The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVI No. 13 // 2023-03-29

The

Nugget

case comes back to Deschutes County

A ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court last December that a requirement for unanimous verdict in serious criminal cases applies to older criminal cases as well as those still on appeal has had a significant impact in Deschutes County.

According to District Attorney Steve Gunnels, a number of cases have or are expected to be returned to Deschutes County for review and potential retrial. That

HALL

See

Waiting for the ‘poop fairies’

By Stuart Ehr Correspondent

Along with construction and maintenance, Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) also faces challenges like vandalism — and dog poop.

The number one mythic question in the woods is not “Is there a Sasquatch?” Rather “Is there a Poop Fairy?”

Many seem to believe so, based on their own words.

Rick Retzman, a Sisters Trails Alliance board member, has talked to some of these “believers,” who think that it is the responsibility of someone else, “fairies” who must flit about the woods after dark picking up bags of and piles of dog poop.

“I’ve approached a couple different people and this is the silly attitude people have. ‘Hey ma’am, can you carry that bag back to your car, we’re pretty close to the trailhead?’ And they respond, ‘Oh, no, I just drop them here on the trail for the rangers to pick up.’”

There are no rangers or anyone else to pick up what others leave behind.

Hundreds of jobs available in Sisters

That’s one of nearly 300 advertised jobs in Sisters. Dozens of other jobs are not advertised but are needed by nearly every business in town. Almost every store window has a “help wanted” sign. The bee technician job consists mainly of conducting field work near Santiam Pass. The work requires long days in the field, travel

See JOBS on page 19

Sisters man lauds proton therapy

Retzman continues, “I reminded another woman that it’s bad to just leave the poop bag on the trail, and she interrupted me by saying, ‘Well, it’s biodegradable.’

“Yes, the poop will go in a couple months if not contained. With a plastic bag it’s gonna take a couple years to go away even though it’s in a biodegradable bag.”

Although there is no such thing as a poop fairy, Retzman and other hikers who consider themselves stewards of the trail will often pick up the waste of others rather than leave it on the trail.

“Personally, I pick up probably five gallons a year! That’s a lot of poop. And that’s typically bagged poop. If a dog has defecated on the trail I’ll just kick it off to the side.”

Having to pick up after “irresponsible” hikers is a real frustration for Retzman and others like him.

“The frustration level comes with taking care of your dog,” Retzman said. “It is your dog. Be responsible.

Longtime Sisters resident Bill Willitts is on a mission to reach as many men as he can to educate them about the value of proton therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer — a treatment which has a cure rate of 85-90 percent.

Last fall, Willitts was told by his urologist that his PSA (prostate specific antigen), which was first found to be high 10 years ago, had gone higher. With a biopsy, it was determined that he had developed prostate cancer. His urologist told him that a radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the entire prostate) was the gold standard for curing cancer. Willitts wasn’t willing to accept all the possible side effects of the surgery, including postsurgical impotence and urinary incontinence.

His own personal research led Willitts to one of the 41 centers in the U.S. that offer proton therapy to treat cancer, Loma Linda University Cancer Center in California. Most centers are located at large institutions due to the expense of setting up a proton treatment program, which involves highly technical and

expensive equipment.

Willitts arrived at Loma Linda on December 4, 2022, and underwent 39 proton therapy treatments. Not only did he receive treatment for his cancer, but he enjoyed physical and emotional support as well.

He was part of a group of men who were all at Loma Linda to receive proton therapy for prostate cancer. Some lived together, each in their own apartment, at Richie Mansion, and others who were accompanied by their wives found alternative housing. All of the men participated in a support group called the Loma Linda Proton

Brotherhood, celebrating on Wednesday nights at a local restaurant banquet room when someone finished their treatment and graduated from the program. Attire for the graduate was a hospital gown and mortar board.

Since 2010, there has been an over 500 percent increase in treatment centers offering proton therapy, but still over two-thirds of the U.S. population lives over 100 miles from a proton treatment center. Many cancer patients face unnecessary delays and denials of treatment due to reluctance of some insurance

Deschutes County Community Development will host a public information session in Sisters on Tuesday, April 4, to provide information on new zoning and code regarding mule deer habitat. (Seestory,page11).

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

PHOTO PROVIDED

Bumblebee technician needed.

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.

Keeping it civil

To the Editor:

We know Sisters is going to change and grow, but we have a say in how it happens. This is not just about policy, buildings, and trees. While these are important factors, it’s as much about us, as humans, and how we choose to interact with each other.

Three years ago, I moved to Sisters from Bend. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love

Wednesday

March 29 • Partly Cloudy 48/30

What is behind Sisters code changes

with the Sisters Country community, and the ways it comes together to lift each other up. As I got involved, I’d heard that several years back there was a high level of contention. I recently learned that there had been a need for an armed police presence at City Council meetings, The Nugget was filled with hateful letters to the editor, and community volunteers were quitting due to name calling and

See LETTERS on page 16

Sisters Weather Forecast

Thursday

March 30 • Mostly Cloudy 49/30

Sunday April 2 • Rain/Snow Showers 41/25

Friday March 31 • PM Showers 47/33

Monday April 3 • Rain/Snow 41/25

Saturday April 1 • Snow to Rain 41/30

Tuesday April 4 • Rain/Snow Showers 42/25

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC

Editor in Chief: Jim Cornelius

Production Manager: Leith Easterling

Creative Director: Jess Draper

Community Marketing

Partner: Vicki Curlett

Classifieds & Circulation: Janice Hoffman

Proofreader: Kit Tosello

Owner: J. Louis Mullen

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.

Learning about K-9s…

By Scott Woodford Community Development Director

It’s great to see much community interest about the future of Sisters, which is demonstrated by the letters to the editor and comments at public meetings. It is important that these conversations are civil and based in fact, so I wanted to clarify several issues raised in the “Choosing Sisters’ Path” guest column in last week’s Nugget

A package of amendments to the Sisters Development Code were considered and adopted by City Council on July 24, 2019 (Ordinance 497). Amendments to the code are a fairly common practice. It is incorrect, as the guest column alleges, that they were “quietly changed.” Between the Planning Commission and City Council, there were six public workshops on the topics — in addition to two public hearings.

The column also asks, “Did they read it?” In my experience, members of both bodies take their roles seriously and devote a lot of personal time to review information and ask many questions before making decisions. The column continues, without evidence, to allege financial conflicts of interest on the part of decision makers. As part of any public hearing, decision makers are required to disclose any biases or conflicts of interest and anyone, including the public, is entitled to challenge them. As staff who works with both citizen bodies, I find they operate with the highest of integrity and only want the best for Sisters.

Did the amendments open the door for “rampant growth?” No, most were housekeeping amendments — those without any significant public impact, and it did not create opportunities for more fast-food franchises and big boxes. To the contrary, the City continues to limit the number of franchise food restaurants to help retain our independent businesses, and it did nothing to make it easier to build big-box stores. The column correctly notes the ordinance did reduce minimum lot sizes, but only in the Urban Area Reserve zone

(from 10 acres to 2.5 acres), which does not permit residential uses.

Did it affect service stations in the Downtown Commercial (DC) zone? Yes, before this they were “legal non-conforming” uses (meaning they were legal at one time, but the code changed). This meant they could continue to operate, but no improvements were allowed. Instead of seeing them fall into disrepair, the Council decided to make them conditional uses, which allowed them to expand (and rebuild), but gave the City much more oversight about determining compatibility with their surroundings before approving them.

Additionally, the city added additional landscaping requirements, canopy lighting standards, prohibitions on vehicle repair and outdoor storage, and imposed a 1,000-foot buffer between stations in the DC zone, effectively eliminating any additional ones. For more information about this and other meetings go to www.ci.sisters.or.us/ meetings.

The City received a land-use application for the Space Age service station, requesting approval to replace the existing service station with a 3,500-squarefoot convenience store and 16-pump fuel island and canopy. It is currently under review by the City of Sisters Community Development Department staff. Staff will evaluate the proposal against the development standards in the Code and refer it to the Planning Commission for a decision (tentatively scheduled for an informational work session on June 4, 2023, followed by a public hearing on June 18, 2023). Public comment is welcome and should address the applicable review criteria. To submit comments prior to the public hearing drop them off at Sisters City Hall at 520 E. Cascade Avenue, Sisters, or mail to PO Box 39, Sisters, OR 97759, or email to mmartin@ci.sisters.or.us.

Oral testimony is permitted at the public hearing. See project website for more info: www.ci.sisters.or.us/ community-development/ page/space-age-servicestation-proposal.

PHOTO BY NANCY HALL

Deschutes County Sheriff’s K-9 Deputies Jeremiah Johnson and Nathan Witherspoon visited the Sisters K-9 4-H club on Wednesday, March 22 with their dogs, Chris and Vinnie. The officers gave an hour-long presentation on how they train their dogs, the importance of the nose and scent and drive of the dog. The Sisters 4-H Dog Project is open to youth 9 to 18 years old. For information email nancyhall4h@gmail.com.

Exchange students thriving at SHS

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

Hamburg, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark contrast markedly from tiny Sisters, Oregon, but for the two 16-year-old exchange students at Sisters High School who hail from these famous European cities, the experience of living in our rural mountain town has been rich and satisfying.

Rebecca “Becca” Clausen and Freja Pedersen arrived in Sisters in late August as participants in the Pan Atlantic Foundation student exchange program. Within the first week both had joined fall

University students spend spring break with Sisters Habitat

Seven students from Gonzaga University out of Spokane, Washington spent their spring break in Sisters volunteering for Sisters Habitat for Humanity. Their visit was part of a nation-wide alternative spring break program called Collegiate Challenge.

Habitat’s experienced construction crew took most of the first day to familiarize the students with safety protocols and introduced them to power tools and construction techniques. Then the all-women team built new roofs on storage sheds at the ReStore, and installed cabinets in a ClearPine

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

Mon., noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 541- 610-73 83

Alcoholics Anonymous

townhome.

The community of Sisters embraced the students with open arms. The Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church provided shelter for students and a “Welcome to Sisters Potluck” the first evening; Sisters Park & Recreation District provided showers; and teams of dedicated Habitat volunteers provided lunch at the jobsite each day.

No strangers to volunteerism, most of the students have done volunteer projects all over the United States. One student has accepted a volunteer position in South Korea with

AmeriCorps after graduation this summer. Gonzaga University helps match up students with groups in need of volunteers. The group that came to Sisters wanted to focus on affordable housing.

Team Advisor Renne Richards said that working on the Sisters Habitat projects was a “lot of fun and a great opportunity to gain skills we would not have otherwise. It was fun working with Sam (Humphreys, construction manager)!”

There were a wide variety of scholastic interests

See VOLUNTEERS on page 20

sports teams and begun their integration into the student body of Sisters High School.

Pedersen and Clausen both come from families well acquainted with living abroad for a year.

“My mother, my stepfather, and my sister went on exchange, and since I really like to travel and try new things I decided to do it myself,” said Pedersen.

Clausen’s brother spent a school year in Argentina, which prompted her to do some research.

“I chose the United States because I can speak English

on page 14

Bilderback running for Sisters School Board

By Ceili Gatley Correspondent

Karissa Bilderback is running for one of two open spots on the Sisters School Board that will be on the May election ballot this year.

Bilderback graduated from Sisters High School (SHS) in 2000, and now is raising four kids who are in and entering the Sisters schools. Bilderback grew up in the Willamette Valley, and her family vacationed in Black Butte Ranch when she was young. Her family relocated to Sisters, partially

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR

East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September-June), Stitchin’

Post All are welc ome. 541- 549- 60 61

Go Fi sh Fishing Group 3rd Monday

7 p.m., Sisters Communit y Church 541-771-2211

Thursday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Transf iguration / Saturday, 8 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Transf iguration / Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Big Book study, Tuesday, noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Gentlemen’s meeting, Wednesday, 7 a.m., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Sober Sisters Women’s meet ing, Thur sday, noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church / Step & Tradition meeting, Fr iday, noon, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 541- 54 8- 04 40

Central Oregon Fly Tyer s Guild

For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelef ly@msn.c om

Ci tizens4Communit y Let’s Talk

3rd Monday, 6 to 7:30 p.m. RSVP at citizens 4c ommunity.c om

Council on Aging of Central Oregon

Senior Lunch In -person communit y dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Graband- go lunch Tues Wed. Thurs. 12:3 0 to 1 p.m. Sisters Communit y Church 541- 48 0-18 43

Hear twarmers (f leec e blanketmaker s)

2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Sisters

Communit y Church Materials provided 541- 40 8- 8505

Hero Quilters of Sisters Thursday, 1

to 4 p.m. 541- 668 -1755

Milita ry Parent s of Sister s Meetings are held quar terly; please call for details. 541- 38 8- 9013

Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesda ys,

11:3 0 a.m., Takoda’s Rest aurant.

