The Nugget Newspaper // Vol. XLVII No. 19 // 2024-05-08

The Nugget

Sisters lodger receives national award

By Sue Stafford Correspondent

For a number of years, FivePine Lodge has received some kind of national award from Tripadvisor, but this year they hit it out of the park. They were named number three in the country for the Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title. Numbers one and two were in San Diego and New York City.

The award celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel based on a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of their eight million listings, fewer than 1 percent achieve this milestone.

FivePine’s first award came only a few years after opening with being named Best Place for Romance

Remembering an old growth warrior...

field review. Seecommentary,“Odetoanoldgrowthwarrior,” page12.

Deputies arrest wanted person near Sisters

A deputy with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was conducting routine patrol in the area of Forest Road 4606 near Sisters on May 5 when the deputy discovered a camp believed to be occupied by a Leah Marie Sharp, a 37-year-old transient who was wanted for three counts of custodial interference and three counts of kidnapping out of Caldwell, Idaho.

According to DCSO, the deputy learned that Sharp was likely with her three children, the victims of the custodial interference and kidnapping, listed as missing and endangered.

While the deputy maintained constant surveillance on the camp, several other

deputies converged on the scene, contacted Sharp, and took her into custody without incident. The three minor children were located in the custody of Sharp at the camp. They appeared to be unharmed.

Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division, responded and took custody of the missing children and made arrangements for transport back to Idaho.

Sharp was transported to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail and lodged on an out-of state-warrant for Custodial Interference in the First Degree (three counts), Kidnapping in the First Degree (three counts).

Arrest made in assault in Sisters

A 21-year-old Bend man is under arrest for allegedly assaulting a ride share driver and stealing his vehicle in Sisters.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a report of an assault and theft of a vehicle in Sisters on May 3, at 2:48 a.m. Deschutes County 911 Dispatch advised a male subject had assaulted a ride share driver and subsequently stole the vehicle. During the course of the investigation, it was determined Joshua Buck, a 21-year-old transient was at the Deschutes County Stabilization Center and had requested a ride share service to Sisters. Once in Sisters Buck asked to be dropped off in the vicinity of the Sisters Inn and Suites. When the vehicle came to a stop, Buck allegedly assaulted the 77-year-old

See ASSAULT on page 15

Seeking solutions to housing challenges

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Housing is a real challenge for many folks in Sisters. There’s not a lot available, especially for rent, and prices are very high for people who work for Central Oregon wages. Housing challenges are not unique to Sisters — it’s a problem across the nation and particularly in the desirable towns of the American West.

Sisters is seeking ways to address a challenge that for many rises to a crisis — and a full-house gathering at Sisters Fire District’s Community Hall dug into the problem at a Sunday afternoon forum co-sponsored by Citizens4Community (C4C) and The Nugget Newspaper.

The audience was well aware of the gap between

A panel of developers and government officials assembled by Citizens4Community (C4C) led a discussion of the complex challenges facing Sisters in providing housing for a wide range of people.

local incomes and the $700,000-plus median price of a home in Sisters. Other statistics drew a startled response — particularly Sisters City Councilor

Jennifer Letz’s note that Sisters has a 20 percent vacancy rate (most cities have a five to seven percent

See FORUM on page 6

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

See FIVEPINE on page 11

Tim Lillebo and Brian Tandy during a 2010

PHOTO PROVIDED

OPINION

Letters to the Editor…

The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer’s name, address, and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond, or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is 10 a.m. Monday.

4th of July event

To the Editor:

I am not sure that having the 4th of July event at The Village Green Park is a good idea.

There are limited areas to park. The homeowners most likely will have issues with people parking in front of their houses. Just too congested.

For all the school tax money that is paid by the residents of the City of Sisters and those in the surrounding school district area why not work with the school district and use the high school grounds for this event? There

is the large grass field behind the school that would accommodate the event, plus ample parking. The City and District working together with the organizers could make it work.

Marvin Inman

s s s

Why I won’t vote for Phil Chang

To the Editor:

Phil Chang tried twice to raise property taxes. Once during a year the County had

See LETTERS on page 14

Sisters Weather Forecast

The Nugget Newspaper, LLC

Website: www.nuggetnews.com

442 E. Main Ave., P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759

Tel: 541-549-9941 | Email: editor@nuggetnews.com

Editor in Chief & Co-owner: Jim Cornelius

Production Manager: Leith Easterling

Creative Director: Jess Draper

Community Marketing

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Nugget Newspaper, P.O. Box 698, Sisters, OR 97759. Third Class Postage Paid at Sisters, Oregon. The Nugget is mailed to residents within the Sisters School District;

Third-class postage: one year, $70; six months (or less), $45.

Partner: Vicki Curlett

Classifieds & Circulation: Lisa May

Proofreader: Kema Clark

Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen

Put out the fire on home insurance

By Rep. Emerson Levy and Councilor Anthony Broadman Guest Columnists

Fire and fire insurance are top of mind in Sisters. No wonder – because of devastating wildfires, Oregon homeowners face soaring premiums and few property insurance options. Some have had their policies canceled when they came up for renewal, and some insurers no longer write new policies.

If the insurance companies tag your home with the label “high risk” you may be forced to get coverage from our state’s Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan, insurance of last resort. But that will be a costly outcome – the plan is very expensive and out of reach for many Oregonians.

Home insurance in parts of Oregon has begun to look more like California’s, where some of the largest insurance companies in the country are no longer renewing or writing new policies, and where the number of people turning to their statebacked insurer of last resort has doubled in recent years.

Here in Central Oregon, this is the last problem we need. We’re already facing ever-increasing home costs and higher utility bills. In the legislature next year, we pledge to stand up for Sisters Country and work to have the efforts we’ve made to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire be reflected in your fire insurance premiums and availability. Thankfully, we have an excellent partner in County Commissioner Phil Chang who is a champion for wildfire resilience throughout Central Oregon.

last few decades for Sisters wildfire resilience.

Bend City Councilor and Senate District 27 candidate Anthony Broadman serves with Phil on the Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project, where we work to prevent catastrophic wildfire, sustain recreational opportunities, and ensure jobs, quality habitat, and clean drinking water. The Collaborative represents the Central Oregon way of showing up and working together. We all show up to make our forests more climate and fire resilient: environmentalists, businesspeople, professional foresters, research scientists, loggers, outdoors lovers, private landowners, elected officials, tribal members, recreational users, and government policymakers.

While we’ve made great strides in hardening our communities from the risk of wildfires, we now need to work to ensure that insurance companies recognize all our hard work and reflect that understanding in their policies and rates.

Here again, Phil’s on the job. In this last legislative session, he advocated for a bill that would create a grant program to protect our homes from wildfires and then would offer state certification and force insurers to recognize that certification. That’s work we have to do for Sisters in 2025. And we have to ensure the FAIR program is better funded and less expensive for those that need it. You can be sure we both will work alongside Phil to make that happen.

Rep. Emerson Levy has championed and worked to fund the very tools that Phil has advocated for over the

in

are not necessarily

Emerson Levy is the State Representative for District 53, which includes Sisters. Anthony Broadman is a Bend City Councilor and a candidate for the State Senate in Oregon District 27, which also includes Sisters.

are

Election Day is Tuesday, May 21.

Mail in your ballot or

Views expressed

this column

solely those of the writer and

shared by the Editor or The Nugget Newspaper.

Summer concert lineup announced

SFF Presents returns with Summer Concerts at Sisters Art Works, unveiling a dynamic lineup that promises unforgettable performances at the outdoor venue in July and August.

The series kicks off on July 9 with Dustbowl Revival, a folk-rock-meetssoul-music supergroup last in Sisters for the Big Ponderoo Music Festival in 2023. Next up is the genrebending New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band on July 26; followed by legendary Colorado folk band, Elephant Revival. Tickets with all-in pricing and no additional fees go on sale on Wednesday, May 8, at 10 a.m. at https://www.sff presents.org/concerts.

Dustbowl Revival has

always been about pushing the boundaries of what American roots music can be. After celebrating over a decade of sonic adventuring and playing thousands of shows together in ten countries and counting, the group collected a devoted fan base coast-to-coast. The alwaysevolving group of string and brass players, led by founding members Z. Lupetin, Josh Heffernan, and Ulf Bjorlin, are excited to welcome a new wave of talent to the band, after emerging from a pandemic touring hiatus.

After spending years on the road, selling out hometown shows at LA’s famed Troubadour, headlining festivals and wowing crowds from Denmark to China,

Revival never stopped making their joyful, booty-shaking soul songs and cut-to-heart folk-rock ballads that lift up their transcendent live shows.

Celebrating over 45 years since their founding in 1977, the Grammy Awardwinning New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres, including bebop jazz, funk, and R&B/ soul. This unique sound, described by the band as a “musical gumbo,” has allowed the Dirty Dozen to tour across five continents and more than 30 countries, record 12 studio albums and

Sisters High School Pageant supports FAN

By

The SHS Pageant has been a tradition at Sisters High School (SHS) for over a dozen years. On Sunday, April 28, members of SHS continued this tradition as they performed “Outlaws On Broadway” for the Sisters community.

The selected seven teams of two performed a multitude of different talents, dances, and videos.

The success of the event wouldn’t have been possible without the hardworking hands behind the scenes. Pageant coordinators Jordan Velikonia, Holly Davis, and

Ella Eby all played crucial roles in aiding the event. Jack Turpen and additional tech workers ran lights, music, and videos.

The event began at 6 p.m. as SHS Staff Coordinator Jami Lyn Weber gave a speech to the crowd. She then led the audience in taking a moment of silence; an idea that came to life after COVID-19 and social distancing protocols. The purpose of these few seconds was to take a breath, recognize the community members around them, and feel gratitude for being able to attend the event.

Sheriff’s Office to host

community academy

Citizens of Sisters can get a detailed look at the work of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office in a 2024 Community Academy on May 15-16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD Community Hall, located at 301 S. Elm St.

This is the second time the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has hosted this event.

The Community Academy is an opportunity for the public to meet the Sheriff’s Office command staff, and representatives from the Patrol Division, Corrections

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 t he Hills Lutheran Church • Wednesday, 7 a.m.,G entlemen’s meeting, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church • Thursday, noon, Sober Sisters Women’s meeting, 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 t he Hills Lutheran Church. 5 41-5 48 -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 ly@msn.c om Central Oregon Trail A lliance (COTA) Sisters Chapter meets 4th Thur sday 6 p.m. at Blazin Saddles Bike S hop sistersrep@c ot amtb.c 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

Living Well W it h D ementia Sisters

Care Par tner suppor t group. 2nd & 4th Thurs., 1:3 0- 3 p.m. Siste rs C ommunity Church, Room 4. 5 41-6 47-0 052.

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. 5 41-5 49 -8 815

Three Sister s Lions Club 2nd Thursday, 6:3 0 p.m., Spoons Rest aurant. 5 41-419 -1279. VF W Po st 813 8 and A merican Legion Post 8 6 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:3 0 p.m., M ain Church Building Sisters Communit y Church 541- 549-14 62 (John).

SCHOOLS

Black Bu tt e School

Board of Direc tors 2nd Tuesday, 3:45 p.m., Black But te School. 541- 59 5- 6203

Division, Special Services/ Emergency Management, school resource deputy, detectives, SWAT, and K-9. Deputies from the City of Sisters will be on hand to meet and answer questions from the public. This event is free and open to the public to attend either or both nights. Each night will be a different presentation.

Night 1:

• Welcome — introduction of Management Team — Captain Bill Bailey and

Sisters School District Board of Directors O ne Wednesday m onthly Sisters School District Administr ation Building. See schedule online at www ssd6.org. 5 41-5 49 -8 521 x5 002.

CIT Y & PARKS

Sisters

Dustbowl

PHOTO BY GLENN ROSS

Elephant Revival is back on the road after a hiatus — and headed for Sisters.

SHS

Olivia Nieto Correspondent

Sisters employment holds steady

By Bill Bartlett Correspondent

EDCO (Economic Development of Central Oregon) has released their 2024 employer survey showing the 12 largest employers in Sisters Country. Black Butte Ranch remained at the top of the list with 390 employees, a mix of full and part-time, down from 400 the prior year.

Sisters School District was again number two with 170 employees, down from 175 in 2023.

The Forest Service had the largest gain adding 34 employees in 2024 over 2023, recording 114 in its headcount and ranking third. At fourth place, Sisters Coffee Co. shed 10 employees from the prior year and reported 94.

Right behind them is ESI Solutions who grew their staff from 78 to 87. Both ESI and Sisters Coffee Co. have a workforce that extends beyond Sisters Country, and it is their total headcount that is booked in the report, not just the census in Sisters.

Roth Home, known more locally as Ponderosa Heating & Cooling, ranked sixth with 72 employees. They were omitted in 2023 but the firm says their numbers have increased.

Ray’s Food Place showed a sizeable bump from 43 to

56, but they were plagued last year by chronic shortages of staff.

Personalized Nutrients ranks eighth with a gain from 40 to 47, and almost identically Metabolic Maintenance in ninth place grew from 40 to 46. Both firms are still short of their staffing goals.

