried, or fought, depending on circumstances, were in decline, ravaged by diseases like smallpox, alcoholism fomented by the whiskey trade, and under increasing pressure due to climate change and the loss of their range. “The free life in the mountains” that Bridger loved was disappearing — and he’d had a major hand in its demise. In making his living and his life, he had informally mapped the West and discovered routes that would one day be used by railroads and interstates, guided and provided advice and succor to emigrants who would fill it up, facilitated the work of the military force that would subdue and tame it. He was the living embodiment of what I call The Frontiersman’s Paradox: We come to a wild, free, beautiful place, seeking an untrammeled life and a bit of economic prosperity — and our every action
changes what we love. Punke has Bridger reflecting on all of this in “Ridgeline,” in a campfire conversation with Jim Beckwourth, who was born a slave and came West to become a Mountain Man and then a war chief of the Crow Nation: “Do you ever think about whether we’re doing right or wrong?” asked Bridger. “What do you mean? replied Beckwourth. “I don’t know exactly,” said Bridger. “But I’ve been thinking some lately, wondering about things.” “Things such as what?” “Well, I’ll tell you one… When I was eighteen years old, I rode on to the Great Salt Lake — first white man to ever see it, so far as I know.” “Pretty country.” “Pretty for sure, and wild — but that’s part of my point. Have you been there lately?” “Not for a long time.” “Well, it’s practically as big as St. Louis. Half the buildings are brick, and the Mormons are even putting up a temple.” “You sound like you’re
PHOTO FROM LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
A sculpture of a beckoning Jim Bridger looms at the site of the trading post he built in southwestern Wyoming. complaining,” said Beckwourth. “Didn’t all those Mormons stop off at your fort to buy flour and repair their wagons? I heard you made a killing.” “I did okay. And I’m not complaining, exactly — just wondering.” “Wondering what?” Well, I don’t know… wondering if it’s a good thing or a bad thing, I guess.” I think about Bridger as we are washed in the tides of change in Sisters Country, as more and more people discover this place. I think about Bridger when
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The Nugget publishes a story sharing a favorite hike, or when we have to pull a permit to experience a vestige of “the wild, free life in the mountains.” We simultaneously want to share our bounty and keep it for ourselves. And the more of us who seek it, the less there is to share. Jim Bridger knew our song. *The most recent series of The Frontier Partisans Podcast explores the life of Jim Bridger. Find the podcast on Podbean at https:// frontierpartisans.podbean. com/ or on Spotify
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
9
Oregon healthcare workers to get COVID vaccine or be tested By Sara Cline The Associated Press/Report for America
PORTLAND (AP) — Oregon healthcare workers will be required to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing, Gov. Kate Brown announced Wednesday. Officials say the new rule will apply beginning September 30 — giving time for employers to prepare for implementation and for unvaccinated health care workers to become fully vaccinated. “The more contagious Delta variant has changed everything. This new safety measure is necessary to stop Delta from causing severe illness among our first line of defense: our doctors, nurses, medical students, and frontline healthcare workers,’’ Brown said. Brown directed the Oregon Health Authority to issue the new rule, which applies broadly to personnel in healthcare settings who have direct or indirect contact with patients or infectious materials. The rule requires weekly COVID-19 testing for personnel and can be waived with proof of vaccination. A state law enacted in 1989 prohibits employers from independently mandating vaccines for certain
limited categories of workers, including healthcare workers. But a spokesperson from the governor’s office says the new rule does not conflict with the law. “This is not a requirement for vaccination, rather, the OHA administrative rule gives healthcare personnel a choice between weekly testing or providing proof of vaccination,” said Charles Boyle, Brown’s deputy communications director. In addition, Brown says she intends to work with stakeholders and lawmakers to address the existing law during the February 2022 legislative session. As COVID-19 surges across the State,
leading health organizations — including the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems — have been pressing State leaders to open the door for healthcare organizations to enact vaccination mandates. The Oregon Nurses Association and Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems applauded the governor’s directive. “This is a reasonable and sensible approach, which respects the individual choices of healthcare workers while also protecting public health,’’ the Oregon Nurses Association said in a statement. On Monday, officials at Kaiser Permanente, one
of Oregon’s largest private health systems, announced that healthcare workers, along with the rest of its staff, would be required to get vaccinated. The only exemptions are for medical or religious reasons. “Making vaccination mandatory is the most effective way we can protect our people, our patients, and the communities we serve,’’ CEO Greg A. Adams said in an online statement. Kaiser serves approximately 12.5 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. So far nearly 78 percent of the 216,000 employees have been vaccinated and 95 percent of Permanente Medical Group’s
23,000 physicians. In a statement sent to Oregon Public Broadcasting, K a i s e r ’s D i r e c t o r o f Integrated Communications Michael G. Foley acknowledged Oregon’s 1989 law, but said “because of the growing seriousness of the current situation, the new risks and increased cases caused by the Delta variant, as well as the priority to keep patients and employees safe, we will act to apply the vaccination requirement in the Northwest region.’’ Kaiser is working with state health officials and the governor to “support vaccination to the fullest extent permitted by law and any future guidance,’’ Foley said.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
A N N O U N C E M E N T S Sisters Museum GOOD Stuff Sale
The Sisters Museum is moving and not everything will be going to the new location. A sale will take place Saturday, August 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 410 E. Cascade Ave. Items for sale will include artworks, books, gift shop items, shelving, a few pieces of furniture and lots of misc. stuff.
Celebration of Life A Celebration of Life will be held in memory of Mike Johnson on Sunday, August 15 at 2:30 p.m. at 10 Barrel Brewing, Eastside, 62950 NE 18th St, Bend.
Calling Craft-Consigners
Quality craft-consigners wanted for 45th Snowflake Boutique, November 5 and 6. Juries will be held Saturdays, August 14, September 4, and October 9, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Highland Baptist Church, Redmond and Monday, October 18 at 6 p.m. Info: www.snowflakeboutique.org or call Jan 541-350-4888 or Tina 541-447-1640
Chorale Singers Wanted
The Sisters High Desert Chorale will be starting its weekly practices September 20th for the December Christmas Concert. Practices are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday nights at Sisters Community Church, 1300 McKenzie Hwy in Sisters. We ask all singers be vaccinated for COVID. Singers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join us as we prepare for a festive and joyous celebration in song for the Christmas season. For more info please contact Connie Gunterman at 541-588-0362.
Tai Chi/Balance Sessions
Free Tai Chi/Balance Class by Shannon Rackowski on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to noon, Location: Fitness Prescription (Shannon’s studio next to Oregon Eye Care), Sponsored by Sisters Drug. All ages are welcome to attend. Seated instruction for mobility impaired. Sign up at the class. For additional information, call Shannon at 541-272-0529.
Papers for Moving or Fire Starters
The Nugget News has lots of
back issues that are ready for recycling. Come by and pick up a stack from the crate on the front porch at 442 E. Main Ave. or stop by during business hours to take home a whole box. Call Angela at 541-549-9941 for information.
Fox Walk & Owl Eyes at Metolius Preserve
Free Weekly Grab-N-Go Lunches For Seniors
Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Susan Prince for a nature walk just for kids, August 14 from 9:30 a.m. to noon! Meet at the protected forests of the Metolius Preserve to share nature stories and learn how to enter into wild lands like the animals do. Kids will practice observation skills and group mapmaking as they learn new ways to connect with the beautiful and mysterious outdoors. Perfect for kids ages 8-14 with a grown-up in tow. Registration is required at www. deschuteslandtrust.org/hikesevents or call 541-330-0017.
The Council on Aging of Central Oregon is serving seniors (60+) free Grab-N-Go lunches on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays each week. The lunches are distributed on a firstcome, first-served basis drivethrough style from 12 to 12:30 p.m. at the Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. Mckenzie Hwy. Seniors may drive through the parking lot and pick up a meal each day of service. Come on by, no need to make a reservation. For info call 541-678-5483.
New FF Pickup Schedule
Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS) dispatchers are booking nonemergency medical rides Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rides are based on volunteer driver availability and are provided Monday through Friday beginning at 8 a.m. and ending by 5 p.m. At least 48 hours advance notice is required. STARS dispatcher number for all rides is 541-904-5545.
Pet Food and pet supply pickups from Furry Friends are now one day a week, every Thursday after 12:30 p.m. If you would like to schedule your pickup for free pet food for your dog or cat call the Furry Friends pet food bank at 541-797-4023. Located at 412 E. Main Ave., Ste. 4., behind The Nugget Newspaper office.
Sponsor an Impoverished Child from Uganda
Hope Africa International, based in Sisters, has many children awaiting sponsorship! For info go to hopeafricakids.org or call Katie at 541-719-8727.
Organ Donor Awareness
A new nonprofit is in the planning stages to educate the community on the importance of organ donation. Fundraisers and events will be discussed. If interested in taking part, please call Fifi Bailey at 541-419-2204.
Free Nonemergency Medical Rides
Friends of Metolius Walk
Saturday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to noon, enjoy a free interpretive walk along the Metolius River with amateur botanist David Miller. Learn to identify some plants, trees, and shrubs. Approximate distance is 2 miles. Children are welcome, but please, no dogs. Meet near the Camp Sherman Bridge fish-viewing platform. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water. For information please call David at 541-550-1441.
Please call the church before attending to verify current status of services as restrictions are adjusted.