541- 549- 64 69

SAGE (S enior Ac tivities , Gatherings & Enrichment) Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.

to 4 p.m. at Sisters Park & Recreation

District 541- 549-20 91

Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4t h

Saturday, 10 a.m., meet ing by Zoom.

503- 93 0- 6158

Sisters Area Photography Club

2nd Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., at Sisters Communit y Church 541- 549- 6157

Sisters Astronomy Club 3rd Tuesday, 7 p.m. SPRD 541- 549- 8846

Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:3 0 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Church Email sister sbridge2021@gmail.com.

Sisters Caregi ver Support Group

3rd Tues 10:3 0 a.m., Sisters Episcopal Church 541-719- 0031

Sisters Cribbage Club Meets 11 a.m. ever y Wed. at SPRD 50 9- 947- 5744

Sisters Garden Club For mont hly meetings visit: SistersGardenClu b.com.

Sisters Habitat for Humani ty Board of Director s 4t h Tuesday, 6 p.m. Location information: 541- 549-1193

Sisters Kiwanis Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Brand 33 Rest aurant at Aspen Lakes. 541- 410-2870

Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at Sisters Saloon. 541- 48 0- 59 94

Sisters Red Ha ts 1st Fr iday. For location information, please call: 541- 84 8-1970

Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon, Aspen Lakes. 541-76 0- 5645

Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 541- 419-1279

Sisters Veterans Thursdays, noon, Takoda’s Rest aurant. 541- 903-1123

Sisters Trails Alliance Board Meetings take plac e ever y other month, 5 p.m. In -person or zoom. Cont act: info@sisterstrails.org

Three Sister s Irrigation District Board of Director s Meets 1st Tuesday, 4 p.m., TSID Of fice 541- 549- 8815

VF W Post 8138 and American Legion Po st 86 1st Wednesday of the mont h, 6:30 p.m., Main Church Building Sisters Communit y Church 847- 344- 0498

Sisters Area Woodworker s Held the first Tuesday of the mont h 7 to 9 p.m. Call 541-231-18 97

SCHOOLS

Black Bu tt e School Board of Directors 2nd Tuesday, 3:45 p.m., Black Butte School. 541- 59 5- 6203

Sisters School District Board of Directors One Wednesday mont hly, Sisters School District Administration Building. See schedule online at www.ssd 6.org. 541- 549- 8521 x5 002.

because of the schools.

“I loved high school and I felt like I received a great education, but in the mindset of an 18-year-old, I don’t think I fully realized it until I was comparing myself with peers in college, and realized just how prepared I was with English classes I took, and my study habits that were formed in high school,” she said.

After graduating from SHS, Bilderback attended Oregon State University, where she received a

See BILDERBACK on page 21

CITY & PARKS

Sisters Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h

Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Sisters City Hall. 541- 549- 6022

Sisters Park & Recreation District

Board of Director s 2nd & 4t h Tues., 4:30 p.m. SPRD bldg. 541- 549-20 91

Sisters Planning Commission

3rd Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Sisters

City Hall. 541- 549- 6022

FIRE & POLICE

Black Bu tt e Ranch Po lice Dept.

Board of Director s Meets mont hly. 541- 59 5-2191 for time & date

Black Bu tt e Ranch RFPD Board of Directors 4th Thurs., 9 a.m., BB R Fire Station. 541- 59 5-2288

Cloverdale RFPD Board of Directors

3rd Wed. 5:30 p.m., 6743 3 Cloverdale Rd. 541- 54 8- 4815 cloverdalefire.c om

Sister s- Camp Sherman RFPD

Board of Director s 3rd Tuesday, 5 p.m., Sisters Fire Hall, 541- 549- 0771

Sister s- Camp Sherman RFPD Drills

Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Sisters Fire Hall, 301 S. Elm St. 541- 549- 0771

This listing is for regular Sisters Countr y meetings; email information to nugget @nuggetnews.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Sam Humphreys, Sisters Habitat for Humanity construction manager, was lying down on the job last week — but it was just for a bit of fun with a hardworking crew of Gonzaga University students who spent spring break working on a Sisters Habitat house. Left-right: Raegan Bowyer, Allison Ruhl, Ashley Painter, Rosa Madden, Ketsia Kamarashauu, Isabella Adams, and Renne Richards. See EXCHANGE

C4C rounds up Community Builders

By Kit Tosello Correspondent

A growing group of individuals and organizations engaged in addressing emerging issues and needs in Sisters Country gathered at the new Wakefield Inn on March 15. The monthly meeting of Community Builders, facilitated by Citizens4Community (C4C), offered a bird’s-eye view of the myriad community-supporting projects underway, along with ways residents can get involved.

This month’s presenters included:

The Roundhouse Foundation. Grants Program Specialist Dawn Cooper shared that the Foundation received 115 grant requests for their spring awards. The Roundhouse Foundation’s vision is “to create a positive impact through collaboration in communities by encouraging creative problem solving, innovative programming, to stimulate local economies.”

Age Friendly Sisters

Country. President Judy Smith noted that April 20 is National Volunteer Day. A number of action teams are working on new projects and could use volunteers. Sisters Transportation and Ride Share Service (STARS), which offers free transportation to nonemergency medical appointments, seeks to recruit a passenger coordinator.

In Our Backyard. In their efforts to create local awareness of sex trafficking in our community, the organization

is working to have “freedom stickers” strategically posted throughout town. Stickers contain the National Human Trafficking Hotline. When a trafficking survivor calls or texts this hotline, they’re offered hope and help.

Family-Friendly Restrooms. An effort is underway to expand the number of diaper-changing stations throughout Sisters. The hope is to obtain funding and offer installation services for local businesses.

Sisters School District (SSD). Superintendent Curt Scholl gave a progress report on the new elementary school. Vertical construction should begin in April.

Working with Sisters Park & Recreation and students from the University of Oregon’s Sustainable City Year Program, the District is still exploring options for reuse of the current elementary school, including the possibility of workforce housing on the property. Scholl also gave a heads-up that citizens will be asked to vote in May on a local option levy. The levy, he pointed out, will not cost voters additional money but rather will simply replace the levy that is retiring.

Scholl said that of the approximately 3,000 pieces of legislation before the Oregon State Legislature, 300 or so deal with educational issues. He encouraged residents to contact their legislators and give feedback on proposed legislation, particularly a bill requiring mandatory P.E. for 30 minutes every

day. The SSD offers four special classes – art, music, P.E., and technology. Offering P.E. every day would require eliminating one of those. The District requires a total of 1.5 P.E. credits for graduation, more than most districts. Several other proposed bills deal with special education issues.

Three Sisters Historical Society. A board member provided information about upcoming Fireside Evening events, Camp Polk Cemetery tours, and a Santiam Wagon Road walk. Volunteers are needed to help in the museum and with various special projects, including oral history interviews.

Circle of Friends announced two upcoming events, a Family Night on May 13 and a fundraiser to be held at the Rodeo grounds on July 22.

Sisters Little League. Opening Day kicks off on Saturday, April 1 at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast. Joe Eckstein is on deck to sing the national anthem.

C4C launched as a nonprofit in 2015 with a mission to “develop and implement tools, projects, and events that encourage respectful communication, strengthen trust, and build local community and leadership.” Community Builders meet the third Wednesday of each month, with the next gathering taking place April 19 at 10 a.m. at The Belfry. Jim Goodwin of radio station KJIV will speak. For more information visit Citizens4Community.com.

Mark calendars for debris disposal

Fire season is quickly approaching, and now is the time for Central Oregonians to plan to reduce their risk by creating defensible space and taking advantage of upcoming spring FireFree events.

Now is the time to clean up yards around homes and drop off that debris at FireFree collection sites for free. Knott Landfill will take yard debris in a FireFree event May 6 through May 21. Knott Landfill is open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Northwest (Fryrear) Transfer Station near Sisters will participate Saturday, June 3 through Saturday, June 17. The transfer station is open Wednesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FireFree drop-offs include:

• Grass clippings, brush, pine needles, pinecones, weeds, trimmings and branches, stumps or trees (no larger than 12 inches in diameter).

• NOT accepted: rocks, sod, dirt, lumber, metal, trash or plastics of any kind, including plastic bags.

Vulnerable spots around the home:

• Gutters and roof valleys filled with debris like pine needles and leaves. Clean them out. Despite a metal or asphalt shingle roof, the buildup of gutter debris provides necessary fuel for the

glowing embers to ignite adjacent fascia boards or siding — most often made of wood.

• Shrubs and weeds that provide a path of fuel for fire to reach your trees or home. Reduce shrubs and other “ladder fuels” around your home to reduce the threat of ground fires igniting nearby trees or your home.

• Flammable materials near a deck, patio, or fence. Remove weeds, shrubs, or any combustible materials from around, under, or on top of your deck, patio, or wood fence. This includes flammable toys, planters, construction materials, patio furniture, and cushions along with even small piles of pine needles or leaves.

• Bark mulch, pine needles, ornamental junipers, or flammable vegetation within 5 feet of your home. This can provide the perfect ember bed that provides necessary fuel for the glowing embers to ignite the adjacent siding – most often made of wood.

• Woodpiles near your home or other combustible vegetation. Move woodpiles at least 30 feet away from your home or other combustibles.

Visit the FireFree website at www.firefree.org for more information about how you can prepare your property for wildfire season.

In the PINES

By T. Lee Brown

for the people

As the City of Sisters ramps up to select our next city manager, I think back to the days before I was an Official Newspaper Columnist™ for The Nugget . I’d lived here about a year when the City announced it’d be hiring a new city manager. Citizens were invited to attend a reception at FivePine, where we could sip wine, snack snacks, and meet candidates.

How civilized, I thought, feeling the glow that comes with moving from a bigger city to a smaller town. I grew up out in the country, where people could easily feel like they were part of the community, but we didn’t exactly have wine receptions. Or city managers, for that matter.

My husband was working, so I brought our kindergartner. The vibe at FivePine was welcoming, in a gracious, maybe even fancy way. Most of the candidates were men, white men, which is typical of the Oregon I know and grew up in.

Most of the citizens who walked in were older, well dressed, and well preserved, perhaps retired, perhaps well off. Perhaps they had more time for civic engagement than the struggling young adults who worked in the gas stations and coffeehouses of Sisters, or the school-age families with jam-packed schedules.

I felt youngish, myself. There sure weren’t any other children in the place. My son and I grabbed some nonalcoholic food and drink. He settled down at our table for some reading and drawing, and I set out to meet the candidates.

It involved waiting in de facto lines for a long time. With my young child across the room, I felt a little jumpy, knowing I might need to head back over to him at any moment. Some individuals talked for 12 to 15 minutes with each candidate, pleased to corner them on pet issues or get carried away with local political chitchat.

Soon I concluded that I couldn’t stay and meet all the candidates. I’d need to get my son home for dinner, pre-bedtime rituals, then bedtime. Oh well. Maybe I

could talk with a couple of them.

Eventually I got to the front of my first line and met a man who wanted to become our city manager. We shook hands and exchanged names. He introduced me to his wife, standing deferentially nearby.

Just as I was about to ask my first question, another man barged up to Mr. Candidate. The barger looked older, powerful, well fed, well dressed. He walked up and clapped Mr. Candidate on the shoulder, stuck out his hand for a shake.

“Great to meet you,” the barger boomed. “I’m _____, former county commissioner for ______.” They’re so good at it, these guys. Many have been taught it from a young age. How to take control of a room. How to make their voices heard. How to remain completely oblivious to anything standing between them and their goal.

Mr. Candidate took the briefest of moments to tear his eyes away from the barger’s. I watched him look me over quickly, watched him size me up — correctly — as a younger woman of no importance dragging a small child to a City schmoozing event. Mr. Candidate

quickly looked away, then leaned in toward the barger for a good long talk.