FivePine Lodge & Conference Center held even at 42 employees. Three Creeks Brewing shed six workers and in this year’s count they report 37.

Sisters Athletic Club rounded out the top 12 adding two workers for a total of 37. In all, the top 12 (adjusted for Roth Home being overlooked in 2023) added just 40 employees.

Numbers change day to day, but in the last week job hiring boards list about 60 job openings in Sisters with only one above $30/hour and the vast majority in the $18 to $22/hour range. More than half are in food service.

This is a stark change from a year ago when some two dozen jobs were listed in April paying at least $40/hour.

Food and hospitality continue to struggle to attract workers. The city reports a drop in first quarter lodging taxes of 20 percent, which matches the sentiment of local merchants who say tourist shopping is down since January 1.

Electricity demand to jump 30 percent

By Alex Baumhardt Oregon Capital Chronicle

Electricity demand in the Northwest is expected to grow more than 30 percent in the next decade, or about five percent more than estimated last year and triple the prediction three years ago, industry experts said in a new report.

Large data centers, an increase in high-tech manufacturing and growing electrification in homes, buildings, and transportation are key factors in the forecast.

The projections are in an annual report published Wednesday, May 1, by the Portland-based industry trade group Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee. For more than 70 years, the group has analyzed annual demand projections from utilities in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana to paint a larger picture of future demand for electricity throughout the region.

In 2022, the committee projected demand would grow about one percent each year to 2032. In its latest report, the committee projects demand in the Northwest will grow at least three percent per year until 2034.

The report said that the rapid expansion of data centers is one of the chief drivers in increased electricity use. Oregon’s data center market is the fifth largest in the nation, according to Chicago-based commercial real estate group Cushman & Wakefield. Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and X, formerly named Twitter, have massive data centers in eastern Oregon as well as in The Dalles, Hillsboro, and Prineville that require enormous amounts of energy to operate. Amazon is planning to build at least 10 more data centers in eastern Oregon, according to reporting by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

High-tech manufacturing and increasing electrification in building and transportation also contribute to the expected increase in demand. Increased demand for electricity for charging electric vehicles is projected to account for about 4 percent of total electricity demand in the West by 2034. Some utilities, such as Seattle City Light, are projecting demand from its customers for EV charging to be more than double that. Population is also expected to influence demand, with some areas seeing growth and others a drop, and changes in building code laws and energy efficiency

mandated by local and state governments will also affect demand, the report said

Members of the utilities committee recommended that regional energy departments collaborate on expanding electrical grids and transmission capabilities across the West to accommodate these changes.

The forecast did not take into account the effect that emerging energy sources and technology, such as offshore wind turbines, long-term energy storage, green hydrogen power, and nuclear energy, could play in the future. But the report acknowledged they could “profoundly reshape” the energy landscape.

Republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, courtesy of https://oregoncapital chronicle.com/.

Community policing in action

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

A stolen purse may not constitute a major crime, but it’s a big deal to the person whose purse was stolen.

Patricia Bricker had that experience back in March — and she was very grateful for the actions of Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputy Jerad Bearson in recovering her property.

“He’s an angel — well, in my book,” Bricker told The Nugget. “He went above and beyond what he had to do. He went out of his way to follow through.”

Bricker said she had parked her car in the parking lot of a store in Sisters and left her purse on the seat, taking her wallet out to go into the store.

While she was in the store, a man opened her car door and swiped the purse. Deputy Bearson told The Nugget that he responded to a report of an unlawful entry into a vehicle.

“Mrs. Bricker had left her purse on the front passenger seat,” he said.

The stolen purse contained some cash, personal items, and Bricker’s phone.

“One of the witnesses described a truck, and I knew exactly who it belonged to because he was a local transient,” Bearson said.

The witness indicated that the thief was the passenger in the truck.

Bricker’s daughter tracked the phone, which was ditched in the woods. The phone was

recovered. Bearson went straight to the camp that he knew was associated with the suspect truck. He arrested one man for the theft.

The purse, which was an expensive one with sentimental value to Bricker, was not immediately recovered, but Bearson advised the man he did not arrest that if it turned up it would behoove him to turn it in. A couple of days later the man turned in the purse, saying he had found it in the woods. The cash was not recovered.

The quick and satisfactory resolution of the incident is a demonstration of the value of local knowledge that the Sisters deputies carry.

“I keep tabs on people and where their camps are,” Bearson said.

He noted that having a good rapport with the local forest-dwelling community is important. Many of them keep an eye out for people who are causing trouble or committing crimes, because they don’t want that to be associated with them.

“A lot of them don’t want that stereotype,” Bearson said. “My lead witness was another transient, and I have a good rapport with him.”

That kind of rapport can only be built with consistent presence.

“The West guys (deputies who rotate on patrol at the west end of Deschutes County) don’t really get to know the people in the community the way the Sisters guys do,” Bearson said. Bearson said that the

incident offers a few takeaways — the primary one being to keep vehicles locked and not to leave valuables in a vulnerable position.

“Criminals take the path of least resistance,” he said. “I don’t think he would have broken a window in the parking lot to do it.”

He also noted that giving a loved one the capability to track your phone helps to locate it if it is stolen.

Lt. Chad Davis, who leads the Sisters contingent of DCSO deputies, said, “Even in Sisters crime and thefts do occur. DCSO is encouraging the public to lock their vehicles when frequenting a business or if leaving their vehicle for any amount of time. Keep valuables out of view or secured in your trunk if available. Also, consider keeping your valuables with you instead of leaving them unattended in vehicles.

“If you witness a crime, be a good witness. Obtain a good description of the suspect(s), clothing description, approximate age, race, distinguishing features, vehicle description, license plate, and their direction of travel. Consider taking a photo/ video of the suspect and/or their vehicle if it is safe to do so and then call 911 or the Deschutes County 911 non-emergency number at 541-693-6911.”

Citizens can learn more about the operations of DCSO at a community academy set for May 15-16 in Sisters (see related story, page 3).

Red-hot Outlaws baseball on a roll

By Matt Van Slyke Correspondent

In a series of high-stakes matchups, Sisters Varsity Outlaws have won 12 of their last 13, and play four games this week, culminating in a doubleheader on Friday, May 10 — Senior Night.

Led by standout performances from key players like seniors Brody Fischer and Austin Dean, the Outlaws have demonstrated resilience, propelling them to success.

The team started the week with an overall record of 16-6, league record of 12-3, and OSAA Rank #5 in the 3A-4 Mountain Valley Conference.

Sisters, Pleasant Hill, and La Pine are tops in the league, as Head Coach Matt Hilgers predicted. Since then, the Outlaws won three games against La Pine, took

Books Games Events

two of three from Elmira, and won three in a row vs. Siuslaw/Mapleton.

The La Pine series began with a couple of close games and ended with an 11-1 blowout.

Against Elmira, the Outlaws earned an initial commanding victory over the Varsity Falcons. Fischer delivered four runs on four hits and sophomore Sebastian Storch earned the 7-1 win, surrendering two hits and one run (zero earned) with five strikeouts and a walk over five innings.

The next game, Fischer struck out 10 as the starting pitcher, blanking the Falcons 8-0. Storch and juniors Hudson Beckwith and Landen Scott collected two hits each; the team stole seven bases.

The Falcons sought

See

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 • 6:30PM SHAUNA C. MURPHY pr esents Animalia (Young Adult Fantasy) 13-year-old Sunday Gr åe, aspir es to become a student of Animalia (the ancient ar t of wor king with animals’ unique abilities) in Norw ay.

MONDAY, MAY 20 • 5:30PM

PSB FICTION BOOK CLUB discussing The Chinese Groove by KATHERINE MA. Meeting thir d Monday; info at paulinaspringsbooks.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 30 • 6:30PM

ERIC VICKREY pr esents Season of Shattered Dreams: Postwar Baseball, the Spokane Indians, and a Tragic Bus Crash That Changed Everything, the stor y of the deadliest accident in the histor y of American pr ofessional spor ts

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5 • 6:30PM FIRST WEDNESDAY COMMUNITY OPEN MIC NIGHT Music, Poetry, & Storytelling Open Mic Sign-ups open at 6 p.m., 5 minutes per per son. All-ages event.

THURSDAY, JUNE 6 • 6:30PM

JESSE REEDER, DEB JACKSON BREWER, ROSALYN MCKEOWN-ICE, and KAMALA BREMER pr esents Chicken to Eagle: Seven Women Paddling Whitewater and Navigating Life, a stor y of seven women on a wilder ness adventur e at a time – 1979 –when women were starting to test their mettle.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11 • 7-9 PM

HOUSE CONCERT Songs are literature! Join us for an intimate evening of song and story with delightful Bay-area folk duo Claudia Russell & Bruce Kaplan $20 suggested donation per person.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 • 6:30 PM

ELIZABETH MEHREN pr esents I Lived to Tell the World: Stories from Survivors of Holocaust, Genocide, and the Atrocities of War, 13 inspiring profiles of people who endur ed unthinkable cr uelty, only to resume pr oductive lives in their ne w homes in Or egon

FORUM: No silver bullets on housing — but hope

vacancy rate). In a later Q&A session, someone asked if the City of Sisters is considering a vacancy tax to discourage homeowners from letting so much housing stock sit empty most of the year.

“That is one of our (council) goals, to research that,” Letz said.

A vacancy fee could be assessed, with proceeds going into a fund to help develop affordable housing.

Short-term rentals are often pointed to as a drag on the long-term rental market — but it appears that STRs are not a straightforward “villain” in the housing story. Letz and City of Sisters Associate Planner Emme Shoup talked about the result of a survey of owners of short-term rentals in Sisters. They note that few of the owners said they would be interested in making their homes available for long-term rental (although they would be more interested if there were incentives). Additionally, a sizable number are renting rooms or accessory dwelling units in order to gain income to support their own ability to afford to live here.

It’s clear that there are no “silver bullet” solutions to the housing crisis, especially for “middle housing” accessible to people who make too much money to qualify for assistance programs, yet fall way short of the income needed to afford market-rate housing in Sisters.

Clayton Crowhurst of Northwest Housing Alternatives articulated why housing affordability matters: A range of housing options is vital to cultivating and maintaining a community of diverse people from a variety of walks of life.

“I think we can all agree that a good community is a diverse community,” he said.

Deschutes County

Commissioner Phil Chang noted that Sisters, like many towns in the West, is an attractive place to be, and it draws well-heeled people who aren’t dependent on a local paycheck.

“There are people who want to come here that have more to work with than local salaries and wages,” he said.

This “decouples” housing prices from local affordability, he said.

Deschutes County directed $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to Sisters, which is being used to help facilitate a multifamily affordable housing project under the auspices of Northwest Housing Solutions.

Construction costs have become a significant factor in affordability in recent years — and they affect nonprofits and for-profit developers alike. Crowhurst noted that his outfit pays the same amount for a sheet of plywood as does Kevin Eckert of Sisters Woodlands. Spikes in materials costs have driven up the per-square-foot cost of construction across the board.

Panelists agreed that the major barriers to progress are land availability, access to funding, and slow government processes (though all agreed that City of Sisters personnel are responsive and efficient).

Shoup acknowledged that government process can be cumbersome.

“It takes time and it does slow down developers,” she said.

That is in part because Oregon Land Use Laws require a robust public involvement process for actions like expanding the City’s Urban Growth Boundary. The City is currently launching into that process, but it will be several years before any new land is brought in annexed and developed. As part of that process, the City has some leverage to require affordability in proposed housing developments.

Similarly, a Northwest Housing Alternatives multifamily housing project is

several years from being realized. Sisters Habitat for Humanity is planning on bringing 30-plus homes online in the next three to three-and-half years, but Executive Director Peter Hoover has noted many times that finding land is harder than getting houses built.

Letz noted that many owners of tracts of land in Sisters don’t live here and it is hard to get conversations going about developing more housing.

The forum pointed toward actions the community can take to alleviate the problem — but none of them are immediate. C4C Executive Director Kellen Klein acknowledged this in a postforum interview with The Nugget.

“There’s not a lot of immediate relief for those people at risk of having to vacate this community immediately,” he said.

Klein would like to see the community establish some sort of “match-mak ing” mechanism to link up people who have housing needs with opportunities that they may not be aware of in the community. He noted that Julie Kehler, a local resident recently profiled in The Nugge t, was able to find a housing situation after that story ran and someone reached out to her.

BASEBALL: Outlaws are having a strong season on the diamond

Continued from page 5

redemption in Game 3.

“Our center fielder was out of the game due to shin splints,” said Tyson Storch. “That changed everything for us. We did have a great rally in the 5th, and came back from a 3-0 deficit to tie it.”

The Outlaws narrowly lost the closely contested battle, 3-4.

Undeterred by their setback, the Outlaws rebounded with authority in their next encounter against the Siuslaw Vikings, delivering resounding 10-2, 5-2, and 10-2 victories.

Bolstered by a six-run

and Beckwith leading the charge, Storch’s pitching arm stifled the Vikings’ offense. Fischer and Dean were pivotal figures in the series; Dean’s four-hit outing in Game 3 cemented Sisters’ status in the league.

