The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVI No. 18 // 2023-05-03

The Nugget

Celebrating trees in Sisters

By Ceili Gatley Correspondent

The City and students celebrated Arbor Day last week with a tree-planting event at Cliff Clemens Park. Twelve Sisters Elementary School students planted six trees, including three autumn maple blaze and three scarlet oak trees, to commemorate the day.

Friday, April 28 is a national holiday known as Arbor Day, which celebrates the power of trees. Many communities plant trees on Arbor Day.

Sisters Mayor Michael Preedin declared an Arbor Day Proclamation for the City of Sisters.

According to Sisters

Associate Planner Emme Shoup, “The six trees were purchased from C&C Nursery by the City of Sisters and placed between the Cliff Clemens playground area and bathrooms. As these trees grow, among other trees previously planted in the 2015 Arbor Day, a diverse grove of deciduous trees will provide much-needed shade to the park.”

Mayor Preedin thanked the students for coming out and planting the trees:

News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Fighting fire with fire

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

With military-like precision, between 35 and 40 various and sundry trucks snaked their way up Pole Creek Road on Saturday. The convoy doglegged to FS 1513 in a cloud of dust on the rutted gravel road. Led by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the force included other agencies, like Bureau of Land Management and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). They massed to set fire to 112 acres.

“It is a really cool program, and our town does special things and celebrates something like planting trees.”

Preparing for emergencies in Sisters

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

The work each of us does to prepare for emergencies can make a big difference in how well we weather a crisis — both personally and as a community.

A cadre of experts in the field of emergency preparedness and response will gather on Thursday, May 11, at the Sisters Fire District’s Community Hall to talk about the range of potential emergencies that can affect Sisters Country, and practical steps we can all take to be prepared to navigate them. The forum, titled “Emergencies in Sisters Country: Be Prepared” is sponsored by

Citizens4Community (C4C), runs 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sisters

Fire Hall is located at 301 S. Elm St.

There are many potential emergencies that can develop in Sisters — severe winter weather and wind events; flooding; the fallout from a major coastal earthquake among them. Wildfire, however, always tops the list, and Sisters has experienced 20 years of events that have forced evacuations and disrupted the quality of life in our home country.

Experts recommend that residents have an evacuation plan, including disseminating contact information and

Local students are invited to participate in the City’s annual tree-planting ceremony every year. This is important in celebrating the

City of Sisters’ Tree City USA designation — and this year is the City’s 16th year

The weather looked promising, with winds forecast to be mostly northerly at 8 mph that — if accurate — would drive smoke southbound away from Sisters. Mother Nature complied. Around 9:30 a.m. the area of prescribed (intentional) burn was ignited by skilled fire managers. It wasn’t until noon that a faint amount of mostly white smoke reached Pine Meadow.

The smoke never settled in or appeared over

See FIRE on page 20

Sisters fire chief honored by peers

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Fire Chief Roger Johnson was awarded the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (OFCA) President’s Award during their annual awards ceremony at the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association Spring Conference held in Bend on April 27.

Chief Bill Boos, president for the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, presented the award for Chief Johnson’s outstanding work and unwavering dedication to bringing updated legislation to the State of Oregon Fire Service.

Chief Boos said, “As an OFCA board member, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many outstanding individuals in the fire service, and as OFCA President, I get the honor of selecting an

individual that I feel has made significant contributions to the Oregon Fire Service.

“Selecting Chief Johnson

as the recipient for the President’s Award was easy

Sisters Fire District Board President Kristie Miller with Fire Chief Roger Johnson. Chief Johnson was presented the President’s Award by the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association last week.

PHOTO BY MACKENZIE BOSKOVICH

See ARBOR DAY on page 19

Sisters Elementary School students helped plant six trees at Cliff Clemens Park to commemorate Arbor Day.

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

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.

Support local option for schools

To the Editor:

Please support the Sisters School District, the staff, and most important, the students. Vote yes for measure 9-161, the local option levy.

Don Hedrick

s s s

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Seed to Table staff and board members, our organization heartily supports the local option for the Sisters School District. Having an integral role in the schools, we know firsthand how important the sixteen teaching positions are for students. Our education system woven in with programs like

See LETTERS on page 12

Sisters Weather Forecast

Creating a healthy environment

By Colette Whelan Guest Columnist

There are so many aspects of the Sisters 2040 Comprehensive Plan that point to positive aspirations and goals for our community. As an experienced health care provider living in this community, I feel an onus to speak to the development of additional fast food or convenience stores here in our community of Sisters.

Research and statistics are abundant and compelling. Fast food and convenience stores have been associated with a number of negative health effects, including:

1. Obesity: Fast food is often high in calories, fat, and sugar, which can contribute to obesity. Obesity is a major risk factor for a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC

Website: www.nuggetnews.com

| Email: editor@nuggetnews.com

Postmaster:

Editor in Chief & Co-owner: Jim Cornelius

Production Manager: Leith Easterling

Creative Director: Jess Draper

Community Marketing

Partner: Vicki Curlett

Classifieds & Circulation: Janice Hoffman

Proofreader: Kit Tosello

Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen

2. Poor nutrition: Fast food and convenience stores often offer food that is high in calories but low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems.

3. Chronic diseases: Consuming fast food and convenience store items frequently has been linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.

4. Increased intake of sodium: Fast food and convenience stores often contain high levels of sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

5. Poor dental health: Fast food and convenience store items are often high in sugar, which can lead to dental decay and other oral health problems.

6. Certain types of cancer: Fast food consumption has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

7. Reduced life span: Studies have shown that individuals who consume fast food and convenience store items frequently are at higher risk of premature death.

One also needs to consider the significant implications for health care costs. Chronic conditions related to fast food consumption can result in increased health care utilization, medication costs, and lost productivity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018 the total

cost of health care in the United States was $3.6 trillion, with chronic diseases accounting for 90 percent of health care costs. In addition, the cost of treating obesityrelated conditions alone was estimated to be $147 billion in 2008.

How does building any more fast food or convenience stores lend itself to our growth management goals that “encourages growth to strike a balance between urban scale development and preserving the history, natural beauty, and character of the community”?

The detriments of fast food and convenience stores not only speaks to the growth management goals but also to the “livability” component of our comprehensive plan. By promoting the availability of healthier food options and reducing the number of fast food and convenience stores, the City can improve the quality of life for its residents. This can lead to greater social cohesion and a stronger sense of community. One only has to look at examples currently in our community where people can come together, share healthy food, conversation, all the while supporting local businesses.

Our comprehensive plan also addresses environment goals and policies to “maintain the quality of air, land, and water and improve community health.” Fast food businesses and convenience stores often contribute to environmental degradation, through increased waste generation and emissions from food production and transportation. By promoting the development of sustainable food systems that prioritize local production and reduce waste, the City can mitigate the negative environmental impact of fast food and convenience stores while also promoting healthier food options.

Aligning the development code with our comprehensive plan will help ensure we stay the course to achieve our goals and aspirations as an evolved, healthy community.

In summary, the negative health effects of fast food and convenience stores can be addressed through neighborhood design that prioritizes access to healthy food options and physical activity. By promoting a healthy environment, the City can support the health and wellbeing of its residents and create a more vibrant and sustainable community.

Sources available upon request.

Helping people grieve the loss of an infant

By Katy Yoder Correspondent

Losing a baby is a heartwrenching event that often leaves grieving parents feeling alone. That was Alissa and James Cowan’s experience after having a miscarriage six years ago. Their sense of isolation left Alissa feeling numb and unsure about who could relate to or understand her pain.

Last April, Alissa started a nonprofit called I Am Seen. With her husband James’ constant support, she wanted to bring a voice to the silent grief of pregnancy and infant loss.

“We offer Care Boxes to

Sprucing up SPRD’s Bike Park 242

Sisters Park & Recreation District’s (SPRD) Bike Park 242 is getting a refresh this spring. The park features jump lines, pump tracks, and a drop zone and is great for riders of all abilities wanting to improve their skills.

Snowy winters and dry summers mean the bike park needs consistent maintenance. Maintenance involves moving tons of dirt and is very difficult to do by hand. Visit Central Oregon and SPRD have both contributed funding to address the substantial maintenance work and to make Bike Park 242 more welcoming and fun for riders of all ages and abilities.

The work is being overseen by SPRD and done

BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

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

Alcoholics Anonymous

by the staff and volunteers of Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA).

Jennifer Holland, executive director of SPRD, said, “We are thrilled to work with COTA on this project. They have brought great energy and excitement to the bike park, and we look forward to our ongoing partnership with them to better serve the Sisters community.”

COTA has used part of the funding to hire professional bike park and trail builder Black Sage Dirt Works, owned by Kyle Jameson. Jameson lives in Three Rivers and is nationally recognized for his creative vision and bike park building skills. Jameson will do the primary shaping of the

jumps and pump track features and improve drainage, working in his excavator.

To make the funding go further, COTA volunteers will take on other tasks, including creating and installing a welcome sign for the existing kiosk, painting the container that serves as a start point for the main jump lines, planting native vegetation, and more.

The bike park is located between Sisters High School and the skate park, but many people aren’t aware of this unique community recreation amenity.

“I talk to a lot of people that didn’t know the bike park is there, and are so

moms who have lost their little ones through miscarriage, abortion, still birth, or early infant death,” she said.

I Am Seen offers a Facebook support group and will host the second annual event called “Seen Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance.” Alissa is always open to talking with anyone needing a knowing and caring person to talk to about losing a baby.

“We’re starting a conversation where people can relate and be heard,” she said. “ Our mission is to break the silence and let people realize they’re not alone and not the

Rodeo Assoc. marks passing of John Leavitt

The man described as the “heart and soul of Sisters Rodeo” has gone up the trail.

Sisters Rodeo announced last weekend that John Leavitt, a longtime Sisters businessman and Rodeo Association board member, has died.

Leavitt owned Leavitt’s Western Wear in Sisters (now Dixie’s) for many years, and, as Sue Stafford recently noted in a column, he was always ready to welcome new folks to town.

Leavitt retired from 45 years of service with Sisters

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.

Rodeo last summer, and The Nugget sat down with him in July to recall his lifetime of connections to the classic Western sport.

As that article reported, Leavitt’s service to Sisters’ longest-running event may have spanned more than four decades, but he was a rodeo man most all his life.

Leavitt grew up on his family’s cattle ranch in Lakeview.

“We ran cattle on 37,000 acres,” he recalled. “It’s the best way to grow up… I

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

Bike Park 242 provided fun and challenging action for riders.

Parzybok a winner on the tennis court

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The boys tennis squad matched up against Stayton at home on Tuesday, April 25, and two days later they played at home against the Madras White Buffs. Jude Parzybok was the lone Outlaw to win both his matches this past week.

On Tuesday against Stayton, Dominic Pulver and Jude Parzybok both tallied wins.

Pulver defeated Spencer Dirkz 6-3, 7-5. Pulver’s serves were a bit shaky at the start and he went down early, but came back, found his groove, and posted the firstset win. He played a consistent match from that point on, and had good ball placement. Coach David Rowell said that his shot selection is way beyond his years.

Parzybok dropped his first set against Hyatt Dirkz 4-6, but came back to win 6-4, and then 10-5 in the tiebreak.

“Jude’s serve was not there in the first set, but he started to relax and do the small things right in the second set which built some confidence,” said Rowell. “This was a grueling match and I’m proud of his resiliency to come back and get the win. He had great mental strength today and his strokes were great.”

Chris Roach, who just picked up a tennis racket for the first time several weeks ago, played for the first time at No. 3 singles and lost 7-5, 6-1, to Liam Ritchie. Roach handled the change well and played a very close first set.

Rowell said, “Chris got more comfortable as the match went on. His serve and net game have improved a lot since the start of the season.”

Mason Dahl and Jack Murray matched up together for the first time this year. The duo played a very close first set, but fell 5-7 and then 2-6 to Garrett Buchner and Victor Gomez. Dahl and Murray complimented each other well, as Dahl play great

Recovery can take many years

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Fire, flood, an act of violence — all of these events come as a shock and bring with them intense action in response. Major incidents attract media attention, and often an outpouring of support.

Thompson worked in research and development in the wood products industry and served in the Coast Guard.

“Don’t assume you are covered for everything,” Thompson said.

Preparedness for the community

at the net and Murray has a consistent ground stroke.

“Jack moved to Sisters from India not long ago and joined the team a couple weeks ago,” said Rowell. “He is a quick learner and a great athlete. I’m excited to see him develop this season.”

At home on Thursday against Madras, Parzybok was the Outlaws lone winner, with a 6-3, 6-7, 10-5 victory over Keith Charley. Parzybok was successful with his deep shots that dropped at the baseline, and serves that were on point.

“Jude played an opponent with a nasty first serve,” said Rowell. “Jude did what he does best, which is being a consistent returner with good ground strokes.”

Pulver, at No. 1 singles, played a very close match but fell to Fernando Saldana in the tiebreaker. Pulver dominated the first set with a 6-3 win, dropped a close second set 4-6, and then lost 4-10.

Rowell said, “Dom did a good job with his ground strokes and serves. He had success with powerful shots and when he finished the point quickly instead of getting into a long rally.”

Murray played in his first varsity match of the season and fell 0-6, 3-6 to Phillip Arthur.

Rowell said, “I’m looking forward to the sub district tournament May 8 and 9, where we can play Madras players again and have another shot to beat them.”

Sisters was scheduled to play at The Dalles on Tuesday, May 2. They will wrap up their week with a match at Creswell on Friday, May 5.

But once the immediate crisis is over, once the news crews have departed and the shelters are taken down, the effects still linger — often for many years.