His wife watched the whole thing. Shame crossed her face, pink. She gave me a bit of an eye roll and a sigh. Men, she seemed to suggest. What can one do?

I went to another line, and eventually talked with the only female candidate. She had military experience, city management experience, all kinds of experience. She seemed attentive, smart, capable, and strong. She listened to me and I to her.

Alas, it was not she who became the next city manager.

This isn’t about being woke. It’s about being polite, friendly, curious, and expansive enough to do the job properly. A person who doesn’t listen, who kowtows to power over the concerns of everyday citizens, is not

suitable to become the next city manager of our town.

Time has passed since then. Mr. Candidate became city manager, then left. My kindergartner is now in middle school. Our country has been through a lot. We’ve learned, often harshly, about power and people, community and equality.

We should expect more this time around. We should demand it.

How did this week’s meeting of potential city managers seem to you? If you noticed that a candidate ignored or belittled any of the people assembled, maybe this would be a good time to speak up.

I hear the town of Sisters, Oregon, has a great little newspaper. You could write a letter to the editor. But first, let the folks at City Hall know what you think. Their phone number appears to be 541-549-6022.

By Janice Hoffman

Anyone looking at a typical anatomical man diagram will see deep-pink muscle connected to bone by white ligament and tendon. But when it comes to what moves the body, that is simply not the whole picture. In the last decade our fascia, which was long thought to be just passive body tissue, has begun to receive some well-deserved attention.

Our myofascial web is an integral part of how our bodies move. The fascia (pronounced FAH-sha) is a network of tissue that spreads in continuous sheets throughout the entire body. It connects muscles, joints, and bones. It also wraps around our organs like scaffolding, supporting and keeping those organs in place.? There are four different kinds of fascia (structural, intersectoral, visceral, and spinal), but they’re all connected in our web. In fact, if we were able to view the fascia in isolation, it would look like a complete hologram. Even a face would be recognizable. The fascial

system takes on many forms, from stiff to soft, depending on where it’s located in the body. For instance, the plantar fascia that runs from our heel bone to the base of our toes is naturally thick and strong while fascia located directly under the skin of our arms and legs is designed to be thin and elastic. Taking a microscopic peek at fascia in a living body, which scientists were only able to do for the first time about 20 years ago, we see fascia is not the passive connective and collagen tissue once assumed.

Fascia is in fact stretchy, expandable, and flexible. And most importantly, it is fluid.

Fascia contains little glistening capsules of hyaluronan (HYE-al-URE-oh-nan), a polysaccharide produced by our bodies to regulate tissue responses during injury, promote repair and regeneration, and help calm inflammation.

Those interested in seeing the activity of this fascial fluid can view Dr. Jean-Claude Guimberteau’s Living Fascia video on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=_tZL4716HuY.

Fascia is beautifully organized and very flexible in its healthy state. When we keep our fascia healthy, we experience good body symmetry that can reduce the chance of injury and help us avoid chronic pain. Situations that can cause flexible fascia to become damaged may include traumatic injuries such as a fall or a car accident, repetitive movements like industrial work or keyboarding, and prolonged sitting or standing. If our myofascial web is damaged or traumatized, it’s like a ‘traffic jam’ that blocks a pathway across the body – a pathway that sometimes travels for quite a distance. A blockage in the pathway will cause the fascia to become dehydrated and less mobile, even compressed and knotted. These adhesions and restrictions in turn cause tightness and muscle shortening that inevitably pulls the body out of optimal alignment. The result can be headaches, back pain and sciatica, muscle stiffness, and muscular spasms.

Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) is becoming popular for reversing myofascial restrictions. Receiving MFR Therapy from a practitioner is quite a different experience than Swedish, sports, or even deep-tissue massage. A skilled MRT practitioner will carefully locate and anchor restrictions, pause on the restriction to allow softening, and then perform very specialized leveraging movements to allow fascia to release and elongate. The release may be performed for up to five continuous minutes at one site. As restrictions ease, a reaction may be felt quite far away from the

focus site because, as previously mentioned, our fascial pathways run throughout the entire body. A good parallel is to picture a tablecloth, where tugging one corner can change the position of everything else on the table. SelfMyofascial Release (SMR) can be performed at home with a few simple tools, such as a golf ball, a tennis ball, and a foam roller. The technique is similar to MRT, and involves anchoring a restriction, allowing for softening, and holding to engage a subtle release. Thankfully, it’s not difficult to learn and in some instances can produce quick relief. Over the next several weeks, I’ll outline some of the most common areas where myofascial restrictions happen, and explain ways to safely perform home-based Self-MFR. Together let’s find out what’s in your web, and learn some techniques to keep your body

working in optimal condition.

Janice H. Hoffman has been an American Council on Exercise gold certified medical exercise specialist since 2005. From 1998 to 2008 she was one of their Western Region faculty members, preparing new fitness professionals to pass certification exams. From 2002 until 2016 she was on the board of the Oregon Fibromyalgia Information Foundation as their exercise physiology advisor, and choreographed four of their exercise videos. From 2005 to 2014 she worked with chronic pain disorder and cancer survivorship exercise researchers at OHSU. Over a 30+ year career in fitness leadership she designed, implemented, and supervised exercise programs with the goal of helping individuals improve function, avoid injuries, and enhance overall well-being. Hoffman currently works at The Nugget Newspaper.

Sisters landowner narrowly escapes fraud attempt

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

In information provided to The Nugget by a local realtor, a Sisters Country landowner on Foothill Loop, three miles northeast of town, answered a phone call from the president of his homeowners association asking if it was true that he was selling his lot. He wasn’t, but it was listed as “For Sale” by a legitimate, licensed real estate broker in the Willamette Valley.

It is customary in property transactions for HOAs to be called verifying the seller’s standing with respect to being current with dues and any special assessments. As soon as it was realized that the property had been listed for sale by a bogus seller, the agent pulled the listing and the property owner was spared.

More and more title theft and real estate scams are plaguing the industry. As real estate prices have soared since 2019, according to the FBI there has been a steady increase in losses reported by victims of real estate/rental scams in the last three years.

Nationwide, in 2021, 11,578 people reported losing $350,328,166 due to these types of scams, a 64 percent increase from the previous year. And that’s just what’s reported. Only last week a retired Colorado school teacher, 69, and her daughter were scammed out of $197,000 by the first of the five biggest ways victims are targeted — escrow fraud.

Escrow wire fraud

Here’s how it works, says BankRate.com: You get an email, phone call, or text from someone purporting to be from the title or escrow company with instructions on where to wire your escrow funds. Fraudsters set up fake websites that appear similar to the title or lending company you’re working with, making it seem like the real deal.

Scammers use spoofing tactics to make phone numbers, websites, and email addresses appear familiar.

But in these cases, one number or letter is often off — an easy thing to miss, explains Melinda Opperman, chief relationship officer at Credit. org, a nonprofit credit counseling agency.

Home title fraud

This rapidly growing form of theft is where a criminal steals a home by forging a deed. David Chang, writing for the newsletter The Ascent , explains they then illegally transfer ownership of the home without the real homeowner’s permission. It is essentially where a fraudster steals your home and either sells it or takes out a loan against it without you even knowing about it. When the mortgage is not paid, the property enters foreclosure.

The scammer first finds a property they want to steal, typically one with equity in it. They will then forge documents that transfer the ownership of the house to themselves. After they file the

documents with the proper authorities, they now have legal ownership of the property. They then sell the property to unknowing third parties or take home equity lines of credit (HELOC) against the property and don’t pay it back. Some criminals have also taken multiple mortgages against the property.

According to the FBI, there are other variations.

Con artists find a vacant home, like a rental property or vacation home, and find out who the owner is through a little research. They then steal the owner’s identity, illegally transfer the title to their name, and pocket the proceeds from selling the property or getting a HELOC. In some cases, the criminals steal a house with the family still living in it. They sell the home to a buyer without the family even knowing about it. The rightful owners continue paying

the mortgage in a house they no longer own.

Protect yourself

The Oregon Realtors Association has issued this advisory: Exercise extra caution when any of the following red flags are present:

• The listing involves vacant land or a condo.

• The property is listed for significantly below market value.

• The seller is not in Oregon and/or is out of the country.

• The seller will only sign documents remotely and will not provide someone to meet locally.

• The seller refuses to provide detail about the property such as HOA information or information about wells or water rights.

• The seller is aggressive and set to close quickly.

Independently search for the identity and a recent picture of the property seller or independently attempt to

identify the ownership of the property.

Do not rely on the owner’s contact information provided in an ad or the “seller” or the listing agent; independently find a telephone number for the owner or send an overnight delivery service letter to the address where property tax bills are sent.

Talk with the seller’s agent to determine whether the agent has actually seen or spoken with the seller or whether all communications have been by email.

Request an in-person or virtual meeting and to see the “seller’s” government-issued identification.

Be cautious when a seller accepts an offer below market value in exchange for cash and/or a quick closing. Never allow a seller to arrange their own notary closing. Verify that the notary is a real person appointed by the applicable governmental agency.

Girls tennis falls to 5A Ridgeview

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Lady Outlaws started their week on the road with a 3-5 loss to Ridgeview. Their match that was to be held at Redmond on Thursday, March 23, was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions.

In Tuesday’s match against the Ravens, the Outlaws were missing five of their varsity players due to spring break, and as a result had to default on No. 4 doubles. It proved to be a great opportunity for the team’s less experienced payers to compete at a higher level, and Coach Bruce Fenn stated that they all stepped up to the challenge and performed well.

Brooke Harper moved up into the No. 1 singles spot and defeated Liz Albin 6-4, 6-4. Fenn noted that Harper was steady, confident, and consistent in overcoming Ridgeview’s hard-hitting No. 2 Albin.

Presley Adelt won her match at No. 4 singles with a 6-2, 6-1, win over Lena Appleby. Fenn stated that Adelt posted the win due to her superior athletic ability, fast feet, and strong court coverage.

The Lady Outlaws also tallied a win at No. 2 doubles, where Sophie Rush and Ava Stotts paired up for the first time this year to defeat Leslie Rebuelta and Hanna Hennessey 1-6, 6-1, 10-4. After the first set loss, the duo could have given up, but they told their coach they needed to stop doublefaulting serves and had to get more balls in play. They did just that and easily won the second set and the following tiebreaker for the win.

Fenn said, “They played smart tennis, observed what they needed to do, and executed good shots with good communication, which helped them win the match. Every match is a learning experience. The team accepted their new positions and played their best. It was a special day of tennis.”

The Outlaws were to play at The Dalles on Monday, April 3. They will host Cascade on Tuesday, April 5, and a day later host the Madras White Buffs. The cancelled match against Redmond will be rescheduled for a later date.

Obituaries

Edward Derksen

August 11, 1942 — March 6, 2023

Ed was born on August 11, 1942, to Jacob and Susie Derksen in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

He was the second of four children: Jack, Ed, Caroline, and Susan. They grew up working in the family raspberry business. He spent many happy years playing football, basketball, and baseball. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and a quick, sarcastic mind.

He was a loving husband to Dianna, a father to Greg and Kristina, and grandfather to Joseph.

He was the mainstay in our lives, a rock, a supporter, a motivator, a friend to all, gregarious and generous, always eager for a good conversation, and had a wonderful and creative mind.

International living always appealed to Ed. To him, living overseas meant South America. He was drawn to Latin America ever since his childhood trips to Mexico with his parents and siblings.

After earning his MBA

Allan Borland

June 14, 1955 — 2023

Allan was born in Oregon City on June 14, 1955, and moved to Lebanon, Oregon at the age of one.

at the University of Oregon, we lived in Montreal, Canada, Nassau, Bahamas, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and La Paz, Bolivia before returning to Lake Oswego, Oregon.

He spent the last 20 years in Black Butte Ranch, in the home he purchased while living in Bolivia.

Ed was an entrepreneur, international investment banker, real estate agent, mentor, family man, and friend. He loved talking about world politics, economics, travel, and geography with anyone in the BBR hot tub, and his Tuesday “Wackos.” He lived a great and adventurous life.

We miss and love you always.

Obituaries Policy: The Nugget Newspaper does not charge a fee to publish obituaries. Obituaries may be up to 400 words and include one photo. Obituary submissions must be received by 10 a.m. on Monday to editor@nuggetnews.com or hand delivered to 442 E. Main Ave., Sisters.