With their sights set on future challenges, including Harrisburg (league) and Taft (non-league), the Outlaws remain focused on harnessing their talent and tenacity to close out the season.

“If we end up tied, we hold the tiebreaker over La Pine; Pleasant Hill holds the tiebreaker over us. La Pine and Pleasant Hill play each other in a doubleheader next week,” Hilgers explained.

Watch Outlaws Varsity Baseball Friday at home vs.

The housing situation affects employers, and Klein said he foresees “more employers seeking to subsidize their employees’ housing.”

Klein said he was gratified by the turnout and said, “I really appreciate the community’s willingness to go that deep on these issues.”

The key to keeping momentum on the issue is for people to find ways to engage and get involved in seeking solutions. C4C has produced a digital guide to housing facts, resources, and reading that can be accessed at bit.ly/C4Chousing-resources. A recording to the forum is expected to be up on the C4C website by Wednesday, May 8; https:// citizens4community.com.

Varsity softball earns elusive win at Siuslaw

By Matt Van Slyke Correspondent

“We won! Our Sisters Softball won!”

The excited exclamation came from Sisters Varsity Assistant Softball Coach Janet Cusimano immediately after the Outlaws varsity team won their first game of the season May 2 at Siuslaw.

The Sisters High Softball Outlaws have been working extremely hard. It is showing.

“Improving during every practice is our coaching message. At games, regardless of the score, the priority is teamwork, communication, and fun,” said Head Coach Gary Barr, who coaches the team with Cusimano and Assistant Coach Abby Barr.

Sisters softball amassed 14 hits in their victory, which came during the second game of last Thursday’s doubleheader at Siuslaw.

Cooper Alport, the team’s lone senior, and Audrey Cochran, one of five freshmen players, each had three hits in the game. Alport, junior Kathryn Scholl, and freshman Analia Hodge drove in two runs apiece. Cochran also stole two bases.

Ella Davis, a junior, pitched four innings in relief for the Outlaws. The righty gave up six hits and one

earned run, striking out five and walking one.

Scholl started the second game. She allowed three hits and three runs over three innings, striking out four and walking two.

The softball team lost the first game of the doubleheader in a heartbreaker, 4-5. Davis led the team with four hits in five at-bats. The Outlaws recorded seven hits to Siuslaw’s six.

Davis, Cochran, junior Emerson Symonds, and sophomore Saylor Weston, drove in one run each. At the plate, the Outlaws were patient, collecting nine walks. On the base paths, they ran wild, stealing four bases.

Davis started the first game, allowing six hits and three earned runs over six innings. She struck out four batters and walked two.

“Hitting has been our forte,” said Head Coach Barr, noting a team batting average of .333 and a stellar OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .860. Cochran leads the team in batting average, hitting .581, followed by Alport at .528, Scholl’s .474, and Davis with .426.

“Special recognition is deserved for Team Captain Ella Davis,” he added. “Ella has grown into her role and

become a respected leader of the team. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership and helped the team navigate through the adversities that come with a losing record.”

Catch Sisters’ exciting group of softballers in action at home on Senior Day this Friday, May 10, vs. Harrisburg — game times 3 and 5 p.m. Alport, this year’s graduating senior, will receive special recognition.

“Her Senior Night celebration is well-deserved, as she has played all four years

of softball at Sisters High,” Coach Barr said. The game promises to be fast-paced, featuring a deserving group of

student-athletes at the newly refurbished and painted softball stadium, completed by the players as a community service.

The Arends Realty Group

The Outlaws have put in a lot of hard work this season. It paid off with a win last week. Senior Day is set for May 10 at Reed Stadium.

PHOTO BY MATT VAN SLYKE

Obituary

John Schibel of Sisters passed away on March 2, from Alzheimer’s disease. This dreadful disease took his memory, but in the end could not destroy his essence of kindness, goodness, and generosity. He was one of a kind and he lived life with a moral compass that allowed him to see the good in almost everyone. He worked at making sure things were done correctly. He visualized, planned, and brought ideas to fruition. His travels through life compelled him to wait many years for the love of his life, Suzanne. Once he found her, he made sure she would stick around. Suzanne by any standard measurement, would be considered height-challenged, so John designed their first Sisters house with her in mind, made sure she had the correct-youth sized fishing gear, and several times had to grab her out of the water so she wouldn’t float away. As true love would have it, John never wavered from his commitment to making sure she was safe and outfitted for any experience.

As John grew up in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon, he attended parochial school. By his own admission he and the nuns did not see education from the same perspective. He needed to move and be creative with hands-on activities. Since the teaching style of the day didn’t include such creativity, he found ways to occupy his time much to the demise of his teachers. As he grew older and attended Sunset High School and beyond, he cultivated activities that followed his interest. He ran track, he skied, he hang glided, he flew planes, and never stopped adding to his list of passions and challenges.

His career path took a few turns throughout his journey from youth to adulthood.

He ended his work-life as a marine pilot, guiding ships in the Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska. His job as marine pilot was designed with a rotating schedule. This schedule allowed Suzanne to meet him in Anchorage at their condo and head off for adventures. Their travels usually included fishing waders, numerous rods, and at times friends and family

members that tagged along. Beautiful scenery, lots of fish caught, a few rough roads, an occasional float plane ride, and even a few good drinks made these adventures perfect memories.

John was a caretaker. He took care of those around him with a focus that accentuated the selflessness of his actions. He intended to give graciously with little selfrecognition. He took care of his two sisters, Tessa and Jan, along with his mother, Carrie, and his granddaughter Tori. He stood by them when needed and recognized when financial, physical, or emotional support was warranted. This also applied to others of which some were

his neighbors, some his close friends, and some just being fortunate enough to cross paths.

Friends came into John’s life from all walks of life. It didn’t take much to be on his friend list other than being a good person. He chose well and had friends to talk planes with, friends to spend holiday dinners with, friends to wine taste with, friends to share his well-stocked tool collection with, and numerous friends in both Alaska and Maupin, the locations of their secondary homes.

For those of us who had the good fortune to cross paths with John, we will carry the memories of his graciousness, his wicked sense of humor, his generosity and all that is embodied in a person that gave constantly and took little. We

shall forever be grateful for the gift of knowing such a person and having the opportunity to spend time to create memories that will last forever. Those memories will live with us as we remember the beautiful life John lived.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Judy and Hal Brown on June 1. Please come and celebrate, share pictures, share stories and reconnect with friends, laugh, and shed a few tears. We are asking people to bring either a salad or finger food appetizer to share. Drinks and dessert will be provided. There will be music to sing along with and John’s life will be shared with memorabilia and our collective memories.

6880 NE 1st St., Redmond, 1 to 4 p.m. Come dressed for the weather.

Schibel

Thoughts on immigration

By Mitchell Luftig Columnist

An aging American workforce, along with a declining U.S. birthrate, makes the U.S. economy increasingly dependent on foreignborn workers to bridge the employment-labor gap and to finance programs such as Social Security.

In 2006, foreign-born workers made up 15.3 percent of the labor market, but by 2023, the share of foreign-born workers in the labor market had increased to 18.6 percent.

One of the attractions of employing foreign-born workers is that they are willing to occupy jobs often not desired by native-born Americans.

In 2022, foreign-born workers were more likely than native-born workers to be employed in service occupations; natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations; and production, transportation, and material moving occupations.

The U.S. economy needs foreign-born workers, but an immigration system last updated in 1990, makes it difficult to supply the necessary labor force:

“Of roughly 1.1 million

green cards for permanent residence issued in a normal year, just 140,000 are for employment-based immigrants. Of those, about half are issued to spouses and minor children of those workers. Employment-based green cards are primarily reserved for workers with college or graduate degrees, with less than 10,000 slots available for jobs with low training requirements.”

When native-born workers are not interested in filling jobs with low training requirements and foreignborn workers are unavailable due to caps imposed on employment-based visas, employers may choose to employ unauthorized immigrants.

Unauthorized immigrants, who make up roughly 22 percent of the foreign-born labor force, are employed by “…the small and medium businesses that dot your community who have a very hard time finding talent, who don’t have the resources to pay for expensive immigration lawyers or navigate the complicated U.S. immigration system.” — Zeke Hernandez

In 2019, Oregon had an estimated 108,000 unauthorized immigrants, 70 percent of whom were employed.

They worked in accommodation and food service, arts, entertainment, recreation (19 percent); agriculture (16 percent); manufacturing (14 percent); construction (12 percent); professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management (12 percent).

The majority of unauthorized immigrants living in Oregon have strong ties to their community, with sixtynine percent having lived in Oregon for 10 or more years.

Despite being of prime working age, 58 percent of unauthorized immigrant workers in Oregon earned less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. “Low wage” immigrant workers are more likely to be stuck in a cycle of poverty due to limited education and limited English language proficiency.

The Migration Policy Institute recently proposed a new employment-based immigration system that relies upon “bridge visas.”

Under a bridge visa system, employers would sponsor foreign-born workers for available positions. A panel of experts would set caps on the number of bridge visas available for different industries based on current demand, and in anticipation

of how growth in strategic sectors might drive future economic growth.

A foreign-born worker who is successfully employed during an initial three-year bridge visa would qualify for a threeyear extension. Once the extension was approved, a foreign-born worker could choose to seek employment with a different employer, and they could also selfsponsor their application for permanent U.S. residence.

Bridge visas would reduce the “brain drain” that occurs when talented immigrants are unable to renew temporary work visas.

Under the bridge visa system, native-born workers would be given employment preference and prevailing wages would be paid.

Under the current immigration system:

• The small and medium sized businesses who employ unauthorized immigrants face the constant threat of being fined for violating U.S. immigration law, and being deprived of their labor force.

• Despite their contributions to the U.S. economy, unauthorized immigrants face the constant threat of deportation and separation from family members.

• Unauthorized immigrants have fewer protections against unscrupulous employers.

• Employers don’t withhold taxes when workers are “paid under the table,” so unauthorized immigrants can’t support local, state, and federal programs.

• Low wage workers may be stuck in a cycle of poverty.

• Federal resources are expended to find and deport unauthorized immigrants to the U.S., even though we really need their labor.

The Migration Policy Institute estimates that as of December 2023 there were more than 9 million job openings compared to 6.3 million unemployed workers. If employers were allowed to sponsor unauthorized immigrants for a bridge visa, this would help to close the employmentlabor gap and overcome limitations of the current immigration system.

A streamlined bridge visa system would also enable employers to consider hiring immigrants arriving at our southern border. Immigrants interested in obtaining a bridge visa would be more likely to seek autho

rized entry into the United States.

Alzheimer’s Association Conference

A mini McGinty Conference, covering the latest in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research, will be held on Monday, May 13 , f rom 10 a .m. to 2 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Church. is oppor tunity is f ree and for anyone interested in learning about Alzheimer ’ s and dementia . Lunch is provided. Register at 8 00 -272-3900

Living Well With Dementia Sisters Care Par tner Group Caring for someone who has been diagnosed with any form of dementia can be di cult. Join this facilitator-led group meeting on the 2nd and 4th ursday of the month f rom 1:30 -3 p.m. at Sisters Communit y Church in Classroom 4. 130 0 McKenzie Hw y. Info: 541-6 47-0052

Free Weekly Meal Service

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

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.

Free Lunches for Seniors

For those 60+, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon o ers a f un, no-cost social lunch every Tuesday, 11 a .m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Community Church 1300 McKenzie Hwy. No reser vations needed. No-cost Grab-N- Go lunches take place weekly on Wed . and urs ., f rom 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.

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.

SISTERS LIBRARY COM ING EVENTS

Gelli Plate Printmaking Work shop

A NNOUNCEMENT S

THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday, May 9

Open Studio

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts

Monday, May 13

Alzheimer’s Association Conf. Sisters Community Church

Wednesday, May 15

Historic Guided Walking Tour

Downtown Sisters

Historic Guided Walking Tours in Sisters

Join ree Sisters Historical Societ y for a docent-guided tour of downtown Sisters landmarks on May 15, 26, and 29, or the Camp Polk Pioneer Cemetery on May 20 , June 12 or July 10

Take this f ree oppor tunity to learn more about who and what has helped “make Sisters , Sisters” ! All tours begin at 10 a.m., cover about one mile, and take around an hour and a half. Families are welcome. Reservations are necessary

Stop in at the Sisters Museum on Fri. or Sat. (10 -4), call 541549-14 03 or email museum@ threesistershistoricalsociet y.org with your contact info and the number in your party

Volunteers Needed

Furr y Friends needs volunteers to help with their bottle and can f undraiser drive on Fridays Saturdays , & Mondays . Sign up to take one of the days weekly. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to put donated bottles and cans in the blue fundraiser bags . e bags are processed at the donation drop-o spot on e Nug get porch, and then taken to the bottle drop at Ray ’s . Call or text Kiki at 541-797-4023

Sisters Habitat

Volunteers Needed

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

Volunteer with Sisters Habit at for Humanity! Call 541-549-1193 to get connected

STAR S Seek s Volunteers to Transpor t Patients

Help Sisters Countr y residents get to nonemergenc y medical 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.