Devin Thompson understands this better than most. He’s the executive director of the McKenzie Valley Long-term Recovery Group, formed in the wake of the devastating September 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. That blaze, fanned by anomalous heavy easterly winds, roared down the McKenzie Canyon and destroyed 517 homes, wiping out the community of Blue River.

Recovery is still underway. Less than 25 percent of the homes lost have been rebuilt, and recovery is expected to take seven to 10 years.

Thompson will bring his experience and hardwon expertise in longterm recovery to the forum “Emergencies in Sisters: Be Prepared,” at the Sisters Fire District Community Hall on Thursday, May 11 at 6 p.m. The forum is hosted by Citizens4Community (see related story, page 1)

A third-generation resident of the Lower McKenzie,

“My mission has always been: How can I help the individual?” he said. He got involved with a relief center in the immediate aftermath of the fire, and that was the beginning of his road assisting his community with long-term recovery.

Thompson told The Nugget that there are several practical steps that communities and individuals can take in advance of an emergency that can help with recovery.

Individual preparedness

• Know your neighbors. Who is vulnerable? Who would need help in a sudden evacuation?

“It was heartbreaking to hear people say, ‘I drove by my neighbor’s house and I don’t know if they got out,’” he said. (Miraculously, only one person died as a result of the fire).

• Know where to evacuate to.

“That’s so crucial in that moment,” he said.

• Take photographs of critical identity documents and take property photographs and upload them to the cloud. Recovery assistance has a vetting process, and having documentation makes that process quicker and less difficult. Help friends and neighbors who don’t know how to do this.

• Talk regularly with your insurance agent.

• Identify trusted community partners, those who will step up in an emergency. Thompson notes that, in the wake of emergencies, donations and cash start rolling in. Who can be trusted to handle those donations and make sure they go to good use?

“They’re going to manage them and they’re going to get them to the right people,” Thompson said.

• Have a system in place to identify what supplies are truly needed.

• How will the community communicate if cell coverage is out?

• Thompson advises advance preparation of locations for warming/cooling shelters and the strategic placement of generators to provide power to wells.

Thompson will extend his stay in Sisters through Friday and make himself available to community members who have further questions.

Jude did what he does best, which is being a consistent returner with good ground strokes.

— Coach David Rowell

Lady Outlaws dominate opponents on the tennis courts

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The Lady Outlaws took care of business on the tennis courts with a 5-3 win over the Eagles at Stayton on Tuesday, April 25, and two days later a 6-2 win at home against Madras.

Juhree Kizziar (No. 1 singles) maintained her undefeated season with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Laina Atiyeh. It was Kizziar’s best performance of the year so far. She was very consistent and was powerful in all her shots.

Katy Ryan moved up from No. 3 to No. 2 singles and handled windy conditions very well. She dominated her match with a 6-0, 6-0 sweep over Kadence Kuiken. Ryan hit powerful ground strokes throughout the match and had very few unforced errors.

Freshman Rylie Bick (No. 3 singles) continued to improve her game and forced Audrey Ritchie to a tiebreak. Bick lost the first set 5-7, but fought back to win the second set 6-6 in games and won the seven-point tiebreaker 7-3. She fell 4-10 in the tiebreak.

Coach Bruce Fenn said, “This exciting end to her efforts was a great learning experience for Rylie.”

Josie Patton and Charlotte Seymour (No. 1 doubles)

improved in their movement on the court and their shot selections, which resulted in a 6-2, 6-1 win over A. Manis and K. Bantz. Patton was dominant at the net and Seymour ran down balls hit to the baseline which helped them earn the victory.

Lanie Mansfield and Leah O’ Hern posted a win at No. 2 doubles. The duo defeated J. Karbala and A. Thiessen 6-1, 6-1. Their movement on the court and their communication helped them win more points.

The Wyland sisters, Sage and Shae, overwhelmed A. Worchester and P. Cooper 6-0, 6-2. Shae’s strong volleys at the net and Sage’s aggressive play and quickness around the court was key to their win.

Fenn said, “Their tennis knowledge of the game continues to improve, giving them more success in their games.”

Sisters bested the White Buffs on Thursday and pushed their league record to 4-1. The Lady Outlaws singles players dominated play and swept all four singles matches.

Kizziar (No. 1) pushed her winning streak to 12 in a row, blanking Amaya 6-0, 6-0. Kizziar’s power and consistency have been too much for league opponents to handle.

Brooke Harper (No. 2)

returned to play after a minor injury and defeated Chauvant 6-3, 6-1. Harper was very consistent and hit deep balls to get the win. Fenn noted that Harper plays smart and makes very few mistakes.

Ryan (No. 3) was on top of her game with solid shots to the baseline, which moved Alonso all over the court. Ryan was also able to move to the net at times and hit some nice volleys in her 6-0, 6-0 victory over Alonso.

Bick (No. 4) notched her second varsity win with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Reyes. Fenn stated that Bick is gaining more confidence, as well as improving on her footwork and ball placement.

Fenn moved players around in doubles play to make the lineup stronger from top to bottom.

Patton teamed up with Mansfield (No. 1) for the first time this year and the duo lost in a very close match. They took the first set 7-4, and then fell 1-6 and lost 6-10 in the tiebreaker.

Fenn noted that Patton and Mansfield are very aggressive around the net, and as they learn to move better together, trust each other’s positions on the court, and don’t miss the easy put-aways, they will win many matches.

Presley Adelt and Sophie

Rush (No. 2) also teamed up for the first time. The pair were down 1-4 in the first set and battled back for a 6-4 win, and went on to win the second set 6-1. The duo eliminated easy mistakes and hit more balls in the court than Park and Chicullar-Ham. Both Adelt and Rush are strong and athletic and move well around the court.

The Wyland sisters, Sage and Shae, moved up from No. 4 to No. 3 doubles due to their consistent and improved play, and easily defeated Burts and Pope 6-0, 6-3.

Fenn said, “Both girls win by keeping the ball deep in the back court and away from the net person. They also place the ball to the open court for winners.”

O’ Hern and Seymour paired up for the first time at No. 4 doubles. They posted a 6-4 win in the first set, but lost the second set in a 5-7

2010 TOYOT

Local

$ 26,900

Our two team losses were in tiebreakers, and this shows me that everyone is contributing and playing better as a team.

— Coach Bruce Fenn

tiebreak, and the third set 10-point tiebreaker 7-10.

Fenn said, “Doubles is teamwork, and knowing where your partner is and what they can do to hit winning shots. Our two team losses were in tiebreakers, and this shows me that everyone is contributing and playing better as a team.”

Sisters was scheduled to play at home against The Dalles on Tuesday, May 2. They will play at home against Creswell on Friday.

Songwriter pays tribute to mothers

Local musician

Kolby Knickerbocker announces the release of his single “Mother” on May 11. A heartfelt show of appreciation for his wife and her journey into motherhood, this is a song of gratitude and a testimony to all mothers for their unseen work in raising our children. With sounds like Ray LaMontagne and Van Morrison, produced by Lucas Morton (Dave Barnes, Jon McLaughlin, Jordy Searcy), it’s the first single off the “Friend Like You” EP due out September 21.

The song can be downloaded at https://bit.ly/ kolby-knickerbocker-mother.

Knickerbocker says, “This song is very special to me as I’ve witnessed my wife step into being a mother with extraordinary grace and began to see how seemingly undervalued and underappreciated motherhood is in this country. With this song, I wanted to let my wife, and all mothers, know that I see how motherhood takes all of you, and while I will never understand how hard it is, I want to thank you for the work you’re doing.”

While this single shows appreciation for mothers, the title of the forthcoming EP, “Friend Like You,” is a nod to the many relationships in Knickerbocker’s life. Knickerbocker says, “The title of the album represents my being present to these relationships in my life. Each song is about a relationship I have with someone important in my life; either in how I show up for that person, or how they’ve shown up for

Girls lacrosse falls to Summit

By Rongi Yost Correspondent

The girls lacrosse squad matched up against the Summit Storm twice this past week and suffered losses in both matchups. Sisters fell 4-17 at Summit on Monday, April 24, and four days later lost 4-17 at home.

On Monday, the Lady Outlaws played without any subs, while Summit boasted a roster of 22 varsity and 26 JV players they could draw from. Tania Rebolledo played in the goal and managed 11 saves in the contest. Madi Taylor had a great goal for the Outlaws with 9:53 left in the first half. Taylor received a midfield

pass from Tatum Cramer, ran it in, and dodged her opponent for the score. Taylor also scored Sisters’ final goal on a penalty kick.

Assistant Coach McKenna Jones said, “Our season so far has been amazing! We have a lot of new players, as well as girls who have been mastering the skill of lacrosse. It’s incredible to watch how the players interact and help each other. I could not imagine a better team to coach, and to be a part of. These girls are very determined and full of grit. They always give their all out on the field.”

On Friday at Reed Stadium, the Lady Outlaws were short a few players, and

the Storm was gracious and allowed Sisters to “borrow” a few of their players so they could field a team. Although the Outlaws suffered the loss, Addie Laird recorded six saves, and Faith Gulick had three saves in the contest.

Jones said, “All the girls played hard and kept their head up. They share good sportsmanship as one team.”

Sisters was scheduled to play Sherwood on Saturday, but the Bowmen were unable to make the trip. The Outlaws were able to schedule a scrimmage against Redmond, and coaches noted that all the girls had a great time.

The Lady Outlaws will play at Summit on May 3.

me. With ‘Friend Like You,’ it’s my hope that I am as valuable to these people as they are to me.”

Knickerbocker started his professional musical career early, releasing his first album with Kitty’s Musicbox (2004) as a sophomore in college. He has since released an additional full-length album, “Red Dust” (2015), and two EPs, “Rodello’s Machine” (2012) and Animus (2016), and two EPs under his solo project Kolby Knickerbocker, “Kindness Courage” (2019)

“Over and Over” (2021).

Knickerbocker’s music has been featured in notable ad campaigns for Uber, VRBO, and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as television shows like MTV’s Degrassi High, 90210, Heart Signal, and Barely Breathing.

Knickerbocker has received critical acclaim from industry tastemakers including Indie Shuffle and KCRW, and as an awardwinning songwriter from the International Songwriting Contest in 2021.

Hendrix tribute will rock Hardtails

Hardtails Bar & Grill is launching its season of tribute shows — with some new highlights for hard-core rockers.

“We have a few of the ‘favorites’ returning, Petty Fever, Gold Dust, and In the Pink,” said owner Steve Macey. “New band is Valhalla, (a) Led Zep tribute.”

A special show set for July 29 is Jimi Hendrix Experience Tribute artist Randy Hansen.

For nearly three decades, the world-renowned guitarist has acquired a reputation as being one of the best Hendrix impersonators on the Third Stone from the Sun.

Releasing countless discs through the years featuring both stellar Hendrix jams and

his own authentic Hendrixinspired riffage, Hansen is a true guitar legend in every sense of the word.

Petty Fever has become an annual favorite, honoring the late, great Tom Petty, and Gold Dust is regarded as a top tribute band to Fleetwood Mac. Interest in Fleetwood Mac’s music has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, and Gold Dust captures the magic. In the Pink is an exceptional tribute to the music of Pink Floyd.

Tickets for the Hardtails summer series sell fast. They are available through Bend Ticket at https:// bendticket.com/organizations/ hardtails-bar-grill.

Macey noted that a series of free shows will also be mixed in through the summer.

Songwriter Kolby Knickerbocker.

PHOTO BY TONY-GAMBINO-PHOTOGRAPHY

Jimi Hendrix Experience tribute artist Randy Hansen is slated for July 29 at Hardtails Bar & Grill.

PHOTO PROVIDED ,

Sisters wind ensemble headed to State

By Olivia Nieto Correspondent

Sister High School’s Wind Ensemble is made up of some extremely hardworking musicians. Their determination shines through in their qualification to compete at Oregon State University for the OSAA State Championship.

This is the first time the band has attended the competition in 13 years.

The band is made up of 20 participants, most of whom have been playing their instruments for over three years. The age of these students range from 14 to 18. Some of the upper classmen remember qualifying for State in 2020 but not attending because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I’m excited to go, especially because we qualified during my freshman year but weren’t able to go,” said Norma Quero. “It’s my last year, so I’m ready to try my hardest.”

Quero is a tri-instrumental senior at Sisters High School. She’s been playing for over 10 years, and is vice president of the wind ensemble.

She isn’t the only student ready to try her hardest; all of her peers have poured valuable

Craig earns coveted fire service designation

Jazz in Sisters

time and energy into this project. They’ve been practicing the same four songs since January, and all agree that they’ve come a very long way since the beginning of the year.

“We’ve evolved a lot, and I think the biggest way is culturally, because we understand each other better, have a deeper respect for each other, and care about doing better for each other,” said Band Director Kayla Golka.

This is Golka’s first year teaching, and the group never expected such a strong start. They credit the previous band director, Tyler Cranor, for setting the foundations to this achievement.

“It’s a huge honor to go to State my first year. I never expected it…but Cranor definitely left the band in a good spot for me to take it and improve it,” said Golka.

When Cranor received the news, he reacted with encouragement and wise advice:

“I could not be more proud of all of them. It’s such an impressive feat to go through a pandemic, a teacher change, and still be a State-level band. Still, I can’t say that I’m surprised, so stop listening to me, go practice, and kick some butt.”

Deputy Chief Tim Craig, of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, has successfully completed the process that awards the professional designation of “Chief Training Officer” (CTO). The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) met on April 4 to confer the designation. Chief Craig becomes one of only 214 CTOs worldwide.

