The Nugget
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Runners prove up to the Hoodoo Challenge
By Jeff Omodt Correspondent
It was a perfect day for a trail run in Central Oregon as runners gathered for the ninth annual Kiwanis Run to The Top at Hoodoo Ski Resort. Temperatures were still in the 60s as the runners set out at 8 a.m. for their 13.2 or 3.1 mile adventures.
It’s a simple concept — with an evil twist. Run a 5K or half marathon trail course around the beautiful Hoodoo Ski Area then finish the last mile gaining over 1,000 feet as you climb to the top of Hoodoo Mountain.
“It’s an awesome race, with a beautiful location, but it’s really, really hard, a runner commented.
Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Sisters, the race is gaining a reputation as one of the most difficult trail runs in the Pacific Northwest.
“We wanted to give all our runners an opportunity to challenge themselves in a beautiful scenic outdoor setting,” said Race Director Matt Kirchoff .
This year marked the biggest field ever for the event with 162 entries (65 half marathoners and 97 running the 5K). Runners ranged from seven to 79 years old.
This year’s race had an unexpected extra challenge for the half marathon runners.
The leading runners deviated from the marked trail, adding almost 1.2 miles to the course length.
“We were surprised when the route was different from last year, but we didn’t
Pondering e-bikes on Sisters trails
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Managers of the Deschutes National Forest are asking for public comment on a draft change in administrative rules that would allow approximately 160 miles of trails to be freed for use by Class 1 e-bikes. Currently, no e-bikes of any class are allowed in the Forest except on roads shared with other motorized vehicles.
E-bikers say this is dangerous, often confronting high speed UTV and ATV users on narrow roads. Conversely, some non-ebike users and pedestrians say that it is often dangerous
to share the trail with the growing number of e-bikers.
Tensions may rise as the Forest Service seeks to accommodate all users equitably. Already, several longstanding, outspoken critics have increased their objections. Most are centered in Bend. Sides are forming on social media. The conflict in Sisters Country appears tame in comparison, but not without vocal opponents and proponents.
What is a Class 1 e-bike?
A Class 1 e-bike is a bicycle with a battery and electric motor that only functions — providing propulsion — when the rider
realize some of the course marking flags had been unexpectedly altered by another event,“ said race leader Brian Elmstead who went on to win the race for a second year in a row. He finished an astonishing 14 minutes ahead of the second place finisher Evan Moreau.
“It was really fun again this year to see entire families running together. We had a lot of couples, father-son, and mother-daughter teams this year… it was all about family runners,” said Suzy Ramsey, Race Coordinator.
See HOODOO on page 17
Man suffers gunshot wound
A man identified as a 37-year-old transient accidentally shot himself in the leg earlier this month in Sisters.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reported that at approximately 10:27 a.m. on July 7, deputies responded to Ray’s Food Place in Sisters to a report of an accidental gunshot wound. Upon arrival, they located the involved red 1997 Chevrolet 1500 pickup parked on the south end of the lot.
Deputies located the driver seated on the tailgate of his truck. The man was being attended to by a citizen, who was holding onto a makeshift tourniquet to control the bleeding to a gunshot wound to the man’s left shin above the ankle. Deputies applied a DCSO-issued tourniquet to the injured man’s left leg and applied pressure bandages to further control the bleeding.
Bucking bulls return to Sisters
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
All the bulls remained inside the arena Saturday for the second annual Red Rock Bucking Bulls Futurity at the Sisters Rodeo Grounds.
That’s not to say the young bulls weren’t determined to put anything on their back onto the ground. They came snorting and bucking and kicking and twisting, all trying out their moves for the judges.
These young bucks were auditioning for a chance to move up the ladder and into the professional circuit. Sisters was stop No. 4 on a six-town, five-state tour that began in Idaho Falls in April and that ends in Fallon, Nevada, in September.
Rodeo bulls are ranked, as
are the cowboys. Not every bull is rodeo material. But you don’t know that until they are tested in events like
the Futurity. In such proving grounds, it’s the bull, not the
Bulls auditioned for the big time in Sisters last weekend.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
The Hoodoo Challenge is a difficult run — but rewarding for all who participate. Sarah Rhodes of Eugene celebrated completing her 5K: “I did it, I really made it!”
PHOTO BY JEFF OMODT
OPINION
Editorial…
Of trails and transparency
The Nugget’s story on the proposal by two companies to provide shuttle services to and from several trailheads on the Sisters Ranger District appeared in the July 17 edition, two days before the end of the official Forest Service comment period on July 19. That timeframe is not optimal for informing our readers about a project of interest in our National Forest.
Unfortunately, The Nugget was made aware of the scoping letter for the project — by a citizen — only on July 15. We believed the newspaper was on the scoping list for all projects in our local district, but that was not the case. That issue has been rectified.
We’re confident that there was no intent to push the proposals through under the radar. This type of permit issuance doesn’t actually require public comment, and the Sisters Ranger District sought it anyway. It would have been better if the information had been more broadly disseminated, but it’s clear that no one was trying to hide it.
It’s also clear that the Sisters Ranger District has underestimated the degree of public interest in these particular proposals. We asked if the comment period might be extended to allow for wider community input. That doesn’t look like it’s in the
cards. That’s unfortunate. Like any agency, the Forest Service operates under protocols, and they may not want to set a precedent they can’t sustain. We’d still like to see more time allowed for a deeper dive into the proposals, and for public weigh-in.
The Sisters Ranger District has made positive efforts to be transparent, despite the complications of operating as a federal bureaucracy. They have held open houses on significant endeavors like the Green Ridge Project, and District Ranger Ian Reid has been proactive in informing the public about the District’s activities. Those who want direct communications from the Forest Service on local proj
ects can opt in at https://www.fs.usda.gov/ projects/deschutes/landmanagement/projects.
Folks in Sisters care a lot about what goes on in our forest. So does The Nugget, and so does the Forest Service. Keeping our forests healthy and accessible for public use is a partnership amongst many people and entities. We all need to communicate constructively to make that partnership effective.
Jim Cornelius Editor in Chief, The Nugget Newspaper
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.
Seed to Table
To the Editor: As the new Executive Director at Seed to Table, I’d like to thank our community for welcoming me so warmly. Seed to Table truly is a community supported and community serving nonprofit. I look forward to continuing to meet and learn from all of our great partners, supporters, and community members.
Recently, I had the honor of attending an awards ceremony with other nonprofit representatives to receive a grant from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation. This is the second year in a row we have welcomed their support. The ceremony, and this partnership process, have been humbling and inspiring. I learned more about the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians, the Cow Creek
See LETTERS on page 9
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 Postmaster: Send address
Editor in Chief & Co-owner: Jim Cornelius
Production Manager: Leith Easterling
Creative Director: Jess Draper
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Co-owner: J. Louis Mullen
What will we create today?
By Bren Smith Guest Columnist
In little over a week, we had an assassination attempt on a former president and the current president dropped out of the running. Immediately pundits and social media tycoons began talking conspiracy, victimization chatter., the need to control what feels out of control. Fear. As this political season ramps up, the wailing pontificators are at it again. So I want to throw out a simple question—a little personal but here it goes. Do you ever think about the breath of life, how it’s used?
I once followed a friend to an obscure place, a little known jewel in Central Oregon, Skylight Cave. At first it doesn’t seem like much, just a dusty hole in the ground, a pocket cave in lava rock. One has to descend a small ladder to the cool chamber below. Holes in the ceiling, caused by ancient air bubbles or obstructions in the lava flow, allow light rays to stream through. Brilliant beams angle downward like the sun through clouds. The heat difference between surface and subterranean captures condensation. Here, for the first time, I actually saw my own breath. It danced, swirled, twinkled. Unlike hard puffs of crystalline air on a freezing day, this breath was not cold. It was warm, alive, powerful. The light caught it in a myriad of forms, patterns that were never the same. When I spoke, I actually saw the ballet of words, a mist of water droplets mixed with air, vibration, a fountain of exchange in me. To see this movement was humbling, sacred. I realized I need to be careful with this creative gift, my life force. The words I use, the vibrations I utter, have power. How will I use this? What will I create today?
Philosophers, theologians, counselors, and psychiatrists, all address the power of the word, how it programs and shapes, can bring life to a situation, but also death. Words are what
separates us from other animals and from each other. Words are used to define, limit, categorize, judge. We share ideas which build dreams but also build walls. I remember when friends with opposing views could sit around a table, discuss things, and still remain friends. Not so much now. Fear and anger are rampant.
So I must ask: Is this victimization real, or just so much noise?
In an age of technology, the demons of victimization are free to roam, form alliances, cluster around anger. But maybe it’s time to ask ourselves if these shrieking fiends are as real as they need to be. What are we creating? Victimization invites blame, but now voices are louder, more vulgar — amplified by social media platforms and targeted news outlets.
A former president was almost killed. Many were quick to condemn this act, others fed the frenzy of blame. Perhaps it is time to rethink the talking points, walk away from leaders who breathe words of fear and anger. Reclaim our minds. As humans, maybe it’s time to take ownership of the fear behind our own words, the creative projections we breathe, then try to be aware of the words of others, listen carefully to intentions behind their predictions. Not listening in judgement, but to keep from reacting thoughtlessly, take a step back, choose a more powerful way — speak with quiet authority, detached from negative emotions. Victimization is sandbox mentality, the inability to self-regulate. I honestly don’t understand those who imply “the other” needs to die or be put down at all costs. This is fear speaking. We humans give it voice. Each of us will take an unknown number of breaths in this life. Each one is precious, powerful. Vibrating within this breath comes the creative word.
So, although a little personal, again I ask, what will we create today?
Views expressed in this column are solely those of the writer and are not necessarily shared by the Editor or The Nugget Newspaper.
Sisters works on workforce housing
By Bill Bartlett Correspondent
Jonathan Kelly considers himself one lucky man. The Sisters Middle School teacher just took possession of a new home in Sisters Woodlands subsidized under a workforce housing program. Without assistance from a project created by the not-for-profit Rooted Homes and backed by a consortium of foundations, Deschutes County and Business Oregon, Kelly would still be commuting from Redmond and wondering if he could sustain working in Sisters at all.
Kelly cut the ceremonial ribbon Friday on his 1,248 three-bedroom home on West Canopy Way. Kelly is considered an essential worker and thus qualifies for the below market price. Even though Kelly has a
good-paying job, he simply cannot afford to live in Sisters, which in the last three months has reached new record highs in cost.
In the April-June period, the hottest for Realtors everywhere, Sisters Country recorded 59 sales totaling $57.5 million. That’s not a record, but in this period the average home price came in just under $1 million — $986,875.
The median price, a more accurate gauge of the market, jumped to $808,432.
The number of homes sold exceeding $1 million – 18 – is thirty percent of all sales transacted. The average price per square foot is $439, nearly triple what it was ten years ago.
Sisters Woodlands led sales in June with three closings. One, an 859 square foot model, closed at $615,716 or $717 per
square foot.
Taking the average of $986,875 a borrower coming up with a 20 percent down payment ($197,375) would be staring at payments of $5,162 per month for principal and interest alone at the best current loan rate of 6.75 percent.
Three years ago, when the rate was 2.95 percent that same loan would have carried a $3,349 payment.
To qualify for an $800,000 loan, a family needs an annual income of $243,091 depending on your financial situation, down payment, credit score, and current market conditions.
The median household income in Sisters is $84,088 and the average household income is $109,585 according to Point2Homes.
Backcountry prep essential in fire season
By Matt Van Slyke Correspondent
Nugget freelancer Jarod Gatley was on a long trail run in the Three Creeks area recently when he got a text from a family member alerting him to a report of a fire at Lower Three Creeks Sno Park.
While that fire was quickly dealt with, the encounter sparked a question for him: Hikers are commonly equipped for various types of weather and terrain, hazards from avalanches to flooding, and predators from animal to human, but how should you prepare or act for wildfire?
Preparation begins before
you leave. The Forest Service advises you to check your forest, grassland, or ranger district for fire restrictions or area closures; tell a responsible adult where you are going and when you plan to return; and beware of sudden changes in the weather.
The National Weather Service Pendleton office recorded several dozen lightning strikes in Deschutes County last week; roughly half, Central Oregon Fire Information said, started fires.
If you see smoke or fire, “leave the area and try to stay on a main trail,” said Sgt. Nathan Garibay,
Campfires banned on public lands in Sisters
Campfires are now banned across Sisters Country, including in developed campground and wilderness areas.