Open Studio at Pine

Meadow Ranch

Attend the second Open Studio of the 2024 residenc y season at Pine Meadow Ranch on ursday, May 9 f rom 4 to 6 p.m . In this Open Studio you will learn about the three residents’ practices and what they have accomplishe d while they were at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts and Agriculture (PMRC AA). Presenters for this Open Studio include scientist Minal Mistry, quilter Giuseppe Ribaudo , and multidis ciplinar y artist E speranza Cortés . For more info call 541904-070 0 or email inquiries@ roundhousefoundation.org

e Ar t of Falconr y Join local Sisters f alconer Hank Minor, as he presents an engaging and informative look at the art and practice of f alconr y on Sunday, May 19, f rom 3 to 4 p.m. at Sisters Firehouse Community Hall, 301 S . Elm St. After a brief history of the sport and the types of raptors , quarry, equipment , and facilities employed, Hank will bring out the star of the show, his female Harris’s Hawk and hunting partner, Molly. Time will be allowed for questions from the audience and photos are encouraged! All ages are welcome.

Go Fish Meeting

Go Fish Group will meet on Monday, May 20 , at Sisters Communit y Church at 7 p.m. e program will be presented by Phil Fisher of Sunriver and will be on “Solving Puz zles” on fly fishing. For more information cont act Gar y 541-771-2211.

Sisters French Club

For people interested in French culture and language, Sisters French Club meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m . at e Barn, 171 E . Main Ave. All levels are welcome. For more information, visit Facebook @SistersFrenchClub.

Calling All Submariners

e next quarterly meeting of Central Oregon Submarine Base will be on Sunday, May 19, at 130 0 hours and will be held at the VFW Post 410 8 in Redmond on Veterans Way, east of Highway 97. Updates on the plans for a Memorial project will be discussed, as well as invitations to participate in the Lions Club Memorial service at Crooked River Ranch and Crooked River Ranch’s 4th of July parade. Spouses and friends are welcome to attend. For more information call Bill Trumble 603-953-3483 or Fran Davis 541-527-5484

Snow flake Boutique

Craf t Show

Qualit y craf t-consignors wanted for the 48th Snowflake Boutique, November 1 & 2, 2024 e first jur y will be Saturday, May 18 , beginning at noon at the Redmond Chamber of Commerce. Additional juries will be held through October More info at http://www snow flakeboutique.org or call Pat 541-383-1821 or Kim 541640 -2536.

Sisters Careg iver Support

A f acilitated support group for caregivers of those with chronic or life-shor tening diseases meet s 10 to 11:30 a.m. o n the third Tuesday of ever y month at Sisters Episcopal Church of e Transfiguration, 121 Brook s Camp Rd . For more information, please contact Kay at 541-719- 0031

Cele ation of Life

Kim Marie McCar thy

Saturday, May 18 • 1-4 p.m. Sisters Fire Hall Light appetizer potluck: Please bring your favorite football snack.

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.

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.

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 Saint s 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

FROSTY

is 2-month-old bunny has been in a wonderful foster home receiving love and a ection. His foster f amily says he is curious and likes doing zoomies! Frost y is still a little timid but enjoys being around people and has learned that’s where the yummy f resh veg gies come f rom. If you have not had a rabbit before we do recommend doing research to make sure it is the right fit for your family.

BROKEN TOP Veterinar y Clinic 541-389-0391 53353

SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

541-815-9848

11 a .m. S aturday Worship

Learn how to create color ful, multi-layered, textural prints with Gelli plates on Wednesday, May 8 , from 3:4 0 to 4:4 0 p.m. in the Sisters Librar y Communit y Room. Monotype printmaking is a special form of the medium where the artist creates one print, instead of multiples . It is a simple, f un process that encour ages experimentation. is workshop is intended for ages 10+. Children 10 and over may attend unaccompanied by a caregiver. Space is limited . Registration is required at https://www deschuteslibrary.org/kid s/ programs — SPONSORED BY

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 • 9 a .m. Sunday Mass 12 p.m. Monday Mass • 8 a .m. Tuesday-Friday Mass Wellhouse Churc h 442 Trinit y Way • 541-549-4184 ht tps://wellhousechurch.churchcenter.com 10 a .m. Sunday Worship

POLICY: Nonprofits, schools , churches , birth, engagement, wedding , and anniversar y notices may run at no charge. Business items do not run on this page. All submissions subject to editing and run as space allows . Email lisa@nug getnews .com or drop o at 4 42 E . Main Ave. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Fridays

FIVEPINE: Award has increased inquiries about resort

locally by Bend Living. Past Travelers’ Choice Awards and ranking have included 2014 number five in Luxury Hotel, 2018 number 16 in Hotel Service, 2019 number 20 for Romantic Hotels, and 2020 number five for Best Service and number four for Romantic Hotel.

The housekeeping staff has received a passel of Best of Housekeeping Four Diamond awards from AAA Oregon, which are all proudly displayed in the housekeeping headquarters where Isabel is the head housekeeper.

This reporter was able to tag along to the weekly housekeeping staff meeting to meet the people who help keep the lodging clean, tidy, and looking new. At the housekeeping meetings there is two-way dialog between the management team and housekeeping employees, some conducted in Spanish. Staff hiring anniversaries and birthdays are recognized. One of the employees had a birthday that day and everyone sang Happy Birthday to her.

One of the housekeepers, Glenda, shared, “I am 67 years old and have been working for 55 years. This is the best company I’ve ever worked for.”

Bev Garcia, lodge manager, who has been with FivePine for seven years, reported, “ Guests think the lodge is brand new,” despite approaching two decades of serving the traveling public. Greg Willitts, lodge general manager, refers to Bev as the Wizard of Oz.

Dan Nason, facilities manager, has been with FivePine since construction began and is credited with the pristine appearance of all the facilities, right down to the wooden floors throughout that show no wear.

Willitts said they walk the property regularly making sure everything is as intended — green grass, clear pond, pine needles swept, paint in good condition, nothing broken.

“We manage FivePine side-to-side, not from the top down. Our philosophy is ‘everything needs to be great, not just good.’ We are always making innovations and continued improvement,” said Willitts.

Nason said, “We change about 150 things a year in response to guest comments.”

And guest comments are seen by all departments. By the time Willitts receives the comment cards within two weeks of having been written, he said there are numerous written notes on them from staff about changes made and

We manage FivePine side-to-side, not from the top down. Our philosophy is ‘everything needs to be great, not just good.’

We are always making innovations and continued improvement.

— Greg Willitts

issues addressed, no matter how minor.

After each guest’s stay, notes are entered into their computer record for their next visit – things they requested or liked, down to the names of their pets and children. This is all done to enhance their stays in the future.

Garcia also records data on a computer spreadsheet about guests’ comments – down to two people mentioning that their eggs were hard to peel.

All the data is reviewed at monthly manager meetings.

Amanda Pierce, who is the events director, has worked at the lodge since 2008. She was busy last week preparing for a weekend involving a lumber company that was bringing their employees for a relaxing weekend of fun. They had reserved all but two cabins. FivePine hosts 50 to 60 conferences a year, keeping Pierce hopping.

Amongst the managers, seven years is the newest hire. In housekeeping, the majority of employees have been there three years. There are reasons for the high retention rate.

Housekeeper Melinda said she loves her job because of the appreciation she receives for her work, from staff and guests.

Every year there are numerous events planned for the entire staff. There is a

large catered Christmas party for staff and their families. They have a fiesta barbecue complete with a salsa contest, which Willitts won once. Everyone goes to a Bend Elks baseball game together. Garcia said if they are having a hectic day, someone will order pizza or provide popsicles for everyone. When there is work to do and more hands are needed, people jump in and help. All employees receive paid vacation. If they work a minimum of 20 hours a week, they receive a monthly bonus.

When this year’s Best of the Best Award was announced, the staff all replied, “Next year we’re number one!” Someone left a note on the lodge Facebook page, “You should be #1!”

Willitts, along with his parents Bill and Zoe, have created a special property of which they, their staff, and Sisters can be justifiably proud. The attention to detail is evident throughout the property, from the plush robes available in each room, to breakfasts complete with mimosas brought to the guests in their rooms. The 36 cabins have fireplaces, huge walkin showers and soaking tubs, luxurious linens, and free bicycles are available to the guests. There are also eight rooms located in the lodge.

Wood cabinetry crafted and installed by Amish carpenters from the Midwest, who ride the train to Oregon when work needs to be done, is utilized throughout the property to enhance the lodge feeling.

Since the award was announced on Tripadvisor, the lodge has been receiving phone calls from the east coast, Texas, California – not the usual areas from which their clientele come which are mainly Oregon, Washington, and California.

Sisters-Area Events & Enter tainment

THURSDAY • MAY 9

Sisters Depot Courtyard Live Music: Open Mic Music lovers can enjoy a variety of local talent in a lively atmosphere. 6 to 8 p.m. Info: sistersdepot.com/our-events. Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: Jacob Westfall 6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30 Tickets, $10, at www.bendticket.com.

FRIDAY • MAY 10

The Belfr y Live Music: Anna Moss with The Nightshades A voice that will stop you dead in your tracks! Ian George opens. 7 p.m., pub opens 1 hour prior Info:BelfryEvents.com. Tickets: $18 at bendticket.com.

Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights 5 to 7 p.m. Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15

More information at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

Pole Creek Ranch May Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local small farms, artists, crafters, and a touch of vintage. 15425 McKenzie Hwy Info: facebook.com/Holidaysinthepines.

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

SATURDAY • MAY 11

The Belfr y Live Music: The Weather Machine Slater Smith, originally local to Sisters is know for his hearty lyricism and theatrical flair Travis Ehresnstrom opens. 8 p.m., pub opens 1 hour prior Info: BelfryEvents.com. Tickets: $20 at bendticket.com.

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

Sisters Depot Live Music: The Gypsy Travellers 6 to 8 p.m. An eclectic mix of amazing local musicians in the courtyard Tickets $5 at sistersdepot.com/our-events.

Pole Creek Ranch May Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local small farms, artists crafters, and a touch of vintage. 15425 McKenzie Hwy Info: facebook.com/Holidaysinthepines.

SUNDAY • MAY 12

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 • MAY 14

Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: Bob Baker and Mark Barringer 6-8 p.m. Free entry Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

Paulina Springs Books Book Talk Shauna C. Murphy presents "Animalia" (Young Adult Fantasy), 6:30 p.m. More information at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

THURSDAY • MAY 16

The Belfr y Live Music: Chatham Rabbits & Stillhouse Junkies 7 p.m., doors open at 6. All-ages show. Tickets $27.50/adult, $15/youth at SFFPresents.org/Concerts. Suttle Lodge Fireside Concert Series: Nick Delffs 6 to 8 p.m. Doors at 5:30 Tickets, $10, at www.bendticket.com.

FRIDAY • MAY 17

Frankie’s Upstairs Comedy: Aging with Laughter! 7 p.m. 21+ show. Stand up comedy hosted by Elizabeth Ueland. Advance tickets $20 at sistersdepot.com/our-events, $25 at the door 250 W. Cascade Ave.

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 7 p.m. Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15 More information at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.

SATURDAY • MAY 18

Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby & Annie

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

Sisters Depot Live Music: Evan Mullins Solo 6 to 8 p.m. Lifelong musician, pianist, vocalist, and audio engineer Tickets $20 at sistersdepot.com/our-events.

SUNDAY • MAY 19

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, MAY 21

Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: Evan Mullins 6-8 p.m. Free entry Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com.

Sisters High School MS/HS Choral Pops Concert

7 p.m. Sisters middle and high school choirs will perform in the high school auditorium. Free Info: julie cash@ssd6.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

Sisters High School MS/HS Instrumental Pops Concert

7 p.m. Sisters middle and high school jazz and concert bands perform in the SHS auditorium. Free Info: kayla.golka@ssd6.org

Ode to an old growth warrior

By Maret Pajutee Columnist

Standing in a quiet grove of old growth pine trees near Glaze Meadow, east of Black Butte Ranch, Tim Lillebo would often start a talk by saying “There we were... it was war.” And it was. Between 1991-2005, the Sisters Ranger District was challenged on nearly every forest management project. Trust between the Forest Service, conservation groups, and many in the public was low after broken agreements. This led to a federal lawsuit and a mediated agreement putting the District on notice to follow its own plans.

What happened next is a story of hope worth telling in these polarized times, on the tenth anniversary of Tim Lillebo’s sudden passing during the snowy winter of 2014.

A native Oregonian, Tim grew up in the eastside timber country of Grant County. He went to Lewis and Clark College and spent summers working as a timber faller, following in his grandfather “Blondies” footsteps.

A 2014 OregonLive article quoted his testimony to the U.S. Senate: “I still remember the day when my grandfather said, ‘Tim, as we cut, we thought the old growth would never end. Well, it’s mostly gone, and you should cherish what little is left of the big trees.’ I decided Blondie was right.”