The designation program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components, including experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement, and technical competence. In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan.

The CTO designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential. The Commission on Professional Credentialing awards the designation only after an individual successfully meets all the organization’s

stringent criteria.

Achieving this designation signifies Chief Craig’s career commitment to the fire and emergency services. This is Chief Craig’s second professional designation. He received the designation of “Chief Fire Officer” in June of 2022.

This professional designation is valid for three years. Maintaining the designation requires recipients to show continued growth in the areas of professional development, professional contributions, active association membership, and community involvement, as well as adhere to a strict code of professional conduct.

Sisters jazz aficionado Robert Sposato is presenting a series of shows at Sisters Depot. The first show, set for Saturday, May 13, “features Bay Area native and now resolute Bend pianist Jack Krouscup working with soothing Bend vocalist Elise Franklin,” Sposato said. “Andrew Lion is lighting up Central Oregon on the standup bass and Karl Lindgren is a pure delight on the drums.”

Music starts at 6 p.m. Sisters Depot offers dinner and a full bar.

Sposato urges jazz fans to come out for the event.

“The more patrons that support these jazz events, the easier it will be to fill venue calendars and bring more talented musicians to our little potential music paradise,” he said. “The Depot patio is a very pleasant place to sit with a drink and hear the heavenly music.”

Sisters Depot is located at 250 W. Cascade Ave.

Deputy Chief Tim Craig. PHOTO PROVIDED

planning evacuation routes and rendezvous points. Put together a “go-bag” or evacuation kit, including critical medications and documents, before the beginning of fire season. Most evacuations in Sisters Country have given residents a bit of time to get ready — but there have been occasions when evacuation orders have been immediate. It’s best to be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Residents and visitors to the area are urged to sign up for Deschutes Alerts — emergency notifications about threats to safety. (https:// www.deschutes.org/911/ page/sign-deschutes-alerts).

Sisters residents have learned the value of preparing their properties — and that work should be underway now.

“One way of protecting your home from wildfire risk is to have adequate defensible space around the property,” says panelist Tammy Taylor, a local expert on the insurance industry. “This is the buffer you create between any building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds. This will include the entryway to your home. You need to have enough space that a fire truck can easily maneuver down your driveway.”

Insurance has become a major concern for homeowners in the wildland/urban interface, with some facing nonrenewal or the inability to

obtain a policy due to wildfire threat.

Taylor notes that a controversial wildfire risk map created under the auspices of Senate Bill 792 has been withdrawn for revision.

“As of now the wildfire risk map has been withdrawn for further refinement,” she said. “Insurance companies are not using that map. However, insurance carriers are using and will continue to use their own methods for wildfire scoring. They use their own risk maps and other risk management tools.

“Each insurance carrier will have their own methods and means of dealing with rates when it come to wildfire. Some are more strict than others. If you have questions or concerns, I highly advise speaking to your agent or hiring a contractor that specializes in fire fuel reduction services to help you come up with a plan for your specific property,” Taylor said.

“I also strongly suggest that you touch base with your current agent on an annual basis to review your current coverage, especially regarding the home and what type of replacement cost you have.”

Sisters District Ranger Ian Reid will be on hand. He notes that a variety of public agencies work consistently behind the scenes to protect residents and visitors in the event of emergency. Deschutes

County Emergency Services Coordinator Sgt. Nathan Garibay will talk about the countywide interagency efforts, and Sisters Fire Chief Roger Johnson will discuss the range of emergencies possible in Sisters and the local planning that is always

underway.

“We want to save lives, we want to protect property, we want to prevent serious injuries,” Reid said.

However, Reid encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own protection, as well.

“It’s not either-or,” he said. All the elements — public and private, agency and individual — need to come together to maximize protection.

Sisters resident Jack McGowan will speak directly to individual preparedness.

“I have been a longtime advocate for personal preparedness,” he told The Nugget . “I’m not a ‘prepper,’ but as a member of the community, that is your responsibility.”

Good personal preparation — which McGowan will provide examples of from his own personal kit — helps take the burden off potentially overwhelmed first responders.

Creating a personal preparedness kit may appear daunting — and expensive.

“I will tell people how to do that in an incremental way,” McGowan said.

Not all emergencies can be prevented or avoided. Wildfire, however, can be, at least to a degree. Many are human-caused. Reid urged the public to take responsibility for minimizing chances of wildfire.

“Follow the public use restrictions,” he said. “When it’s OK to have a campfire,

WINNEMUCCA

JUNE 16-18 | $144 PPDO

Deluxe motorcoach transport, 2 nts. renovated hotel rooms, $20 free slot play, $15 food coupons.

RENO

JULY 18-21 | $409 PPDO

Includes 3 nights, Circus/Circus, slot play and food credits

ALASKA CRUISE

JULY 26-AUGUST 5

STARTING AT $3,389 PPDO

Includes air, taxes, transfers, 3 pre-nights, Fairbanks, Denali, Mt. McKinley, plus 7 nts. cruise, unlimited beverage pkg., pre-paid gratuities and $100 on-board credit.

VENICE CRUISE

MAY 2-12, 2024

STARTING AT $2,999 PPDO

Includes air, taxes, transfers, 2 pre-nights Venice, 7 night cruise.

RIVER CRUISE

NEW

make sure it’s dead out.”

Don’t create your own roads through forests, and don’t park over dry grass. Make sure your trailer chains aren’t dragging on the asphalt and creating sparks. Practice safe shooting and know that fireworks are illegal at all times on the National Forest.

“I’ll be focusing on the cohesive strategy,” Reid said of his May 11 presentation.

That involves:

• Safe, effective response to emergencies;

• Creating a resilient landscape;

• Developing fire-adapted communities.

Carrie Sammons of the Central and Eastern Oregon Chapter, Red Cross will be on hand to explain the role of Red Cross in emergencies. She worked on the response to the devastating Camp Fire in California, and also on the response to last winter’s terrible floods.

“Make a plan; have a kit,” she urges. “I’ll have our

Prepare! resource guide available for people to take, and that has all that information.”

Red Cross offers shelters, three meals a day and snacks, and help for people who have lost their home in a fire or other emergency. She noted that it is valuable for evacuees to check in at a shelter, even if they don’t plan to stay there. Checking in helps family members get in contact, and helps first responders determine whether people are accounted for.

Sammons said that Red Cross’ mission is to respond to immediate needs, and they can offer referrals to people with ongoing needs (see related story, page 4)

“Emergencies in Sisters: Be Prepared,” is part of an annual series of public discussions hosted by C4C, which have covered topics from free speech to growth in Sisters to homelessness.

For more information about C4C, visit https://www. citizens4community.com.

Sheila Jones, Broker GRI, ABR, SRS, RENEE 503-949-0551 | sheila@stellarnw.com

382 E. Hood Ave., Ste A-East, Sisters sheila.oregonpropertyfinders.com

NASHVILLE TO ST. LOUIS

JUNE 30-JULY 8, 2024

STARTING AT $4,899 PPDO

Includes air, transfers, taxes, 2 pre-nights in Nashville, 7 night cruise, 1 post-night in Memphis. Complimentary shore excursions.

2024 CRUISES

CALL FOR DETAILS

Connie Boyle 541-508-1500

Box 615 Sisters, OR 97759

Buying and selling real estate is a big decision. My goal is to make it a positive experience.

Track teams entering heart of season

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

The month of May is championship season for trackand-field, and Head Coach Jonathan Kelly feels good about his team’s prospects after two meets last week.

“The team is doing well,” he said. “Many of the younger or more inexperienced athletes are making steady improvement, especially in the jumps and throws. We’ve also started to hone in on where we can be most competitive and score the most points at the district meet.”

On Wednesday, April 26 the Outlaws traveled to Ridgeview for a meet with the Ravens along with Mountain View and Cascades Academy.

The meet was a “train through” for some of the varsity athletes, but gave all members of the team another competition and valuable experience.

A number of Outlaws came away victorious at Ridgeview, including Hayden Roth in the 800 meters (2:12.44), Corbin Fredland in the 300-meter hurdles, Taine Martin, high jump (5 feet, 6 inches) and Nic Dye, who set a lifetime best in the triple jump at 37 feet, 5.5 inches.

Fredland soared 18 feet, 7 inches in the long jump to

take second place, Martin picked up second in the pole vault at 11 feet even.

Freshman Charlie Moen continued his improvement in the javelin with a toss of 106 feet, 11 inches.

Ridgeview won the meet with 59.5 points, followed by Mountain View, 48.5; Sisters, 25; and Cascades Academy, 3.

For the girls, Mae Roth notched her first-ever win in the pole vault with a personal best of 9 feet, 2 inches. Kathryn Buller won the long jump (15 feet, 7 inches), Gracie Vohs the high jump (4 feet, 6 inches), and Lilly Sundstrom the 100 hurdles (17.65).

Brooke Duey and Ella Bartlett battled it out for the top two spots in the 800 meters, and Duey prevailed, 2:30.88 to 2:31.73.

Vohs stepped into the blocks for the 200 meters and set a personal best of 27.22 on her way to second place while freshman Kate Singleton set personal records in both the 100 (14.19) and the 200 (30.36). Singleton’s classmate Teagen Welsh scored points with personal bests in the 100 hurdles (19.88) and the 300 hurdles (56.93).

Mountain View topped the girls’ team race with 60 points, followed by Sisters (40), Ridgeview (30), and

Cascades Academy (11).

Eight girls and one boy made the trek to Beaverton on Friday, April 28 for the prestigious Nike/Jesuit Twilight Relays that featured some of the top track-and-field athletes in the West.

With temperatures in the upper 80s, most of the Outlaws found the going tough in the running events. In fact, meet organizers moved the premier distance races until after sunset in order to give athletes a chance to run fast times — which they did. Twelve high school boys ran under 4:12 for the mile, with the winner crossing the line in 4:05.

For the Outlaws runners it was a meet to chock up to experience. Ella Bartlett completed the 3,000 in the heat of the day in 11:50.63, almost a minute slower than her best time, and the 4x400 relay team ran 30 seconds slower than normal (4:49.15).

Things went a bit better for the jumpers on the team. Pole vaulters Mae Roth (8 feet, 6 inches) and Taine Martin (11 feet, 6 inches) neared their lifetime bests, while Kathryn Buller cleared 4 feet, 8 inches, just two inches shy of her best.

“It’s a neat opportunity for the kids to be in a big meet like Jesuit, but the kids had done four meets in the past week

and a half and the heat was a real challenge,” said Assistant Coach Dennis Dempsey.

Kelly added a meet to the team’s schedule, on May 3 at Redmond, to allow some of the less experienced members of the team to get another competition in since the highlevel Summit Invitational on Saturday allows only limited entries.

“District is less than three weeks away and our younger athletes needed another chance to compete since not all of them will be able to go to Summit or the Wally Ciochetti meet the following week,” he said.

District is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, May 18-19 at Siuslaw High School

Mae Roth clears the bar in pole vault.

PHOTO BY JACK TURPEN

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, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy. All members invited to attend . Call Charles Wilson, 847-344-0498.

Sisters Careg iver Suppor t 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.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Family Caregiver Support

Group

elma’s Place Adult Day Respite Program in Redmond host s a monthly support group for those caring for someone with Alzheimer ’ s or another dementia-related disease. e support group is held ever y third Wednesday of the month f rom 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. is is a f ree f amily-caregiver support group featuring local organizations . Call 541-54830 49

GriefShare 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

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, 1300 McKenzie Hwy. No reser vations needed. No-cost Grab-N- Go lunches take place weekly on Wednesdays and ursday, f rom 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Common Ground Annual Free Climbing

Festival

Attend “On is Rock ” at Smith Rock State Park May 5 through 7. Camping is provided next to the park , as well as meals , guided climbs for all levels including beginner, and a Saturday night showing of the film “Reel Rock

17 ” All f ree! A panel discussion will be held featuring prominent leaders in the climbing communit y of Central Oregon, including Alan Watts . Register at commongroundbend.org/onthis-rock.

NAMIWalk s Central Oregon Fundraiser

Saturday, May 20 , 9 to 11 a.m. at Dr y Canyon Trail American Legion Community Park, 850 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond . Proceeds help provide f ree community mental health advocac y for those impacted by mental illness and training and support presentations for schools, workplaces , f aith communities and neighborhood groups. Register at NAMIWalks .org/ CentralOregon . Call 541-3160167 for more information

Spring Inspiration Concert

e Sisters High Deser t Chorale will herald the spring season in song with its annual spring concer t. “Spring Inspiration” will be per formed on June 2 at 7 p.m . and June 4 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy. ese free concerts have become a tradition in Sisters Country Plea se direct any questions to Connie Gunterman at 541-5880362

At tention Submariners

e next meeting of the Central Oregon Submarine Base will be Sunday, May 7 at 130 0 hours and will be held at Powers of Automation, 61533 American Loop, Bend . ey will discuss a summer time yard sale, ser ving at the Bethlehem Inn in Redmond, and a site for Highway cleanup Spouses are welcome and can become A ssociate Members . For further information, call either Rick Neault, base commander, at 530 -434 -1102 or Fran Davis , secretar y 541-527-5484.