Allan grew up in Lebanon and met his future wife when he was 16 and she was 15. He graduated there in 1973. Allan went on to work odd jobs and hitchhike around the country as far away as Ohio.

Allan became a security guard in 1982 in Lebanon.

After 10 years of friendship Allan and Roxanne married in 1983.

After a few years they moved to Mesa, Arizona, and then back to Bend around 1987.

He worked as a security guard at Mountain View Mall before becoming a police officer in Sisters in 1993. He retired with

Deschutes County as a deputy in 2008.

He loved spending time with his wife hiking, fishing, and hunting. He also enjoyed his cigars and especially loved reading the Bible over and over again.

He is survived by his wife, Roxanne; his mom, Donna; brother R.C. and his family; Roxanne’s family; and four godchildren. His memorial was held in Sheridan, Oregon, on March 25.

Obituaries

Laurence Alan Dyer, a lifelong resident of Central Oregon, passed away peacefully at the age of 94, surrounded by many members of his beloved family. Laurence was a truly kind and caring person, who, in his own words, “led an honest and productive life.”

Laurence was born on August 30, 1928, alongside his identical twin brother, Loren Dyer, in Bend, Oregon, to Hooper and Irene Dyer. Laurence’s grandfather Howard Dyer homesteaded in Millican in 1912, later moving into Bend. Laurence attended Allen School in Bend and then graduated from Bend High School in 1947. He attended some of the very first classes offered at Central Oregon Community College when it opened in 1949 and continued to seek new learning opportunities throughout his life. His very first job was making ice cream at the Meadow Land Dairy in Bend and in his youth was also a bellhop at the old Pilot Butte Inn in Bend.

In 1950, Laurence met the love of his life, Betty Haglund, while he was picking up his younger sisters from school in Bend. Laurence and Betty were

married on June 29, 1951, at the Bend Methodist Church. Shortly after they wed, Betty’s father passed away, and they moved together to Camp Sherman to help run her family’s business at the Metolius River Resort.

Laurence then began to work for Leonard Lundgren at the House on Metolius in Camp Sherman and did so for the next 34 years. According to Laurence, he “never had a job, just more of an adventure.” Laurence and Betty raised their three children in Camp Sherman, and in addition, he became “dad” to many of the Lundgren children and other family members along the way.

After his retirement from House on Metolius in 1985, Laurence and Betty moved from Camp Sherman to Sisters, where he began a successful real estate career, first as principal broker in the real estate division of Black Butte Ranch. Then, in 1992, Laurence, alongside his two sons, founded Ponderosa Properties, a real estate and property management firm in Sisters, which his family still owns and operates today.

Laurence, Betty, and their children enjoyed recreating outdoors all over Central Oregon. In the winter the family could be found skiing at Hoodoo and Mt.

Bachelor, and in the summer they often went camping and waterskiing on the local lakes, in boats that Laurence built himself. Laurence also traveled in his work with Leonard Lundgren, and in his words, “When I got up in the morning, I never knew where I was going to be that night.” Frequent family trips to Hawaii filled later years with much fun and adventure.

Laurence’s joy in life was working with his hands. He was a lifelong master woodworker, a skill he developed in woodshop classes at Bend High and at COCC in the late 1940s. Throughout his life, Laurence built everything: beautiful wood furniture (including multiple grandfather clocks and furniture for his family), five boats (one of which is still on the water today), houses, and in his retirement, delicately detailed wooden jewelry boxes (which he often gifted to local charities, friends, and family). He loved to work with exotic wood from Hawaii, such as koa and mango, and always worked from designs that existed only in his head. His patience, attention to detail,

and appreciation of art and beauty can be seen in each of his pieces.

Laurence was a loving and devoted husband to Betty for 63 years until her death in 2014. He is now at peace that he is reunited with the love of his life. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all that knew him — his family is so very blessed to have had him in their lives. He will be deeply missed.

Laurence is survived by his children, Rad Dyer of Camp Sherman, Debbie and Chuck Newport of Sisters, Kevin and Debbie Dyer of Sisters; grandchildren Beau, Towner (Melanie), Kelsey (Nathan), Nick, Acacia (Greg), and Andrew (Kenndra); great grandchildren Hayes, Wyatt, Adelynn, Sage, and Rowe; and three sisters, Nancy Ingram of Bend, Helen Hemingway of Pineville, Louisiana, and Ann Divita and husband, Fred, of Eugene.

Laurence is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved dearly and always considered family, and he always held a special place in his

heart for the children of the Lundgren family: Shane, Cindi, Jill, Janie, Kim, and Kendra.

Laurence is preceded in death by his parents, Hooper and Irene Dyer, twin brother Loren Dyer, and oldest sister, Donna McKie.

A celebration of life will be held in early summer on the Metolius River.

In memory of Laurence, please consider contributions to Partners In Care (2075 NE Wyatt Ct., Bend, OR 97701), The Deschutes Land Trust Metolius Preserve Memorial Fund (210 NW Irving Ave., Ste. 102, Bend, OR 97701) and to The Peaceful Presence Project in Sisters (www. thepeacefulpresenceproject. org).

Americ an Legion and VFW Meeting s are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 30 0 McKenzie Hwy. All members invited to attend . Call Charles Wilson, 847-344-0498.

Communit y Drum Circle

Starting April 4, join the Sisters Communit y Drum Circle on ever y first Tuesday at e Belfr y from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Bring a percussion instrument. Some drums available to borrow. All are welcome! $5-10 to cover costs , but no one turned away for inabilit y to pay. R SVP at meetup.com To learn more, visit www.restorative-sound .com, or cont act acrosier@me.com

Sisters Cub Scout Troop

Welcomes New Members

Come join the troop! Cub Scouts supports both boys and girls from kindergarten through high school. Starting March 8 meeting s will be held at Sisters Middle School Commons , Sisters Middle School, 15200 OR-242, Sisters , ever y other Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Contact Joshua Smith 541-549-7441.

Sisters Careg iver Support

Group

A f acilitated support group for caregivers of those with chronic or life-shor tening diseases meet s 10 to 11:30 a .m. on the third Tuesday of ever y month at Sisters Episcopal Church of e Transfiguration, 121 Brook s Camp Rd . For more information, cont act Kay at 541-719-0 031.

Grief Share Group

Join a f riendly, caring group who will walk alongside you through the experience of losing a loved one. Meetings are ursdays , 6 to 8 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy For registration and more information, visit http://www grief share.org/groups/16250 4.

Weekly Food Pantry

e Wellhouse Church will have a weekly food pantr y on ursdays at 3 p.m. at 222 N Trinit y Way. Both drive-through pick-up and shopping-st yle distribution are available. Call 541-549-4184 for information

Sisters Museum Seeks

Volunteers

e Sisters Museum, brought to you by the ree Sisters Historical Society has reopened and is back to regular hours of 10 a .m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays . ey are looking for volunteers with an interest in local history. Call 541-54914 03 or email volunteer@ threesistershistoricalsociet y.org to find out more.

Sisters Habitat Board

Openings

e Sisters Habit at Board has openings for board members who will ser ve three-year terms

If you are interested please email info@sistershabitat.org or call the Habit at o ce at 541-5491193 to contact Board President , Joe R ambo

A NNOUNCEMENT S

Join the Easter Eg g Hunt

Children up to eleven years of age are invited to participate in the annual Sisters-Camp Sherman and Cloverdale Fire departments’ Easter Eg g Hunts

e event s are on Easter Sunday, April 9th at 1 p.m. regardless of weather. Park addresses are Creek side Park , 657 E Je erson Ave.; and ree Sisters Overnight Park , 701 Hwy. 20 East. Arrive early, as parking is limited . Children should arrive by 12:4 0 p.m. to be divided into age groups . ere are prizes for finding the golden eggs , and the E aster Bunny will be present to greet all! Direct questions to Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department, 541-549-0771.

Sisters Rodeo Parade

Want to participate in the parade? ere are limited entries , so don’t wait. Deadline is May 15 . Visit sistersrodeo.com and fill out the registration form.

Sisters 4 -H Dog Group for Youth

Have f un and meet new f riends while learning to train dogs in care, obedience, showmanship agilit y, and more. Sisters K9 Paws 4 -H encourages youth to set goals and helps to develop self-confidence, problem-solving , self-discipline, and self-worth. In August group members can show their dog at the Deschutes Count y Fair 4-H Dog Show. is group is open to children 9-18 years of age who weigh as much as their dog. Cost is $85 . Register at Deschutes Count y E xtension 541-548- 6088 , ext. 2. For more information, contact: Nanc y Hall 541-9 04-4433 , nancyhall4h@ gmail.com.

Nurturing the Nex t Gen Summit National author and speaker Lori Wildenberg t alk s about the power of kindness , the early years, f amily connections , anxiet y and depression among youth , and dealing with addictions , f aith, and prodigals March 31, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and April 1, 10:30 a .m. to 3:30 p.m . Designed for parents , grandparents , and youth workers who care about our kids . Get details on the sessions & register at sisterschurch.com/ events-one

Free Lunches for Seniors

For those 60+, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon o ers a f un, no-cost social lunch every Tuesday, 11 a .m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Community Church , 130 0

McKenzie Hwy. No reser vations needed. No-cost Grab-N- Go

lunches take place weekly Wednesdays and ursdays at Sisters Community Church , 130 0

McKenzie Hwy., 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.

Free Weekly Meal Service

Family Kitchen hosts weekly togo hot meals on Tuesdays , 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy

Photog raphy open house to benefit African tribes

View a photographic journey of Kenya featuring the Amboseli Maasai and Turkana tribes at an open house Sunday, April 2, 3 to 6 p.m. at e Red Tail Ranch Barn, 17830 Mountain View Rd . Kenya stories begin at 4 p.m. Photographs of Kenya for sale, silent auction, and more. Sug gested donation $25 Proceeds benefit the tribes. RSVP by March 26 by email to kimschnell19@gmail.com., or text 541-633-9715.

Kindergarten Roundup Begins

Sisters Elementar y School will hold their annual Kindergarten Roundup pre-registration on Friday, April 21 in the school gymnasium. Your student will be participating in a teacherled activit y while parents are involved in a parent orientation Plea se sign up by contacting the elementar y school at 541549-8981. Children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023 are eligible for the 2023-24 school year. Enrollment forms may be picked up at the Sisters Elementar y School o ce bet ween 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. e school will be closed March 20 to 24 for spring break Forms need to be completed and returned to the school o ce on April 21 at the time of your scheduled appointment e following documents are required to register : Enrollment packet, copy of birth certificate, immuniz ation records , proof of address . Students will not be registere d until all forms are returned

Save the Rubberbands

Business owners: Are you the recipient of a bundle of Nug gets each week? ose f at rubberbands are highly valued by the Nug geteers that bundle your papers each week . If you can save them, we’d love to use them again. Questions? Call 541549-9941

Volunteer Needed for STAR S Passenger Liaison

Can you spare 6 -8 hours a month to help STAR S with their passenger outreach? STAR S gives free non-emergenc y medical rides to Sisters Countr y residents who cannot drive themselves and we are looking for someone to stay connected to passenger needs . is is a flexible and rewarding oppor tunity to help the community. You can volunteer f rom home on your own schedule. Basic computer skills , a telephone, and a compute r are all that is needed. Email volunteer@starsride.org or call Rennie Morrell 541- 610-2098

Community Lec ture Series

Exploring Agricultural Practices , Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Modes of Living will be presented by Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture at the School District Administration Building, 525 E . Cascade Ave., ursday, April 13 , 6 p.m. Admission is free but registration is required. RoundhouseFoundation.org/ events

Sisters School Board Budget Committee

Openings

e Board of Directors of Sisters School District will be appointing t wo community members to fill t wo vacant Budget Committee Member positions. e persons appointed will ser ve on the commit tee for three budget terms/cycles; 2022-23 , 2023-24 and 2024-25 . Term will expire June 30 , 2025 . To be eligible, a candidate must live in the school district, not be an o cer or employee of the district, and be a qualified voter in the district. C andidate should participate in school activities, be a positive problem solver, and commit time to review materials and attend budget committee meetings . Contact Jane A shley, school board secretary, via email jane.ashley@ssd6 .org

Free Pet Food

Budget tight? Call the Furry Friends pet food bank at 541797-4023 to schedule a pet food pickup. Pickups available ursdays , beginning at 12:30 p.m . 412 E . Main Ave., Ste. 4

PET OF THE WEEK

Humane Societ y of Central Oregon

541-382-3537

is confident 3-year-old spent his earlier years having adventure s in the great outdoors and is now ready to settle into his last and active home. Raven is a bit of a maverick but don’t let that fool you – he enjoys receiving lots of loving attention, especially neck and head scratches , a good game of fetch, and of course, treats! If you are looking for a brave boy to join your brood, c all and ask about Raven today!