In 1976 Tim began work as an advocate for wilderness and old growth forests for the precursor organization of Oregon Wild. That group was involved in many lawsuits in the 70’s and 80’s and they often won. Despite his passionate advocacy, Tim had his magic. Wearing a crushed brown hat with a cigar in his pocket, he could disagree without being disagreeable. He was likable, warm-hearted, and didn’t alienate others, often making friends with foes. His friend Marilyn Miller explained in a Bend Bulletin article

in 2014, saying, “Over the years, he realized that we were getting more done, instead of by the appeal, by collaboration. He could bridge gaps.”

I met Tim when I was the District Ecologist, during the seemingly endless working group meetings held by Ranger Bill Anthony in 2001, searching for common interests and a way forward. A community call for action was gaining steam in the Metolius Basin after ice storms in the winter of 1999/2000 damaged thousands of small trees creating a visual reminder that forests without wildfires grow crowded. Due to logging and fire suppression, acres dominated by large ponderosa pine trees in Sisters were at a fraction of their historic levels of over 90 percent, to less than 10 percent.

Tim was cordial while questioning the science and insisting on limiting the size of trees cut. Despite a lawsuit from another conservation group, over 100 people intervened in support and the judge ruled the project could proceed. Thousands of acres in the Metolius Basin were thinned with a Forest Service imposed limit to the size of trees cut.

Epic fires started in Sisters in 2002, burning four times more acres in two years than in the previous 100 years, and large trees took a big hit. Analysis after the B&B Fire of 2003 estimated that up to 31% of the trees over 21-inch diameter in the Metolius basin had died in the areas outside wilderness. Tim saw more

old growth burning than had been cut in many years and began to advocate that some limited management might be warranted. He wanted to try a demonstration project on 1,200 acres of a biologically unique area near Glaze Meadow. Parts had been logged in the 1930s, some stands of old growth pine remained, and aspen groves were in decline. He met Cal Mukumoto, an innovative forester with the Warm Springs Tribe, who wanted to find a project to showcase ecological, community, and economic values.

Cal Mukumoto, now the Oregon State Forester, recalled their initial meetings, saying, “Tim expressed a sincere dedication to preserving old-growth trees for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations. In my discussions with him about the concept of restoration forestry, we explored the necessity of restoring our forests to a state that could naturally withstand fires, allowing them to re-integrate fire as a healthy part of the ecosystem. When I heard Tim express his vision for ponderosa pine forests, I told him, I think we can work together. I could not have asked for a better partner and advocate for forests.”

Their unusual partnership helped convince Forest Service leadership to take a risk and try it.

Tim and Cal worked with the Forest Service on a plan for collaborative outreach, adopting new science, and saving small old growth trees, with many marking

demonstrations. As we went out for field work, we would often run into Tim leading conservation and community leaders through the area, explaining and negotiating. In 2008 it was the first project in 13 years cutting commercial-size trees that was not litigated. The collaboration didn’t end there. We held public field reviews every year to look at what had been done and address

concerns.

In 2010, Tim testified before the U.S. Senate in support of thinning forests. He was quoted in a 2014 OregonLive article saying “Believe me, I never thought I would be sitting here with some timber industry folks supporting the same piece of legislation. Miracles still happen.” Despite his

Tim Lillebo, who died suddenly a decade ago, bridged divides over how to manage forests in Sisters Country.

PHOTO BY CAL MUKUMOTO

See OLD GROWTH on page 13

Celebrate Moms!

By Edie Jones Columnist

Since May is the month we traditionally honor mothers, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the many things they do in that role. In many small ways their love manifests itself in common gestures that are easily overlooked as important. Yet so important.

From the time of a child’s birth a mother’s hands are there to cradle, clean, caress, and correct. Have you ever given thought to what life would be like without those four “C’s”? In the worst scenario, a child would not live, unless someone else stepped forward to perform those necessary, subtle acts of love.

Beyond those four Cs there’s so much more that mothers do, seldom thinking about what comes next. Every meal they cook, every wash they wash, every time they push an offspring out the door to be on their way to school, is initiated by a mother’s love.

I hope all of us can take some time to muse about what life would have been like without Mom nearby. Of course, if she wasn’t there someone else could take her place, so Mom might actually have been dad or grandma or a neighbor. Still, they would be accomplishing what moms do. Teaching through demonstration and example.

When I think of my mom and what her love passed on to me, I think of music and the important place it has in my life. I grew up during the era of phonographs and in our home, it was always on. George Gershwin, Johann Sebastian Bach, Frederic Chopin, Marian Anderson, Glen

Miller, Frank Sinatra, and Rosemary Clooney were my constant companions. I easily picture my mom reading, in the evening. Television was relatively new, and I don’t remember having one. Today, I find it impossible to go to bed without first hanging out with a good book.

These were the things mom did when she wasn’t cooking, washing, cleaning, wiping a dirty face, correcting me or my siblings, or encouraging us to try something new. All of that came out of love. And, because I knew that unconditional love, I can pass it on to those I meet and love. Mom’s influence is still here.

If you are a mom, never forget your importance. You will always be needed. Now, if your kids are young, you’ve much to teach them. If they are teens, you have the very difficult job of balancing how to keep them close and safe while allowing them the freedom to learn and grow. And if, like me, your kids are grown and on their own, think back to what you taught them and rejoice in the people they have become.

The job of being a mom is tremendously difficult. It is the most important and probably the hardest job you will ever do. None of us received instructions on how to do it. We were just expected to know what to do. On-the-job training is full of errors, and we’ve all made many mistakes. At the same time, that love, which occurs when we become a mom, gets us through it.

Hopefully, those of us who are a little older find ways to pass on the knowledge we’ve gained. What a privilege it has been to do that in my job as a parent educator. Most of the moms

and dads I’ve worked with were already doing a very good job. They came to what was offered because they wanted to learn how to do that job even better. Moms (and dads), we can all use help in this enormously difficult role. Don’t hesitate to ask when you’re unsure. However, know when love is there, our kids will survive and hopefully thrive even when we make mistakes.

One of the questions I would ask parents was, “What is the job of a parent?” Quoting from the parenting program, Active Parenting, I would share that, “the job of a parent is to protect and prepare their children to survive and thrive in the world in which they are going to live.” How in the world can we do that? We have no idea what that world will be. That’s what makes this such a difficult job.

So, Celebrate Moms! What a dreadful place this would be without them. What a wonderful place it is because they are here. And, if you are a mom, celebrate yourself and know you are very important!

OLD GROWTH:

Glaze

Project was a signature one for Lillebo

Continued from page 12

support of active restoration, Tim continued to cast a critical eye on less sensitive logging and salvage, saying, “Not everything needs to be cut.”

When Tim unexpectedly passed away in 2014, his family and many friends grieved hard, and it left a tremendous hole in the conservation community.

These days forest issues are growing polarized and it feels like war is coming again. After a series of

successful collaborative projects, some proposals advocate logging larger trees, sending stakeholders back to their corners. Some are calling for no management of federal forests beyond a small area near houses.

As they celebrate their 50th anniversary, Oregon Wild continues its work with a campaign to protect the few remaining mature and old-growth forests for their essential ecosystem functions, habitat, and carbonstoring ability. They continue to honor Tim’s legacy and use Glaze as a restoration example. See https://oregon wild.org/take-action-protectour-mature-and-old-growthforests.

Sisters’ forests owe much to Tim Lillebo.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Continued from page 2

both a surplus and a reserve. Another year when the choice was between property tax or transient occupancy tax. He recently voted against correcting a mistake by Deschutes County on placement of serious-offense parolees in a neighborhood without full notification of neighbors.

In May of 2022, the county engineer targeted our property county road frontage regarding the placement of medium-sized decorative landscape rocks adjacent to the paved surface. This resulted in a seven-page letter with photos threatening legal action. The county road serves seven total residences.

Three letters appealing this action were sent to the Board of County Commissioners without response from them. County staff response gave the clear impression they were preventing the appeals from reaching the Board.

I had an opportunity to speak with Mr. Chang by appointment by phone on February 17, 2023. I described the issue, the appeal letters, and the apparent shielding from the Board of the appeals by County staff. During the 45-minute conversation I was able to describe the rock placement, their 8-to-9-year existence in place and other details. I indicated the county engineer ignored numerous other similar encroachment conditions in the area. This included irrigation district canal headwalls within inches of the paved surface. He directly refused to assist getting the appeal to the Board. Near the end of the discussion, he said: “If you don’t like this you can run against me in the next election.”

He failed in this instance at constituent service!

Norm Ploss

s s s

An overlooked benefit of defensible space

To the Editor:

Not all of us appreciate the call for creating a defensible space around our homes. Our thoughts tend to be personalized which may mask important values.

Maybe a change in our thinking might help: Think of our first responders. Let’s get together as a community to show a sense of compassion for these incredibly dedicated professionals and volunteers by creating a defensible space to help protect them as well as our homes. A defensible space will help to

mitigate the very real threat of injury or worse to our first responders. They deserve our compassionate support. Their compassion for us and dedication to our community goes above and beyond on a daily basis.

Ralph Salisbury

s s s

School update

To the Editor,

May is quite a full month for the School Board as we typically have several back-toback meetings. During this last session the school board met with the budget committee to discuss the 2024-2025 Sisters School District budget. The budget was approved by all members and will be formally presented for adoption in the budget hearing on June 5.

Following the budget meeting was the regular school board meeting where the elementary school principal, Joan Warburg, shared that the process for selecting a new math curriculum at the middle school was nearly complete. She mentioned that the objective is to select a tool that is aligned with today’s standards, and to enable teachers to best support students following specifically defined criteria.

After an in-depth selection process, two publishers were chosen and then piloted by middle school math teachers. The selected curriculum will be available for public review from May 13 through June 4 at the District Office. It is targeted to be adopted in June, so that it will be in place for the start of the new school year. Joan also mentioned the integration of the Seal of Biliteracy, which five students are currently pursuing, as well as four students that have successfully passed the English Language Proficiency Exam.

Middle school principal, Tim Roth, presented the data from the Ds and Fs performance target report, in which there has been an overall decrease in the number of Ds and Fs in the second trimester at the middle school. Some of the positive contributing factors are individual student goal-setting exercises, intervention classes, after-school homework sessions, and high yield AVID trainings for staff.

Once again, enrollment is slightly up. Move-in to the new elementary school is still planned for June 24, with the keys actually being turned over on July 15. Sisters Park and Recreation District is set to move into the current elementary school over summer. Due to the timing of all of the transitions, the location

See LETTERS on page 16

PMR art center opens residency applications

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Art and Agriculture (PMRCAA) has announced an open call for applicants to its seventh annual residency program, which brings world-class artists, ecological scientists, researchers, and scholars to Sisters from March through November. The open call has a juried application process, where prospective residents from around the U.S. may be selected for either one-month or twoweek stays at PMRCAA. The application deadline is June 30, 11:59 p.m.

PMRCAA’s residency program offers a space where cultural practitioners, ecological scientists, and creative thinkers can immerse themselves in their work and research through access to studios, open spaces, and beautiful scenery. PMRCAA seeks cultural practitioners and scientists who want to engage with the atmosphere of a working ranch and with the local community.

PMRCAA invites artists, ecological scientists, and scholars whose work explores the 2025 residency theme of “Care & Stewardship” to apply.

“At the heart of the 2025 program is the idea that care and stewardship transcends

human boundaries and acknowledges our interconnected existence in the world,” says Arts Program Manager Ana Varas. “We are looking for artists and others whose work resonates with this central idea.”

“Care and Stewardship” also connects the residency program with the work of umbrella organization, The Roundhouse Foundation, which focuses on supporting rural and Indigenous spaces. Land stewardship and caring for community are some of the core ethos that guide the work of the foundation and helped to inspire this year’s theme at PMRCAA.

All participants selected will develop work around this year’s central idea and will engage with the broader local region through different events. Events PMRCAA hosts throughout the year include workshops, lectures, and open studios. A full list is published on the events calendar at roundhousefoundation.org/events.

PMRCAA is hosting informational Zoom sessions on May 28 and June 14. Registration information and additional program details can be found at https:// roundhousefoundation. org/pine-meadow-ranch/ residencies.

Whooping cough rears its head in Central Oregon

In the past two weeks, Deschutes County Public Health has identified seven cases of pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough in the community. All cases have been investigated by Public Health Communicable Disease staff and close contacts have been notified. In 2023, a total of six cases of pertussis were reported in Deschutes County.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is transmitted from person to person through droplets from a cough or sneeze. Newborn babies, who are too young to be vaccinated, are at highest risk for severe illness.

The best defense against whooping cough is a well-immunized community, health officials state. Pertussis vaccines (DTaP and TDaP) are recommended for all people that are ages two months and older. While everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated against this disease, it is especially important that pregnant persons get vaccinated during each pregnancy to best protect their newborn. It is also critical that everyone who comes in contact with babies is fully immunized.

“Getting vaccinated does not only protect you, it also protects your loved ones and close contacts, some of whom are more susceptible to complications from pertussis,” said Dr. Rita Bacho, Program Manager for Communicable Disease Prevention and Management.