Free Weekly Meal Ser vice Family Kitchen hosts weekly togo hot meals on Tuesdays , 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy Visit www.FamilyKitchen .org

Emergencies in Sisters

Countr y: Be Prepared Citizens4Community (C4C) wants you to prepare for disasters and emergencies in Sisters Country. At this f ree presentation, get valuable information on how to prepare your family and propert y, get emergenc y alerts , follow evacuation routes , and utilize response and recover y ser vices.

ursday, May 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m . (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), at Sisters Fire Hall community room, 301 S . Elm St. More info: Citizens4Community.com/ events

Cinco de Mayo! Par ty

All are welcome to attend a f un community Mexican Independence part y celebration is f amily-friendly event takes place on Sunday, May 7 f rom

12 to 4 p.m. at Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD), located at 1750 McKinney Butte Rd . ere will be festive music and delicious food to purchase; cash only please.

Wildfire Home Protection Strategies Class

ere will be a FREE half-day work shop on May 9 f rom

12:30 to 5 p.m. at Sisters Fire Station, 301 S . Elm St. Learn simple and inexpensive ways to make homes safer f rom wildfire. e class is based on fire behavior, structure exposure, and concept s of defensible space. Learn how to assess wildfire risk s to structures and take action around your home and community Register at https://forms .gle/ e7sYMoPMmRo6GPHQ9. Space is limited . For questions , contact heather.miller @osp.oregon.gov.

Sisters Rodeo Parade

To participate in the parade, visit sistersrodeo.com and fill out the registration. Deadline is May 15.

Silent Echo eater Company Hosts One-Acts

Silent Echo eater Company will present “Now You’re Talking ” One-Acts 2023 May

11 through 14 at Harmony House, 17505 Kent Rd., Sisters e evening will feature seven one-acts , three written by Central Oregon playwrights Performances are ursday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. e Saturday matinee will have an ASL interpreter. Sug gested donation is $25 . Reser ve ticket s at www silentechotheatercompany.org

Love Your Lev y — Youth Ar t Work shop Event

Communit y members are invited to e Barn (171 E . Main Ave.), Saturday, May 6 f rom 12 to 2 p.m. Youth can make art with an experienced local artist to express their fondest memories of school life with the programming of Sisters schools , while voters will have the opportunity to talk to representatives of the Yes for Sisters Schools PAC . Stephen Saunders , broker at Avenir Realty, is hosting the event in support of the renewal of our local school district lev y. For more information contact Stephen Saunders at stephen@ avenirrealtygroup.com or 480452-9272.

Holidays in the Pines presents e May Market

e May Market is May 12 and 13 , f rom 10 a .m. to 4 p.m. at Pole Creek Ranch, 15425 McKenzie Hw y., Sisters . Featured are local small f arms , artists , and craf ters with a touch of vintage A por tion of the proceeds

benefit Central Oregon Veterans Ranch & Sisters Habitat for Humanity. Visit Facebook. com/Holidaysinthepines or Rootsandrails on Instagram

STAR S Driver Training

Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STAR S) is having a driver training on Wednesday, May 10 f rom 10 a .m. to 12 p.m. at Sisters Fire Hall, 301 S . Elm St. ose interested in volunteering may complete the easy STARS application form at https:// starsride.org/volunteer/drivefor-us and they will contact you upon receipt. STAR S currently provide s mileage reimbursement for drivers. Email volunteer@ starsride.org with questions or call 541-9 04-5545

Announce Celebrations!

Sisters community birth, engagement, and wedding , notices may run at no charge on this page. Email your milestone to nug get@nug getnews .com

Free Pet Food

Do you need pet food for your dog or cat this month? Call the Furr y Friends pet food bank at 541-797-4023 to schedule your pickup in Sisters

Dos

Dos is waiting to be a f un, loyal, forever companion to his new family. He loves to take baths and will enjoy being with his people wherever they go. He would do best in a home with a large, fenced-in backyard where he can gallivant around to his heart’s content . As with most of our canine pals , lots of exercis e and socializ ation will help Dos be his happiest, ver y best self. Come meet Dos!

— SPONSORED BY —

541-549-1837

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 subject to editing and run only as space allows . Email nug get@nug getnews .com or drop o at 4 42 E . Main Ave

Laurence Dyer

Saturday, June 3

2 p.m. at Camp Sherman Community Hall

Author speaks on power of storytelling

Oregon author, retreat leader, and storyteller Mark Yaconelli will present his new book “Between the Listening and the Telling: How Stories Can Save Us,” on Tuesday, May 9, at 6:30 p.m. at Paulina Springs Books.

Yaconelli is the author of five previous books and founder and director of The Hearth, an Ashland-based nonprofit that builds community through the art of storytelling.

Yaconelli leads readers into an enchanting meditation on the power of storytelling. Stories can be medicine, helping individuals and

communities address the despair of climate change, the trauma of school shootings, and the daily struggle for meaning and hope. With a foreword by Anne Lamott, the book offers an alloy of story, commentary, and contemplation. In an era of runaway loneliness, alienation, global crisis, and despair, sharing stories helps us make a home within ourselves and one another.

Through his work with The Hearth nonprofit, Yaconelli has served communities across the U.S. and United Kingdom to bridge divisions, heal trauma, shed light on injustice, and recover

Making the leap...

hope. In this inspiring and interactive presentation Mark Yaconelli will show how stories can heal our families, our world, ourselves.

Bend children’s book author Francine Rockey will read her children’s picture book “To Find Treasure in the Mountains” on Saturday, May 6, at Paulina Springs Books. Families and kids of all ages are invited to this 11 a.m. storytime presentation.

With sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure, three young children hike through the sparkling woods to find treasure in the mountains. No pirate’s map or magic wand

required! Outside, there is always something wonderful just around the bend. Is that treasure hidden in a hollow old tree trunk? Does treasure gleam near the lizard with the bright blue belly? Can the feathery flight of a great gray owl hint at treasure? Yes, yes, and yes! Because all steps into the wild lead to nature’s treasures. This picture book highlights discoveries and

connections that come from sharing time outdoors together.

Francine Rockey is a writer, poet, and editor specializing in children’s literature.

Readers can visit Francine Rockey online at https:// francinerockey.com.

Paulina Springs Books is located at 252 W. Hood Ave. Call 541-549-0866 for more information.

WEDNESDAY • MAY 3

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Dwight Holing presents “The Demon Skin: A Nick Drake Novel” and Paty Yager presents “Bear Stalker: A Gabriel Hawke Novel.” 6:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

THURSDAY • MAY 4

Suttle Lodge Fireside Music by Matt Mitchell

6-8 p.m. Reservations required; tickets at bendticket.com.

Information: https://thesuttlelodge.com/happenings/.

Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night

Sign up at 5:30 Starts promptly at 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Dogand family-friendly Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471

FRIDAY • MAY 5

The Belfr y Live Music: Special Consensus

7 p.m. Grammy-nominated bluegrass band. Presented by The Whippoorwill Presents. Tickets, $20 at www.bendticket.com. Hardtails Karaoke with KJ Mindy

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

Eurosports Food Cart Garden Car Show

5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool or vintage car for the car show — or come to see them! For more info call 541-549-2471

SATURDAY • MAY 6

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk /Storytime

Bend author Francine Rockey presents “To Find Treasure in the Mountains,” a children’s book. 11 a.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

TUESDAY • MAY 9

Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: Mark Barringer & Bob Baker 6-8 p.m. Treat your ears to Sisters violinist Bob Baker and guitarist Mark Barringer 310 E. Cascade Ave. Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Mark Yaconelli presents “Between the Listening and the Telling: How Stories Can Save Us .” 6:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

THURSDAY • MAY 11

Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night Sign up at 5:30 Starts promptly at 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Dog-

Audrey Corcoran wins the long jump with a 15’2” jump at a recent Sisters Middle School track meet.

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

IEE, woodworking, farm-based education classes, aviation, and culinary arts are all examples of what makes Sisters schools exemplary. These programs allow for more opportunities for students to find something that fits them and inspires them.

Even with the local option, Sisters still has lower taxes than all the other Central Oregon school districts. We want folks to know that this is not a new tax but a renewal of the local option in place since 2000.

Talk to current Sisters students or those who have graduated and moved into careers inspired by the unique classes found in our town, and it’s easy to see what sets Sisters schools apart. I continue to watch students move through school while finding ways that inspire them for years to come. Let’s keep investing in students, spaces for them to find belonging, and our community.

Measure 9-161 is a very important measure for our community; please support it.

Audrey Tehan (founder and executive director for Seed to Table)

s s s

Yes on SPRD local option

To the Editor:

As an active senior and local resident, I urge you to vote yes on the Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) local option levy Ballot Measure 9-160.

For years, SPRD has provided a wide range of activities for every age group. Although COVID19 hampered in-person participation, the program schedule is back in full swing and new classes are being added all the time. Zumba, ukulele, Lunch and Learn, and tai chi are just a few of the many activities that help keep me healthy and connected to new friends.

This bill is an extension of the current levy, not an increase, and it is money well spent. Please vote yes on the SPRD local option levy, and continue to provide our kids, teens, and adults with opportunities to play, learn, grow, and thrive.

Dixie Eckford

To the Editor:

The Sisters City Council strongly supports the renewal of the Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) local option levy, Measure 9-160.

In 2018, voters in Sisters approved the initial levy

to assist SPRD in providing expanded services far beyond what their minimal tax base could provide. The renewal will extend the first measure’s tax rate of 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for another five years, so a yes vote on Measure 9-160 will not cause an increase in your tax rate.

Despite the shutdowns mandated by Covid-19, SPRD has still managed to increase program offerings, hire new staff, and expand its preschool and after-school programs. This was only possible with the increased funds provided by the original levy.

SPRD is working closely with the School District to create a community center at the current elementary school when the students move to the new school building in 2024. As Council, we know that having a community center is consistently ranked high on community surveys. The planning, preparation, and crafting of agreements to make this possible require the kind of resources which the renewal of this levy will provide.

This levy renewal will allow SPRD to retain experienced staff, address a backlog of facility maintenance, and most importantly, continue to expand regional activities which bring competitors and their families to Sisters, benefiting our local businesses, hotels, and eateries.

The Sisters City Council supports Measure 9-160 to further strengthen SPRD and allow them to continue essential programs in the Sisters community and lay further groundwork for the future.

Mayor Michael Preedin

s s s

and expand regional activities which bring competitors and their families to Sisters, benefiting our local businesses, hotels, and eateries.

SPRD is working closely with the School District to create a community center at the current elementary school when the students move to the new elementary school in 2024. This conversion does not occur in a vacuum. It requires the kind of resources, which the renewal of this levy will provide.

As a current city councilor I know that making a community center at the soon-to-be-vacant elementary school is a high priority on community surveys. I am convinced that should this levy not be renewed, SPRD will not have the resources to move forward with this effort, and the community will lose this one-time opportunity.

Please join me in voting yes on Measure 9-106.

Gary Ross s s s

To the Editor:

On May 16, Sisters voters will be asked to renew the Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) local option. This measure is essential for our community to continue enjoying the luxuries provided by SPRD.

My family is one of many that have benefited from the preschool run by SPRD, multitude of summer camps, and Sisters Outlaws lacrosse program. SPRD allows everyone to participate in activities regardless of means.

To the Editor:

I urge you to support renewal of the Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) local option levy, Measure 9-160. In 2018, voters in Sisters approved the initial levy to assist SPRD in providing expanded services far beyond what their minimal tax base could provide. The renewal will extend the first measure’s tax rate of $.015 per $1000.00 of assessed property value for another four years. A yes vote on Measure 9-160 will not cause an increase in your tax rate.

In spite of the shutdowns mandated by Covid-19, SPRD has still managed to increase program offerings, hire new staff, and expand their preschool and after school programs. This would not have been possible without the increase in funds provided by the original levy.

The levy renewal will allow SPRD to retain experienced staff, continue to address a backlog of facility maintenance, and most importantly continue

Sisters Park and Recreation doesn’t just help out local families but is a resource for everyone. Current offerings for adults include tai chi, ukulele lessons, and a cornhole league, which create new friendships and community.

Vote yes on Measure 9-160 to allow SPRD to grow our community.

Peggy Houge and Darren Root

s s s

Gas station

To the Editor:

For months I’ve been reading all the pros and cons for the new Space Age station and store.

That whole corner block is a little bit run down! It needs to be completely paved and landscaped to look as neat as the rest of town.

I’m not sure what will happen to the produce stand and nursery? Maybe a 3/4-size plan station

See LETTERS on page 13

LETTERS

Continued from page 12

and store would work and semi-public parking spaces for visitors.

I think the City approved the original plans before they took citizens’ input (cart before horse), so probably too late to change.

Chet Davis

s s s

Bilderback and Saunders for school board

To the Editor:

Sisters residents have a unique opportunity to elect two outstanding candidates for the School Board in the upcoming election.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing both Karissa Bilderback and Hilary Saunders for 25 years, first as their Sisters High School English teacher and then throughout their post-high school years. Both women are dynamic and driven.

Karissa and Hilary are passionate about providing positive educational opportunities for all children. They both fondly remember their own Sisters schools experiences and desire the excellence of education that they experienced throughout their school years continue to be available for all children in Sisters. Karissa has children in the School District and Hilary will soon. They both desire to be actively involved in school activities.

They know Sisters schools from the inside. Karissa has been a teacher and a substitute for years; she was my choice for a substitute whenever I needed one. Hilary has pursued her law career, always with the desire to bring reasoned input into what she pursues. Both women have served on various boards in the past and know how to listen and make decisions cooperatively.

These women are intelligent, energetic, humble, and thoughtful. All of these qualities are pertinent for the positions they seek. Please join me in enthusiastically voting for Karissa Bilderback and Hilary Saunders. They will prove themselves to be valuable additions to the Sisters School Board.

