The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVII No. 17 // 2024-04-17

The Nugget

Deschutes County Livestock Association rides again

By Craig Rullman Correspondent

A strong turnout was on hand at the Teixeira Ranch sale barn in Terrebonne, April 9, for the second meeting of the freshly reanimated Deschutes County Livestock Association (DCLA).

Dave McMichael, president of the DCLA, who raises commercial beef cattle throughout Central Oregon, told The Nugget that he accepted the mantle as an “act of service,” and that members are energized around three priorities: communication with the broader public, education of the next generation, and legislation to defend the interests of livestock producers.

Twenty-five years ago the Deschutes County Livestock Association was considered one of the most active livestock associations in Oregon, McMichael said, but fell into

Rumbling across the bridge...

How much water is in that snow?

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Looking at the horizon one sees plenty of the white stuff on the Three Sisters, and Black Butte is showing a pretty white blanket. Ski Hoodoo and Bachelor are having excellent spring skiing. Typically by mid-April the ski resorts are icy in the morning and “mashed potatoes” by noon, frustrating skiers and boarders seeking to extend the season.

Not so this year. Afternoon temps have remained cool under a good deal of cloud cover. On Saturday, Hoodoo was sitting on 72 inches of snow, 235 inches for the year. Their

last day will be April 28, no doubt with enough snow to continue, but customers will thin out as they switch over to bikes, golf, and pickleball.

“I can’t remember when April was this good,” said Cliff Lamont who took his three kids out of school Friday for a spring fling. “It’s magical,” said his wife, Clara, who knitted in the lodge while the family roamed the uncrowded mountain.

Meanwhile up at the Three Creek measuring station, the snow depth was 22 inches. The far more important reading of Snow Water Equivalent stood at

Sisters ready for election

The May 21 primary election is underway. If you are an active registered voter in the county, you should expect to receive an official primary ballot by mail in early May. Once you vote your ballot, you can return it either by mail or at any of the secure, official drop boxes available throughout Deschutes County. There is a drop box in front of Sisters City Hall, 520 E. Cascade Ave.

In Oregon, the two major political parties, Democratic and Republican, have chosen to hold closed primaries. This means that only voters who are affiliated with one of these political parties can vote in that party’s primary.

“Nonaffiliated voters and voters affiliated with a different political party than the Democratic or Republican parties will still receive ballots for this election, but only for non-partisan contests, like judicial offices, County Commissioner, or local measures,” said County Clerk Steve Dennison.

USFS showcases new headquarters

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

If all goes according to schedule, the new 13,342 square foot headquarters building for the Sisters Ranger District will open to the public in January 2025. This according to Ian Reid, Sisters District Ranger, as he led a tour of the 12-acre construction site prior to the District annual open house last week.

The new warehouse, which has three engine bays, is where the annual meeting was held. It has an area for working on equipment, a storage room for field gear, and a “ready room” providing gym space for firefighters to stay in shape.

The original U.S. Forest Service (USFS) parcel was

comprised of 80 acres which were divided into four parcels, three of which were sold to fund the building of the

new $50 million headquarters building which will sit on the

The annual Peterson Ridge Rumble brought endurance runners to Sisters to take on a variety of distances on Sisters backcountry trails.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG

Prescribed fire

To the Editor:

Spring is in the air and so is the smoke. Prescribed burning season is upon us and in an effort to get in front of a contentious subject I’d like to voice my support of the efforts of our local resources devoted to protecting our community from wildfire. Smoke in the air is never fun. It makes breathing difficult for many, it ruins our beautiful views, weekend plans, and is unwelcome by all. Mechanical thinning is an option but the budgets our government has left for the agencies charged with fuels mitigation don’t allow for it exclusively. Working as a helicopter pilot flying wildfire suppression for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of prescribed burns and mechanical thinning. These efforts, employed strategically in combination with natural fire

breaks, have proven their usefulness time and time again to prevent loss and contain wildfire. When a fire runs into one of these burnt areas it can go from torching entire trees in an unmanaged section of forest to a relatively subdued ground fire that crews can safely attack.

After putting out fires for 100 years our forests are littered with fuels and lacking natural firebreaks. It falls on the backs of minimally paid first responders to restore these firebreaks this time of year and defend our community from the wildfire that comes with living in the wildland urban interface in the summer.

Fighting fires in every state from the Rockies west, I’ve seen a lot of forests and few are as well maintained as ours to prevent wildfire. Smoke from prescribed burning is never welcome, but I know it represents good

Sisters Weather Forecast

And the winners are...

Mayor Michael Preedin draws the winners of the Annual Rotary Club of Sisters Mega Raffle. 28 prizes in all were awarded Sunday valued at a total of nearly $6,000. First place prize went to Bob Barton. Lori Luna won the secondplace prize and Jess Draper was the winner of the third-place prize.

There’s nothing like contemplating the end of the world to start off your weekend.

I headed out at daybreak on Saturday to get in a good training session at Zimmerman Butte. Kettlebell complexes and shooting — a kind of biathlon. I like to listen to a podcast while I drive out there and set up, so I scrolled through the new stuff, and ran across a fresh one from Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History. He was interviewing Annie Jacobsen about her new book “Nuclear War: A Scenario.” I suppose I could have set it aside to walk out into the morning dew in peace, but … no. When Dan Carlin posts a podcast I listen to it. When Annie Jacobsen writes a book I read it.

I ordered it up immediately and am reading it now.

Jacobsen is an investigative journalist who works in the intersection of conflict and technology. She’s written books about Area 51 (real deal stuff, not goofy alien theories); targeted killing; Operation Paperclip, which brought Nazi rocket scientists — many of them war criminals — to the U.S. at the end of World War II; the CIA’s foray into paranormal phenomena, and more. Her new book is a deeply researched and sourced prognostication about what happens if a rogue state (North Korea) launches a nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile at the United States.

Spoiler: The world ends in 57 minutes.

Grim stuff. I shut off the podcast and fired up a playlist of Turnpike Troubadours for my training session, but I went back to the podcast on a trip to Bend later in the day. Got to admit — the prospect of global thermonuclear war, followed by nuclear winter and the destruction of virtually all life as we know it, tends to cast a pall over things.

That’s the problem. We don’t like to think about such things, so we don’t. And yet the threat is very

real — and probably a more clear and present danger right now than it’s been since the early 1980s when the U.S. and Russia came very close a couple of times to lobbing nukes at each other by mistake.

Jacobsen notes that the realities of what nuclear war would mean for mankind have largely been scrubbed from the public discourse, relegated to technical discussion that renders the concept abstract — even as Vladimir Putin raises the specter of the use of “battlefield nukes” in Ukraine, and regime propagandists chortle over the idea of dropping missiles on the UK.

If and when a nuclear device is deployed, the decision-making window for a response is very short — a matter of minutes. The danger of miscalculation under pressure is immense.

Jacobsen isn’t just spinning out an imaginative scenario as a plot for a thriller. Her scenario is based on extensive interviews with people with deep experience in the science, technology, and national security apparatus around the U.S. nuclear arsenal. They understand that once we stumble across the nuclear threshold, events will, at lightning speed, develop their own inexorable momentum, driving toward retaliatory strikes and an escalation that can’t be controlled.

That happened in Europe in 1914, when locked-in mobilization schedules and the dire consequences of not acting or reacting quickly enough plunged nations into the cataclysm of the First World War. That conflict left lasting scars on western civilization. A similar scenario involving nukes will end it.

The responsibility for managing this looming threat lies almost entirely upon the President of the United States, since he or she will have to call the critical shots when the balloon goes up. It seems that it might be a good idea to field candidates we can really trust with the fate of the world. The stakes are, literally, everything. All we are, all we have ever been, and all we will ever be.

Sisters Rodeo unveils 2024 poster

Dixie’s in Sisters was packed on Saturday evening as the Sisters Rodeo community gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the 2024 event poster. The event, along with the annual kickoff party set for Saturday, April 20, at Sisters Saloon, marks the start of rodeo season in Sisters.

Rodeo Queen Destiny Wecks and Rodeo board member Hank Moss pulled down the black shroud to reveal Dyrk Godby’s 2024 image, which depicts a cowboy spurring out as the bronc he’s forked bucks in front of the Three Sisters. The room burst into applause, and Godby got busy with a Sharpie, autographing posters.

This particular poster has a backstory that is close to Godby’s heart. He uses photo references for his paintings, and the reference photo of the bronc rider was his own father.

Bud Godby was a 17-year-old cowboy back in 1951 or ’52, when he attended the National Junior Rodeo Finals in Hallettsville, Texas. The young cowboy accepted a challenge to ride a bronc that had been held out of the competition because he was considered too rank for the young cowboys to take on. The producer wanted to show the bronc off, and asked for volunteers. Bud raised his hand.

Young and cocky, as his son described him, Godby offered to ride the bronc with no chaps, which sacrificed a bit of grip. Didn’t matter.

He stayed on the whole eight seconds, surprising everyone but himself.

Now, more than 70 years later, the moment has been immortalized in the emblem of the Biggest Little Show in the World.

Dyrk Godby is a renowned Western artist and musician. His work can be seen at Dyrk Godby Art Gallery, 123 E. Hood Ave. in Sisters.

The Sisters Rodeo Kickoff Party will come out of the chutes at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, featuring music from Dry Canyon Stampede. The event at Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill is open to the public.

Sisters Rodeo starts with Xtreme Bulls on Wednesday, June 5, and continues June 7-9. For more information, visit https://sistersrodeo.com.

Housing as essential community infrastructure

By Emelia Shoup Columnist

As a young professional who has lived and worked in Sisters for nearly four years, I have been invited to share my story for C4C’s Community Forum about local housing challenges, “Who Gets To Live Here? The Search for Local Housing Affordability.”

It was spring 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown was in full swing in Portland, when I graduated with a degree in urban planning. It was important for me that I get a job in my field as soon as possible, but as uncertainty from the ongoing pandemic

continued, fewer job openings remained available.

Luckily, I was able to find a position through the University of Oregon’s AmeriCorps program called “RARE” (aka Resource Assistance for Rural Environments). Through this program, a cohort of young professionals are assigned to serve in rural communities throughout Oregon and provide technical assistance on community projects.

Once I found out that I was assigned in Sisters, I had six weeks to find housing and relocate.

I was given a living

See HOUSING on page 8

Sisters lands Alzheimer’s conference

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

Sisters will take on the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease in a conference in May.

A McGinty Conference — usually hosted in much larger communities — will be held at Sisters Community Church on Monday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The events, including the principal one in Portland, are Oregon’s leading research and education events highlighting Alzheimer’s disease

SISTERS AREA MEETING CALENDAR BOARDS, GROUPS, CLUBS

Al -Anon

Mon., noon, Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-610 -7383.

Alcoholics A nonymou s

Monday, 5 p.m., Shepherd of t he Hills Lutheran Church

Tuesday, noon, Big Book study, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Wednesday, 7 a.m.,Gentlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters

Women’s meet ing, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Thursday, 7 p.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration

Fr iday, noon, Step & Tradition meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. 541- 54 8-0 440.

Saturday, 8 a.m., Episc opal Church of the Transf iguration

Central Oregon F ly Tye rs G uild

For Saturday meeting dates and location, email: steelef

om

Ci tizens4Communit y C ommunity Builders meeting, 3rd Wednesday of ever y mont h, 10 to 11:30 a.m. V isit citizens 4c ommunity.c om for loc ation.

Council on Aging of Cent ral O rego n Senior Lunch In- person community dining, Tues. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grab -and -go lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs 12:3 0 to 1 p.m. Sisters C ommunity Church. 5 41-4 8 0-18 43

East of the Cascades Quilt Guild 4th Wed. (September- June), Stitchin’ Post . A ll are welcome. 5 41-5 49 -6 061.

G o Fish Fishing G roup 3rd Monday 7 p.m., Siste rs C ommunity Church. 541-771-2211

Hear twarmers (f leec e blanketmaker s) 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m., Siste rs Communit y Church. M ater ials provided. 541- 408 -8 505.

Hero Q uilters of Sisters Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 5 41-6 68 -1755

Milita ry Parent s of Sisters M eetings are held quarter ly; please c all for details. 5 41-388 -9 013.