SISTERS-AREA CHURCHES Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N. Fir Street • 541-549-5831 10 a.m. Sunday Worship www.shepherdofthehillslutheranchurch.com Sisters Community Church (Nondenominational) 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 10 a.m. Sunday Worship www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com St. Edward the Martyr Roman Catholic Church 123 Trinity Way • 541-549-9391 5:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 9 a.m. Sunday Mass • 8 a.m. Monday-Friday Mass Calvary Church (NW Baptist Convention) 484 W. Washington St., Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288 10 a.m. Sunday Worship • www.ccsisters.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 452 Trinity Way • Branch President, 541-420-5670; 10 a.m. Sunday Sacrament Meeting Baha’i Faith Currently Zoom meetings: devotions, course trainings, informational firesides. Local contact Shauna Rocha 541-647-9826 • www.bahai.org or www.bahai.us
Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-549-9971 10 a.m. Sunday Worship Sisters Church of the Nazarene 67130 Harrington Loop Rd. • 541-389-8960 www.sistersnaz.org • info@sistersnaz.org 10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Outdoors Wellhouse Church 442 Trinity Way • 541-549-4184 https://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com 10 a.m. Sunday Worship (Indoor & Outdoor Venues) Vast Church (Nondenominational) 541-719-0587 • 5 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Worship at 442 Trinity Way (Wellhouse building). See www.vastchurch.com for details. Seventh-Day Adventist Church 386 N. Fir St. • 541-595-6770, 541-306-8303 11 a.m. Saturday Worship The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 68825 Brooks Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 8:30 a.m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship (Sunday school, childcare) 10:15 a.m. Episcopal Sunday Worship (Sunday school, childcare)
Kiwanis Funds Available
Sisters Kiwanis has monetary funds available to be dispersed to nonprofit organizations located within the Sisters School District. Organizations whose focus is serving children are eligible to apply. Others who have specific programs for children but whose overall mission is broader than serving just children may also apply. Application deadline is Friday, August 27. Mail letter explaining how the money will be used to: Sisters Kiwanis, PO Box 1296, Sisters, OR 97759 or call Doug Wills 541-719-1254.
Weekly Food Pantry
Wellhouse Church has a weekly food pantry at 222 N. Trinity Way every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. until food has been distributed. Both drive-through pick up and shopping-style distribution are available. For more information call, 541-549-4184.
Prayer Shawl Group
This ministry meets to knit or crochet blankets, scarves, hats, and lap robes for people in need of comfort and love. Meeting second and fourth Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more info, please contact Suzi at 503-819-1723.
GO FISH GROUP Meeting
The GO FISH GROUP will meet Monday, August 16 at Sisters Community Church at 7 p.m. The speaker will be Gonzalo Mendez, fish biologist at Pelton Round Butte. He will discuss the fish reintroduction program. For more information call Gary Kutz at 541-771-2211.
PET OF THE WEEK
Humane Society of Central Oregon 541-382-3537
REMINGTON is a dashing fellow who is patiently waiting to find his dream home. He is an exciting, fun-loving pup and would love a human just like him! REMINGTON is a very loving boy to folks who take the time to get to know him. He is a little wary of strangers, yet quickly turns into a love bug once he’s familiar with you. He is happy to spend the day doing whatever you’re doing, yet also loves his walks and tennis ball time. He will need an owner who is dedicated to his needs and will give him all the space, playtime and love he could ever want. SPONSORED BY
ALLAN GODSIFF SHEARING 541-549-2202
CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES... SISTERS CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Michael Preedin mpreedin@ci.sisters.or.us Council President Nancy Connolly nconnolly@ci.sisters.or.us Councilor Andrea Blum ablum@ci.sisters.or.us Councilor Gary Ross g.ross@ci.sisters.or.us Councilor Jennifer Letz jletz@ci.sisters.or.us Sisters City Hall 520 E. Cascade Ave. PO Box 39 Sisters, OR 97759 541-549-6022
Rep.DanielBonham@ oregonlegislature.gov www.oregonlegislature.gov/ bonham
OREGON STATE SENATE
Senator Lynn Findley District: 30 503-986-1730 900 Court St. NE, S-301 Salem, OR 97301 Sen.LynnFindley@ oregonlegislature.gov www.oregonlegislature.gov/ findley Senator Tim Knopp District: 27 503-986-1727 900 Court St. NE, S-309 Salem, OR 97301 DESCHUTES COUNTY Sen.TimKnopp@ BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS oregonlegislature.gov Commissioner Patti Adair www.oregonlegislature.gov/ Patti.Adair@deschutes.org knopp 541-388-6567 U.S. HOUSE OF Commissioner Phil Chang REPRESENTATIVES Phil.Chang@deschutes.org Cliff Bentz 541-388-6569 Congressional District 2 Commissioner 541-776-4646 Anthony DeBone 14 N. Central Ave., Suite 112 Tony.DeBone@deschutes.org Medford, OR 97501 541-388-6568 www.bentz.house.gov/contact
OREGON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Daniel Bonham District: 59 503-986-1459 900 Court St. NE, H-483 Salem, OR 97301
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Sen. Ron Wyden www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/ email-ron Sen. Jeff Merkley www.merkley.senate.gov/contact
POLICY: Business items do not run on this page. Nonprofits, schools, churches, birth, engagement, wedding and anniversary notices may run at no charge. All submissions are subject to editing and run only as space allows. Email angela@nuggetnews.com or drop off at 442 E. Main Ave. Your text must include a “for more information” phone number. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays.
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Concert series raises funds for community This summer, Sisters Community Church has been hosting a concert series on Sunday evenings on the lawn outside the church. The goal of the series was, as Pastor Steve Stratos put it, “to bring joy to the community.” The music has done that — but it has also provided a substantial boost to local nonprofits. Each show has a designated beneficiary. According to Stratos, the first three concerts in the series raised more than $10,000 for Sisters Family Access Network, Young Life, and Crystal
Peaks Youth Ranch. There are two more concerts in the series. The Anvil Blasters will play on Sunday, August 22, benefiting Sisters Band of Brothers; an Eagles Tribute Band will close things out on September 12, benefiting the YouthBuild program. Stratos said that the concerts are part of the church’s effort to reach out to the broader Sisters community and also come out of a desire for “helping these groups who are helping people who are struggling.” It’s worked. “We had about 400 people
out for the first two (featuring Bob Baker and Mark Barringer and Thunderstorm Artis in the first, and High Street Party Band in the second),” Stratos said. “It’s been a great opportunity in a lot of ways. A lot of fun… All in all, it’s a win-win.” The shows start at 6 p.m. with a brief intermission, where the leader of the designated nonprofit describes their mission and how it helps local families. Bring a chair or blanket for seating. Sisters Community Church is located at 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. in Sisters.
• Norma Holmes wrote: Thank you, Chris Boxwell, your craftmanship and generosity gave the Three Sisters Historical Society an impressionable presence in the historical Wakefield House on the corner of East Cascade Avenue and North Larch Street. By extremely reducing the rent for one year, you gifted the society a headstart, dressed them for success. Thank you, Karen Swank. As a founding board member of the Three Sisters Historical Society, your dedicated research, enthusiasm, and talent in creating the informative historical displays inside and outside the Wakefield House engaged the profound interest of the Sisters community and entertained visitors. The historical society is moving to the Maida Bailey
Library on North Spruce Street, behind the Chamber. • Kay Payne wrote: The spirit of Sisters was truly demonstrated by the Sister Motor Lodge this past week. Chris and Stephanie went the extra mile to move some of their reservations around in order to accommodate two clients of ZoselHarper Realty. The clients needed to be out of their house Sunday, August 8, but their new home in Bend isn’t available until September 2. Over a two-day period Stephanie and Chris made calls to people with existing reservations in order to shuffle and come up with a 24-night stretch in one of their bungalows. True to their word they made it happen… then as luck would have it, our clients made other accommodations in Eugene because Central Oregon
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Outdoor Stage at Sisters Depot Singer-Songwriters on Thursdays 6 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. For info call 541-904-4660 or go online to www.sistersdepot.com. Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Sign up 5:15 to 5:30 p.m. Family-friendly trivia. Free. For additional information call Eurosports at 541-549-2471.
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Hardtails Bar & Grill Live Music with Molly Hatchet 8 p.m. It’s the real Molly Hatchet on the outdoor stage. Tickets at www.bendticket.com. For additional information call 541-549-6114 or go to hardtailsoregon.com. Sisters Art Works Live Music with Sway Wild & Kristen Grainger & True North 7 p.m. Sisters Folk Festival Summer Concert. Ticket information: www.sistersfolkfestival.org or 541-549-4979. Hardtails Bar & Grill Live Music with In The Pink 8 p.m. An outstanding tribute to Pink Floyd on the outdoor stage. Tickets at www.bendticket.com. For additional information call 541-549-6114 or go to hardtailsoregon.com. Sisters Art Works Live Music with Making Movies & Raye Zaragoza 7 p.m. Sisters Folk Festival Summer Concert. Ticket information: www.sistersfolkfestival.org or 541-5494979. Outdoor Stage at Sisters Depot Live Music with Pete Kartsounes 6 to 8:30 p.m. $5 cover charge. Reservations recommended. For info call 541-904-4660 or go online to www.sistersdepot.com. Sisters Saloon Patio Stage Live Music with Cheyenne West & Silverado 6 p.m. For additional information call 541-549-7427 or go to www.sisterssaloon.net. Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fresh local produce. Every Sunday June to October! Go to www.sistersfarmersmarket.com for more information. Outdoor Stage at Sisters Depot Singer-Songwriters on Thursdays 6 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. For info call 541-904-4660 or go online to www.sistersdepot.com. Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Sign up 5:15 to 5:30 p.m. Family-friendly trivia. Free. For additional information call Eurosports at 541-549-2471.