Carol Dixon

Bilderback for school board

To the Editor:

Sisters Schools have always been something that our community has taken great pride in: high academic standards, unique educational opportunities, extra-curricular activities, and exceptional teachers, administrators, and School Board members. This excellence in education is what initially brought many of us to Sisters. On May 16, we have a chance to ensure that our schools remain something we can be proud of, a place that we know the

children of our community will be supported and given the tools to think for themselves.

Karissa Bilderback (Sisters High School 2000) is running for School Board Position 3. Karissa brings to the table a long list of qualifications: including a master’s degree in education, experience as a classroom and substitute teacher, SPTC and local option board member. Karissa regularly attends Superintendent Scholl’s monthly coffee talks, as well as monthly School Board meetings. Karissa, with three of her four children enrolled in the District, has a vested interest in the success of our schools.

I am impressed with Karissa’s desired goals of excellence in our schools, beginning the moment a student walks through the door, the setting of high expectations for student accountability and behavior, school safety, teaching our students how to think and not what to think, and providing career pathways for our graduates.

Karissa is a familiar face in our schools; she is passionate about the education of the children of our community. She will work tirelessly and respectfully with other board members to find workable solutions to maintain the high educational standards Sisters schools are known for.

I humbly invite you to join me in voting for Karissa Bilderback for our kids, our schools, and our community. Karissa Bilderback is the best choice Sisters School Board Position 3.

Renee May

To the Editor:

in order to keep up with everyone else in our class.”

Karissa “walks the walk and talks the talk” when it comes to promoting education in Sisters. I am excited knowing the future of the next generation of students will have her by their side.

Erica Poulos

s s s

Vote for Jeff Smith

To the Editor:

I have known Jeff Smith for over 30 years, and I am grateful for the leadership he has provided for our school district. Jeff has been a steady voice on the school board that has helped our children thrive. He has a lifetime of service to education and has the passion and energy to serve our kids.

He was there for my son, and now has two grandchildren as students. We need a mixed perspective on the Board. Jeff provides a historical perspective that helps to sustain the good work that serves our children. Jeff helped the Board during the COVID19 pandemic to keep their eye on student learning. Our children were back into the classroom faster than any other Deschutes County districts and it made a big difference.

Jeff probably has more volunteer hours in Sisters schools than the other four candidates combined. He has worked in all of the school buildings. He puts in the hours and he does the work.

He has my vote.

Suzy

Ramsey

s s s

As an active member of the Sisters community, and mom of two growing up in the Sisters School District, I am sending this letter in full support of Karissa Bilderback’s campaign for a school board position.

Karissa was a full-time teacher prior to becoming a mother of four. She now dedicates her free time to her passion for education and the future of our community.

She constantly demonstrates “actions speaker louder than words” by actively volunteering on SPTC, in our classrooms/field trips, and currently serving on the PAC committee for the local option Measure 9-161. Without the passage of this levy, our community will lose 10 percent of funding (approximately 16 teachers) resulting in overcrowding of our classrooms of a growing school district. Every time I see her around town, she is demonstrating her passion for our schools by wearing a patch on her jacket advocating for our children.

As a mother of four young children currently enrolled in middle school and elementary school, she has a vested interest in the future of our schools and community. To quote my son, “She helps out a lot in our classroom. If she wasn’t there, my teacher wouldn’t be able to help the other kids with projects

s s s

Simmons for school board

To the Editor:

In the April 26 edition of The Nugget Newspaper, current School Board members, and past members, were writing in support of incumbents. I heard in a public forum that current School Board members shouldn’t be endorsing candidates through our main media source (The Nugget), especially when they haven’t heard from all those running.

Maybe it’s time for new blood? I believe it’s that time.

There are many constituents that want to bring in some creative problem solvers to inspire the School Board to be the best it possibly can be. This is where candidate Jayne Simmons shines. She researches issues and policies, she listens to others, she gets things done.

We have some ground to make up from the past few years, and we need board members who have the time and energy to learn and grow. We need board members to be honest about the setbacks in our public schools and willing to bring the necessary changes we may need.

See LETTERS on page 14

Continued from page 13

I heard about a debate/forum that was put together quickly on Monday that happened Friday, April 28. Constituents wanted to hear all the candidates without a politically motivated organization holding the debate. Unfortunately, Jayne Simmons was the only candidate present; however, I was very impressed with her, and she has my vote!

Simmons has the time and commitment for students, parents and teachers working together for the success and wellbeing of all our students. It’s about all voices being heard and considered in making policies for our children.

Thanks for trusting Simmons with your vote.

Marilynn Tobiasson

s s s Sarver for school board

To the Editor:

I wholeheartedly endorse re-electing Asa Sarver for Position 4 on the Sisters School Board.

As a former educator and SSD Board member myself, I know the time, dedication, and curiosity it takes to be an actively contributing board member. Asa understands the roles and responsibilities of a public school board and has made it his business to learn about the complexities of public school budgeting, public meeting law, public policy setting, and school bond oversight, by attending workshops, trainings, and asking lots of questions. He is not afraid to ask hard questions, listen to differing points of view, and look for creative, workable solutions while maintaining his integrity and not overstepping the role of a public school board member.

Asa stepped forward to chair the local option renewal because he understands firsthand how important these funds are to the Sisters School District’s budget. So on top of his other board responsibilities, he realized bringing in a yes vote was vital.

As a parent with one child in our schools and another to be an Outlaw soon, Asa never loses sight of the other reason he sought to be a Sisters School Board member — his children — all of the children.

I predict Asa will continue to be a well-informed decision maker and a cheerleader for all Sisters students. Please join me and cast your vote to re-elect Asa Sarver for Position 4.

Kay Grady

s s s Greco for Cloverdale Fire Board

To the Editor,

I would ask my friends and neighbors of the Cloverdale Fire District to join me in supporting Jerry Greco in his bid to represent us on the Cloverdale Fire board of directors. Jerry has been active in the fire service since the 1970s and has been a volunteer with Cloverdale for the past 31 of those years.

As a local business owner, Jerry knows what it’s like to make payroll and pay taxes. Jerry is fiscally conservative and will be careful with our hard-earned money. Jerry knows the dedication it takes to be a volunteer firefighter and would like to continue his service to our community as an active board member. Jerry Greco for Cloverdale Fire Board.

Matt Cyrus

SUDOKU Level: Moderate Answer: Page 23

SFF to raffle off Thompson guitar at Big Ponderoo

Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) will raffle a Thompson “Big Ponderoo” guitar in a fundraiser to support SFF’s cultural education outreach and programming in Central Oregon.

Sisters-based, nationally renowned Preston Thompson Guitars has donated a dreadnought guitar for the organization to raffle off. The raffle will be conducted in tandem with the inaugural Big Ponderoo music festival happening Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25 in Sisters.

The handcrafted guitar features a mahogany back and sides, an Adirondack spruce top, and a custom pinecone inlay by Thompson artist Simon Haycraft on the headstock in honor of the festival’s namesake — the ponderosa pine.

Only 400 raffle entries will be sold at $25 each. Tickets can be purchased online on Wednesday, May 3, at https:// bigponderoo.com/#raffle or in person at the SFF office (204 W. Adams Ave., Ste. 101) or

at the merch tent during the festival, until sold out.

The winner will be drawn on Sunday, June 25 from the Sisters Art Works stage. Winner need not be present to win and the guitar can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.

The Big Ponderoo festival features bluegrass and Americana music on two stages in downtown Sisters: Sisters Art Works and the Three Creeks Brewing production facility.

The lineup includes The War and Treaty, The Travelin’ McCourys, The Lone Bellow, The Lil’ Smokies, Corb Lund, Dustbowl Revival, Margo Cilker, Twisted Pine, Jon Stickley Trio, Mile Twelve, The Last Revel, Never Come Down, Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs, FY5, Honey Don’t, and Skillethead.

Weekend passes and single-day tickets are available for purchase at www.bigpond eroo.com. Be sure to follow @BigPonderoo on Instagram and Facebook for updates and additional information.

JOHNSON: Chief honored for legislative work

Continued from page 1

for me. His work on the OFCA Legislative Committee and guidance through the long session has been tremendous.

His dedication to the Oregon Fire Service, ensuring residents and visitors are safe and protected, is second to none.”

The Oregon Fire Chiefs Association works to serve and unite Oregon’s fire service through engagement, education, coordination across fire, rescue and emergency fields, and advocacy. OFCA represents over 300 fire districts and departments in both urban and rural areas of the state.

Chief Johnson chairs the Legislative Committee for the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association. The 2023 Oregon legislative agenda includes the following priorities:

• Protect investments in Oregon’s fire service to increase wildfire defense capacity, firefighter capacity for wildfire response, conflagration support.

• Protect investments in community readiness and response originally made possible by SB 762.

• Support the budget for the Department of the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

• Potential investments or policy recommendations that support Rural Fire Protection Districts and increase firefighter capacity.

• Support Urban Search and Rescue investments.

• OFCA will respond to other issues as they arise during the legislative session.

As coordinators of SPRD’s nine volunteer committees, providing recreational activities ranging from youth athletics to astronomy, we understand the importance of SPRD’s ongoing support. We urge you to VOTE YES FOR MEASURE 9-160 to assure that our groups will continue to thrive.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Preparing for college costs Commentary...

Another school year is coming to a close. And if you have young children, they’re now a year closer to heading off to college or some other type of post-secondary education or training. So, if you haven’t already done so, you may want to start preparing for these costs.

And they can be considerable. During the 2022-23 school year, the average estimated annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and other personal expenses) was nearly $28,000 for public four-year, in-state schools and more than $57,000 for private nonprofit four-year schools, according to the College Board.

Of course, some students don’t pay the full bill for college. Any grants and scholarships they receive can bring down the “sticker price.” Still, there’s often a sizable amount that students and their families must come up with. To help fill this gap, you may want to explore various strategies, one of which is a 529 education savings plan.

A 529 plan offers several key benefits. First of all, your earnings can grow, tax-deferred, and your withdrawals are federally taxfree when used for qualified education expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, and so on. You may be eligible to invest in a 529 plan in most states, but depending on where you live, you may be able to deduct your contributions from your state income tax or possibly receive a state tax credit for investing in your home state’s 529 plan. Tax issues for 529 plans can be complex. Please consult your tax advisor about your situation.

And 529 plans aren’t just for college. You may be able to use one to pay K-12 expenses, up to $10,000 per student per year. (However, not all states comply with

this 529 expansion for K-12, so you might not be able to claim deductions, and your withdrawals could be subject to state tax penalties.)

A 529 plan can also be used to pay for most expenses connected to apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. These programs are often available at community colleges and combine classroom education with on-the-job training.

Furthermore, you can now withdraw funds from a 529 plan to repay qualified federal private and student loans, up to $10,000 for each 529 plan beneficiary and another $10,000 for each of the beneficiary’s siblings.

But what if you’ve named a child as a 529 plan beneficiary and that child doesn’t want to pursue any type of advanced education?

If this happens, you, as the account owner, are free to name another family member as beneficiary.

And beginning in 2024, you may have even more flexibility if a child foregoes college or other

post-secondary education.

Due to the passing of the Secure Act 2.0 in December 2022, unused 529 plan funds of up to $35,000 may be eligible to roll over to a Roth IRA of the designated beneficiary.

One of the qualifications for this rollover is to have had your 529 plan for at least 15 years. To determine if you qualify for this rollover, you will want to consult your tax advisor.

A 529 plan has a lot to offer — and it might be something to consider for your family’s future.

Withdrawals used for expenses other than qualified education expenses may be subject to federal and state taxes, plus a 10% penalty. Make sure to discuss the potential financial aid impacts with a financial aid professional.

Edward Jones, its financial advisors, and employees cannot provide tax or legal advice.

This column was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Karen Kassy, CRPC.

Continued from page 3

excited when they find it,” said COTA volunteer Steve Smith, who has been instrumental in maintaining the park for several years.

Bike Park 242’s history began in fall of 2015, shortly after COTA’s Sisters Chapter was created. The chapter’s first representative, Joel Palanuk, and Casey Meudt of Blazin Saddles Cycle and Supply advocated to bring a bike skills park to Sisters. With a lot of effort and generous grant funding, the park was built by 2019. Now SPRD and COTA are working to make Bike Park 242 better than ever.

There are many ways for community members to support the current project. To help the budget go further, COTA is seeking donated or discounted fill dirt, gravel, large rocks, hand tools, paint, and native plants and seed. If you would like to support the project by donating cash or products, email contact@ cotamtb.com.

COTA also needs volunteers to pitch in now and with

ongoing maintenance. Join COTA’s Meetup group or email contact@cotamtb.com to find out when work events are happening. No experience is required and there are a variety of tasks ranging from strenuous to non-strenuous. Youth are welcome to join a work event with a parent or guardian.

Bike Park 242 is currently open; however, the blue and black jump lines are closed while the drop-in ramps are rebuilt. The entirety of Bike Park 242 will be closed from approximately May 4-20 while the major work is completed. Work on some tasks such as revegetation and signage may extend beyond those dates after the park has reopened. Check COTA’s events calendar at https:// www.cotamtb.com/eventscalendar.html for the closure dates.

“COTA and SPRD are working hard to make Bike Park 242 a fun place for people of all ages and abilities to be outside, get exercise, improve their bike skills, and connect with people in their community,” Mark Miskowiec said.

SPRD and COTA anticipate planning a community day to celebrate the refreshed park in July.

PARK: Track will be closed May 4-20 for work

Firewood season opens in Sisters

Personal- and commercialuse firewood collection season is open on the Deschutes National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland. All areas will remain open through November 30.

The public should note this is only for the national forest system lands.