Oregon Band of Brothers Sisters Chapter meets Wednesda ys, 11:3 0 a.m., Takoda’s Rest aurant. 541- 549- 64 69

Sisters Aglow Lighthouse 4th Saturday, 10 a.m., meeting by Zoom. 503- 93 0- 6158

Sisters Area Photography Club 2nd Wednesday, 3:3 0 p.m., at Sisters Communit y Church. 5 41-5 49 -6157.

Sisters Area Woodworke rs First Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. 5 41-231-18 97

Sisters Astronomy Club 3rd Tuesday, 7 p.m., SPR D. 5 41-5 49 -8 8 46

Sisters Bridge Club Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. at Sisters C ommunity Church. Email sister sbridge2021@gmail.com.

Sisters Caregi ver Sup por t G roup 3rd Tues., 10:30 a.m., Siste rs Episcopal Church. 5 41-719 -0 031.

Sisters Cribbage C lub M eets 11 a.m. ever y Wed. at S PR D. 5 09 -9 47-574 4.

Sisters Garden C lub For monthly meetings visit: SistersGardenClub.com.

Sisters Habitat for Humanit y Board of D irectors 4th Tuesday, 4:3 0 p.m.

Location infor mation: 5 41-5 49 -1193.

Sisters Kiwanis Thursdays, 7 to 8:3 0 a.m., at Aspen Lakes Golf Cours e. 541- 632- 3663

Sisters Parent Teacher Communit y 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School Commons. 917-219-8298

Sisters Red Hat s 1st Friday. For location infor mation, please c all: 541- 8 48 -1970.

Sisters Rotary 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Noon, Aspen Lakes. 5 41-760 -5 64 5.

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

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

Three Sister s Irrigation Distric t Board of Direc tors M eets 1st Tuesday 10 a.m., TSI D Of fice.

and other dementias, and honors Dr. Dean McGinty, a Portland geriatrician, an early advocate for those living with dementia, and a pioneer in the Alzheimer’s familysupport movement.

Since Dr. McGinty’s death in 1995, the Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter has convened experts at the McGinty Conference to lead interactive sessions that focus on the many issues related to Alzheimer’s.

The McGinty Conference

See ALZHEIMER’S on page 8

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

The Sisters Rodeo Board of Directors and Queen Destiny Wecks celebrated the unveiling of Dyrk Godby’s 2024 Sisters Rodeo poster at an event at Dixie’s on Saturday evening.

Outlaws host vengeful visitors from La Pine

By Matt Van Slyke Correspondent

Outlaws Varsity Baseball rode a four-game win streak into a week of renewed rivalry with La Pine.

“They’re coming for revenge, so we’ve got to be ready,” said Sisters Head Coach Matt Hilgers. Hilgers’ team won all three games last week against Creswell. Sophomore Sebastian Storch pitched a complete game on April 9 — nine strikeouts; two walks — to tame the Bulldogs 6-2 on the road before hosting two games on April 11.

The first game of that Thursday doubleheader saw senior Brody Fischer strike out four batters and walk three, allowing three hits and zero runs over six innings: Outlaws 5, Bulldogs 0.

Trent Gordon, another sophomore slinger, earned the third win. A trio of juniors secured that game’s winning run in the fifth: Hudson Beckwith reached first base on a walk, Diego Silva’s sacrifice sent him to second, and Landen Scott’s double drove him home. Final score: 3-2.

“We held them. Over the course of the three games, they scored four runs. Our strong point this series was our pitching,” Hilgers said after the games. “We’ve got to figure out a few things at the plate. Defensively, we had a few errors, but that’s going to happen. Overall, pitching was really solid.”

On deck this week: a doubleheader with La Pine set for Friday at Sisters High School.

“Last year, they beat us by one or two runs, and then we went down there and beat them by two, then beat them by one. They were all tight games. They’re fun games,” Hilgers said.

Sisters Varsity Outlaws host the Hawks at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on April 19.

Outlaws Softball will host La Pine at the same time, a few dozen feet away.

Marc and Jessica Madron spent last Thursday afternoon positioned between both

Scholarships support experiences

By Olivia Nieto Correspondent

Making the decision to explore a new interest can be simultaneously exciting and vulnerable. Financial requirements can hold some back from doing what they love. Sisters GRO, in partnership with the Roundhouse Foundation, provides applications for the Roundhouse Enrichment Experiences scholarship for Sisters students who want financial support with their interests.

ballfields.

“Straighten that out, Hol,” Marc called out to his daughter, Holly Madron, a junior. “Swing hard!”

Ping!

“There you go! Run it out, Holly!” Jessica cheered before turning to face the baseball field, where senior Tristen Madron and his teammates were holding their slim lead over Creswell.

“We also have a freshman playing on the JV baseball team,” Jessica laughed, referring to her younger son, London Madron.

Small-town ball is truly a family affair.

Of the three Sisters teams, varsity baseball (3A-4 Mountain Valley Conference) is faring best.

“It’s looking like League will come down to Pleasant Hill, La Pine, and us. Pleasant Hill is kind of the frontrunner right now because they took two out of three from us,” explained Hilgers. “Historically, Sisters and La Pine have had a pretty good rivalry. It’s been that way with other sports, like football and basketball, and last year with baseball. It’s nice to have it back.”

Matt Van Slyke covers youth academic and athletic programs in Sisters. Got a story idea? Get in touch: mattvanslyke@gmail.com.

“Overall the Roundhouse Foundation is about education and community, providing unique experiences for Sisters and support for them whether it be career-based or something out of the norm,” said Regan Roberts.

Roberts is the new executive director of Sisters GRO, the independent nonprofit located at Sisters High School that aids graduating seniors in receiving scholarships in addition to overseeing enrichment scholarships.

Any middle or high school student who plans to participate in an enriching experience can be funded. The few exceptions are for travel, school, sports, online, or faith-based activities.

The scholarship was created 11 years ago for SHS and Sisters Middle School students and has allowed for participation in a wide variety of enjoyable experiences.

The scholarship offers a maximum of $1,000 per high school student, and $500 to middle school students per year. Applications are required 30 days prior to the enrichment experience to allow time to be fully processed. The scholarships can, and are encouraged, to be used during either the summer or school year. However, applications are only accepted from the beginning to the end of the school year on June 14, 2024.

Over the past decade there

have been dozens of students to apply, all of them for something new and exciting. A few of the programs that SHS students attended over the past three years include OSU Cascades Art Camp, a contemporary dance intensive at BYU, and a reef conservation-marine biology program. SMS students have also participated in meaningful experiences such as numerous fiddle camps, the Sea Camp of Oregon, and a Music in Art Creativity Camp.

Senior Hazell Parker participated in Music in May last year at Pacific University with aid from the Roundhouse Enrichment scholarship.

“It was a really rewarding experience…The experience of staying at the college for several nights and interacting with peers as well as directors that are similarly interested in music was a super eye opening experience,” said Parker.

The scholarship also supports students taking the Flight Science Program at SHS. Katie Ryan is a senior who aspires to be a pilot, but knows that lessons can be expensive. However when aviation teacher Sheryl

Yeager directed Ryan to Sisters GRO for aid, she wasn’t disappointed.

“I’ve wanted to be a pilot since freshman year, so I’m glad that I have the option to start that journey before… I think this scholarship gives students the option to explore new things they might never have had the chance to before,” said Ryan.

The Roundhouse Enrichment Experiences have remaining funds for additional students during the 2024 school year to apply, so any middle- or high-schooler who’s looking to participate in a program is encouraged to apply. If you know or are a SMS/SHS student who’s interested in the scholarship visit https://www.sistersgro. org/roundhouse.

PRESENTED B Y THE SISTERS SCIENCE CLUB

GEOLOGY OF CENTR AL OREGON: NEW INSIGHT S

esented Dr Daniel Tectonic forces active on a global scale have shaped the volcanic landscapes of Central Oregon. These forces have interacted to create a geologically diverse region where we live, work, and play. Recent research has changed scientists’ understanding of these landscapes. Dr. Daniele McKay, geologist and instructor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oregon, will explore this fascinating topic.

Presented by Dr. Daniele McKay

Tuesday, April 23 • 7 p.m.

The Belfry, 302 E. Main Ave., Sisters Doors open at 6 p.m. for social hour, food, & drink!

Admission: $5 at the door; Teachers & Students - FREE

Jace Owners at the bat. Sisters Outlaws Varsity Baseball won back-toback home games April 11 vs. Creswell.

PHOTO BY MATT VAN SLYKE

Hearing will address code changes for RV park

An applicant-driven slate of changes to the City of Sisters Development Code will come before the Planning Commission in a public hearing on Thursday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Runners rumble through Sisters

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

After more than 20 years of directing the annual Peterson Ridge Rumble trail race, Sean Meissner doesn’t take ideal weather for granted. After days of rain finally abated and gave way to near-perfect weather conditions for endurance athletes, over 300 runners took part in the race’s three distances, 20, 26, and 40 miles on Sunday.

The planning commission could accept the changes as proposed or recommend refinement of or changes to the amendments. Commissioners will deliberate on the proposal following the close of the public hearing.

The changes, which would allow an RV park as a use in the Sun Ranch Tourist Commercial zone, would have to be in place before a formal plan for the site can be filed. The property developers propose a “boutique, higher-end RV Park that caters to the growing sector of the tourism industry that travels in RVs” to be sited on the property formerly known as the Conklin Guest House, near the intersection of Camp Polk Road/Locust Street and Barclay Drive. The April 18 hearing will focus only on the proposed code changes. If the planning commission approves the code changes, the next steps for the developer would be to craft a detailed development plan for the property. It is at that point in the process that issues such as traffic and the specific proposed uses of the property would be up for discussion and debate.

Sisters Athletic Club hosts award-winning author

Award-winning Oregon author Bob Welch, will share stories and pictures from the Pacific Crest Trail on Thursday, April 18, at the Sisters Athletic Club. The event begins with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by a presentation at 5:30 p.m., followed by a book signing. Books by Welch will be available for purchase.

Welch will discuss his latest book, “Seven Summers (And a Few Bummers): My Adventure Hiking the 2,650Mile PCT.” Poignant, poetic, and fall-down funny, the story guides readers through the iconic trail, while laughing in the face of aging, celebrating friendship, and, hikers or not, considering living life with more thirst for adventure.

“We were lucky enough to host Bob a few years ago after the release of his book, ‘American Nightingale,’” said Tate Metcalf, owner of the Sisters Athletic Club. “He is such an amazing storyteller that to this day, we still have members who talk about his presentation.”

Bob Welch is the author of more than two dozen books, including “The Wizard of Foz,” Track & Field Writers of America’s 2019 Book of the Year, and “American Nightingale,” an Oregon Book Award finalist featured on ABC’s Good Morning America. As a columnist for The Register-Guard in Eugene, Welch twice won the National Society of Newspaper Columnist’s “Best Writing” award. He is a former adjunct professor at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, and founder

of the Beachside Writers Workshop in Yachats. Welch was the sports editor for The Bulletin from 1973-81.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Tate Metcalf at 541-549-6878 or tate@sistersathleticclub.com.

“It’s always a bonus when the weather is good,” said Meissner.

Last year’s deep snow resulted in the 40-mile race being shortened to 26 miles and Meissner decided to make it a new choice for runners who wanted to do a marathon distance.

Ryan McLaughlin of Bend topped the field of 179 finishers in the 20-mile course with a time of 2:16:16, while Emma McCurry of West Linn came through first for women, and fourth overall, in 2:33:29.

Runners with local ties included Aria Blumm, a 2014 Sisters High graduate and star runner, who finished in 3:13:09, and Beau Fitzke, now of Bend, clocked 3:27:25.

In the marathon distance, Adam Schaeffer of Salem crossed the line first in 3:22:12, in a field of 64

total finishers. Rachel Peters of Canby placed third overall to claim women’s honors in 3:31:27.

Evan Moreau of Sisters dominated the field in the ultra-marathon distance of 40 miles with a time of 5:10:21, an average of 7:46 per mile. Alison Churchill of Springfield placed first among women, and fourth overall, in 5:48:58.