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Hardtails Bar & Grill Live Music with Petty Fever 8 p.m. Tribute to Tom Petty on the outdoor stage. Tickets at www.bendticket.com. For additional information call 541549-6114 or go to hardtailsoregon.com. Outdoor Stage at Sisters Depot Live Music with Bob Baker & Mark Barringer 6 to 8:30 p.m. $5 cover charge. Reservations recommended. For info call 541-904-4660 or go online to www.sistersdepot.com. Sisters Saloon Patio Stage Live Music with DiRT & Cuppa Jo 6 p.m. For additional information call 541-549-7427 or go to www.sisterssaloon.net. Sisters Community Church Live Music with Anvil Blasters 6 to 9 p.m. Free summer concert series outside on the lawn! Bring a chair or a blanket. For additional info call 541-549-1201 or go to www.sisterschurch.com. Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fresh local produce. Every Sunday June to October! Go to www.sistersfarmersmarket.com for more information. Outdoor Stage at Sisters Depot Singer-Songwriters on Thursdays 6 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. For info call 541-904-4660 or go online to www.sistersdepot.com. Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Sign up 5:15 to 5:30 p.m. Family-friendly trivia. Free. For additional information call Eurosports at 541-549-2471. Hardtails Bar & Grill Live Music with Unchained 8 p.m. Van Halen’s best tribute band on the outdoor stage. Tickets at www.bendticket.com. For additional information call 541-549-6114 or go to hardtailsoregon.com. Outdoor Stage at Sisters Depot Live Music with Gabrial Sweyn 6 to 8:30 p.m. $5 cover charge. Reservations recommended. For info call 541-904-4660 or go online to www.sistersdepot.com. Events Calendar listings are free to advertisers. Submit items by 5 p.m. Fridays to Angela@nuggetnews.com
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
MEETING: Some 30 people showed up to express opinions Continued from page 1
five days per week and with minimal disruptions. With many children still ineligible to be vaccinated, masks are an effective way to help keep our kids safe in the classroom, the learning environment we know serves them best.” A brief letter from Superintendent Curt Scholl sent out to parents Monday August 2, following Brown’s announcement, said, “With the rise of the Delta variant, Governor Kate Brown announced last week that the mask requirement will again be required at the start of this school year. Although we are not excited about this requirement, we are grateful our students will be in school every day.” Together these statements raised the ire of a vocal group of attendees to the meeting. Rodney Cooper, a recent candidate for the school board who has grandchildren in Sisters schools, spoke first and asked the board three questions, including how many school-aged children had died in Oregon of COVID-19, whether the Board had read any articles from pediatricians and child psychologists about the dangers of wearing masks, and whether the Board was making decisions “out of fear of this unjust government.” Amy Larrabee, a mother of students in the district, said that Oregon’s “resilience framework is advisatory (sic) and not a requirement.” She quoted from Scholl’s letter, pointing to the word requirement as being misleading. “You guys have a choice to make that affects all of our children — their mental well-being, their physical well-being, and who they are as people growing up in our community.” She cited a letter from Crook County’s school district addressed to the governor, which argued that, after a summer of serving over 1,000 students in summer school programs with no cases or spread of the virus, that district was urging Brown to let local districts make their own decisions. Larrabee cautioned the Board to consider how much money the district would lose if families pulled their children out of school over the mask issue, eliciting cheers and comments of agreement from the crowd. “We are the taxpayers here and we have a choice to make,” she concluded. Stephanie Meadows of Sisters, who said she had no children in the District, accused the Board of not
We are elected officials and we are doing our doggone best to try to support the process of educating kids... —David Thorsett performing due diligence. “What appalls me,” she said, “is that I gave all of you board members information last year that could be researched, and those children were still masked every damn day. Do you have any idea what harm you did every day they had a mask on? You have no clue because you haven’t done any research. That’s my message. Stop torturing these children. They are defenseless. Do your homework.” Board Member David Thorsett, who attended the meeting via Zoom, challenged the assertion that the Board did not know what it was talking about and that members had not spent time studying the issue. Thorsett said, “Once this dialogue becomes us versus them and once we start to throw dirt at each other...I heard people say we haven’t done our research and don’t know what we are talking about...those of you saying these things have absolutely no idea what you are saying.” He continued, saying, “To
suggest that we are not thinking about this and that we are not involved in this ongoing discussion is way off base. We are elected officials and we are doing our doggone best to try to support the process of educating kids here in Sisters in the best, safest way possible, and also a way that upholds the Constitution and all the things that have been discussed tonight. This conversation is far from over, but let’s not dig our heels in so hard that we can’t continue to talk. Do not suggest that we are not doing our very best, because we are.” Scott Stuart, a Redmond resident, spoke at length and did not pull punches when sharing his opinion of the governor. “First of all Kate Brown looks at the Constitution like it is a roll of toilet paper. She treats statutory law like it’s garbage. She doesn’t pay attention to it.” He claimed that masks restrict oxygen concentration levels to dangerous levels that violate Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Stuart continued, “I have to take issue with your letter, Curt, when you said we got this new Delta variant. Next month it will be the Venus variant or the Mars variant. This is not going to stop because we have a governor who is a despot. She is tyrannical and she is an out-ofcontrol public servant.” Stuart warned the Board,
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“You better pay attention because you poked mama bear and her cubs are in the school district. I look at everyone in the State... State agents, media, OSHA, OLCC, ODE, court systems….I look at all these people who are in these state agencies and they are hyenas….They are mocking us. This isn’t about a corona variant, it is about communism.” He finished with another warning to the Board, suggesting that they could be held individually and jointly liable for gross negligence “if one of these children gets a medical injury or a physical injury (from being forced to
You better pay attention because you poked mama bear and her cubs are in the school district. — Scott Stuart
wear a mask). “Do the right thing as a board, reverse this or you will have we the people, on this side of the state of Oregon, to deal with.” Ed Owens of Sisters spoke fervently on all three topics. “These mask mandates are completely unlawful and unnecessary and there is no science. And these masks the kids wear don’t protect them from anything. CRT (critical race theory) does not belong in the school. You are brainwashing Marxist ideology into our children. We started out tonight with the Pledge of Allegiance and that is under threat because of this Marxist ideology that you guys are pushing on the kids. Mathematics has nothing to do with ethnicity or anything else. It is gender-neutral and it is blind. But you are all having your teachers taking classes this summer like ‘Mathematics for Social Justice.’” Scholl told The Nugget that Sisters School District is See MEETING on page 13
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MEETING: Mask mandate ‘not a done deal’ Supt. said Continued from page 12
not having teachers take any such training this summer. Owens went on, saying, “You are teaching about equity and equity studies. Folks, equity is not in our Constitution and not in our Bill of Rights. It is not in our Declaration of Independence and it is not principled underneath the law. We have equality. Equality of access not outcome. Equity is an attempt to divide. It has become oppressors and oppressed. But our children are not oppressing anybody. “...[B]ringing this stuff into our classrooms and poisoning our children’s minds... that is not your job. You don’t have that right. And neither does Comrade Brown over in Salem have the right to push her agenda into our school district. Whether it is masks or whether it is critical race theory.” Ronni Moore has a sophomore at Sisters High and said she plans to pull him if masks are required and bullying issues are not addressed. “I will not have a dime come to Sisters,” she said. Another parent, Russ Smith, said he wanted to echo much of what had been said before him and that he would not have his student attend if masks are required. “This should be a choice,” he said. Mandi Moore has two kids in the District and said, “They will not be wearing masks. Curt Scholl, you
should be ashamed of yourself. You should be standing up for us, but all you are doing is telling us what we have to do. That’s not going to happen anymore. We as a community are now standing together and we are standing against you. You need to understand that.” She touched on other topics as well. “Everything needs to be equal in this school district. This BLM does not belong in this school district. This sexual teachings of transgender should not be taught in our schools, ever. The fact that our children are suffering with carbon monoxide poisoning that is choking our children because of masks is sickening and you should be ashamed of yourselves. I voted for each of you and I am telling you what, I might be able to run for Sisters School District.” Sara Johnson of Sisters gave a rundown of her family’s extensive military background before saying, “I am [expletive] ashamed. Ashamed that this government is not allowing choice. That is what this is about is choice. The choice for our families, the choice for our children. And it is not a requirement. So please don’t call it one. And if you would like to make it a requirement, sir, (indicating Scholl) say that you do. Do not take the choice away for our families, for our children. If people want to wear masks then wear them.” The final speaker supported mask-wearing if it meant having kids in school. Asa Sarvel of Sisters said, “I am not excited about masks, but as opposed to not
OU DAY FOR Y O T L L A C E IN OR
having my kids in school, I am for masks. I just wanted you to know there is another side to this community, too.” After finishing, audience members began to ask Sarvel questions and make sharp comments about his opinion, leading him to say, “I don’t understand. I thought this was going to be an open forum, not where people were going to chastise other people. I am just saying there is another side to it — I am not for it — but if the option is not having school, then this is a small, in my opinion, a small compromise. Hopefully this thing goes away and this mandate is lifted.” After the public commentary Scholl responded from his perspective as a parent as well as the superintendent. He said, “To think that I am not concerned about the safety of our children, I am. This is not an easy decision or dialogue by any means.” He went on to explain the many things he has done over the past year or more, advocating for the schools in Sisters, and reminded the audience that our K-3 students were in school in person all year last year with restrictions in place. “I hear you one hundred percent, please understand that,” he said. “This (mask requirement) is not necessarily a done deal. As we learned from last year, things change. “I am equally concerned about what I have heard about bullying and the other issues brought up tonight.” Audience members continually commented and interrupted as Scholl was trying to make his comments.