— SPONSORED BY — ALLAN GODSIFF SHEARING

541-549-2202

SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES

Baha’i Faith

Currently Zoom meetings: devotions , course trainings , informational firesides. Local contac t Shauna Rocha 541- 647-9826 • www.bahai.org or www.bahai.us

Wellhouse Churc h

442 Trinit y Way • 541-549-4184 ht tps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

e Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration

68825 Bro ok s Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087

8:30 a .m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship

10 :15 a .m. Episcopal Sunday Worship www.transfiguration-sister s.org

Sisters Church of the N az arene

67130 Har ring ton Loop Rd . • 541-389-8960 www.sistersnaz .org • info@sistersnaz .org

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Communit y Church (Nondenominational)

130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201

9:30 a .m. Sunday Worship www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com

Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-549-9971

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N . Fir Street • 5 41-549-5831

10 a .m. Sunday Worship www.shepherdof thehillslutheranchurch.com

St . Edward the Mar tyr Roman Catholic Churc h 123 Trinit y Way • 541-549-9391

5:3 0 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass

9 a .m. Sunday Mass • 8 a .m. Monday-Friday Mass

e Church of Jesus Christ of L at ter-Day Saint s 452 Trinit y Way • Branch President, 541-420 -5670;

10 a .m. Sunday Sac rament Meeting

Calvar y Church 484 W. Washing ton St , Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288

10 a .m. Sunday Worship • www.ccsisters.org

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

386 N . Fir St. • 541-595-6770, 541-306 -8303

11 a .m. S aturday Worship

POLICY: Nonprofits, schools , churches , birth, engagement, wedding , and anniversar y notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on this page. All submissions are subject to editing and run only as space allows . Email nug get@nuggetnews .com or drop o at 4 42 E . Main Ave

Boys tennis packs in three matches

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The boys tennis team faced tough competition against 4A and 5A teams this past week, and despite the losses are improving with each match and looking forward to league play.

Sisters was short four of their players in their first match of the week held on Monday, March 20 at Crook County. No. 2 singles Dominic Pulver was the lone winner with a 6-3, 6-4 win over William Schultz. Coach David Rowell noted that Pulver was very comfortable on the court, even against his stronger and bigger opponent, and it was great for him to get the first match win for the team.

Jude Parzybok, who played No. 1 singles, played hard, and games were close with many of them going to deuce. However, he lost to Alex Garcia-Llordes 2-6, 1-6. Zenas Ortega fell to Cameron Carr 2-6, 0-6, at No. 3 singles.

Timber and Tobann Bionda took on Noah Hatina and Gregory Hubble at No. 1 doubles and fell 1-6, 2-6.

Coach David Rowell told The Nugget that Crook County was a great host and is excited to play them again at home later in the season. He added that he thinks the Outlaws have what it takes to win a couple more matches against them.

A day later the Outlaws faced the Ridgeview Ravens at home in Sisters. Once again Pulver (No. 2 singles) was the lone winner. He came out on top 6-1, 4-6, 10-6, in a long, grueling match against Chance Bottoriff.

Parzybok (No. 1 singles) fell to Van Schaalma 0-6,

2-6, and Rowell told The Nugget that it was an unfortunate loss and the score doesn’t represent how close each game was. Ortega (No. 3 singles) dropped his match 0-6, 1-6, to Ivan Lei, and duo Timber and Tobann Bionda (No. 1 doubles) fell 0-6, 1-6 to John Brundage and Mason Zampko.

Rowell said, “It was fun playing at home again, and I was happy to see Dominic get another win. Ridgeview brought a lot of boys so everyone was able to play two to three matches.”

The Outlaws wrapped up their week on Thursday at home against Redmond. The day was marked by crazy weather conditions, including strong winds and a bit of snow, but the players were having fun and so coaches decided to let them play. Sisters players lost their matches, but again worked hard against the tough competition.

“The boys played hard and had fun competing,” said Rowell. “Overall, I’m looking forward to play more of our league matches and to get some more wins. I’m excited that spring break is over and I will have all nine boys again.”

Sisters was scheduled to play at home against The Dalles on Monday, April 3. They will host the Cascade Cougars on Wednesday, April 5, and the following day travel to Madras.

Mule deer inventory update launches

Deschutes County Community Development is creating a new mule deer combining zone and a corresponding new code chapter to address uses in that zone. Three public information sessions will be held in April in Sisters, Bend, and Redmond.

For rural properties under 20 acres with an existing home, generally no changes are being considered, according to the County.

The purpose of the project is to conserve mule deer winter range habitat in Deschutes County; to protect an important environmental, social, and economic element of the area; and to permit development compatible with the protection of the mule deer resource.

The process is expected to be contentious. Skeptical farmers and ranchers have already expressed concern, viewing the proposals as nothing more than thinly veiled disguises at limiting growth in the county. Proponents are adamant that measures be taken to mitigate the declining deer population.

According to the County, the project will rely on input from the public to help shape the amendments as they go through the legislative process— first, hearings before the Deschutes County Planning Commission beginning on April 13, and then a second set of hearings in front of the Board of County Commissioners.

Planning staff and Oregon Department of Fish and

Wildlife will be holding three public information sessions prior to the first public hearing to explain the project and answer questions. Public Information sessions will be held on:

• Tuesday April 4 — Sisters High School (Room TBD), 5:30 p.m.

• Thursday, April 6 — Barnes & Sawyer Room, Deschutes Service Center, Bend (virtual option available), 5:30 p.m.

• Monday, April 10 — Redmond City Hall (Civic Room 208), 5:30 p.m.

The Deschutes County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on April 13, at 5:30 p.m. The hybrid public hearing will take place at the Deschutes Services Center, Barnes & Sawyer Rooms (first floor) at 1300 Wall St. in Bend. The County anticipates holding additional hearing dates after April 13, which will be determined at the initial hearing. Remote attendance

information and meeting materials can be found at deschutes.org/meetings approximately one week prior to the hearing.

For more details, including maps of the proposed zone and proposed draft regulations, visit deschutes.org/ muledeer.

The first phase of the project took place in 20202021, in which Deschutes County initiated the process of considering updates to three of its Goal 5 wildlife inventories. Utilizing an Interagency Working Group (IWG) of wildlife biologists from state agencies as well as an independent wildlife biologist consultant, the IWG collected and vetted new biological data to define these new inventories. For background information, visit https://www.deschutes.org/ cd/page/wildlife-inventoryupdate and see “ Wildlife census could impact Sisters Country,” The Nugget, January 12, page 1.

THURSDAY • MARCH 30

Suttle Lodge Fireside Music by New Victorian 6-8 p.m. Reservations required; tickets at bendticket.com. For more information: info@thesuttlelodge.com.

FRIDAY • MARCH 31

The Belfr y Live Music: The Trials of Cato from the UK, with The Erins opening 7 p.m. Presented by The Whippoorwill Presents. Tickets available at www.bendticket.com.

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk

Meg Adams presents “Why Are You Like This?”

6:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

Hardtails Karaoke with KJ Mindy

8 p.m. to 12 a.m. For more information call 541-549-6114.

THURSDAY • APRIL 6

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk

Leanne Grable presents “Brontosaurus Illustrated” and “My Husband’s Eyebrows.” With poet Tiffany Lee Brown. 6:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

FRIDAY • APRIL 7

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk

Phil Margolin presents “Murder at Black Oaks.”

p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

Hardtails Karaoke with KJ Mindy

For

FRIDAY • APRIL

HALL: DA intends to retry man convicted in 2007

Continued from page 1

includes the case of Jeremy Shane Hall.

Hall, who had been the pastor of a Sisters church, was convicted on February 2, 2007, on five counts of Sex Abuse in the First Degree, and one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration. The charges and conviction stemmed from a 2005 incident in which Hall molested his 13-year-old babysitter. The verdict was not unanimous. The jury returned the guilty verdict with 11 out of 12 jurors making the call. At that time, under Oregon law, non-unanimous verdicts of this kind were permissible for serious cases short of murder.

Hall was sentenced to 18 years and nine months in prison. He was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla County, Oregon.

“His case has been returned to Deschutes County,” D.A. Gunnels told The Nugget. “He made his first appearance back in Deschutes County on March 3, and security was set at $100,000, with no contact with the victim and no contact with minors.”

Gunnels reported that Hall posted bail on March 6, and was released with a “high-risk” monitor — an ankle bracelet.

The district attorney said that it is challenging to retry old cases that have been returned under the Supreme Court ruling. The D.A.’s office has to reach out to victims and ask if they are willing to go through the legal process again. Gunnels said that in this case the victim is willing to do so, and that his office plans to retry the case.

“That is our intent,” he said.

Law change with local impact

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a statement last December explaining how a ruling that is now kicking old cases back to local jurisdictions like Deschutes County came about.

“(The) Oregon Supreme Court in Watkins v. Ackley held that the requirement of unanimous jury verdicts in serious criminal cases applies to older criminal cases as well as those still on appeal. In doing so, the Court acknowledged that Oregon law had not been clear on this important issue of retroactivity…

“In 1934, Oregon voters enacted a law that allowed for non-unanimous jury verdicts of 10-2 or 11-1 in most criminal cases.

“In 1972, in Apodaca v. Oregon, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Oregon’s nonunanimous jury verdicts. Oregon continued to allow non-unanimous verdicts until 2020…

“In April 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Ramos v. Louisiana that under the U.S. Constitution, a criminal defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial includes the right to

a unanimous jury verdict. Oregon DOJ welcomed the end to Oregon’s nonunanimous jury verdict rule. Its Appellate Division reviewed more than 750 direct appeal cases and identified hundreds of convictions requiring reversal. The Oregon appellate courts have since reversed these convictions and sent over 470 of these cases back for new trials.

“The Ramos decision, however, left many questions unanswered, including whether the new procedural rule requiring unanimity applies to older cases where final judgments of conviction had already been entered when Ramos was decided…

“In July 2021, Oregon DOJ asked the Court of Appeals to certify three cases to the Oregon Supreme Court concerning the Ramos retroactivity issue. The Supreme Court agreed to hear them on an expedited basis to provide a definitive ruling whether the unanimous jury rule would apply retroactively to state postconviction cases. The result is the Court’s ruling … in Watkins.”

Exploring regenerative agriculture in Sisters

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, a project of the Roundhouse Foundation, will host the first installment of the 2023 Food & Agriculture Lecture Series at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 13, at the Sisters School District office (525 E. Cascade Ave.). Speakers will share transformative, regenerative, collaborative forces and cultural traditions at play in today’s environment, specifically surrounding the American food system.

This event titled:

“Exploring Regenerative Agricultural Practices, Traditional Knowledge & Sustainable modes of Living” will include presentations from Dallas Hall Defrees, the regenerative ranching program director of SustainableNorthwest; Craig J. Barber, a Pacific Northwest-based independent photographer documenting farmers, labor, and working conditions; and Javier Lara, the program manager for Anahuac, a program of the

Capaces Leadership Institute, a community-centered program that offers traditional education in agriculture, culinary arts, cultural arts, wellness, and native languages.

This event is the first in a series of three lectures supporting the artist residency program at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts and Agriculture.

“We look forward to hosting this series of presentations representing unique viewpoints all surrounding community food systems here in the northwest,” said Ana Varas, arts project coordinator for Pine Meadow Ranch. “We hope these sessions spark conversation and opportunities to learn for all of our Central Oregon community members.”

Each event is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. For more information or to register call 541-904-0700 or visit www. roundhousefoundation.org/ events.

Sisters Country birds

By Douglas Beall Correspondent

The brightly colored Yellow Warbler [Dendroica petechia] spends the winter in Central America, and will soon be migrating 2,000 to 4,000 miles to breed in shrubby streamside areas around Sisters.