Garrett Brink, who grew up in Sisters and now resides in Bend, finished in 9:01:26. As finishers enjoyed the sunshine and refueled with food from Longboard Louie’s near the finish line at the Sisters High School track,

Meissner chalked the event up as another success.

“Each year presents its challenges,” he said. “Someone moved and removed trail markings that we put out the day or two before the race, which can put runners in danger, but other than that, things went very smoothly thanks to great volunteers. I am grateful for the runners who come from all over to do the Rumble every year and I am already making plans for next year.” The Rumble is set for April 13, 2025. Results of this year’s race can be found on the Run Wild Adventures website.

Aria Bloom gave a thumbs up as she ran the Peterson Ridge Rumble course in Sisters.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE KANZIG

Big Ponderoo releases

full festival schedule

SFF Presents has released the full 2024 Big Ponderoo festival schedule alongside single-day tickets. The second annual music festival returns to Sisters, Oregon on June 29 and 30 with bluegrass, alt-country, and Americana music on two stages at Village Green Park.

The Saturday lineup includes artists Shinyribs, The Brothers Comatose, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Hogslop String Band, Shadowgrass, The Sam Chase and the Untraditional, Skillethead, Skybound Blue, The Parnells, Fog Holler, Rock Ridge, and Joanna Lee, with music from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

On Sunday festival artists Silverada (formerly Mike and the Moonpies), Oliver Wood Trio, Bella White, The East Pointers, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Shadowgrass, The Parnells, Fog Holler, Rock Ridge, Joanna Lee, and the SMS Outlaw Strings Club will take to the Ponderoo and Pinecone stages with music from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Weekend passes are available at advanced pricing of $185/ticket for adults and $80/ticket for youth ages 17 and under (children 5 and under attend for free). Saturday-only tickets are $115/adult and $45/ticket for youth ages 17 and under and Sunday-only tickets are $95/ adult and $45/ticket for youth ages 17 and under. Tickets are available at www.afton tickets.com/BigPonderoo.

Be sure to follow @ BigPonderoo on Instagram and Facebook for all festival updates and lineup information. The full schedule and lineup information, including links to artist websites and a Big Ponderoo playlist, can be found at BigPonderoo.com.

Continued from page 2

folks, working hard, to protect our community. I suck it up, pun intended, and rest assured knowing an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A bit of smoke in the air is better than me.

Mike Baumann, Field Operations Supervisor, Precision LLC s

s s

Another side on McLeod-Skinner

To the Editor:

After reading Susan Cobb’s glowing endorsement of Jamie McLeod-Skinner in last week’s Nugget, I feel compelled to set the record straight.

Ms. Cobb claims that Rep. Kurt Schrader, upon losing to McLeod-Skinner in the primary election, “asked his voters to support the opposing candidate [in the general election].” This is patently untrue. Schrader refused to endorse McLeodSkinner, after a nasty campaign, but he never opposed her in the general election.

Ms. Cobb also failed to note in her glowing endorsement that McLeod-Skinner was fired from her position as city manager of Phoenix, Oregon after only four months and left a similar position in Talent, Oregon under, according to press accounts, similar contentious circumstances. Both departures, again, according to press accounts, were spurred by staff discord. This is how Microsoft’s AI-assisted “CoPilot” summarized McLeodSkinner’s career to date: “In summary, McLeod-Skinner’s management style and workplace behavior clashed with her public persona as a candidate. Her dismissal as city manager in Talent, Oregon, echoes similar complaints from her previous role in Phoenix. These revelations provide insight into the character of someone who could potentially represent Oregon in Congress.”

Jeff Tryens

To the Editor:

s s s

Teacher questions

In response to the immediate, and seemingly privileged reply/promotional ad offered to Ms. Munro concerning the allegations against Americana Project’s leading teacher, it seems clear that Sisters Folk Festival (now Sisters Folk Festival Presents or SFFP) should at least investigate the possibility that they may have played a role in this unfortunate and egregious circumstance. Instead, the organization seems to deflect accountability and possibly set it on the shoulders of the Sisters School District alone. While this teacher’s alleged behavior should not be tolerated in any setting, it certainly shouldn’t be seemingly ignored or possibly pushed under the rug for ongoing years to possibly save the ego of its founders or

supporters. How likely would it be that the teacher’s behavior was a pattern? Who was it reported to? Who tolerated it? Who protected it? How is this keeping our kids safe?

If an organization is seemingly quick to claim the fame of positive achievements, yet equally quick to deflect the problems it could potentially help create, how can we trust it with our children in the Sisters School District? Let’s look closer at every outside organization, including SFFP, that has longlasting collaboration with our schools to make sure student safety truly is priority. All individuals and organizations closely involved with students should be subject to the same standards of behavior that certified teachers are required to follow. When it comes to the safety of our children, if ever wrongdoing by a teacher or leader is reported, the people who have possibly protected or seemingly ignored it must be held accountable as well.

Kelley Moen

Editor’s reply:

In the April 3 edition of The Nugget, Matt McDonnell submitted a letter to the editor that asked several questions directed to SFF Presents regarding safeguards for children involved in American Project, a Sisters High School class supported by the organization.

Mr. McDonnell chose to ask questions of the organization through a letter to the editor rather than posing them directly to SFF Presents. In the interest of addressing questions on a serious and sensitive topic in a timely fashion, The Nugget provided SFF Presents with an opportunity to answer those questions.

This is a standard, though not frequent, practice in The Nugget’s efforts to provide information to its readers. Perhaps Ms. Moen characterizes it as “privileged” because the editor was a co-founder of Sisters Folk Festival and continues to be listed as a board member emeritus of the organization. There is “seemingly” an accusation there. It would be more honest to make it directly, in which case I would be more than happy to address it.

The Americana Project/Choir Teacher, Rick Johnson, remains on leave while under investigation by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief s s s

Kudos to Sisters

To the Editor:

This past weekend the Sisters Lions Club hosted the District G Convention in your town. We were so pleased with the reception by your community members who made us feel very welcome. The kind of public relations from those in restaurants, motels, shops, and other businesses speak well for your town.

But you should commend members of the Lions Club as well. They encouraged clubs from throughout the state of Oregon to attend and support your community.

Gerald Hopkins, Past District Governor

Shiny Ribs is a headliner at the 2024 Big Ponderoo festival. PHOTO PROVIDED

Athletes head to volleyball nationals

Sisters will be well represented on the club volleyball scene to conclude the 2024 season.

In addition to Kathryn Buller, Bailey Robertson and Gracie Vohs (The Nugget April 10, 2024) , five other members of the 2023 SHS State Champion volleyball team have qualified for and will be competing in two national championship tournaments.

Gracelyn Myhre and Mia Monaghan, both seniors, will be traveling to Baltimore, Maryland later this month with their club volleyball team, North Pacific Juniors (NPJ) Bend 18 National. Myhre and Monaghan helped their team earn their bid by competing in the Columbia Empire Volleyball Association (CEVA) Open Division. Their ticket to the 2024 USA Volleyball Girls 18s Junior National Championship came after a strong finish in the GJNC Bid Tournament. Myhre is an invaluable hitter and passer for the team. Monaghan dons the Libero jersey and anchors the back row with stellar defense. The NPJ Bend 18 National team will be heading into the National tournament after finishing in 3rd place at The Under Armour 18U National Championship in Louisville, Kentucky this past weekend.

Webfoot 18-Elite, a Eugene-based volleyball team also in the Open Division of the CEVA region has been a fierce competitor with the NPJ Bend 18 National team throughout the season. Sisters High School Junior Kathryn Scholl has been playing for Webfoot for three seasons. Scholl’s team was able to secure their spot this year in the Baltimore, Maryland Championship Tournament after a stellar third place finish in the Open Division GJNC Bid Tournament to clinch the Freedom National bid. Scholl is able to put the ball away and earn points for her team anywhere on the court, hitting exceptionally well from the outside. Scholl’s team has traveled to tournaments in Sacramento, California and Texas this season to compete with some of the best volleyball clubs in the nation. Most recently, they also traveled to Louisville, Kentucky and brought home the hardware as the 2024 18s Classic Champions.

SHS juniors Holly Davis and Jordyn Monaghan will be headed to the 2024 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship 14-17s tournament being held in Las Vegas over the 4th of July. Davis and Monaghan also play for North Pacific Juniors on the 17 National team. Their team secured a bid to the national tournament

with an American Division win at the Pacific Northwest Qualifier in Spokane, Washington earlier in March.

Davis and Monaghan led their team to an outstanding 8-1 overall record, with a convincing win over NorCal 17s in two sets (25-19, 25-19) in the championship match.

Monaghan secured her position as libero for the team, making her presence known with great digs in the back row and earning a slew of points from the service line.

As the primary setter for the team, Davis runs the offense, putting up outstanding sets to every position on the court. Like Monaghan, she is able to send over serves that give the opposing team fits.

Myhre, Davis, and the Monaghan sisters are excited for their return to nationals.

Myhre and Davis started their club volleyball careers with NPJ in 2018, earning a spot in the National tournament in Detroit, Michigan that year. The following year, the Monaghan sisters joined NPJ and both teams (12s & 13s) qualified for and competed in the National Championship Tournament. Bids were also secured for the 2020 season. However, the tournament was canceled due to COVID.

Next fall, Mia Monaghan will be heading over the mountains on a volleyball

scholarship to Linn-Benton Community College, an exceptional program that went undefeated (36-0) in the 2023-24 season. Myhre has also accepted a scholarship from Life Pacific University in San Dimas, California. Myhre’s volleyball talent will be on display for the Warriors in indoor and beach volleyball.

The younger three players will bring their off season hard work and success back to Sisters High School for their final season of high school volleyball. They are hopeful to make a run at the State Championship once again. With Jordyn’s defensive skills, Davis’ ability to move the ball around, and Scholl’s hard-hitting, these three will bring a firm foundation for Outlaw volleyball. Following the long tradition of college volleyball players from Sisters, Scholl, Monaghan, and Davis will be working to join that list.

For Sisters to produce eight elite volleyball players that can compete on a national level, representing three Oregon volleyball clubs in the same season, is remarkable accomplishment. Organizers said that they knew this group was special when the high school season began and they continue to achieve big goals.

First-year golfer Dillon Luddy made a hole-in-one in his first high school tournament on April 2 when the Outlaws golf squad played at Prineville Golf Course. He finished with a score of 97. Weslee Owens, playing in his first event, scored 112. Devin Coverdale fired a solid 76.

“In my 50-plus years of being around the game, it is truly remarkable to see a kid make a hole-in–one in his first tournament,” said Coach Bill Mitchell. “Golfers can play their entire lives without making an ace.”

Then the team played again in Prineville, this time at Meadow Lakes, and Devin Coverdale and Trent Gordon both had 87s and Dillon Luddy shot a 108. Gordon is playing two sports, baseball and golf.”

He is the only golfer to make it to state last year and is a strong pitcher and first

baseman so it is nice to have him back on the golf team,” Mitchell said.

On April 12 the team traveled to Bend, where Summit High School hosted at Broken Top — “probably the best course we play all season,” according to Mitchell.

On a tough, rainy day, Gordon scored 45-40 for 85, which included a birdie-three on his last hole, the ninth at Broken Top, a 356-yard par4, where he drove the green and had a putt for eagle.

HOUSING: Planner has her own struggles with issue

Continued from page 3

stipend of $1,700 per month — which is quite generous for an AmeriCorps program. For perspective, this stipend was comparable to a person’s income working full-time for minimum wage in 2020.

It was July when I began searching for rentals in Sisters, and units were quickly disappearing from the market. I found myself in an increasingly competitive housing market when there was an influx of “urban refugees” seeking solace in the beautiful region of Central Oregon, where COVID shutdowns had not yet fully gone into effect. I likely could have found more housing options if I chose to locate in Bend or Redmond, but I wanted to be fully immersed in my AmeriCorps experience in Sisters.

I applied for what felt like the last two apartments available in Sisters and was accepted for a 600-squarefoot two-bedroom unit that cost $1,200 per month. I was hoping to get a one-bedroom unit that would have been more affordable for someone living by themselves — but regardless, I was grateful that I got a place in Sisters.