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Scholl thanked the visitors for sharing and attending the meeting and proceeded with a brief report including news that the District has tentatively offered a contract to an engineering and architecture firm, BRLB, for the new elementary school project. He also reported that rather than using late-start Wednesdays for professional development, the District is moving to early release on Fridays for the 2021-22 school year. Scholl’s final announcement involved the official hiring of seven staff members and the acceptance of the resignation of teachers Julie Patton and Matt Bradley. Before closing, Scholl said, “We need to continue to hear the feedback, but from my seat right now, making sure we are alive all year, with our kids in school, is the most important aspect.” The next school board meeting will stray from its normal pattern and is scheduled for Wednesday, September 8 at 6 p.m., rather than the first Wednesday of the month.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
WELLS: Concern is for hay crop in Sisters Country Continued from page 1
to five months with a cost of $3,000 to $10,000. Cost is not determined by depth nor by having to drill deeper as a result of the drought. It’s determined by what the driller has to drill through to reach the 320-foot-deep (on average) water table. While the depth to reach water has grown five to six feet this summer, this is not a reason to panic, drillers tell The Nugget. Abbas Drilling in Terrebonne say that conservation is the key to managing growers’ water, so much of which is wasted to seepage and evaporation. Some 90 percent of the streamflow from the Deschutes River is diverted through irrigation canals during the growing season between April through October. “The diversions cause a dramatic reduction of streamflow — more than 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) in the Middle Deschutes, the stretch between Bend and Lake Billy Chinook,” according to the Deschutes County watermaster in Bend. The porous, volcanic soil characteristics of our high desert terrain allow nearly half of the water diverted from the river to canals to seep into the ground before it reaches the farm. “As a result, irrigation districts need to divert twice the amount of water as they need to serve their patrons — an extremely inefficient and antiquated system,” claims the Deschutes River Conservancy. The Three Sisters Irrigation District canals have been piped at considerable effort over several years to prevent loss. There are eight irrigation districts serving customers from the Deschutes River. “Low streamflow leads to habitat degradation, water quality problems, and unhealthy habitat for fish and wildlife,” the Conservancy states. The City of Sisters is in no danger of running out of water anytime soon. While that is reassuring, every drop saved is worth considering. In the broader Sisters Country water is not taken for granted. Pump servicers remind well owners to be alert for failure, especially since many wells in the area are at least 40 years old. The long-term forecast remains very hot and very dry.
Alert construction crew helps battle fire By Sue Stafford Correspondent
Employees of Crestline Construction who were checking equipment on Sunday, July 11, at Rimrock Ranch on Wilt Road were in the right place at the right time. While making sure the heavy equipment would be ready to go Monday morning at 5 a.m., the men noticed the early plume of smoke from what became the Grandview Fire, which eventually burned 6,032 acres, coming frighteningly close to Gayle Baker’s Rimrock Ranch, a Deschutes Land Trust (DLT) property (see related story, page 3). After alerting authorities, the crew brought all the heavy equipment up the hill from the area next to Whychus Creek where they are doing habitat restoration work, cleared an area of vegetation near the ranch entrance, and parked the equipment. During that week, the spot became a staging area for firefighting equipment used on the Grandview Fire. For one week, work was stopped on the creek project and Crestline stayed on site, ready and willing to help. They put in a dozer road to help fight the fire, and their water truck provided water for some of the pumper trucks. Nick Jacob, project manager for Crestline, which is headquartered in The Dalles, and two of his employees manned their water truck and two bulldozers. Evident today is how close the fire came to engulfing the ranch. Driving in the driveway, one can see all the burned trees on the ridge across the pasture as well as the large red swath of fire retardant dropped by a tanker plane on the edge of the pasture. The main job for Crestline, according to Jacob, was “to keep Gayle safe and protect the property.” Jacob explained that on any jobsite where they are working, the potential for fire is always there. That is why they start work in the cool of day at 5 a.m. and quit at 1 p.m. Several of the crew must stay on site for three hours after work stops, to watch for any ignition. D e s c h u t e s Wa t e r s h e d Council Executive Director Kris Knight said he was told by the fire crew that “there was a lot of concern about the Grandview Fire, especially because it started running fast.” He gave special credit to the Prineville Bureau of Land Management engine 612 crew, saying, “They were a great group of guys who did an amazing job of cutting fire line.” Baker indicated that on the
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Sunday evening when the fire strarted, fire personnel came right into the barn where she lives upstairs and told her, “Get out now!” On Monday, July 26 Deschutes Land Trust hosted a picnic lunch at the ranch as a thank-you to all the people involved in containing the fire. Crestline received a certificate of appreciation from DLT Executive Director Rika Ayotte for their willingness to offer their crew and equipment to help fight the fire. Sisters District Ranger Ian Reid and members of the fire crews were unable to attend the lunch as they had already been assigned to new fires.
PHOTO COURTESY DESCHUTES LAND TRUST
Deschutes Land Trust Executive Director Rika Ayotte presented a certificate of appreciation to Nick Jacob of Crestline Construction for their help with protecting Rimrock Ranch from the Grandview Fire. Kris Knight, executive director of Deschutes Watershed Council, looks on.
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RESTORATION: Riparian and wetland species will be planted Continued from page 3
The site is a beehive of activity with heavy equipment not usually seen on a restoration site plying up and down the valley. Three 35,000-pound, large off-road dump trucks carry dirt from place to place. The trucks are loaded by three 75,000pound excavators whose huge jaws remove earthen berms that have been holding the stream in an artificial, straight alignment. A bulldozer pushes dirt into large piles and created the temporary dirt roads used by the equipment. This effort will help promote the natural movement of meandering creek channels across the historic floodplain, a process called braiding. A skidder is used to move trees for placement in the eventual restored creek bed. At the same time, soil is being removed in some places and built up in others to even the floodplain and raise the water table, while leaving islands of mature vegetation to help provide mixed topography and maintain the healthy cottonwood, willow, and dogwood that currently grow there. Throughout the entire area there is ample gravel deposited by long-ago glaciers, which helps filter the water and provide scrum for spawning fish. In order to use heavy equipment in the vicinity of the water while safeguarding the creek and its surrounds,
the equipment must run with biodegradable transmission oil. Salvaged whole trees are being added where the creek will eventually flow, to create complex, layered habitat for fish and wildlife while slowing down the flow of the water and creating quiet spots for fish to rest. When all three zones of the restoration are complete, there will be 1,000 salvaged trees in place in the creek. Those trees are coming from a USFS thinning project and 300 of them from an ODFW thinning project on Pole Creek Ranch. Those thinning projects promote foreststand health while providing salvage trees for a healthier creek. While this work is being completed, the fish are being held out of the area with a picket weir and fine-mesh block nets. It took 30 days to capture and move all the fish that were in the restoration area of the creek. Mathias Perle, restoration program manager with the UDWC, indicated there are now Chinook salmon upstream of Camp Polk Meadow and steelhead are making it upstream beyond Sisters. Because of the appearance of the Chinook, ODFW has shortened the period for permitted work in the stream from July 1 – October 15 to July 1 – August 15. With the one-week delay due to the fire, work will be right up against the August 15 deadline. Once all the excavation work is complete and the trees are in place, the flow of the creek will be activated slowly, with only a
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 20 percent flow to allow the water to seep in and wash the gravel before slowly ramping up the flow. Perle said, “When the creek is fully flowing through the restoration area, the macroinvertebrates on which the fish feed will come back better and stronger. The overall health of the river system will be greatly improved.” The fish will return very quickly when the weir and block nets are removed. While the work is underway, animals are coming back to the area at night, as evidenced by tracks in the dirt found by the workers in the morning. Some of the in-stream work being done will bring beavers back and then, according to Perle, “they can do the work for us.” Over three years, 60,000 riparian and wetland plants and trees will be planted around the islands and throughout the floodplain to provide for diversity and complexity of the ecosystem. The end result will be “a complex, diverse, and dynamic half-mile of creek that will change from yearto-year,” according to Perle. The UDWC began monitoring the creek before the restoration work started and will continue to do so for years after it is completed to determine how well they are meeting their goals and objectives. A third restoration project is scheduled downstream, to begin in 2023. The planning and permitting for these projects takes two to five years, so work is already on the drawing board for the 2023 project.
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Why restore Whychus? Historically, Whychus Creek was a combination of stretches through narrow canyons and others with broad, well-vegetated meadows where the creek could spill over its banks. These large meadows were of significant biological importance as they provided diverse stream and side-channel habitats for fish to spawn, rear, and hide. Streamside vegetation provided cover for wildlife and helped maintain cool stream waters, necessary for fish health. Amphibians and songbirds made their homes in nearby wetlands. Over the years, the creek was artificially straightened and bermed to keep the creek in place and avoid flooding. This practice diminished fish and wildlife habitat in and along the creek. In an effort to correct the situation, Deschutes Land Trust and its partners re-meandered Whychus Creek through Camp Polk Meadow Preserve with stunning results. They have also focused on a mile of the creek at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Rimrock Ranch is the third area undergoing restoration. In 1979, the property that is now Rimrock Ranch was permitted for a 14-lot subdivision. That never came to fruition. In 1988, the land was purchased by Bob and Gayle Baker and they moved to the ranch full-time in 2001. They sustainably grazed cattle on the ranch while working hard to
protect and enhance habitat for wildlife. They realized they were sitting on a unique piece of Central Oregon and worried that when they were gone, the ranch could very well be developed, and the precious habitat destroyed. That was when they contacted the Deschutes Land Trust to see if, working together, they could conserve the ranch forever. In 2006, a land preservation agreement between the Bakers and the Land Trust was the first step in protecting the ranch. The Land Trust then purchased and permanently protected Rimrock Ranch in 2020, making the Bakers’ longterm vision a reality. Gayle still resides on the ranch.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Commentary...