While personal-use firewood permits are free, a permit is still required. The public can obtain up to eight cords of wood per year, and permits are available at local vendors and Forest Service offices. This firewood cannot be sold and must be used for personal use only. People interested in selling firewood must obtain a commercial permit at a Forest Service office.

Permit holders must have a permit and a copy of the Firewood Synopsis while collecting firewood and will be required to tag their loads. Permit holders need to pay particular attention to the “Rules and Regulations” as well as the specific cutting designations listed on each cutting area map in the synopsis. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to read the Firewood Synopsis and understand the tree species available for firewood cutting and gathering in the designated areas. It is prohibited to possess or remove trees that have been illegally cut.

Permits will be available at vendors — Sisters Ace Hardware, Sisters Mainline Station, and Sisters Bi-Mart — and at Forest Service offices as of May 1. All Forest Service offices in Central Oregon are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the exception of the Crescent Ranger District that is closed to the public on Fridays.

Permit holders must be aware of and follow all fire restrictions, which can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/ main/deschutes/home. The firewood synopsis and list of vendors are also located on the website.

Call Sisters Ranger District at 541-549-7700.

Stars over Sisters

By Brennan Frutos/Lizzie McCrystal Columnists

Though not to be feared, the head of a dragon does appear high in the northeast sky during the evening hours of May. Known as Draco, this celestial reptile is the eighth largest constellation by area. The tip of its tail lies between the cup of the Big Dipper and Polaris (the North Star) while its body passes between the two dippers and circles halfway around the Little Dipper. The beast’s head then turns back on its body, positioned just north of the constellation of Hercules.

Draco is one of the Greek constellations, first catalogued by astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. It is a circumpolar constellation from our latitude, never setting below the horizon.

Draco’s brightest star is Eltanin (Arabic for Dragon Head), which shines at a magnitude of 2.2. It is an orange-colored giant star approximately 1.7 times more massive than the sun located at a distance of 154 lightyears. Astronomers have estimated that in about 1.5 million years from now, Eltanin will approach within 28 lightyears of the sun, and become the brightest star in the sky.

Although it is only the eighth brightest star in Draco, Thuban holds special historical significance in that it

served as the Pole Star from 3942 BCE to 1793 BCE, due to the precession of earth’s axis of rotation.

In 2022 a team of scientists discovered an exoplanet orbiting a binary system in Draco that is only 100 lightyears away. It is slightly larger than our earth and is located at a distance from its star where temperatures could allow for liquid water to exist on its surface.

While Draco contains a large collection of deepsky objects, all but one of them are galaxies. Three of the most well-known of these have been dubbed the Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866), the Knife Edge Galaxy (NGC 5907), and the Tadpole Galaxy (Arp 188) because of their distinctive shapes. The lone exception to these far-flung galaxies is a much nearer planetary nebula.

NGC 6543, nicknamed the “Cat’s Eye Nebula,” is one of the most complex planetary nebulae ever seen. The Hubble Space Telescope has revealed intricate structures, including concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas. Estimated to be just 1,000 years old, this object is only 3,300 lightyears away.

Probably the most common myth associated with Draco describes a golden apple tree gifted to Hera

when she married Zeus. The goddess planted the tree in her garden on Mount Atlas, tasking Atlas’ daughters and the dragon Ladon with guarding it. However, as part of his twelve labours, Heracles was asked to steal some golden apples from the tree. So he slew Ladon with poisoned arrows and took the apples. Saddened by the dragon’s demise, Hera placed its image among the stars.

The Eta Aquariids meteor shower is expected to peak between May 4-5 of the month with up to 50 shooting stars per hour. That’s the good news. The bad news is that excessive glare from the Full Flower Moon will hide all but the brightest of these. In addition, the radiant is in the constellation of Aquarius, which for us doesn’t rise until well after midnight and stays low on the horizon.

Venus will put on its best display of the year this month as the brilliant orb moves out of Taurus into Gemini. Although much dimmer, Mars is also nearby, crossing into Cancer by mid-month. Look for both these planets low in the western sky after sunset.

On the morning stage, Saturn continues to pull away from the sun, rising at 1:30 a.m. local time on May 31. By the latter third of the month, Jupiter and Mercury will join the Ringed Jewel, both emerging from the sun’s glare.

The dark-sky tip for this month is to turn your outdoor lights off when they are not in use. Consider turning them off a few hours after sunset or before you go to bed. A good way to make sure the lights go out is to put them on timers.

Ages

Ages

The Cat’s Eye Nebula is a shell of gas expelled from a dying star located 3,330 light-years away in the constellation of Draco.

PHOTO COURTESY NASA/HST

Outlaws baseball sweeps Elmira

Outlaws pitching and defense remained tough, and the bats came alive as the Outlaws took it to Elmira in a three-game test last week.

The Sisters baseball team traveled to Elmira on Tuesday and came home with an 8-3 victory. Patrick Silva pitched five innings, not allowing a run, and Landen Scott pitched the final two innings.

“Elmira made a late push in this game but we were able to hold on for the win with some key hits late in the game that helped extend our lead,” said Coach Matt Hilgers.

Baseball weather graced the Outlaws home field on Friday for a double-header in 80º temps. The Outlaws completed the sweep with a 6-2 win in game one, and a 14-4 victory in game two, which was called after five innings due to the 10-run rule.

Brody Duey pitched the

first game, holding Elmira to two runs in six innings, and Austin Dean came in to finish the seventh inning.

“In game two we opened up scoring early and often as the offense started to click, and we put much better swings on the baseball supporting Brody Fischer, who gave up four runs

LEAVITT: Rodeo marks passing of longtime key member

Continued from page 3

went to my first rodeo when I was 8 or 9 years old. That was in Klamath Falls. I roped cows here in Sisters when I was 16…. My sister barrel-raced.”

quickly became one of the linchpin retailers in Sisters — and John became an active participant in Sisters Rodeo.

“With the store and all, it made sense to do that,” he said. “But I’d have done it anyway.”

in five innings,” Hilgers said. The Outlaws were to travel to Siuslaw on Tuesday and will host the same team in a doubleheader on Friday.

“This will be a challenging series for us (as) we continue to get better every day and attempt to reach a few of our season’s goals,” Hilgers said.

Camp Sherman’s history draws a crowd

It turns out, the history of Camp Sherman is a very popular subject.

With the Three Sisters Historical Society hosting a Fireside Evening presentation on the subject at FivePine, on April 25, the Conference Center filled rapidly . An eager and enthusiastic audience was there to hear Lorie Hancock’s presentation “If the Trees Could Speak – Stories of Camp Sherman.”

Having been a founding member of the Camp Sherman Historical Society in 2004, and a resident since 1998, Hancock had a lot to share. She and other volunteers were instrumental in documenting through oral interviews the priceless stories of many of the old-timers over the years, and compiling them into video format.

Snippets of many of these were presented along with a large array of historic photos, and many colorful stories. She talked of old dairies, early bridges and cabins, how the Headwater of the Metolius came to be protected, where the golf course was, the

earliest school children (a class of three, but the picture was adorable), the dances, the fishing, and much more.

The audience was challenged to join up as teams at the beginning of the evening and try to answer a series of trivia questions related to various aspects of Camp Sherman’s history. Thequestions were a bit challenging, such as “how many original homesteaders were there?” “ What color was the original Allingham Guard Station painted?” As the evening unfolded, answers were revealed and no team had them all correct — but it was fun trying, and there may have been some new, and or renewed, friendships made.

Guest Marna Griffin said afterward it was so much fun hearing all the stories, many of which brought back fond childhood memories – but her “favorite was the square dancing at the Community Hall.”

Helen Schmidling from Sisters Gallery brought several works of original acrylic art by Brad Earl that were exhibited and drew a lot of

attention. The subject was various viewpoints of Camp Sherman and the Metolius. Also on hand were Peter Brown and Dakota Foote of Under/Over Productions from Bend. They were video recording the evening and posting it live on Facebook. It will also be made available soon on TSHS’s website and their YouTube channel.

Three Sisters Historical Society is in search of topics and speakers for next winter’s Fireside Series; call 541-5491403 with suggestions.

At the age of 24, Leavitt toured Europe with the Rodeo Far West Tour, organized and sponsored by Wrangler, Coca-Cola, and Ford Motor Company. The tour was a Wild West show similar to the Buffalo Bill shows at the turn of the 20th Century. The tour included 60 people — cowboys, barrel racers, 15 Sioux Indian dancers, and livestock.

In addition to ranching, Leavitt’s father and uncles owned a trucking company. On one trip up Highway 20 through Sisters in 1976, they noticed a Western wear store on Cascade Avenue. The store was owned by Sisters pioneers Harold and Dorothy Barclay, whom the Leavitts’ knew through ranch and rodeo connections. They were interested in selling the business, which they had operated for a year. They told John about this potential business opportunity, and Leavitt roped it and tied it down, taking ownership of what would become Leavitt’s Western Wear in March 1977.

The store

Leavitt became a board member in the 1980s and served as an arena director and timed-event coordinator, as well as serving on the queen-selection committee. And throughout most of those years, he was also a contestant.

“He just made the Rodeo run so smooth because he was just so good at his job,” said President Curt Kallberg.

In its statement, the Rodeo Association said, “We all carry a heavy heart with the loss of John, especially the long and deep friendship he had with many of us. What a great man! Many believe he was the heart and soul of Sisters Rodeo. Our rodeo family will not be the same without his presence, but we will always be eternally grateful for his leadership that led us to be the amazing rodeo we are today.”

John Leavitt took a long last look at the Sisters Rodeo arena after last year’s event.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Kayl Mock connects versus Elmira.

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

City moving forward on multiple projects

Continued from page 3

only one this has happened to… even when it feels that way. We try to wrap around that support, shoulder up, and be there to listen.”

Alissa doesn’t see I Am Seen as a political or religious organization. Her efforts focus on helping people navigate the loss, whether they are the parents, extended family, or friends. Sometimes not knowing what to say can result in comments that do more harm than good.

“People try to compare loss, but grief is grief. Each person’s situation is just as real and impactful as the next person’s grief,” said Alissa.

Last October, I Am Seen held the first Seen Remembrance day, where attendees and presenters shared stories, validated families, and supported those who suffered the loss of their little ones.

“During the event, my husband read baby names aloud, which can be so affirming for the parents. My husband spoke at the event to help other men who may be grieving in different but just as profound ways,” Alissa said.

I Am Seen was created to bring a voice to the conversation about the kind of loss that comes from losing a child while also building a community of people who’ve struggled through it.

“We offer the Care Boxes as a way to offer resources and tools to help grieving parents through the sense of loss that will never fully go away. Being together in person at the Remembrance Day helps people realize how many others share their loss,” said Alissa.

The Cowans are pleased that St. Charles Hospital now has Care Boxes available for those who have lost a child.

“That’s where we experienced our loss, and at the time there were no resources offered to us as we left the ER empty-handed and in shock,” Alissa recalled. “It felt like it all came full circle when they told me they gave out the first box to a grieving couple. We know it can’t take away all

CLARIFICATION

Sisters District Ranger Ian Reid told The Nugget that he believes he was quoted incorrectly in the story “Film screening highlights fire danger,” in the April 26 edition of The Nugget. Reid said that his statement regarding the wildland fire triangle of weather, fuels, and topography was:

“Fuels is the only thing we humans can influence.”

the pain, but it says you are not alone; you are seen and there is support and other people who understand.”

Founding I Am Seen has helped with the Cowans’ healing process. Several years after losing their child named Micah, Alissa was crying out to God because she was confused about the idea that God brings good to his children.

“I was asking what is the good in any of this. I challenged God because I was angry and hurt and broken,” she said. “Then this idea just plopped in that I could bring the concept of I Am Seen to Central Oregon. The Bible says ‘You have seen my sorrow and grief.’ That’s how we chose that scripture. Now I see that I can be there for someone else, so they don’t have to do it alone. Even though James and I experienced a lonely, isolating journey, we could make sure that didn’t happen to others in our community. We can all remember together. It doesn’t matter how long ago people have experienced the loss. Remembering with them is still valuable and often needed. You’re never completely over it. We had

seventy people at the first Seen Remembrance and we’ve given out over two hundred boxes with links to our support group page.”

By starting the nonprofit, Alissa’s perspective has changed.

“I see that this is the good that came out of the grief. It’s the beauty out of the ashes. Now I can help other women, men, and families and walk their journey with them,” she said.

The Seen – Pregnancy Loss Remembrance Day is on October 15.

For support after losing a child, Alissa recommends the I Am Seen Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/ SeenFamily, and GriefShare. There is a local GriefShare group. See www.griefshare. org/groups and search by area code.

For pregnancy loss support, free ultrasounds, and resources for dads and moms, contact Pregnancy Resource Centers of Central Oregon, www.prcco. org/resources-and-help/ pregnancy-loss/.

Alissa’s email is Alissa@ Iamseen.org. To make a donation, visit www.iamseen.org.

By Ceili Gatley Correspondent

The Sisters City Council took another step toward construction of a roundabout at Highway 20 and Locust Street last week.

In their Wednesday, April 26 meeting, the Council approved Amendment No. 2 of the intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation for improvements on Highway 20 at Locust Street, allowing the project to move forward. They will begin moving dirt on the area most likely in February 2024, pending construction timelines and when funding from STIP (Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan) becomes available.

Council also approved the concept design of the Barclay Drive Improvement Project, allowing that project to move forward in the final design.

The City was presented with concept designs for the East Portal Transportation Hub and discussed the various phases the project would undergo throughout

construction. The City Council approved the East Portal Transportation Hub Master Plan, allowing for final designs to be made for that project.