So, let’s take a moment to talk about what is typically considered “affordable” housing. The general rule of thumb is that a household should not allocate more than 30 percent of their monthly gross income to housing costs (i.e., rent, utilities, insurance, etc.). By that definition, a rental unit that costs $1,200 per month would be affordable for a household with a gross monthly income of $4,000

per month. In my case, with a $1,700 monthly living stipend, I was spending around 75 percent of my monthly income on just housing costs. What would have been an “affordable” housing unit had to be less than $510 per month – which may have only been possible by renting a room in a house with multiple roommates in Bend or Redmond.

I stayed in that apartment for two years, and in that time, it served my needs and allowed me to establish myself in Sisters. I was able to financially improve my situation after the AmeriCorps service year when I was hired into a full-time position with the City of Sisters, where I continue to work as a planner to this day. When the COVID pandemic subsided, I made local connections and found myself able to move into a house with multiple roommates in Bend, where I now technically have “affordable” housing. However, that came with the additional costs associated with commuting (i.e., gas, wear and tear on a vehicle, loss of personal time, environmental impacts, etc.).

I think many aspects of my story remain true to today’s context. The Central Oregon housing market is still relatively competitive, and there are limited affordable housing options for minimum wage and earlyto-mid-career professionals.

These individuals make up a significant amount of the local workforce.

Gaps in available and affordable workforce housing impact the local economy and community livability. The quality of restaurant services may decrease due to not being able to retain enough staff. Grocery stores may increase prices to provide more competitive wages. School districts may struggle to retain and recruit teachers that are essential to providing quality education. And frequent turnover of staff in government agencies may delay permitting and programs that help to bring more housing units to the market. Affordable housing is basic infrastructure – just like water, sewer, roads, and parks.

In Sisters, there are agencies, organizations, and local businesses working together to find solutions to support workforce housing needs. Currently, the City of Sisters is issuing grant funds for affordable and workforce housing projects and beginning the process of evaluating an urban growth boundary expansion which could include approximately 150 acres of new residential lands. You can learn more about local housing efforts at C4C’s May 5 Community Forum at Sisters Fire Hall’s community room from 4 to 5:30 p.m. or online at https:// citizens4community.com/ events/spring-forum-24.

Continued from page 3

is geared toward individuals personally and/or professionally affected by the devastating disease.

Debbi McCune, a Sisters Realtor whose husband has Alzheimer’s, explained that conferences like the Sisters event, are considered miniconferences — but only due to the size of the audiences and not the content. McCune is part of the leadership team of Living Well With Dementia Sisters.

“There are no hard numbers of how many in Sisters are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s,” McCune said. “Using national averages and numbers from Bend, we think there are a minimum of 100 and as many as 150. Add to that the care partners and the impact of the disease at least doubles.”

That would suggest around 10 percent of Sisters’ population is dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s on some direct or indirect level.

“37.5 percent of the population in Sisters is over 65, double that of Bend.”

Columbia University researchers have found almost 10% of U.S. adults 65 and older have dementia, another 22 percent have mild cognitive impairment. People with dementia and mild cognitive

impairment are more likely to be older, have lower levels of education, and to be racialized as Black or Hispanic. Men and women have similar rates of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. Alzheimer’s disease was the fifth-leading cause of death among people 65 and older in 2021. Health and long-term care costs for people with dementia are projected to reach $360 billion in 2024, nearly $1 trillion in 2050.

McCune’s team is purposely limiting attendance to 75 so that it can be held in the church’s fireside room with round tables versus theater style that could triple the numbers. “We want this to be intimate and conversational with in-depth sharing,” McCune said.

Lunch will be provided and sessions will include: Latest in Alzheimer’s & Dementia Research with a keynote presentation by Dr. Greg Ferenz, an expert in neurological care at Pacific Crest Neurology.

Additional sessions are: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s & Dementia; Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body. Community resource panel discussion topics are: advanced & dementia directives; a care partners dementia path; compassionate end of life, and nutrition for a healthy life.

Call 800-272-3900 to register.

Exploring the history and future of the Lazy Z Ranch

Everybody who drives through Sisters has seen the iconic Lazy Z Ranch.

In their next Fireside Chat, the Three Sisters Historical Society will explore the story of “Lazy Z Ranch…Then and Now.”

Attendees will hear from a local panel of knowledgeable speakers who will share personal stories, documented early 1900s history, and historic photos depicting what this special property has meant to travelers, farmers, ranchers, and families through the years.

The story will begin with the early settlement by 1800s homesteaders and how it grew into a 1,400acre ranch eventually owned by Lloyd Brogan in the early 1960s through the mid-’80s.

Speakers will then talk about the transition that moved it into a “development” phase — but kept the land from becoming tract housing — then moving into the regenerative farming, beekeeping, and mead-producing enterprise the Lazy Z is today. There may be a peak at its future from current owner John Herman.

On Sunday, April 21, the doors will open at 1 p.m. at the Sisters Fire Hall’s Community Room at 301 S. Elm St. Tickets are $10, available at the door, and free to Historical Society members. Seating is first come, first served. The presentation will begin at 2 p.m.

Organizers anticipate that the event will fill up.

Sisters woman makes a difference

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

In the 11 years Shannon Rackowski and her husband Joseph have lived in Sisters, Shannon has touched hundreds of lives with one, if not more, of her gifts.

Looking at Rackowski, it is impossible to believe she is 70 years old. Her youthful, fit appearance belies her three near-death experiences and 13 surgeries. She is a walking (and dancing and exercising and decorating) testimonial to the benefits of regular exercise.

A mother of three grown daughters and grandmother of eight, she underwent hip replacement surgery five months ago and yet is currently teaching 18 senior fitness classes a week (Monday-Thursday), four to seven classes a day, both in her studio near Ray’s Food Place and in several other locations within Sisters. Her classes range from improving balance to step aerobics, tai chi, and hula. She has been leading fitness classes for 55 years, 27 of those years conducting classes for firefighters.

Her fitness studio doubles as her office for ReDo, her home staging business, with which Rackowski helps home sellers get their property ready to put on the market. She has artwork, furniture, and other interior design materials which she incorporates into a client’s home to be appealing to prospective buyers. One of her client

couples decided to stay in a hotel after Rackowski staged their home, because she had done such a superb job, they didn’t want to “mess up” the ambiance she had created.

In her “spare time,” Rackowski does hula performances for a variety of events and celebrations, calling on her Hawaiian roots.

“If I can help anyone be physically healthier, or sell their home, or receive the love I portray with hula, then I am doing what I love,” Rackowski explained.

All her life she has loved interacting with and helping babies and older people (kūpuna). She has also helped women throughout Oregon move forward from tragedy

by “talking her story” about surviving and thriving. She began doing that during the 25 years she and her family lived in Newport, on the coast.

“That’s what I want to do when I retire,” Rackowski admitted. “I want to be a motivational speaker.”

Rackowski’s work involves stories, energy, and spirit. And she gives thanks every day for her blessings.

“I love what I do. It keeps me healthy physically. Hula fills my spirit, and interior design stimulates my brain,” she explained. She also loves to cook for others.

“I like to make a difference every day,” Rackowski concluded.

Shannon Rackowski helps folks in Sisters through fitness and home staging.

PHOTO BY SUE STAFFORD

The barn at the Lazy Z Ranch is an iconic part of the Sisters Country landscape. PHOTO PROVIDED

ARTifacts 2024

ARTifacts 2024, an Interactive Art Experience, will be held on Friday, April 26, f rom 6 to 8 p.m. in the Sisters High School Commons. Entr y cost is $7 per person or $25 for the family. is high school art showcase will feature live music, upcycled t-shirts , handson art f un, a silent auction, and a showing of work from the Class of ’24 artists . Call 541-549-4045 for more information.

Free Weekly Meal Service

Family Kitchen hosts weekly togo hot meals on Tuesdays , 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sisters Communit y Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy Visit www.FamilyKitchen .org

Sisters Rodeo Parade

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

SISTERS LIBRARY COMING EVENTS

España: A L and of Many Faces

Take a photographic journey through Spain with Hilloah Rorh f rom 2 to 3 p.m . on ursday, April 18 , at the Sisters Firehouse Communit y Hall. Travel south to Andalucía , then up to the Picos de Europa on the northern coast of Asturias, venture on to the impressive Pyrenees Mountains along the FrancoSpanish border, explore the world-class wine regions of Rioja and Duero, and end the trip by visiting the city of Madrid. Find out more at www.deschuteslibrar y.org/ calendar/adult

Know Gardens: Garden Fair at Sisters Firehouse

On Sunday, April 28 , f rom 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Firehouse Community Hall attend a f ree event to learn from local experts how to help pollinators , compost roll up seed bombs , grow vegetables in our climate, create paints f rom your garden, and more! Learn from: Artist Lee Kellogg , Deschutes Public Library

Communit y Librarians, Deschutes L and Trust, OSU Master Gardeners, Pollinator Pathway Bend, Seed t o Table, Sisters Garden Club, and e Environmental Center. Find out more at www.deschuteslibrar y.org/ calendar/adult

Family Story Time

Interactive story time with books , songs , and rhymes for children ages 0-5 years ese stories and songs are designed to support early literacy skill development, social-emotional awareness and f amily engagement. is 25-minute program is on Wednesdays , April 17 and 24, at 10:30 a .m. at Sisters Park & Recreation Co eld Center.

THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday, April 18

Discussion on Environment

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts

Sisters High School Storage Building Construction SHS Construction Class is interested in building a storage building for someone in the communit y during spring term. Cont act Tony Cosby for more information, 541-410 -1018.

SE S Kindergar ten Roundup

Sisters Elementar y School (SES) will hold their annual Kindergarten Roundup preregistration on Friday, April 26 , in the school gymnasium Student s will participate in a teacher-led activit y while parent s are involved in a parent orientation. Sign up by contacting the elementary school at 541-549-8981. Children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1 are eligible for the 2024-25 school year. Enrollment forms may be picked up at the SES o ce between 9 a .m. and 2 p.m. Forms need to be completed and returned to the school o ce on April 26 at the time of the scheduled appointment. e following documents are required to register : enrollment packet; copy of birth certificate; immunization records; proof of address . Students will not be registered until all forms in.

Weekly Food Pantry

e Wellhouse Church hosts a weekly food pantr y ursdays at 3 p.m. at 222 N . Trinit y Way Both drive-through pick-up and shopping-st yle distribution are available. Info: 541-549-4184.

Free Lunches for Seniors

For those 60+, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon o ers a f un, no-cost social lunch every Tuesday, 11 a .m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Community Church , 130 0 McKenzie Hwy. No reser vations needed. No-cost Grab-N- Go lunches take place weekly on Wed . and urs ., f rom 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.

Sunday School for Children

Church of the Transfiguration

o ers Sunday School for children, ages 5 to 12, regardless of church a liation, during both Sunday worship ser vices. Protestant/ecumenical ser vice is at 8:30 a .m. and Episcopal service begins at 10:15 a .m. e church address is 121 Brook s Camp Rd . Sisters . For more information call Margaret Doke at 541-588-2784.

STAR S Seeks Dispatch Volunteers

While working from home, help STAR S transport Sisters Country resident s to nonemergenc y medical appointments . Needed: A computer, the abilit y to use online apps, and a telephone. Call 541-9 04-5545 . STAR S is an AFSC Action Team

A Discussion on Environment and Well-Being

Scientist Minal Mistr y will employ a holistic approach to unravel the environmental complexities shaping our lives in Oregon on ursday, April 18 , f rom 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 684 67 ree Creek Rd . in Sisters . is engaging talk will transcend local boundaries , shedding light on our global reliance and the far-reaching impact on communities worldwide. Explore themes of migration and transitions , and delve into emerging concerns such as novel pollutants a ecting water, land , and food sources For more info call 541-9 04070 0 or email inquiries@ roundhousefoundation.org

Sisters Science Club Board Members

e Sisters Science Club is pleased to welcome six new members to its board of directors . e expansion of the board completes the club’s post-pandemic recover y as it acknowledges the community suppor t for science education in our schools , as well as the popular Frontiers in Science lecture series at e Belfr y. Joining current board members David Duehren, Don Utzinger, and Gayle Todd are David Ellis , Chris Harker, David Johnson, Jocelyn Blevins , Joe Sherr y, and L arr y Price. Volunteer inquiries are always welcome at scienceinsisters@gmail.com

SHS Bands Celebrity

Bagging at Ray’s Sisters High School Bands

Celebrit y Bag ging Event at Ray ’s on Saturday, April 27, f rom 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Music matters: All donations will support SHS band activities and instruments! Come shop at Ray ’ s and have your groceries bag ged by a high school band student! Info: kayla golka@ssd6 .org

Sisters Beekeepers Mee t

Calling all Sisters Country beekeepers and those intrigued by beekeeping . Gather to swap tales , share tips , troubleshoot woes , and toast successes ursday, April 25, at 5 p.m. at e Barn in Sisters . Call Tracy at 970 -481-4 477 for more information or see you there!