Due to continued hot weather and extremely dry vegetation, the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, and Crooked River moved into Stage 2 public use fire restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) III on Monday.
Effective on Monday, July 22, Stage 2 public use fire restrictions prohibit open
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 Weds., 1-2:3 0 p.m. T he Lodge in Sisters. 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 Kiwani s 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:3 0 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Lodge in Sisters. 5 41-6 32-3663.
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
fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires on all Central Oregon public lands including developed campgrounds and Wilderness areas.
Additionally, under Stage 2 public use fire restrictions, smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. Traveling
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 Ci ty Council 2nd & 4t h Wednesday, 6:3 0 p.m., Siste rs City Hall. 5 41-5 49 -6 022.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Local dignitaries participated in a ribbon-cutting on a Rooted Homes workforce housing home in Sisters Woodlands. See FIRE on page 4 See CAMPFIRES on page 14
emergency manager with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “Leave in a direction opposite of the direction the fire is spreading. Be aware that conditions can change; the fire can change direction, and the rate can change, so maintain good awareness.”
The Forest Service advises to note the location as best you can and report it by calling 911 or contacting the National Fire Information Center (NIFC).
“Once you reach an area where you have service, call in the fire. Try to call the local wildland dispatch area or 911, which can relay the information to the appropriate agency of response,” Sgt. Garibay said. “If you are able, drop a pin on your phone mapping service for the location of the fire. Even without service, it should still capture the location. Otherwise, get a good location such as which trail, near which trail junction, or a well known topographic feature.”
While cell-phone signals aren’t always reliable in the backcountry, a phone could save your life.
“We do recommend people, at minimum, carry a cell phone. In some cases, you may be able to get to a location where you can at least get a SMS text out. They seem to work in areas of poor coverage better than other message types and calls,” Garibay added. “Having a satellite messaging device is a great backup and can help you get help in areas where there is absolutely no cell service.”
“Certainly fire is one of those aspects that you must have accurate and timely data to stay safe while making informed decisions,” said Joe Risi with onX Offroad, a mobile app that “turns your
phone into a handheld GPS device when you’re outside cell coverage.”
Popular with the overland community, onX Offroad is a top-10 navigation app in the App Store, and onX Backcountry is #22. Both apps have an “Active Wildfire Layer” displaying NIFC data.
“It shows both a spot fire, which represents a reported fire without a perimeter, in addition to a wildfire (larger icon), where the NIFC has released an established perimeter,” Risi told The Nugget via email.
The Backcountry has the wildfire layer and also a smoke layer to visualize smoke density.
“You can use this in conjunction with the Air Quality Index layer to determine if it is safe to be outdoors in a specific area,” Risi added.
Still a big name in the outdoors game, Garmin GPS devices let you do things your phone can’t.
Hike-N-Peaks in Sisters carries Garmin inReach messenger ($299), a handheld satellite communicator that keeps you connected with family – and, potentially, rescuers – when there is no cellphone coverage. The outfitter also carries the very-popular inReach Mini 2 ($399).
“It is a two-way communication device that runs off satellite,” said HikeN-Peaks Owner Sharri Bertagna. “You can text back
and forth with friends and family. It also has the SOS button to call search and rescue.”
Bertagna’s store at East Hood Avenue and South Elm Street can order any Garmin product; some can leave a breadcrumb trail which “updates your location every 10 seconds or 10 minutes, customizable so your loved ones can see where you are every day,” Bertagna said.
“Speaking from personal experience, my brother, our family, and I always carry one any time we go out so we can communicate locations or any messages with people,” added Emilie Turpen, an avid hiker and Hike-NPeaks employee.
“A family member that’s tracking you from home can sit there and they can see your path,” said Tracy Trotter, a local volunteer firefighter/ paramedic who carries an inReach Mini when overlanding. “That way, if something happens, they at least know where you were last time.
“You can hit the [SOS] button and it’ll activate God and everybody to come to you,” said Trotter. “It’s a smaller unit that you can hang off your backpack. It’s a personal locator beacon that works with Bluetooth off your cell phone, so you can send text messages to say what happened.”
Armed with that, first responders can tailor their search to what you need.
Exploring the cosmos in Sisters
Professor Shane Larson, a research professor of physics at Northwestern University, will join the Sisters Community on Wednesday, July 31, to present a lecture titled “Astronomy Frontiers: 35 years ago and 35 years from now.”
In this talk, Professor Larson (who has participated in some of the newest instruments that are moving our knowledge of the universe to even greater dimensions and detail) will discuss the tapestry of astronomical technology and knowledge 35 years ago, examine how our perceptions of the cosmos have changed dramatically in the short time since then, and
speculate wildly on what the future may hold.
This presentation is sponsored jointly by Sisters Astronomy Club, an advisory committee of Sisters Park and Recreation District, and Sisters Science Club, which regularly presents lectures on all areas of science, particularly as part of their Frontiers in Science series (starting again in the fall of 2024).
The public is invited to this event on Wednesday, July 31, at 7 p.m. in the Community Hall of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, 301 South Elm St. Admission is $5, with students and teachers admitted free.
PHOTO PROVIDED
The Garmin inReach is a satellite communicator for adventure.
PHOTO BY MATT VAN SLYKE
SAA’s Fourth Friday Artwalk: It’s so cool!
By Helen Schmidling Correspondent
As the heat wave continues, Sisters Arts Association assures you that some of the coolest places in town are the galleries of Sisters. The July 26 Fourth Friday Artwalk, between 4 and 7 p.m., promises new featured work by artists along with light nibbles and good deals.
At Sisters Gallery & Frame look for raven figures by Michelle Deaderick, and functional pottery pieces by her husband, Mitch Deaderick. Mitch and Michelle met at Sisters Rodeo 45 years ago and have made a career of turning clay into fun and functional objects together ever since. Michelle’s “Raven Woman,” is a work in progress, as she is studying bronze sculpture with Gary Cooley in Sisters. Mitch’s mugs, bowls, and serving dishes are glazed and fired with extreme care and remain durable for daily use for decades.
erations. Previous generations are depicted in black and white — simple, rustic, discreet, and honest with a dedication to a spiritual life. By bringing both the old and the new together he hopes to raise questions about the changes in morality in contemporary society.
regionally acclaimed artist Susan Luckey Higdon. The show, called “Color, Light, Texture, And Shapes,” features nine newly released giclee prints. Susan’s son, Jackson Higdon, of Sisters’ own Luckey’s Woodsman, will provide some massive flavor bombs with light hors d’oeuvres and appetizers. Susan Luckey Higdon is known for dramatic landscapes in complex interactions of color and pattern that she describes as natural abstractions.
experiments with oils and pastels. Her work varies from semi- to pure abstract depending on the subject matter.
Stitchin’ Post’s Art Wall has “Landscapes and Dress for Less” by Judy Hoiness. Two themes emerge — landscapes on paper, canvas, or bisquefired plates with recycled mixed media, and garments with an emphasis on mending, with a wire figure as hanger. This is Hoiness’s quest to find, salvage, and design materials that might otherwise find their way to the landfill. Media includes horsehair, cloth, paper, canvas, wire, construction wire mesh, thread, ink, watercolor paint, acrylic paint, and ceramic bisque plates.
Toriizaka Art celebrates its two-year anniversary in Sisters with two special artists.
Nguyen Minh Nam’s paintings depict the conflict and confusion between traditional and modern mores and values. Transparent colorful figures symbolize modern life and future gen-
Last year, Lim Khim Katy visited the gallery and demonstrated some of her brush techniques when painting figurative works. This show features 22 of her new landscapes inspired by her time in Central Oregon. The time she spent here, meeting and interacting with friends of the gallery, was motivational for her and led to these new works characterized by and painted with joy.
Space In Common’s featured artist is Alex Drury, a young artist who lives with chronic health issues. Her creative escape and therapy uses watercolor, torn and collaged in layers, and finished with touches of mixed media to add detail and depth. She says “The tearing of paper is as important in the process as it is for the finished aesthetic. The destroying or breaking in this step is a symbolic act of rebuilding. I hope these paintings bring you as much peace as they have brought me.”
The Rickards Gallery presents new work by Garth Williams, a Sisters favorite and longtime friend of the Rickards family. He loves fly fishing and the great outdoors so he often finds himself translating his favorite environments to canvas. He has
a unique concept of realism that weaves shapes and colors together, using a palette knife to create dramatic portrayals of aspens and landscapes.
Wildflower Studio encourages the arts by carrying art supplies and readymade frames. Pick up a travel watercolor set, sketch book, and watercolor pencils to take on a hike. The studio also offers art by local artists, gift products, and cards.
Campbell Gallery continues to show artwork by Caprial Hope.
led to these new works char-
Makin’ It Local features
Hood Avenue Art spotlights three of its artists: printmaker Carolyn Platt, jewelry artist Sharon Reed, and painter Sandy Dutko. Platt layers various and multiple forms of printmaking to create her images. She prefers to imply forces and capture their vitality economically, rather than illustrating things or scenes. Reed creates one-of-a-kind hand-wrought jewelry. Dutko works with water media but sometimes
Sisters Makers is sitting this one out but look for something new and exciting during the August 23 Artwalk.
Remember to sign up — once per gallery visit — for the SAA’s Quick Draw. Thanks to a generous donation from Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty in Sisters, two $50 gift certificates will be awarded at the conclusion of the Artwalk.
“Moonbeam“ by Lim Khim Katy at Toriizaka Art.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Garth Williams is featured at The Rickards Gallery.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Nam’s paintings
“Mother and Child“ by Michelle Deaderick at Sisters Gallery & Frame.
Fabric art by Judy Hoiness is at Stitchin’ Post.
E-BIKES: Attitudes are mixed about expanding access
is pedaling. It will not move forward on its own as a Class 2 e-bike could, one with a thumb activated throttle that requires no pedaling from the rider. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are engineered to cut power to the bike when reaching 20 mph. A Class 3 bike, also pedal assist — no throttle — will shut off at 28 mph.
Brad Boyd, owner of Eurosports, one of two bike shops in Sisters, says that misunderstanding of definition is a big part of the problem.
“People lump all e-bikes together and most assume they are all electric motor bikes going at any speed they want,” he said.
Boyd doesn’t plan to comment publicly to the Forest Service, but is supportive of Class 1 e-bikes being given more range
“The forest is no longer used for extraction (timber, mining). Its use now is mostly for recreation and habitat,” he said. “I’m for getting more people into healthy recreation.”
Boyd points to the number of older riders wanting to extend their cycling enjoyment into their 80s or beyond and sees no problem with them getting an assist. Terry Lake is one such rider.
At 86 she can no longer manage her favorite runs.
“At least not without a lot of pain and swelling,” she said. “I’ve been riding my e-bike on darned near all the trails run by the Trails folk [Sisters Trails Alliance]. I guess I’m breaking the law but so many of us are that I kinda just pedal on through hoping nobody
says anything.
“Most people are actually surprised when I tell them it’s an e-bike because they see me pedaling and just assume I’m on a regular bike.” What she most often hears is the fear by fellow older trail users of young riders “mowing us down on some jet-fired bike.”
She is proud to say that only a few years ago it was nothing for her to hit 25 or more on an all-pedal bike.
“It’s not the battery that’ll hurt you, it’s lack of common sense,” she said.
For their part STA will be making formal comment but not until after its board of directors meets July 25. Stephanie Presley, their recently hired executive director, would not say which way the organization might be leaning.
Blazin Saddles, the other Sisters bike shop, holds a similar view as Boyd’s.
Owner Casey Meudt said, “As long as there is thoughtful planning between our local trail advocacy groups and the land managers in our area, we see a lot of benefits of e-bikes. In our opinion, not all e-bikes should be allowed to ride anywhere and everywhere. There are some e-bikes that exceed safe speeds on trails and paths. Riders are limited by their skills on how fast they navigate the trails, so just because the bike goes 20 mph, doesn’t mean people
Class 1 e-bikes may be allowed on trails in Sisters Country. Comment at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public// CommentInput?Project=66475.
will always go 20 mph.
“Our personal experience, while riding bikes and hiking in areas that allow class 1 e-bikes on their trails, has been all trail users were able to share and enjoy the trails together, without conflict. Based on official land manager reports, from areas that allow Class 1 ebikes on trails, the fear of change was much greater than any notable negative impact.”
He noted that, “E-bikes
have allowed people to continue riding bikes later in life, people with injuries or disabilities to ride, people of different levels of fitness to all ride together, the list goes on!”