Pause before sending By Mitchell Luftig Columnist
The false perception — spread through social media — that the local McDonald’s franchise in Sisters refused to feed hungry wildland firefighters led some in Sisters Country to respond with anger, moral outrage, and a desire to punish the offenders. We can understand this response by peering at our behavior through the lens of evolutionary psychology. We learn from Andrew W. Delton and his colleagues: “From prehistory to the present, human survival has depended on productive labor, much of which was carried out by groups of people coordinating their actions to reach a common goal and then sharing the resulting benefits. This style of cooperation — often called collective action — is seen across human societies. “The presence of individuals with a disposition to free ride—that is, to take the benefits of group cooperation without contributing to the cooperative project— can jeopardize the evolution of collective action.” According to Delton, communities respond to free riders by excluding them from the benefits of community membership, creating incentives to become contributors, or by reducing their welfare as a disincentive to engage in this kind of behavior. As communities grew, our ancestors relied more frequently upon gossip to identify the free riders amongst them and to warn others how they could expect to be treated should they free ride. It was always more important for our ancestors to use gossip to identify the free riders amongst them than to learn about the deeds of Good Samaritans. This may help to explain why more negative than positive information is shared about others. Spreading negative information matches our inclination to believe the worst about others and their motivation (and the best in ourselves). While we are likely to attribute our mistakes to circumstances, we are likely to attribute the mistakes made by others to their character flaws. It’s also challenging for us to consider two diametrically opposing (dissonant) ideas at once. This is the basis of the theory of cognitive dissonance. Once we decide which explanation or set of facts
to rely upon, we may be unwilling to admit we made a mistake, despite an unfavorable outcome. Instead we rationalize our decisions, presenting them in the most favorable light (“Although smoking may be harmful to my health, if I stopped smoking and became obese, that would be even worse for me”). If our instinct is to trust online information provided to us by someone we judge to be reliable, we may not take the time to identify the origin of the information or determine its accuracy. When events prove the information false, we don’t admit it to those who might learn from our example, or reconsider the wisdom of passing it along, despite the harm to someone’s reputation. Here’s how we might respond with greater skill. • Let’s start, as Jim Cornelius suggested in a recent editorial, by offering each other a little grace. Rather than assume the worst possible motivation, we can give strangers the benefit of the doubt. Is there a more benign explanation for their behavior? We can recall that we have all had days where we failed to live up to the best version of ourselves (and to thank God that friends and strangers alike aren’t judging our character based upon those days alone). • Has this individual or organization made a meaningful contribution to the common good? What are some of their positive qualities? • We can provide incentives so free riders see the benefit of becoming cooperators. • We can pause before we hit send and ask ourselves: Is it true? Is it helpful? Will it hurt others? • We can take a step out of our silos, set aside our assumptions and biases, and try to discover the truth, even if this means sacrificing some of our cherished beliefs. And when we are wrong, we can say so, encouraging others to follow our example and act just as courageously. Sources: https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3365621/; https:// www.rte.ie/brainstorm/ 2020/1201/1181664-whydo-we-assume-the-worstabout-other-peoplesmotives/; https://www.vice. com/en/article/ne9ae8/ gossip-may-have-playeda-role-in-human-survival; https://www.theatlantic. com/ideas/archive/2020/07/ role-cognitive-dissonancepandemic/614074/
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
17
The Nugget Newspaper Crossword
By Jacqueline E. Mathews, Tribune News Service
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
ALL advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all advertised in this dwellings newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. CLASSIFIED RATES COST: $2 per line for first insertion, $1.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1 per line 10th week and beyond (identical ad/consecutive weeks). Also included in The Nugget online classifieds at no additional charge. There is a minimum $5 charge for any classified. First line = approx. 20-25 characters, each additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $2 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate. DEADLINE: MONDAY, noon preceding WED. publication. PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due placement. VISA & upon accepted. Billing MasterCard available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four (4) weeks and upon approval of account application. CATEGORIES: 101 Real Estate 102 Commercial Rentals 103 Residential Rentals 104 Vacation Rentals 106 Real Estate Wanted 107 Rentals Wanted 200 Business Opportunities 201 For Sale 202 Firewood 203 Recreation Equipment 204 Arts & Antiques 205 Garage & Estate Sales 206 Lost & Found 207 The Holidays 301 Vehicles 302 Recreational Vehicles 401 Horses 402 Livestock 403 Pets 500 Services 501 Computer Services 502 Carpet Upholstery Cleaning 503 Appliance Repair & Refinish 504 Handyman 505 Auto Repair 600 Tree Service & Forestry 601 Construction 602 Plumbing & Electric 603 Excavations & Trucking 604 Heating & Cooling 605 Painting 606 Landscaping & Yard Maint. 701 Domestic Services 702 Sewing 703 Child Care 704 Events & Event Services 801 Classes & Training 802 Help Wanted 803 Work Wanted 901 Wanted 902 Personals 999 Public Notice
C L A S S I F I E D S
102 Commercial Rentals
301 Vehicles
Classic Car Garages For Lease We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality HEATED, lighted, 110 outlet, Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ indoor wash, clubhouse, Call Jeff at 541-815-7397 $175 monthly, call/text Jack Sisters Car Connection da#3919 541-419-2502. SistersCarConnection.com STORAGE WITH BENEFITS HAVE Rental needed for 2 horses WHEELS TO SELL? • 8 x 20 dry box (drylot) and one quiet, square, Place your classified ad in • Fenced yard, RV & trailers employed senior who raised 2 The Nugget Newspaper • In-town, gated, 24-7 Eagle Scouts. Sisters resident Kris@earthwoodhomes.com since 1984. Dog and cat. Within 401 Horses Prime Downtown Retail Space 45 miles of Costco. Single story Certified Weed-Free HAY. only. Needed by August. Call Lori at 541-549-7132 Orchard Grass or Alfalfa Hay, Excellent references. Cold Springs Commercial Sisters. $275 per ton. sueinsisters@gmail.com CASCADE STORAGE Call 541-548-4163 (541) 549-1086 201 For Sale TRITICALE 581 N. Larch – 7-Day Access Fishing Gear, vest, tackle box ORCHARD GRASS HAY 5x5 to 12x30 Units Available full of supplies, five fly rods, two New 2021 crop. No rain. 5x5 - 8x15 Climate Control Units trolling poles, 5 boxes of flies for Barn stored. 3-tie bales. On-site Management fishing in Central OR. Call $190-$260/ton. Hwy. 126 & FOR LEASE – Approx. 541-848-1790 after 6 p.m. for an Cline Falls. 541-280-1895 420 sq. ft. office suite available at appointment to see and buy. 220 S. Pine St. building. Suite is $600/mo., light & bright, with mountain views. Email: lorna@nolteproperties.com or phone – 541-419-8380. Lorna Nolte, Principal Broker Lic. #200105010 Office space for lease. The Place R&B Ranch Beef for Sale on Main. 101 Main Ave. in Grass fed. Alfalfa/grain finish. R&B Ranch L.L.C. offering Sisters. Three spaces available. Local grown, English-bred beef. horse boarding services. Details $575/month and up. Call Ralph 1/4, 1/2 or full cow available. available at rbhorseranch.com or 541-390-5187 $4/lb. hanging weight. Butcher call 541-325-3020. MINI STORAGE dates reserved in November. Sisters Rental 403 Pets 541-325-3020 331 W. Barclay Drive r.gardner@morrow.com. A CARING ENVIRONMENT 541-549-9631 for your treasured Best Friends 202 Firewood Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor in your home while you're away! RV parking. 7-day access. August Firewood Sale Discount Sisters-Tumalo-Petsitting.com Computerized security gate. Intermountain Wood Energy 541-306-7551 Moving boxes & supplies. Seasoned/split lodgepole pine. Three Rivers Humane Society Delivered, pickup, log-truck Where love finds a home! See the 103 Residential Rentals loads. 541-207-2693. doggies at 1694 SE McTaggart PONDEROSA PROPERTIES SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS in Madras • A no-kill shelter –Monthly Rentals Available– DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD Go to ThreeRiversHS.org or Call Debbie at 541-549-2002 • SINCE 1976 • call 541-475-6889 Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: Doug Fir – Lodgepole – Juniper Bend Spay & Neuter Project PonderosaProperties.com DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES Providing Low-Cost Options for Printed list at 221 S. Ash, Sisters – 18155 Hwy. 126 East – Spay, Neuter and more! Ponderosa Properties LLC SistersForestProducts.com Go to BendSnip.org or call Order Online! 541-410-4509 541-617-1010 104 Vacation Rentals Ponderosa firewood for sale. ~ Sisters Vacation Rentals ~ Your Local Online Source! Private Central OR vac. rentals, Split or round, pickup or deliver. NuggetNews.com Call 541-350-7755. Property Management Services 541-977-9898 www.SistersVacation.com CASCADE HOME & VACATION RENTALS Monthly and Vacation Rentals throughout Sisters Country. (541) 549-0792 Property management for second homes. CascadeVacationRentals.net SEEKING AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING? Do You Have A BUSINESS TO PROMOTE? PRODUCTS TO SELL? SERVICE TO PROVIDE? Place your ad in The Nugget! DEADLINE for classifieds is MONDAYS by NOON Call 541-549-9941 or submit online at NuggetNews.com
107 Rentals Wanted
ISO Shop/Storage space for vintage car storage and workshop space. No commercial activity. Private hobby/craft use allowed. 24/7 ingress/egress privilege allowed. In or around Sisters Country. Open to terms and rates. Call or text 541-316-9643.