Silent Echo eater Company

Auditions for Silent Echo eater Company ’s Now You Talking One-Acts will take pla April 28 and 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Churc Actors 14 years old and older are encouraged to audition. No preparation is required. Sides will be provided the nig of auditions . Per formances will take place June 20-23 For more information email silentechotheatercompany@ gmail.com or call Marla at 3 710-2874

STAR S Seek s Volunteer to Transpor t Patients

Help Sisters Countr y residen get to nonemergenc y medic appointments in Sisters Redmond , and Bend . Attend a free t wo-hour training. Emails from STAR S dispatchers allow you to accept dates and times that work for your schedule, and a mileage reimbursement is included . Learn more at www starsride.org. STAR S is an AFSC Action Team

Sisters Habitat Volunteers Needed

Americ an Legion and VFW

American Legion Post 86 and VF W Post 8138 meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at Spoons Restaurant, 473 E . Hood Ave. Sisters . Call John at 541-549-1462 for info.

STOR MY

is vivacious 1-year-old pup is house-trained, knows some commands, and has been an absolute delight here at HSCO. Stormy will thrive with some training and consistency to rein in that energy!

Are you looking for something fun to do with your free time?

Volunteer with Sisters Habit at for Humanit y! C all 541-549-1193 to get connected

Save the Rubberbands

Business owners: Are you the recipient of a bundle of Nug gets each week? ose f at rubberbands are highly valued by the Nug geteers that bundle your papers each week . We’d love to use them again

Prospective adopters should be ready for lots of outdoor fun. Stormy is eager to learn and grow with her new family.

SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES

Baha’i Faith

For information, devotions, study groups , etc., contac t Shauna Rocha 541-6 47-9826 • www.bahai.org www.bahai.us • www.bahaiteachings .org

Calvar y Church

484 W. Washington St. , Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288

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

Chapel in the Pines

Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

e Church of Jesus Christ of L at ter-Day Saints

452 Trinit y Way • Branch President, 5 41-420 -5670;

10 a .m. Sunday Sac rament Meeting

e Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration

121 N Brook s Camp Rd. • 541-549-7087 www.transfiguration-sisters.org

8:30 a .m. Ecumenical Sunday Worship

10 :15 a .m. Episcopal Sunday Worship

e Resting Place

meeting at Sisters Communit y Church, 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy www.restingplace.us • hello@restingplace.us

5 p.m. Sunday Worship

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

386 N . Fir St. • 541-815-9848

11 a .m. S aturday Worship

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA)

386 N . Fir Street • 541-549-5831

www.shepherdof thehillsluther anchurch.com

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Church of the N az arene 67130 Har rington 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

www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com

9:30 a .m. Sunday Worship

St . Edward the Mar tyr Roman Catholic Churc h

123 Trinit y Way • 541-549-9391

5:3 0 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass

12 p.m. Monday Mass

Wellhouse Churc h

• 9 a .m. Sunday Mass

• 8 a .m. Tuesday-Friday Mass

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

10 a .m. Sunday Worship

Sisters Rent al

Wi nter may be putting up a fight, but spring is coming. Really And that means it’s time to get your lawn mowers, trimmers and chains aws in to Sisters Rental for service. Don’t wait! You’ll want all your equipment ready to go when spring finally wins out

If you’re looking to upgrade your yard maintenance equipment this year, Sisters Rental has you covered. There’s new inventory of Gravely zero-turn and Cub Cadet riding mowers. Stihl batter y-powered mowers are a hot item — quiet and power ful. You

c an run 35–40 minutes on a charge, and recharging ta kes only about 20 minutes. Batteries are inte rchangeable with other Stihl equipment.

Again, don’t wait. When the i nve ntor y sells out, it takes a while to replenish.

Sisters Re nt al c arries the re nt al equipment and tools y ou need for all of y our spring and summer home projects, and they also provide landscaping materials. The knowledgable staff can help you select the right tool for the job and offer tips to ensure success.

Massage and other forms of body work c an be transformative to our health and well-being. At True Wellness + Bodywork in ers, John Seitzinger, LMT, MSN, offers a range of modalities that c an be mobilized custom plan to optimize well-being. om relaxation for the ner vous system to ocused treatment for pain and mobility limitations, Seit zinger employs different t ypes mass age, gua sha (a Chinese scraping technique to break up connective tissues), cupping, and trigger point therapy in sessions that are collaboratively customized.

Seit zinger ta ke s time to discuss your goals for treatment — and your histor y which can have a big impact on what you’re experiencing now.

“A fall 30 years ago can still impact your connective tissue,” he says.

Treatments c an be especially beneficial in preparing for surger y to mobilize tissue, increase circulation, and mitigate the impact of a procedure. Po st-surger y, Seit zinger likes to put together a series of three visits to mobilize scar tissue and aid in recovery — treatment that works with physical therapy.

Drainfield Restoration

It’s a moment to dread: Your drainfield is failing. Summer is coming on and you HAVE to get this taken care of

What are you going to do? How much is this going to cost? Replacing it and tearing up your yard is dauntingly expensive, running into the thousands of dollars. But you have an option.

What if you could restore your drainfield without replacing it?

Turn to Drainfield Restoration. As Central Oregon’s only factor y-trained Terralift operator, they c an restore your drainfield for a

fraction of the cost of replacement.

Drainfield Restoration blasts air into the soil, breaking up biomat and compaction, restoring the soil’s original leaching capacity. They can also jet inside lines and remove tree roots that are often the culprit in drainfield problems in Sisters Countr y. It’s a oneday project — and it works for years.

In business since 1 995, Drainfield Restoration has saved clients thous ands of dollars across the state of Oregon. For tips on restoration and care of your septic system, visit www.RestoreYourSeptic.com.

Sisters Fence Company has built a reputation across Sisters Countr y for superior qualit y of work , exceptional customer service and reliabilit y.

They can handle any kind of fence project you c an throw at them, from a simple backyard fence to extensive ranch and agriculture fencing. They work comfortably with all k inds of materials, a nd vi rt ually eve ry aspect of a project is handled in-house If you simply want them to drill holes and set posts so you c an build the fence yourself, they’re happy to accommodate

Therapeutic Associates

Therapeutic Associates has been helping people in Sisters recover from injur y and surger y and get back to their active lifestyle for over 30 years.

In a unique par tnership with Sist ers Athletic Club (SAC), Therapeutic Associates offers a “s te p-d ow n” program that eases patients from physic al therapy into active, assisted recovery at SAC. And access to the SAC pool means Therapeutic Associates c an offer aquatic therapy, which is an outstanding, effective, and low-impact way to

Therapeutic Associates has two physical therapists a nd a phy sical therapist a ssistant/LMT on staf f, which means folks can usually get an appointment within 48 hours.

Clinic Director Matt Kirchoff emphasizes the need for early intervention to prevent a nagging injur y or impingement fr om becoming a major problem: “ The quicker we can see people afte r an injur y, th e quicker we can address it,” he says.

And Therapeutic A ssocia te s makes it quicker and easier than ever to get on top of an injur y so you can get back in the game

“Customer ser vice is a really big deal to us,” says owner Pat Burke.

R eliabilit y and long-t erm sa tisfaction with their work is critical to their success, and they also do every thing they can to use local suppliers to keep the Sisters economy and communit y strong.

If this sounds like the kind of outfit you’d like to work for, they’re hiring for positions from general labor to equipment operator to team lead.

There’s still room on the schedule fo r spring and summer — call now.

T&M Junk Removal

Spring is the season of renewal — which means finally getting rid of all that… stuff T&M Junk Removal makes it easy

They have drop boxes they can deliver to your location so you c an fill it up on your own. They ’ll come back to pick up the boxes when you’re done with the project/job — per fect for a weekend of spring cleaning, and right for commercial as well as residential projects.

Do -i t- y ourself t oo d aun ting ? Just te ll Th ys and M cKibben what needs to go and they ’ll make it dis appear The y’re a

full-ser vice hauling outfit that can handle anything from commercial debris to household goods, from yard debris to items that have sat untouched for years in that spare room, storage unit, or garage

T&M Junk Removal also has a moving truck, and they are fully qualified as movers, especially for short-distance relocations.

Thys and McKibben operate on an ethic of ser vice. They treat everyone with dignit y and respect and are here to ser ve. Don’t let that pile of stuff intimidate you. Call T&M Junk Removal and get it out of your life.

YO U ’RE IN THE RIGHT HANDS !

541-549-3534

325 N. Locust St., Sisters www.greenridgept.com

Green Ridge Physical Therapy

It ’s time to get back in the s addle fo r spring. If only the body will cooperate Megan Rheeder works with a lot of horseback riders at Green Ridge Physical Therapy, helping them get back into riding condition or helping them recover from injuries. “ The most common (issues) are low back pain and hip pain,” she says.

A lifelong ride r who h as par t icipa te d in equestrian competition, Rheeder is uniquely qualified to h elp riders w ork through limitations. She assesses range of motion and identifies where a rider might

Solid Pest Solutions

Sisters Countr y has its share of pests, from infiltrations of ants to tunneling voles in the grass to rodents getting in to the garage or the house. Birds and bats ca n pose a problem.

Pe sts c an be a nuis ance — and sometimes they can cause significant damage

Solid Pest Solutions lives up to its name — they are in te re sted in providing s olutions, not just treating the symptoms of pest infestation. O wner Mike Larson notes that their approach is inspection-based, not just a spray-and-leave hit

“We do a lot of expulsion work ,” Larson says. “Even when we do stuff like ants, we tr y to do a ve ry targeted approach.”

Ants c an be a real problem — and you have know how big your problem is if you want to solve it

be compens a ting for an old injur y. She helps riders build strength and functional movement that not only alleviates pain and discomfort, but also improves performance

Independently, Rheeder offers riding assessments, and can troubleshoot position and technique that may be causing pain or a lack of mobilit y.

Rheeder discovered her interest in physical therapy as a competitive rider, when she worked with a physical therapist

“I c an see it from both sides, which is really helpful,” she says.

Ev er y one at Solid Pe st Solutions exceeds education requirements, which reflects the company’s outlook

“This is a science, so you’ve got to take a scientific approach,” Larson says.

C all now to get on the schedule: 541-678-2166.

Crux Wealth Advisors – Renee Sopko

If you have an investment por tfolio, you owe y ourself a co nvers ation with Renee Sopko with Crux Wealth Advisors.

Sopko brings her deep experience (she was a wealth advisor and vice president with Merrill Lynch from 1997 to 2021) and daily monitoring of markets to potentially maximize the performance of your portfolio and minimize risk We believe everyone can benefit from her market knowledge.

“I c an help people unc ove r the assets that they have and get them organized and working for them,” she says.

She hand-picks i nve stments, mostly

st ocks, and communicat es with her clients consistently “ They’re talking to me on almost every transaction,” she says.

Call for a complementary consultation and get your assets working for you.

Ever y investor ’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk t olerance, and time horizon before making any investment. Investing involves risk and y ou ma y incur a p rofit or l os s regardless of strategy selected. Be sure to contact a qualified professional regarding your particular situation before making any investment or withdrawal decision.

Sisters Heating & Air

It’s a bad feeling when your heating and cooling system a cts up. T hen you get an estimate for repairs or replacement and… ouch. Mike Whitlatch of Sisters Heating & Air is offering a free second opinion, which can often save you from an unexpected expense

“We make sure every thing is in working order,” he s aid. “We’re not going to charge you to shake hands and let you know what’s going on — or not going on.”