Whooping cough (pertussis) symptoms

Whooping cough begins as a mild upper respiratory infection and resembles a common cold (sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever, mild cough). Within two weeks, the cough becomes more severe and is characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs, followed

by a high-pitched whooping sound and is sometimes followed by vomiting. These episodes may reoccur for one to two months. Because infants and toddlers are at greatest risk of complications from whooping cough, they’re more likely to need treatment in a hospital. Complications can be life-threatening for infants younger than six months old.

Pertussis vaccines (DTaP and TDaP) can be provided by local health care providers, as well as most pharmacies for people sevenyears-old and older. People are encouraged to call their primary care provider or local pharmacy for vaccine availability.

As a Vaccine Access Program provider, Deschutes County Health Services also offers Safety Net Immunizations to individuals and families who have difficulty accessing immunization services. Immunization clinics are available to individuals from newborn to adult (children under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult or guardian).

Immunization services are available for all ages at our Redmond and Bend campuses as follows:

• Redmond Campus 236 NW Kingwood Ave.

Wednesdays by appointment, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Bend Campus 2577 NE Courtney Dr. Thursdays by appointment, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

To make an appointment, call Deschutes County Health Services at 541-3227499. Bring a current shot record and health insurance information (if applicable). County Health Services staff will not deny service due to the inability to pay.

For more information about whooping cough, please visit www.cdc.gov/ pertussis/.

ASSAULT:

Man was caught on the highway

Continued from page 1

driver and dragged him out of the vehicle.

Buck then allegedly stole the ride share vehicle and headed west on Highway 20 towards the Santiam Pass.

DCSO reports that deputies were able to determine the location of the stolen vehicle as it continued westbound on Highway 126 towards Vida, Oregon.

Deschutes County 911 Dispatch notified Law Enforcement agencies in the areas the stolen vehicle was traveling. At 4 a.m., Deschutes County 911 was advised Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Springfield Police Department was enroute to a multi-vehicle injury crash near Vida.

Lane County Sheriff’s Office contacted Buck at the crash in Vida. Police determined that Buck had crashed the vehicle he had stolen in Sisters, and was actively attempting to steal a second vehicle to continue his escape. The driver of that vehicle was able to speed away, striking Buck in the process.

Buck was arrested and transported to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment for his injuries. Buck has subsequently been transported to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail and lodged on charges of first-degree robbery, second-degree assault, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Bull by Bull

By Judy Bull Columnist

• The first time I fell into the cyberworld abyss was when I was planning a horse camping trip with a couple of horsewomen, long years ago. While we were going over our to-do lists, Carol offered to check “Craig’s list,” to which I asked indignantly, “WHO IS CRAIG?”

• Talking falling, while packing hay out to Riddle the other morning, I went arse over teakettle and landed in a huge puddle of water the color of threeday-old coffee. It was really quite comical and luckily I’ve gone off enough horses in my lifetime to automatically tuck and roll. No harm done.

• We’ve all been made aware of the scams lurking around us, and just the other day a very close friend of mine fell prey to one. She was taken in hook, line, and sinker, including a big chunk of money. As she said, “Nobody is more cynical and skeptical than I,” yet there she is, heartbroken and wondering how

this happened to her. These scammers are slick beyond compare, so let us all be on the alert.

• It’s fun to read about Sisters people I know in The Nugget. I especially enjoyed reading Juhree Kizziar’s piece in said Nugget awhile back. I well remember the day she was born. Her mom, Anne, always marveled that I knew how to pronounce Juhree. Turns out my mom’s best friend’s nickname was pronounced the same way.

• My retirement from the library world was perfectly timed in so many ways. Not only was Central Oregon calling, computers had just taken over my job and I could no longer easily read the small print in Engineering Index , Index Medius , and all the other indices from which I got my gofer marching orders. Timing is everything.

• Reading Jim’s Commentary, “Only the Lonely” reminded me of one of the worst things my mom ever told me, “You’re going to end up a lonely, old woman.” The good news: I’m not lonely and I am old.

Continued from page 14

of summer school is still being discussed. And finally, we were pleased to meet and approve Emily Stukel as the Sisters School District representative on the High Desert ESD School Board. Emily Stukel will be replacing Edie Jones, who has served on the board for several years. With an extensive background in education, Emily is passionate about serving students and her community, and looks forward to an opportunity to serve on the HDESD school board, and we look forward to having her represent our district.

The final school board meeting of this school year will be held on June 5th, which will also incorporate the Budget Hearing. We are getting close to the end of the school year and are excited for all of the upcoming events that will be ongoing throughout the months of May and June. We greatly appreciate the community support during all of these memorable moments for our students.

Curt Scholl Superintendent

s s s I was wrong

To the Editor:

Susan Cobb is correct. I used misinformation from AI to claim that Jamie McLeodSkinner had been fired from her city manager position in Talent. Interestingly, AI has corrected itself in the meantime; now stating that Skinner was not fired from her Talent position. For that I apologize.

I wish the writer would have acknowledged her error in misrepresenting former Congressman Kurt Shrader’s actions regarding Skinner’s candidacy. I can find no source showing he ever urged his supporters to vote for the Republican candidate.

And I don’t need AI to tell me that the writer’s claim that Skinner’s discovery of malfeasance by the City of Phoenix was the cause for her firing has been totally discredited. Here’s a story from the Columbia Gorge News: “The mayor of Phoenix, Oregon is on a mission to ‘set the record straight regarding false information’ being disseminated by Jamie McLeod-Skinner, a candidate for Oregon’s Second Congressional District,

about her being fired as city manager in March 2017. [Mayor] Luz said after McLeod was let go, the city hired a certified public accounting firm, and then asked interim manager Dave Kanner, who had 30 years of experience in government, to separately review financial records. No evidence of malfeasance or misappropriation of funds was found during either investigation noted Kanner in a report to the council.”

Skinner is a highly controversial, threetime election loser who has already lost once to Representative Chavez-DeRemer. Voters in District 5 have a better option — Oregon State Representative Janelle Bynum.

Jeff Tryens

s s s

Avid reader

To the Editor:

A note of appreciation for excellence in writing to two recent columns.

I’ve often admired the high quality of the regular correspondents and occasional columnists in The Nugget. Craig Rullman’s contribution, “Consider the lion” gave me pleasure, and pause at his range of thought and evocative expression. I’ve only heard a mountain lion scream once, but its unmistakable quality of power and beauty and terror leads the mind to many other places and back again.

Then, just a page later, I loved the T. Lee Brown column “What I saw” also beautiful, and taking you to all those places she brought forth with her language and feeling.

I look forward to reading more from them both in the future, and must confess to reading The Nugget front to back avidly every week.

Laura West

s s s

Roundabout

To the Editor:

I can hardly wait to see the new postcards: Sisters, Oregon. Home of America’s largest roundabout.

Jim Cline

Author presents YA fantasy novel

Author Shauna C. Murphy will present her new young adult fantasy novel, “Animalia,” at Paulina Springs Books on Wednesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m.

Painting an alternate Victorian-era that features students from all around the world working toward altruistic goals, “Animalia” will resonate with fans of “The Golden Compass,” “Harry Potter,” and “Enola Holmes.”

In the frosty landscapes of Norway, nestled on an isolated peninsula, lies the prestigious and secretive Svalbard School. This institution specializes in teaching the secrets of the Victorianera world to a select group of students from across the globe. Among the diverse programs offered at Svalbard, one stands out: Animalia, where young talents learn the ancient art of working with animals’ unique abilities.

The story follows 13-yearold Sunday Gråe, who aspires to follow in her late father’s footsteps and become an Animalia student. Sunday’s dreams come true when she gains admission to Svalbard School. However, as she delves deeper into her studies, she learns the school is hiding dark secrets. Mysterious disappearances plague the Animalia students, and she falls into a perilous mystery

that could put her own life in danger.

Shauna C. Murphy is a film producer and a writer of young adult content. She is a researcher of children’s imaginary worlds, the psychology behind fantasy, and the corresponding best practices for commercial storytelling. She is passionate about helping others understand the benefits of imagination and empathy. Her unique perspective, rooted in a childhood spent amidst the theatre and her summers exploring the great outdoors, shines through in Animalia, a story where the bond between humanity and nature takes center stage. She has a MS from the University of Oregon and a BS from Portland State.

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

ACADEMY: Citizens can learn about sheriff’s office operations

Continued from page 3

Captain Michael Shults.

• Patrol Division — Capt. Bailey.

• Introduction to Corrections — Lt. Mike Gill.

• DUII/Traffic enforcement — Sgt. Chris Erhardt.

• SWAT — Sgt. James McLaughlin.

Night 2:

• School Resource Program — Deputy Josh Westfall

• Introduction to detectives — Detective Brandon Porter and Detective Keith Slater.

• Search and Rescue/ Emergency Management — Sgt. Nathan Garibay.

• DCSO K-9 Unit.

Lt. Chad Davis of the City of Sisters contingent of DCSO told The Nugget that there will be an opportunity for questions and answers, and he is hoping for a robust dialogue out of that. He said that the academy is an important opportunity for citizens to get to know their sheriff’s office and its local deputies and “build those relationships and trust.”

SHS PAGEANT: DeSmet/ Kizziar named pageant winners

Continued from page 3

“I hope we never get over the wonder of sitting in a crowded room…so thank you for being here and supporting the students and a cause we all know matters,” said Weber.

The event supports Family Access Network (FAN), dedicated to raising money for families around Central Oregon who need additional support. Over this year the SHS Pie in the Face, Pasta Feed and Dessert Auction, and Pageant raised over $7,500 to donate to the organization.

The pageant itself was judged by four adjudicators: Brad Tisdel, Kristy Rawls, Jacob Gurney, and Loni Liddell. They judged the contestants based on their dance moves, talents, videos, and overall poise throughout the competition.

The performance was split up into two halves, with four teams performing before intermission and three after. Each team presented

memorable moments that had the crowd lapsing in and out of laughter. During the two hours, there were scooter races, trivia contests, and show-stopping dances.

“Even though I’m not the best at dancing, singing, or being on stage, I still really enjoyed all of it,” said senior Timber Bionda. “One of the reasons I enjoyed it so much was because the program brings together so many amazing but different people to have fun.”

During the final section of

the pageant, the contestants were recognized for their hard work and their posthigh school plans. Finally, the awards were given out to contestants. Before the winners were awarded, two individuals were chosen for their dedication and perseverance throughout the preparation of the show. These two seniors were Brooke Blakelock and Timber Bionda, who accepted their trophies with beaming smiles.

The winners of the pageant were then announced.

Justin DeSmet and Juhree Kizziar were crowned as the winners of the 2024 SHS Pageant. Their chosen theme of “Grease,” and undeniable chemistry captured the hearts of the crowd and the judges.

“I love ‘Grease,’ the songs, the dancing, Justin and Juhree were amazing!” exclaimed one attendee.

“This is a really special event that’s unique to our community, it’s a testament to the spirit of Sisters,” said Turpen.

SHS Pageant participants put in weeks of work to support Sisters Family Access Network.

PHOTO BY OLIVIA NIETO

Sisters hosts district track meet this week

By Charlie Kanzig Correspondent

Sisters High School will host the 3A Special District 3 Championships this week on Thursday and Friday, May 9-10.

The meet serves not only to determine the team champions for the district, but as the qualifier for the OSAA Track and Field Championships set for the following week at Hayward Field. The top two finishers in each event will qualify for state, along with one statewide wild card entry in each event. Additional athletes may advance to state by meeting automatic qualifying standards.

Teams competing at the meet include Creswell, Elmira, Glide, La Pine, Pleasant Hill, Siuslaw, Sutherlin, along with the host Outlaws.

Despite the team’s last regular season meet at Summit being canceled Saturday, May 4, the athletes are ready to go, according to head coach Jonathan Kelly.

The Outlaw girls are in good position to defend the district title won in 2023 with a well-balanced squad that is expected to score well in fourteen of the seventeen events. A much-improved boys’ team looks to improve on its fourth place finish last year.

Returnees to the girls’ team along with a cast of younger athletes give the Outlaws the depth needed to not only win the title, but qualify a healthy number for the state meet.

Senior Gracie Vohs returns in the high jump as the top seed, ranks second in the 400 meters, and plays a key role in the ever-improving 4x400-meter relay team. Vohs won the state title in the 400 last year and anchored the winning relay team as well.

Ella Bartlett holds the top time in the 3,000 meters and is ranked second in the 1,500. Another senior, Lilly

Sundstrom ranks in the top three in both hurdle races. Mae Roth leads the league in the pole vault, and her teammates Kathryn Buller and Althea Crabtree are ranked second and third respectively.

A flock of freshmen are expected to put plenty of points on the board. Audrey Corcoran has the best time in the district at 200 meters and is seeded a close second in the 100 behind Ryan Thomas of Pleasant Hill. Corcoran will also run on the 4 x 400 team and is the top-ranked long jumper.

In addition to her pole vaulting prowess, Crabtree also ranks among the top hurdlers and is tied for the second best mark in the high jump. Shanitah Few is ranked a close fourth in the high jump.

The boys’ top entries include John Berg in the 400 meters in which he is seeded second, Reid Woodson in the triple jump (second), George Roberts in the 1500 (third), Spencer Tisdel in 800 (fourth) and pole vault (fifth), and Tony Gonzalez in the shot put (fourth).