204 Arts & Antiques
JEWELRY REPAIR & CUSTOM DESIGN Graduate gemologist. Over 45 years experience. Cash for gold. Metals • 220 S. Ash St. Suite 1 541-904-0410
205 Garage & Estate Sales
Garage Sale August 13-15 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Furniture, appliances & antiques. 1625 W. Lambert, Sisters Fabric ($3 lb.), lots of notions, kits and yarn. Collectibles, holiday decor, furniture and some tools. 69287 Crooked Horseshoe Rd. Sat. 8/14 & Sun 8/15. 9 to 4 For Sale. Fri. 8/13 -Sat. 8/14 9 - 4:30. Antiques, art work, knickknacks, furniture, tools, contractors equipment, restaurant equipment. 68101 Hwy 20 1.5 Miles SE of Sisters. Turn on Spunky Dr. Sale in our shop. Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions! Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths? Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150
500 Services
BOOKKEEPING SERVICE ~ Olivia Spencer ~ Expert Local Bookkeeping! Phone: (541) 241-4907 www.spencerbookkeeping.com YOU NEED STUFF HAULED? I NEED TO HAUL STUFF! SPECIALIZING IN PROPERTY CLEANUP AND ITEM REMOVAL. CALL THE WORKIN' MAN AT 541-610-2926. MOVING TRUCK FOR HIRE –COMPLETE MOVING, LLC– Sisters' Only Local Moving Co.! Two exp. men with 25+ years comm. moving. Refs! ODOT Lic. Class 1-B • Call 541-678-3332 • DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279 Andersen's Almost Anything Small home repairs, projects RV repairs, inspections. 541-728-7253 • CCB #235396 GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE “A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871
~ WEDDINGS BY KARLY ~ Happy to perform virtual or in-person weddings. Custom Wedding Ceremonies 20+ years • 541-410-4412 revkarly@gmail.com SMALL Engine REPAIR Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631 Authorized service center for Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki Engines
Junk removal, new home, garage & storage clean-out, construction & yard debris. You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475.
501 Computers & Communications
Technology Problems? I can fix them for you. Solving for business, home & A/V needs. All tech supported. Jason Williams Sisters local • 25 yrs. experience 541-719-8329 SISTERS SATELLITE TV • PHONE • INTERNET Your authorized local dealer for DirecTV, ViaSat HS Internet and more! CCB # 191099 541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729
502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
GORDON’S LAST TOUCH Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY Member Better Business Bureau • Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008 M & J CARPET CLEANING Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090 SistersOregonGuide.com
504 Handyman
SISTERS HONEYDO Small projects, paint, stain, punch lists, carpentry, drywall, plumbing, deck restoration. 25+ yrs. prop. mgmnt. / Refs. Scott Dady 541-728-4266. JONES UPGRADES LLC Home Repairs & Remodeling Drywall, Decks, Pole Barns, Fences, Sheds & more. Mike Jones, 503-428-1281 Local resident • CCB #201650 LAREDO CONSTRUCTION 541-549-1575 Maintenance / Repairs Insurance Work CCB #194489 Home Customizations, LLC Res. & Commercial Remodeling, Bldg. Maintenance & Painting Chris Patrick, Owner homecustomizations@gmail.com CCB #191760 • 541-588-0083
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
C L A S S I F I E D S
600 Tree Service & Forestry
SPURGE COCHRAN BUILDER, INC. General Contractor Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels Since ’74 A “Hands-On” Builder Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016 To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523
Sisters Tree Care, LLC Preservation, Pruning, Removals & Storm Damage Serving All of Central Oregon Brad Bartholomew ISA Cert. Arborist UT-4454A Lara’s Construction LLC. 503-914-8436 • CCB #218444 CCB#223701 Offering masonry work, TIMBER STAND fireplaces, interior & exterior IMPROVEMENT stone/brick-work, build Tree removal, trimming, stump barbecues & all types of grinding, brush mowing, lot masonry. Give us a call for a free clearing, crane services, certified estimate. arborist consultation, tree risk 541-350-3218 assessment, fire risk assessment/treatment 602 Plumbing & Electric Nate Goodwin SIMON CONSTRUCTION SWEENEY ISA-Cert. Arborist PN-7987A SERVICES PLUMBING, INC. CCB #190496 • 541.771.4825 Residential Remodel “Quality and Reliability” Online at: www.tsi.services Building Projects Repairs • Remodeling Bruce Simon, Quality craftsman 4 Brothers Tree Service • New Construction for 35 years Sisters' Premier Tree Experts! • Water Heaters 541-948-2620 • CCB #184335 – TREE REMOVAL & 541-549-4349 bsimon@bendbroadband.com CLEANUP – Residential and Commercial Native / Non-Native Tree Licensed • Bonded • Insured Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk CCB #87587 Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Ridgeline Electric, LLC Storm Damage Cleanup, Serving all of Central Oregon Craning & Stump Grinding, • Residential • Commercial Debris Removal. Pat Burke • Industrial • Service – FOREST MANAGEMENT – LOCALLY OWNED 541-588-3088 • CCB #234821 Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush CRAFTSMAN BUILT Mowing, Mastication, Tree R&R Plumbing, LLC CCB: 288388 • 541-588-2062 Thinning, Large & Small Scale > Repair & Service www.sistersfencecompany.com Projects! > Hot Water Heaters Serving Black Butte Ranch, > Remodels & New Const. Camp Sherman & Sisters Area Servicing Central Oregon since 2003 Lic. Bond. Ins. • CCB #184660 ** Free Estimates ** 541-771-7000 Custom Homes • Additions Owner James Hatley & Sons Residential Building Projects 603 Excavation & Trucking 541-815-2342 Serving Sisters area since 1976 BANR Enterprises, LLC 4brostrees.com Strictly Quality Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 Hardscape, Rock Walls CCB-215057 541-549-9764 Residential & Commercial Top Knot Tree Care John Pierce CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 can handle all of your tree needs, jpierce@bendbroadband.com www.BANR.net from trims to removals. JERRY WILLIS DRYWALL ROBINSON & OWEN Specializing in tree assessment, & VENETIAN PLASTER Heavy Construction, Inc. hazard tree removal, crown All Residential, Commercial Jobs All your excavation needs reduction, ladder fuel reduction, 541-480-7179 • CCB #69557 *General excavation lot clearing, ornamental and fruit *Site Preparation tree trimming and care. *Sub-Divisions • Locally owned and operated • *Road Building • Senior and military discounts • *Sewer and Water Systems • Free assessments • *Underground Utilities • Great cleanups • Construction & Renovation *Grading *Snow Removal • Licensed, Insured and Bonded • Custom Residential Projects *Sand-Gravel-Rock Contact Bello @ 541-419-9655, All Phases • CCB #148365 Licensed • Bonded • Insured Find us on Facebook and Google 541-420-8448 CCB #124327 CCB#227009 LAREDO CONSTRUCTION (541) 549-1848 541-549-1575 601 Construction Full Service Excavation For ALL Your Residential CENIGA'S MASONRY, INC. Construction Needs Brick • Block • Stone • Pavers CCB #194489 CCB #181448 – 541-350-6068 www.laredoconstruction.com www.CenigasMasonry.com JOHN NITCHER Carl Perry Construction LLC CONSTRUCTION Construction • Remodel Free On-site Visit & Estimate General Contractor Repair Tewaltandsonsexcavation@ Home repair, remodeling and CCB #201709 • 541-419-3991 gmail.com additions. CCB #101744 541-549-1472 • CCB #76888 McCARTHY & SONS 541-549-2206 Drainfield CONSTRUCTION CASCADE GARAGE DOORS • Minor & Major Septic Repair New Construction, Remodels, Factory Trained Technicians • All Septic Needs/Design Fine Finish Carpentry Since 1983 • CCB #44054 & Install 541-420-0487 • CCB #130561 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553 General Excavation Beaver Creek Log Homes LLC • Site Preparation 541-390-1206 • Rock & Stump Removal beavercreeklog@yahoo.com • Pond & Driveway Construction Log repairs, log railing, Preparation Custom Homes log accent, log siding, etc. • Building Demolition Residential Building Projects CCB #235303 Insurance & Bond Trucking Concrete Foundations Earthwood Timberframes • Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Becke William Pierce • Design & construction Boulders, Water CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384 • Recycled fir and pine beams Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com • Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, • Mantles and accent timbers Belly THE NUGGET Kris@earthwoodhomes.com • The Whole 9 Yards or 24 SISTERS OREGON CCB #174977 Whatever You Want!