The migration route is very treacherous, as the Yellow Warbler flies over the Gulf of Mexico from Yucatan to Texas and Louisiana. Soon after arrival on their breeding grounds, the males begin to select their territories and defend them, singing their bright songs from perches around the nesting area. The female builds a nest made of grasses with plant fibers woven throughout in four

Artist asks ‘Why Are You Like This?’

Bend comics and story artist Meg Adams will present “Why Are You Like This?,” a collection of comics with a millennial take on marriage, adulthood, pet ownership, self-love, and self-care, in an event at Paulina Springs Books on Friday, March 31.

“Opposites attract” has never rung truer when it comes to vivacious extrovert Meg Adams and her levelheaded introvert husband, Carson. Carson makes his coffee with only the finest locally roasted beans; Meg microwaves two-day-old joe. Carson is reserved and rarely opens up to friends; Meg ensures everyone in her life — including her mailman — knows about her hemorrhoid. From the joys of marrying your best friend to the bizarre musings of a 12-pound pup, to the humor and heartbreak of anxiety, Adams’ all-toorelatable comics leave no stone unturned. Dorky and hilarious, “Why Are You Like This?” explores what it means to make fun of oneself and find laughter in the little things.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave. For more information call 541-549-0866.

to five days and lays four to six greenishto-spotted-white eggs, which hatch in 10 to 13 days. The fledglings are fed a diet of mostly caterpillars, beetles, and wasps, and leave the nest in 10-13 days.

While in South America, including the Galapagos Islands, the Yellow Warbler has a dramatic effect on coffee plantations. By gleaning boring beetles they can reduce the beetle infestation by 50 percent. The Cowbird is the Yellow Warbler’s enemy, laying its egg in the warbler nest; the larger fledgling crowds the smaller chicks out and dominates the feedings causing the warbler

Church offers free future conference

chicks to die of starvation. A group of warblers is called a “bouquet,” a “fall,” a “wrench,” or a “confusion.” For more Yellow Warbler images visit http:// abirdsingsbecauseithasa song.com/recent-journeys.

Fire District planning for retirement of chief

Having served the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District for a dozen years, Fire Chief Roger Johnson has announced that he plans to retire in spring of 2024.

The year-long off-ramp gives the District time to do a thorough search for a successor to the highly regarded chief. The District Board of Directors met on Monday, March 27, to begin a recruitment and onboarding process that they expect to be “time consuming and complex.”

The Board agreed to work with both the Western Fire Chiefs Association and the Special Districts Association of Oregon, with the Western Fire Chiefs Association conducting outreach to identify qualified candidates, and the Special Districts Association guiding the District through the actual hiring process.

“Both organizations bring important, but separate, strengths,” said board member Jack McGowan. “What we’re really doing is getting the best talent from both organizations to help us.”

The Board estimates that the recruitment and hiring will cost approximately $10,000, with potential additional expenses for public outreach, travel, and a thorough background check.

“I think that’s a reasonable amount of money if that’s what it is,” said Board President Kristie Miller. “It’ll bring us some out

standing candidates.”

The Board is aware that they’re seeking to fill a large pair of boots.

“We are fortunate to have Chief Johnson for 12 years, and we are hopeful we can find another leader for the long term,” Miller said.

In the face of widespread economic strain, national conflicts, and social unrest, surveys indicate that confidence in the future is at an all-time low in many countries, including the United States. According to the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, 24 of the 28 countries surveyed are seeing “all-time lows in the number of people who think their families will be better off in five years.” Against this backdrop of pessimism, a special global program featuring the theme “You Can Face the Future with Confidence!” will be held April 2. The

free 30-minute presentation will be hosted locally at the Sisters Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, with a videoconferencing option available. Check the “Attend a Meeting” section on the homepage of jw.org for local addresses and meeting times.

“The challenges we face may seem overwhelming, but the Bible holds out a powerful hope for the future that can help us right now,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “This global program is designed to give all those who attend tangible reasons to face the future with confidence.”

Yellow Warbler.

PHOTO BY DOUGLAS BEALL

Continued from page 3

and my godfather lives here so I have somewhat of a personal connection,” she said.

Upon applying to take part in the program, neither girl had any idea that they would land in Central Oregon.

“When I found I was coming to such a small place I hoped that there would be nice people since everyone would know everyone and I knew it would be very different from living in a city of over a million like Hamburg,” she said.

When Pedersen heard she would be coming to Oregon, she immediately talked to her sister, who spent her exchange year in Hillsboro, west of Portland, and assumed her own experience would be similar.

“But when I got here to this small town I realized it would be way different than I expected, but I felt glad that the school was fairly small because I thought it would make it easier to make friends,” she said.

Both girls feel quite fluent in English now but say there have been plenty of times they didn’t quite have the right words, and that texting can sometimes be a challenge.

“I am a very sarcastic person and the meaning doesn’t quite get through right,” said Pedersen.

Clausen lives with the Kimberly and Jeremy Davis family, which includes four younger “sisters,” while Pedersen is hosted by the

Angela and Ryan Ladd family, which includes two middle school girls. Being an “older sister” is a new experience for both.

Asked about some of the biggest differences they have noticed in America, things that surprised them, they pointed to recycling and wastefulness here in the States.

“Americans use a lot more paper and plastic than we do at home,” said Clausen.

Both girls said America lacks good-quality bread.

“Americans really need to up their bread game,” said Pedersen, laughing, with Clausen in full agreement. “Toast here is not really bread,” she said.

Both girls have been very active athletically for the Outlaws. Clausen played soccer and competed in Alpine skiing, while Pedersen ran cross-country, skied, and is currently on the track team.

“It really helps to be involved on teams because it is like community and then when you see these people in school and be integrated,” said Clausen.

Pedersen concurred, saying “A lot of my friends are from the cross-country team and it really helped form how the rest of my year was going to be.”

Clausen and Pederson noted that Americans are much less direct than Germans and Danish people.

“Germans say exactly what they are thinking,” said Clausen.

“With Americans you have to read between the lines more,” said Pedersen. “Which can be both a good and bad thing.”

Both girls encourage

others to go on exchange, to travel and to experience other cultures, but caution against believing it will always be easy.

“You can’t have too high of expectations because then you may be disappointed,” said Clausen. “It can be a very good year, but it can also be a hard year being away from home.”

Pedersen said, “It can be a roller-coaster and some days you wish you could just teleport yourself back home, but it really is such an amazing experience and you learn so much about yourself.

“You have to be willing to go right up and talk to people and be outgoing.”

Both girls enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition (IEE) program and got to experience its mountain trip up on the North Sister in October.

Pedersen said, “I didn’t really understand what I was getting into, and at first I thought the mountain trip was going to be up to a cabin with running water and beds, and have a bonfire and roast marshmallows.”

Despite the shock of it being a backpacking trip in cold conditions where she slept on the ground in a tent, she said, “It turned out to be

so much fun getting to know other people and having a completely new experience.”

Both girls agreed that the IEE trip gave them a newfound appreciation for a warm bed and a comfortable home.

Overall the approach Clausen and Pedersen take toward life can be applied to all students.

“Try something new even if you might be bad at it,” said Pedersen. “I am a terrible skier, but it was still so much fun.”

“Don’t be afraid,” said Clausen.

Clausen and Pedersen have both traveled with their host families during their time here. Clausen has visited Seattle, Las Vegas, and Hawaii, while Pedersen traveled to San Francisco, Florida,

and Idaho.

Clausen and Pedersen will return to their respective schools in Europe next school year to complete “gymnasium” and are both keeping open minds about what they will do when that is completed.

Clausen’s father is visiting during spring break, and Pedersen looks forward to her parents visiting in June.

As the school year enters its final trimester, both girls say they are looking forward to spring and summer after a cold winter, when they can spend more time outside. They intend to remain involved and both look forward to the IEE spring river trip on the Deschutes. There is still more to experience, they agreed.

Freja Pedersen and Rebecca “Becca” Clausen came to Sisters from Denmark and Germany as part of the Pan Atlantic Foundation student exchange program.

PHOTO BY JACK TURPEN

Try something new even if you might be bad at it. I am a terrible skier, but it was still so much fun. — Freja Pedersen

High interest rates do not deter Sisters homebuyers

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Sisters Country has seen a decline in real single-family home sales this quarter as compared to last, as has the entire U.S. home market. However, the unit slowdown in Sisters is considerably less than nationally, and values are still strong.

January

In 2022, 32 homes sold in January with a total value of $20.57 million. The average home price was $842,156 (eight were over $1 million) and the median price, a truer gauge of the market, was $749,500. Sold homes averaged $287 per square foot.

This January the number dropped precipitously to only 10 homes sold for a total of $9.89 million. This was the worst January in years, realtors told The Nugget . Only one went for over a million dollars — a whopping $4 million, which exaggerated the already poor January showing. The median price also declined to $658,995, a

Easter Egg hunt is set for Sisters

Children from infant to 11 years of age are invited to participate in the annual Easter Egg Hunt cosponsored by the Sisters-Camp Sherman and Cloverdale Fire departments. The event will take place on Easter Sunday, April 9, at 1 p.m. at the adjoining Creekside and Three Sisters Overnight Parks, regardless of weather. The Easter Bunny will be present to greet all.

Parking is limited so plan to be a little early. Children wishing to participate are asked to be at the parks 20 minutes prior to 1 p.m. so they can be divided into the appropriate age groups. Children are divided into the following groups: Infants to 2 years old will be in the red area; 3-5 will be in the yellow area; 6-8 will be in the blue area; 9-11 will be in the white area.

Be prompt, the eggs disappear fast! There are prizes for finding the golden eggs.

Park addresses are: Creekside Park, 657 E. Jefferson Ave.; Three Sisters Overnight Park, 701 Hwy. 20 East.

For more information call 541-549-0771.

sign of tough times ahead for home sellers.

February

For 2022, 13 homes transacted for $10.65 million.

January and February are usually the low watermarks for Sisters home sales. Four of those homes exceeded $1 million and the median price came in at $624,975 and registered at $399 per square foot, a more usual range.

This February rebounded from January’s dismal showing with 20 homes closing for $15.1 million in value, three exceeding $1 million. The median price rose by $100,000 to $722,896, close to the 2022 historical average. The average per square foot also dropped, to $355.

March

Through the first 25 days of March 2022, there were 35 completed sales, a very strong showing, adding up to $26.18 million. Five priced over $1 million and the median was $725,000. Homes sold at $402 per square foot.

This March, through the 25th, 20 homes closed

for $15.09 million and, as in 2022, five fetched $1 million-plus. The median remains hefty at $722,896 with $355 per average square foot.

Inventory

One would think that there is a big rise in home availability. Not so, realtors say. The number of homes on the market is roughly the same as last year. The first quarter just ended saw a large number of new homes sold in ClearPine and Hayden’s McKenzie Meadow Village. Both subdivisions are nearly sold out now, taking dozens of homes off the market in the last few months.

Some homeowners, sensing the ongoing shortage of homes in Sisters, plan to hit the market soon as winter wanes and peak sales season opens.

Affordable homes

Homes under $500,000 are what roughly count as “affordable” for first-time home buyers or buyers whose combined household income is under $100,000.

No home in January came in under $500,000. Only one in February and four thus far in March met that test.

For the quarter, only 10 homes were between $500,000 and $600,000, the sweet spot for attracting a larger number of buyers.

Second homes

Sales of second or vacation homes have slowed considerably, realtors reported, but there are still a good number of buyers. Black Butte Ranch remains “hot” as the number of available homes is comparatively low. A 1,352-square-foot A-frame cottage at the Ranch sold in January 2020 for $380,000 and sold again two months ago for $830,000.

A two-bedroom, two-bath vacation home in ClearPine was finished and purchased last July for $599,000 and sold this March for $605,000. On West Hill Avenue, a three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,058-square-foot home purchased in September of 2020 for $291,875 sold two weeks ago for $430,000. Home sellers are still getting good

prices for their homes, even as the market in general has cooled.

High interest rates

Interest rates for 30-year fixed mortgages have hovered around 7.1 percent for months now, double the 3.22 percent rate of a year ago. That has been a contributing factor — a big one — to the overall decline in home sales. Yet in Sisters, cash is still aplenty. Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty has five all-cash deals in their East Cascade office awaiting closing.

Buyers are choosier now as compared to the frenzy of last summer, and bidding wars are rare. But until some planned new developments come online it is still considered a seller’s market in Sisters. Realtors don’t appear to be panicking.