Siuslaw is favored to retain the district title on the boys side

The district meet runs over two days following the same schedule as the state meet. The first day of the meet will feature just one final in the running events with the 3000, while prelims will be run in everything else other than the 1500. The top eight finishers in preliminary running events qualify for finals. The top eight finishers in each event score on a 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale.

Field events are set to begin at 1:00 on Thursday, with running events getting underway at 1:30. On Friday, field events begin at 11:00 and running events at 12:10. Admission will be charged at the gate since this is a championship level meet. Results will also be available live on the athletic.net website and app.

New practice offers skin treatments

By Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief

Darlene Zettergren recently relocated to Sisters to be closer to family — and she has brought Newport Aesthetics with her.

Zettergren had a full practice in Newport, Rhode Island, where she lived and worked for many years, after transitioning from nursing into the field of aesthetics.

“I was always a cardiointensive nurse,” she said with a smile. “It’s nice because my clients talk to me now.”

Newport Aesthetics offers Botox and other treatments beneficial to both men and women, and people of all ages.

“I also do medical peels for various skin types and conditions,” Zettergren said.

She also does radio-frequency micro-needling that can help with scar-revision and skin rejuvenation.

Zettergren works by appointment and offers individualized treatments.

“Usually we do a little phone consultation so I get an idea of where they’re at,” she said. Then, she offers a free assessment before recommending a course of treatment.

“It’s geared to them individually,” she said. “Very often it’s over a period of time… It can be someone who wants to age a little more gracefully… If you feel better about yourself, it’s worth volumes. Aging gracefully is a challenging process.”

Younger clients often seek Botox and lip treatments, or help with scars or acne.

For Zettergren, the deepest satisfaction in her work comes from the relationships she develops with clients.

“I enjoy the practice, too,” she said. “It’s challenging to me to meet their needs and also to show them how to take advantage of certain aspects of the treatment.”

Zettergren undertakes constant training to stay abreast of developments in the field. She is licensed to practice in Oregon, Washington, and Rhode Island.

Zettergren had visited Sisters several times before relocating here.

“People are friendly, easygoing,” she reflected. “I like the tight community, and I want to develop an individualized clientele here.”

Newport Aesthetics is located in the brick building

on the corner of Main Avenue and Larch Street – adjacent to a variety of other wellness practices.

“I feel very fortunate to have found this space with all of the professional women here,” Zettergren said. “I’m hoping to be a good addition to the community.”

Nugget Poetry Corner

Worth waiting for BraelynSanford

It wor th w aiting for a gir l with pear l eyes and hands as soft as a kitten nose. It wor th w aiting for a gr assland under a full moon. It wor th w aiting for ivor y to gr ow mor e and mor e. It wor th w aiting for your last glass of Champagne with a love one. And it wor th w aiting your family to gr ow mor e and mor e over time

Thank You, Moms!

Edie Jones

“My hear t is your s,” we’ve hear d you say in oh so many, many ways.

Eac h time you’ ve r eac hed and c lasped a hand; eac h time you’ ve w hisper ed, “Yes, you can!”

“You can and will succeed, my dear,” alw ays smiling, squelc hing fear

Eac h time you’ ve helped a c hild or two believe in themselves and tr ust in you.

Eac h time you’ ve shown the way to live, shar ed your self, taught them to give.

We’ve watc hed you give your hear t aw ay night after night, day after day.

No job too har d, or task too small.

When called upon, you gave your all.

And so, with love and gr atitude, our hear ts ar e given bac k to you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Queen of the Desert

Edie Jones

Sand Lilies, a small six-pointed star, with sun shining from its center, scatter ed her e and f ar thr ough the deser t.

Unobtr usively popping up, eac h petal a cup that drinks the de w and the r ain as Spring unfolds, taking aw ay the pain of winter’s cold Walk softly. Don’ t disturb

Their beauty, obser ve and memorize

T his delicate star, here on earth, far from the sky.

Darlene Zettergren has brought Newport Aesthetics to Sisters, offering Botox, medical peels, and micro-needling.

PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS

CONCERTS: Series staged by SFF Presents at Sisters Art Works

Continued from page 3

collaborate with a range of artists from Modest Mouse to Widespread Panic to Norah Jones. Forty-five plus years later, the seven-piece Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a worldfamous music machine whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances.

Returning to touring after a four-year hiatus, Elephant Revival is a unique collection of multi-instrumentalists blending elements of Celtic, Americana, Folk, and Indie Art Rock. The band consists of Bonnie Paine (vocals, cello, djembe, washboard, and musical saw), Bridget Law (fiddle, vocals), Dango Rose (upright bass, mandolin, vocals), Charlie Rose (banjo, pedal steel, mandolin, vocals), Darren Garvey (drums, percussion, vocals), and Daniel Sproul (guitars, vocals). The music they create together is like weather systems meeting in the sky, with Bonnie’s warmly haunting voice either merging with the rhythms and melodies of the band or providing a counterpoint and transforming it.

SFF Presents will once again host the free Hometown Hang celebrating regional artists on Thursday, August 8 (artists to be announced).

The concerts will be held

located at 204 W. Adams Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. with shows starting at 7 p.m. Additional band and ticket information is available at https://www.sffpresents.org/ concerts. These are general admission, all ages shows. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and patrons are encouraged to bring a Silipint or Steely pint cup from a past event to join in SFF Presents’ efforts to reduce waste generated at their events. Chairs are not provided; bring your lowback festival chairs or blankets. Only service animals are permitted in the venue. Follow @SFFPresents on Instagram and Facebook for updates and additional information.

LETTERS

Continued from page 16

s s s

Biden policies bad for America

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to a guest opinion article written by Ms. Hodgson entitled “Country deserves better than Trump” published in the May 1 Nugget. I am quite certain that President Biden may be a pleasant older gentleman to share an ice cream and swap some stories, although many of those stories may lack the truth. That being said he is not a world leader. The following facts from the past three-plus years will support my opinion.

Mr. Biden has failed to uphold his constitutional duty to secure our borders. America currently has the weakest border in modern history. There have been in excess of 10 million illegal immigrants whom have entered our country and the Biden Administration has failed to properly vet or document these individuals. This does not count the “got aways”! America has suffered from a massive increase of fentanyl traffic and sadly a significant increase in fentanyl deaths. Then there are the horror stories related to human trafficking that he does not want to recognize. Lastly, due to the current border/immigration crisis we have reduced services to our veterans and other legal citizens deserving of assistance.

President Biden’s policies have lead to spiraling and constant inflation. An inflation rate of 30-plus percent relative to cost of living is equivalent to a 30-plus percent tax! He and he alone is responsible for this and he has yet to own it.

Mr. Biden has continuously lied and deceived the American people. He has weaponized the DOJ to prevent proper investigations into his son, family members, possibly himself, and members of his administration for possible illegal activities. And yet, his DOJ has become involved in election interference. President Biden has significantly harmed the ideal of American sovereignty and is destroying two modern pillars of modern society, faith and family.

Mr. Biden released the sanctions and provided mass amounts of money to Iran. As a result he is responsible for funding and emboldening terrorist groups and attacks around the world, including the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the loss of American service members on his watch. His foreign policy has led to the weakened state of America and its allies, while at the same time strengthening China and our adversaries. Additionally, President Biden has managed to recently alienate two of our strongest allies, Israel and Japan.

Mr. Biden and his administration constantly fluctuate on policy or opinion based on the perceived votes available at the time.

Aaron Tippin, a country singer, once sang “You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.” It would appear a country music lesson might be in order.

At this time in America’s history it has never been more important to vote policy over personality. As I stated earlier, Mr. Biden may be a likable older gentleman, but his policies along with his inability to lead are destroying our great country.

I’ll close by simply asking Ms. Hodgson this question: What in the world did America do to deserve President Biden?

Tom Braun

Dustbowl Revival returns to Sisters this summer.

PHOTO BY MORTEN FOG

Your Story

Audry Van Houweling, PMHNP Columnist

An ode to Mother Nature MATTERS

I am sitting at my office peering at the Three Sisters peeking through the trees surrounded by soft blankets of blushed pink and wisps of orange cream sunsetting on their peaks.

I have a lot of charting to do, but tonight feels ripe for a little procrastination. I would rather stare at the mountains. I find myself pondering at how our natural world, with its beauty, renewal, and resilience continually provides an endurable response to the ugliness and suffering our world encounters.

I am lucky to have a lot of passion for my day job, and, simultaneously, also have whims to live out an echo of Thoreau or Muir, find a cabin in the wilderness, dwell in philosophy and conservation, and write poetry. Last time I checked, this doesn’t quite pay the bills.

Regardless, my well of gratitude for the gifts and lessons of Mother Earth runs deep. I have come to believe that wholeness and healing can only be accomplished as we consciously acknowledge our own footprint and that we do not see ourselves apart from nature, but of it.

Stewardship

The connections between how we care for ourselves and how we care for our surrounding environment are rich. Stewardship of our natural world is also integral to our emotional stewardship. As we embark on a path of healing, it takes a dose of humility as we recognize the obstacles of our ego. We honor the natural world most when we abandon ego and take ownership for what we both take and give to the greater ecosystem.

Letting go

Nature has a unique way of teaching us the necessity of letting go. As summer retreats, followed by

falling amber and burgundy from the trees, we are met with the slowdown of winter. Mother Earth gets its beauty sleep as it prepares for the renewal of spring. We are reminded that, similarly, our own growth and evolution is not often possible without the shedding of aging attitudes and beliefs unlikely to serve us. It is life’s impermanence that allows for transformation.

Chasing awe

In a world rich with vicarious and personal traumas reinforced by real-time access to tragedy and suffering on our social media feeds and news outlets, many of us have developed a protective response of disconnect and detachment. This response can minimize palpable feelings of fear and despair, but it can also minimize joy, passion, and excitement. We go through the motions, but life can feel like it’s lost its allure.

Nature has a unique way of resuscitating our emotional heartbeat by providing moments of sheer awe that restore our curiosity and drive for continued discovery. I think of when I first stood at the foot of Mt. Rainier, or when I have sat still breathing in sage blossoms surrounded by wild mustangs, or when I first set sight on a giraffe in Africa and proceeded to break a few rules jumping off the tour bus running after it. I just wanted to get closer...the bus driver and fellow passengers were not amused.

Embracing discomfort

Emotional wellness is not about being comfortable. Modern day conveniences allow some of us to afford near consistent environmental comforts with minimal effort. Thermostats, running water, food that never runs out, plumbing, and a warm place to sleep are not to be taken for granted. And yet, if we are always comfortable, we minimize opportunity for growth and self-trust. Stress is inevitable and nature allows us boundless opportunities to widen our window of tolerance and resilience. After all, it was not so long ago that we didn’t have a choice. In our culture of accommodation, we must be careful not to discount the value of productive discomfort.

So, as they say, watch more sunsets and less Netflix. Take a walk in the woods. Find a view. Plant a tree. Forage. Wander. Find moments to be still and remember your roots.

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 in the Public Notice section are charged at the display advertising rate.

DEADLINE: MONDAY, noon preceding WED. publication. PLACEMENT & PAYMENT: Office, 442 E. Main Ave. Phone, 541-549-9941 or place online at NuggetNews.com. Payment is due upon placement. VISA & MasterCard accepted. Billing available for continuously run classified ads, after prepayment of first four (4) weeks and upon

of account application.

102 Commercial Rentals

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

Sizes 5x5 to 15x30 and outdoor

RV parking. 7-day access. Computerized security gate. Moving boxes & supplies. STORAGE WITH BENEFITS

8 x 20 dry box

Fenced yard, RV & trailers

In-town, gated, 24-7

EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com

OFFICE/RETAIL

SPACE FOR RENT

Great location across from Ace Hardware.

Several space types available. Call owner

Jim Peterson/RE Broker. 503-238-1478

103 Residential Rentals

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

Downtown Vacation Rentals

Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net

Great pricing. 503-730-0150

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

201 For Sale

Rehoming Player Piano

Beautiful condition, Hazelton Bros Deluxe. Nice sound, 30 scrolls. 503-931-8817 for info/photos. Reloading Equipment. Dies, scales, books, various powders, empty brass, shooting bench, press, ammo magazines, etc. No firearms. Bob, 541-549-1385

202 Firewood

• SPRING SPECIAL • SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS

DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD

• SINCE 1976 • KINDLING

Doug Fir – Lodgepole –Hardwood – Juniper – Fir

DRIVE-IN WOOD SALES

205 Garage & Estate

TOLLGATE

Sales

ANNUAL COMMUNITY

GARAGE SALE

Fri. & Sat., May 31 - June 1, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located just 1.5 miles west of the roundabout on Hwy. 20. A map of participating homes will be available at tollgatepropertyowners.com.

Happy Trails Estate Sales and online auctions!

Selling, Downsizing, or Deaths?

Locally owned & operated by... Daiya 541-480-2806

Sharie 541-771-1150

HERITAGE USA

Open daily 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 253 E. Hood Ave., Sisters.