604 Heating & Cooling
ACTION AIR Heating & Cooling, LLC Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com CCB #195556 541-549-6464 –THE NUGGET–
605 Painting
~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com Riverfront Painting LLC Interior/Exterior • Deck Staining SHORT LEAD TIMES Travis Starr, 541-647-0146 License#216081 SEEKING AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING? Do You Have A BUSINESS TO PROMOTE? PRODUCTS TO SELL? SERVICE TO PROVIDE? Place your ad in The Nugget! DEADLINE for classifieds is MONDAYS by NOON Call 541-549-9941 or submit online at NuggetNews.com ••••••••••••••••••
606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance
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802 Help Wanted
ISO Full or Part-time Employment for Teen Fit, young man looking for work in and around Sisters Country. Easygoing spirit, takes direction well, good follow-through. Available now. Call or text 541-316-9643. Need guitar teachers for small lesson studio/retail store opening soon. Must be able to teach all levels. If interested please call 541-699-2722. Part-time Sales Associate We are looking for a person who is friendly, outgoing, and reliable; someone who enjoys working with the public in a team environment. Work days would be Thursday - Sunday. Applications available at the Stitchin' Post, 311 West Cascade in Sisters or by email diane.j@stitchinpost.com. Questions? Contact diane.j@stitchinpost.com. NOW HIRING FOR RETAIL ASSOCIATES Marigold & True is a newish shop in Sisters. It's a small, thoughtfully curated shop featuring a variety of lifestyle products with a focus on small-batch artisan producers. We are hiring for part-time positions (6-30 hrs/week) with a start date of early August. Must be willing to work weekends. Please stop by the shop (open everyday 11-5) with your cover letter and resumé to be considered. $12-$15/hr. + perks. 351 W Hood Ave, Sisters.
Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345 ASPEN TREE LANDSCAPES (Fire Suppression) property clean ups. We trim trees. Take out an old yard and put in a new one. 541-419-5643. Help Wanted All Landscaping Services Please send an email to Mowing, Thatching, Hauling... sistersfencecompany@gmail.com Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740. with letter of interest. J&E Landscaping Maintenance LLC Clean-ups, raking, mowing, AQUA CLEAR SPA SERVICE Hot tub servicing technician hauling debris, gutters. needed. Training provided with Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 opportunity for advancement. jandelspcing15@gmail.com Competitive pay. Clean driving record required. Serious applicants only. Call or email for interview: 541-410-1023; aquaclearoregon@gmail.com. Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & The Garden Angel is now filling landscape supervisor and design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, maintenance crew member debris cleanups, fertility & water positions. LCB #9583. Inquire at conservation management, 541-549-2882 or excavation. thegardenangel@gmail.com CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 Now Hiring – www.vohslandscaping.com Three Creeks Brewing 541-515-8462 Join our crew and help deliver – All You Need Maintenance – the finest beer, food and service Pine needle removal, hauling, to Central Oregon and beyond! mowing, moss removal, edging, Full and part-time positions raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, available including line cook, gutters, pressure washing... host/hostess and server. Pay Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 depends on experience and Austin • 541-419-5122. position. Email your resume to 701 Domestic Services resumes@threecreeksbrewing. com to apply. TOUCH OF CLASS CLEANING NEED A CHANGE? Residential & Commercial. Use The Nugget's Help Wanted Free estimates. Call column to find a new job! 541-280-5962 or 541-549-6213. NEED ASSISTANCE? Use The Nugget's BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Help Wanted column Home & Rentals Cleaning to find the help you need! WINDOW CLEANING! Call 541-549-9941 Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
PETS: Extreme temperatures expected this week in Sisters Continued from page 3
the doors of neighbors to see if anyone has access to the animal’s house. If possible, bring the pet indoors.” The Oregon Humane Society encourages you to leave your pet home and inside when you dash to the store or another errand. The inside of a car heats up very quickly. On an 85-degree day, a car’s interior temperature can climb to 120 degrees in 20 minutes, even with the windows slightly open. What to do if you see a pet alone in a hot car: • Write down the car’s make, model, and license plate number. • If there are businesses nearby, notify their managers or security personnel and ask them to make an announcement to find the car’s owner. • If the owner can’t be found, call the nonemergency number of the local police and/or animal control and wait by the car for them to arrive. Can you break a car window to save a life? The public, as well as police, can now break a car’s window to rescue a pet or child in imminent danger without fear of being sued for damages. The new law, which took effect in June of 2017, protects people from criminal and civil liability if they break a car window to save a child or animal who is left alone and appears to be in imminent danger. Breaking a window is a last resort: before a Good Samaritan chooses to break a car window, law enforcement must be contacted (call police or 911 in an emergency). Rescuers must stay with the animal until first responders arrive or the owner of the car returns. The OHS urges pet owners to be alert to the signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms of heatstroke
SUDOKU
include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue or gums, vomiting, lack of coordination or even collapse, and an internal temperature over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice these symptoms. Quick action could save your pet’s life. Help your pet cool down: First, get your pet out of direct heat. Check for signs of shock and take your pet’s temperature if possible. Offer water to drink. Then: use a fan to blow cool air on the pet; place water-soaked towels (or running water) on the pet’s head, neck, feet, chest, and abdomen; rub isopropyl alcohol (70 percent) on a dog’s foot pads for cooling (do not allow dog to ingest). Do not use ice-cold water or ice—use cool water to avoid shock. “During a heat crisis, the goal is always to decrease the animal’s body temperature to 103 degrees Fahrenheit in the first 10 to 15 minutes,” the American Red Cross states. “Once 103 degrees Fahrenheit is reached, you must stop the cooling process because the body temperature will continue to decrease and can plummet dangerously low if you continue to cool the dog for too long. “Even if you successfully cool your pet down to 103 degrees Fahrenheit in the first 10 to 15 minutes, you must take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because consequences of heat stroke will not show up for hours or even days. Potential problems include abnormal heart rhythms, kidney failure, neurological problems, and respiratory arrest.” Pavement, asphalt, metal, and even sand that have been heated by the sun can burn dogs’ paw pads. If the surface is too hot for your bare hand or foot, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet. Pads can be soft and more sensitive after swimming, so take heed if your pup refuses to walk on the pavement after a swim.
Level: Easy
Answer: Page 22
Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down, and each small nine-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
Some ways to avoid pad burns: • Walk your dog early or late in the day, out of the heat. • Walk frequently when it’s cool to build up callus on the pads. • Walk on the grass when hot surfaces are unavoidable. • Moisturize your dog’s pads daily with paw balms or creams. • Lay down a wet towel for your dog to stand on when grassy areas are not available. Signs of burned pads include limping or refusing to walk, licking or chewing at the feet, pads darker in color, missing part of pad, blisters or redness on the feet.
First aid for burned pads: Keep the foot area cool and clean. Immediately flush with cool water and a gentle antibacterial such as betadine. Get the dog to a grassy area or, if possible, carry him/ her. Keep the dog from licking the wounds. For minor burns, spread the area with
antibacterial ointment and cover with a loose bandage. For serious burns, take the dog to your vet for further treatment. This is important to prevent infection and further damage. Generally speaking, keep your dogs off of hot surfaces whenever possible.
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MASKS: Delta variant has caused return to masking for some Continued from page 3
recommends that everyone in grade schools wear masks indoors, including teachers, staff, students, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.” On July 29, responding to the Delta variant of COVID19, Governor Kate Brown ordered the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to create a rule requiring masks for anyone in an indoor school setting this fall. Once the rule is created, it will also affect summer programming, according to ODE. The Nugget has observed a considerable increase in mask wearing in public in the last two weeks. When we visited Ray’s Food Place, where masking is not required, 17 of 29 customers coming through the doors that random hour were masked. To a person, they all seemed to know the store’s layout without hesitancy suggesting that they were not tourists. Locals often make sport of guessing who on the street is a tourist. “Caps are a giveaway,” said Morgan Forbes, who was maskless along with all 13 customers at Sno-Cap when we stopped by. “You can spot them by their usually all-black outfits and the sayings on their duds, or wearing wool hats when it’s 95 degrees,” he joked. “The masks are a dead giveaway, too,” said his sidekick, Danny Krause. Shopkeepers tell The Nugget that mask-wearing by tourists is more prevalent than among locals, and becoming a source of some of the increased tension. A manager at a local gallery said, “I get city people walking in from out of town, see me without a mask and give me that ‘what’s wrong with you people’ look.” A shopper in the gallery, Melanie Morris from Silverton, wore her mask and said, “You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. It’s a lose/lose but I figure wearing it gets me fewer stares.” But as noted in the Ray’s sample, not all the masked are visitors. Some of the vaccinated have lost faith that the vaccine will protect them, especially against variants. A number of vax holdouts seem a bit less confident in the face of the Delta and Lamda strains. Not yet willing to get jabbed, they figure a mask can’t hurt. Others, like Morris, just don’t want the aggravation of arguing
the point or appearing to be selfish. Legacy media and the Administration have taken more and more to using shame and name-calling to induce the unvaccinated. Last week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy called the unvaxxed “the ultimate knuckleheads.” The politics of the issue are becoming less civil and seem to run contrary to the goal of incentivizing more vaccinations. An August 2 podcast of the Los Angeles Times has experts “concluding that shaming does not work, so why do it?” Sisters is a long way from Washington, DC. People here tend to pride themselves on common sense or what some characterize as a smalltown, laissez-faire attitude. That might be changing. Richard, a retired doctor in Sisters (last name intentionally withheld), is staunchly against COVID-19 — not all — vaccinations and can eloquently make his case, which he admits is in the narrow minority. He says he no
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. It’s a lose/lose but I figure wearing it gets me fewer stares. — Melanie Morris
longer feels welcome in his church as the only unvaxxed congregant, although he still attends, masked, with regularity. Sandy and Moira King, who moved to Sisters from Seattle in May, were the only two of 57 indoor and outdoor patrons at Sisters Coffee Co. who were masked Saturday morning when we visited. After some coaxing they were able to admit the
tension they experienced, feeling conspicuous in choosing to mask up. “Nobody says anything to us,” Moira said, “but I assume everybody thinks we’re some kind of nutcases.”