Meudt pointed out as the photo here illustrates that e-bikes and standard bikes are not easily distinguishable
in appearance as design technology has virtually concealed the battery.
Boyd likens the controversy to when snowboards first appeared on the scene with people promulgating all sorts of gloomy scenarios.
“Snow boards may have saved the ski industry,” he said.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
Author shares kayak trip down Columbia River
Writer Laurie Wilhite will share a presentation on her new book “Paddle to the Pacific: A Journey of Reflection on the Columbia River” on Thursday, July 25, at 6:30 p.m. at Paulina Springs Books.
Geology, wildlife, history, and people along the river come together to form this rich tale of adventure.
A kayak journey down the Columbia River from John Day Dam to Clatsop Spit near the Pacific Ocean was not on Laurie Case Wilhite’s retirement bucket list. However, after a few fun kayak paddles on the Columbia River with friends and family, Wilhite set the goal of paddling all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Growing up in Goldendale, her goal became to get to know the Columbia River better after many years of rushing up and down the river to appointments, vacations, and other destinations. Encouraged by members of her Goldendale writer’s group to share the kayaking journey stories led her to
GUNSHOT: Blackpowder pistol discharged when dropped
Continued from page 1
Deputies learned that the man exited his vehicle with his blackpowder .38 caliber revolver secured on his belt. As he exited his vehicle, the revolver fell on the asphalt and discharged into his leg. This was later confirmed by the passenger, who was exiting the vehicle on the passenger side at the time of the gunshot.
write “Paddle to the Pacific: A Journey of Reflection on the Columbia River.”
The presentation will include flat-water paddling skills (although the Columbia River is rarely flat), encountering wind-caused waves, and facing an ever-growing tidal influence from Beacon Rock to the Pacific. Other paddling experiences have included trips to the Bowron Lake Chain in British Columbia (twice), Admiralty Island Canoe Route south of Juneau, Alaska, rafting the Grand Canyon with a guide, Ross Lake in northern Washington State (twice), and the John Day Rivers (both of them).
There will also be an emphasis about the status of birds along the Columbia River. For example, an encounter with a flock of pelicans just below John Day Dam caused Wilhite to wonder why such avian life was now present so far up the Columbia River. Answers and additional information about eagles, pelicans,
Medics with SistersCamp Sherman Fire District arrived on scene approximately five minutes later and took over medical treatment. The injured man was later transported by medics to St. Charles in Bend.
Deputies located the expended bullet, which had ricocheted on the driver’s door, and landed approximately 10 feet away from his vehicle on the ground. No other citizens were injured and there were no other reports of property damage.
osprey, herons, coots, and many other birds Wilhite observed on her paddle to the Pacific Ocean will also be shared. She has previously presented with the Raptor Educator at The Discovery Center in The Dalles, Oregon, with live music by Laurie’s husband Don Wilhite.
Born and raised in the
Columbia River Gorge, Laurie Wilhite spent most of her life rushing up and down the river to appointments, events, and vacations. When she retired from teaching high school for over 30 years, she decided to get to know the Columbia River in a new way.
September 13-15, 2024
Full lineup coming in August. Author submissions open until July 31.
sistersfob.org is the place to purchase tickets and view details about programming, including Poetr y and Stor y Slam, Workshops, Literar y Banquet Author Dinner, and more!
Amanda Skenandore Catherine Cowles Chris Vega E mily Halnon Jane Kirkpatrick
Joe Wilkins John Larison Katie Daisy Kimberly Jensen Laura Stanfill
Mark Pomeroy Sco tt Nadelson
Tina ontiveros William Sullivan Willy Vlauti n
Thoughts of the PCT hiker
By Robert Allen Guest Columnist
The PCT hikers will soon be passing through Sisters for respite and refueling. They rely on the kindness of locals for rides from the trailhead to town and back. Occasionally, a generous friend of mine will go to the Santiam Pass and offer a hiker a ride. He’s the guy you see driving the Batmobile in town and has Superman in a phone booth on his driveway that is visible from Route 126. He recently installed a spaceship complete with aliens near Superman. I suggested that the next time he picks up a PCT hiker, he should ask them if they want to see a UFO or Superman. He didn’t think that was a good idea.
I often see PCT hikers at Sisters Saloon, ordering a hearty meal. Engaging them in conversation is easy, and I’ve learned a few things. They drink olive oil mixed with honey when they need an energy boost. They all have trail names given to them by other hikers. The views of Three Fingered Jack from the trail are spectacular. I like to ask PCT hikers what they think about when they walk. Logistics of water, food, safety, and rest are always paramount, but I’m interested in learning their thoughts when they walk such a long distance.
A German woman in her mid-30s took time off from
her profession to walk the PCT from Mexico to Canada. NOBOs they call themselves since they are Northbound. She told me that for the first week of her walk, she had pined about the breakup with her boyfriend, realized it was a burden too heavy to carry, and let it go. Then she experienced the spectaacular beauty around her.
A gentleman in his early 40s said he was designing his house. He owned a plot of land and built everything from the foundation to the roof in his mind.
Last year, I met a young German man who called himself “The Hike Junkie.” He was chowing down on a big meal, and told me he was camping at the Creekside Campground. I had to leave early, and the next afternoon, I biked over to the campground with a six-pack of beer, and we had a conversation at the picnic table.
“What do you think about when you are walking?” I asked.
“Very good question,” he said. “I like that. You have gone on long hikes also, ya?”
“Yes, but nothing like the PCT. I went on several five-day treks in the rainforest of Northern Thailand,” I replied.
“I have been to many places but back to the question and what I think about. I always bring books with me. When I stop, I read, When I walk, I think about the book. Sometimes, I read about religions, which gives me
much to think about. There is a prose from Gautama Buddha, which is very relevant to your question. Would you like to hear it?”
“Sure,” I replied.
“I repeat this mantra often as I hike, and it guides my thoughts:
“We are what we think, having become what we thought
Like a wheel that follows the cart pulling ox
Sorrow follows an evil thought
And joy follows a pure thought
Like a shadow faithfully tailing a man
We are what we think, having become what we thought.”
I had places to go, and we shook hands, grateful for meeting each other.
Empty Bowls seeks artists
NeighborImpact is calling on local potters and artists to support its annual Empty Bowls event by donating handcrafted bowls. This event aims to raise awareness and funds for NeighborImpact’s regional food bank, which plays a crucial role in feeding Central Oregon’s hungry. An “empty bowl” serves as a poignant reminder of the many individuals who go hungry every day. NeighborImpact invites local artists to join in the fight against hunger by contributing their time and talent to this important cause. The Empty Bowls event relies on the donation of approximately 1,000 bowls to ensure its success and to continue supporting those in need within the community.
Artists who participate by donating bowls will receive two complimentary tickets to the Empty Bowls event, and an invitation to a thank you event.
NeighborImpact is offering 50 pounds of clay for every 25 bowls pledged. The clay will be available starting August 10, giving artists the materials they need to create and contribute to this meaningful
event. Handcrafted bowls do not, however, have to be ceramic. Artisans of all media are invited to support the cause by donating bowls.
“We are immensely grateful for the generosity and creativity of our local potters,” said Chris Kealey, NeighborImpact development director. “Their beautiful bowls not only help raise critical funds for our food bank but also serve as a powerful symbol of our community’s commitment to ending hunger.”
Artists interested in participating can pledge their support and request clay by submitting an artist agreement to Jeff Rola at jeffr@neigh borimpact.org, 541-408-7024.
To learn more, visit www.neighborimpact.org/
Continued from page 2
Umpqua Indian Foundation, and the foundation’s long history of generous giving ($24,929,248 to date!).
At Seed to Table, this grant will support two of our three programs — our K-12 Education and Feeding Families food distribution programs. Each year, we welcome 1,500 student visits to the farm through field trips and farm camps to inspire student learning and engagement outside the classroom. And, from our 4-acre farm plot, we grow and distribute 100,000 pounds of produce annually. Eighty percent of what we grew last year was made available to our community members at no charge or on a sliding scale. In addition to our weekly produce share, we have 12 community partners who help distribute our produce every week, such as the Kiwanis Food Bank, Wellhouse Market, the Council on Aging, Family Kitchen, Family Action Network, and Sisters School District.
The mission of Seed to Table is to increase the health and wellness of the Central Oregon community by providing equitable access to farm-fresh produce and by providing opportunities in farm-based education. In 2023, we were able to meet more of the demand for our services and our veggies than ever before. We are so grateful for the grants from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation and for the support of our community, donors, and funders who make this possible.
Holly Haddad — Seed to Table
s s s
Crosswalk
To the Editor:
I read that a pedestrian was hurt badly crossing the highway in a crosswalk with her husband holding up the crosswalk flag.
Over the Fourth of July week I crossed the crosswalk by the Sno-Cap three times, and each time two cars forced me back to the curb by not stopping. That crosswalk is poorly painted. I’ll donate the paint so the City can repaint them all to give us even odds.
John Heffernan
To the Editor:
s s s
Vitriolic statements
Recent letters to your paper regarding the presidential campaign have contained some very vitriolic statements about Donald Trump. One letter in particular made numerous unfounded allegations that are simply false.
There were several references that the MAGA movement is somehow a vile organization. In reality “Make America Great Again” is nothing more than a desire to return to low gas prices, low unemployment, a comprehensive energy policy where we are independent from oil rich nations and would sell oil instead of buying it. Simply because someone says something doesn’t make it true. Trump was never influenced by Putin, never said he will toss our constitution aside and be a dictator. Some insane comments allude that we don’t tax the rich enough. I suggest that you research the facts and you will find the wealthy pay a great amount of taxes and are often those who own corporations that hire people. They take all the risks and costs. You could tax them 100 percent and it would make no difference. We don’t have a tax problem, we have a spending problem.
The other comment indicated that Trump lies about everything. Really? I would refer you to the stream of lies that Biden has espoused for nearly all of his life. There are so many that it would be impossible to list them all here. I will go out on a limb here and assume that the person who said all of this has never watched or listened to any news outlet other than CNN, NBC, or any other liberal outlets. You have been lied to for so long that the lies have become your truth.
A common statement made by the media is that Trump will destroy our democracy. I have yet to see an example of how that would be true. The media and the left have to vilify con servatives because they have no rational agenda. Socrates said that when the debate is lost insults become the losers tool.
President Trump was nearly assassinated Saturday, July 13. Are we really at a point in our history where we cannot recog nize how the American people are so divided and bitter?
Look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are not part of the solution why is that so.
I challenge you to research all that you hear and sort fact from fiction. You may be surprised just how much you have been lied to.
God bless America.
Owen Herzberg s s s
Sisters salutes...
Black Butte Ranch Art Guild hosted a fundraiser during Quilt Show weekend — Art at the Ranch — to benefit scholarships for art students at Sisters High School. Since 2003, the BBR Art Guild has granted $91,000 in scholarships, helping nurture the creative spirit in young minds. This year, in
addition to donations from Ranch community members, the “Art at the Ranch” committee reached out to many businesses in Sisters, and more than 30 donated an item or items to be auctioned off in a silent auction. The silent auction raised over $12,900. The BBR Art Guild is very appreciative to these
generous businesses for their part in the successful event. This lively event proves that with community spirit and artistic passion, anything is possible. This successful fundraiser ensures that the Black Butte Ranch Art Guild can continue its mission of supporting future generations of artists.
FALL KIDS CLUB GRADES
Sisters Beekeepers Mee t
Calling all Sisters Country beekeepers and those intrigued by beekeeping . Gather to swap tales , share tips , troubleshoot woes , and toast successes
ursday, July 25 at 5 p.m. at e Barn in Sisters . Call Tracy at 970 -481-4 477 for more information or see you there!
Drop-In Tennis with the Outlaws
Outlaw Tennis is hosting free drop-in tennis on Tuesdays and ursdays f rom 5 to 7 p.m. through August 15. ese are not lessons , but a fun time to play the great game of tennis. Sessions are open to the Sisters communit y, including boys and girls, ages 10 and up, and adults. Held at Sisters Middle School tennis courts . Donations are accepted, but not required. For questions please contact: Girls Head Tennis Coach Bruce Fenn at 419-806-0167 or Boys Head Tennis Coach Vince Grace at 541-70 6-1392
STARS Seeks Volunteers to Transpor t Patients
Help Sisters Countr y residents get to nonemergency medical appointments in Sisters , Redmond, and Bend . Attend a free t wo-hour training. Emails from STARS 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. STARS is an AFSC Action Team.