Whatʼs for sale?

There are currently just over 50 listings in all of Sisters Country, 17 of which are in excess of $1 million. Twenty are under $600,000 and only one is under $400,000.

It’s been a blessing representing the two of you in the sale of your home.

other such bitterness at public meetings and in private communications.

This does not describe the Sisters I want to live in.

These days, I attend or watch most Sisters City Council meetings and, like most Sisters Country residents, read The Nugget each week. I feel the heat rising in Sisters Country, and imagine you do too. Let’s regroup and not let our community falter.

Our local nonprofit, Citizens4Community (C4C), started as a grassroots organization based on Speak Your Peace, a movement to incorporate the principles of respect into community conversations. C4C encourages civil dialogue using the following nine tools:

1. Pay attention

2. Listen

3. Be inclusive

4. Do not gossip

5. Show respect

6. Be agreeable

7. Apologize

8. Offer constructive criticism, and

9. Take responsibility.

That sounds easy, but how does it look in conversation?

Approach interactions with positive intent and aim to resolve issues and/or find solutions.

Be curious, ask questions, and seek to understand others’ points of view. Be considerate of the opinions and thoughts of others. Use easy to understand language. Base conversation in facts, and validate information from the source. Take time to apologize when needed.

Show respect and consideration. Be sincere and responsible for your own actions and words.

Let’s keep Sisters Sisters.

Sarah McDougall President, Citizens4Community Board

s s s

No to gas station

To the Editor:

Sisters does not need or want a mega gas station at the Space Age station. It would cause major problems of gas fumes, traffic congestion and excessive light. It would also eliminate C&C Nursery and the farmstand, which is more needed and wanted. My wife and I moved from Portland for the quiet and beauty of Sisters. Converting the Space Age gas station is the reverse of what we want.

William Davis

s s s

Faulty memory

To the Editor:

As I get older, my memory gets worse. I have forgotten much. Occasionally, I hear a story from someone in my distant past, and a memory gets restored. It’s like a gift!

Such is the letter in last week’s Nugget from Eugene Trahern about the Sisters Trails Alliance logo. I didn’t design it after all, I just made it camera-ready.

Thanks for the correction!

Dennis McGregor s s s

Preserve an Oregon treasure

To the Editor:

Sisters Country is an area of Central Oregon with many experiences for tourists. Its trails through forests and mountains, beside streams and lakes, are treasured by every Oregonian. Sisters country is unique, on a par with national parks. It should be preserved by the state of Oregon.

Visited by people from everywhere for its history, music festivals, art, clocking bookshops, restaurants, rodeos, and shopping. Near are three growing cities. Sisters can only be a mountain town with a cold, snowy winter. Within the town’s boundary there is little land left. It is a drought area with unknown amounts of water.

The City Council approved building houses, besides many along the scenic 242 McKenzie Highway. Many apartments already built are crowding the west part of town. There was intense opposition from many residents. But the state laws for using all available land now for future population growth, and rights of land ownership apparently gave them no choice but to approve. A change in the state laws is all that could preserve Sisters Country for the treasure it is.

Perhaps there is still a chance that McKenzie Highway property with the rare view of a ranch, animals, and snowy peaks, the scenic drive could still be sold and bought. Sisters needs to own 12 acres with a public building, and walks around trees and drought-tolerant landscaping instead of 12 acres of crowded, expensive housing.

Maybe all the town’s people can join together with the City of Sisters offer to buy it. Joining together as World Health Organization’s Age Friendly Sisters Country, applying for a grant?

Each citizen in Sisters can write letters or talk to state officials about the “best idea we ever had.” Probably we can preserve an Oregon treasure.

Joann Power

THERAPY: Sisters man urges men to get checked

Continued from page 1

providers to offer coverage for the treatment.

In 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed a bill, which was signed by Governor Kate Brown, that prohibits insurers from imposing prior authorization or other utilization requirements on coverage of proton beam therapy for prostate cancer that are more restrictive than prior authorization or utilization review requirements applied to covering radiation therapy.

A positive of proton treatment is that the high dose of proton beams to the cancer and the lower normal-tissue exposure improve local control and reduce complications as compared with x-ray therapy. The first 20 proton treatments do involve tissue outside the bounds of the tumor in case of any metastasis. The treatment of the tumor is so precise because each patient has a mold made of the prostate gland, which is then attached to the camera delivering the proton beams, assuring the beams only impact the tumor and not surrounding healthy tissue.

Although Willitts was receiving treatment five days a week while at Loma Linda, he worked out in their gym and three times a week ran six miles on the Jedi Trail at

Prostate cancer statistics

Approximate number of prostate cancer deaths in U.S. in 2017: 28,000

Approximate number of new cases each year: 200,000

Lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer among American men: 1 in 6

Five-year survival rate for men with early-stage disease: 100 percent

Five-year survival rate for men whose prostate cancer has spread to distant parts of the body at diagnosis: 31 percent.

From “You Can Beat Prostate Cancer” by Robert J. Marckini.

a nearby park, which had a 1,000-foot elevation gain.

Willitts is back home in Sisters and feeling spry. He believes his treatment protocol in California was a “life changer.” He encourages all men over 50 to have annual PSA checks. If a diagnosis of prostate cancer is received, he urges men to “investigate your options.” His local urologist didn’t offer the proton therapy as an alternative.

“Have the courage to override medical advice,” said Willitts.

He has copies of a book available that he is willing to give away titled “You Can Beat Prostate Cancer – And You Don’t Need Surgery to Do It.” Willitts is willing to talk with anyone who has questions or concerns. Email him at bw@fivepinelodge.com.

1. Pick up a specially labeled BLUE BAG from the porch of Furr y Friends or The Nugget.

2. Fill the bag with Oregonredeemable bottles and cans. (Max 20 lbs. per bag.)

3. Drop off at any BottleDrop location including Ray’s in Sisters (scan code on bag to open door), or on The Nugget’s porch (now on the right side).

Mail

MAKING READING FUN ON

Reading is a foundational skill that is perhaps the strongest predic tor of a student ’s abilit y to thrive in school. S tudent s who develop strong reading skills early have their feet f irmly planted on the path to success .

A s with any skill, i t’s easier to develop reading capabilities when you’re having fun. Oregon Battle of the Book s (OBOB) is a unique oppor tunit y for student s to compete as a team while engaging in books and reading for comprehension. Answering questions about the tex t encourages a fun AND produc tive learning environment. That’s the principle behind OBOB — and Sisters student s have had recent success in the arena.

Sisters Elementar y School third-graders pu t their reading skills to the test in the Oregon Battle of the Book s regional competition March 11 in Madras . This is the first time ever that an elementar y school team has represented Sisters School Distric t in regional OBOB competition. The third-grade team beat out the fourth- and f ifth-grade reading teams in early March in school competitions leading up to the regionals.

The third-grade team competed in all seven matches and placed four th in a f ield of 11, competing against teams f rom around Central and Eastern Oregon.

Their team’s name for the competition was Raiders of the Lost Boo ks.

Each team of four student s reads a total of 16 book s, with each team member becoming an exper t on several of the books . They then compete in battles with other teams to recall details abou t those books. This requires teamwork , as one student can’ t become the sole exper t for their team.

The teams at the elementar y school were coached by Catherine Gri in and L aura Roth. The middle school teams were coached by Sarah Crabtree. Crabtree recently came on as the libr ar y media manager at the Sisters Middle School.

“OBOB is great because it allows for kids to read di erent genres and types of books and pushes them to read outside of their comfor t zone,” she said.

The e or t was supported by Paulina Springs Books, the Sisters Elementar y School sta , and parent volunteers.

Ore gon Battle of the Book s instills in student s a love for reading, and students who par ticipated this year are already eagerly seeking the books for nex t year’s OBOB competition.

Employers

struggling to fill positions

Continued from page 1

over uneven terrain while maintaining focus, and close attention to detail. The pay? $22/hour.

Exotic jobs like this will likely be filled. Not so the more mundane jobs in retail and light industrial.

Sisters Bakery, Dixie’s, Groomingdales, Ear Expressions, Dollar General, High Desert Chocolates, and Angeline’s are all scrambling to fill positions, most of which are in the $18- to 22-per-hour range, and some with benefits.

So where are the workers? According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce the pandemic caused a major disruption in America’s labor force, something many have referred to as “The Great Resignation.” In 2022, more than 50 million workers quit their jobs, many in search of an improved work-life balance and flexibility, increased compensation, and a strong company culture.

But a closer look, the Chamber says, at what has happened to the labor force can be better described as “The Great Reshuffle” because hiring rates have

outpaced quit rates since November of 2020. So, many workers are quitting their jobs but many are getting rehired elsewhere.

That explanation appears to fit Bend and other Oregon cities of its size. Sisters has the added burden of location in relationship to where the workers live. It’s a challenge, employers tell The Nugget , to get anybody willing to commute to Sisters, especially when the cost of gas and car ownership is so high.

Kara Lappe, who owns Sisters Cascade and The SweetEasy Co. a few feet west is moving her handmade fudge a few feet west from the gift store to the ice cream and sweet emporium. Strategically, it makes sense, she said, but it also saves her a hard-to-get employee.

All over Sisters, business owners are reducing hours and/or days to compensate for being shorthanded. Residents are starting to grumble, if only under their breath, at the drop-off in service. On the one hand they want to be supportive to local merchants, and on the other they have seen an increase in prices at the same time service may have declined.

Randy Carlson and three buddies have a standing Wednesday noon lunch at a well-known eatery where they have been regulars for years.

“There was one cook and one waitress for almost 30 people,” he said. “No way that the poor woman could keep up with the tables. Really felt bad for her and left her a bigger tip, but we’re not coming back. An hour and a half for a burger and a beer is just not worth the time,” Carlson said.

Other businesses in Sisters are faced with hiring challenges due to their growth. Ponderosa Heating & Cooling, Electrical and Plumbing has 70 employees and expects to be at 100 by year end. Their jobs are good-paying — $50 to 55/ hour for a journeyman. The application rate for young people seeking technical jobs like plumbing, building, and electrical work dropped by 49 percent in 2022 compared to 2020, according to data from online recruiting platform Handshake.

While the number of technical positions has continued

to grow, the number of students interested in applying for them hasn’t. Such jobs have lost their cache with the arrival of Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012. In a pre-pandemic survey by the metals supplier Metal Supermarkets, half of Americans ages 18 to 24 said they would rather work as baristas than as welders. In another survey, by the large equipment rental company BigRentz, only 11 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds queried said they believed that training in the skilled trades led to high-paying jobs.

That might be changing, however. With student debt from typical four-year colleges averaging $37,574 per graduate, a national accumulation of $1.63 trillion, high school grads are taking an interest again in technical work. Ponderosa is ready for them, running their own Ponderosa “U” and does extensive in-house training and cross-training.

A few blocks away,

Personalized Nutrients has made application to the City to build a new 16,200-squarefoot facility attached to their existing 16,000-square-foot office and production operation. That alone will double their workforce from 35 to 70. General Manager Sam Meier said, “We need five to 10 today.”

The specialized company is starting a van pool from Bend on April 3, and they are optimistic that CET (Cascade East Transit) will soon obtain grant funding to run dedicated worker shuttles between Redmond and Sisters.

Meier is also exploring running a Friday/Saturday/ Sunday premium shift, where staff work three 12-hour days and get paid for 40. Currently their production crews work four 10-hour shifts Monday through Thursday.

The stories are the same all over Sisters, where employers are often taking extreme or innovative measures to lure workers.

Do you know your agent?

Do you understand your polic y? Are you overpaying?

Portraits OF SISTERS

Since her preschool years, Amelia Morton has found understanding in art. A paintbrush helped her comprehend the world and make sense of it as an introvert. “It was a way for me to connect with people and express myself to them without talking,” she says. After moving to Sisters in 2017, Morton worked a variety of jobs, including her most re cent tenure at Sisters Coffee Company, in leadership r oles. But now she finds herself drawn to colors, shapes, and how expression on canvas can help process life experiences, using water color and acrylic mediums. She will open a new artistic endeavor in mid-May called Space in Common, on West Hood Avenue next to The O pen Door It will be a personal studio spac e and a storefront with handmade goods, art, and community learning for local artists. “My mission is to fortify and diversify the arts community in Sisters,” she says. Life as a young artist isn’t simple, Morton explained, and fraught with uncertainty

By providing a common space to learn and grow together she hopes to help f ello w artists m ove f orw ard in their careers. A heart for community and life-long passion for art continue to drive her “I’m an artist and a creator of spaces.”