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Gabe Ellis, a plumber, said that he no longer arrives on a service call without first checking with the customer about their mask wishes. He sees more and more customers greeting him at the door in a mask. He has his on for every call and only removes it when invited, a change in only the past two weeks. The Paper Place was full of a mixed lot of masked and unmasked shoppers. Those willing to engage used the word “frustration” almost unanimously when describing the changing masking environment. “Mask fatigue might be reaching its boiling point,” said a frustrated Jan Gibson from Bend, trying her best to wrangle the masks on her three pre-teen girls. The frustration shows no sign of ebbing any time soon as cases and hospitalizations mount.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
LETTERS
Continued from page 2
and beautiful wild and scenic river contribute to the community greatly. Jennie Sharp
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because Psaki said the illegals are required to wear masks. Americans are forced into lockdowns, mandatory masks, and in NYC you must now present “your papers please” to enter all restaurants, fitness centers, and indoor entertainment venues. Why? JK Wells
Questioning COVID measures
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To the Editor: If COVID-19 is so bad, so dangerous, and so deadly, why did Biden open the borders? Why has Biden let over one million illegal migrants into America since January that are untested for COVID-19? We’re on pace to let in two million illegal migrants just for 2021. How many of them are carrying and spreading COVID or other diseases? The government doesn’t know because they are releasing them into the U.S. without testing and then providing them free air and bus travel at taxpayer expense. The La Joya, Texas Police Department said a patrol officer was waved down on July 26 by someone concerned about a group that appeared to be sick at a Whataburger restaurant. The officer found a family inside who were coughing and sneezing and not adhering to health guidelines, including the wearing of masks. A manager told the officer they wanted the people to leave because they were making everyone inside uneasy. When the officer questioned the group, they said the Border Patrol apprehended them several days prior but released them and all have tested positive for coronavirus. McAllen, Texas, was forced to declare an emergency because the Biden administration dumped over 7,000 illegal migrants into the city who tested positive for COVID-19, including 1,500 over this past week. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki admitted to reporters the Biden Administration is releasing thousands of COVID-positive illegal aliens into McAllen, Texas —but don’t worry
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To the Editor: Jody Prisi correctly pointed out that “Equity is not equality,” in the August 4 Nugget. But she goes on to explain what she thinks equity means and why it is undesirable: “…[E]quity means equal outcome regardless of merit. If you work hard to create a business or career should someone who has not be given your asset? That is equity.” Elsewhere in the paper, Jeff Mackey offers a cartoonishly bad example of what he thinks critical race theory is: “What if little Johnny comes home from his first day as a third grader in Sisters and tells Mom and Dad he learned about being ashamed of his whiteness and must confess to being privileged so as not to be a racist?” Both of these passages are great examples of the misinformation that has been propagated to confuse and distract us from the real issues that face us. “Equity” does not mean giving your hard-earned asset to someone else to ensure an “equal outcome.” Instead, it is all about ensuring a basic-level playing field so that everyone will have a chance to fairly compete. Likewise, CRT does not mean that white Sisters third-graders will be humiliated and denigrated in some sort of “reeducation” program. I didn’t learn in school that over one million Black veterans were denied benefits under the G.I. Bill, which did so much to create the white middle class (www.history.com/news/gi-bill-black-wwiiveterans-benefits). I wasn’t taught that domestic and agricultural workers (who comprised 65 percent of Black workers) were excluded from Social Security coverage when it was enacted in 1935. My school made sure that I never heard of redlining, which limited or prevented African Americans from being able to obtain financing to purchase homes. These things kept Black people from building up wealth, as they were denied educational, financial, and retirement benefits and services available to the rest of society. I wasn’t taught about any of this when I was in school. Instead, I learned that Black poverty was the result of African Americans’ supposed inferiority, ignorance, and laziness. Isn’t it fair to acknowledge how Americans have been misled by these racist assumptions? Isn’t it necessary to teach facts and inspire critical thinking? Shouldn’t we try to rectify these manifest injustices? That, not Jody Prisi’s misconceived definition, would result in equity. That, not Jeff Mackey’s silly but dangerously malign description of CRT, is what we should seek to accomplish in our schools. Then we will truly have a country where, as Ms. Prisi put it, “Anyone who puts the work into their goals should and will be able to succeed.” Mary Chaffin
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for puzzle on page 20
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Critical Race Theory
SUDOKU SOLUTION
To the Editor: If masks are supposed to protect you from the virus, why is there no supporting data? Most data shows that masks will not protect you from a virus. If masks are so important, why is it whenever a political mandate occurs it is a week from Tuesday? If masks really protected you wouldn’t it make sense to wear them right away instead of being warned a week in advance? Why were there hardly any cases of the flu in 2020 and the beginning of 2021? COVID-19 has been presented as a partisan issue, when in reality it is a nonpartisan issue. It affects all of us through our freedoms, our way of life, and our God-given rights. Just think if we ignored the media, local health authorities, CDC, our politicians, and did our own research. In a restaurant it was OK not to wear a mask at the table, but required to walk to your table. This alone should wake your brain up. Does the COVID only attack people when they are walking to their tables? There is a big push for a vaccine that is obviously experimental. I say experimental because there is no history of accurate data. Doesn’t it seem a little strange that state governments are willing to pay you to take it? If that does not work the federal government is working on plans to force you to take it. We need to wake up, realize we are one, and begin to question instead of accepting. “We are one Nation under God, with Liberty and Justice for all”. There will be those who read what I have written and shake their heads realizing they are a marble short. Others who will write me hate letters without signing their names, and hopefully most just might wake up. Richard Esterman
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Getting the jab...
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PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG
Dr. Valery Shean, an Oregon resident visiting from Uganda, felt fortunate to get her second Moderna shot while in town. The vaccine clinics continue Mondays through August from 2 to 4 p.m. at Sisters-Camp Sherman Firehall, 301 S. Elm St. Shean won a $100 gift card drawn at the conclusion of last Monday’s clinic. Everyone who gets the shot receives a $25 grocery gift card.
MCDONALD’S: ODF confirmed restaurant account of events Continued from page 1
public at times to serve the firefighters. But no firefighter was ever turned away.” Acting State Forester Nancy Hirsh confirmed that in a statement provided to Acarregui: “I have not seen or heard anything that indicates that your restaurant refused to serve firefighters assigned to the Grandview Fire.” Acarregui reconstructed a detailed timeline of events backed by camera footage that demonstrates that allegations that firefighters were not served or were turned away were false. In an interview with The Nugget, David Morris, Oregon Department of Forestry liaison for the Grandview Fire Camp confirmed that Acarregui’s account of events is accurate and explained what appears to have sparked the controversy. “These were contract firefighters that were not ODF firefighters or municipal firefighters that were coming off their shift,” he said. They seem to have misperceived the actions McDonald’s staff were taking to accommodate a late evening flurry of activity. One firefighter apparently assumed that the restaurant’s
lobby gate was closed. However, Acarregui reported, “The gate was partially open to allow firefighters to come in to be served.” Acarregui further noted, that, “The shift manager said she was happy to serve them individually but suggested a group order of similar products to make service faster. The firefighters declined and asked if they could order individually. The shift manager said yes, and began taking orders.” Some firefighters left McDonald’s when they were invited to enjoy a meal at Chops Bistro in Sisters. “I think, in the big scheme of things, the firefighters who came through had a misunderstanding about what McDonald’s was trying to do to help them,” Morris said. “Their view of it wasn’t accurate. They did not understand what was going on and got frustrated. They were complaining to their wives and girlfriends, who sent out inaccurate information.” That inaccurate information, posted on Facebook, quickly went viral, and the story was picked up by the local NBC affiliate, KTVZ21, who ran a story that itself propagated across the country. The impact was significant. Initially, calls came in from the local area asking why the alleged incident had
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
They were complaining to their wives and girlfriends, who sent out inaccurate information. — David Morris, ODF occurred, Acarregui said. Then calls turned nasty. “People were using such inappropriate language to our managers, to our crew people,” said Acarregui, who noted that many crew members are under 18. “Then it started to escalate to the point where we got specific threats to the safety and well-being of our crew.” A YouTube video containing the Z-21 story has been viewed 1.3 million times. As the story went viral and was picked up by other media, calls started coming in from all over the country. “Most are just spiteful and inappropriate to my crew,” Acarregui said. Three employees quit because they felt intimidated or distressed by the harassment. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was contacted, and has been providing extra patrol for the security of the restaurant and its employees. “These people are stressed out,” Acarregui said. Acarregui, who grew up in the local area, said that he
is proud of his team, many of whom have worked for him for a long time. “We just want to go back to normal,” he said. “I just want my people to feel valued and supported by the community they serve… My employees are busting their butts to take care of everybody… It makes me sad, the way they’ve been treated. They don’t deserve this. No one deserves this.” He said that his focus currently is on being supportive and “making sure that they understand that they did nothing wrong.” Morris said that the Sisters McDonald’s has been a good partner with firefighting teams, which makes the incident of July all the more unfortunate. “McDonald’s of Sisters has been such a huge supporter of the wildfire camps,” Morris said. Dealing with a surge of firefighting crews is challenging, Morris said, and, “McDonald’s has done an extremely good job of it over
the years.” The incident demonstrates how destructive an errant social media post can be. “It’s very unfortunate that it went as viral as it did,” Morris said. He said that he encourages members of firefighting teams who have any issue in a community to take it to staff like himself in the fire camp to handle, not to social media. “We’ll do it in a manner that is fair and respectful to everyone,” he said. Acarregui said that he understands that one of the Facebook posts that started the firestorm was deleted and its contents retracted by the poster. He said the McDonald’s PR firm is working with Z-21 and “it’s positive and they’re going to make it right.” However, he recognizes that it is difficult to unwind a social media thread once it’s out in the world. “Once it’s shared a thousand times or more, you can’t unshare those,” he said.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
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