SISTERS LIBRARY COMING EVENTS
Know Mig ration: Early Transpor tation in Central Oregon
On ursday, August 1, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Community Room at Sisters Librar y enjoy a visual presentation of Central Oregon’s transition f rom livestock trails to wagon roads to automobiles rough use of old photographs, the audience will be able to see how early travelers braved the pioneer roads and methods of transportation. Over 100 vintage photos help reveal the hardships of early travel in the region. Visit https:// www.deschuteslibrar y.org/ calendar/adult for more information.
Family Story Time
Interactive story time with books , songs , and rhymes for children ages 0-5 years ese stories and songs are designed to support early literacy skill development, social-emotional awareness , and f amily engagement. is 25-minute program is on Wednesdays , July 24, 31, and August 7 at 10:30 a .m. in the Communit y Room at Sisters Librar y. Go to https://www deschuteslibrary.org/kids/ programs for more info.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS
Thursday, July 25
Open Studio
Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts
Thursday, July 25
Sisters Beekeepers The Barn in Sisters
Saturday, July 27
Metolius Interpretive Walk
Camp Sherman Bridge
Tuesday, July 30
Gardens for Insect Conservation
Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts
Open Studio with PMRCA A Ar tists in Residency
Join the fif th Open Studio of the 2024 PMRCA A residency season on ursday, July 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. Presenters for this event include sculpture artist Pato Heber t, scientist Gail Langellotto, and fibers artist Eliot Spaulding . Presentations are in Pine Meadow Ranch’s Classroom, 68467 ree Creek s Rd . is event is f ree and open to the public . Registration is required at https:// roundhousefoundation.org/ events/. For more info call 5419 04- 070 0 or email inquiries@ roundhousefoundation.org
Historic Guided
Walking Tours
Join ree Sisters Historical Societ y for a free tour of Downtown Sisters L andmarks on July 21, August 7, 11, 21, 25 . Learn more about who and what has helped “make Sisters , Sisters ” All tours begin at 10 a .m. (except August 25 at 3 p.m.), cover about a mile, and take 1-1.5 hours. Families are welcome. Reser vations are needed, so stop in the Sisters Museum on Fri/Sat/Sun, call 541549-14 03 , or email museum@ threesistershistoricalsociet y.org with your contact info.
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
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.
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.
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 .
e Impor tance of Gardens to Insect Conservation
In this talk , on Tuesday, July 30, f rom 6 to 7:30 p.m., Gail Langellotto will present evidence on the importance of gardens to insect conservation, and highlight the plants and practices that are best poised to promote biodiversit y in urban and suburban spaces . She will close the talk by highlighting some of the insects found in Sisters-area gardens during her time at the Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture. e workshop will be held in Pine Meadow Ranch’s Classroom, 68467 ree Creek s Rd . is event is f ree and open to the public . Registration is required at https:// roundhousefoundation.org/ events/. For more info call 5419 04- 070 0 or email inquiries@ roundhousefoundation.org
Friends of the Metolius Interpretive Walks
Join Sisters Ranger District wildlife biologist Liz Day on this free 2-hour interpretive walk to look and listen for birds and other wildlife species that call the Metolius home. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Camp Sherman Bridge Fish Viewing Platform on Saturday, July 27. Watch for woodpeckers , song birds , water birds , and others while exploring the ways in which they live in this riverside habitat Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them! Children are more than welcome, but dogs are not appropriate. Wear sturdy foot wear and bring water. For information call 971-718-2505.
Free Pet Food
Budget tight this month, but you still need pet food for your dog or cat? Call the Furr y Friends pet food bank at 541-797-4 023 to schedule your pickup. Pickups available ursdays , beginning at 12:30 p.m . Located at 412 E . Main Ave., Ste. 4, behind e Nug get
Black But te Ranch RFPD Meeting Date Change
e regularly scheduled board meeting for July has moved from ursday, July 25, to Friday, July 26, at 9 a .m. at the BBR Fire Station. Call 541-595-2288 for more information
Astronomy Frontiers
Attend “35 years ago and 35 years f rom now,” a presentation by Shane L . L arson, Professor of Physics, Nor thwestern University on Wednesday, July 31, at 7 p.m . at Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Community Hall, 301 South Elm St. Sponsored jointly by Sisters Science Club and Sisters A stronomy Club, an advisory committee of Sisters Park & Recreation District . Call Jim Hammond at 541-5985773 or email drjhammond@ oldshoepress .com for more information.
Living Well With Dementia Sisters Suppor t Groups
Living Well now o ers t wo support groups . A support group for the care partners and family of those diagnosed with some form of dementia meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month f rom 1-2:30 p.m. at e Lodge in Sisters , 411 E Carpenter Ln. A support group for the person diagnosed with some form of dementia in the early stages meets the same days and times , also at e Lodge Info: 541-6 47-0 052.
Free papers at e Nug get If you need papers to start fires in your fireplace, mulch your garden, pack to move, or anything else, stop by e Nugget. ere is a wooden box on the porch with past-date papers for your recycling use
Announce Celebrations!
Sisters community birth, engagement, wedding , and milestone anniversar y notices from may run at no charge on this Announcements page. Email lisa@nuggetnews .com
Free Lunches for Seniors
For those 60+, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon o ers a f un, no-cost social lunch every Tuesday, 11 a .m. to 1 p.m. at Sisters Community Church, 130 0 McKenzie Hwy. No reservations needed. No-cost Grab-N-Go lunche s take place weekly on Wed . and urs ., from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Call 541-797-9367.
PEPE
is wig gly 2-year-old boy would appreciate having an active adopter to take him on walks and hikes . Providing plenty of enrichment will help Pepe grow into a happy and healthy boy. He loves people and likes to get pets throughout the day. If you’re ready for a new buddy, stop by the shelter to meet Pepe!
SISTER S- ARE A C HURCH ES
Baha’i Faith
For information, devotions, study groups , etc., contac t Shauna Rocha 541-6 47-9826 • www.bahai.org www.bahai.us • www.bahaiteachings .org
Calvar y Church
484 W. Washington St. , Ste. C & D • 541-588-6288 10 a .m. Sunday Worship • www.ccsisters.org
Chapel in the Pines Camp Sherman • 541-815-9153
10 a .m. Sunday Worship
e Church of Jesus Christ of L at ter-Day 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
Seventh-Day Adventist Church
541-815-9848
11 a .m. S aturday Worship
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA) 386 N . Fir Street • 541-549-5831 www.shepherdof thehillsluther anchurch.com 10 a .m. Sunday Worship
Sisters Church of the N az arene 67130 Har rington Loop Rd. • 541-389-8960 www.sistersnaz .org • info@sistersnaz .org 10 a .m. Sunday Worship
Sisters Communit y Church (Nondenominational) 130 0 W. McKenzie Hwy. • 541-549-1201 www.sisterschurch.com • info@sisterschurch.com
9:30 a .m. Sunday Worship
St . Edward the Mar tyr Roman Catholic Churc h 123 Trinit y Way • 541-549-9391
5:3 0 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass • 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
HOUSING:
Affordability is a big challenge in Sisters
Continued from page 3
Even with two full-time workers each earning the $109,585 average, it’s still not enough to afford the average Sisters home. And that’s after a $200,000 down payment.
Research by Econofact illustrates the growing crisis. Housing affordability has worsened over the past two decades. Median house prices are now six times the median income, up from a range of between 4 and 5 two decades ago. In cities along the coasts, the numbers are higher, exceeding 10 in San Francisco for instance.
The ratio of median rents to median income has also crept up over this period from 25 percent to 30 percent. Rising house prices are a particular problem for those intending to buy their first homes, while existing homeowners are cushioned somewhat by their increased equity in the house as the price of their home rises.
Households — renters in particular — are increasingly cost-burdened. Households are considered cost-burdened if they spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent, mortgage, and other housing needs. Among homeowners, about 40 percent of those in the $35,000-49,000 income range are cost-burdened, though this share has not changed much over the past decade.
In contrast, the share of cost-burdened renters in that income range has risen sharply from under 40 percent of households in 2010 to over 60 percent today. Even as most households are spending a smaller share of their budget on other basics like food and clothing, the share of households’ budgets spent on housing has increased. On average the cost of housing has increased by $5,000 (2021 dollars) per year since 1984.
Community leaders are alarmed at the increasing lack of affordability in Sisters, worried mostly that it will be impossible to recruit or retain critical workers like Kelly and first responders and younger families.
Sisters-Area Events & Enter tainment
WEDNESDAY • JULY 24
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Cornhole Tournament Sign up at 5:30 Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471
THURSDAY • JULY 25
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.
Paulina Springs Books Book Talk
Laurie Wilhite presents "Paddle to the Pacific" 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Sisters Makers Central Oregon PubTalk Presented by EDCO to bring together different facets of the business community to network, share ideas, and further local businesses Keynote panel topic: "Scaling Production — The Business of Art." 4:30 to 7 p.m. (networking starts at 4:30 program at 5:30) at 291 E. Main Ave. Tickets and info at edcoinfo.com/edcoevents/.
Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night
Sign up at 5:30 Starts promptly at 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Dog-and family-friendly Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471
The Suttle Lodge Live Music: "House Band" Benji Nagel showcases his talented friends every Thursday! 6 to 8 p.m. Free for all and for all ages Info: www thesuttlelodge.com.
Luckey's Woodsman Cascade Lakes Trivia 5:30 p.m. Prizes and swag Located at 352 E. Hood Ave. Ste. B.
FRIDAY
• JULY 26
Downtown Sisters 4th Friday Artwalk 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Galleries and shops feature art and demonstrations. For additional information go to sistersartsassociation.org. Makin’ It Local Artist Reception: Susan Luckey Higdon 4 to 7 p.m. "Color, Light, Texture, And Shapes" features nine newly released prints. Refreshments, light hors d'oeuvres, and appetizers by Jackson Higdon of The Luckey’s Woodsman. Makin' It Local is at 281 W. Cascade Ave. More info: www.makinitlocal.com.
Paulina Springs Books Book Signing Event "Sister’s Write" local author group (Valarie Anderson, Linda Jones Weber Chuck Lesowske, Dawn Jackson, Dana Wand, Melody Carlson, and Edie Jones) will be in the store during 4th Friday Art Walk to share about their work. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Info: www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Karaoke with Gaby 8 p.m. to midnight. Information call 541-549-6114.
Sisters Depot Courtyard Live Music: Bob Baker and Brian Odell 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets $5 at www.sistersdepot.com/our-events.
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Eurosports Food Cart Garden Live Music: Mortal Solstice 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Info: 541-549-2471
SATURDAY • JULY 27
The Barn Live Music: Ian George 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Live Music: Status Fear bringing classic rock to the outside stage 7 to 10 p .m. No cover. Info: 541-549-6114.
Luckey's Woodsman Live Music: Matty Knight Band "Serenade in the Shade" Saturday music series. 4 to 7 p.m. BBQ special. Located at 352 E. Hood Ave. Ste. B.
Eurosports Food Cart Garden Car Show 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool or vintage car for the car show — or come to see them! For more info call 541-549-2471
SUNDAY • JULY 28
Sisters Community Church Live Music: Toast & Jam Summer Concert Series on the lawn. 6 p.m. Free (donation to local nonprofits who provide assistance for those in need in our community, is appreciated). Bring chairs or blanket. More info at www.sisterschurch.com.
Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring live music community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.
Sisters Saloon Live Music: Bobby Lindstrom
6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages
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.
MONDAY • JULY 29
The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Matt Mitchell "Big Lawn Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Free for all and for all ages
TUESDAY • JULY 30
Ski Inn Taphouse Hotel Live Music: Evan Mullins 6-8 p.m. Free entry Info: www.sisterstaphousehotel.com.
WEDNESDAY • JULY 31
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played). The Barn Live Music: Pete Kar tsounes 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Cornhole Tournament Sign up at 5:30 Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471
THURSDAY • AUGUST 1
Sisters Depot Courtyard Live Music: Timothy James Trio 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets $10 at sistersdepot.com/our-events.
Luckey's Woodsman Anniversary Party + Live Music: Travis Ehrenstrom Band with The Positive Side 2 to 8 p.m. Pig roast 3 p.m. 'til sold out. Located at 352 E. Hood Ave., Ste. B. The Suttle Lodge Live Music: "House Band" Benji Nagel showcases his talented friends every Thursday! 6 to 8 p.m. Free for all and for all ages Info: www thesuttlelodge.com.
Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Trivia Night Sign up at 5:30 Starts promptly at 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Dog-and family-friendly Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471
FRIDAY • AUGUST 2
Hardtails Bar & Grill Live Music: Major Dudes Steely Dan tribute band on the outside stage 7 to 10 p .m. No cover. Info: 541-549-6114.
Paulina Springs Books Magic: The Gathering nights Booster Draft at 5 p.m. $15. Info: paulinaspringsbooks.com.
Eurosports Food Cart Garden Live Music: Lilli Worona & Mike Biggers 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly For more info call 541-549-2471
SATURDAY • AUGUST 3
The Barn Live Music: Black Flower Black Sun 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
Luckey's Woodsman Live Music: Mike Biggers & Jim Cornelius"Serenade in the Shade" Saturday music series featuring Tales from the Trail 4 to 7 p.m. BBQ special.
Located at 352 E. Hood Ave., Ste. B.
Hardtails Live Music: Valhalla a tribute to Led Zeppelin 8 to 10 p .m. 21+. Tickets $20 at www.BendTicket.com.
Pine Meadow Ranch Art Workshop: Natural Dyes Series Madelaine Corbin presents "Diving into the Dye and Mordant Processes." 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Save 10% with code Nugget10. Tickets at www.roundhousefoundation.org/events/.
Eurosports Food Cart Garden Car Show 5-7 p.m. Free Family- and dog-friendly Bring your cool or vintage car for the car show — or come to see them! For more info call 541-549-2471
SUNDAY • AUGUST 4
Sisters Saloon Live Music: Abluestics
6 to 8 p.m. on the patio Free and open to all ages
Fir Street Park Sisters Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Featuring live music community booth, vendors, kids activities, and more. For info visit www.sistersfarmersmarket.com.
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.
MONDAY • AUGUST 5
Paulina Springs Books Book Talk
Dennis Dauble presents "A Rustic Cabin" 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info at www.paulinaspringsbooks.com.
The Suttle Lodge Live Music: Hello Trouble "Big Lawn Series," 6 to 8 p.m. Free for all and for all ages
WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 7
Paulina Springs Books First Wednesday Open Mic Bring a poem song or short story to share — or come listen! 5 minutes per reader 6:30 p.m. Info: PaulinaSpringsBooks.com. The Barn Live Music: Use'ta Do 6 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Info: www thebarninsisters.com.
Sisters Saloon Poker Night Texas Hold’em 5:30 p.m. to close upstairs. 21+. $20 (add'l $5 when bounty chip is played).
Food Cart Garden at Eurosports Cornhole Tournament Sign up at 5:30 Free For info call Eurosports at 541-549-2471
THURSDAY • AUGUST 8
The Suttle Lodge Live Music: "House Band" Benji Nagel showcases his talented friends every Thursday! 6 to 8 p.m. Free for all and for all ages Info: www thesuttlelodge.com.
Jonathan Kelly.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
1972 Olympic Games in Munich Memories of the
— By Gary ‘Gus’ Gustafson —
The approach of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, gives me occasion to reflect upon my experience working as an interpreter for ABC Sports during the 1972 Olympics in Munich, West Germany.
While the 1972 games were a venue for many outstanding athletic achievements (i.e. Mark Spitz’ seven gold medals), it was the Israeli massacre that most people remember. Almost 52 years ago, eleven members of Israel’s Olympic team were killed during a 23-hour drama that began in the Olympic Village. This tragic event served to change the Olympic games forever. Prior to the massacre, the 1972 Olympics had been joyful and celebratory. The German security police wore powder blue uniforms and white caps with no firearms.
The West Germans staged the 1972 Munich Olympics to be the “Happy Games,” whereby they hoped to rehabilitate the image of their country following the horrors of the Nazi regime. However,
early on the morning of September 5, a group of Palestinian terrorists entered the Olympic Village, killing two Israeli athletes and taking nine others hostage. These nine Israeli’s and three of the terrorists were later killed in a botched West German rescue attempt after the terrorists and hostages were helicoptered out to the Munich airport.
I had a front row seat for this and other major events
unfolding during these games. My first assignment was with ABC commentator Bob Beattie covering cycling events in the bicycle stadium. Bob had been coach of the U.S. Ski Team from 1961-69. Bob and I hit it off, particularly after he learned I was from Oregon — the home of his then-wife Kiki Cutter, a former Olympic skier from Bend. It was my duty to ensure
that ABC Sports had everything they needed for their live broadcasts. After five days at the bicycle stadium, Bob and I were shifted to the main Olympic Stadium to cover track and field events. This is where I worked alongside commentator Howard Cosell – as unique an individual as you could meet. Howard had a peculiar and somewhat sour demeanor, and he demanded precision in everything. He was not someone you messed with – rather humorless and kept to himself – until he wanted something. Howard also had a nasty habit of smoking cigars just outside the broadcast booth.
One afternoon, Jesse Owens — winner of four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin — was interviewed by Howard in our broadcast booth. Jesse was very gracious and friendly with all and gave me his autograph — the only autograph I have ever collected.
I also had credentials to enter the Olympic Village and visit with several Oregon athletes, including Henk Schenk,
a Greco-Roman wrestler from Oregon State University, and Steve Prefontaine and Kenny Moore, both runners from the University of Oregon. The Olympic Village was also a great location to grab a meal and dance in the onsite disco. Every time I walked out of the Olympic Village, children swarmed me, trying to get autographs from all the athletes. Rather than disappoint them, I often just signed my name!
I was also asked to help with crowd control at some of the most heavily attended events. This is how I found myself working the USA/ USSR gold medal basketball game. As game time was about to expire, the USA led by one point. The Soviets inbounded the ball and time expired (or so we thought). The U.S. team celebrated, believing the game had been won. However, the referees put three seconds back on the clock. This confused everyone: Why were there three seconds left? The U.S. trainer approached me and asked that I speak with U.S. coach Henry Iba. He requested
Camp Sherman’s Gary “Gus’ Gustafson had a memorable experience working at the 1972 Olympics, which saw tragedy and controversy.
PHOTO PROVIDED
that I question the official timekeeper. I did so, and the timekeeper responded that a higher official had instructed him to put the time back on the clock.
The Soviets again inbounded the ball and missed a long desperation shot. Again, the U.S. team celebrated a win. However,
the referees said that the game clock had not officially started – hence there were still three seconds remaining. This time the Soviets threw a long pass downcourt where Alexander Belov gathered it in and laid it in the basket as time expired – giving the Soviets a onepoint victory. The Americans filed an official appeal that
was denied the next day by a 3-2 vote (all three “no” votes were Eastern Bloc countries).
In protest, the U.S. team declined its silver medals.
I’ll never forget sitting in the stands the morning of September 6, waiting for a soccer match to begin. However, by game time the teams had still not come out
work credentials and English-speaker badge, along with an autograph from Olympic legend, sprinter Jesse Owens.
on the field. An announcer then told us about the incident at the Israeli compound. This drastically changed the entire tenor of the games. After the massacre, the blue uniforms of the security force were replaced by camouflage fatigues and submachine guns. All Olympic events were suspended for 24 hours, in tribute to the murdered athletes. A somber memorial ceremony was held the next day in the Olympic Stadium. Avery Brundage, President of the Olympic Organizing Committee, then declared “the games must go on.” The Olympic Games goal
is to promote peace and world camaraderie through sport with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play. Events during the 1972 Olympics severely strained this goal and served to presage the advent of international terrorism. But as difficult as this situation was, the games have thankfully survived. In this time of global turmoil, they offer the world’s athletes a welcome avenue for cooperation and competition.
I am grateful to have had been an observer of this bit of Olympic history.
Gary ‘Gus’ Gustafson is a resident of Camp Sherman.
Gustafson’s
PHOTO PROVIDED
Track action at the Munich Olympics in 1972.
PHOTO PROVIDED
CAMPFIRES: Fire conditions are extreme in Sisters
LETTERS
Continued from page 9
To the Editor:
off developed roads and trails also is not allowed, except for the purpose of going to and from a campsite located within 300 feet of the open developed road. It is prohibited to possess or use a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads except when operating in compliance with travel management rules and the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). Generators are only allowed when fully contained in a truck or in an area cleared at least 10 feet in diameter of all flammable material.
Liquid and pressurized gas stoves, lanterns, and fire pits with an on and off switch are allowed. The exception to this is BLM-designated campgrounds along portions of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day, and White Rivers, as well as on BLMadministered lands along Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus.
These public use restrictions do not replace the annual river corridor restrictions which were implemented June 1, 2024. These restrictions prohibit campfires, charcoal fires, or any other type of open flame. This includes a ban on the use of portable propane campfires and wood pellet burning devices. Commercially manufactured lanterns and metal camp stoves used for cooking are allowed, when fueled with bottled propane or liquid fuel and operated in a responsible manner.
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) are based on current and expected fire conditions. Fire precaution levels begin with Level I at the start of fire season and can increase to Level IV as the fire danger increases. It is the responsibility of the individual operating on public land to know the precaution level for the day and to take the correct fire precautions.
Find more information about the Industrial Fire Precaution Level system here. Information on the IFPL or current restrictions can be obtained by contacting the Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737.
Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devise or using an explosive is always prohibited on National Forest System lands in Central Oregon and currently prohibited on BLMadministered lands in Central Oregon.
Duped
As I grow older it’s sad to see the internet do to Steve Wooodside what our parents said it would do to us. Falling for such anti-American propaganda from foreign countries. I fear for my country as do lots of us younger Americans do. We sadly see people our parents age so easily duped and scammed. Years ago they’d aggressively press against strongman politics, but now they embrace it like thirsty families in Jonestown.
Bob Mackey
s s s
Forest Service shuttle proposal
To the Editor:
Our Deschutes National Forest does some very good things, such as prescribed burning to clear out historically dangerous fuel loads, and the wrongly maligned Green Ridge forest management project, designed to preserve — not harm —the older growth forests. But two recent USFS proposals are a direct threat to those who enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and traditional natural activities in our taxpayer-funded forest.
The Forest Service proposes to introduce to numerous trails in the Sisters area two commercial shuttle services that want to make a profit shuttling large groups of mountain bikers to our forest trails. The shuttle proposal would permit commercial, for-profit businesses to inject large groups of mountain bikers into some of the most popular and already over-crowded trails in the Deschutes Forest.
The Forest Service has failed to provide the public with even the most basic information necessary to evaluate this proposal. (The USFS in another highly contentious proposal seeks to greenlight e-bike use on our forest trails.)
The shuttle proposal contemplates sudden increases in bike traffic on 15 or more trails in the Deschutes National Forest. For example, under the shuttle proposal, even just one of the two companies could deliver 15 mountain bikers to the Three Creek Meadow Trailhead, in groups of 15, four times per day, each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, thereby injecting up to 180 mountain bikers per weekend at that trailhead alone.
A family planning to spend a quiet weekend camping and hiking at Three Creek Meadow or Suttle Lake would not
Ross Kennedy, Principal Broker
expect — and should not expect — to have a commercial business suddenly deposit 60 mountain bikers each day during Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, in high density groups.
Moreover, Stagecoach Adventures, one of the two companies the USFS proposes to approve, does not appear to have a website, and is not a business licensed or registered to do business in Oregon, according to the Oregon Secretary of State's office. The Forest Service has refused to provide information about Stagecoach Adventures and its owners, and has refused to provide concrete information as to the money it plans to take in from the two companies vying for commercial access to our trailheads.
Moreover, the USFS does not plan to conduct any analysis concerning the shuttle proposal's potential or actual environmental impacts resulting from the repeated delivery of such large groups of mountain bikers on these trails including, among other things, impact on wildlife.
The stated deadline for public comments on the shuttle proposal was July 19.
Stephen Poss
To the Editor:
s s s
Indigenous name
Regarding “Misspelled lake name honors Oregon pioneer,” (The Nugget, July 17, page 12):
It is wholly possible that this lake had an indigenous name before pioneers arrived.
I think this article could be more inclusive in honoring indigenous peoples of the area instead of the discussion in the article regarding white men and families being killed. As well as naming it after a pioneer who took it from indigenous peoples. This land was here and being utilized before white peoples showed up here to claim it.