Public Works Director Paul Bertagna presented Council with a motion to award a slurry seal paving project contract. The City approved the contract with Pave Northwest, Inc. for $78,268.70. The project will by undertaken on Creekside Drive, Tyee Drive, Wapato Loop, and Timber Creek Drive. Slurry sealing is a maintenance treatment that prolongs the life span of asphalt. Due to studded tire traffic on our roads, the asphalt gets a lot of wear and tear. The slurry seal will be a Type 3, a finer crushed aggregate (rock). Residents living near those streets will be notified well before the slurry sealing begins.

The last item of business was approval of the contract of the new city manager, Jordan Wheeler, which includes a start date. The Council approved the contract after negotiations, and Wheeler is slated to start July 5.

Th r ee Sister s Hist or ical Society

DOWNT OWN

‘I AM SEEN’: couple seeks to help cope with loss

James and Alissa Cowan with a Care Box. The couple has started a nonprofit to help people who have suffered a miscarriage.

PHOTO BY QORBIN COWAN

WisdomScottie &Faith

Jean Russell Nave

Scotties separation anxiety

Many dogs exhibit separation anxiety. Our rescued twelve-year-old Scottie, Piper, having lost 75 percent of her hearing, is now very dependent upon her caregiver. In the past she stayed in the car for an hour without getting upset. Now she howls the minute the car door closes. Bernie, the other Scottie, is with her for company, but that isn’t enough. She wants me with her.

Her first five years were spent in a happy home. Then her caregiver passed away. The next two years were spent in an unstable home, including going days without food. Finally, the situation was noticed, and she and her companion were put up for adoption. Five years ago she came to us and found peace and happiness. But now she seems afraid, and she’s feeling vulnerable.

Many Americans feel lonely and vulnerable. In a nation of wealth, 55 percent of older adults with health issues, including hearing loss, say they are lonely.

How can faith in a higher power help? During my seven-plus decades on this earth I’ve watched the glowing exclusion of faith from our government, schools, workplaces, and many other venues. During the 1950s, 98 percent of Americans believed there was some kind of power greater than themselves whom they could call upon during times of anxiety or trouble.

My uncle Pete, who served in the Navy during World War II and lived through the sinking of his destroyer in the Pacific, told my dad that there wasn’t an atheist left in the remaining crew after the ship’s sinking. All the survivors called upon faith to save them.

Yes, basic faith and a quick prayer can help during troubles. It takes a greater grasp of deeper faith, such as truly understanding what Jesus taught, to conquer deeper problems like seeping, creeping loneliness.

Many people with a basic faith in God do not fully comprehend the amazing

message that we are not just our bodies but that we are all Spirit, linked with the powerful creator of the universe, regardless of our conscious faith. This is why we are all called “children of God,” and why we are never alone.

Today’s version of the Lord’s Prayer, and it has gone through many versions over the past two thousand years, begins with, “Our father who art in heaven.”

This prayer, as most Western people know it, immediately separates us from the creator. God is in heaven, and we are on earth.

During research for my new book on faith, I discovered a fantastic recent translation of the Lord’s Prayer from 2,000-year-old Aramaic texts found in Egypt in 1947.

This prayer begins, “Father-Mother … Radiant One: you shine within us — outside us, even darkness shines…”

In other words, the Lord’s Prayer, as written during a time much closer to the days Jesus walked and taught, tells us right away that God is in us. In the West, this Power is called the “Christ” within. Other cultures and faiths call it by other names. Once we understand this concept, we can never be lonely again.

I’ve followed quantum physics for years. Recently, well-written books have come on the market explaining the research progress in terms that nonphysicists can understand. They show us that this tiny subatomic world can behave in ways that Jesus must have used to create the numerous “miracles” he revealed.

The quantum world demonstrates that tiny particles such as photons and electrons can change from energy into material matter simply by the thought of a person. If one knows the mental formula, that sounds like multiplying the loaves and fishes.

Experiments by both private and military scientists have demonstrated

that human emotion can change DNA. That sounds like a consciousness tool for miraculous healings.

These new scientific windows demonstrate there are higher natural laws that we have not understood. But apparently Jesus knew about them and how to control them in a way we have yet to understand. He always said we would be able to do everything he did, but that we had to raise our consciousness and fill our hearts with love to get there.

Physicists are seeing that thought can change the material world. Thought and faith are the same thing. Deep faith in a higher power is a thought and a feeling. The deeper the faith, the more powerful the feeling. When your thought energy is more powerful, your consciousness rises above the pull of your body’s hold on it and you can see things and do things you never dreamed possible.

Jesus had a highly raised consciousness, actually making him one with the creative force. He told us in many ways that a raised consciousness was the key to reuniting with God. God is love, first. When you begin to touch something so powerful as changing energy into matter, you must be led by love or you could destroy the earth and everything else.

This amazing power is inside each of us. Our journey is to reach it. That begins with loving all living things on earth. We can find this power bit by bit with quiet time. Those who think they are lonely simply need someone to open their minds to faith. Growing faith will end the loneliness.

Rather than forbidding the discussion of faith, not religion — religion is rules and dogma — we need to bring back the opportunities to introduce the idea that there is an amazing power living in each of us.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God? – I Corinthians 3:16

ARBOR DAY: Sisters is a Tree City USA town

Continued from page 1

being recognized.

As a Tree City USA participant through the Arbor Day Foundation, Sisters is one of the only cities in Oregon to have an Urban Forestry Management Plan, an urban forestry board, a contracted city forester, a public tree ordinance, and private tree preservation standards.

The students at the event were asked what they love most about trees, and they all responded, extolling tree forts and the smell of fresh air.

Most of the City Council was present at the event and

helped the students and the public works department get the trees in the ground. The trees were not saplings and were transplanted into large holes in the ground. Students, their parents, and City staff assisted in getting them planted.

“I love that these kids can come back to this park one day and see how much their trees have grown,” said Shoup.

Parents and volunteers helped with planting work.

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

I love that these kids can come back to this park one day and see how much their trees have grown.

— Emme Shoup

underway in Sisters

Continued from page 1

downtown, blowing south. Sisters was full Saturday of tourists and locals taking advantage of near perfect weather. Outdoor eateries were packed, along with streets full of strollers and shoppers mostly oblivious to the high-stakes action taking place five miles away.

The managed burn was one of several in recent weeks around Sisters, with more planned. Sunday’s burn — 61 acres — took place only a mile from Sisters, along FS 1605. Last Friday, 57 acres were successfully burned three miles east of Sisters, with minimal smoke affecting traffic.

There was some smoke lying in town Sunday morning due to a mild inversion.

“Prescribed fire is a critical tool that we use to reduce the risk of wildfire to our communities and to our landscape,” Deschutes National Forest Public Affairs Specialist Jaimie Olle said. “We use that as a tool to get rid of the ladder fuels, that should a wildfire start in an area like this during the heat of summer, our firefighters have a much better chance of success, of being able to catch that fire and keep our community safe.”

Ladder fuel is a firefighting term for live or dead vegetation that allows a fire to climb from the forest floor into the tree canopy. Common ladder fuels include tall grasses, shrubs, and tree branches, both living and dead. The removal of fuel ladders is part of defensible space practices.

The ODF smoke forecasters approve each burn as long as the conditions are right.

“They’re taking into consideration everything from wind, weather, and whether there’s a potential for that smoke to lift up and hopefully away from communities,” Olle said. “So every single day, we’re sending them our measurements of things that

we’re seeing on the ground, and they’re determining whether it’s a good day to burn.”

The right conditions for a prescribed burn depend on the dryness of the area.

“Enough moisture in the fuels so the vegetation, again those ladder fuels, that carry fire up into the crown, and they want those fuels to be receptive enough to fire so that we decrease them, but keep it wet enough that we’re not creating that high-intensity wildfire atmosphere,” Olle said.

Among the many crews on hand for the fires, which include water tankers, fire engines, and hot shot teams in the event the fire exceeds its boundaries or intensity, were trainees with TREX.

Over 40 participants from various agencies, nonprofits, and higher education institutions from across the United States, Tribal Nations, and Canada have come to Central Oregon for a two-week prescribed fire TREX training exchange.

The training is designed for local and regional fire practitioners, scientists, and managers to work side by side as they gain experience in prescribed fire practices, fire effects, and other conservation and restoration efforts affecting forests.

Prescribed burning has long been controversial, with experts on both sides of the argument making lengthy scientific cases for their position.

A prescribed burn has a well-prepared written prescription that describes the objectives of the burn, burn unit, firebreaks, coarse and volatile fuel considerations near firebreaks, acceptable weather parameters (including wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, temperature, and smoke dispersion), acceptable soil moisture, labor needed, equipment needed, civil authority and neighbor notifications, ignition procedures, contingency protocols, and mop-up and monitoring protocols.

Wildfires are a natural part of the forest ecosystems. The difficulty of managing

wildfires, especially in locales like Sisters, led to decades of fire suppression by the USFS and other agencies during the 20th century to protect loss of life and property. Now many earth scientists profess the need for regular intentional fires both for ecosystem management and human safety.

To balance the risks and benefits of fires, federal and environmental agencies conduct prescribed or controlled burns — fires that are meticulously planned,

intentionally set, and carefully managed. Prescribed burns can mimic natural fires, while allowing land managers to determine exactly when and where an area will burn. However, controlled fires also entail some of the downsides of any fire. Burning large areas releases smoke and particulates that can damage air quality. And, no matter how well planned, is never without some risk of getting out of control.

The Sisters Ranger District has enjoyed a solid reputation for its prescribed burn program, which involves around 1,000 to 2,000 acres a year in its portion of the 1.8 million acre Deschutes National Forest.

Ideally, woodlands managers say, forests should have a 10-year prescribed burn cycle. That would mean intentionally burning 35,000 acres a year in the Sisters district, more than 15 times current rates.

EMERGENCIES IN SISTERS COUNTRY: BE PREPARED

Thursday, May 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Doors Open at 5:30 p.m., Program 6-7:30 p.m. Sisters Fire Hall Community Room

301 S. Elm St., Sisters

Citizens4Community (C4C) wants you to prepare for disasters and emergencies in Sisters Country... wildfires, earthquakes, snow and storm events. Get valuable information on how to prepare your family and property, get emergency alerts, follow evacuation routes, and utilize local, state, and federal response and recovery services.

Moderator: Jim Barnett C4C Forum Co-Chair

Speakers: Chief Roger Johnson Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District

Sgt. Nathan Garibay Deschutes County Emergency Services Manager

Ian Reid District Ranger, USFS Sisters

Carrie Sammons Central & Eastern Oregon Chapter, American Red Cross

Devin Thompson Executive Director, McKenzie Valley Long-Term Recovery Group

Tammy Taylor Insurance Agent, Bisnett Insurance

Jack McGowan Director, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District

Presented by:

FIRE: Burning season has gotten

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

We are all storytellers

By Mitchell Luftig Columnist

We may not think of ourselves as storytellers, but each of us has crafted a unique story that reminds us of who we are, our place in the world, and what we can expect from others.

To be human is to be both playwright, director, and lead actor in our own story. We perform a play of our own making, which gives shape to our life and colors our perceptions. But those stories that are constraining can, with a good rewrite, become liberating.

We use the structure of our stories to give meaning to the actions and words of others. When we retell our story, we can seize the opportunity to release people from the roles we’ve assigned to them, moving us closer to authenticity in our relationships.

First stories

According to the Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, the origin of our fear is the helplessness we experienced as an infant and as a child when we recognized how ill-equipped we were to survive alone in the world — that we needed our caregivers to keep us safe, meet our basic needs, soothe our distress, and ensure that we felt loved and admired for who we were.

When caregivers did their job well, the stories of our childhood reflected growing independence, a sense of mastery, an ability to soothe our own distress, confidence in our relationship skills, and healthy self-esteem.

When our caregivers failed at some of these tasks, or were inconsistent in their performance, our stories may have echoed the belief that we were unable to take care of ourselves, but at the same time, we could not always depend upon others.

One story based upon inadequate or inconsistent caregiving might be, “I cannot say how I really feel because I may drive away the people I need to protect me and keep me safe.”

Another story might proclaim, “I should avoid getting close to others because everyone I depend upon will eventually let me down.”

Thich Nhat Hanh wrote that, to transform our childhood fears, we must hold an inner dialogue, giving our adult self an opportunity to reassure our younger self that it has acquired the necessary skills to take care of us. This conversation may facilitate a new story that conveys a belief in one’s autonomy and opens the

door to relationships based upon interdependence rather than clinging or avoidance.

Group membership is important to children and teens, as it enables them to live part of their lives outside of their caregivers’ orbit, increasing their independence and preparing them for life away from their family. Children whose peers excluded or bullied them may craft stories that continue to reverberate into their adult lives, making it difficult for them to interact comfortably within groups.

When we were children we may have misunderstood some of our experiences, drawing false and often negative conclusions. Since the stories we tell ourselves as adults are often iterations of our childhood stories, “faulty” life lessons present an impediment to living our best life.

Now we have a chance to revisit our stories, asking ourselves,

• Are our stories helpful?

• Do our stories contribute to our happiness and joy or add to our suffering?

• Do our stories unleash our potential by maximizing our strengths?

• Do our stories provide us with the confidence to take risks, continue to grow as a person, and to handle setbacks and failure?

• Do our stories foster positive expectations of relationships?

Are our stories confining or liberating?

To tell new stories we must be willing to sacrifice our old stories. But since our stories are aligned with our ego-identity, even contemplating a rewrite of our personal account may evoke anxiety.