Sist ers Heating & A ir ser ve s Sist ers Countr y with residential and commercial heating, ve ntilation, and air conditioning

While BANR Enterprises takes on major commercial projects across Oregon, owner Scott Davis really l oves doing residential work in Sisters Countr y.

“We do a lot of residential work,” he said. “ The best part of it for me personally is seeing the faces of the people when it’s done.”

BANR brings three decades of experience to bear on all kinds of jobs — and customer satisfaction means that most of their work comes through referrals.

“For m e, personally, that means a l ot,” Davis said.

(HVAC ) — including air purification and humidification, system diagnostics, maintenance, replacements, and new installations.

Whitlatc h’s values are straightfor ward, and he applies them to every job:

“We provide an exceptional product and ser vice at a reasonable price,” he said. “ The strength in this business is in ser vice and being honest and ethical.”

Whitlatch learned his business from the ground up and has a broad range of experience that helps diagnose problems and provide the right fix

BANR does a wide range of work : building rock walls, removing trees, grading, paving, and concrete w ork Davis no te s that they recently completed a project with the Metolius Meadows HOA, building an underground reser voir holding more than 100,000 gallons of water.

The quality of BANR’s work earns plaudits — but equally important is responsiveness.

“We don’t know any other w ay,”  Davis s aid. “Your project is significant —  simple as repairing a sidewalk to building a horse arena or (building) a mile of road.”

Jazz to be featured at Black Butte Ranch

Top-tier jazz musicians will bring their music to the new lodge at Black Butte Ranch on Friday, April 26.

Saxophonist Tom Bergeron has been studying, playing, and teaching Brazilian music for more than two decades. An aficionado of world grooves since his early days as a bandleader at age 15, his focus turned primarily to Brazil in the early 2000s. Today, Bergeron is a retired professor of music from Western Oregon University and still playing Brazilian music. He and his wife, Rosi — a singer and native of Rio de Janeiro — divide their time between Camp Sherman and Rio’s neighbor city of Niterói.

Meanwhile, Rogerio Souza — another musician who makes his home in Niterói — grew up playing guitar around the dinner table with his musician father and siblings. These days he tours extensively in Brazil and internationally as a soloist and clinician. One of Brazil’s most accomplished artists on the 7-string violão (guitar), he created a guitar duo with Rio de Janeiro native Edinho Gerber — Duo Violão Brasil. While on tour in the US, the group added percussionist

Ami Molinelli from Oakland, California to create the trio Duo Violão Plus One.

Through a fortuitous online encounter, these five musicians developed a plan to bring their varied interests and expertise in Brazilian music to Central Oregon in a presentation entitled Tom Bergeron with Duo Violão Plus One & Rosi Bergeron. The show will focus on two foundational genres of Brazilian popular music: choro and samba.

Choro originated in the mid-19th Century, and remains a vital and active tradition in Brazil and around the world. Its characteristics include virtuosic melodies over a propulsive rhythm,

and jazz-like harmonies and improvisation. Samba is the dance-music offshoot of choro that became the progenitor of bossa nova. The official music of Carnaval in Brazil, it is central to Brazilian identity and has had a profound influence on jazz in the U.S. and abroad.

On Friday, April 26, Tom Bergeron with Duo Violão Plus One & Rosi Bergeron will be performing at Black Butte Ranch in the event room of the new lodge. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the general public. Admission is $30, with food and beverages available for purchase before and during the show.

Exploring the geological frontier

It doesn’t take much scientific knowledge to cast our eyes to the horizon and realize that we live in a geologic region of volcanos. Many of us recall the attention grabbed by South Sister not too many years ago when a bulge developed on the west slope, and small earthquakes kept geologists busy monitoring its activity.

The volcanic landscapes of Central Oregon have been shaped by tectonic forces that are active on a global scale. In Central Oregon, these forces

interact to create a geologically diverse region of snowcovered volcanic peaks, landscapes created by faults, and some of the largest volcanic eruptions on Earth.

Dr. Daniele McKay, geologist and senior instructor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oregon, visits Sisters on Tuesday, April 23, at 7 p.m. for a presentation titled “Geology of Central Oregon: New Insights on the Tectonic Forces Shaping Oregon’s Landscapes.” She will explore

Sisters-Area Events & Enter tainment

THURSDAY • APRIL 18

Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: Gina Denoble 6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30 Tickets, $10, at bendticket.com.

Frankie’s Upstairs Live Music: Alicia Viani and Joel Chadd , part of the Singer Songwriter Series.

Location is upstairs at Sisters Depot, 250 W. Cascade Ave. 7-10 p.m. Tickets, $20 at www.sistersdepot.com/our-events.

FRIDAY • APRIL 19

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights 5 to 8 p.m. Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15 More information at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby & Annie

8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.

SATURDAY • APRIL 20

The Belfr y Live Music: Kalos Innovative interpreters and composers of Celtic roots music: Ryan McKasson (fiddle, viola, vocals), Eric McDonald (guitar, mandolin, lead vocals), and Jeremiah McLane (accordion, piano, vocals). 7 to 10 p .m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presented by The Whippoorwill Presents. Tickets $20 at www.bendticket.com.

Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby & Annie 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.

SUNDAY • APRIL 21

Sisters Fire Hall Fireside Series: The Lazy Z Ranch... Then & Now. A panel of knowledgeable folks will share what this special property has meant to travelers, farmers, ranchers, and families. Presented by Three Sisters Historical Society. 2 p.m., doors open at 1 p.m. $10 at the door Info: 541-610-6323

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come to play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Open to all. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

TUESDAY • APRIL 23

recent geologic research that has changed our understanding of this place we call home.

Dr. McKay lives in Bend and teaches online geology courses throughout the academic year and field courses in Central Oregon during the summer. Her research background is in physical volcanology, focusing on recent mafic eruptions in the Central Oregon Cascades. She is also interested in how societies prepare for and respond to natural disasters, especially volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. She has worked with Deschutes County, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, Oregon Partnership for Disaster Resilience, and Red Cross on natural hazard preparedness and mitigation in Central Oregon.

This Frontiers in Science event, sponsored by the Sisters Science Club at The Belfry, is the final lecture of the 2024 spring series; lectures will resume next fall. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with light fare, beer, and wine available for purchase. Admission is $5 at the door; teachers and students are admitted free. The Belfry is located at 302 E. Main Ave., Sisters.

For information about Sisters Science Club, email scienceinsisters@gmail.com.

The Belfr y Frontiers in Science Lecture Series: Dr. Daniele McKay on Tectonic Impacts in Oregon presented by Sisters Science Club Social hour begins at 6 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m. Adults $5 at the door; teachers and students free Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: Pete Kar tsounes 6-8 p.m. Free entry Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com.

THURSDAY • APRIL 25

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Karen Spears

Zacharias presents "No Perfect Mothers." More information at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Frankie’s Upstairs Live Music: The Quons Trio 7 to 9 p.m. 250 W. Cascade Ave. Tickets $20 at sistersdepot.com/our-events. Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: Meagan Sky 6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30 Tickets, $10, at bendticket.com.

FRIDAY • APRIL 26

Sisters High School Commons ARTifacts 2024 SHS Art Department fundraiser featuring interactive exhibits and silent auction. Live music by SHS Jazz and Americana programs. $7 per person or $25 for family Info: bethany.gunnarson@ssd6.org

Black Butte Ranch Lodge Live Music: Tom & Rosi Bergeron with Duo Violão Plus Enjoy an evening of Jazz Brazilian music 7–9 p.m. Tickets $30 More information and purchase link at www.blackbutteranch.com/events.

Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby & Annie 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights 5 to 8 p.m. Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15 More information at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • APRIL 27

Sisters Depot Live Music: Bob & Mark 7 to 10 p .m. Fiddler Bob Baker and Mark Barringer on guitar Tickets $5 at sistersdepot.com/our-events.

Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby & Annie 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.

SUNDAY • APRIL 28

Paulina Springs Books Sunday Scrabble 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come to play Scrabble, socialize, and drink coffee. Open to all. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.

TUESDAY • APRIL 30

Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: The Dust Devils 6-8 p.m. Free entry Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com.

WEDNESDAY • MAY 1

Paulina Springs Books First Wednesday Open Mic Bring a poem, song, or short story to share — or come listen! 5 minutes per reader 6:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com.

Suttle Lodge Live Music: Dirty Jazz with Wolfe House Records 6 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets, $15, at www.bendticket.com.

Dr.

McKay

Black Butte Ranch will host an evening of jazz on April 26.

COLLAGE PROVIDED

Education with farm animals and art

By Katy Yoder Correspondent

Mia Bradley has an extensive background teaching children from preschool to teens. After having children of her own, she wanted to find work part-time that didn’t require childcare for her daughters, Journey and Sequoia. With the cost of daycare too high, working didn’t make much sense, so she got creative and came up with a business integrating her three loves – children, horses, and art. That’s how Sisters Farm School began in 2019.

When Sisters Farm School opened, at first it was focused on preschool-aged kids. The children learned how to groom horses and a pony, do art, and interact with farm animals on the property including goats, chickens, bunnies, and a miniature donkey named Maddie. Bradley’s garden provided educational opportunities about growing food and flowers for pollinators. Through word-ofmouth, attendance grew, and Bradley knew she had a sustainable business.

Going into her fourth summer, Bradley decided to offer spring through fall classes

including pony and horse lessons and farm tour classes. Her students come from Sisters, Bend, and Redmond.

“A lot of our students are homeschooled,” said Bradley. “We also offer some threehour, non-school day camps. Last year all our classes were full. I like to keep attendance at around ten students, which helps maintain a quality experience. Some of the art classes are incorporated into animal activities and others are separate classes. I love seeing what the kids create.”

Bradley enjoys witnessing the special relationships humans and animals can form through guided lessons in how to interact with each other. Having her daughters, who are now seven and eight, involved is an added benefit.

“I wanted to work from home and have my kids with me. Working on the property with the animals we have made sense. I worked in childcare for 20 years before having my own kids. I taught preschool, swim lessons, and was used to coordinating things and taking students to activities. With my experience working with kids and having horses my entire life, it made sense.”

Bradley lights up when she talks about her animals. She’s brought together a friendly group of critters who are gentle and happy to spend time with the children. Each animal has a story and a unique personality.

“Our pony Aspen who is 18, came from a refuge in Silver Lake called the Butterfly Ranch. They had around 40 horses, Aspen was the only pony, so he thinks he’s a horse!” she laughed. “We’re fostering our 25-yearold Tobiano Paint named Chex from Mustangs to the Rescue. He used to be an OHSET horse and used to help take supplies out to firefighters.”

Along with the rewarding aspects of a job teaching and caring for children, Bradley says there are other perks as well. “Parents have shared sweet and funny things their kids say after coming to a lesson or camp. One that sticks out was a fall camp last year, when a parent said their child was so excited to go to farm school that they woke up at 4 a.m. ready to go! So sweet. Then there’s the little 3- and 4-year-olds having their first time on a horse or pony showing up with cowboy hats

and boots and little scarves around their necks. I love providing memories children will remember as they grow up… I want to create those memories for the kids because those experiences are so special.”

Located about five miles out of Sisters, Bradley invites parents looking for an outdoor experience for their

child, where they can connect with nature, animals, and art through farm tours and hands-on classes, to contact her and learn more about the experiences she offers.

Sisters Farm School’s website is sistersfarmschool. com. Email Mia Bradley at sistersfarmschool@ gmail.com or call/text at 541-588-2250.

Nugget Poetry Corner

The Sorcerer

Bill

McMahon

The snow so w hite and oh so bright

Tr anscendent tr ees, a landscape of light

The br anches dance, with tr embling delight

Yet night is looming, bringing loss of sight

Shadowy tr ees and r azor shar p ice

The br anches sa g, a dange rous quiet

Whic h do we c herish, delight or danger

Day or night, pr omise or the loss of light

For snow is a sorcer er, up w hic h can alight like a kite

Perhaps like love, an impermanent flight.

Magical Spring

HadleyGreen(age10)

Spring spring magical spring

I ride my scooter and hear birds sing

Pollen is in the ai r

The br eeze is floating in my hair

We play gr ounder s

And see ne w flower s

Ever ything is colorful and bright

You see butterf lies take flight

Our dogs see their friends

And cold weather ends

My siblings play outside with me

And we laugh hysterically

I play with my friends

And sc hool ends Summer star ts

But this magical spring will forever be in our hear ts

Mia Bradley provides youngsters in Sisters with exceptional educational experiences.