Patricia Schmitt s s s
Truth, lies and policy
To the Editor:
I’m reluctant to add to the incessant white noise found in this newspaper about Donald Trump’s lies. Some individuals spend an extraordinary amount of time (Mark B. Parchman, “I spent 3 hours researching . . .”) compiling what they believe to be a disqualifying number of lies, distortions, and misinfor-
See LETTERS on page 16
ASTRONOMY FRONTIERS:
35 YEARS AGO & 35 YEARS FROM NOW
Shane L. Larson, Research Professor of Physics, Northwestern University
Astronomy is always on the move, a constantly changing landscape of knowledge, mysteries, questions, and answers. Over the past 400 years, the field of astronomy has evolved rapidly, driven largely by the evolution of technology, a fact that is as true for professional astronomers as it is for amateurs. We’ll discuss the tapestry of astronomical technology, examine how our perceptions of the Cosmos have changed dramatically, and speculate wildly on what the future may hold.
TRAILGRAMS: Trail blazin’ around Sisters
Clear Lake
This is a regular feature The Nugget
If
By Bill Bartlett Guest Columnist
The height of summer is a good time to take the 4.8mile Clear Lake Loop.
Why go?
The scene, the wonderfully enchanting intermittent combination of topaz and turquoise water mixed with old growth conifers and ancient lava flows.
When to go?
Pretty much any time works but best when snow is off the trails. And in the summer, like most all Central Oregon hikes, start early in the morning to get a good parking spot and to beat the heat.
What to expect?
This easy-to-moderate hike keeps you within sight of water about 75 percent of the time, and in the shade around 80 percent no matter the time of day. You’ll cross five foot bridges, two of which span almost a hundred feet. One, at the west end of the oval lake, crosses bucolic Ikenick Creek.
Looking downstream, find the farthest tree on the left atop which sits an active eagle nest.
Much of the well-maintained trail in the Willamette National Forest is wide enough to walk side by side. A third of the trail is slightly technical as it passes through remains of lava flows and fused boulders more than eight feet in height.
Majestic Douglas Firs,
some topping 200 feet with 30-plus foot circumferences, make it all feel somewhat primaeval. It’s a welcome respite from living with miles and miles of ponderosa pines.
Autumn is spectacular when the vine maples turn bright yellow or orange. Summer produces a variety of colorful wildflowers.
At 56 feet in depth, crystal clear to the bottom, the lake will be teeming with kayakers and fisher folks drawn to the stocked rainbow and eastern brook trout and occasional cutthroat trout. No motorized boats are allowed so the peaceful setting is preserved.
Great Spring is roughly at the halfway point. Great Spring is where amazingly clear and extremely cold water emerges from the rocks. Great Spring is the source of the McKenzie River. The pool looks just as clear and blue as Caribbean waters, but much colder!
The temperature of the water hovers just above freezing with an average of 34 to 39 degrees year-round.
It is said that for the water to journey from the surface near the Sand Mountain Alignment landscape to the Great Spring can take anywhere from 2 to 10 years to filter from one end to the other.
Getting there
Take Highway 126 west 35.2 miles and follow the signs for Clear Lake Resort. Park in marked, designated
areas which include handicap spaces. There is no preferred or recommended direction, clockwise or counterclockwise. Let the sun be your guide.
What you’ll need Surprisingly, you need no permit of any kind. Of course, sunscreen and water are a must. While the trail is easily navigable, leave the flip flops at home. Low hikers are best, but any sturdy walking shoe will do. Walking sticks are rarely seen.
The hike is rated two hours but expect to spend three as you will find yourself stopping often for stunning photo ops, and just to suck in the glorious landscape.
Clear Lake is a wonderful hike on a long, hot summer day.
PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT
LETTERS
Continued from page 14
mation coming from the former president that they believe is prima facie evidence that he is not worthy to be elected president again. Yet, they believe that their candidate is above reproach in the area of truthfulness. I took 30 seconds for an online search under the search term “Joe Biden’s lies” and the first four out of 1.75 million entries were the following:
• Washington Post: “The false and misleading claims President Biden made during his first 100 days in office,” April 26, 2021;
• PolitiFact: “How has Joe Biden fared on the Truth -O-Meter,” September 29, 2020;
• Washington Examiner: “Seventeen times Biden lied, plagiarized and exaggerated,” December 12, 2023;
• National Review: “Washington Post Fact Checker Gives Up On Recording Biden’s Lies,” May 3, 2021.
Now one may choose to visit these sites and sift through the information to dispute or inform oneself or merely recognize that no politician is above exaggeration, vituperation, or misinformation to advance their candidacy and chance for electoral success. Those who hate Donald Trump will not allow themselves to be convinced that he is no different than any other politician who wants to win votes. Joe Biden’s advocates surely feel that he is above all that.
The political atmosphere will undoubtedly worsen before it’s all over, but in the end it is not personality, but policy that matters most. Lyndon Johnson was a deplorable person, but he strong-armed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law; Ronald Reagan’s children hated him, but he
Wildfire hazard map is out
By Steve Lundeberg Oregon State University
CORVALLIS – The Oregon Department of Forestry has released drafts of new statewide wildfire hazard and wildland-urban interface maps developed by Oregon State University scientists.
The draft maps can be viewed online on Oregon Explorer (bit.ly/ WildfireRiskMap) and the Department of Forestry will accept comment on them through August 18. Comments can be sent to hazardmap@odf.oregon.gov.
The maps are expected to be finalized by the department and OSU on October 1.
The wildfire hazard map was mandated by Senate Bill 762, a $220 million legislative package in 2021 aimed at improving Oregon’s wildfire preparedness through fireadapted communities, safe and effective response to fire, and increasing the resilience of the state’s landscapes. By law, the maps will not be used by insurers to adjust rates, or by the state to make landowners modify the components of the building they live or work in unless significant updates are planned for structures.
brought about the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989. It’s important to keep the safety and prosperity of the United States as our goal, not cheap and valueless political squabbles.
Dale Streeter
s s s
E-bikes on trails
To the Editor:
I have submitted the following concerns to the Forest Service regarding e-bikes on the PRT.
Comments period ends August 2 and for questions (File Code 1950) contact cristina.peterson@ usda.gov.
User conflict: One goal of the proposal is to reduce conflict among users. As a Sisters resident, I mountain bike, hike, or ski the PRT almost every day. Seems to me this proposal will increase conflict. Currently there are problematic encounters between hikers (including dog walkers who let their dogs run freely) and mountain bikers. Horses use the area. Trails are narrow and winding, often obscuring sight lines. Adding motorized bikes to the mix will create even more possibilities for conflict and injury. Who will establish and enforce right-of-way rules on the trail? Will e-bikes be allowed on Equestrian Trails where non-motorized bikes are currently allowed?
Increased risk of injury: Many people who are on e-bikes (including those who rent them for a weekend) are not experienced riders. The PRT is single-track dirt riding. Most inexperienced riders do not understand the dynamics of riding on powdery, dusty trails where sharp rocks, tree roots, and other hazards are frequent. Failure to respond properly to trail conditions can lead to serious crashes and upsets, made worse by heavy e-bikes. Sisters
does not have an urgent care center and is not able to provide adequate emergency care to people who are likely to be injured on weekends and after hours.
Trail maintenance: Proper trail maintenance requires countless hours of brushing, leveling, planting, and removing obstructions (downed trees and debris). With the dedication and labor of many local volunteers the PRT system has been expanded and maintained to form the excellent trail network that so many enjoy. Some volunteers are no longer able to do the heavy work that is required on a continuous basis to maintain the system as it is now. Adding the impacts of e-bikes, coupled with increased use if shuttle services from Bend are allowed, will make maintenance even more problematic and without maintenance the trail could become unusable.
Enforcement: E-bikes are evolving. Larger tires, automatic shifting, rugged suspensions, heavier, longer lasting batteries; all these “improvements” are creating vehicles that are better used on forest service roads than on mountain bike trails. Who is going to enforce the Class 1 restriction? If a nonmotorized mountain biker sees someone gaining on them on a single track trail, are they expected to stop and make sure the rider is on an allowed class of e-bike? Is a hiker who is forced to the rough by someone doing 15 MPH on an e-bike expected to ask what class of bike is going by? We already have problems with unauthorized dirt bikes on the PRT. Who is going to enforce this “permitted” class of e-bikes? Better to prohibit any and all motorized, power-assisted vehicles and educate the public with signage and mapping apps that clearly state the restrictions and provide alternatives that allow e-bikes.
Dixie Eckford
Shelley
Krista Palmer, and Sam Pitcher
Obituary
Richard Rollins
August 26, 1942 – July 5, 2024
Our father Harold Richard Rollins, born August 26, 1942, in Springerville, Arizona, has taken his journey to be with our mother Margie in Heaven, and all of those who have gone before us. He passed on July 5, at 81 years of age in Culver, Oregon.
He is our Dad, our mentor, and our best friend. To all of us, and his many friends and young men that he became a mentor to in his life, he was Richard. A man of true integrity and of God. He raised his children, his family, in the same house 17 years in Sisters. He showed us, his children that God was the center of who we are. And from that place everything rose as a well-spring of wisdom and abundance. A place from which nothing can be lost or stolen or forgotten.
At 6-feet-7-inches, he held a large presence, a strong hand, and a serious nature with a very funny side. He was self-employed his entire life. He was a gun trader and a gunsmith; on every given day had at least 20 Winchesters leaned behind his chair. And not one of us kids ever touched those guns. He traded guns, Navajo rugs, jewelry, horses, cars, you name it. He hand-built many horse-drawn wagons and Rollins’ original funny cars. He played in two movies with John Wayne, “Rooster Cogburn” and
“Shenandoah Crossing.”
He was partner in Sombrero Rodeo Stock and chute boss, flanking every horse that came through. He gave several sermons at the Church of Christ in Sisters. He walked into town through the pines almost every day to have his coffee at the toll-house, and when us kids got to go with him, we’d have to run just to match his large stride. He truly loved our mother Margie, and she him. They were the most beautiful couple.
He was one of nine siblings, five brothers and four sisters. He has two sons, Albert Rollins and Chris Langeliers, and four daughters, Anna Brossard, Bonnie Bowlin, Connie Neel, and Debbie Thayer; 13 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. To us, his children, he was Daddy and the greatest man we ever knew. No words can express how deeply he is loved, remembered, and missed.
“We Love You Daddy and Mama.”
Celebration of life to be held at a later date.
HOODOO: Kiwanis club organizes annual fundraising run
Continued from page 1
The race attracts a lot of repeat visitors. This year Scott Abrams of Bend completed his seventh consecutive year.
He said, “I look forward to this event every year and plan on many more, I’m only 68!”
The race is produced with an army of volunteers. More than 30 Kiwanis members, families, and friends spend months planning and executing all the details that need to come together to make the Challenge a good event for the runners. Local sponsors provide donations and services to make it all happen. That included this year Ray’s Food Place, Hoodoo, Sisters Saloon, Therapeutic Associates, Sisters Dental, David and Laura Hiller, Berni Huggett and Jeff Omodt, Lance and Suzy Ramsey, Hank and Jan Failing, and Momentum Promo Inc.
Top finishers included Half marathon, men:
1. Brian Eimstad, Eugene, Oregon; 1:50:28
2. Evan Moreau, Sisters; 2:04:34
3. Hale McCullough, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2:09:00 Half marathon, women
1. Alana McClements Salt Lake City; 2:23:31
2. Michele Desilva, Bend; 2:32:06
3. Liza Gallandt, Portland, Maine; 2:43:50
5K Men
1. Ryan Singleton, Sisters; 0:34:51
2. Peter Swendsen, Corvallis; 0:35:45
3. Eric Liddell, Bend; 0:36:15
5K Women
1. Jamie Parsley, Redmond; 0:45:15
2. Haley Hines, La Grande, 0:45:49
3. Kelly Albers, Albany; 0:46:06
Let your kitchen make a SPL ASH!
Call today for
Harold
The Hoodoo Challenge is a family affair — with runners as young as seven and as old as 79.
PHOTO BY JEFF OMODT
Andrew Dutterer Memorial dedicated
By Helen Schmidling Correspondent
Andrew Dutterer’s family, friends, and partners in river and watershed restoration gathered Saturday morning to dedicate the “Otter Be Fishing” bench and plaque beside Whychus Creek in Creekside Park. The bench is dedicated to Dutterer who, before his tragic death in an auto accident in 2021, was instrumental in supporting the various agencies and individuals involved in the restoration of the creek.
For Andrew Dutterer, fishing connected his past, present, and future. Family, fishing, and the health of wild rivers were the many tributaries of his life.
Kris Knight, Executive Director of the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council in Bend, facilitated the project and the event that brought together Dutterer’s family, friends, and associates from around the country, to celebrate his life and their mutual dedication to fish and river restoration.