JOBS:

still

There was one cook and one waitress for almost 30 people. No way that the poor woman could keep up with the tables.

— Randy Carlson

PHOTO AND STORY BY Cody Rheault

DOG #*@!: Don’t ‘leave it for the rangers’ to pick up

Continued from page 1

Leave no trace — pack it in, pack it out, should be the goal always. You don’t want reminders that people have been there before you, especially reminded by little bags of dog poop on the trail.”

Presently there are no waste cans at STAmaintained trailheads.

However, there are plans to add cans at the trailheads. For a small nonprofit, it is just another added cost, plus the labor to service waste cans. Retzman and others simply pack their dog poop out, and then, not wanting to have it in the car with them, park it in the gap between the windshield and the hood, where it will comfortably sit until you can get home and dispose of it in a responsible manner.

“We live here because of this pristine environment,

VOLUNTEERS: Challenge has become a Gonzaga tradition

Continued from page 3

among the group. Majors included biology with a research emphasis; psychology; business management information with emphasis on entrepreneurism; philosophy; political science; environmental sciences; and organizing after-school programs for young children.

Sisters Habitat for Humanity greatly appreciated the help provided by the Gonzaga students and the assistance provided by the community.

“The students brought energy and enthusiasm to our program. It was a great

and the more piles of poop we have out there ruins that sense of wilderness,” Retzman said. “It only takes a couple of rotten eggs to really mess it up for the rest of us.”

There are a considerable amount of people who park their poop bags on the trail, intending to pick them up on the way out. Scott Penzarella, executive director of Sisters Trails Alliance, has a solution that he uses whenever hiking; he always has a fanny pack where he carries the poop bag out with him, eliminating the need to remember where he placed his dog’s poop.

Penzarella talked about the ecological problems with dog poop. It is different from other animals that inhabit the forest.

“What most dog owners don’t realize is that, unlike wildlife — coyote, wolf, and bear — dogs retain a lot of nutrients (in their feces), based on what they eat. Unlike wild animals, dogs’ feces carry viruses, bacteria, and parasites.”

week,” said Humphreys.

For information about volunteering with Sisters Habitat for Humanity or applying for the homeownership program visit www.sistershabitat.org or call 541-549-1193.

Come & Get Them!

War ming drinks & baked tr eats.

Monday-Satur day, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

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201 E. Sun Ranch Dr

SUDOKU Level: Easy Answer: Page 22

The dog feces carries “excessive nitrogen and phosphorus. When uncollected, they become very harmful to our waterways and leach into the watershed of our drinking water. And that means that we dog owners need to be much more judicious about picking up our dog poop in the wild. People really don’t understand the implications and so we really need to educate our dog owners on the importance of collecting and/ or burying the dog poop.” Education is one of the

Local hikers are frustrated by people bagging up their dog’s poop — and then leaving it along the trail or hung on a tree branch, apparently under the belief that it will be collected for them.

most important tasks facing the STA, Penzarella said.

“Letting people know it is their responsibility to look after their dog and remove any and all traces that you or your dog leave is paramount to…everyone enjoying the reason they came to the woods. I think that most

dog owners are truly responsible; however as trail stewards the responsible thing to do is to pick it up when you see it, and not be disgruntled or expect that someone else is going to get it. I would like to think that we can create a trail-user environment that everyone can enjoy.”

The Nugget Poetry Corner

Winter Song

ByKitTosello

Life comes to me.

Begin again today, each snowflake whispers, sync to the cadence of falling snow, stic k out your tongue and r eceive the gift. Ther e it is now, my winter song rising fr om the secr et, salient place, a symphony, r eally — this moment in w hic h my beating hear t and blinking eyelids play a part, of w hic h my cr eator plays a part, of w hic h the snow drifting down at a gentle angl e and the unmoving, bar ren aspens and the cr eaking bones of this old house and the sleeping gr ay kitty play a par t. Pr esence is my ti cket to today’s once-in-a-lifetime concer t.

A Pr ayer from the One who Never Got to Hold You ByAlissaCowan

Almighty God, the One w ho holds life and death in Your hand

My hear t is ac hing for this little child You gave, and then took aw ay — I do not under stand

The waves ar e heavy and deep in the ocean of sorr ow and loss

T his bur den is too much to bear alone, how do I take up this cr oss?

How do I talk about this, w her e ar e all the other s

Who have felt this pain, w ho will under stand, w her e ar e my sister s and br other s?

Isolated and hur ting Lor d minister to me

When people ar e silent and don’t know how to talk about it, meet me in my time of need

I know You ar e f aithful Father, and all things wor k for good in Your hand

But why, oh Lord, did You allow this to ha ppen, how could this be part of Your plan?

Retr acing our steps to tell those who knew of our little one inside

“Sor ry for your loss,” “Try again soon,” “At least you have other c hildren”— Who can I r eally confide?

The wounds cut deep, inside of my empty womb

Give me hope through the sorr ow — I will bear tomorr ow, that comes fr om the Lord’s empty tomb God, You ar e alive, You know me well, and see into my hear t

Even though I don’t know how this story will go, show me wher e to start

Help me to grieve, to feel, and not run

The ba by you gave me to carry has a pur pose and name — was it a daughter or son?

When we meet again someday, I will hold my ba by in my ar ms

Close and comfor ted, with no fear of harm

I am hur ting, YHVH. My body did all it could have done

It w as beyond my cont rol, and now my ba by is in the ar ms of Yeshua, Jesus, God’s only so n Pr ecious life I cherish, held deep inside me for a shor t time — now we ar e apar t I will alw ays carry my ba by within me, with the love inside my hear t

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.

Have an original poem that you’ d like to shar e with our Sister s Community? Email poetr y submissions to jess@nuggetnews.com.

Publication is subject to space availability and discr etion of The Nugget Newspaper

PHOTO BY STU EHR

Letting people know it is their responsibility to look after their dog and remove any and all traces that you or your dog leave is paramount...

— Scott Penzarella

BILDERBACK: Five candidates in running for two positions

Continued from page 3

bachelor’s degree in human development and family sciences, basically a pre-education avenue. She then went to University of Portland, where she received her master’s in teaching.

“I got a job teaching right away in the North Clackamas School District, where I taught for six years, combinations of second and third grade,” she said.

Once she and her husband got married and wanted to start a family, they made it a goal to eventually get back to Sisters to give their kids the same education that she received.

“Through our conversations in our differences of experiences, it was evident that we wanted to get back to Sisters to raise our family,” she said.

They moved their family to Sisters 10 years ago when their kids were young, and they now have four kids, three in the Sisters schools: a sixthgrader, a fourth-grader, a kindergartner, and a 2-1/2-yearold. She began substituting in the schools, volunteering in the classrooms, and serving on the Sisters Parent/Teacher Committee, working in different areas on the board.

“Education has always been a passion of mine, from early on all the way through. Running for school board felt like a natural step for me to take,” she said.

Bilderback has always had it in the back of her mind to run for the School Board when the opportunity presented itself. She felt as if now was a good time in her life; with her youngest heading to preschool she has more time to serve. As her kids inch closer to high school, she will have kids in all three buildings.

“Now is a great time to give back to the system that I am so grateful for. I have a lot of pride and I feel like our school district excels in so many ways, and I want it to continue,” she said.

Bilderback is continuing to volunteer in the elementary classrooms and interacting with the kids.

“Once a week I volunteer in my kiddos’ classrooms and I go in and do anything that the teacher needs to lighten their load,” she said.

She sometimes works with the kids in the classroom, testing them with their letter sounds, and helping one-onone with math assignments.

“There is such value in lightening that teacher load… and interacting with the kids and getting to know the students in my kids’ classrooms, and teachers in the building,” she said.

Karissa Bilderback.

The Nugget Newspaper Crossword

When it comes to the School Board, Bilderback brings experience wearing the parent hat, an educator background, being a long-time community member, and having kids as her number-one priority.

“I feel like it gives me a unique perspective from all those different vantage points,” she said.

Bilderback stated that she is not running for the School Board because she is angry or frustrated with a certain aspect of how the District is run.

“I am running because I feel like we have an amazing District and I want it to continue,” she said.

Like many parents and community members, she knows that Sisters is a special place and at its root are the schools.

“To me, it is crucial that they continue to be that special place that people envy what we do in the schools,” she said.

Bilderback emphasized the strength of the staff that stay in for the long haul.

“You can’t make a teacher care; in Sisters we are lucky enough to have teachers that go above and beyond for their kids,” said Bilderback.

Bilderback is passionate about giving back to the district that helped shape her as a person when she went through high school. Running for School Board was the natural next step in her service to the schools and to her own kids.

Her campaign bio states: “I believe that the best decisions are made when a diverse set of voices are heard. These voices should be included constructively and within the goals of reaching a place of understanding and finding solutions. I hope to work with other members of the Board to approach each issue with evidence, an eye on best practices, and a commitment to seeking the best results for our children.”

3.

38. Otherwise

39. Disrespectful back

41. Food and water

43. Parturition

46. Small mouthlike aperture

49. Spanish inn

51. Musical style with similarities to reggae

52. Clogs, e.g.

53. Military chaplain

54. Uneven

55. Like some seals

57. Licorice-like flavoring

60. Rock clinging plant

61. Middle Eastern bread

62. 12th month of the Jewish civil calendar

63. Unit of force

66. Golden, in France

— Last Week’s Puzzle Solved

PHOTO PROVIDED

I am running because I feel like we have an amazing District and I want it to continue.

— Karissa Bilderback

The Nugget is on FACEBOOK!

SPURGE COCHRAN BUILDER, INC.

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JT’s CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC. Local resident of Sisters, servicing all of Central Oregon. Services provided: Building planning & permits, project management/ project supervision, budgeting/ estimating, subcontractor management, bank subcontractor invoicing. Both commercial & residential construction with over 50 years experience in the construction industry. Contact: jtdconst1@gmail.com

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802 Help Wanted

We are Hiring!

Join our summer camp culture at Lake Creek Lodge. We're recruiting for: Housekeeping, Baristas, Kitchen, and Maintenance Teams. We are proud to offer flexible schedules, excellent compensation & opportunitiesfor onsite housing. www.lakecreeklodge.com

Sisters Liquor Store is looking for a team-oriented person who can lift 45 lbs., is available for weekends, and who wants to work either part- or full-time. 110 W Cascade Ave. The Garden Angel is now filling landscape supervisor and maintenance crew member positions. LCB #9583 Inquire at 541-549-2882 or thegardenangel@gmail.com

Eastern Cascade Solutions is looking for a team-oriented person to help with construction and landscaping. Full-time 9-5 Monday-Friday. Contact Troy at 541-233-7195 | LCB#16238 easterncascadesolutions @gmail.com

902 Personals

Complete landscape construction, fencing, irrigation installation & design, pavers/outdoor kitchens, debris cleanups, fertility & water conservation management, excavation.

CCB #188594 • LCB #9264 www.vohslandscaping.com

541-515-8462

13375 SW Forest Service Rd.  #1419, Camp Sherman. Sisters Cold Weather Shelter is hiring! We are looking for a year-round, part-time coordinator, starting at $22/hr. Go to sistersshelter.org for a full description. Email cover letter and resume to sisterscoldweather shelter@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Part Time Sales Associate

TJ, 37 M. Seeking single, unmarried F. Thinking way outside the box on this one. Cooking is my jam. Enjoy the outdoors and being active. FT job, own place, and transportation. Online dating is atrocious. Contact me at yoshi198520@yahoo.com

Pat Burke

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We are looking for a person who is friendly, outgoing, and reliable; someone who enjoys working with the public in a team environment. Workdays are Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Applications available at the Stitchin' Post, 311 W. Cascade in Sisters or by email diane.j@stitchinpost.com.

Questions? Contact diane.j@stitchinpost.com.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

for puzzle on page 20

Lara’s Construction LLC.

CCB#223701

Offering masonry work, fireplaces, interior & exterior stone/brick-work, build barbecues, and all types of masonry. Give us a call for a free estimate 541-350-3218

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Drainfield

• Minor & Major Septic Repair

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Women’s History Month...

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CCB #16891

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