PHOTO BY KATY YODER

Continued from page 1

remaining 12 acres. When the new building is complete, it will allow for 100+ employees to be housed under one roof. There will be a conference room available for use by the community free of charge after hours and will seat 100 people. The new building will be serviced by City water and sewer and utility lines will all be buried underground.

The remaining bunk houses will provide housing for fire operations. One was used last winter as a practice burn for the Sisters Camp Sherman Fire District. The two full-hookup trailer pads that were installed for temporary staff office space will be retained for use by summer personnel.

Last week, Knife River poured 23 yards of concrete for the pad on which the headquarters will be constructed. The building will be built using fire-treated lumber and a composite roof. The landscaping surrounding the building will demonstrate the use of defensible space.

The current headquarters was built in 1962 and has been altered and added to over the years. It no longer meets City building codes and there have been fire issues with the HVAC system. Once the new building is completed, the old one will be demolished to provide additional parking space.

The annual meeting showcased the District’s accomplishments in 2023 and outlined plans for 2024 programs and projects. There was also a 2024 fire briefing, a time for questions from the audience, and the opportunity to discuss programs with staff.

Community partners had tables set up with information on their programs including Discover Your Forest, Community Leadership Initiative, and Wildlife Passage Project.

District Ranger Reid gave a rundown of 2023 accomplishments including the Heritage Tree program, the Indian Ford Watershed Restoration Action Plan, removal of noxious weeds on 3,400 acres, and reconstruction of FS Road 16 to Three Creek Lake. The piping of the Plainview irrigation ditch removed the last human barriers on Whychus Creek.

Forty acres of lower Black Butte swamp were re-wetted with the construction of 26 beaver dam analogs. Work on the upper swamp will be next. There were successful prescribed fire seasons with 650 acres treated in the spring and fall with under burning, 1,100 acres of pile burning in

Expanding Sisters’ trail network

The Sisters Trail Additions and Realignments (STAR) project to address non-motorized trails on portions of the Sisters Ranger District covers a variety of equestrian, hiking, and biking trail actions across the District. The project aligns with the Sisters Country Vision which calls for an expanded trail system (City of Sisters 2019).

About 54 miles of new non-motorized trails are proposed to be added to the Sisters trail system and eight miles removed for a net gain of about 46 miles. Currently, there are about 392 miles of

winter, and 5,200 acres were mowed.

Education programs included the Youth Conservation Corps and the Sisters Aquatic Field Day. She Jumps engaged 30 girls aged 8-14 in activities to encourage them to consider future careers with the Forest Service.

Programs slated for 2024 include continued engagement with people living in the forest due to experiencing houselessness to connect them to services and keep the forest clean. Trees along 3.5 miles of North Pine Street that are within 10-feet of the CEC powerline will be removed to meet the National Electric Safety Code to reduce fire hazard from downed lines.

In the Black Butte Ranch wildland urban interface (WUI), work will be undertaken to reduce fire hazards, using understory mowing,

non-motorized system trails on the District.

New trail construction will provide a unique user experience not already available in the greater trail system, potentially reduce user conflict, and provide trail system connectivity. This project proposes four new trails totaling 16 miles.

The addition of 38 miles to 10 existing trails will allow for the maintenance of existing routes. Trail realignment to portions of five existing system trails totaling approximately 14 miles will allow for rerouting and reconstruction of existing system trails

plantation and restoration thinning, and commercial tree harvest where appropriate. Restoration work at Cougar Rock to maintain and restore resiliency and forest health will reduce fuel loads, treating areas that border communities.

The Green Ridge Landscape Restoration Project covers 25,000 acres where there are dense forest conditions and tree species competition which increase the chances of disease and wildfire. Dwarf mistletoe in

to increase trail sustainability, promote positive user experiences, and protect resources. The trails involved in realignment include Brush Creek, Elk Ranch, Glacier View, Whychus MetoliusWindigo Connector, and Sisters to Crossroads. Abandonment means a trail is removed from the official trail system which occurs when the intensive route maintenance required to upkeep or restore a given trail exceeds management capacity. Two existing trails totaling eight miles will be abandoned – Dry Creek and Minto.

the area has increased and is infecting young trees. The area provides important wildlife habitat. Long range planning is needed to build forest resiliency. Forest treatment will move the landscape toward natural forest conditions which will increase resilience to large scale wildfires like the Eyerly Fire (2003) and Green Ridge Fire (2020) that burned the area. To receive text alerts regarding wildfires and prescribed burns, text COFIRE to 888-777.

ELECTION: Ballots can be dropped at City Hall in Sisters

“It is recommended that voters review their registration online or call our office to ensure their information is up to date. Voters can access, review, and update their information through the My Vote portal on the Secretary of State’s website.”

Key dates:

• April 30: Deadline to register to vote, update your voter registration, or affiliate with a major political party.

• May 1: Ballots mailed to voters. All ballots include a postage-paid return envelope for you to mail in your voted ballot, or if you prefer, you can drop it off at an official ballot drop box location.

• May 3: County drop boxes open for voted ballots.

• May 21: Election Day. Ballots must be received at a drop box by 8 p.m. or postmarked by USPS by May 21 and received by the Clerk’s Office by May 28 to be counted.

Preliminary election results will be available on the Deschutes County Clerk website starting at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Outlaws softball gains strength

By Matt Van Slake Correspondent

It’s not where they are, it’s where they’re going.

On this day, Outlaws Varsity Softball is running laps. The number of errors made during games determines the number of laps run during practice. Initially, those figures were embarrassingly high. Slowly but surely, the mistakes are lessening.

Huddling his team, Outlaws Varsity Head Coach Gary Barr discusses the good and the bad. He praises several players — for batting averages above .400 and .500, for making smart plays, for setting good examples — but makes sure to say their mistakes have been, well, too darn many.

After having the girls circle the bases, they spend extra time underneath fly balls, learning to communicate quickly before the catch (“I got it! I got it!”; “Hit the cutoff!”; “Throw home!”).

Holes in their defensive game have allowed opponents to run up the scoreboard. In an April 11 doubleheader vs. Creswell, Sisters fell 2-16, then 5-17.

But the five runs were a high mark and a far cry from the shutouts endured earlier in the season.

Sisters High School

softball squad is composed of the 14 players who tried out: five freshman, five juniors, three sophomores, and a senior. There is no junior varsity or freshman team.

Three of the players are new to the sport; one had never hit, caught, or thrown a softball before.

The team has just two pitchers — Kathryn Scholl and Ella Davis — and a catcher, Saylor Weston.

Scholl, a dominant sixfoot-one-inch junior, was away last Thursday for a club volleyball commitment, so Davis pitched two games back-to-back vs. Creswell. She was a force, striking out batters from the mound and tagging out runners at home before hitting a double and driving in runs.

“I had five at-bats and went three for five, but I’m super proud of the girls: our freshman laying a bunt down and having a base hit – that was awesome – and then our center fielder with her diving catches. We fought through and saw a lot of improvement,” said Davis, a junior at Sisters High School.

A natural athlete and team leader, Davis was her teammates’ unanimous choice for captain.

“I’m glad that I’m able to help encourage the girls. I’m really grateful for that

role I get to play for them, trying to be an example,” Davis said. “We’re definitely learning, but we’re progressing.”

Things are looking up for next season, too, considering what’s brewing in Sisters’ “farm team.”

“We have 11 eighthgraders that will be moving up next year to high school for softball, which is a big deal for us,” said Kim Davis, president of Sisters Little League, which develops kids into Outlaws.

Davis’ youngest daughter is among those players. Since she’ll be an Outlaw next year, Mom will step aside after 28 years as a Little League player, volunteer, board member, and top leader.

“What I’m leaving behind is incredible to see. I’m really proud of it,” Davis said.

Meantime, the current high-schoolers focus on fundamentals, build each other up, and push closer to notching the win column.

Outlaws Varsity Softball host La Pine at 3 and 5 p.m. on Friday, April 19.

s s s

Matt Van Slyke covers youth academic and athletic programs in Sisters. Got a story idea? Get in touch: mattvanslyke@gmail.com.

Winston, Deputy Fire Chief Tim Craig’s 7-month-old basset hound, devours his Nugget cover to cover.

Local residents — of the 4- and 2-legged varieties — stay up to date with what’s happening in our community and engage with interesting stories about the people, businesses, and activities of Sisters Country by reading The Nugget Newspaper every week. You can help keep The Nugget filling this special role in our community with a SUPPORTING SUBSCRIPTION. 100% of your donation goes to paying freelance contributors.

How can I participate?

You choose the amount of support you wish to provide. You can mail a check to PO Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759; stop by the office at 442 E. Main Ave. (we love to connect with our readers); or click the “donate” link at the top of www.nuggetnews.com. And if you’d like to share a photo of your pet enjoying The Nugget, send a high resolution jpg to jess@nuggetnews.com.

WATER: Amount of water content in snow is a critical element

Continued from page 1

9.7 inches. Last year the numbers were 54 and 16.9 comparatively.

It’s a different story just the other side of the pass where the McKenzie station has a healthy 109 percent of median snow water equivalent.

Contradicting the snow pack reports are the readings at area reservoirs where for the first time in years Prineville Reservoir is virtually full at 99 percent. But river flows are slow, at least until there is more runoff. Our Whychus Creek, small in volume but big in importance to area ranchers, was flowing at 51 CFS (cubic feet second) Saturday versus its 83-year average for April 13 of 69 CFS.

Reports of well failures in Sisters Country continue — nearly all to the east and north of town. Wells dug to 350-plus feet are running dry and replacement wells are needing another 50 to 100 feet or more to find water.

Aiken Well Drilling says they are getting 10 to 20 calls a week about well failures, although some are pump issues and not dry wells.

A new well, depending on location, can cost as much as $50,000, and some property owners in Sisters Country drilled 800 feet to reach water.

Are conservation efforts leading to well failure?

About 86 percent of the Deschutes Basin has historically been diverted to canals crisscrossing 150,000 acres of farmland. Large amounts of that water flowing in open air ditches was lost to evaporation. Systematically water districts have been enclosing the canals and piping the water or lining the canals to prevent seepage.

In so doing, millions and millions of gallons of water

are no longer leaking into the ground eventually finding its way into the aquifer.

Up to 50 percent of water from canals seeped into the ground before it reached farms, potentially keeping the aquifers artificially high, according to the Oregon Water Resource Department’s watermaster for the region, Jeremy Giffin, who’s charged with regulating and distributing water from the state.

USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) estimates more than a 15-percent groundwater loss from Sisters to Powell Butte since 2008.

The reasons for water shortage worries are many. After three years of historic drought in 2020-2022, 2023 saw some relief. At the same time the area’s population increased. Central Oregon remains the fastest growing region of the state, which overall lost population in 2023.

Redmond, now at 38,000, projects they could be out of water by 2040. Bend’s population has basically doubled in 20 short years.

Water managers at the City of Sisters express no such concerns. Four deep wells are forecast to meet the City’s needs far into the future.

Beyond the city limits, farmers and ranchers face an uncertain water year. Pivot sprayers and sidelines (water wheels) around Sisters are getting tuned up and any day will get turned on. Agriculture in Sisters Country is a multi-million industry — dependent on water.

Situated east of the Cascade foothills in an area running northeast from Whychus Creek, through the Cloverdale area, and down McKenzie Canyon to Lower Bridge, the Three Sisters Irrigation District provides irrigation water to the 7,572 acres of certified water rights appurtenant to land owned by farming and ranching interests located within its boundaries.

Snowpack is vital to irrigation in Sisters’ farm and ranch country as spring and summer are on the horizon.

PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

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: $3.50 per line for first insertion, $2.50 per line for each additional insertion to 9th week, $1.50 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 $3.50 per line. Standard abbreviations allowed with the approval of The Nugget classified department. NOTE: Legal notices placed

Sizes

more expensive than bad tenants” call or text mike 541.588.2028

mikez@wetdogpnw.com

1 Bd/ 1Ba for Rent!

181 E. Tall Fir Ct. D $500 off first month of rent! $1295.00 plus $60.00 WSG See utopiamanagement.com for disclosures and application. 541-702-1111

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

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 Rentals

Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net

Great pricing. 503-730-0150

201 For Sale

Utility Trailer, 5' x 10' x 3' Tandem axle. In Sisters $900. Pics available. Call 503-507-5279

— Blue Adult Electric Trike — One year old, basket, helmet, barely used. Purchased new at Blazin' Saddles for $2,500. $1,800

• Call 541-771-6455

TOO MUCH STUFF?

Advertise your excess with an ad in The Nugget!

202 Firewood

Oak and plum firewood logs approximately 2.5 cords per load.

Delivered, $500 per load. Custom rough-sawn saw-milling available. Live edge, coffee tables, custom dimensions. Please call or text 936-600-2132.

Sunnyblueskys94@gmail.com

• SPRING SPECIAL

•

SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS

DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD

• SINCE 1976 •

KINDLING

Doug Fir – Lodgepole –Hardwood – Juniper – Fir

DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES

– 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com

Order Online! 541-410-4509

205 Garage & Estate Sales

HERITAGE USA

Open daily 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

253 E. Hood Ave., Sisters.

Estate Sale in Bend!

63274 Morningstar Ct.

Fri & Sat, 9-4

1994 Toyota Land Cruiser, utility trailer, home furnishings, yarn, clothing, skis, patio furniture, yard art, & more!

View pics @ estatesales.net

– Hosted by Happy Trails!–

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

302 Recreational Vehicles

–RV for SALE–

Jayco 2021

Jay Flight SLX 8 (212QBW)

Baja + Rocky Mtn Edition

All Season Solar Power Pkg. $20,500. Justin 458-600-6833

401 Horses

ORCHARD GRASS HAY

New crop. No rain. Barn stored. 3-tie bales. $300-$360/ton. Hwy. 126 & Cline Falls. 541-280-1895

HAY FOR SALE?

Inform Nugget readers with an affordable classified!

403 Pets

Brando's Natural Dog Biscuits brandosbyjulie.etsy.com

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

GOT MICE? We have barn cats looking for greener pastures. These cats are not social with humans but would love to patrol your property. Email info@sisterswhiskers.com for more information.

500 Services

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

GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE

“A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871

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

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

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC

Cable jobs, security cameras, WAPs. 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

C L A S S I F I E D S !

It pays to advertise in The Nugget Newspaper Deadline is Monday before noon, 541-549-9941 or online at NuggetNews.com

Uploaded every Tuesday at no additional cost to you!

601 Construction

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

HIGH DESERT WOOD CARE

Power wash/clean • Complete sanding • Stain & finish • Log home chinking • 10% military discount • Specializing in log home and deck refinishing 541-948-2303

$100 off decks • $500 off log homes until April 30 Earthwood Timberframes

• Design & shop fabrication

• Recycled fir and pine beams

• Mantels and accent timbers

• Sawmill/woodshop services

EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com

Uncompromising quality. Local and personal. You can trust me.

All projects: From new construction to those little projects you don't seem to get to. My team of local subcontractors and I will get it done right, fair, and pain-free so you can make your spouse happy. Call Jared 503-949-9719

Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT

CCB: 288388 • 541-588-2062 www.sistersfencecompany.com

ROBINSON & OWEN

Heavy Construction, Inc.

All your excavation needs

*General excavation

*Site Preparation

*Sub-Divisions

BANR Enterprises, LLC Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls

Residential & Commercial CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 www.BANR.net

604 Heating & Cooling ACTION AIR

Heating & Cooling, LLC

Installs actionairheatingandcooling.com

605 Painting METOLIUS PAINTING

~

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

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

EMPIRE PAINTING

Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining

CCB#180042

541-613-1530

• Geoff Houk www.nuggetnews.com

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

J&E Landscaping Maintenance

Construction

• Water Heaters

541-549-4349

LLC Clean-ups, raking, hauling debris, thatching, aerating, irrigation, mowing. Edgar Cortez 541-610-8982 jandelspcing15@gmail.com

All Landscaping Services

– 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

701 Domestic Services

I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC

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

House Cleaning

Sisters & Black Butte Free Consult 503-750-3033

BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning

WINDOW CLEANING!

Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897

T H E N U G G E T

N E W S P A P E R

Your Local News Source!

www.nuggetnews.com

Breaking News / Feature Photos

Extras / Letters

704 Events & Event Services

CENTRAL OREGON'S LARGEST GUN & KNIFE SHOW! April 20 -21.

Saturday, 9-5

• Sunday, 9-3

Deschutes County Expo Center

ADMISSION: General $10; Military/Vets $8; 2-day pass $16; Children under 12 are free. For info call 503-363-9564

WesKnodelGunShows.com

802 Help Wanted

We are Hiring! Join our summer camp culture at Lake Creek Lodge. We're recruiting for: Housekeeping

PT/FT and Maintenance F/T. We are proud to offer flexible schedules and excellent compensation.

803 Work Wanted

POSITION WANTED; for Companion Caregiver.

Looking for part-time; must be close to Sisters downtown. References upon request. Please call 503-274-0214

902 Personals

Attention Jay Hunter Jones:

Please call Jennifer Andrews at 310-704-6855

SERVICE TO PROVIDE?

BUSINESS TO PROMOTE? VEHICLE FOR SALE? HOUSE TO RENT?

LOOKING FOR LAND? GARAGE TOO FULL? NEED SOME HELP?

Advertise in The Nugget Newspaper's CLASSIFIEDS For no additional cost your classified goes ONLINE! Go to www.NuggetNews.com

DEADLINE: Every Monday by noon. Call 541-549-9941

999 Public Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF BLACK BUTTE RANCH RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Black Butte Ranch Fire Station 13511 Hawks Beard Black

NOTICE

Directors

Residential and Commercial Licensed • Bonded

Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740

• Insured

CCB #87587

603 Excavation & Trucking

Full Service Excavation

Free On-site Visit & Estimate

Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail

.com

541-549-1472

Drainfield

Alpine Landscape Maintenance

Sisters Country only All-Electric Landscape Maintenance. Text/Call Paul 541.485.2837 alpine.landscapes@icloud.com

• CCB #76888

• 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!

Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com 541-549-2345

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

www.lakecreeklodge.com

13375 SW Forest Service Rd. 1419 Camp Sherman

Part-Time Sales Associate

We are looking for a person who is friendly, outgoing and reliable; someone who enjoys working with the public in a team environment. Workdays are Friday, Saturday, and Monday.

Applications available at the Stitchin' Post, 311 West Cascade in Sisters or by email

diane.j@stitchinpost.com.

Questions? Contact diane.j@stitchinpost.com

Metolius Meadows in Camp

Sherman is seeking a reliable self-motivated individual to assist in the care and maintenance of our common area grounds and facilities. A good candidate will have some mechanical knowledge, and carpentry skills. Be a self-starter and willing to work in a variety of daily duties.

We offer a competitive starting wage with opportunities to develop a professional skill set. Contact our office at 541-595-2101.

Ranch Rural Fire Protection District will hold a FIRST public hearing on April 25, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Black Butte Ranch RFPD Fire Station located at 13511 Hawks Beard, Black Butte Ranch, Oregon. To attend the hearing virtually or for questions, contact Jamie Vohs at (541) 595-2288 or jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com. The public hearing will be held for the purpose of considering adopting the proposed ordinance below and to receive comment from the public on the ordinance. 24-0523 Emergency and Non-Emergency Fees

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 with the district at (541) 595-2288, or email to jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com. Public comment must be scheduled no later than 9 a.m. on April 24, 2024. Any person may provide comments at the meeting. A copy of the proposed ordinance may be obtained upon request at the Fire Station located at 13511 Hawks Beard, Black Butte Ranch, Oregon 97759 or by email request to jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com or phone request to (541) 595-2288. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for other accommodations should be made to Black Butte Ranch RFPD at (541) 595-2288 at least 48 hours before the meeting.

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

public meeting of the Budget

Committee of the Black Butte School District, Jefferson County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, will be held at Black Butte School 25745 FS Rd 1419, Camp Sherman, OR 97330. The meeting will take place on May 14, 2024, 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 7th at Black Butte School, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Two public meetings of the Budget Committee of the Black Butte Ranch Rural Fire Protection District, Deschutes County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, will be held at the Black Butte Ranch Fire Station, 13511 Hawks Beard, Black Butte Ranch. To attend the budget committee meeting virtually or for questions contact Jamie Vohs at (541) 595-2288 or jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com.

The first meeting will be held on April 30, 2024, at 9 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. The second meeting is tentatively scheduled on May 7, 2024, at 9 a.m. and will take place on an as needed basis.

Construction Contractor

Licensing Oregon law requires that those who work for compensation (except bona fide employees) in any construction activity involving improvements to real property to be licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. (There are several exemptions.) An active license means the contractor is bonded and insured. For information go to www.oregon.gov/CCB

Public comment will be taken in written and phone-in format. Written comments received by 9 a.m. on April 29, 2024, will be read during the public comment section of the meeting on April 30, 2024. Comments by phone will be taken on a scheduled basis during the public comment section of the meeting on April 30, 2024. 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 with the district at (541) 595-2288, or email to jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com.

Public comment must be scheduled no later than 9 a.m. on April 29, 2024. A copy of the budget document may be inspected online https://blackbutteranchfire.com/ about-bbrfd/budgets/2024-2025budget/ or obtained by mail or in person on or after April 23, 2024, via email request to jvohs@blackbutteranchfire.com or phone request to (541) 595-2288. These are public meetings where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may provide comment at the meetings. Notice of publication is also available at https://blackbutteranchfire.com/ about-bbrfd/budgets/2024-2025budget/.

T H E N U G G E T

N

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 fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, will be held at Black Butte School 25745 FS Rd 1419, Camp Sherman, OR 97330. The meeting will take place on May 14, 2024, 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 7th at Black Butte School, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Construction Contractor

Licensing Oregon law requires that those who work for compensation (except bona fide employees) in any construction activity involving improvements to real property to be licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. (There are several exemptions.) An active license means the contractor is bonded and insured. For information go to www.oregon.gov/CCB

LIVESTOCK: All producers are welcome to join group

Continued from page 1

inactivity as many of its members aged out or moved on.

Deena Fidler, president of the TriCounty Cattle Women Association, which covers Jefferson, Crook, and Deschutes County, told The Nugget that livestock producers feel increasing pressure to address, in a united fashion, many of the resurgent issues that have long plagued producers in the western United States: water, wolves, and private property rights.

“The industry is under attack,” Fidler said. “It’s a fight for food, and the future, and we are focused on, among other things, educating the next generation.”

According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the State of Oregon is home to over 37,000 farms and ranches that combined to create nearly 700,000 jobs and generate nearly $30 billion in wages and $12 billion in annual taxes in its most recent survey. The United States Department of Agriculture consistently ranks Oregon in the top tiers of livestock production, a category that includes honey, sheep and lambs, eggs, dairy cattle, as well as commercial beef cattle.

Agricultural Associations have a long history in Oregon, even prior to 1860 when delegates from the Oregon Fruit Growers Association first met in Salem to establish the Oregon State Agricultural Society. The First Cattlemen’s Association was formed in Baker County in 1913.

Modern livestock associations work to promote healthy, sustainable production and land stewardship practices, while defending the industry’s interest in raising food and other commodities. McMichael told The Nugget that one of the DCLA’s top priorities is to continue working to sustain local FFA and 4-H programs, and to educate and encourage young people to become involved in the

rewards offered from a life in agriculture.

The Deschutes County Livestock Association is open to all livestock producers, not just cattlemen. Matt Foster, who raises hay in Tumalo and serves as DCLA Vice President, told The Nugget that many producers feel they are being pigeon-holed by underinformed, or misinformed concerns, but are energized by a strong sense of community among producers. Of particular concern to Foster and others are what they consider to be shortsighted and overburdensome regulations, and local landuse issues including wildlife overlays that “sound good in principle but raise serious questions about private property rights.”

DCLA President Dave McMichael and TriCounty Cattle Women Association President Deena Fidler.

PHOTO BY CRAIG RULLMAN