The centerpiece is a ponderosa pine bench, carved by local sculptor J. Chester “Skip” Armstrong. The three-person-wide bench has eight river otters and a plethora of salmon playfully running around its perimeter. Nearby, an interpretive sign explains the work that has happened to restore Whychus Creek over nearly 25 years.
At the time of his passing, Andrew Dutterer was the Partnerships Coordinator for the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), a state agency
that provides grants to help Oregonians take care of local streams, rivers, wetlands, and natural areas.
Knight said that Andrew worked closely with his agency on a variety of projects here. Whychus Creek, a tributary of the Deschutes River, flows through Sisters and connects to the Deschutes near Alder Springs.
During the event, Andrew’s widow, Caitlin, and his father, Dennis, thanked all who were involved to create this memorial and explained why they chose this park and how Andrew was connected to this place.
The bench is carved from a 250-year-old tree, 40 inches in diameter, which stood on U.S. Forest Service property in Sisters. It was taken down to make way for the new Forest Service headquarters and donated by the Forest Service for stream restoration . Part of it went to Skip Armstrong to create this bench, and part of it is submerged in Whychus Creek, as habitat supporting fish restoration.
Armstrong worked closely with the Dutterer family to select the theme of the bench. He spent a year pondering and then
carving and perfecting the design. Eight pine-hearted river otters and many salmon run around the perimeter of the bench. For comfort, Armstrong hollowed out three “seats,” positions where people can rest and contemplate the creek. The bench rests on a base made here in Sisters, at Ponderosa Forge.
Wildlife cameras have since recorded the presence of otters not far from the bench, Knight said. “Someone who didn’t even know about this project reached out to me with footage of otters in the creek.”
Nearby, an interpretive sign explains the work that has happened in stages over many years. While the interpretive sign, and others like it, are not part of the memorial itself, they enhance and explain it.
As Knight said, Dutterer
understood that this spot was a natural draw, readily accessible for locals, student groups, and visitors to the campground. It’s a place where they can learn about the broader restoration that is taking place on the creek, on the Deschutes River, and around the state. A key player in the project was Chuck Newport of Sisters, who is a former member of the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council board of directors. Newport recommended Skip Armstrong to Knight, and the minds came together.
Over several years, the City of Sisters, in partnership with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, has performed many improvements at Creekside Park, including
installation of natural fencing, creation of four water access points, pathways, and improvements to the pedestrian bridge. Charlie Patterson, with Sisters-based Construction Management Services, constructed the underlying pad and Paul Bertagna and the City’s Public Works crew installed the bench, weighing in at a hefty 800 pounds. On behalf of the City, Councilor Susan Cobb expressed gratitude to the family and the various agencies, for their ongoing partnership.
For those who wish to see the bench, it’s located on the southwest side of the park, the campground side near Locust Street. Parking is available on the north side of the park, off Jefferson Avenue.
Skip Armstrong crafted a memorial bench in honor of Andrew Dutterer, a tireless advocate for Whychus Creek.
PHOTO BY DENNIS SCHMIDLING
Who was Andrew Dutterer?
In nature, Andrew Dutterer was a force.
Professionally, he was the Partnerships Coordinator for the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Personally, he was a devoted husband and father, a loving son and brother, and a genuine friend. He was a tireless advocate for fish and their habitat. He loved to fish and devoted his life so that fish could thrive in Oregon’s wild rivers and tributaries.
Andrew’s life ended in September 2021 as a result of an automobile accident. But his spirit and his dedication to Oregon’s rivers and the fish that swim in them live on.
This was the message shared by those who came together to celebrate Andrew’s life and dedicate a memorial in his honor at Creekside Park in Sisters on Saturday. His father, Dennis Dutterer, opened the gathering with thanks. “We are really happy that you came here to celebrate Andrew’s work and remember him.”
Andrew grew up in Chicago and fly-fished the rivers of Vermont when he attended Middlebury College. After a time fly fishing in New Zealand, he moved to Oregon, a land of many wild rivers. In Maupin, he managed the well-known Deschutes Angler Fly Shop, owned by
John and Amy Hazel. It was there that he discovered the impacts of river and fishery management on the community, and decided to pursue a career that would effect positive change.
At the University of Oregon, he earned graduate degrees in water science and water policy, and he met his wife, Caitlin. Their son, Henry, charmed Saturday’s gathering when standing beside his mom, he spoke directly into the mic,“Welcome!”
At OWEB, Andrew coordinated state grants for collaborative watershed restoration efforts. Meta Loftsgaarden, the former director of OWEB, said, “Andrew’s personality fit so well because he worked for the agency that just got to give away money (for habitat restoration). Over the years, Andrew was a leader in OWEB’s support of the many restoration projects on Whychus Creek. And that is why the Otter Be Fishing bench is here.”
Loftsgaarden was Andrew’s first mentor. “But he also mentored me,” she said. “He made me feel special, but that was his way. He found out what is special in you, and he cultivated that. He did the same with rivers. No matter which river he was advocating, everyone would say, ‘That’s Andrew’s River.’”
Dirty Dozen Brass Band to perform
SFF Presents returns with another electric Summer Concert at Sisters Art Works with a rare Pacific Northwest performance from the genrebending New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band on Friday, July 26, in Sisters. Tickets are available at https://aftontickets.com/ dirty-dozen-brass-band.
Celebrating over 45 years since their founding in 1977, the Grammy Award-winning 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 collaborate with a range of artists from Modest Mouse to Widespread Panic to Norah Jones. Four and a half decades later, the sevenpiece Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a world-famous music machine whose name is synonymous with genrebending romps and highoctane performances.
Also performing in the concert series is legendary Colorado folk band, Elephant Revival on Thursday, August 1, followed by the free Hometown Hang concert on Thursday, August 8, celebrating regional talent with Erin Cole Baker, Dennis McGregor and The Spoilers, and the Joel Chadd Band.
The concerts will be held at the Sisters Art Works venue located at 204 W. Adams Ave.
in downtown Sisters. Doors open at 6 p.m. with shows starting at 7 p.m. Additional band and ticket information is available at https://www.sff presents.org/concerts. These are general admission, all ages shows. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
In an effort to reduce waste generated at their events, SFF Presents no longer offers disposable cups for drink service. Patrons should bring a 16 oz. Silipint or Steely pint cup if they plan to enjoy a beverage. Chairs are not provided; bring your low-back festival chairs or blankets. Only service animals are permitted inside the venue. Be sure to follow @SFFPresents on Instagram and Facebook for updates and additional information.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will hit the stage in Sisters as part of the SFF Presents Summer Concert Series.
PHOTO PROVIDED
BULL: Event provided family fun at rodeo grounds
cowboy, for whom the crowd roots.
Event bulls are scored by a maximum of 25 points scoring system. The judges will be required to score a bull from zero to twentyfive (0-25) points using tenth points based on the bull’s ability in all five categories: buck, kick, spin, degree of difficulty, and intensity.
The tour is put on by The High Desert Bucking Bull Association founded in 2016 by a group of dedicated breeders. Breeding high-quality rodeo bulls can be lucrative. A young animal with DNA-verified parentage can be worth as much as $100,000 if he has superstar bloodlines. A proven bucking bull can be worth as much as $500,000. You can get started in the industry by buying a quality DNA-verified cow and bull for several thousand apiece.
Producers enter their hopefuls. In the case of Sisters, there is no fee for entry and the prize payout for the day was near $10,000, split among the winners.
There was a whole lot of bull in Sisters Saturday, about 150 in all from more than three dozen ranches. And even more fun as hundreds of aficionados braved the 100-degree temperatures to get an up-close and personal view of the powerful and unpredictable fourlegged athletes.
The bulls did not disappoint although some were clearly confused by their surroundings or having a live or dummy daredevil on their back. Others knew immediately that their only job this day was to remove the unwanted object with speed and ferocity.
“Don’t you just love the names?” said Chloe Babcock from Madras. “Bro With a Fro, Knuckle Head, One Too Many, Bad Intentions — I mean, who names them?”
This is a competition amongst bulls and bull breeders and contractors. The bulls range from one year to four years old. The yearlings are bucked with a 15-pound dummy. The two-year-old bulls are bucked with a 25-pound dummy. The threeyear-old and four-year-old bulls have a rider provided by the breeder or contractor.
Each of the three judges are ABBI (American Bucking Bull Inc.) certified.
A look at the 1,000 plus who were on hand throughout Saturday revealed more than half were kids. One event – Mini Bulls – had gritty seven- and eight-yearolds getting tossed off animals five times the rider’s weight.
Pete and Barb Whitmer brought their four kids — Randy, Willy, Shannon, and Kylie — for the day. They ranch near Burns.
“Where you gonna have this much fun for $10 (cost of two adult tickets; kids free)?” said Pete.
Kids wandered the grounds, making new friends, spraying water, and generally being kids. There was a good sampling of food, cold beverages, corn hole toss, and other distractions. The event included three lamb scrambles where kids in varying age groups give foot chase to a darting sheep with dollar bills attached to its back. Kind of flag football, ranch style.
After the day-long action, sponsored by Sisters Rodeo, many headed to Sisters Saloon for an after party with music by The Gypsy Travellers.
“You know,” said Barry Winters of Prineville, “you can never get enough rodeo.”
Seeking remedy for orthopedic medicine
The Center Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Care & Research and St. Charles Health System have signed a letter of intent to explore expanding their relationship to preserve and strengthen access to orthopedic, neurosurgical, physical medicine and rehabilitation medicine, in the Central Oregon region. Central Oregon is experiencing a rapid reduction in access to care across many different types of medicine. As costs to provide care are increasing while reimbursements for services remain flat to declining, many
independent providers have left the market and smaller specialty groups have closed their doors. The number of orthopedic surgeons in Central Oregon has decreased dramatically in the past 18 months making access to necessary care a significant burden.
The Center and St. Charles intend to seek an emergency exemption from the Health Care Market Oversight review process in the hopes of expediting the integration plans and the parties’ ability to more immediately stabilize care in the community.
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.
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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 approval of account application.
101 Real Estate
1,518 sq. ft. 3BR/2.5 BA
New construction in historic district. 347 W. Jefferson. 2 blocks from coffee.
Many special features. $739,000. 541-420-7128
102 Commercial Rentals
STORAGE WITH BENEFITS
8 x 20 dry box
Fenced yard, RV & trailers
• In-town, gated, 24-7
EWDevcoLLC@gmail.com
Retail space for lease. 351 W. Cascade Ave. 1,543 sq. ft. ground floor, plus 552 sq. ft. second floor. Available August 1. 541-408-1658.
OFFICE/RETAIL
SPACE FOR RENT
Great location across from Ace Hardware. Several space types available. Call owner Jim Peterson/RE Broker. 503-238-1478
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.
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 178 S. Elm, Sisters Ponderosa Properties LLC
CASCADE HOME & PROPERTY RENTALS
Monthly Rentals throughout Sisters Country. 541-549-0792
Property management for second homes. CascadeHomeRentals.com
104 Vacation Rentals
~ Sisters Vacation Rentals ~ Private Central OR vac. rentals, Property Management Services 541-977-9898
www.SistersVacation.com
Downtown Vacation Rentals Popular 1 and 2 Bedroom SistersVacationRentals.net Great pricing. 503-730-0150
107 Rentals Wanted
Need a place to park my 2021 Lance 28’ travel trailer to live in. I would like access to power, water, and sewer if possible. Sisters area. Work locally. Can trade landscape handyman work or pay rent. Have a Yorkie dog. Paul. 541-485-3847
65-year-old female seeking room to rent in Sisters. Can help with housekeeping. 541-306-9274 It's All About Sisters! SISTERS OREGON GUIDE Published by The Nugget Visit us online at SistersOregonGuide.com
201 For Sale
BICYCLES
Townie Bike "Rolls"
Specialized. Black, 7-speed with panniers. Like new, medium frame. $350 FELT Road Bike, ZW:FOUR. Red, medium carbon frame. Gatorskins tires. $500 541-610-6695
EdgeStar wine refrigerator, brand new, dual temp zone, SS. Bought $629. Sell $400 541-419-2502 for pics. Treadle, $395. Janome 712T (new) in a White Sew Co. wood base with coffin top. Singer treadle base black, $125. Featherweight 221, $550. Black. Vintage 1957. Case, pedal, bobbins, works great. 541-610-6695
202 Firewood • SPRING SPECIAL • SISTERS FOREST
DAVE ELPI – FIREWOOD • SINCE
X-PEN for a big puppy.