Altering our story may feel as though we are taking a leap into the unknown, leaving behind everything that grounds us, everything familiar. Who will we be in this new version of ourselves? What can we expect from others? Where will we fit into our world?

The only way to find out is to take the leap.

How to recognize your stories

You are listening for the color commentary your mind provides in response to different situations. Write your color commentary down, identifying the context when each thought occurs. You will begin to see how your stories shape your perceptions of and reactions to events. Now ask yourself, which stories enable you to live your best life and which stories hold you back?

It’s time to begin writing the story you want to live!

ALL advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

CLASSIFIED RATES

COST: $2 per line for first insertion, $1.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1 per line 10th week and beyond (identical ad/consecutive weeks). Also included in The Nugget online classifieds at no additional charge. There is a minimum $5 charge for any classified. First line = approx. 20-25 characters, each additional line = approx. 25-30 characters. Letters, spaces, numbers and punctuation = 1 character. Any ad copy changes will be charged at the first-time insertion rate of $2 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate.

102 Commercial Rentals 484 W. Washington, 1137 sq. ft. available May 1st. $1.25 sq. ft. monthly. South side of the building. Do not bother current tenants. No showings until May 1st. Dave 503-522-6306

MINI STORAGE Sisters Rental 331 W. Barclay Drive 541-549-9631

Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor RV parking. 7-day access. Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies.

STORAGE WITH BENEFITS

• 8 x 20 dry box

• Fenced yard, RV & trailers

• In-town, gated, 24-7 Kris@earthwoodhomes.com

103 Residential Rentals

Live on a Lake! Private 850 sf. 1 bed/1 bath apt. in lake home fourteen miles west of Sisters. $1425/mo. No pets/no smoking. 541-977-0011

www.apartments.com/31401-lov

egren-ln-sisters-or/k5n49y9/

PONDEROSA PROPERTIES

–Monthly Rentals Available–Call Debbie at 541-549-2002

Full details, 24 hrs./day, go to: PonderosaProperties.com

Printed list at 221 S. Ash, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC

205 Garage & Estate Sales

MOVING SALE

25 years of stuff

16715 Bitterbrush Ln. Sisters

April 22 & 23. Sat & Sun 9-5

Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions!

Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths?

Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806 Sharie 541-771-1150

301 Vehicles

We Buy, Sell, Consign Quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs & RVs ~ Call Jeff at 541-815-7397

Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

403 Pets

Three Rivers Humane Society

Where love finds a home! See the doggies at 1694 SE McTaggart in Madras • A no-kill shelter Go to ThreeRiversHS.org or call 541-475-6889

500 Services

• DERI’s HAIR SALON • Call 541-419-1279

We’ve got your cats covered! Sisters-Tumalo-PetSitting.com 541-306-7551 • Julie

GORDON’S

LAST TOUCH

Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY

Member Better Business Bureau

• Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon

Since 1980

Call 541-549-3008

504 Handyman

SISTERS HONEYDO

General repairs, paint and trim, deck refurbishing, carpentry, drywall, lighting, and more- just ask. 25+ yrs. Maint. exp./local refs. Scott Dady 541-728-4266

JONES UPGRADES LLC

Home Repairs & Remodeling

Drywall, Decks, Pole Barns, Fences, Sheds & more.

Mike Jones, 503-428-1281

Local resident • CCB #201650

600 Tree Service & Forestry

Sisters Tree Care, LLC

Tree preservation, Pruning, Removals & Storm Damage

Brad Bartholomew

ISA Cert. Arborist UT-4454A

503-914-8436 • CCB #218444

LOLO TREE WORKS

Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services.

ISA Certified Arborist

Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com

Call / Text: 503-367-5638

Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com

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 541-310-3133

PERENNIAL BUILDING LLC

Local | Quality | Experienced Currently taking remodel projects for the spring and summer months. Contact karen@perennialbuilding.com www.perennialbuilding.com 541-728-3189 | CCB #226794

From Ground to Finish Accurate and Efficient 541-604-5169 CCB#233074

Construction & Renovation

CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS

Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792

Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com

104 Vacation Rentals

~ Sisters Vacation Rentals ~ Private Central OR vac. rentals, Property Management Services 541-977-9898

www.SistersVacation.com

Downtown Vacation Rental Five star. 1 and 2 bedroom. SistersVacationRentals.net

Great pricing. 503-730-0150

201 For Sale

Complete woodworking shop for sale as a package. It's for the person just starting out, to advanced professional. Lessons on how to operate the equipment will be provided. It's a chance to save thousands of dollars from buying new. Please call Mark 503-701-5699, Sisters, OR.

202 Firewood

SPRING FIREWOOD SPECIAL!

SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS

DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD

• SINCE 1976 •

Doug Fir – Lodgepole – Juniper

DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES – 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com

Order Online! 541-410-4509

UPLOADED

EVERY TUESDAY!

The Nugget Newspaper

Junk removal, new home, garage & storage clean-out, construction, yard debris. You Call – We Haul! 541-719-8475

SMALL Engine REPAIR

Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws & Trimmers

Sisters Rental

331 W. Barclay Drive

541-549-9631

Authorized service center for Stihl, Honda, Ariens/Gravely, Cub Cadet, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki Engines

GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE

“A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment”

541-549-2871

501 Computers & Communications

Technology Problems?

I can fix them for you. Solving for Business & Home Computers, Tablets, Networking Internet (Starlink), and more!

Jason Williams

Sisters local • 25 yrs. experience

541-719-8329

Oregontechpro.com

SISTERS SATELLITE

TV • PHONE • INTERNET

Your authorized local dealer for DirecTV, ViaSat HS Internet and more! CCB # 191099

541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729

502 Carpet & Upholstery

Cleaning

M & J CARPET CLEANING

Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986.

541-549-9090

CCB #240912

TIMBER STAND

IMPROVEMENT

TREE SERVICES: tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, brush mowing, Firewise compliance.

— Certified Arborist — Nate Goodwin 541-771-4825

Online at:

timberstandimprovement.net

CCB#190496 • ISA #PN7987A

4 Brothers Tree Service

Sisters' Premier Tree Experts!

– TREE REMOVAL & CLEANUP –

Native / Non-Native Tree

Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk

Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Storm Damage Cleanup, Craning & Stump Grinding, Debris Removal.

– FOREST MANAGEMENT –

Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush Mowing, Mastication, Tree

Thinning, Large & Small Scale Projects!

Serving Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003

** Free Estimates **

Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342

4brostrees.com

Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057

Custom Residential Projects All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448

Custom Homes Additions - Remodels

Residential Building Projects Becke William Pierce CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384 Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com

CENIGA'S MASONRY, INC.

Brick • Block • Stone • Pavers CCB #181448 – 541-350-6068 www.CenigasMasonry.com

LOCALLY OWNED

CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 288388 • 541-588-2062

www.sistersfencecompany.com

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

Custom Homes • Additions

Residential Building Projects Serving Sisters area since 1976 Strictly Quality CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764

John Pierce jpierce@bendbroadband.com

The Nugget is on FACEBOOK!

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS

Factory Trained Technicians

Since 1983 • CCB #44054

541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553

SPURGE COCHRAN BUILDER, INC.

General Contractor Building Distinctive, Handcrafted Custom Homes, Additions, Remodels, Cabin Renovations Since ’74

A “Hands-On” Builder

Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016

To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523

Earthwood Timberframes

• Design & shop fabrication

• Recycled fir and pine beams

• Mantels and accent timbers

• Sawmill/woodshop services www.earthwoodhomes.com

ROBINSON & OWEN

Heavy Construction, Inc.

All your excavation needs

*General excavation

*Site Preparation

*Sub-Divisions

*Road Building

*Sewer and Water Systems

*Underground Utilities

*Grading

*Sand-Gravel-Rock

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

CCB #124327

541-549-1848

604 Heating & Cooling

ACTION AIR

Heating & Cooling, LLC

Retrofit • New Const • Remodel Consulting, Service & Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com

CCB #195556

541-549-6464

605 Painting DECKS

Same day refinish. 15+ years experience. CCB# 240780 Call 541-706-1490

~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks

701 Domestic Services

BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING!

Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897

I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051

802 Help Wanted SEEKING EMPLOYMENT?

Check out the Help Wanted ads NEED ASSISTANCE?

Advertise in the Classifieds Call 541-549-9941

Sisters Vacation Rentals is hiring FT/PT vacation rental housekeepers. Benefits include PTO, cell phone reimbursement, fuel stipend. Call 541-420-5296

Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

541-390-1206 beavercreeklog@yahoo.com

Log repairs, log railing, log accent, log siding, etc.

CCB #235303 Insurance & Bond

602 Plumbing & Electric

Ridgeline Electric, LLC

Serving all of Central Oregon

• Residential • Commercial

• Industrial

• Service

541-588-3088 • CCB #234821

SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.

“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling

• New Construction

• Water Heaters

541-549-4349

Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded • Insured

CCB #87587

603 Excavation & Trucking

Full Service Excavation

CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com

EMPIRE PAINTING

Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining

CCB#180042

541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk

METOLIUS PAINTING LLC Meticulous, Affordable

Interior & Exterior

541-280-7040 • CCB# 238067

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

Looking for something to do while vacationing in the Sisters area? Visit SistersOregonGuide.com

– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing.

Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122

• Full-time

• Weekend/evenings

• Can lift 45 lbs.

• At least 18 years old

We offer a positive work environment and flexible time off

110 W Cascade Ave.

Facilities Maintenance Manager

Free On-site Visit & Estimate Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail .com

541-549-1472 • CCB #76888

Drainfield

• Minor & Major Septic Repair

• All Septic Needs/Design & Install General Excavation

• Site Preparation

• Rock & Stump Removal

• Pond & Driveway Construction

Preparation

• Building Demolition

Trucking

• Deliver Top Soil, Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Water

• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly

• The Whole 9 Yards or 24

Whatever You Want!

BANR Enterprises, LLC

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls

Residential & Commercial

CCB #165122

• 541-549-6977 www.BANR.net

Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com

541-549-2345

Sisters Community Church is seeking an energetic, motivated self-starter to join our team as a full-time Property Maintenance Manager. In this role, you will address common maintenance issues across multiple campus buildings, perform repairs and installations as well as recommending subcontractors for serious infrastructural projects. You must be able to address a host of common property issues, such as electrical, plumbing, and heating, as well as manage the care of our outside lawns and landscaping. Our ideal candidate has several years of professional experience in property management and maintenance, along with reliable transportation and a flexible schedule to respond to emergencies as they arise. Please submit resumes to info@sisterschurch.com

901 Wanted

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

J&E Landscaping Maintenance

LLC Clean-ups, raking, hauling debris, gutters, thatching, aerating, irrigation.

Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com

All Landscaping Services

Mowing, Thatching, Hauling and SNOW REMOVAL

Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the Fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, will be held at 301 South Elm Street in Sisters. The meeting will also be broadcast via Zoom. The meeting will take place on May 16, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. A second meeting, if needed, is scheduled for May 17, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. Public comment will be taken in written and phone-in format. Written comments received by 9 a.m. on May 16, 2023 will be read during the public comment section of the meeting on May 16, 2023. Comments by phone/Zoom will be taken on a scheduled basis during the public comment section of the meeting on May 16, 2023. Comments, both written and phone in, will be subject to a three-minute limit per community member. To schedule public comment, please provide your name, phone number, and address to the district at (541) 549-0771, or email to spor@sistersfire.com. Public comment must be scheduled no later than 9 a.m. on May 16, 2023. A copy of the budget document may be inspected online at www.sistersfire.com or obtained by mail on or after May 5, 2023, via email request to spor@sistersfire.com or phone request to (541) 549-0771. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Call-in/Zoom instructions are as follows: Topic: Budget Committee Meeting

Time: May 16, 2023 03:00 PM

Pacific Time (US and Canada)

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81581

872433?pwd=Ukl4eFlZNEVkU

G9JL0lUNHVpdk5vdz09

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District will hold a joint public hearing of its Board of Directors and its Local Contract Review Board regarding adoption of Public Contracting Rules on the 16th day of May, 2023, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be held at 301 South Elm Street, Sisters, Oregon. To attend the hearing virtually or for questions, contact Executive Assistant Julie A. Spor at spor@sistersfire.com. The proposed Resolution will replace and update the District’s current Public Contracting Rules and exemptions. The public hearing will be held for the purpose of taking comments on the District’s draft findings supporting the exemption of certain classes of special procurements and public improvement contracts from competitive bidding requirements.

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Black Butte School District, Jefferson County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, will be held at Black Butte School 25745 FS Rd 1419, Camp Sherman, OR 97730. The meeting will take place on May 9, 2023 at 4:45 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 3rd at Black Butte School, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Looking for historic photos of Sisters and surrounding area. Pre-1950 photos preferred. Interests are pioneer families, town scenes & buildings, ranching & farming, logging & mills, airport & anything unique to Sisters’ history. Photos remain in your possession. You will receive a courtesy mention in the final publication of the book for the photos you share. Please email aroundsisters@gmail.com for more information.

902 Personals

Need truth? Book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. www.atheycreek.com

Meeting ID: 815 8187 2433 -

Passcode: 419657

One tap mobile:

+12532158782,,81581872433#,,,,

*419657# US (Tacoma)

*Second meeting if needed: Topic: Budget Committee Meeting (If Needed)

Time: May 17, 2023 03:00 PM

Pacific Time (US and Canada) https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88439

189968?pwd=Wmxrb3R2ZWlW

OTJCL3VZQW1tUUR4Zz09

Meeting ID: 884 3918 9968 -

Passcode: 497026

One tap mobile: +13462487799,,88439189968#,,,,

*497026# US (Houston)