206 Lost & Found

LOST KEYS found on Hwy. 126 on the south side between Sisters and Redmond before you get to Eagle Crest. There are many, many keys, some bent. Text 541-550-6212 to identify.

– Advertise with The Nugget –541-549-9941

301 Vehicles

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

Sisters Car Connection da#3919 SistersCarConnection.com

401 Horses

ORCHARD GRASS HAY

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

403 Pets

Brando's Natural Dog Biscuits brandosbyjulie.etsy.com

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

SISTERS WHISKERS

Your purr-fect friend is waiting for you at our local nonprofit cat rescue! Apply to adopt at: sisterswhiskers.org

500 Services

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

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

GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE

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

– 18155 Hwy. 126 East –SistersForestProducts.com

Order Online! 541-410-4509

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

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

501 Computers & Communications

3 Sisters TeleNetworks, LLC

Cable jobs, security cameras, WAPs. CCB #191099

541-318-7000 • 541-306-0729

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

Carpet & Upholstery

M & J CARPET CLEANING

Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090

GORDON’S LAST TOUCH

Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY

Member Better Business Bureau • Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980

Call 541-549-3008

504 Handyman

JONES UPGRADES LLC

Home Repairs & Remodeling Drywall, Decks, Pole Barns, Fences, Sheds & more.

Mike Jones, 503-428-1281

Local resident • CCB #201650

600 Tree Service & Forestry

LOLO TREE WORKS

Tree Services: Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Services. ISA Certified Arborist

Owner / Operator: Erin Carpenter lolotreeworks.com Call / Text: 503-367-5638

Email: erin@lolotreeworks.com CCB #240912

TimberStandImprovement.net Tree Removal & Pruning TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496 541-771-4825

4 Brothers Tree Service Sisters' Premier Tree Experts! – TREE REMOVAL & CLEANUP –Native / Non-Native Tree Assessments, Pruning, High-Risk Removals, 24 Hr. Emergency Storm Damage Cleanup, Craning & Stump Grinding, Debris Removal. – FOREST MANAGEMENT –Fire Fuels Reduction - Brush Mowing, Mastication, Tree Thinning, Large & Small Scale Projects! Serving Black Butte Ranch, Camp Sherman & Sisters Area since 2003 ** Free Estimates ** Owner James Hatley & Sons 541-815-2342

4brostrees.com Licensed, Bonded and Insured CCB-215057

THE NUGGET NEWSPAPER 601 Construction Pat Burke LOCALLY OWNED CRAFTSMAN BUILT CCB: 228388 • 541-588-2062 www.sistersfencecompany.com

Custom Homes Additions - Remodels Residential Building Projects Becke William Pierce CCB# 190689 • 541-647-0384 Beckewpcontracting@gmail.com From Ground to Finish Accurate and Efficient 541-604-5169

CCB#233074

CASCADE GARAGE DOORS Factory Trained Technicians Since 1983 • CCB #44054 541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553 SUDOKU Level: Difficult Answer: Page 23

Construction & Renovation

Custom Residential Projects

All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448

SPURGE COCHRAN BUILDER, INC.

General Contractor

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

A “Hands-On” Builder Keeping Your Project on Time & On Budget • CCB #96016 To speak to Spurge personally, call 541-815-0523

541-390-1206

beavercreeklog@yahoo.com

Log repairs, log railing, log accent, log siding, etc. CCB #235303 Insurance & Bond

Custom Homes • Additions

Residential Building Projects Serving Sisters area since 1976

Strictly Quality

CCB #16891 • CCB #159020 541-280-9764

John Pierce jpierce@bendbroadband.com

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

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

Earthwood Timberframes

• Design & shop fabrication

• Recycled fir and pine beams

• Mantels and accent timbers

• Sawmill/woodshop services

EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com

VIEW OUR Current Classifieds every Tuesday afternoon! Go to NuggetNews.com

602 Plumbing & Electric SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC.

“Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling

• New Construction

• Water Heaters

541-549-4349

Residential and Commercial

Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587

Ridgeline Electric, LLC

Serving all of Central Oregon

• Residential • Commercial

• Industrial • Service

541-588-3088 • CCB #234821

T H E N U G G E T

S I S T E R S O R E G O N online at NuggetNews.com

603

Excavation & Trucking

BANR Enterprises, LLC

Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls

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

Full Service Excavation

Free On-site Visit & Estimate

Tewaltandsonsexcavation@gmail .com

541-549-1472 • CCB #76888

Drainfield

• Minor & Major Septic Repair

• All Septic Needs/Design & Install

General Excavation

• Site Preparation

• Rock & Stump Removal

• Pond & Driveway Construction Preparation

• Building Demolition Trucking

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

• Dump Trucks, Transfer Trucks, Belly

• The Whole 9 Yards or 24

Whatever You Want!

ROBINSON & OWEN

Heavy Construction, Inc.

All your excavation needs

*General excavation

*Site Preparation

*Sub-Divisions

*Road Building

*Sewer and Water Systems

*Underground Utilities

*Grading

*Sand-Gravel-Rock

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

CCB #124327 541-549-1848

604 Heating & Cooling ACTION AIR

Heating & Cooling, LLC

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

CCB #195556 541-549-6464

605 Painting

METOLIUS PAINTING LLC

Meticulous, Affordable Interior & Exterior 541-280-7040 • CCB# 238067 ~ FRONTIER 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

606 Landscaping & Yard Maintenance

Keeping Sisters Country Beautiful Since 2006 candcnursery@gmail.com

541-549-2345

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

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

All Landscaping Services Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740

Alpine Landscape Maintenance

An All-Electric Landscape Company.

Text/Call Paul 541.485.2837 alpine.landscapes@icloud.com

– All You Need Maintenance –Pine needle removal, hauling, mowing, moss removal, edging, raking, weeding, pruning, roofs, gutters, pressure washing. Lic/Bonded/Ins. CCB# 218169 Austin • 541-419-5122

701 Domestic Services

BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897

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

– C L A S S I F I E D S –It pays to advertise in The Nugget, your local "Yellow Pages" for Sisters! Deadline to place your ad is Monday before noon... Call 541-549-9941

SUDOKU

704 Events & Event Services

Holidays In The Pines presents May Market

Just in time for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Spring. May 10th & 11th, from 10 - 4. This indoor event will be held at the Pole Creek Ranch barn located at 15425 McKenzie Hwy., Sisters. We will be featuring local small farms, artists, and crafters, with a touch of vintage. Some items that will be offered are soaps and candles, Mother's Day bouquets, hanging baskets, and flower & vegetable starts, blue bird houses, antler art, jewelry, pottery, and wooden bowls, vases and trivets, household items, gift baskets. Also offered will be beef from cattle raised on the ranch, and so much more.

A portion of the sales will benefit COVR (Central Oregon Veterans Ranch) and Sisters Habitat for Humanity. For more information go to Facebook.com/ HolidaysinThePines or Rootsandrails on IG.

802 Help Wanted

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

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT?

Check out the Help Wanted ads NEED ASSISTANCE?

Advertise in the Classifieds Call 541-549-9941

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

999

Public Notice

SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORD RETENTION ANNOUNCEMENT

This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Sisters School District's policy of destroying special education records upon the expiration of six years from the date that services end. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state and federal laws unless the parent/guardian or adult student notifies the Sisters School District. Otherwise, the Sisters School District will be destroying any unclaimed Special Education records for students who exited Special Education services in the district in the year prior to and including 2016-2017. If you have records that would be available for claiming, please contact our Special Services Record Secretary at 541-549-4045 x5777 before June 14, 2024.

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the Fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, will be held at 301 South Elm Street in Sisters. The meeting will also be broadcast via Zoom.

The meeting will take place on May 28, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. A second meeting, if needed, is scheduled for May 29, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comments from the public on the budget.

Public comment will be taken in written and phone-in format. Written comments received by 9 a.m. on May 20, 2024, will be read during the public comment section of the meeting on May 28, 2024. Comments by phone/Zoom will be taken on a scheduled basis during the public comment section of the meeting on May 28, 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 to the district at (541) 549-0771, or email to spor@sistersfire.com. Public comment must be scheduled no later than 9 a.m. on May 20, 2024.

A copy of the budget document may be inspected online at www.sistersfire.com or obtained by mail on or after May 10, 2024, via email request to spor@sistersfire.com or phone request to (541) 549-0771. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Call-in/Zoom instructions are as follows: Topic: Budget Committee Meeting

Time: May 28, 2024, 03:00 PM

Pacific Time (U.S. and Canada) https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86852 990749?pwd=btpA1PzE1oU0pxa eEbpJxb0UIDUXac.1 Meeting ID: 868 5299 0749Passcode: 796280

Dial by your location - +1 719 359 4580 U.S. - Meeting ID: 868 5299 0749 - Passcode: 796280 *Second meeting if needed: Topic: 2nd Budget Committee Meeting (if needed)

Time: May 29, 2024 03:00 PM

Pacific Time (U.S. and Canada) https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85450 730921?pwd=Imb7ibK8LVSaZS aSYqLDHLm4bXzPVb.1

Meeting ID: 854 5073 0921Passcode: 309778

Dial by your location - +1 253 215 8782 U.S. (Tacoma)Meeting ID: 854 5073 0921Passcode: 309778

CLASSIFIEDS

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Sisters Park & Recreation District, Deschutes County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, will take place on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. with the option of continuing the meeting to Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., if needed. The purpose of this meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberations of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may attend the meeting at the Coffield Center located at 1750 W. McKinney Butte, Sisters, Oregon, and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee.

A copy of the budget document may be viewed or obtained on or after May 1, 2024, by emailing SPRD@sistersrecreation.com or calling (541) 549-2091. Concurrently posted on the Sisters Park & Recreation District website at www.sistersrecreation.com.

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETINGS

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the City of Sisters and the Sisters Urban Renewal Agency, Deschutes County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, will be held at City Council Chambers, City Hall, 520 E. Cascade Avenue, Sisters, OR 97759. The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 15, at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom Meetings online meeting platform. Links to the meeting can be found at the City of Sisters website www.ci.sisters.or.us. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive public comment 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 document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 9, 2024, at City Hall, 520 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Listed below are times of scheduled Budget Committee Meetings.

DATES AND TIMES:

Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 9 a.m. (if necessary) Thursday, May 16, 2024, 9 a.m.

A copy of this notice is available on the City of Sisters website, www.ci.sisters.or.us. For additional information, please contact: Joseph O’Neill, (541) 323-5222.

Construction Contractors

Licensing Information ~ An active license means your contractor is bonded and insured. For additional details visit www.oregon.gov/CCB

C L A S S I F I E D S

Can a landlord charge for nail holes?

profit center. There, I said it. Separate conversation.

You are asking the million-dollar question of every renter and property owner, “What is normal wear and tear?”

Dear Property Guy

By Mike Zoormajian

Dear Property Guy:

We recently moved out of an apartment and the management company charged us over $500 for holes in the walls. Which not only seems unfair, but totally unreasonable for the work that was done. We had a few pictures and a TV up on the wall. All of which I consider normal. How should this all work.

— Nailed in Sisters

Dear Nailed:

Here’s a dirty little secret about some, but not all, property management companies. Repairs are a

In this instance we have some guidance from HUD (Dept. of Housing Urban Development), and case law. In short, nails are normal wear and tear. Holes and gouges are not. As always there are grey areas here.

If you have 100 pictures up on an apartment wall, that is unreasonable, expect to charged for it. Also generally not considered normal wear is any installation using molly bolts, lag bolts, or drywall anchors.

Many leases specify what kind and size nails are OK. And many smart owners include a pack of 3M sticky mounts at the start of a lease.

The most common train wreck that I see here is TV mounts, which can leave huge holes and are usually

installed incorrectly by tenants. For this reason, I have started to recommend that all owners include a nice TV with the unit. Or, at the very least, a property installed wall-mount that renters can use with their own TV.

— Mike

Dear Property Guy:

How are home maintenance items handled. It seems everything in a house needs a filter or a battery on the regular nowadays. Does this belong in the lease or how should I handle this?

— Maintained

Dear Maintained:

Yeah, just when you thought owning rental property was all about sitting on your couch, collecting passive income, reality hits.

While this can be covered in the lease, the reality (as is oftentimes the case) is different. The big one here is furnace or A/C filters, these need to be changed more like quarterly to prevent expensive damage to

the system. Best practices call for smoke detector batteries to be changed every six months, even if they are hard wired. I generally don’t recommend refrigerators with filters or water filtration systems in a rental property.

So, here’s the deal: Don’t be cheap. Protect your investment. Be a cool landlord. Buy the filters. Buy the batteries. Make sure it happens. Put it on your calendar. Help the tenants change them if need be. This also gives you an opportunity to inspect the place for damage.

— Mike

Mike Zoormajian is principal at WetDog Properties in Sisters. Providing local real estate, property management and investor services. Questions and comments to: letters@wetdogpnw.com. Free legal advice is worth what you pay for it. Consult a real attorney before doing anything crazy.

Happ y M her’s Day

— Fr The Nug get

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12

Sisters retailers are well-stocked with great