8 panels. 24 wide x 42 tall (16 ft. long). New with no rust, $50. 541-610-6695
Brando's Natural Dog Biscuits brandosbyjulie.etsy.com
I’ve got your cats covered! Sisters-Tumalo-PetSitting.com 541-306-7551 • Julie
Earl Grey is a 3-month-old kitten searching for his forever home. He can initially be shy, but his personality shines once he knows you. Apply to adopt him at: sisterswhiskers.org
500 Services
GEORGE’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE “A Well Maintained Septic System Protects the Environment” 541-549-2871
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
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
502 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
GORDON’S LAST TOUCH Cleaning Specialists for CARPETS, WINDOWS & UPHOLSTERY Member Better Business Bureau • Bonded & Insured • Serving Central Oregon Since 1980 Call 541-549-3008
M & J CARPET CLEANING Area rugs, upholstery, tile & dryer-vent cleaning. Established & family-owned since 1986. 541-549-9090
504 Handyman
JONES UPGRADES LLC
Home Repairs & Remodeling Drywall, Decks, Pole Barns, Fences, Sheds & more. Mike Jones, 503-428-1281
Local resident • CCB #201650 – Sisters Oregon Guide –Pick one up throughout town!
600 Tree Service & Forestry
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 SUDOKU Level: Easy Answer: Page 22
Lhasa
TimberStandImprovement.net
Tree Removal & Pruning
TRAQ Arborist/ CCB#190496
541-771-4825
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
T H E N U G G E T N E W S P A P E R
601 Construction
541-390-1206
beavercreeklog@yahoo.com
Log repairs, log railing, log accent, log siding, etc.
CCB #235303 Insurance & Bond
CASCADE GARAGE DOORS
Factory Trained Technicians
Since 1983 • CCB #44054
541-548-2215 • 541-382-4553
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
From Ground to Finish Accurate and Efficient 541-604-5169
CCB#233074
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
Construction & Renovation
Custom Residential Projects All Phases • CCB #148365 541-420-8448
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
New construction, addition, remodel. Large and small projects. Contact for estimate. 541-325-3020 sales@gardnercontractingllc.com
Earthwood Timberframes
• Design & shop fabrication
• Recycled fir and pine beams
• Mantels and accent timbers
• Sawmill/woodshop services EWDevCoLLC@gmail.com
HAVE A SERVICE TO PROVIDE?
Let the public know what you have to offer in The Nugget Newspaper’s C L A S S I F I E D S! Call 541-549-9941. Deadline is noon on Monday for that Wednesday's edition.
602 Plumbing & Electric
603 Excavation & Trucking
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!
BANR Enterprises, LLC
Earthwork, Utilities, Grading, Hardscape, Rock Walls
Residential & Commercial CCB #165122 • 541-549-6977 www.BANR.net
Excavation: septic system
installation and repair, utility installation, site prep, demolition, road and driveway construction and maintenance. "We dig your project" contact 541-325-3020
sales@gardnercontractingllc.com
ROBINSON & OWEN
Heavy Construction, Inc.
All your excavation needs
*General excavation
*Site Preparation
*Sub-Divisions
*Road Building
*Sewer and Water Systems
*Underground Utilities
*Grading
*Sand-Gravel-Rock
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
CCB #124327
541-549-1848
604 Heating & Cooling
ACTION AIR
Heating & Cooling, LLC
Retrofit • New Const • Remodel
Consulting, Service & Installs
actionairheatingandcooling.com
CCB #195556 541-549-6464
605 Painting
METOLIUS PAINTING LLC
Meticulous, Affordable
Interior & Exterior 541-280-7040 • CCB# 238067
EMPIRE PAINTING
Interior and Exterior Painting and Staining CCB#180042 541-613-1530 • Geoff Houk
~ FRONTIER PAINTING ~ Quality Painting, Ext. & Int. Refurbishing Decks
CCB #131560 • 541-771-5620 www.frontier-painting.com
•
SERVICE TO PROVIDE? BUSINESS TO PROMOTE?
VEHICLE FOR SALE?
HOUSE TO RENT? LOOKING FOR LAND? GARAGE TOO FULL? NEED SOME HELP? Advertise in The Nugget Newspaper's CLASSIFIEDS For no additional cost your classified goes ONLINE! Go to www.NuggetNews.com
DEADLINE: Every Monday by noon. Call 541-549-9941
606
Landscaping & Yard
Maintenance
STEVE'S HAULING
Yard and other debris, landscaping services, etc. 707-328-8370
All Landscaping Services
Mowing, Thatching, Hauling Call Abel Ortega, 541-815-6740
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
Alpine Landscape Maintenance
An All-Electric Landscape Company.
Text/Call Paul 541.485.2837 alpine.landscapes@icloud.com
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
Ridgeline Electric, LLC
Serving all of Central Oregon
• Residential • Commercial
• Industrial • Service
541-588-3088 • CCB #234821
SWEENEY PLUMBING, INC. “Quality and Reliability” Repairs • Remodeling
• New Construction
• Water Heaters 541-549-4349
Residential and Commercial
Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB #87587
Construction Contractors' LICENSING
– Information for the Public –•
• Oregon law requires those who work for compensation (except bona fide employees) in any construction activity involving improvements to real property to be licensed with Oregon CCB. (There are several exemptions.) An active license means the contractor is bonded and insured.
Visit www.oregon.gov/CCB
701 Domestic Services
I & I Crystal Cleaning, LLC
Specializing in Commercial, Residential & Vacation Rentals. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 541-977-1051
BLAKE & SON – Commercial, Home & Rentals Cleaning WINDOW CLEANING! Lic. & Bonded • 541-549-0897
802 Help Wanted
Part-Time Sales Associate
We are looking for a friendly, outgoing, and reliable Retail Sales Associate. Workdays would be Thursday, Friday, Saturday and fill in. Email application to: amber@ villageinteriorsdesign.com E-Commerce Assistant –Part-time
Customer-focused service via e-commerce and in-store transactions, merchandising, inventory control, pricing, shipping, and related matters. Minimum of one year experience in a commercial e-commerce environment involving eBay and equivalent platforms. Some college-level training in merchandising, marketing, or e-commerce preferred. Starting pay is $20 per hour DOE, 20 to 25 hours per week. Benefits include paid holidays & sick leave. Email cover letter, resume and references to Kris@sistershabitat.org. See job description at https:// sistershabitat.org/about/hiring/ Small horse property in need of MANURE MANAGEMENT help. Summers only. Starting 2 days a week, $20/hr. 18 and over. 541-410-2209
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
Wanna upgrade your ride? Sell your old one with a Nugget Classified! Deadline is noon on Monday Call 541-549-9941
lisa@nuggetnews.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 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
for puzzle on page 21
Dams devastated Northwest tribes and fish stocks
By Alex Baumhardt Oregon Capital Chronicle
The federal government this week acknowledged that the construction and operation of 11 hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers during the last century has had a devastating effect on eight Northwest tribes and more than a dozen native fish stocks, some of which have gone extinct.
The acknowledgement came in a report, “Tribal Circumstances Analysis,” that was published Tuesday, June 18. It represents the first time that the U.S. government has comprehensively detailed the harm that federal dams have caused and continue to inflict on Northwest tribes, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which undertook the analysis.
Those harms include the inundation of thousands of acres of tribal land and sacred sites and the loss of traditional fishing areas. The government in the analysis acknowledged that it violated treaty promises to the tribes in developing the dams, which brought economic benefits to white settlers – hydropower, irrigation, improved river navigation and mining – while the tribes lost much of their land as well as many of their traditional fishing grounds and the fish they’ve long depended on.
“Over a century ago, the government and private interests began damming the Columbia River’s tributaries. These actions, along with many contemporaneous actions, perpetuated and were part and parcel of the historical transfer of land, natural resources, and wealth away from the tribes,” the report said. “The government afforded little, if any, consideration to the devastation the dams would bring to tribal communities.”
The analysis follows a series of promises from President Joe Biden to restore native fish populations in the Columbia and Snake River basins and decades of mounting research and litigation pointing to the role of dams in declining native and wild fish stocks and the subsequent decline in the cultural, physical, and economic health of Indigenous peoples who have lived for millenia in the basins.
This week, White House officials announced the creation of the Columbia River Task Force to coordinate interagency and tribal work on restoring wild fish stocks in the basins during the next decade. It will be led by Nik Blosser, former chief of
staff to Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, a special assistant and deputy cabinet secretary in the Biden administration, and, most recently, a vice president at Portland General Electric.
Leaders of the eight affected tribes named in the report lauded the analysis. Shannon Wheeler, chairman of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee, said in a statement it is a “stark reminder” for the federal government.
“We know we must act urgently to prevent extinction, and this report reaffirms the need for the United States and us to move forward together,” he said.
The report also prompted criticism. The nonprofit trade group Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, which represents ports and other economic interests in the area and supports hydropower, said the analysis was “not based on scientific evidence” and deliberately left out other river basin stakeholders.
“Our concerns with the Biden administration’s actions are their excessive lack of transparency and the failure to account for all interests affected by this complex issue,” Neil Maunu, the group’s executive director, said in a statement.
Devastation of fish stocks
The analysis references dozens of studies that have shown that the 11 dams and their reservoirs on the Columbia and Snake rivers have caused the rapid decline of salmon and steelhead populations. It further connects those declines to a decrease in the health and economic well-being of members of eight affected tribes.
Up to 16 million salmon and steelhead historically returned to the Columbia River Basin each year, according to the report. Millions of them migrated hundreds of miles upstream from the ocean to return to their birthing grounds to spawn, including up to 3.7 million salmon and steelhead that returned to the area above what is now Grand Coulee Dam. More than 1 million spring and summer Chinook are believed to have returned annually to the Upper Snake River Basin from the Pacific to spawn.
Tribes in the basin consumed millions of pounds of fish each year, which sustained hundreds of thousands of people as well as more than 130 animal species, according to the report.
Today, four of the 16 salmon stocks in the Columbia and Snake rivers are gone, including coho and sockeye runs, the report said.
Some populations have left their historic tributaries, such as salmon and steelhead that used to return to the Umatilla River. Today, seven of the 12 remaining salmon stocks in the Columbia River Basin are federally listed as threatened or endangered.
Half of the historic populations of salmon, steelhead, and lamprey that once inhabited the Snake River Basin are also gone. The rest are in a “dire condition” and could become extinct, the report
said. It also detailed losses of lamprey and sturgeon that are important to Columbia River Basin tribes, and, with the inundation of land near the rivers, the loss of habitat for elk and deer that were hunted by tribes and where other foods were harvested.
Federal and state governments have supported hatcheries as their key strategy to reverse fish declines, but the operations have failed to fulfill their promise, the report found. Decades of data show
that despite billions in taxpayer investment, salmon and steelhead hatchery programs and restoration projects in the Columbia River Basin have failed to support or boost native fish populations and, in fact, are contributing to their decline.
Officials from the affected Northwest tribes welcomed the report.
Republished under Creative Commons license courtesy of https://oregon capitalchronicle.com/
Nugget Poetry Corner
Eye Witness Idioms
ByAlissaCowan
I don’t mean to let the cat out of the ba g, but if you want my two cents, you should know about the elephant in the r oom
In a nutshell, It r eally is a can of wor ms that might make you put your foot in your mouth. It would even make a sailor blush!
It’s not the cr eam of the cr op, nor the apple of my eye, but believe me, it’s out of this wor ld!
Oh w ait! It went fr om the bac k of my head, to the tip of my tongue, and now I just ca n’ t place it!
Get a grip! I haven’t lost my marbles, give or take a fe w. I have an ace up my sleeve.
After all, I’ ve got to play the car ds I’m dealt and it’s a full house! Even though it’s a roll of the dice
I’ ll ste p out on a limb to say this isn’ t my cup of tea. It’s as easy as pie, r eally, but If you give them an inc h, they’ ll take a mile.
SOMEONE CUT THE CHEESE!
I don’t have a c hip on my shoulder, but we can kill two birds with one stone. I don’t mean to make such a big stink about it, but it was definitely quality over quantity and I’m sweating like a pig
Although it’s six of one, half a dozen of the other – I’ ll give him a Baker’s Dozen! Excuse my Fr ench
I don’t mean to spill the beans, but of f the top of my head, I had a br ain storm
I’ ll tell that tenderfoot, he’s really over the hill. It’s not wo rth beating ar ound the bush –When it’s r aining cats and dogs, you can do whatever floats your boat!
After all, a bir d in the hand is wor th two in the bush! Take it or leave it.
Par don the expr ession
poem
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